AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSchneider would boost the power play
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Interesting morning today. It was an optional practice if you’re a Thrashers superstar or the vice president/GM/head coach. Marian Hossa, Ilya Kovalchuk and Don Waddell sat this one out and the rest of the team (minus Mark Popovic) only went for about half an hour. But it was long enough to tick off Brad McCrimmon who ripped into the team for a lack of crisp passing and focus during an early drill. I’ll get into it more during the story for the paper but Bobby Holik and I talked for awhile about it and his conclusion is that if this team wants to be a really good team, not a team happy at .500, they have to maintain their intensity better than they do now. Look at how poor the Thrashers played in the first period against the Islanders, it was almost like they thought New York was going to roll over for them because they beat them so soundly over the weekend.
The Thrashers still don’t have a killer instinct, although I’m sure some of you would disagree. I chatted with McCrimmon for a second before the Thrasher PR mafia broke it up, they don’t like too much access to the assistants. But he was actually pretty funny about it, saying he was just sharing a humorous e-mail he got from his brother with the team. Sure, Beast. I don’t think any e-mail filter would let that many F-bombs through. He also assured me that what he did was hardly lighting into the team. I’m going to move McCrimmon two notches up my list of people I never want to tick off. But it served its purpose, after that practice was crisp and he seemed pleased with it.
Kids join in: It’s fun to see the kids hanging around, sons of both Eric Boulton and Ken Klee were there and Ken’s 2-year-old made me feel inept as a father. He’s the same age as my son Calvin, and Ken’s son was roller blading around the facility with a hockey stick and ball. My kid falls over if one of our dogs walks by. So, thanks for that little Klee.
So how do you guys really feel about Andy Sutton? The Hockey News e-mailed me asking who the Thrashers No. 1 enemy was and the only rule was that I couldn’t answer Sean Avery. I explained the Dany Heatley situation and said nobody gets booed like Heater. I guess I have to add Sutton to that list, huh? You have to admit he made a nice play on Darren Haydar to save a goal. Haydar said all he had to do was lift the puck a little bit and that’s a goal but he was falling back the other way which made it difficult to get the shot off. I certainly wasn’t surprised that Sutton was booed, especially considering the Kovalchuk incident the other night. Plus, you guys booed Keith Tkachuk, so evidently nobody is safe. Honestly, how can you boo Tkachuk? So has Sutton replaced Heatley as Thrashers enemy No. 1? Is there another player out there that you think is more universally disliked by Thrashers fans that I’m missing?
The Scott Niedermayer return is now official, and believe me, I’ll be watching that situation closely. They have to clear cap room this year and about $3 million next year. Trading Mathieu Schneider might be the easiest fix, and wouldn’t he be a nice fit in Atlanta? I’m not saying the power play could use a boost, actually yes, I am saying the power play could use a boost. I know Kovy likes the point, but you could do a lot worse than rolling out a power play that has Schneider, Enstrom, Kovy, Hoss and Kozlov on the first unit. Don Waddell said yesterday that he’s not looking to make any moves right now and that he’s happy with the current team. And I don’t know if ownership would be willing to add a salary like Schneider’s. But they have said they would be willing to add salary around the trade deadline, but the trade price of adding a veteran goes up considerably - just look at the two Zhitnik deals last year. The Thrashers could add a good defenseman and may be able to do it at a discount if Anaheim has trouble clearing cap space. It’d be worth a phone call, that’s for sure.
While Waddell isn’t tipping his hand at this point, here’s more on what he had to say about possible deals from yesterday’s interview: “As far as trades, you get in touch with guys on a need basis. You try to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s going on around the league and see who’s available and if they can help your hockey team.”
Seems to me if Schneider is available, he could help this hockey team. But what would it take to get him?
Comments
By Craig Custance
December 6, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Johan Hedberg is starting against the Rangers.
By ranallo10
December 6, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Sorry Craig, this time I stole your topic.
As for your question “Is there another player out there that you think is more universally disliked by Thrashers fans that I’m missing?”
Players, probably not, but officials…**MICK MC-F’N-GEOUGH!!
Schneider’s age, salary hit, and cost to acquire would be the three reasons I’d say no to getting him. All things considered, I’d rather Beauchemin.
By GSU-Lee
December 6, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Craig, why the hell is moose starting? When NY teams come to town, do we have to start a merry-go-round of goalies or what? DW is taking a page outta the Hartley book here and I don’t like it. If Kari is you number one guy, then LET HIM BE your number one guy. Especially with a Ranger offense that has been inconsistent at times this season, I like Kari to shut them down a lot more than I like Moose to, no offense Moose.
By Craig Custance
December 6, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Somebody asked me if Todd White took a puck off the head, and the answer is no. I asked him this morning about it and he said it just missed. So he’s fine.
By Thrashy Thrashy
December 6, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
When I saw the headline for this blog, I thought to myself, “Is this some kind of a ‘One Day at a Time’ reference?” I haven’t seen that show since I was a kid. What the hell is wrong with me?
I’m all for adding Mathieu Schneider, but the man’s 38 years old. We’ve already got Klee (36), Zhitnik (35), and Havelid (34) back there, so the “experienced veteran” quotient is being met. I think Zhitnik would have to be shipped out for a Schneider deal to make any sense. The fact that Zhitnik is owed $7 million over this season and next makes his zhitty play this season all the more troubling. I just can’t see the Thrashers being able to move that contract.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
December 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Avery #1 Tucker #2 Sutton #3 Holweg #4 Pucks’n Snot #5
By d
December 6, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
CC, don’t forget that Mathieu’s brother lives in Atlanta and coaches the only junior team in the state - the Atlanta Knights. So that’s a plus.
http://www.atlantajuniorknights.com/teamstaff.php?execid=12214
At the same time, I recall that Mathieu broke his arm during last year’s playoff. Also, did he not suffer another injury at the beginning of the current season?
I’m sure Mathieu likes playing in LA again given that was the full-time home for his family - even when he was skating for Detroit.
By Craig Custance
December 6, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Lee — I think that’s a fair question. But you’re assuming Kari is the clear-cut No. 1 and maybe that’s not the case.
By ranallo10
December 6, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Craig — He must’ve been shaken up then, because he was on the ice for an extended amount of time at the end of the overtime.
One day Kovalchuk is going to kill someone with his slapshot.
By Wreckin & Thrashin
December 6, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
There is no athlete that I hate as much a Dany Heatley. That dude is a ingrateful punk who gave the city of Atlanta the finger after it stood up for him. I was at his first game back after the accident, and he was treated like a hero by the fans. Many people were in tears around me. Then he blew us off completely. I wouldn’t spit on him if he was on fire.
By ranallo10
December 6, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Buzilla — Video game hockey players don’t count for your list (P&S)…
And I’d rank Holweg at number 3 personally. That MFer is worse than Brashear.
Craig — Perhaps it’s a way to condition Lehtonen? I don’t see Hedberg being a clear cut number one (as you put it), and I’d give the ability edge to Lehtonen, so I have no explanation for the decision.
By Craig Custance
December 6, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Don on the reason to start Hedberg: “We just felt he’s done a good job for us. We think it sets up well for us. He played well for us last time we played the Rangers.”
By Jsmooth
December 6, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Craig — despite his age and salary hit, he would be a big improvement over both Zhitnik and even Klee. Z is playing better of late but these guys both know their limitations and seem hesitant to play with any kind of physicality for fear of getting beat outright. If the AS group is really on the ball and cares about improving this team, then they would make a deal to get us someone from ANA to boost our blueline.
By ranallo10
December 6, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Jsmooth — But at what cost? This team cannot afford to add the ~$4M of his remaining salary. Also, what would you give up for him?? Would you think somebody like Little, Sterling, Valabik, Oysterik, etc would have to be in that deal?? Maybe they’d demand Pavelec?
For a 38 year old defender who has a huge contract and isn’t a clear number 1 defender, I’d rather keep the prospects and go after Corvo, Meszaros or Volchenkov.
By Sam
December 6, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
I watched Anaheim vs Buffalo last night. Schnieder would be a great addition here, IMO. What does Anaheim need from us, though, other than unloading a salary???? Gotta be a prospect.
I don’t hate Heater. And I know lots of other folks who don’t. The boos get fewer every year. Wish there was a noise to make for approval of a player (other than the obvious clapping). It would help those of us who are glad Dany’s doing well have our opinions count, too.
Booing Tkachuk’s like booing Guerin…its un-American. Who told youl Avery couldn’t be our #1 choice? he gets my vote. If he is #1, then he is! Say so.
By Sara
December 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Thrashy Thrashy is right - we already have enough veteran blueliners - adding Sschneider is not my bag of tea at this point. I’d rather spend the money to upgrade on someone younger - like late 20s - for the blueline. PRoblem is, we still have Zhitnik and Klee on through next season so there isn’t much room to improve there without getting rid of one of them somehow. Klee actually has been steady so I’m ok with him for this year and next. Zhit on the other hand….Don better hope he’s going to turn into a late season bloomer cause right now he’s an early season clunker.
As for hated players … Heatley…for all the reasons Wreckin and Thrashin stated above. That’s always going to be a bitter pill to swallow for a lot of folks.
By Santa
December 6, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
I’ll take Avery as jerk number one. Avery should be the poster child for any contraception company.
For number two, I’ll take Heatley.
By Jsmooth
December 6, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
ranallo — I agree with you in that we can’t afford it so it probably won’t happen, but I don’t understand the waiver process well enough to know if we can save money by cutting Z outright. Obviously, if a team were stupid enough to claim zhitty zhitty bang bang, we’d be in the clear.
I’d rather have Scheider’s ability on our woeful PP for that pricetag than Z’s slow-footed, knuckleheaded play. If he was half the player he was at the end of last year, I’d be okay with him but he seems to be lacking all things that made him good including any intensity.
If we could package Hnidy & Scheider for a prospect like Valabik / Oystrick and perhaps a gritty winger like Boulton go give them depth, I’d be all for it, but I don’t think Burke is that desperate. But then again, why did they sign Schneider if they knew there was a chance Nieds would come back? Not to mention Scott is no spring chicken either. I guess it makes sense to cut a slightly overpaid 38 yr old rather than a 41 yr old (isn’t he that old?) who has a Cup.
By Jsmooth
December 6, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, hands down it’s Avery. Nothing like playoff blood to raise one’s hatred of a petulant b******* like Avery. I hope Kovy tattoos him into the boards Friday night to rattle him early. That way Thor will have a chance to mop the ice with his face in the 3rd period when the Rangers are down 4-1!!!
Sara — I’m not thrilled with the Schneider idea either but I really believe the PP is the key to our season. Admittedly, we have a ton of flaws that will keep us from making any cup run, but I think we can get out of the first round if we sure up our special teams. And to echo ranallo’s suggestion, I would LOVE IT, LOVE IT if we could come up with the coin to ink Volchenkov. In my mind, he is one of the best 10 defensemen in the game right now.
But will the AS pony up if it means flirting with the salary cap?
By zimthrasher
December 6, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Not only is Schneider old, but he also comes with a hefty price tag of over $5 million for this year and next.
If Don Waddell and the Thrashers are serious about re-signing Hossa and putting a competitive team on the ice next season, then Schneider is not the right guy to add to the mix.
With Holik, Dupuis, McCarthy, and Johan Hedberg all unrestricted free agents at years end, that frees up about $9 million to play with for next year under the current fiscal structure of the team.
If Hossa commands a $3 million raise and the Thrashers add Schneider, then that is nearly all of the freed money without even looking at Holik or McCarthy for discount prices or bringing back Dupuis or Moose.
Not only would Schneider handcuff the Thrashers from re-signing Hossa, he would also represent an investment of over $8 million in two very old defensemen (Schneider and Zhitnik) for next season. Add Ken Klee and it is over $10 million for three defenseman over the age of 35.
Does that really seem the wisest investment for a team that does have some youth in the system on the blueline?
By R. Stroz
December 6, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
zimthrasher - You forgot about the 2.4 million wasted on Rucchin. Rucchin’s contract is up at the end of this season as well.
By Brendan
December 6, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t think Schneider is coming to Atlanta. Getting “older” is not the direction this team needs to take.
As for Hossa, I “think” the team is serious about re-signing him. But uhh, it’s December now. If he were going to sign before the conclusion of the season, he would have done it by now. That’s my opinion, not a fact. And certainly that opinion won’t be shared by everyone. I believe that Don is negotiating with him, earnestly. But, for all we know, Hossa has already made up his mind to leave. And if that’s the case, I don’t think throwing the league maximum at him would make him stay. Hopefully, Hossa does want to stay. He gives that impression, but really … what ELSE is he supposed to say while under contract with the Atlanta Spirit Group?
The Thrasher fans’ enemy list: 1) Avery, 2) Heatley, 3) Hollweg, 4) Tucker, 5) Sutton.
As for booing Heatley … Folks, you know Heatley will be on that All-Star roster. His name is going to be introduced as part of the festivities. And you know that Atlanta fans are going to boo him. For some of you, this boils your blood and embarasses you to no end. I think an even better response would be for “dead silence” after his name is read over the PA system. Sends a message, doesn’t it?
What I think would be in far worse taste would be for fans to come to the arena holding #37 signs. The time to show your love for Dan Snyder is not during the All-Star game. Calling Heatley a “killer” is probably just going to result in poor ink for the City. Silence gets the message across without all the “negativity” associated with it.
But if I were a betting man … I’d say Heatley will be booed vociferously at the All-Star Game in 2008.
By ranallo10
December 6, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
zimthrasher — Agreed.
By BG33Brown
December 6, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
As a former red wing fan, Schneider isn’t the answer to this team and our power play.
THe real problem with our power play is our refusal to get anyone in the scoring zones. We just stand around the perimeter and pass and pass and pass….if you have seen a game, you get the idea.
When we overload one side and put a player in the shooting zone, good things happen.
And my most hated play is anyone on Tampa Bay so I’ll say Vinny. He kills us.
By GSU-Lee
December 6, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
Craig and everyone, is there something I am missing? I thought Kari was are assumed number one. All I have heard is “The Thrashers will go as far as Kari takes them..” what do you think? Do the Thrasers need Kari to be successful? I am of the group that Moose is a great player but not the number one goalie that can carry a team through 75-80 games, I do not really think of him shutting down opponents. To use a baseball analogy, he is the kind of guy that can give you a solid 6-7 innings and give up 3 runs or so, he is not the John Smoltz- 8 innings, 2 hits, no runs, kind of guy. Am I the only one that feels that way? (sorry for the intentional Braves reference)
By Hockeyfan
December 6, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
My list, Tucker and the rest of the Leaves, and any player that takes a cheap shot or run at one of our stars. Hollwegg is frequent on that list and Sutton just made it last week.
Anytime Bertuzzi is playing I boo him. He shouldnt be playing in the NHL anyway.
I dont boo Heatley, Savard and especially not Tkachuk.
By Hockeyfan
December 6, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I would take Schneider
By BG33Brown
December 6, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
As a former Red Wing fan, i don’t think Schneider is the answer. All of the reasons outlined above are correct.
And if he does join us, he will have to follow the new team rule-break it and you are subject to death.
At no point, when we are up a man are you allowed to be more than 10 feet away from the boards. And you ABSOLUTELY can’t enter the slot.
When you have to risk losing your life to score goals, you can understand how we can go 0-9 against a team where probably the least responsible D-man to ever play hockey….yes that man is Mandy Sutton.
By BuzzEng
December 6, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
My thought on the goalie rotation - save Hedburg for the SE teams (I think he was undefeated in November against the SE), and use KL for all the others!
By dj
December 6, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
First, Heater didn’t do Atlanta any favors. Second, he was what 23 at the time? Maybe younger. Tell me. How many of you were driving a car that you wrecked and killed your best friend at age 23? Probably not many. Therefore, do not judge. Dany is a great hockey player and he should be judged for that. I don’t think what he did was right but I’m not in his shoes. He did the appropriate thing in asking Waddell privately instead of going public. On Schnedier, he’s too old and cost too much. If we can get him for draft picks and move Zhitnick then I would be all for it. Anything else isn’t worth it. Beauchman would be great but most likely won’t be dealt.
By DWTOO
December 6, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Sutton was booed for antics on saturday. That was bush league. He’s a good palyer who needs to lose the chippiness.
dj made some real valid points about Heatley and Brendan has a great idea - silence. I don’t boo or cheer the man. When the Snyder’s forgave him I figured my gripes with boy were petty comapred to theirs.
By UpperDeck4Life
December 6, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Tie Domi and Darcy Tucker come to mind as well for some of the history between the Leafs and Thrashers.
By kracker
December 6, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
For why Moose goes against the Rangers Friday night, it may be that DW realizes we have a heavy schedule coming up and intends to use each guy on hack-to-back nights. Moose Friday night, Kari Saturday night nvs the Caps.
The more proper question to me is why not Kari at home against the better team and Moose on the road to stop the generally less capable Caps?
By Alan
December 6, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hockeyfan - I disagree about Bertuzzi. I used to boo him, but I honestly think he regrets that the incident happened. If he had no remorse, that would be a different story. There’s news about Bertuzzi today too, interestingly enough. What he did was a bush league move, without a doubt, though. I’m not giving him a free pass. He, like Heatley, has to live with what he did for the rest of his life.
On that note, I also don’t hate Heatley.
Avery, of course, would be my most hated player. Honestly, that’s the only player I don’t like. Everyone else has their flaws, but no one is as much of a goon as Avery.
Speaking of Avery, if Rawhide is reading this, who won that card PJ was giving away?
By Jameson
December 6, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
So you guys wouldn’t go for a Zhitnik for Schneider straight up trade? What if they wanted to shed more salary and would do Zhitnik and McCarthy for Schneider and Beauchemin?
By ranallo10
December 6, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Jameson — I think most people here would do the proposed offer you just gave, but there’s no way Burke (Anaheim’s GM) would accept that. Anaheim would lose their second best defender statistically, and their second best defender experience wise. In return they’d get a number 6 defender/PP specialist, and a number 3 defender for their roster.
It’s not even close to even for them as you have it stated.
But yeah, of course I’d take something for relatively nothing.
By stendec
December 6, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Hi Craig. Comments of pro-KL fans hurt Moose so they hurt me! REALITY CHECK TIME! For all KL apologists up in arms over decision to start Moose. KL is not the No. 1 goalie. At best he is co-No. 1. KL hardly set the world on fire in his last start if you remember. One of the goals KL let in came with about a second or so to play before buzzer. THAT IS NOT EASY TO DO! I did appreciate shutout but barrage of goals by mates took some pressure off. Was KL not benificiary of a 3-1 lead in last start? Thought so! Was happy with shootout effort. So get behind Moose! The veteran does have a healthy groin. GO BLUE!
By Carlos
December 6, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Hey guys longtime no post,
I think there are many good reasons to play Moose on Friday. The 1st being that he has earned it for his play when Kari was injured. He had a bad game or two there at the end but before that he out performed expectations of a backup goalie stepping in. The 2nd reason why you want to play him is that it is a back to back weekend and you need fresh every night. A fresh Kari is quicker than Moose and better positoned to handle AO on Sat. The 3rd reason is that you don’t want Kari to get comfortable. You need to make him feel that he has to work harder than he ever has to earn his #1 spot back. Just handing it to him because he is healthy again can easily put him in that mindset of complacency as he has been in in the past.
As for Heater…he should be in jail for vehicular manslaughter. I would be if I was the one driving. He diserves boos and not just for leaving Atl.
And Sutton…I will continue to boo him not for any reason other than the fact that on Sat. he was head hunting again and could have injured one of our guys. In fact, it appeared to me that he was trying to do just that.
By Dave
December 7, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
Uh, why do we need Schneider when we’ve got Zhitnik? I thought juicing the power play was the reason Zhitnik was acquired. Get us a real live playmaking center and we’ll talk.
By Tony C.
December 7, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
Personally, it’s gotta be Hollweg. He is a cheap-shot artist, give him the nod for dropping ‘em every once in a while, but it’s not like he does much other than bordeline hits and adequate physical prescence you expect from a guy of his stature in his own zone. He’s a talent-challenged hack.
Averey, well he’s an @ss, but I think his targeting #17 in the playoffs was a neccessary step in #17’s maturation process. Plus, as they say “don’t give the pr!ck the satisfaction.”
Oh yeah, How is Rucchin doing??
GO BLUE !!!
By Brendan
December 7, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this
For whatever it’s worth, Waddell said, during the offseason, that Atlanta would be entertaining a “youth movement.” Well, when the season started, that included Sterling, Popovic, Enstrom, and Little. Plus, Haydar has played some, too. If you think Zhitnik, 35-years old, costs a lot at $3.5 million, Schneider is up around $5 million, with another year left at that price. And no “spring chicken” is he at 38.
Would he and Beauchemin be an improvement over Zhitnik and McCarthy? Yes, they would. But Anaheim would never do that. I’m wondering if there’s a way for them to sneak Teemu Selanne, who hasn’t officially retired, back into their lineup.
By Scott
December 7, 2007 5:16 AM | Link to this
Sutton is annoying. Although I’m glad he’s not longer a Thrasher. His defense was terrible a lot of times. Darcy Tucker is probably my most hated player, besides Sean Avery. I also don’t like Vinny in Tampa. But the most disliked player probably is Heatley. I’m pretty much over it now although I still get mad when I see him in a Senators jersey.
By Jarndyce
December 7, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
Adding Schneider to the PP would help, certainly, but it won’t fix the problem. The PP unit you suggested Craid is D, D, W, W, W. What’s missing there? A true pivot down low that can distribute the puck with quickness and accuracy.
Sutton is a menace on the ice. A great shot blocker, sure, but a menace. Knees and elbows that are the result not of dirty play, but misplaced aggressiveness following bad decisions and poor positional play. I cringe when the Thrashers play against him, because it’s only a matter of time before one of our stars goes limping to the lockerroom.
By Sara
December 7, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
I just don’t see the need to bring in Schneider. All he would do would be to play the point - which we have covered quite well with Enstrom and Kovy. The problems with the PP are everywhere else - not enough pressure down low, getting out-chased to loose pucks and muscled off puck possessions, too much passing along the perimeter. Getting Schneider doesn’t really fix any of that and would cost us a fortune not only in terms of salary but also what it takes to get him here.
As for Heatley - I wish more people understood why some Thrasher fans are mad at him. I’m not even sure if Dany gets it. It has nothing to do with the wreck itself and everything to do with Dany shooting his mouth off to the press when he got to Ottawa. It was extremely rude and disrespectful to the Atlanta fans that had stood behind him and supported him throughout the entire ordeal. Based on what he said, I got the impression that Dany just wanted to be in a big market, preferably Canadian, and out of Atlanta and saw the wreck as a way to make that happen. Dan Snyder should be in Heater’s thoughts every day so it really shouldn’t matter where he plays. Nor does he seem to be off his game whenever he comes down to Atlanta. I don’t doubt he thinks about it, but obviously he’s found a way to deal with it on a professional level. Nice of him to try and do that here in Atlanta. Which is kind of the point - he didn’t try.
I feel sorry for what he has to go through on a personal, emotional level with the wreck. But I will never forgive him for the betrayal to the organization and fan base that stood behind him. He may have issued a pretty PR statement to the Atlanta fans when he left, but I think his own personal words to the canadian press tell the whole story.
That all said, I have no intentions of booing him during the ASG. My feelings towards him are as a Thrasher fan, and that’s not what the ASG is about.
By Bob
December 7, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Bingo. Sara has it spot on. Heatley is public enemy #1 in Atlanta, by far. No contest. But the reason why is because he gave the collective us the back of his hand the minute he got to Ottawa with his snide comments. And this after we did nothing but support him through the Snyder death. He is not booed nor hated because he made a youthful mistake by driving too fast and causing his friend’s death, he is hated because of his snotty attitude toward us. And then to top it all off, it comes out later that he actuallly had the cahones to ask Waddell to outright release him, coming out of the strike. Arrogant punk. He will be booed at the All Star game, there is no doubt about that, but understand why.
Sutton was booed because that game came right on the heels of the previous game where he took a run at our star player. Unless he keeps that up in every game against us, I see that dying down pretty quick.
Schneider? Don’t see it happening. I think we have the personnel to have an effective PP, it’s the system, they need to change it up.
By Tom
December 7, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
The best thing we could do to get the power play is sit Kozlov until he gets the message he has to shoot the puck at the net.
Watch how teams play the Thrasher power play now, they keep a man on Ilya at the point and lay off of Kozlov. Everyone knows he only looks to pass it to Hossa or Ilya.
If shots started coming from his position, and he is in a shooting position, it would make the opposition play honestly and open up the power play for success.
What drives me crazy is if I can see this watching it on my television how can the coaching staff miss it for nearly a third of the season???
By Brendan
December 7, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
That’s such a good post, Sara. I agree with 98% of it. But I’m sure that there’s still a faction of Thrashers fans who blame Heatley for the crash itself. They feel he wriggled off the hook, when a “non-celebrity” would be in jail. Some are mad at him because he didn’t do his court-mandated 150 speeches to the community that he endangered. And there are even a few for whom Dan Snyder was their favorite player, so … they especially have it out for #15. Heatley-haters are always going to be around. I understand that and have no beef with it.
Personally, I think Sara hit the nail on the head with Heatley looking for a reason to leave Atlanta. I won’t say that on “draft day 2000” that was the case. But, I think he saw, with the departures of Audette, Brunette, Staios, and others, that the team wasn’t really “building” for the future so much as it was trying to stockpile through the draft.
Heatley had always been a winner. In Pee Wee. In bantams. In high school. In College. He’d later go on to the Calder Trophy, MVP of the All-Star Game, and a Gold Medal for Team Canada at the Olympics. The thing missing from his resume was a Stanley Cup. And he’s even had the opportunity to compete for that. I suspect that Heatley looked at the situation in Atlanta and thought, “I’ll play out my rookie contract, then ask for a trade.” Or, perhaps, “I’ll play for Atlanta until I’m first eligible for unrestricted free agency. If things are good, I’ll stay. If not, I’m gone.”
Some players, like Kozlov, enjoy the relative anonymity of Atlanta. In a market like Toronto or Philly, the media would be ripping this guy apart. I sometimes wonder if Toronto’s media isn’t, in some way, responsible for pressuring some of the ridiculous moves the Leafs have made over these past 40 years since they last won the Cup. Someone like Waddell could never have survived this long in Toronto, given his results.
In case anyone forgot Heatley’s comments in Ottawa, they were, “It’s nice to be back in Canada and in a real hockey market.” Some would say, “Isn’t it factually accurate that Ottawa is in Canada and issss a hockey market?” Yes, certainly that’s true. But it send sent a message back to Atlanta, loud and clear, that he didn’t consider our city to be a “hockey market.” And some will now point out, “Ummn, Brendan. Have you looked at the Sports Section lately? This is a football market. Is and always has been. NASCAR is next, then baseball. Then probably basketball. And hockey just might edge out Arena Football.” Those are the same people who’ll tell to get off Heatley’s back for “telling the truth.” Fine, whatever.
By puckoff
December 7, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Anyone who boos Keith Ktachuk is not a real Thrasher’s fan. He is a stand up player that came to Atlanta to basically do one thing… help us get into the playoffs. If anyone argues that he did not do that than you weren’t watching. He is a total bad-a$s and I personally loved having him here. Sure, I wish he had stayed, but we all knew he was a rental. I was embarrassed for our team when people were booing. Boo Heater, Avery and now I guess Sutton… they have given us a reason to boo.
By Alan
December 7, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I didn’t even remember those comments, because it was so long ago. I guess I just sort of forgot and moved past it. Those comments were pretty screwed up, but I honestly can’t say I hate him for it now - even after being reminded of the slap to the face of all the Atlanta fans who supported and stood by him. It was, by far, a very immature thing for him to do.
By LAC
December 7, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Correct on heatley… His comments concerning OUR city arewhat I did and Do Not care for… He is to be BOOED !
Remember Glavine… he was mostly booed off the mound when he came here in a Mets uni…
Could be a rough one tonight with Mr.Cheap Shot holweg and orr.
They got SPANKED by THE LEAFS of all people last night, before that by the Canes who were whipped by the Sabers 8-1, who got their heads handed to them in L.A. last night 8-2… So could be chippy.
Just need to keep the up tempo play stay OUT of the box and SHOT THE PUCK !
By ranallo10
December 7, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Bob — “it’s the system, they need to change it up”, I love it when we can agree on something. That’s how I felt about our team since January, I’m glad you’re on board (for at least the PP).
Okay, I gotta chime in on the Heatley conversation…
Brendan — Contextually, how was that quote from Heatley given? Do you perhaps think he could’ve MEANT “true”, “traditional”, “intense” instead of “real”? He may have poorly phrased what he was trying to say, but why does everyone get their panties in a wad when someone knocks Atlanta for not being a “hockey market”??
I feel that people who are STILL enraged over something that happened three years ago are doing it for other reasons.
Heatley leaving Atlanta was equivalent to a bad break up. Things were said that weren’t completely meant, one side felt slighted by the lack of trying on the other side, and some other form of an interesting relationship analogy likely happened. Like a breakup you gotta get past it, or you’ll stew over that ex for a long long time.
I feel the fans have a right to boo, but personally I’ve gotten over the indiscretion. I clap for Heatley because he was a great player while in Atlanta, and he’s been nothing but classy since the one accurate but poorly stated quote in Ottawa. I still think “what if we still had him?”, but that’s when I’m depressed because Toronto is beating us.
Sara and Brendan — I think your two sentiments on this topic are reading too far into the situation with which Heatley was facing. No Brendan, I highly doubt a 22 year old player is thinking about leaving a franchise, and one of his good friends (Kovalchuk), JUST to pursue a Stanley Cup. He didn’t know where he would be traded, he had no control over that. He could’ve been sent to Phoenix and been in a much worse situation.
In my opinion he was a young kid who made a mistake, and realized he could not handle the memories by staying in the city that life changing mistake happened. He did what was best for him, I can’t blame him for that.
In the end I think DWTOO has said it best:
When the Snyder’s forgave him I figured my gripes with boy were petty compared to theirs
By Brian
December 7, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Craig - say NO to Schneider. He is too old (we don’t need that), he already had an injury this year (we don’t need another Rucchin) and his production is misleading. Yeah, he has 11 points in 14 games, but 6 points came in a couple games against Phoenix when they were giving up 5 goals a game. Why spend the money on him?
Brendan - 1/2 the arena at the all-star game is going to be fans/executives/corp’s from other cities. You will not get dead silence in there. Not that I am promoting booing him, but that is your only option.
GSU-Lee and others - We have back to back games. DW is smart enough not to play Kari back to back, so which game would you rather have Moose in. Normally he would go on the 2nd night, but if the coach feels 1 player is better fitted against one team versus another, then switch. This is not a goalie controversy, don’t worry.
Why are Bob and LAC posting? Didn’t we just take 5 out of 6 points from the last 3 games? We didn’t lose last night did we???
By AL
December 7, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Haven’t read a thing yet…however, I just wanted to say this…regarding the SO win over NYI. I walked away feeling like we lost that game. I have a hard time trying to figure out why guys can’t make good, solid passes stick to stick! They’re always stoping to let the puck catch up to them. Bugs the crap out of me. OK, I’m done.
Thanks for allowing me to vent.
By JAR
December 7, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Craig - Great job on The Sporting News article!
By Jennifer
December 7, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Thrasher PR mafia Thanks, that made me laugh :)
By Alan
December 7, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Interesting news: Recchi is on re-entry waivers now.
By Tom
December 7, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Here is a link to Craig’s article in the Sporting News.
Excellent work!
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=314288
By AL
December 7, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
A couple of things…1) How can anyone hate Andrea Sutton after what he did to Darcy “The Stick Weilding MF” a couple of years ago? …2)Why can’t we just get Marc Savard back? The PP would KICK ARSE with him dishing the puck! I miss him! My wife misses him more! :-(
By Curious
December 7, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Forgive me if I missed it, but is tonight’s game going to be televised? I know it says it is on this site, but in todays paper there is conflicting information. Thanks
By AL
December 7, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
curious yes… sports south and msg.
By Bob
December 7, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Brendan, I know you were paraphrasing, but that’s not the gist of what Heatley said in his press conference the minute he landed in Ottawa. I’m also paraphrasing here but it was more like “it’s great to be in Ottawa where people know what’s going on with hockey”. Like we were a bunch of inbred redneck sister marrying types. Arrogrant prick. Why slap the fans that supported you through your “youthful indiscretion”.
If anything, he should have bent over backwards to thank Waddell and thank the Atlanta fans for supporting him. Waddell was first class through that whole mess with him, mabye Heater will grow up one day, until then, I suspect he’ll continue to be booed by the fans he gave the back of his hand to.
By Brian
December 7, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
craig - great article. The only question I had is at the bottom of the page - what does an Atlanta Thrasher ringtone sound like?
By ranallo10
December 7, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Dany Heatley quotes—
“Being a Canadian player and playing in your home country, any of the teams in the country are great to play in - the fans are great and people love hockey here. I’m just really excited and really happy to be in Ottawa” (Aug. 23, 2005)
Q: How different is the hockey environment now that you’re playing in Ottawa instead of Atlanta?
A: “I love it. I love the pressure. I love coming to the rink everyday. I love the town talking about it. It’s a great place to play.” (Oct. 12, 2005)
I’m having trouble finding the quotes everyone so clearly remembers…any pointers? Craig, can you help out here?
By Brian
December 7, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
ranollo - nice quotes, looks like an urban legend just got debunked?
By ranallo10
December 7, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
How about this one from a post All-Star game online Q&A with Heatley?:
Q (Vancouver) : Hey Dany, can you really see yourself as an Atlanta Thrasher for your entire career (loyalty to a franchise seems to be a thing of the past these days)?
A: I really love playing in Atlanta and it would be great to play my whole career here. But, you never know what could happen. (Jan. 29, 2003)
By ranallo10
December 7, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Sorry, that was before the All-Star game…
Here’s the last quote (from the same Q&A), I’m done searching:
Q (Atlanta): What do you miss about living in Canada? Tim Horton’s Coffee?
A: Never had a cup of coffee in my life. The thing I miss most about living in Canada is the hockey fans.
So I’ve read he enjoyed his time in Switzerland because of the passion the of hockey fans (he compared them to soccer fans), I’ve read (and quoted) that he appreciates the fans in Canada, but I’ve yet to find a quote from him about negative feelings about Atlanta fans.
Like I said, maybe someone can help out here?
By Brendan
December 7, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t have a link to it, but Heatley was right at the airport and the press were peppering him for a quote about being in town and playing for the Senators. I will have to do a Google search to find it, if it’s even still out there. But that’s what I remember. I know I’m not the only one that heard it. I can’t be the only one who does.
We should probably scour the AJC blogs from that time, some poster must have referenced it. But that’ll have to be a weekend project. I’m back-burnering it right now in favor of watching this Rangers game.
By Bob
December 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t have a link to it, but Heatley was right at the airport and the press were peppering him for a quote about being in town and playing for the Senators. I will have to do a Google search to find it, if it’s even still out there.
Oh you’re absolutely right, Brendan. It was the first interview he did upon landing in Ottawa and I saw the video of it with my own eyes. I’m sure his agent was agahst at what he said and prepped him for future interviews, but he gave us Atlanta fans all the back of his hand when he landed in Ottawa, I and the rest of the fans that saw it were appalled and that’s why we boo him.
I doubt anyone has it posted on YouTube, but that’s the only way you’re going to see it as it was a televised media scrum upon Dany’s landing, I think I saw the video on TSN that same day, mabye it was on the Atlanta news or ESPN that night, but I think it was one of the TSN videos they post on their site.