AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHaydar moves brings flexibility
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re still holding your breath for a trade, you can take a breather. For now. Yes, I’ll admit, sending Bryan Little to Chicago AND putting Darren Haydar on waivers raised a lot of red flags for me. On Tuesday afternoon, I hit the phones, e-mail, text messages, messenger pigeons, - anything to find out if the Thrashers were close to making a deal. Why clear two roster spots for one player (Recchi)?
Officially, here’s Don Waddell’s explanation: “We didn’t put [Haydar] on for re-assignment…if he clears [which he did], we can be flexible. I want to create a spot if we want to bring up a Brett Sterling or another player, now we’ll have that flexibility.”
So it comes down to flexibility. Now, I’m not sure why they’d want to bring up Brett Sterling, even though he’s tearing it up in the AHL. Last I checked he was most effective on the left side and on a scoring line. It seems to me that those spots are taken. Kozlov is best suited on a scoring line, as much as I think he likes playing with Bobby Holik. And I’m pretty sure Ilya Kovalchuk’s job is safe on the top line.
So why would the Thrashers want to call up Sterling? I don’t have an answer for you other than the fact that he’s earned another opportunity by doing everything the team asked of him since being sent down to Chicago. I think the other question you have to ask is, how long will Little be in Chicago? One of the interesting things Don said about the decision to send Little to the AHL was that he thought it would do him some good to make some long minor league hockey bus trips and get a taste of the minor leagues. Let’s not forget that this kid made the jump from junior the the NHL. He had a cup of coffee in Chicago at the end of last season, but really hasn’t experienced that life. I think there’s a feeling that he might appreciate the NHL more if he is exposed more to the other side. Whether or not that will help his scoring, I don’t know.
There are some people who thought Little would benefit from playing with Mark Recchi, and right now he’s not getting that chance. But when I asked Don about that he made it sound like eventually that would happen. So I don’t get the feeling this Little in the minors stint will last all that long.
A nod from Toronto: If you missed it, the Thrashers Beat Blog got some love from James Mirtle up in Toronto. You guys deserve as much credit as anyone for the success of this blog because without the constant discussion in the comments section this wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining for everyone. But I still think we can get better, we need to get back to the 100 comments a day we were getting during the playoff run last year. Some day we’ll be at the level of Dave O’Brien who gets 500 comments in the middle of winter on his Braves blog, and yes, I’m jealous. I think we’re doing pretty well here. So thanks.
Popovic close: Mark Popovic participated in the morning skate and he said his ankle as at the point now where he can’t do any more damage, so it boils down to how much pain he can endure. It’s a high ankle sprain, so they’re taking it slowly with him, but he’s really eager to get back on the ice especially with Toronto and Ottawa coming up. If you don’t think these North American players get fired up to play Toronto or on Hockey Night in Canada (which is the case on Saturday), you’re crazy. Popovic said it would be his HNIC debut, and doesn’t want to miss that. That reminds me, Saturday is a 7 p.m. game.
Haydar cool with it: The whole uncertainty of being put on waivers would drive me crazy. There’s a 24 hour stretch where you have no idea where you’re playing next. One claim, and you’re uprooting everything and starting over. It’s like me getting a call from my editor saying I got picked up by the Nashville Tennessean, so I need to pack. I guess that comes with the territory, and Haydar at $475,000 a year is making just slightly more than I am to help deal with the uncertainty. Bottom line, he seemed cool with either outcome. If he got picked up, there’s a team that wants his services. If not, he gets to stay with an organization in which he enjoys playing. “Don’s been great to me, he’s given me an opportunity to play longer than anyone else has in this league,” Haydar said after the skate this morning. “Uncertainty is part of this game. That’s something that never leaves this game. Even when your’e under contract, there’s talks of getting traded and stuff like that. It’s something you have to learn to deal with.”
Last - I need a favor for good friend Ken Sugiura. He’s doing a story on hockey jerseys and is looking for help from the fans. Help him out - he’s a great writer so he’ll do you right if you can help him. Here’s his request:
“Hello, Thrasher fans - I’m a colleague of Craig’s, and I am hoping you can help me out with a story I’m starting to work on about hockey jerseys. (Pardon me - sweaters) We’re trying to find fans who collect jerseys the way music fans collect concert t-shirts. Are you someone who proudly wears, like, Kovalchuk’s Russian national team or Spartak jersey, or has a vintage Bruins Bobby Orr jersey, or has paid hundreds (or thousands) for an autographed Gretzky jersey? We’re trying to figure out if the culture of fans wearing jerseys is different for hockey than for other sports.
If you fit this description and wouldn’t mind us poking around in your closet and talking to you about your hobby (or perhaps obsession), or know someone like this, I’d love it if you could get in touch with me. My e-mail is ksugiura@ajc.com thanks!
Ken Sugiura”
Comments
By Russian
December 12, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
It is still 2:00 PM. I have to wait 5 more hours to see new line combination.
By GaVaHokie
December 12, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Great article Craig!! Love this kind of information!
Here’s how the Sterling thing works… move Kozlov back down with Holik and Dupuis, bench Larsen and play Sterling with Perrin and Recchi.
Looks like Waddell is trying to create a revolving door policy with the youngsters. Dangling that open roster spot in front of their faces for whoever is acheiving expectations in Chicago… I like it!
By Chris
December 12, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
That was an interesting comment by DW regarding Little. On the face of it, I think there would be some truth there. I’m sure we will see him down the stretch, hopefully for a playoff push rather than playing out the string. Interesting to see how the Perrin/Kozlov/Recchi unit does tonight. I am skeptical of Perrin’s ability to produce in that role, but we shall see.
By ToF
December 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
The carrot on the stick might do the trick. I still would like DW to bring up Sterling and put him with Perrin and Recchi and see what happens. Slava is getting paid scoring line money, but if the kid can do it better, why not?
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Well, Brett Sterling is credit for playing in ten (10) games, so Atlanta’s already lost a year off that RFA eligibility. Why not bring him up, if he’s earned it?
I still say Little belongs here more than the AHL. So, then, the trade rumors are all off??
Craig, thanks for the Popovic update.
By Russian
December 12, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Slava need to play on second line. He is shooter and can score. Third line is not his place. I hope he will do some good shots on goal with Recchi tonight.
By ToF
December 12, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
The carrot on the stick might do the trick.
May this be stricken from the record?
By Hip Czech
December 12, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Here’s how the Sterling thing really works…put Kozlov at center.
Have Kozlov center the second line with Sterling and Recchi. Kozlov is not big enough for the corners and seems to do better with some open ice (and why does he always have to swing his stick at pucks in the air? Begging for a high-sticking call sooner or later and what does it accomplish? MOVE YOUR FEET).
That would leave:
Kovy-White-Hossa Sterling-Kozlov-Recchi Slater-Perrin-Thorburn Larsen/Boulton-Holik-Dupuis
By Jennifer
December 12, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
James could do much worse that holding you up as an example of a blogging/blogger friendly beat writer. Plus you have to love the irony of a guy in the south setting a standard for anything related to a hockey beat.
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Craig is northerner, Jennifer. And an MSU grad, at that. He’s from “Hockeytown.”
For your purusal, Here’s the Recchi article at TSN that references the AJC article on Mark Recchi. See, Craig’s hit the “big time.”
Truly, it is great to see.
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Check out the TSN blogger comments on the article. They’re vastly “Pro-Recchi”—stating that the Penguins made a mistake by putting him on waivers. It’s still very early in the posted comments, but only two out of the eleven posted declare Recchi to be “over the hill” and “off his game.”
I know this much, Recchi will try his very best. He is motivated to earn a new contract “somewhere” in this league. If he can ignite this PP unit or bring something resembling “balanced scoring” to our team, for $540,000, I say, “Woo hoo!”
By Craig Custance
December 12, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Russian - C’mon now, we’ve had the new lines up since yesterday. Which line do you need?
GaVaHokie - You may be right, but I still ultimately think Kozlov needs to be a the second line.
Jennifer - Thanks.
By Russian
December 12, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Craig, I am agree with you. I am fine with Slava - Perrin - Recchi. They should be our second line.
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Check out the “Rumor Mill” at cbs.sportsline.com. It speculates that the Rangers might be willing to part with young assets for Marian Hossa at the trade deadline. Also, Craig’s recent article on Schneider is referenced, where GM Burke and GM Waddell might be talking. And, the thing that truly piqued my curiosity, it theorizes that Flyers GM Paul Holmgren wanted Mark Recchi on re-entry waivers enough to contact Recchi’s agent.
Hey, you don’t think they’d give us Coburn back for Recchi, do ya? :D
Actually, I think the Flyers just re-inked Coburn to a 3-year, $1.3 million cap hit deal. Just out of curiosity, do you guys think that’s the “right price” for Coburn? If Coburn were still in Atlanta, would you be happy with that contract for Braydon? It’s a blog! Talking about hockey is what we do. So have at it!
By GSU-Lee
December 12, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Craig will have hit it big time when he gets a spot on ESPN. Steve Wyche is about to come on to talk about the Petrino, aka scumbag, situation. Shoulda gone on TSN Craig…
By Will
December 12, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
dude, Ken is a good friend of mine. I’ll give him a call.
By Brian
December 12, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Craig - since you are a pipeline, can I get those Enstrom votes? Enquiring minds want to know…
I am going to wait until tonight to see how the lines look. I like the idea that it gives us flexibility in that I thought all along Little will be called back up. And if Sterling doesn’t come up this year, he will next year.
By Craig Custance
December 12, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
GSU-Lee: Wyche is a superstar.
Brian: I’ll get another update for you soon.
Brendan: I thought that was a good deal for Coburn. If he continues to develop, it’ll be a value a couple years down the line.
By Brian
December 12, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Brendan - thanks for the link on CBS, it is down now but I can tell you right now we are not taking on any young prospects from the NYRs.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 12, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
I am going to wait until tonight to see how the lines look.
Yeah, thats what I was thinking too. I’m sure there will be quite a few experimental combinations… I’m curious to see.
By Brian
December 12, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan - I think it is very possible that Recchi can have a great game but Kozzy still lags. I think he is going to come out fired up with something to prove as Brendan has been stating, but the only thing that is certain is that our top line is set and Holik is going to be our checking line center.
By Waffleboy
December 12, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Tough game for the Thrashers tonight. Though we’ve owned th Bruins of late, they’re clearly a better team this year. Whoever they put in net seems to dominate. That speaks volumes for their d-corps. Gotta get the early lead and keep Boston off the PP. At 25.8% they have the second-best road PP in the league. (Vote for Kovy!)[http://fanballoting.nhl.com/]
By Waffleboy
December 12, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Marco Sturm will not play tonight. Second leading scorer for the Bruins on the shelf after taking a puck to the eye. Gotta take advantage.
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Comments continue to stay positive about Recchi at the TSN.CA site article.
Brian, I can’t honestly think of a player in the Rangers system I’d want for Hossa. So, I don’t see that happening either. Okay, who just screamed, “I’d take Alex Bourret!” Yeah, you better hide! (Chuckling, Bourret for Hossa! LOL.)
Allrightee, back on target. We’ve got the Bruins tonight. Who’s got the scouting report on the Bruins? I hear they have some NHL-assist leader on their roster. A “Marc”-somebody or other. I won’t “boo” him. I wonder if Andy Sutton called him to warn him to beware of Rone.
By Waffleboy
December 12, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Vote for Kovy!
By Brian
December 12, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Brendan - I’d take Drury and that’s it…
By Nate
December 12, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks as always for the updates Craig.
My two cents: I think the Thrashers should request that the Wolves play Sterling at RW for a stretch of games (5-10 maybe). See how he does and if that might be the answer.
By Hockeyfan
December 12, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
Craig if you wanna increase readership you could always post a headline saying you have important trade news to report. Couple of times a day you update the blog saying you are having to track down unnamed sources. The next day you claim the deal fell apart according to unnamed sources. Repeat the process every week or so.
By Craig Custance
December 12, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Hockeyfan - Yeah, I’m sure that would help my credibility as a journalist. Thanks for the tip.
By BG33Brown
December 12, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
I was listening to XM hockey channel today and they had an interview with Ed Olyck (the ex coach of the pengiuns, sorry about the spelling) anyway, he basically took a shot as Recchi for the way he was when Eddie was the coach.
I am excited about him as a player, but I am interested to see how he “behaves” if things don’t go great for him.
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Brian, I would do Drury for Hossa right now! Drury has a playoff resume about which to boast!
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Wow! Recchi’s looking for the “hat trick” … and we’re still in the 2nd period. What did I tell ya about how hard Recchi is willing to try for Atlanta?
By Craig Custance
December 12, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Brendan — Recchi almost got it too on Kovalchuk’s goal. He just missed tipping it in.
By Peapod
December 12, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Might as well keep him around.
By Jsmooth
December 12, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
When is this team going to give 60 minutes (he!!, I’d settle for 45 mins) of effort at home after a 2 or 3 game layoff. They have no excuses for their pitiful play. I hate to be so negative, but this team played with no intensity whatsoever in the 1st period, got lucky in the 2nd when Boston took some bad penalties, then gave up a lazy goal (horrible turnover by Ex) after getting the lead, only to come out half-asleep in front of the home crowd in the 3rd. I have no problem with losing if the effort is there, but where is it??
And what about preparation for a Claude Julien coached team? How long is it going to take this team to figure out that you can’t go through the middle against the trap?? Use your speed to the outside, carry the puck to the blueline and dump. Stop dumping at the red line!! How many stupid icing plays do we commit from being careless at the red line?? Well, at least the new 2nd line looked really good…Kozzie looked almost born-again playing with the ageless Mark Recchi. And Perrin won faceoffs! Well, at least I finished on a positive note!
By Hockeyfan
December 12, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Craig you would just have to decide if you wanna be a journalist or a know nothing hack with a blog that gets read…
Glad you are a journalist by the way
By Thrasher Ryan
December 12, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Manley, and others who could not watch—Here is my game summary, as best I can remember. Others, feel free to make corrections as needed.
Period 1:
Moose lets in 2 goals. I did not see the first one; was in the car. Ilya tried to start a fight with Savard; Savard backed off and looked like the wuss he is. 2nd goal on Moose = total softie. Once again, Moose was too far out of the crease.
Period 2:
Mark Recchi proves he wants to be on this team. 2 goals for the man. He wears #8. Gives me flashbacks of Tkachuk wearing that jersey #. Recchi is here to stay. On his 2nd goal, Dan Kamal on radio broadcast said something like “quit playin with your Rock Band video game” I got a good laugh… Some dude on Boston cheap shots Ilya with a knee. Several more Boston penalties in succession after that; Ilya gets a power play goal. Goal #24; league leader. Hell Yeah. 3-3 after 2.
Period 3: Not much good news. Garnett Exelby scores a goal for the Bruins. Yes, X scored on Moose. Pitiful! I spit out my beer! Later on, Savard gets an empty netter; Thrashers lose 5-3. Ugh!
Lines were as follows:
Kovalchuk-White-Hossa
Kozlov-Perrin-Recchi
Dupuis-Holik-Thorburn
Larsen-Slater-Boulton
Lines 3 and 4 were non-factors in this game. Except for Holik, who took 2 more stupid @ss penalties; one of which led to a Bruins power play goal that lost the game for us, I believe… if someone can vouch for that, please do—I can’t totally recall.
I would surmise that Kari starts against Toronto… hopefully he can right the ship…
The one thing that became all too clear tonight about this team is that our goaltending is hurting us and we need more contributions from people not named Ilya and Mark.
Oh yeah… Zhitnik looked horrible—no surprise there.
On a brighter note—Eric Perrin looked very good at center. One assist (maybe more?) At one point Sportsouth graphic said he had won 9 of 13 faceoffs after 2 periods.
I think Haydar needs to be back in the lineup. 4th line and Larsen did nothing tonight. Slater went after someone after the cheap shot on Kovy; same with Hossa. Good for them. Hopefully DW makes the proper tweaks to fix the lines for Toronto.
By Wilson26
December 12, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Someone tell me why exactly Waddell chose to put Holik on the ice instead of White on several occasions?
I’m starting to think Waddell had something to do with giving him the C, and that he is going to want to re-sign him for some ungodly reason. Holik is slow, doesn’t want to skate, and can’t give or receive a pass properly… which is bad news for a center. On top of it all he’s getting paid over 4 million dollars. Help?
By Jsmooth
December 12, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Line combo suggestions:
1) Hossachuck & Charmin of course
2) Kozzie / Perrin / Recchin Ball
3) Dupuis / Slates / Thorburn
4) Boulton / Holik / Haydar
Bench Larsen and recall Haydar. Reduce Holik’s minutes to less than 10 and mix Hayds in with 3rd line once an awhile. Skate fast, fast and faster and just throw pucks on net for a rebound. Stop trying to forecheck because other than the 2nd line and occasionally the 4th line, we’re not very effective.
Defensive pairings:
Enstrom / Havelid — 30 mins / game
Klee / Popovic (when healthy) — 20 mins / game
Mac / Exelby — 10 mins / game
Cut Zhitnik and call up Kwiatkowski.
By DunwoodyMan
December 12, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Don… PLEASE DUMP holik he is KILLING us !!!!!!!
Zit is done as well, Can You not See This ?
Time for MORE Changes and SOON… Another listless loss to the Leafs friday and PLAYERS HEADS need to roll and ROLL FAST !
By stendec
December 12, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Hi Craig. Wish I could be positive but…S++++Y non-effort! Thrashers let everyone down big time. I anticipated days for this crap? Moose played so poorly I thought KL was between pipes. Two verified soft goals. Possibly three. Totally unacceptable! Home team did climb out of 2-0 hole but failed to hold lead. Thanks Moose! Team has absolutely no pride on home ice. Teams love coming to Atlanta. They get little resistance. Points are so difficult to come by. Two? No. One? Hell no! Zilch! Is this beginning of spiral? Thrashers have gone bellyup for at least six straight periods. True fans deserve SO much BETTER! Merry Christmas all. GO DAWGS!
By Brendan
December 12, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe Marc Savard was such wuss. Actually, on second thought … nevermind. Ilya wanted him bad, too. But only Kovy dropped the mitts. And the end of the game, Kovy sprawled along the ice to try to prevent Savard from getting the empty-netter, but Savard corraled the rebound and buried it.
I suppose Savard thinks he’s gotten the best of Kovy on this evening.
By Brendan
December 13, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Truthfully, I thought we played worse against the Islanders and we won that game … with about 16 good minutes of play.
Folks, the team claimed the lead from a 2-0 deficit. It really looked as if they might bring it on home. But it’s these “recurring” late period goals that have been a problem since Day One. If we take that 3-2 lead into the 3rd period, we probably at least come away with a point for the effort.
Let’s just put this one behind us and focus on the next game.
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
If I didn’t know better, I would think Holik was taking money from the other team to throw the game. Holik is just plain HORRIBLE.
Why in the name of hockey was Holik centering Kovy and Hossa?
The wrong center was sent to Chicago. Actually, Holik isn’t good enough to play for the Gladiators.
The Thrashers would be better off finding some way to just get rid of Holik despite the cost. Holik is going to cost the organization more money in lost ticket sales than it would to eat part of his salary for the rest of the season.
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
The three stars for the game tonight:
The first star, for the Boston Bruins, Bobby Holik.
The second star, for the Boston Bruins, Garnet Exelby.
and
The third star, for the Boston Bruins, Alexei Zhitnik.
By Brendan
December 13, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
No such luck, R.Stroz. If Waddell were going to waive him, he’d have done it by now. I’m pretty sure some other other team would claim Holik. Maybe not until re-entry waivers. But that ship has probably sailed.
Craig, Recchi almost did get that “hat trick.” For a minute, I thought Recchi did tip it in. It’s a league-leading 24th goal for Ilya.
And yes, I agree with Coburn’s deal over the long haul. $1.3 million seems like a fair price for an 8th overall pick logging upwards of 20 minutes a game.
Craig, it appears that Recchi has been very warmly received by his teammates. Are they as “chummy” as it appears on the ice?
By ranallo10
December 13, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
Wilson26 — Holik is the best faceoff man on the team, and one of the best in the league…that is why you’ll see him taking defensive zone and powerplay faceoffs in place of White.
As for any other excuse why he’d be on the ice instead of White…I have none. He’s playing like a $1M player, so I guess his faceoff % is worth the other $3.5M???
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this
ranallo10 - I would like to nominate Bobby Holik for the prestigious 2007 J.P. Vigier Award.
Holik Sucks!
By Leaf Fan
December 13, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan, No one cheap shotted Kovvy, its called incidental contact; big part of hockey. The official will be reprimanded and Kovvy will likely get a diving fine of $1,000 (which he obviously does miss). Kovvy acts like a 13 year old boy lying on the ice holding his boo boo. I look forward to the Leafs rolling into town and having some fun with these hacks.
Todd White looked good against Savard, Don Waddell sure knows how to pick a first line center !
By Sara
December 13, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this
ranallo I’d say a big chunk of Holik’s “other $3.5M” is for things like what he said to Craig after the game last night. Personal accountability - he played like crap, he knew it, and he said so. That is really huge, particularly from a leadership role. It teaches the other guys to be personally accountable, realize when you screw up, admit it, and then do something about it. Counts for a lot.
That said, as Craig correctly pointed out, Bobby wasn’t the only one stinking it up on the ice last night. I just get really tired of seeing guys getting paid big bucks coasting at work and slacking off. And that’s all of ‘em - compare the lowest salary on any team to what the average joe makes and these guys should be thankful as heck for the opportunity they have.
Maybe Don needs to send them all to Chicago to get a taste of the other side - or maybe even better send ‘em to Hartley’s old windshield factory where you work hard 8 hours+ every day for crap pay. Honestly…UGH!
By Hockeyfan
December 13, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
Hey Leaf Fan
Two words for you.
Nineteen Sixty-seven
By BG33Brown
December 13, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Watching Savard make great pass after great pass last night made me realize how much more important it is for this team to get a TOP CENTER.
A top 2 Dman would be great but we need a center.
Does anyone think we could package Slavamatic with someone on else for a top center? Any idea if he has a no trade in his contract?
By BG33Brown
December 13, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
And also BRING BACK THE WOLFPACK LINE AND MAKE THEM THE 4TH LINE. SLATER IS USELESS, BOULTON IS OKAY, BUT THE YOUTH LINE GAVE US THE ENERGY WE NEEDED NITE IN AND NITE OUT WHEN THEY WERE TOGETHER
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown - Slava has a no trade clause in his contracr.
And I agree, the Wolfpack line should be put back together.
By BG33Brown
December 13, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this
Damn, how can we get a top center if we can’t give up anyone to get him. I don’t want to give up Hossa.
thanks R Stroz.
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
This what Holik brings for 4.25 million:
A negative eleven +/- ratio.
Leads the team in penalty minutes.
Weekly, I suck as a player comments after the game.
Holik is right, he does suck. So do the fans a favor and retire.
By wristshot
December 13, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
We need a real enforcer on our 4th line not a bunch of undersized guys. I wouldn’t mind seeing them on the third line though with Holik centering the 4th and Slater taking a walk.
By Russian
December 13, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Even my little Amy said yesturday that only one thing was good on game That FIRE from BIRD. NOTHING ELSE. I hope DW looked again and bring back Little to second line center. Perin will be fine with Haydar and #27 on third line. Holik is sucker, I hate him. Take off C from his jersey and trade him or put him to 4-line with Boulton and Larsen. i do not understand where is our play. 3 SOG on first period at home ice. Give me break. I fill sorry for people who spend $1000 for ticket holders. This Crap only can be watching from TV at home.
By Alan
December 13, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown - A top 2 Dman would be great but we need a center
We need both. Don’t half-a* this, Waddell. Bring up some prospects (As mentioned above, the Woflpack line is a great start) to fill in our gaping holes, or expect more of the same from last night. Just because we have guys under contract doesn’t mean we have to lose or look awful night after night. Sit or waive the people who royally screw up all the time, and give some of our young guys in Chicago a chance. And please, do it now. We don’t have time to wait until the roster freeze takes effect. We’ve got back-to-back games coming up with Toronto visiting us tomorrow, then a long trip to Ottawa on Saturday. We have big games that we need to win. We need to take advantage of Carolina faltering.
By GaVaHokie
December 13, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Well, the good thing is Holik atleast REALIZED he sucked. It would be worse if he thought he was giving it 100%. I’ll give him props for coming back to the locker room and taking it on the chin for the media.
It sucks that all Holik, Exelby and Zhitnik have to do is play solid defense and they couldn’t.
The other negative I noticed was about six passes in a row that were behind the player trying to break up ice… Waddell needs to take these guys skeet shooting or something. Teach them how to hit a moving target.
By Waddell Wake Up
December 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Hey Donny, wise up and dump Holik, Zhitnik, Slater, Larsen. Waive them all. Recall some wolves. They could probably do a lot better than these tools. They’re cheaper too. Then maybe you can afford a #1 center and some “real” D-Men.
Holik needs to stripped of the “C” . Give it Recchi or Kovy. Do something!!!!!!
By GSU-Lee
December 13, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Craig, If Wyche is a superstar, you gotta be on your way
By Thrasher_Ed
December 13, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Hey folks, Let’s face it, this organization does not have the guts to make the necessary moves in this situation. Waddell signed these guys and his is going to ride this sinking ship til he gets fired at the end of this season. Holik has done nothing this year. I would personally dump Larsen,Slater,Boulton,Zhitnik for what I could get for them. If Burke needs to deal players to get Niedemeyer back Waddell should be standing at the front of the LINE. We need more and better players and right now.
I think Don needs to switch Hossa and Recchi so we can reunite Slava with Marion Hossa and get some of last years spark back. These guys need an @$$ kicking veteran who will read them the riot act for a total lack of consistency night in and night out. I love the Thrashers, but I am dang tired of watching a bunch of mindless bums mess up a good thing for Kovy/White/Hossa and a few others that are busting there humps for this team. Don make some D@** moves!!!
By BG33Brown
December 13, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Alan at our self-imposed budget of approx 42 mil and where we are now in the season we need to make a decision. Believe it or not, no one is going to trade us a top line center for Zhitnik. Or a Pronger for Slater and Boulton. So while it would be great to go back and keep Belanger and get White, we cannot. So how do we move forward this year successfully?
Enstrom and Havelid continue to prove to be a great D pairing. Minus last night, X and Klee have been serviceable. Zhit (and his 4 mil) with Pop/Mac are what they are.
If we want to keep Hossa and win long term we CANNOT do that without a playmaking center.
I believe the future of the franchise rest on us proving to Hossa that we are “worthy”- if we can’t keep him, players will realize that this franchise isn’t serious about winning and the only ones who will come are those who we have to drastically overpay to come.
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
There are several obvious solutions in regards to the underperroming players:
1) Get rid of Holik.
2) Get rid of Zhitnik. Zhitnik has lost his hunger for the game. He played well for us last year, but that was last year. Bring up Kiwi from Chicago. Kiwi has NHL experience, is younger than Zhitnik, and is tearing it up in Chicago.
3) Put the Wolfpack back together.
4) Put Slater, Dupuis, and Boulton back together. That line was only together for a couple of games, but they were putting up good numbers.
By Alan
December 13, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown - Bring Little back. Bring someone else up from Chicago. But we need to do something, and sitting on these unproductive people isn’t helping anything. And in the case of Zhit (-13) and McCarthy (-16), they’re not helping us either. The coaches need to put the fear of Jod in these unproductive guys.
By Michael Shapiro
December 13, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Def TRASHERS of old crapola. Fall behind, struggle to catch up, lose in the last 5 minutes.
Three shots in the first?? Asleep at the wheel. Good 2nd period, but not 60 consistently good minutes, or even 40.
Holik -4 for the night, Hoss -3. With ZHIT now a -13 on the season, led only by Stevie Mac’s -16, and closely trailed by the captain’s -11, we have only five players in the + and two of them the Don has decided to demote or waive.
We need for ZHIT and Holik to sit awhile. Bring up the kids and run the wolfpack line again. Leave Recchi on the 2nd line, at 39 he can’t possibly stay with the big dogs on the 1st line for 20+ minutes a night, but on the 2nd he looked good.
I like Slates but he’s nearly invisible this year. Maybe put Little and Haydar with Pascal Dupuis for speed if Don doesn’t want to bring up Sterling?
When Pops is healthy, maybe a Pop-a-Mac-tic pairing instead of the Pop-a-Zhit? Clearly Zhit is through, why can’t Don see it?
And as for Holik, maybe a few stints in the press box will help him remember what hockey is.
Yeesh. And we pay money to watch this stuff.
By BG33Brown
December 13, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Stroz and Alan I agree with everything said EXCEPT, how do you get rid of Holik, he is our best face off guy. Who would take Zhit off our hands?
My best lines look like this. 17-12-18 13-11-8 Ster-little-haydar 9-16-27.
Keep Boulton/larsen in the mix. 27 be the muscle guy.
I think with those lines rolling we are at our best. The kids know how to play Defense, Holik’s line can’t be given for dead soely based on last years playoff.
D pair stay the same. If we can get a top center, everything changes but if we are going to lose, lets lose with a purpose of improving for the future. And if we win, lets do it with talent. Not retreads or never will bees like 23 27 36 etc…
Go Thrash
By Jsmooth
December 13, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
This Crap only can be watching from TV at home.
Russian nailed it on the head, but I tried watching this game from home and it was difficult to not throw something at the TV. If we could at least resemble other NHL teams and lose, I am fine with that. But it’s obvious (not just from watching this game) that this team is carrying too much dead weight. I know Don is trying to ride his veterans to salvage a playoff berth, but I’m going on record as one who doesn’t believe it will happen. If we wait until the deadline to make a move, it will be too late.
Something MUST happen NOW.
Otherwise, I’d rather see the young guys given a chance to learn at the big level rather than watch Holik and Zhit-head rob this team of not only millions of dollars, but also a chance to win games. Time to cut bait, but our owners are too chicken $%@! to do it.
By Alan
December 13, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
BG33Brown - Put Zhit on waivers. Then on re-entry, if no one bites. Failing all of that, just buy him out and send him on his way. It’s better to get rid of someone who is lacking passion and heart than it is to continue playing them in the hopes that maybe something sparks.
Not sure about Holik. Perrin did an excellent job of winning faceoffs last night.
By Russian
December 13, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
we played 30 games and got 29 points. Let see more realist in our team. I saw that in this year we willnot make 8 position on the Conference. We need to get 65 points to be on PO. It is mission imposible IV with Don Waddle and Kovy srarted as movie stars. My opinion to bring back Little and Haydar and Sterling. Plus let play someone from chicago. We need to create some chemistry for next year, because next season we will not see Hossa, who else under contract? Team needs someone fresh to get expirience to play on high level.
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Jsmooth - Put another way:
It’s time for management to grow a pair by getting rid of a pair that don’t play with a pair.
By Brendan
December 13, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Apologies for not mentioning this sooner, but Congrats to Craig Custance for his featured article on pages 48 and 49 of the December 10, 2007 print edition of the Sporting News. The article is “Zero Intoerance,” From an 0-6 start to an 11-4 quick fix: Don Waddell has made something out of nothing-and brought hope back to the Thrashers fans, by Craig Custance.
There’s a beautiful picture of Ilya Kovalchuk skating past Rod Brind’Amour. And there’s a pic of the Thrashers bench, featuring Don Waddell, Ilya Kovalchuk and Bryan Little, I think.
By Jsmooth
December 13, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
R Stroz — couldn’t have said it better myself!! If we at least bench these stiffs and let some of the “young blood” down in the AHL get a taste of the “show”, it might light a fire under their butts. But honestly, I’d rather just put them on waivers and take our chances with youth. Regardless, our slim playoff hopes will vanish if we don’t fix the defense and stop turning the puck over so damn much.
By kracker
December 13, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Not good news:
It’s official: NHL-IIHF transfer agreement canceled
By Michael Shapiro
December 13, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
You just got to love TSN.
Call this a tale of two defensemen
Alexei Zhitnik Flaws: Lacks the drive and determination to be the best he can be. Takes bad penalties and occasionally makes horrible decisions with the puck. On Pace: 82 games 0 goals 6 assists 6 points -31 =/- 68 penalty minutes
Tobias Enstrom Assets: Possesses all the tools needed to run a good power play: Skating, passing skills, hockey sense and a decent shot. Is a smart defender. Career potential: Power-play quarterback. On Pace: 82 games 8 goals 38 assists *46 points +25 =/- 38 penalty minutes.
You make the call Who is a top line defender making $750,000 and who is a dud making $3.5 million?
By Michael Shapiro
December 13, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
You just got to love TSN.
Call this a tale of two defensemen
Alexei Zhitnik Flaws: Lacks the drive and determination to be the best he can be. Takes bad penalties and occasionally makes horrible decisions with the puck. On Pace: 82 games 0 goals 6 assists 6 points -31 =/- 68 penalty minutes
Tobias Enstrom Assets: Possesses all the tools needed to run a good power play: Skating, passing skills, hockey sense and a decent shot. Is a smart defender. Career potential: Power-play quarterback. On Pace: 82 games 8 goals 38 assists 46 points +25 =/- 38 penalty minutes.
You make the call Who is a top line defender making $750,000 and who is a dud making $3.5 million?
By Alan
December 13, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
kracker - not necessarily. They’re basically going to negotiate a new agreement. If they can’t agree, it ends after this season.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 13, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Folks, I’ve been whining about these players for months. Nothing has been done, and nothing will be done. Until it is, the Thrashers are DONE. Do you believe in Blueland? Because with Waddell calling the shots, I no longer do.
By kevin
December 13, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Horrible effort! 3 shots in the 1st period, what happened to coming out on home ice with some intensity. When will this team learn how to beat the trap?
Ex and #77 are really struggling, one should sit when Pop is ready.
Also, put Lehtonen in goal and leave him there, this team will only go as far as he takes us. Moose has done a good job, it’s time for him to return to the backup role and spell Kari from time to time.
By George
December 14, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
When is the roster freeze? I agree I want to see #10 back on the ice for us and hopefully sooner than later, before Xmas would be fine with me. Also I loved that kid line, lots of energy!!
By George
December 14, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Oh and I forgot I am tired of hearing about Holik being so good on the face-offs. That’s great that he is so good on face-offs but he is losing us games regardless of winning those face-offs. COme on!! He gets pd. 4M for his faceoffs!!!