AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSplitting up Kovalchuk and Hossa
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, a shout out to Delta for getting me on a 7 a.m. flight out of Ottawa before the storm hit up there on Sunday. Because of that, I’m sitting here at Thrashers practice instead of an airport in Canada somewhere trying to make it South. Oh yeah, I take back all the complaining I did about the 70 degree weather in Atlanta last week because I didn’t feel like it was wintry enough. I got enough winter in Ottawa to last awhile.
So, four consecutive losses, I think it’s safe to say we can expect some changes. What are they? We’ve seen the last of Kovalchuk and Hossa on the same line, for now. The addition of Mark Recchi gives Kovalchuk a potential scorer on the right wing, so that enables Don Waddell to move Hossa back to the second line. Perhaps this will help spark Slava Kozlov and boost Marian Hossa’s production. Hoss hasn’t been bad, but I don’t think he’s approached the production he had at this time last season. He’s on pace for under 80 points this season. Last year at this time, he was one of the most dominating players in the game. That hasn’t been the case this year.
Defensively, look for Alexei Zhitnik to be paired with Ken Klee and for Garnet Exelby to skate with Steve McCarthy. Mark Popovic practiced and said he felt great out there but Waddell said he’s most likely a game away from returning to the ice.
You saw the move to send Darren Haydar down to Chicago. It’s obvious now that if something happens to one of the Thrashers forwards, Haydar is probably no longer the answer. I wonder how long until Brett Sterling, who has been lighting it up in Chicago, gets another shot at the NHL? in 19 games since being sent to Chicago, Sterling has 15 goals and nine assists. But again, where do you put him? Bryan Little had two goals on Saturday in the Wolves 10-2 blowout over Iowa. Expect somebody to get the call from Chicago, although Don said it wouldn’t happen before Tuesday’s game against the Lightning. He said he’d evaluate how the team responded to these changes and see where the team needed help. He said the addition could be at center, wing or defensively. So basically, he ruled out Ondrej Pavelec. So let the speculation begin. He did indicate that any player added in the next couple days would be from Chicago and not through a trade.
Fun on the Internet: See, now this is the kind of stuff the Thrashers need to be doing after wins to capture the hearts of the Atlanta fans. Okay, maybe not, but it sounds like there is a great atmosphere after wins for the MHC Martin team in the Slovnaft Extraleague. I want one of those jerseys, those are fantastic. Check out the YouTube clip. And you know you’ve always wondered it: Could an NHL team ever put a really fat guy in goal? This is a book excerpt from the Wall Street Journal, and it’s very well done. There are a couple great lines while author Todd Gallagher answers the question. Including: “…From Johanna’s veiled threats it was clear that this idea had merit, so I decided to continue researching how to ruin pro hockey forever. And no, that doesn’t mean seeing if I could get their Versus deal extended.” The excerpt comes from the book ‘Andy Roddick Beat me With a Frying Pan.’
New Euro league? A Russian tycoon and former NHL great Igor Larionov are starting a new European hockey league that will supposedly compete with the NHL. It’s a pretty ambitious goal, and usually these league don’t pan out. But at the very least it could help drive salaries. Can you imagine if that league was around now, and Ilya Kovalchuk got a huge offer to play for Moscow? That’s all the NHL needs. What do you think the chances are of that league making it? Great line from Waddell today concerning this new league. He joked, “Maybe they’ll need a coach.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Alan
December 17, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Not what I was hoping for, but I think this is a step in the right direction. Waddell needs to shake things up and get this team moving in the right direction in the standings. Detroit beat… err, I mean plays Washington tonight, so we have a chance to gain two points on them tomorrow. Maybe moving Hossa down to the second line will help improve second line production, as well as overall scoring chances.
By GaVaHokie
December 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
I was starting to think this after the Toronto loss on Friday… they may need to put Perrin with Kovy and Recchi… White, Kozlov and Hossa on the second.
I don’t think any kind of shuffling is going to help defense right now. McCarthy should be waived… bring up Kwiatkowski or Valabik until Popovic is 100%.
By Russian
December 17, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
I do not know if it is a good idea. Everybody knows that most goals were scoring by First Line: Hossa-White -Kovy. Most scoring chanses were from First Line. Now DW split our scoring line. Who is going to put Puck on the net???? Slava is not as same as last year. He is sleeping with 3 years contract and No-Trade Clause. Hossa’s mind is already somewhere, but not in Thrasher Organization. He is not going to play for 75% his skills. He wants to trade in some PO team. He does not want to get hurt. That means First line may be good if Recchi will bust his a* and try to keep speed with Kovy. ( I do not think so) Second line will be scorless and just stay out of trouble. Bad, very Bad move.
By Russian
December 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Oh, I forgot about defence. Yeah right. Zhit and Lee will be terrible pair. Ex and Mac will not playing either. We are going to lose to Tampa. :-(
By Brian
December 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Craig - nice update. I actually like the idea of Hossa going down to the 2nd now that we have Recchi to go with Kovy. I can’t stand any idea that involves Zhitnik right now, although surprisingly Klee has been somewhat stable this season. Didn’t have time to read the article on the fat guy in goal, but it sounds like one of those gimmicks like an NFL team putting a sumo wrestler on the o-line (which Al Davis had a proven reason why it wouldn’t work) or getting Yao Ming just to block field goals…
Given the buildup of the current Euro leagues, I don’t even want to think about a new Russian league.
By Alan
December 17, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Russian - I know what you mean, but it’s worth taking a look at. Gotta remember that Waddell is busting his a* trying to save his a*, so he’s going to try anything to get some wins under his belt.
By Jim
December 17, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Why in the world are we still playing Larsen and McCarthy. Forget bringing back just Sterling. How about Lavalle and Valabik to add some size and energy.
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Klee with Zhitnik, is that a joke?
Newsflash Don! - Zhitnik sucks!
Watch for Klee’s +/- ratio to go farther south quickly.
Is Forrest Gump available to run this team?
I have a challenge for Don, one scrimmage game, the Chicago Wolves vs. the Thrashers. I really would like to see which team wins.
By Alan
December 17, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Looking at the Chicago roster, there’s only one player on defense who is below 6ft tall, and his weight of 216 makes up for that. I think all these defenders can put a hurting on someone like none other. Valabik is definitely someone Waddell should bring up, though.
By Russian
December 17, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
one scrimmage game, the Chicago Wolves vs. the Thrashers. to Stroz I will pay money for ticket if it is happend. I said No today for free Tharesher tickets at Tuesday. No interesting to spend my time and energy for hockey team like that. ;-(
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Did I fall asleep and miss Christmas?
Is it April 1st?
By Brian
December 17, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
alan - I think the reason that Valabik isn’t up yet (from what I heard about his play) isn’t that they don’t like his size, but you can’t hit what you can’t catch. And if the NHL level players skate circles around him it might be a dangerous call up. Personally, I’d still be happy to see him, but look at the other school of thought on him.
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Russian - I’d pay to see the Chicago Wolves play the Thrashers as well.
Those kids would skate circles around Zhitnik, Klee, and Holik.
The only request I have is for Lehtonen to play goalie for the Thrashers. Nothing like a few monkey pucks.
By Craig Custance
December 17, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Stroz — C’mon now, the Thrashers have lost four straight, but they could handle the Wolves . The Thrashers would reach double-digits pretty easily in a game against Chicago.
Russian - I disagree, I think the Hossa-Kovalchuk split up should have happened a couple games ago. You’ve got to get Kozlov going, and playing with Hossa is the best way to do that. Recchi now gives a legit RW to play with Kovalchuk.
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Everyone this is a hilarious.
Just received in the mail a ThrashersTalk magazine with the caption reading YOUTH GONE WILD, Bryan Little Heads List of Impact Thrashers Rookies.
The rookies have gone wild alright, they turned into Wolves.
By George
December 17, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Pleeeeez bring Little back!!!!
By George
December 17, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Pleeeeez bring Little back!!!!
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Craig - Not if Kovy is chasing Desbians around the rink, Lehtonen is letting in monkey pucks, and Pavelec is playing goal for the Wolves.
The Thrashers should win; but, I think the game would be entertaining.
Besides with Zhitnik and Klee paired on defense, the Wolfpack line would have a feast.
By Alan
December 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
Brian - You might be right. I’m sure he could stand to improve his speed.
By Russian
December 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
To Craig I do not know, I hope you are right about this changes. I could not say what happend with players who was playing well on last season: Zhitnik (scored goals on PP), Kozlov (second best on the Team), Hossa (100 point last season), Hollik (best man on PO against Rangers). Last year we all screamed on Hartley to bring back McCarty, now what happend? I am not talking about new players. They are professional. They could not forget how playing hockey sudenly. They are veterans with years expirience. I never fogot how right Visual Basic code, because I am doing that every day, same as they are. I did not see the answer, What should be done?
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
I would rather have Boris, who brings a physical presence, learning at the NHL level costing us goals than Zhitnik, without a physical presence, getting slower costing us goals. We have upside with Boris.
Kwiatkowski is probably the safer bet to bring up from Chicago.
Either way, Zhitnik needs to sit, get sent down, or moved for a bag of pucks.
By Craig Custance
December 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Russian — What should be done? That’s the million dollar question. I think splitting up Kovalchuk and Hossa is a start. You need to get Kozlov going or else this season is toast. He plays well with Hossa, so I like that move. Second, I turn the goaltending duties to Kari. This team needs to find out if of this guy can be a bona-fide No. 1. I sit him down and say, Kari, no matter what happens, you’re our goalie for the next ten games (or whatever number you want there). Last, I’d try and get Zhitik going. You can’t split up Nick and Toby but you can put Z on a second pair and, again, say you’re gettin 23-24 minutes a game no matter what. Work it out. If they can’t get Slava, Zhitnik and Kari playing better, than the rest is moot.
By Alan
December 17, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
R. Stroz - A bag? You’ll be lucky if he fetches a single puck.
By Brian
December 17, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Alan & Stroz - perhaps we can pair Valabik with someone who will cover his mistakes (i.e. lack of speed). Wasn’t that the idea of putting X with Klee? Klee was, and has been, a stay at home d-man which allowed X to go out headhunting at times without worrying about someone not being back there to support. I don’t think you put him with Enstrom’s speed but something’s gotta work out…
By Russian
December 17, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
to Craig OK. Let give them try. What can we (fans) do? Let put Zhit to second line and give him 23 minutes to play. Hossa will play with his body Slava together. We will see at Tuesday. They have to bring some win. I am not talking 2-3 winns on thje road. Now I am talking 5-6 wins on the road. I have been on Phillips arena only 4 times on this season and Honestly I do not want to back for right now. If they are goign to play well, I will be first person stay to the line and get the tickets. :-)
By EROCK
December 17, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Custance… Recchi is too old and slow to keep up with Kovalchuk.Just because Recchi has put a few points on the board in a few games everybody thinks Recchi is an answer.He definitely is not.There was a reason Pittsburgh got rid of him..because he could not keep up with their speed. Only a few more games will show you that much.Waddell can keep shaking things up with the SAME players but in the end they are the SAME players.We are one of the oldest and smallest teams in the WHOLE LEAGUE !
By Russian
December 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
*to EROCK * Good point about Recchi! I was telling something since we took him. Second one I am agree that we are smellest team on League.
By Andy S
December 17, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t like the idea of X and Mac playing together since they look so similar to me that I won’t know who to blame when they pass the puck to the opposing forechecker.
I do like Hoss playing with Kozzy again. They seemed to key off of each other very well. Even though Hoss’s point production has gone up while he’s been paired with Kovy, I get the impression (no numbers though) that he’s getting assist passing to Kovy in the neutral zone and Kovy does something amazing to break in on goal and score.
Recchi with Kovy just seems like a good pairing too. Young and hot paired with old and something to prove.
Zhitnik and Mac being broken up is positive because the two of them were terrible together. They couldn’t make D-to-D passes reliably, much less clear the zone.
By TrueBlue
December 17, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Ex and McCarthy…hmm…who will go for the “big hit” first and then be out of position allowing a goal? Any bidders?
I did like Hossa and Kovy together…but they are way to similar…they are both goal scorers…you need a set up man (lecavalier/St. Louis) both ways…
I feel that Perrin would be amazing on Kovy and Recchis line…I have been saying put Perrin with Kovy for weeks now…Hossa and White have history…well, put white on the 2nd line…hes not producing (eh, a few OT GW…)
at least something new is going on…I was actually getting bored watching the same garbage play on the ice
By Nate
December 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
This season is getting dangerously close to flatlining. Two more losses and a need to call up the rookies to audition for next season will/should be in place. Don should move back to the front office, name McCrimmon the interim coach, and trade Hossa for picks/prospects.
By Nate
December 17, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
This season is getting dangerously close to flatlining. Two more losses in a row and a need to call up the rookies to audition for next season will/should be in place. Don should move back to the front office, name McCrimmon the interim coach, and trade Hossa for picks/prospects.
By Craig Custance
December 17, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
EROCK — The reason I think Recchi has a chance of fitting with Kovalchuk is that he can do a little more give and go than Hossa did. Tkachuk was old and slow, but was actually really effective with Kovalchuk. I can see Recchi being the same way. I mean, you have to do something.
By Brian
December 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Erock actually brings up a good point about Recchi. I was pumped as anyone on those Recchi goals against Boston. But, he has been getting his points on the PP. Not that I don’t want that fixed. But is he going to be able to produce at ES? Same goes for a good chunk of points Hossa has been putting up lately…
By Brian
December 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Craig - I will buy into that, but who are the centers going to be? Still White with Kovy/Recchi and Perrin with Hossa/Kozzy? Someone mentioned it above, I would rather have White on the #2 line.
By GaVaHokie
December 17, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Ugh, I get so tired of hearing the excuse of speed on a line for Kovalchuk.
It takes a little more than speed to play on the top line… otherwise we’d be golden with Perrin, Dupuis and Slater.
If Kovy is sprinting up ice, most likely, he doesn’t need Recchi… but when he establishes the zone (you know the other 90% of hockey that isn’t a fast break opportunity) he’ll need quality positional guys like Recchi who can finish a shot.
By Brian
December 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Hokie - nice point and I agree. I wasn’t trying to compare Recchi’s production as a speed vs. non-speed issue, I was thinking more along the lines of his production of PP vs. ES…
By Brendan
December 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
What I liked about Tkachuk was that he won puck battles in the corner. Recchi might be able to do that for Kovalchuk.
By Boomer
December 17, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Been thinking about it for a while, but when this team is ultimately rebuilt, it needs to be centered around Kovy. The Falcons tried to do it with Vick, and until he ran into the law, it seemed to work. Kovy is the anchor of this team and we will succeed or fail with him. He is going to put the puck in the net a ton, but he needs a supporting cast. If I’m DW, I’m turning to Kovy to ask about how he feels about potential players and coaches. As bad as Hartley’s hard-assed style was, someone needs to sit these guys down and light into them. I know that may mess up some of the offensive creativity that Ilya has had lately, but guys like Hossa and Kozlov need to hear it.
By five_hole
December 17, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
I personally like the idea of splitting Kovy & Hossa. Kozlov & Hossa have played together for a couple of years and had good chemistry together. The way Kovalchuk is playing, he could score in a convent (see attempt at humor).
My thought on Zhitnik (and trying to be positive): Get him stinking drunk for a few days. Let him sit (when Popovic comes back) in the press box for a week. I don’t think it’s physical with him as much as it is mental with him (at least I hope, given our investment). This is how Babe Ruth used to work himself out of slumps.
However, that being said, I would only carry him for so long before just cutting him from the roster and bringing up a kid. If he can’t shake himself out of it, you need to clear some cap space and see if Valabik or someone else can play up here.
By Brendan
December 17, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Boomer, you’re right on the money. Right now, if you had to pick one Thrasher and say, “This guy our future.” Wouldn’t it be Kovalchuk? Be honest. We won a “draft lottery” to get that asset, back in 2001. When 2010 arrives, Kovalchuk will be able to command, basically, whatever salary he wants.
Where does this leave Hossa? Well, truthfully, it probably leaves him making a TON of money playing for another team after this season. Hopefully this Russian league Craig referenced is just some “pipe dream.” Because if it could pay Kovalchuk $10 million, TAX FREE, a year, it’d be something Kovalchuk would have to seriously consider.
The only other Thrasher under contract past 2010 is … tah-dah!, Todd White. I think it’s safe to say the Thrashers aren’t banking their future hopes primarily on him.
Okay, someone of you are going to say that there ought to be enough money to secure Hossa over four years. Hmmn. Yes and no. Technically, the answer is “yes.” But the practical reality is that this team lacks “depth.” And tying up $15-16 million, in 2010, with Hossa and Kovalchuk, probably doesn’t reflect “good cap management,” in terms of having depth. That is, barring PHENOMENAL drafting of players still in their “capped” rookie contracts.
I doubt many of us WANT to see Hossa leave. But, it just might be advantageous to recoup that cap space and use it wisely. Six million dollars could get you two “quality” wingers or two “pretty decent” defensemen.
By Jsmooth
December 17, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
I like the move to split up Kovy and Hoss…it was a nice quick fix but due to our less than potent offensive firepower, we can’t afford to let teams load up their defense against our only true scoring line. Now, by putting Kovy with Recci, I think we’ll see how valuable a player like Recchi truly is (see KT last year); Recchi WILL win puck battles and Whitey can continue to be conservative in his approach to maintain the line’s defensive backchecking integrity).
As for Hoss getting bumped to the 2nd line, we need to get the good karma going again between Kozzy and Hoss. Perrin will win more face-offs than Krapanen or Slater so we’re as good if not better than last year on paper. But it all boils down to Kozzy’s ability to elevate his game and Hossa’s desire to be Blueland’s hero supreme again.
Good luck with the defensive pairing changes…yikes. Zhitnik and Klee TOGETHER!! Guess we have no other choice. Perhaps when Pops comes back he’ll get moved to the 2nd pairing with Z as he did seem to play better with Marc. Klee can be more effective on the 3rd pairing I believe. If Zhit can find his legs and start moving the puck again, then maybe there’s hope for the 2nd pairing. We shall see.
Go Thrashers!
By Thrasher Ryan
December 17, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
Craig—Because of Bryan McCabe’s injury, the Leafs are suddenly in need of some D-Men. They are still trying to shop Raycroft, also, as his stock keeps declining due to lack of takers. What do you think the chances are they would take Zhitnik off our hands for Raycroft and a pick or prospect? Or even straight up, McCarthy for Raycroft? I would prefer to dump Zhitnik more, seeing as Steve MC consistently hustles while Zhitnik consistently sucks. Your thoughts?
By Off the Pipe
December 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
I like the new lines, but the Thrashers can’t think of making the playoffs until they can consistently transition between zones. The Thrashers have four plus players for the season. Why are two of them now in Chicago? By the way, Enstrom’s +8 on this team is absolutely incredible.
By Russian
December 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Did anybody enjoy Detroit and Capitals game? It is BEATIFUL. Power Play goals, puck handle and great break of away passes. I just like it. And Important thing capital play very well, because SOG 22-21 Detroit. Why we are not playing like them????? Change line may be answer a question, but I do not think so.
By Russian
December 17, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Capital got a point, but we are going to stay in same place. It was Great game. Capiatls played very well against number one team. How badly we played with Ottawa. WHY?????
By Alan
December 17, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Russian - How badly we played with Ottawa. WHY?
A quiet offense and a terrible defense.
By stendec
December 18, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Hi Craig. As Bobby Dylan once sang, “The times, they are a-changing.” Time now to end this losing funk. Time for champions to PERFORM LIKE CHAMPIONS. Not chumps. Two points please. PLEASE. Getting primed for big game tonight. Most would not place in must-win category but I do. Last thing team with teetering psyche needs is another loss. Especially a lopsided one. Even I would start KL after last Moose debacle. What choice is there? However, if team has surrendered three goals at midway point yank his A++. Believe Thrashers must light things up four or more times to win. Need two points but would definitely require one. Shoot the puck at every opportunity. Fire from inside offensive zone, from center ice, from defensive zone or even from behind own goal. JUST SHOOT THE PUCK. Boomer once said 100 percent of shots not taken do not go in. Penalty killers must be aggressive. Seek those with puck to upset timing while shorthanded. About Thrasher power play. Is it possible to DECLINE penalties? Is Bobby Putridwino our power play strategist? Would not be surprised. Oh well, let us all enjoy the game. All it takes is one triumph to start a run the OTHER way. Merry Christmas!
By Thrasher Ryan
December 18, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
Kovalchuk-Perrin-Recchi
Kozlov-White-Hossa
Larsen-Holik-Thorburn
Boulton-Slater-Dupuis
Havelid-Enstrom
Exelby-McCarthy
Zhitnik-Klee
By ToF
December 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Bring Sterling and Little back up and let them play LW and C with Hossa. Is that really that difficult? If Recchi doesn’t work with Kovy, I say brign Haydar back up and give him a shot on Kovy’s wing.
By jeff
December 18, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
I just discovered that Slater is an old Cherokee indian name - it means “Skates fast, falls down”
By Alan
December 18, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
ToF - Good luck getting Haydar though re-entry waivers.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 18, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Holik to the penalty box at least 2 times tonight… (E5)
By ToF
December 18, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Alan If we do try and bring him up and someone snags him, great. He does not deserve to toil away in the AHL because the team who owns his rights has no interest in using him.
By Alan
December 18, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
I agree that should he get picked up, that it would be great for the team who snagged him, and I hope nothing but the best for him. He does deserve to play in the NHL. He’s not doing Kovy any good on another team, though. That’s all I’m saying.
By Brian
December 18, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
ToF & Alan - even if he doesn’t get back this year, his one-way deal is up and could go anywhere as a free agent next offseason, right? I know it sucks to wait but at least there’s hope…