AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFill the extra roster spot
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, the lines we talked about yesterday were in tact today at the morning skate as were the defensive pairings. So no surprise there. As expected, Kari Lehtonen is in goal. I grabbed him in the hallway this morning to ask about the unveiling of his new goalie mask. Evidently that’s on hold. He’s still waiting for it, and his order became less of a priority for the company after his injury. So those of you waiting for Lehtonen’s new mask will have to wait a little longer.
Besides this being a big divisional game, the Thrashers absolutely need to stop this losing streak. The key in the parity-filled NHL is to limit those losing streaks as much as possible. You’re going to lose games, you’re going to lose some in a row, but you don’t want to get beyond three or four if possible. Now, it’s not like teams are pulling away while the Thrashers are losing, because they’re not. But if you can limit the losing streaks and tread a little water when you’re not playing well, that’ll go a long way.
So let’s talk about roster changes for a moment. Don Waddell has some flexibility and said he might call up a player from Chicago based on what the team needs. Now granted, they need a little of everything, but which player in Chicago do you think could make the biggest impact? Let’s break it down:
Bryan Little - The team hasn’t won since they sent down Little, so maybe there’s the problem right there. We know what Little brings to the table at this point — he’s a pretty responsible player defensively, he’s not afraid to shoot but he was struggling to score. You could bring him back up and hope that a short stint in the minors helped his confidence and focus. Or…
Boris Valabik - The defense is struggling. The Thrashers have trouble clearing opponents from the front of the net. They could use another physical force on the blue line besides Garnet Exelby. Valabik would provide that. But then you’d have two extra defensemen assuming Mark Popovic is healthy (which he appears to be). Wouldn’t you prefer a forward. Someone like…
Brett Sterling - He’s been lighting things up in the AHL, scoring a ton of goals and the Thrashers could use some scoring help. But we know the issues: He’s best suited on the left wing and on a scoring line. Seats taken. Ilya Kovalchuk isn’t going anywhere and Slava Kozlov is probably better of on the second line with Marian Hossa then on the third line with Bobby Holik. So where the heck do you put Sterling?
The others: Let’s see, you could call up Jordan LaVallee to give your forwards more size. He could skate on the checking line. Anyone else? Ondrej Pavelec? Darren Haydar? Which current member of the Wolves do you think could make the biggest impact right now?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By George
December 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Pleeeez Little??!!!!!
By ToF
December 18, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Do I get to be first??
Give Sterling a shot on a line with Hossa. I know Kozy is getting paid to play on the second line, but he isn’t producing. I don’t care who is getting payed what, the win is what matters!
By Alan
December 18, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
But then you’d have two extra defensemen assuming Mark Popovic is healthy
Making the case for Valabik is easy:
Healthy scratches: Zhitnik and McCarthy.
I agree though, Atlanta needs a little of everything. I’m of the opinion that a great defense will drastically reduce the amount of SOG the opponents get on us, which will reduce the number of goals opposing teams score on us.
By BG33Brown
December 18, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
I still believe sending Little down was a dumb move. Now that being said, who should they bring up. I think it depends on when Popovic will be healthy. If he isn’t playing immediatley, I think you bring up Valabik.
As Falconer posted on his blog, the offense has been inconsistant, but the D has just be terrible. (Of course the Goaltending has something to do with that).
The best solution is to bring all 3 up. Waive McCarthy (or Zhit-don’t know the ramifications for next year in regards to his contract). Put Little as the 2nd line center (playing him with Hossa might be the only way to prove to Hossa that we will have a good center for him next year) and put sterling on that LW. Drop Slava to the 3rd or 4th line and scratch Slater.
By Bob
December 18, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Sit Zhitnik and skate Valabik. Pops in for McCarthy as well.
By Timmy
December 18, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Why not bring up Little and Sterling and try to roll 3 lines capable of scoring? Our bottom two lines are producing nothing in the 20 minutes/game they are on the ice… and it’s not exactly like they have great +/- numbers. I know the whole “shut down the oppositions top line” deal, but that’s not happening right now. Why not try something else?
By Russ
December 18, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Call up John Anderson to replace the coach.
By FormerIslesFan
December 18, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Okay, my $.02.
As far as I know, nothing has changed in terms of opening up a spot for Sterling on his “natural” wing position, so until that happens, I don’t think he is a realistic call-up.
While I really like Little, I think he still needs some seasoning for the better part of this season.
For the last few games I’ve been to, the one thing that has been GLARING at me is the lack of hitting (outside of Ex) and the lack of size. Watching our guys getting muscled off the puck and simply out hit, especially in blue land, is hard.
So, what about Valabik? I really like this guy despite what appears to be some problems with his skating from what I read. However, we need to get someone else up here that is not afraid to clear out the crease and will not hesitate to put the hit on someone when needed. Interestingly, I’ve heard no discussion about the possibility of using Valabik like Ottawa used Zdeno Chara during his time there and station him as a 6’7” screen in front of the net (at least while the second unit is on the ice). Again, as mentioned above, how do you justify bringing him up here when the “D” spots seem taken. Much as I hate it, sitting Zhit at his salary makes no sense. I honestly think he has to be traded/waived. McCarthy has done little to earn his spot.
In my opionion, that leaves LaVallee. I’m not sure what the reason(s) was (were) for him not making the lineup on opening day, but I think it may very well be his time. Granted, we already have a lot of 3rd and 4th line players, and I’m not sure that LaVallee is more than that.
So, there you have it.
By ToF
December 18, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
FIF I’ve noticed that we tend to not finish out checks too. I would let Lavallee skate with Thorburn and tell them to do nothing but hit people. I can deal with being a small team, size doesn’t win by itself. If we can make ourselves “hard to play against” by hitting anyone who touches the puck, I think teams will have to change how they play us.
We have really just been overwhelmed by our opposition these last few games. Too many people skating too much in our own zone. You put an opposing player or two on their arse and they tend to back off a little bit. Also, can we institute the trap. It does win games after all (only joking).
By Brian
December 18, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Of the players mentioned, Little is the best, but I would not call him up if I had to choose 1. Little is only going to help us on the top 2 lines, he’s not a checking center or enforcer type. Now, the improvement of Little over Perrin or White is going to be minimal. However, the improvement of a D-man over Zhitnik might be tremendous the way he is playing now. Or McCarthy. Even if it is for a couple games and make Zhitnik a healthy scratch, that may work. The only gamble is do you want a fresh rookie with no experience called up as you are trying to end a losing streak? With that said, Sterling could be a safe pick, give him a few minutes here and there, you don’t have to sit a player (whereas a d-man must sit, you don’t want 7 on the bench).
By 12345
December 18, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
I agree with Boris being brought up.
We are considered a soft team to play, meaning little hard checking or fighting etc…
Boris, despite being a bit slow afoot, would end that right there, would love to see him punish say Holwig or Roy or Brashear would be a step forward.
Would like to see Sterling back on LEFT wing. What more can he prove in the AHL ? I feel he would bring more to the back of the others teams net if on left wing.
Little as well, he skates and hustles, something several other of our forwards could do a little more of.
This would mean say releasing Larsen or Hopefully Holik, Zit or Mc.
Something needs to be done to send a strong MESSAGE to the players step it up. We are NOT a great team or a contender, but with a few changes we could avoid being in the Eastern Conference BASEMENT… Where we are now for all intent and purposes.
And an owner said They Want To See Improvement… Well pal so far this aint it, so check with the worthless GM on that ASAP Please !
By 12345
December 18, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
I agree with Boris being brought up.
We are considered a soft team to play, meaning little hard checking or fighting etc…
Boris, despite being a bit slow afoot, would end that right there, would love to see him punish say Holwig or Roy or Brashear would be a step forward.
Would like to see Sterling back on LEFT wing. What more can he prove in the AHL ? I feel he would bring more to the back of the others teams net if on left wing.
Little as well, he skates and hustles, something several other of our forwards could do a little more of.
This would mean say releasing Larsen or Hopefully Holik, Zit or Mc.
Something needs to be done to send a strong MESSAGE to the players step it up. We are NOT a great team or a contender, but with a few changes we could avoid being in the Eastern Conference BASEMENT… Where we are now for all intent and purposes.
And an owner said They Want To See Improvement… Well pal so far this aint it, so check with the worthless GM on that ASAP Please !
By Barry
December 18, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
If we could somehow trade or get rid of either McCarthy or Zhitnik that would make that an easy choice. Popovic plays better than either of those two. Bring up Valabik. BUT it seems that’s not going to work. I like LaVallee. He’s a hard nose hard worker and more physical. I think that the Thrashers are hurting with size and players being physical. We are losing those one on one battles and those board battles. I think Little needs some more time in Chicago at least to get in more of an offensive rythm and sharpen his game more. I think Sterling could do better second go around IF he could play LW which is his natural position and what he feels comfortable with BUT do you stick him on 3rd or 4th line cause that’s the only place he could play on this team. So I say LaVallee.
By ToF
December 18, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Brian If you are worried about inexperience on the blueline there is always Pilar or Kwiatowski. I would suggest waiving Zhit, but nobody would pick him up. I think we could get something back for Stevie Mac (like a 5th/6th round draft pick), but that would free up some roster space. Honestly, I think the fact that so many players are playing like they don’t give a flying !@#$ is more detrimental to the team than any lack of talent.
By GSU-Lee
December 18, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
I honestly wouldn’t mind Valabik or Sterling. I think the size of big Boris would be a welcome addition to the blueline but Sterling could maybe generate a spark. Who knows, but I think Sterling has earned his chance back, and I think Little might have something to gain by being in Chicago for at least a few weeks. That’s my two cents anyway.
By Brian
December 18, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
ToF - stroz has been pushing for Kwiatkowski as well, I was really focusing on the players Craig mentioned. The moral of the story is that even though Little is the best player, get your hands on a d-man instead…
By Jsmooth
December 18, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
LITTLE!!! No contest. Bring the kid up to play with Ilya and Recchi. He sees the ice well and can keep up with Kovy on the rush. White isn’t a great face-off guy anyway so I’d rather have Little who is equally defensively responsible and as good of a playmaker already at the age of 19. The difference? Kovy will actually convert on the chances that Sterling and Perrin couldn’t.
Bump Holik down to the 4th line because that’s where he belongs now. Make that our checking / enforcer line with Boulton and Slater on the wing rather than center. Just tell them to hit anything that moves and harass the other team’s 2nd and 3rd lines when they’re out there. Do not let them go against any team’s first line!
Move White to the 3rd line between Thorburn and Dupuis and see if they can outwork the other team’s 1st and 2nd lines to improve puck possession when Kovy or Hoss isn’t out there. It doesn’t matter if they score or not as long as they are back-checking like crazy and making life difficult for the other team’s top lines.
As for the 2nd line, no reason Perrin can’t help Kozzy and Hossa rekindle their chemistry from last year. He’s playing every bit as well as Belanger did when he was here and probably wins more faceoffs.
As for the defense, who the hell knows because 4 of the 6 aren’t even good enough to play on the 3rd pairing of another NHL team.
By Maal
December 18, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the D is struggling, but I don’t know that Valabik is really what we need to fill that void. In a perfect world, Waddell should trade McCarthy, Hedberg and a bag of pucks to either Philly for Jason Smith, or Ottawa for Anton Volchenkov. Altho Volchy’s hurt right now so he wouldn’t be the best choice. But we need a d-man on top of his game, not someone who’s… enh at best. This team has won as-is, and won big. They just need to step it up as a whole. Players going through the revolving door isn’t necessarily the answer.
By kevin
December 18, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Valabik for McCarthy! Sterling and Little for Slater and Larson. Skate Little between Dupuis and Sterling and Holik between Bolton and Thorburn. Send Slater to Chicago, that will be a wake up call for everyone. The 4th line will be a physical line and Holik can still be used on faceoffs throughout the game and then straight to the bench for the change.
By J
December 18, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
This is fun, I’d actually really like to see this:
Kovy-Little-Haydar Sterling-White-Hossa Recchi-Perrin-Kozlov Thorbourn-Holik-Slater
Havelid-Enstrom Exelby-Klee Valabik-Popovic
By R. Stroz
December 18, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Line up the following players and the first two players across the finish line win a job with the Thrashers:
Valabik, Zhitnik, Kwiatkowski, and McCarthy
By Jsmooth
December 18, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
R Stroz — good idea there. Let’s see who really wants it more. Perhaps we should add a few obstacles (like bodies to check) to see who gets there first! My money is on Boris and Stevie Mac. Although I’ve never seen Boris play. Seems like everyone is in love with the kid so he’s gotta be better than Zhitnik right??
By Brendan
December 18, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
Jordan LaVallee. How’s that for brevity?
By Thrashers27
December 18, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
I hate being a “negative nelly”, but Mac has to go. Cut him loose and bring up Boris and Little, or Sterling.
By Waffleboy
December 18, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Which current member of the Wolves do you think could make the biggest impact right now? This is the critical question, but not necessarily the right one. The real question is “What deal could make the biggest impact right now?” It’s simply time fro DW to pull off a big deal and shake this team up. Trade someone who is “untradeable” and kick the rest op the team in the rear end and get the playing at Ilya’s level. Either that or trade Ilya to Toronto so he can finally get the recognition he deserves.
By Waffleboy
December 18, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
BTW Ilya has fallen behing Ovechkin in all-star voting. What a joke. VOTE FOR ILYA!
By zimthrasher
December 18, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Sterling or LaVallee over Larsen in that third line position. I know Brett isn’t that polished defensively, but some scoring punch in the bottom six might be worth the chance.
Line experiment looking good right now… Recchi has some chemistry with Kovalchuk and Hoslov look to have rekindled their magic… atleast for one period.
By Russian
December 18, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
So far so good. 4:1 after second period. Kovy made a big mistake on PP. I hope he can fix that to score couple goals :-) Let’s go Blue
By Jameson
December 18, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Brendan, you feeling okay?
By Waffleboy
December 18, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Another friggin’ shorthanded assist for Perrin. Kovy is just amazing. Todd White was +5.
By Russian
December 18, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Good game. I know why we won this game, because Luba Kovalchuk was watching us. Remember last year Kari parents were there and Kari played imazing hockey. I hope she will stay to end of season. :-)
By LAC
December 18, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Great Game tonight, played a very solid game.
How do we play so well,like tonight, then lay an egg in others… Odd.
Gotta say Mc and Zit looked good tonight and played with poise and fire… Real nice to see.
Kovy… Well could we Expect less… NO, another solid game, and even Slava showed a bit of passion as well.
KL made those great early saves or otherwise… Let’s not go there.
But one concern, we were still outshot by 10 I believe… A good Game, will take a GREAT game thursday night to keep a new winning streak alive !
By Hockeyfan
December 18, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Craig what was the Atlanta media thinking giving Steve-o the first star? Seriously. 2 assists is now first star worthy? I can understand Slava for the GWG. I could understand X for some nice hits and a goal. I could also understand Thorburn for a goal and a fight. Granted Steve had his best game this season but is that really saying much?
Bring up Jordan and sit Larsen or Slater.
By Brendan
December 18, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Nice four point swing tonight over Tampa. Kari made big saves when called up to do so. The scoring was very balanced. The only negative on the evening were the two “special teams” goals by Tampa. Exelby and McCarthy were +3 on the evening.
By Brian
December 19, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Jordan LaVallee. How’s that for brevity?
Brendan - I’m just logging on today, I didn’t keep up with the rest of yesterday’s posts. What’s that in reference to?
By Bob
December 19, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
McCarthy was 1st star? That’s ludicrous.
Tampa’s d is about as bad as ours, but they have Boyle out, no?
Let’s see how the new lines and pairings look against Ottawa, we need a big game out of Kari as well.
By Brian
December 19, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Bob - from a purely objective standpoint, McCarthy was one of 3 players to have 2 points (Kovy, McCarthy & Perrin) on a night when scoring was very spread out, he was tops with +3 for the night (McCarthy & Exelby) and was involved on the first goal. That doesn’t sound ludicrous at all that he would be considered for the 1st star. Kari got the 2nd star and Kovy got the 3rd. I wouldn’t complain about that at all…
By Adam
December 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Here’s a trade to ponder…
Brett Sterling & Zhitnik or McCarthy to Nashville for Shea Weber and a pick.
I lean towards McCarthy, even after last nights 1st star.
It fills a void for the Preds at left wing and gets rid of some of the dead weight we have on D putting a young big body on the blue line for us. Kids got wheels too…
What do you guys think?
By Craig Custance
December 19, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Hockeyfan: Quite honestly, I don’t know who votes for the 3 stars. The AJC’s policy is that I don’t vote for things like that, so I’m not the one making the news. So, I can’t help you there.
By Thrasher_Ed
December 19, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Craig, I believe I’ve heard in the past that the TV/Radio crews help make the selections for the 3 Stars of the Game. Darren Eliot was glowing over Mac last night. I must say the first game after the line changes was encouraging. The stat that concerns me most is the 114 Goals allowed by the Thrashers, the most in the league. Also tied with Carolina and Tampa for most games allowing 6 Goals against.
Adam - I don’t like the idea of giving up Sterling or any of our young players(Little,Pop,etc.) I agree with a lot of the bloggers here that we need to make some changes, but I really think we must start to develop more of our own players and selectively jump into the UFA/RFA market for need areas. Look no further than the Braves for how important it is to grow your own players. We need to be more selective as to who we sign as free agents and not just make the splashy signing for big bucks with no results i.e. Bobby Holik(4 yrs at 4.25per) Steve Rucchin, etc..
By Thrasher Ryan
December 19, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Craig—2 we have 2 open spots for callups or 1? If only 1 I’d try Valabik just to get a good look at him for a few games. If we have 2, I’d go with Valabik and either Lavallee or Desbiens, for the same reason as above.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 19, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Adam—No trades will go down until after the 27th, due to the NHL’s roster freeze.
By stendec
December 19, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Was this a breakout offensive performance Craig? If not, it certainly was needed! Well done KL. I am a major critic of KL due to his lack of focus, maturity, toughness and killer instinct. However, he was extremely sharp in win over TB. With experience, perhaps he would not have allowed that shorthanded tally. KL more than pulled his weight with two goals surrendered. PK still weak. PP still in Twilight Zone. Shot-shy Thrashers must gun puck. Do not be afraid to shoot! Perfect goals are far rarer than slop or garbage goals. Take a chance! Win out in December. IT IS ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST! Merry Christmas all.