Thrashers

By Sara

December 19, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Here’s to hoping we’ve sparked new life that will last longer than 15 games!

As for Simon, I thought they should have banned him after the Hollweg incident last year. Someone with that little control over their temper has no business playing a sport that leaves weapons readily available. He just proved my point again this weekend. League screwed this up big time. Last thing they need is another Bertuzzi incident to hit the mainstream media and tarnish hockey’s reputation even further.

By Russian

December 19, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I hope Kari will stay very sharp tomorrow. If we can beat Ottawa, players will believe to season not over yet. I gave them lot of criticals, but I am a Fan of Thrashers and want to see them success. We have to keep focus on Heatly and Specca, try to put pressure on Goalie and make them get penalize. I hope it will be intersting game tomorrow.

By Russ

December 19, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Jim Vendermeer was traded from Chicago to Philadelphia for Ben Eager. Vandermeer would have been a nice addition to the Thrashers blueline, especially if the asking price was only a fourth line winger. Vandermeer isn’t spectacular, but he’s a legitimate second pairing d-man.

By Alan

December 19, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Craig - Great reference to the Gordie Howe hat trick, there!

I’m betting that Simon would have been banned, had he and the Islanders not opted to give him time off to sort out his issues. I’d like to see him get some counseling or anger management sessions so we can see to it that Simon doesn’t bring that classless level of play back to the ice. I’d really like to see him come back to the game when he’s ready, and be successful.

Moving on, I’m not surprised to see Waddell didn’t call anyone up from Chicago. I believe Kari can keep the Senators scoring in check tomorrow night. But he will need some major help from the defense. Also, this is our house. Home turf. We need to score early and score often. We did it against TB, but can we do it against Ottawa? I believe we can do that, too.

By d

December 19, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

CC, I was thinking the same about the Southeast this morning. The last 3 teams in the East this morning are Washington, Atlanta, and Tampa. That said, you must admit there is a lot of mediocrity in both conferences and all divisions once you get past Detroit and Ottawa. The fight for the top 8 will once again be determined by injuries, trades, and who has a hot goalie in February and March.

By Craig Custance

December 19, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

d - You’re right, for sure. I’m also basing that conclusion on having seen most of the teams in the east at this point. But Washington is playing better and so is Florida. I do think the division will be hard-pressed to get two teams in the playoffs again this season.

By Brendan

December 19, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers have surrendered 114 goals, the Lightning 113, and the Hurricanes 111. The Los Angeles Kings have 113 goals against, last time I checked.

So? Well, the Southeast Division also boasts some of the game’s most potent scorers (Ovechkin, Lecavalier, Kovalchuk, Semin, Richards, St. Louis, Hossa, Brind’Amour, Staal, Backstrom, Jokinen, Horton, Weiss). And while they’re racking up goals, they commit defensive lapses that result in goals against.

Short answer to the blog topic: “No, Kari can’t steal one against Ottawa.” It’ll take a total team effort to win. And if recent history is any sort of guide, Lehtonen’s mental “focus” wanes in successive games. That said, if he plays like he did vs. Tampa Bay, then he at least gives the Thrashers a chance to beat Ottawa. “We will sink or swim with Kari Lehtonen.”

By Craig Custance

December 19, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Brendan: There’s no arguing the offensive talent in the division, but ultimately how do you think it stacks up across hockey?

By The Falconer

December 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

If we ignore shootouts and treat them as ties. Thrashers record looks like this: Southeast Division 8-5-0, Rest of NHL 4-12-4

In terms of scoring we have outscored the Southeast Division teams 44-39= +5 but we are getting killed by rest of the NHL 45-74= -29

Yes, our division is weak and we must beat non-division teams to make the playoffs.

By Brian

December 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Craig - great article again, I just disagree that no other division in the East has losing records. That’s because they are getting OT points. Yes, Toronto has 34 pts in 33 games, but that is a losing record when figuring that 14-13-7 is really a .412 winning % (and a losing record)

Habs, Pens & Isles also have losing records.

As well, the Thrashers and Bolts are just 1-3 pts under the pts/gm = 1 ratio, the Leafs, Sabres, Flyers, Pens & Isles are just 1-3 pts over that same ratio, so .500 just happens to be the breakpoint. A few games here or there can totally flip-flop that whole scenario…

Carolina is a true #3, not just a #3 because the #4 - #6 aren’t division leaders.

Finally, let’s all say it again, 2 out of the last 3 Stanley Cup champs came from the SE.

By Bob

December 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

The SouthLeast is keeping the Thrashers’ record respectable right now. We are going to hate it when they go back to a more balanced schedule, is that next season or the following?

Lehtonen needs to step up a steal a game here tomorrow. And Saturday.

By HairyHeckler

December 19, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Think Simon has ‘roid rage?

By Brendan

December 19, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Offensively, I think the Southeast Division stacks up well against the rest of the league. It’s just that, defensively, it does not.

TB’s motto is “Safe is death.” And for them, it’s true. They can’t rely on goaltending or defense, now that Boyle is hurt, indefinitely, to be any kind of saftety net. So, they must “run-n-gun” to win games, with a “relentless” forecheck. Atlanta, in its entire history, has never been regarded as a defensively-sound team. In the year that Carolina won the Stanley Cup, they did so with a WHOPPING 260 goals against, when the previous “blueprint” for a Stanley Cup Champion was >250 goals scored while giving up < 200. I think Tampa was 263 GF and 192 GA in their Championship season, in 2004. But I’d have double-check that. My memory is hazy. But, a “full-throttle” offense can, theoretically, be the best defense. Puck control, dictating the pace of play, and wicked special teams, can be enough to win, even in playoff games. But, I subscribe to the philosophy that says, “more often than not, DEFENSE wins Championships in hockey.” I think the concerns you’ve raised about the SE division are valid ones that just might prevent the division champion from advancing deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

By Thrasher Ryan

December 19, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Can Lehtonen steal one against Ottawa?

If he takes his Ritalin again like last night, I would think that is quite possible.

By Brendan

December 19, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Hairyheckler, if true, let’s hope Chris Simon doesn’t pull a Chris Benoit.

Anyone know if Chris Simon is still getting PAID while serving this suspension?

By HairyHeckler

December 19, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Brendan

I said it tongue and cheek only partially. I really would hate to see the sport get further marginalized by that kind of revelation.

I don’t believe he is getting paid during the suspension period.

By A.J.

December 19, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

What was up with the scoring on the first goal last night?

Originally they said it was Larson on a deflection, and I was sitting in that corner, it sure looked like one, but they changed it to Exelby.

Did Larson not get it?

Did anyone have a better angle than me or see it on TV?

By GSU-Lee

December 19, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

I agree that the Southeast is by far the worst division in hockey. It really isn’t even close. The east itself is the weaker conference…I think that the west will win the cup this year….probably Craig’s precious Red wings…

By Hockeyfan

December 19, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Craig The Islanders are as much to blame as Simon. They could have not brought him back after his suspension last year but did. Maybe years from now in some court papers filed by Ruutu we will learn that he was told to take Ruutu out. I say throw him out of hockey and take Bertuzzi with him.

Here’s hoping everything goes well for us tomorrow.

By Nix

December 19, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I watched the game on TV and never saw it from an angle that made it clear to me if Larsen touched it. Who knows?

By Tony C.

December 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

I think he [Lehtonen]can do it-now let’s dream a little dream:

The Kid has 1 goal or a shutout game against the Sens…this would be huge HUGE I say, confidence will soar, the guys in front will know that The Kid is more than talent and a bad haircut, it’d just be great for all around team morale…

…My question remains though (and think I’m going back to last season here) “What is Thrashers’ Hockey???“….as soon as the team fdigures this out, well then I know of at least one team that can step away from the SouthLEAST moniker.

GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

December 19, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

I think he [Lehtonen]can do it-now let’s dream a little dream:

The Kid has 1 goal or a shutout game against the Sens…this would be huge HUGE I say, confidence will soar, the guys in front will know that The Kid is more than talent and a bad haircut, it’d just be great for all around team morale…

…My question remains though (and think I’m going back to last season here) “What is Thrashers’ Hockey???“….as soon as the team fdigures this out, well then I know of at least one team that can step away from the SouthLEAST moniker.

GO BLUE !!!

By HairyHeckler

December 19, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I was also sitting in the corner (122) and it looked like it ramped up off Larson’s stick.

By Tony C.

December 19, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Apologies for X2 post…also, I think Simon just gets crazy…You have to like the way Wang has handled this situation though…maybe he (Wang) isn’t as crazy as we all think

By Brendan

December 19, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Eight years from now, when Rick DiPietro is riding the pine for $4.5 million, Charles Wang will be asked why on Earth he ever signed a goalie to a 15-year contract.

By BG33Brown

December 19, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

In a word, No Kari can’t steal one. In fact, when was the last time you said, man without Kari playing unreal, we wouldn’t of won that game? Any ideas?

By The Falconer

December 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Brendan:

When Tampa won the cup their offense ranked 3rd and defense ranked 10th. They were pretty solid on defense that season.

When Carolina won the Cup their Offense was 3rd and their defense was 19th (that is probably the worst defensive ranking to win the Cup since Mario’s Penguins did it.

By Tony C.

December 19, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Brendan:

I don’t know-DiPietro has had consistent progress each season-first month and a half of this season he pretty much carried his team-let’s just follow the stats on a curve…in eight years he will be playing about like he is now…albeit on the downslope of his career-still he seems more than capable of being a true #1 NHL goalie for at least the next 10-12 seasons…maybe not the money goalie, but a solid #1 (I think he could be one of those money-type guys though)…and @ 4.5M, chances are it’d be on the cheap…I mean how much is KL going to look for this summer???

Anyway, the above is the sunny-day version-but not exactly UNlikely

GO BLUE !!!

By kracker

December 19, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Sure Kari can win us a game vs the Sens. We are at home. He is talented. The Sens lost seven in a row only a few games ago. Seven…although three were tied after three periods.

By stendec

December 20, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

KL has the ABILITY to play well if not spectacular in net. The youngster can also look lost, bewildered and totally in LaLa Land at times. That is so aggravating. Will KL Jekyll or KL Hyde be between the pipes in a few hours? No one knows. Probably not even KL. Babe goalie should be allowed safety margin of three goals. After that yank his A++! If KL is going to be THE netminder he has to earn it. The Thrashers CANNOT afford to be EMBARRASSED again! Psyche far too fragile for that. Do well KL. Stay ready Moose! Merry Christmas all. GO BLUE!

By Scott

December 20, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

This season has been a disappointment. What direction does the team have? Kozlov has been bad this year and Hossa hasn’t been great. Our forth line guys have been good and Kovy has been good, that’s it.

By Brendan

December 20, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Tony C., my point is this: It’s UNNECESSARY risk. Huh? Well, in a nutshell, locking up a goalie for 15 years … essentially means one of two things: the GM (and owner) thinks (1) he’s got the the goalie of his generation* (think Brodeur, Roy, Dryden, Esposito, Hasek) and hopes to economize a bit with a longterm, low-ball contract or (2) that no other goaltender of his caliber will ever become available over the next 15 years for the organization. (That’s kind of a depressing way to view the future, however.)

That’s my best “guess” as to what Charles Wang was thinking when agreed to bless a 15-year deal in 2006, six (6) years after the Islanders drafted DiPietro 1st overall, in 2000.

I can’t righly tell you whose “brain child” this DiPietro contract was. It might have been Wang’s idea and his lickspittle GM Garth Snow went along for the ride. Or, it could have been the “not-so-former” Isles GM, Mike Milbury’s idea, who hangs around the organization as a “senior advisor” for owner Charles Wang. The Isles’ public policy is a “rule by committee” approach.

By Brendan

December 20, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

Falconer, right you are about those Mario-led Penguins! In 1991 and 1992, both Stanley Cup-winning years, the Pens GA were 305 and 308 respectively. In 1991, the Pens were the 4th worst GA violators at 305. Vancouver gave up 315, Toronto, 318, and Quebec, a WHOPPING 354. By 1992, not much had changed. The Pens’ 308 goals against was only worse by comparison to Quebec at 318 and expansion team, San Jose, at a ridiculous 359. Such were the growing pains of the young Sharks franchise. The next year, in 1993, the Sharks, in 84 games, would surrender 414 goals (!!). (Good enough for 3rd worst of all-time.)

Montreal, which won the Cup in 1993, gave up 280 goals. Colorado, which won the Cup in 1996, gave up 240. And the Hurricanes, in 2006, surrendered 260.

If anyone’s the “curious sort,” from the Cliff Claven files comes this juicy nugget. The WORST goals against of all-time belongs to the hapless expansion team of 1974-75, the Washington Capitals, who gave up a STAGGERING 446 goals over 80 games played. Folks, that’s over 5.5 goals-per-game, on average. “Now you know the REST of the Story,” (TM, Paul Harvey News, all rights reserved.)

By Brendan

December 20, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this

Tony C., I suspect Kari Lehtonen is not going to get nearly what a 2nd overall pick might expect in his RFA contract renewal. I have the feeling that his recurring groin injuries are going to drastically reduce his contract. Remember in 2006, Kari’s agent said he was seeking $5 million for Lehtonen. Didn’t they “settle” on something like $2 million a year, for two-years.

The truth is, Kari’s only gotten one playoff berth with his tenure with the Thrashers and it wasn’t a stellar campaign for him (7-0, in Game 3 vs. NY Rangers, a bobbled puck in Game 1, resulted in the game-losing goal, and made Hartley turn to “Moose” for Game Two.)

Kari’s numbers this year aren’t that great. And unless he improves them dramatically, he doesn’t even have very good “trade value.” Unless Kari gets an RFA offer sheet, he’s not looking at good money this Summer. If another team came in with an offer sheet of $3.8 million over four years, I’m not entirely sure Waddell would even match it.

Are we “comfortable” with a 4-year contract extension for Kari? Or our we a little more comfortable with a two-year extension, to further evaluate him. Especially with young Pavelec in the system, ready to challenge him for the starting job.

By Brendan

December 20, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this

I meant, $3.8 million per year. Not $3.8 million over four years. Yeah, Waddell would match that!!! I’m pretty confident about that one. That’d be less than a million a year. Kari wouldn’t sign such an offer sheet. He’d probably spit on it. Or worse, if he’d recently consumed a good deal of coffee or soda.

By Brendan

December 20, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

Err, make that “are we” rather than “our we.” It’s late. I invoke the 3:00 AM rule.

By Sara

December 20, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this

Brendan I suspect that Kari’s next contract is going to be another short one. While his negotiating stance has improved somewhat from last go ‘round in that he has basically remained healthy over the last two seasons, he is still not putting up strong enough numbers to justify a high dollar figure. From his agent’s perspective, it would be preferable to take the lower dollar figure he knows they’re going to have to accept over a shorter duration and hope Kari finally comes into his own consistently over that time period. If he does, then not only will he be able to argue for a sizable increase, he’ll be able to do it as a UFA. The plus side for the team in that is by that time Pavs will likely be NHL ready so if Kari stinks, we can let him go and replace him or pay him cheap still and hav him and Pavs. Or if he’s stellar and we can re-sign him, great. Or if he goes elsewhere for more money, we’ve still got Pavs.

By Chris

December 20, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

When’s Popovic coming back? The team has a winning record when he plays.

By Alan

December 20, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Chris - The sooner, the better. I hope he plays tonight.

By Brendan

December 20, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Sara, I agree with your post. But I’d like you to take a look at Kari’s record and tell me what he’s proved? Thirty-four (34) wins in one (1) season is impressive, but his 2.85 career GAA isn’t top notch. Eight shutouts is nice. But in the playoffs, he laid an egg with 11 goals in two games and an .850 save percentage, with a GAA over five. Closer to five and a half.

Stop. If Kari weren’t a former 2nd overall pick, I think people would be softer on him. This kind of production out of a 5th rounder would have us rather placated.

It can be argued that Lehtonen can’t stay healthy, occassionally suffers from confidence problems, and lacks mental focus when playing successive games. I don’t meant to be Kari-bashing here, but there’s no way he can command a large salary this Summer, barring an extraordinary turn-around in the remaining 49 games. And the “blue hair incident” with Andy Sutton probably didn’t distinguish himself in the “character” department.

By Carlos

December 21, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

I think Craig that we have your answer…Yes. Kari stole one against Ottawa last night. There were many shots that an average goalie would not have touched. I think Kari had been an average goalie so far for most of his career with a few shining moments but last night he was much more. Hope he can grow from there and not revert back.

By Brendan

December 21, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Carlos, I’m happy to have been “wrong” about my speculation of Lehtonen’s ability to “steal” one for us. But it’s still only two successive quality performances for Kari. Can he sustain this? That’s always been the issue. I hope he can. Waddell invested a 2nd overall pick, back in 2000, in this “piece” of the Stanley Cup puzzle. I’d hate for it to be a “bust.”