Thrashers

By ToF

January 1, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

With the way Stuart has played in his first two games up it’s hard to justify sending him down. I’ll be curious to see how he reacts to DW’s comment.

By Hanson Brothers

January 1, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

I agree with Holik that it was the worst performance of the year. The first period they were great. It looked like a repeat from the prior game with the effort. Then starting the second the effort was gone…completely. How does that happen. Once they lost the effort they could not get it back. The rest of the game was spent mostly in their defensive zone. And the PK was pitiful. No agressiveness that has been so effective during the past few weeks. They need to figure out that they have to play hard for 60 minutes soon or they will run out of games and it will be too late to catch up. I expect teams are going to start separating from the pack soon, and I hope the Thrashers will be with the teams moving up, not getting left behind.

By Hockeyfan

January 1, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Craig “Kari Lehtonen wasn’t exactly stellar in Boston” is that the polite way of saying he sucks as a puck handling goalie and should never leave the crease ever again?

And what is wrong with Slater exactly? Did he get a concussion from his fight? Is it the flu? Does he need time off to get married and have a honeymoon?

By stendec

January 1, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year Craig and all Thrasher fans. Line on KL is simple. Yank him after third goal. End of conversation! When KL is focused three goals or less not unusual or unexpected. When KL in LaLa Land the sky is limit when it comes to goals! Thrasher psyche not stern enough to overcome more than two goals. **Obvious Marian Hossa lack of effort starting to eat at me! Half-hearted rushes. Half-a++ push shovel shots. If he does not want to wear blue deal him! Unless attitude adjusts sit him. This group in desperate need of break-out game with nine or more goals. Would be fantastic for mind-set! Would also make horrid goals average average in standings far easier to stomach. Oh well. GO BLUE!

By Midfield

January 1, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Yank him after 3rd goal rule is creative, I give you that. But, in the context of Lehtonen’s supposed role on the team, it is ridiculous, sorry. Suppose, Thrashers scramble to squeeze their way into the playoffs this year - somehow. Do you think that a goalie this fragile is going to get you beyond the first round? Are you going to depend on the “yank him out after 3rd goal” in the playoffs?

I say, cut your losses. As talented as he is, Lehtonen is not a franchise caliber goaltender. I would try to trade him right now, I am serious. We’re better off bringing Pavelec up and test him for real. When he was up here, he looked like the guy who could go the distance to me.

By GSU-Lee

January 1, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update Craig, and Happy New Year to you and all. I really hope Beast gets the job eventually. I think DW has done enough at this point to keep his job for a while and he has proven that he has made some good moves that didn’t really show until he took over. Most notably Eric Perrin. Klee has worked out pretty well too. I like Beast though and I don’t know if you noticed but most of the time, during timeouts, It is Beast holding the clipboard and drawing out the plays. PLus, we would have a coach with the nickname “Beast”, how awesome is that?

By GSU-Lee

January 1, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Midfield< I think that is a little unfair to KAri. First of all, he has played pretty well this year and he missed a bunch of time with the groin. I think it is too early to say cut your losses. Isn’t the guy like 23? I think he has the ability to be special and all the potential in the world. Somebody had his stats next to Rick Depietro (spelling?) the other day and they were pretty even. That is a pretty good measuring stick. Kari is definitley in the time where he needs to seize the top spot, but I think of him as our number one. Maybe he will prove that, I think he is the guy and I think he and Pavs are gonna make for a pretty good one-two punch.

By Brendan

January 1, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

I’d give Kari an “el cheapo” 2-year deal, where in a “worst case scenario” he serves as the back up goalie. As for trades, what kind of return would be “decent enough” to make that a reality? Keep in mind, this organization invested a 2nd overall pick. So, if the return were to get some 3rd or 4th rounder, plus a 2nd-3rd pairing defensemen, it’d be a really poor exchange. It just might come down to this: We’re going to have to keep WAITING to see if Lehtonen develops. Like I said the very day he was drafted, back in 2002, why do this?? It takes YEARS and YEARS to develop goalies. Go get one from FREE AGENCY and draft either Bouwmeester or Nash. Bygones. (That’s not “revisionist history” talking, either. I’ve only posted this sentiment 17,000 times since 2003.) Kari should be inexpensive to re-sign. I see it as the Thrashers only viable option, barring a tremendous trade offer or an egregious RFA offer sheet from some other team, this Summer. But I wouldn’t hold my breath for either scenario.

By wristshot

January 1, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Kari really scares me sometimes. It’s almost like the guy has a split personality or something. When he’s on his game he looks like one of the best in the league but when he’s off he looks absolutely horrendous. Talking about not fighting through the screen is unacceptable for an NHL goalie. It was the same M.O. in the Florida game, he was deep and down early. I’m not sure the kid has what it takes between the ears to be a star in this league.

By Nate

January 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Make no mistake, this is Ilya’s team. But the team will only go as far as Kari can take them. For better or worse…

By Midfield

January 1, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

“I think that is a little unfair to KAri. First of all, he has played pretty well this year and he missed a bunch of time with the groin.”

Is this some kind of a New year joke? I’m not in the mood to laugh on the Thrashers blog at the moment, honestly.

By Brendan

January 1, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Midfield, I’m sure you’d agree that Kari has played in “some” decent games this year—enough to be more than just a few. Now I’ll agree with you that this is HARDLY some “stellar campaign” he’s putting together. Kari Lehtonen will not be finalist for the Hart Trophy, or the Jennings or the Vezina trophies. But come playoff time, (assuming Atlanta makes the playoffs,) no one knows which Kari Lehtonen will show up. The one that appears pretty talented or the one that can’t stay focused.

I’d like to see how Kari would do in a situation like New Jersey, Anaheim or Minnesota. It’s not as if Kari’s playing behind the best blueline and defensive system in the NHL.

By Brendan

January 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Congrats to McCrimmon. But his fate is tied to Waddell’s. If Waddell is gone at season’s end, I don’t feel confident that McCrimmon would stay. If the organization does indeed make a change at the GM position, whoever the next GM is … will want to name his own coach. That’s pretty standard.

Personally, I think Waddell will still be here through his contract, which expires in the Summer of 2009. My basis for saying so resides in my belief that the Atlanta Spirit Group is absolutely and wholeheartedly in love with Don Waddell. Waddell does whatever they tell him to do, like adhere to strict budgets, conduct “outreach” programs, like hockey camps and the “Blueland” PR campaign, make all the draft picks, make whatever trades are necessary, make all roster decisions, such as who gets called up and sent down to the minors, ink all the player contracts, decide who will coach the team, and try to make the playoffs.

And if Atlanta does make the playoffs, I have ZERO doubt left that they’ll not only not fire him, but they EXTEND HIS CONTRACT, possibly all the way to 2011, when the current CBA expires.

So, like Ranallo says, you have to make up your mind which kind of fan you want to be. If you believe that Waddell is the problem, you must root against your team so that the problem can be removed before it does more, and possibly irreparable damage. Or, you root for your team to succeed, and know that if they do, the GM stays, possibly for quite a while longer.

Yes, I know. What if you “root for your team to succeed, and they don’t.” Well, then you supported your team and whatever happens, happens. I’m not too sure that there are many GM’s who feel like the Atlanta Spirit Group is their DREAM EMPLOYER. But Waddell not only seems to like them, he seems to want to stay. Lou Lamoriello would have told these guys to pound sand a long time ago, or merely stayed through the conclusion of his contract, declining any extension offers.

By Bob

January 1, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

That misplay behind the net in the Bruins game was ridiculous. The boys had that game well under control and Lehtonen pulls that crap again and everyone froze up and quit skating. The ridiculous rebounds he was giving up in the slot were not the stuff of a #1 goalie.

I have no understanding why they cannot see that Lehtonen is not the type of goalie that can play every game. They have to work Moose in there every 5th or 6th start to keep Lehtonen mentally fresh. Why can’t they see this? It’s been clear to me since early last year.

By Brendan

January 1, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Bob, Pavelec and Lehtonen might be the best option next year. Lehtonen may only be able to deliver 50 starts. And Pavelec getting the other 32 seems reasonable. Okay, reverse that, if you prefer. Then again, why not give each goalie 41 starts? We WANT HEALTHY COMPETITION to make a better product.

Okay, I hear ya. One guy is going to win the job and start 55 games. Maybe more. I’m sorry that we have to lose Moose this Summer. For $1 million, I’d like to keep three goalies on the active roster and sit one up in the pressbox every night. With our history of goalies, who could blame me for feeling this way?

By LAC

January 1, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Like Brenden’s comments as ALWAYS !!. He hits the nail on the head 99% of the time.

Yes Lou would never have signed the guys waddell did, simple their owners want to win and I am not too sure these Sprit clowns do,heck do they even know it’s hockey season yet ?

Let’s hope a trade can shake up things and bring up some BEEF for thedefense !!!!!!!!

Just think… If we had won yesterday we could have taken FIRST place wednesday night with a win.

But… What team will show up ?

By Russian

January 2, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Finally! Holidays are over. I could not drink too much! :-( I hope Russian Thrashers did not celebrate New Year as I did. If they did game in Carolina will be UGLY.:-) Well now back to busness. I like to see Beast as a Coach. This was very good move. Moose will be in net, also smart idea. He actualy got Shout out with Cans. Slater need to be send it somethere, I did not miss him a lot. Samsonov is Waiver by Chicago. Any ideas???? We picked Ricchi and he is played very well in Blue Land. May be it is another try. I hope we will get 2 points tonight.

By ToF

January 2, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Russian I hope DW does not bite on Samsanov. He had two good years in Boston (his first two) and then ran into injury problems and has never recovered since. He won’t come here miffed at his old team for waiving him like Recchi did.

Did anyone else watch the Winter Classic? I thought it was a great friggin game.

By Russian

January 2, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

to ToF I guest you are right about Samsonov. I am just thinking, when Hossa is leaving, Samsonov mya be work with Slava. It does not matter. I saw Winter Classic. It was a Great Show.

By Sisu

January 2, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Kari has a bad game and right away all the silly banter of “trade him” starts. Have you guys not been paying attention? What is the real value in a trade of Kari? ZERO, that’s right, ZERO! It would be great if we could trade him for a young center but not likely. Don’t believe me? Look at the Ducks and what they got for a goalie who is as good as Kari…

By J

January 2, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t it just last week that Kari had five straight games allowing 2 goals…and another shutout to boot? He should’ve been rested during this stretch but you can’t just come out and say trade him when he has one of those games. HUGE game tonight and NOW they start Moose? This is why I would’ve started Moose the other day, then had a rested Kari, coming off the Boston shutout and going into the biggest game of the year. And this one tonight is on National TV! We gotta show up tonight!!!!

By Tim

January 2, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

SIsu That’s because every team over exagerating the trade value of their player. It’s like a permanent unwritten law :)

By Midfield

January 2, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Most of you are missing my point on Lehtonen. My bet is that he is not going to carry the team anywhere. Consequently, his value is not going up. That is my opinion and, unfortunately, over the course of this season it has grown from hesitant to quite certain. So, in my opinion, the “wait and see” approach is a distraction and a waste. That’s why I’d prefer to see Pavelec getting his feet wet up here. I hope to be wrong and I’m glad it’s not my headache. So, let’s “wait and see”.

By GaVaHokie

January 2, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

There’s no reason for us to grab Samsonov… he’s a LW who doesn’t play well defensively.

By Sara

January 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Midfield so in other words you want to sacrifice both the present and the future?? No way is Pavs ready to play in the NHL and especially not the way this team is having too much trouble playing solid defense on a regular basis. Rush him in now and you’re likely to ruin him for his career.

Frankly I don’t know why so many people want to jump all over Kari. He’s been in the league barely two full seasons thus far, is 24 years old with lots of career left in him (including his best years), and lots of natural talent. Going by some of this logic, we should just dump about 75% of our roster now (and I know just which posters are going to say “OK!!!!”).

If the coaching team would learn how to manage a goalie tandem appropriately and the rest of the team would learn how to properly clear a puck once in a while, we’d be more than fine with Kari and Moose.

By Chickenhawk

January 2, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

By GaVaHokie

January 2, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

There’s no reason for us to grab Samsonov… he’s a LW who doesn’t play well defensively.

He played RW on the Kovalchuk line for Team Russia in 2002 Olympics. If its one of those deals where we only pay 50% salary, I guess its worth a shot. Like Russian said, after Hossa walks for nothing we will still need a linemate for Slava.

By Brendan

January 2, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I’d like to revisit the story of Jean-Sebastien GIGUERE. Indulge me, okay?

Giguere was drafted 13th overall, in 1995, by the Hartford Whalers. He didn’t do squat, even after the team relocated to Carolina. Giguere wouldn’t even have a “winning record” until the 2002-03 season, when he posted a 34-22-6 record, with a GAA of 2.30, including 8 shoutouts. Later that year, he’d lead the 7th seeded Ducks to Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals and win the Conn Smythe Trophy, with a 1.62 GAA, with five playoff shutouts. In the process, he’d set a new NHL-record for fewest goals allowed in a “Best-of-Seven” series. All the Minnesota Wild could manage in the Western Conference Finals was one (1) goal in Game Four. That was it, for the WHOLE SERIES. Giggy actually had a shot at ZERO (o) goals against in that series.

The very next year, Giguere “tanked” with a 17-31-6 record and 2.62 GAA. And this right after signing a $5 million deal. Dismissed as a “2003 fluke,” Giguere returned to the Ducks after playing for Hamburg during the lockout, however briefly. Giguere returned in 2006 to lead the 6th seeded Ducks over #3 Calgary and then #7 Colorado, to the Western Conference Finals. Where, the Ducks lost to Edmonton, 4-1. Anaheim decided not to trade Giguere. In 2007, Giguere, 12 YEARS after being drafted in the 1st round, had his best year in the NHL with 36-10-8 record, and a 2.26 GAA. By the way, he also won 13 of 18 playoff games to help the Anaheim Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007.

To recap, Hartford drafted him and quit on him. The Whalers traded him to Calgary with Andrew Cassels for Gary Roberts and Trevor Kidd. Calgary found no use for Giguere, either. The Flames traded Giggy to Anaheim in 2000 for the Duck’s 2nd round selection, which the Flames then traded to the Capitals and took Matt Pettinger.

Do you think the Carolina/Hartford franchise, or Calgary, wish they’d kept him? Perhaps the “wait and see” approach didn’t seem prudent at the time. But the facts are that Giguere won the Conn Smythe in 2003 and the Cup in 2007. Kari Lehtonen’s future is as uncertain as a leaf floating in the breeze. He’s 23, perhaps 24 years old. As long as he can be retained at a reasonable price, the Thrashers might as well keep him.

Uhh, I’m not saying Kari the next Giguere. What I’m saying is that, sometimes, with goaltenders, you don’t really know what you’ve got. Cam Ward seemed like the next Patrick Roy in 2006 (Won Cup and Conn Smythe as a Rookie). In 2007, not so much. This year … it’s still hard to know for sure if Cam Ward will be a major force for the coming years.

By Russian

January 2, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I am agree with everyone who said keep our Goalies. Kari and Moose are doing best what they can. Do not forget that they usually got 25 or more shots per game. We have to keep Kari for reseanable price. I guest Pavs will be back up goalie for next year. Thrasher problem is forwards. They can not score and keep puck in the zone. Also they are not shooting a puck often.

By Midfield

January 2, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Sara, just one last point, if I may:

NHL teams are not and should not be in the business of developing talents, nor in the baby-sitting business. It has no place for people incapable of maintaining their physical and mental shape on the acceptable level.

By Tim

January 2, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Brendan well said. Defensemen took longer to develop then foward. And goaltendertake even longer. Scouting report said that Lehtonen might be the best Finish goalie of the decade and tag as a future elite goalie. He have the tools for it and we all know that. Granted, he is unstable and yes, sadly 2 groins injury. But provided that we pick him up with a 1st round pick, and if we manage to sign him for a reasonable price, I see no rush trading him. In worst case, he can be a good back up goalie. No risk involve.

By ranallo10

January 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee — Here’s the link to my post on Dec. 30 regarding Lehtonen’s stats compared to RECENT top 5 picks (three others total).. I believe this is what you were referring to above.

Sara — I agree, glad to see you contributing again.

Midfield — I wholeheartedly disagree. If you take your statement and apply it to the entire NHL you would remove over 20% of the players from the league. Because you don’t feel development of talent is the priority of an NHL club, players like Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour however would still be around, while players like Niklas Backstrom, David Perron, Mike Green, Eric Johnson, or even possibly Tobias Enstrom would be toiling in the minors developing their abilities.

I think we can agree that it’s better for Enstrom, et ali, to be in the NHL now rather than playing in the AHL for a few seasons of “development”.

There is only one major sport in the US that currently follows your thought process. I don’t believe the NHL has the money, fan base, or shear quantity of players to do a minor league system similar to the MLB.

Players, especially goalies, need to face top talent to “develop” (i.e. hone their skills to the NHL level of competition). The learning curve is much greater for goalies, but the curve is necessary for every player. Kovalchuk is still developing as a player, and took years of “babysitting” (as you put it) to develop into the great player we watch every game.

By Brian

January 2, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Craig - I saw that they are now posting a young stars game. Is that official? It was in question for quite some time…

By Brian

January 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Craig - I would also ask, who from our squad is going to be officially invited for the young stars game? Obviously Enstrom, but any from the Wolves?

By J

January 2, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

In my searching I thought this was interesting in the ATL-CAR rivalry:

Note - These two teams are 13-13-1 in the last 27 meetings. Note - Carolina is 27-13-4 against Atlanta.

So, if that’s right, Carolina went 14-0-3 against Atlanta in the first 17 meetings against us??? WOW!

By Midfield

January 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

ranallo, your mentioning of Enstrom defeats your own argument. He logs in his minutes because he is ready to play on this level.

By Tony C.

January 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Howabout we just hire a new goalie coach? Maybe Beast can call his old teammate Vernon?

By ranallo10

January 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Midfield — My mentioning of Enstrom does not defeat my argument, it’s an example of how your argument is “un-good”. According to your above philosophy, due to Enstrom’s age and supposed development needed (he’s a rookie to North American hockey), he would not have been given the chance to prove his value on the NHL level.

However, you’re current mentioning of Enstrom is assuming he is now “developed”. Though he’s the best defender on the team, he surely isn’t the most well rounded and finely tuned defender he can eventually become. This “development” can only be achieved through greater amounts of time-on-ice at the NHL level. Hence, further developing his talent can only be achieved at the NHL level.

Enstrom is a perfect example of my argument…though he’s young, he’s showing that he’s able to play at this level to help hurry along his development. Lehtonen tore up the AHL in his conditioning stint, and is playing fine at the NHL level. His consistency can only get better with more NHL games, and will only be hampered by AHL playing time.

Pavelec’s stats aren’t doing too well in Chicago, he’s not an immediate replacement for Lehtonen. Pavelec needs more time to adjust to professional hockey, before being thrust into the NHL.

Trading Lehtonen is ONLY bad for this franchise at this point in time.

By Midifeld

January 2, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

ranallo, with all due respect, you don’t really have a clue about my philosophy. You seem to exemplify philosophy that fosters the perpetual lack of accountability. Perhaps, this is why this city can’t muster a winning pro team.

By J

January 2, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

For what its worth, the Boston Bruins announced that the Bruins have acquired Shane Hnidy and a 6th rounder in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft for Brandon Bochenski.

By Tony C.

January 2, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

I think the whole thing about development isn’t so much one of KL “catching up” to the speed of the NHL game (which is problematic for most Euros coming over to the more compact rink, KL did that in Chi.)-it seems to be more of KL getting his “mind right”. this is something some players NEVER do. However in KL’s case, it just seems to be one of focus (on say, the trailer on a rush as opposed to ice-girl jenny’s…um…”sweater”).

I think he’s doing well but I believe that the staff would do well to call Smoltz and get his psychiatrist’s #, as well as a perscription of Aderol for KL. Think about your great netminder s of recent memory…with the exception of Brodeur, almost all the big-time money goalies had a mentor that they took away valuable lessons…Belfour with Tretiak, Roy with um…damn I forget dude’s name-but he took him with him to Denver when he left MTL…CuJo had his uncle…I’m just not sold on Weeks being the right guy for KL. I could be wrong, but let’s just try getting a guy with a ring on his finger or a medal around his neck to mentor KL.

GO BLUE !!!

By Hooky Bob

January 2, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Hey….. if we are talkig goalie coaches….how bout Pasi? (With all due respects to Steve Weeks).

Pasi’s got the attitude. Does anyone question his desire / competiveness? Kari has the skill. If anyone can get Kari past the “blue hair” stage…it would be Pasi. A common language couldn’t hurt.

I say keep working with Kari. It is a such a treat when he is on. Making him “on” more is what is needed. Similar to what Brendon noted with Giggy,…didn’t somebody trade their #2 goalie named Dominik back in the mid 90s? Anyone else see someone named Roy give up a goal (in the playoffs none-the-less)when he misplayed a puck behind the net? He came back with a vengence,..too.

Kari is still a kid. Maturity, is something that takes time in a goalie. His summer training in the past years tells me he is dedicated.

All this said…considering Moose’s record with Carolina…he should get the start.

Go Blue.

By Tom

January 2, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

This has to be said.

Bobby Holik gets all this credit for speaking his mind but he is a $#$$#% moron…

For someone getting paid as much has he is he, and wearing the Captains C, he takes the stupidest, laziest penalties that I have seen from a player that is not a fighter.

Glad I got that off my chest.

By Ru

January 2, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

If anyone will tell that Kari or Moose are bad goalies I will answer to him only one thing: “Man, You are stupid!” Our team is completely out of thier mind. Made only 12 SOG for whole game this is unbeliveble. WE are F*** so lucky to 2 points. Moose needs to be Star ONE.

By Scott

January 2, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

posting ban for 1 hour and 55 minutes - vote for Kovalchuk 1 g 3 A tonight

By LAC

January 2, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Interesting comment after the game by Keith Jones on VS.

He said Hossa will be traded and RESIGN with Thrashers.

The other guy Engblom, says it’s all over for Hossa in Atlanta and he will not resign.

So what do we think… I believe he will if we compete and get another scorer and another top tier Dman.

If he did leave, with Rucchin/Holik/Hossa salary gone and cap rising about 5 Million, we would have tons of space to more than make up for Hossa… ONLY if waddell does not sign more third & fourth line players, go for the Gusto don !

By 12345

January 2, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Can you believe it ?????

WE HAD 14 SHOTS ON GOAL THE ENTIRE GAME

A good win, but this is simply rediculious, Thank GOD we scored on over a third of our shots… They got 36… This is just crazy.

6 in the first, 3 in the second AND third and 2 in overtime… Gee Whiz !

Looks like Boulton may be gone awhile… Saw where Hnidy went to Boston from Ducks… He was a +15 here last season, I would much rather have him than Klee. Klee was AWFUL tonight, Simply Awful !

By Tony C.

January 2, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

VOTE

By Brendan

January 2, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Boy, Hnidy has logged some miles in this league. Ottawa, Nashville, Atlanta, Anaheim … now Boston. I had hoped we might keep him. Last year, Hnidy went from a “healthy scratch” in the pressbox to playing 1st pairing minutes with Zhitnik by season’s end. He’s not particularly expensive. This may be a very good pick up for Boston.

By Brendan

January 2, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

LAC, In the VERSUS Post-Game Show, they ended the show with the question, “Will Hossa re-sign in Atlanta?” Brian Engblom’s answer: “No, Hossa will not be back. Atlanta WANTS him back and are desperately trying to do that, but no, they’ll have to trade him so that they don’t wind up losing him for nothing.” Keith Jones’ answer was, “Yes, Hossa will be re-signed by Atlanta over the Summer, but not before they pick up a couple of 1st round draft picks for him at the trade deadline, ‘cuz that’s what he’s worth. They’ll “rent him” to a team that really needs Hossa to give them the best shot at winning a Cup. Then Atlanta will get him re-signed in the offseason.” Enstrom’s rebuttal, “I guess that’s possible.” Keith Jones’ retort, “That’s why I said it.”

By Brendan

January 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

12345, So, is Cam Ward the “goaltender of his generation?” He had all of WHOPPING nine (9)saves, huh? Take a second look at Carolina’s Goals Against this year. They’ve had quite a few 4+ goals against games this year.

I’d say that, “no team can win it all with numbers like that.” But the ‘Canes did just that in 2006. Their Goals Against was a “robust” 260. Cam Ward was selected, out of Red Deer, by Carolina with the 25th overall pick in 2002. Yes, folks, 23 spots behind Kari Lehtonen in that year’s draft. Cam Ward, you’ll recall, won the Conn Smythe and the Stanley Cup in 2006. How many saves did he manage again tonight?

By Bob

January 2, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

I was so looking forward to hearing some good announcers call the game tonight, and we get stuck with that dipstick Darren Eliott again, argh!

Kovalchuk is a freak. He single handedly stole two points for us tonight. What a player he has become.

Holik with another stupid late penalty, he needs to look in the mirror before opening his yap again.

I am getting sick of watching Hossa float through games with this half hearted effort. I’ve lost all respect for the guy, why does he want out of here so badly? The crappy thing is everyone in the league knows it, Waddell’s going to have a hard time trying to get fair value for him the longer this drags on.

Kovy for Hart.

By Sisu

January 3, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

While it would be great to see Pasi here as a coach for goalies I really do not think it will happen. Pasi used his money earned in the NHL and bought a piece of his hometown team where he is the goalie coach/owner. He has taken a bottom feeder team and turn them into something much better over the past few years.

By ranallo10

January 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Midfield — I guess you’re right, I don’t have a clue about your philosophy. It neither makes sense, nor contains enough logic for me to make sense out of it:

“NHL teams are not and should not be in the business of developing talents, nor in the baby-sitting business.”

But earlier you stated:

“We’re better off bringing Pavelec up and test him for real.” — which, correct me if I’m wrong, is “developing talent”.

Which is it? Bring up the 20 year old unproven goaltender to replace the 24 year old still improving goaltender? Since his value isn’t high and will not go any higher, would you trade Lehtonen for a bag of pucks because he has one or two bad games out of every 8?

I think Tony’s philosophy is a bit more productive. Try bringing in somebody to better mentor the current talent in goal, and hope that the continued development helps hone Lehtonen’s focus. I’m sure the Aderol wouldn’t hurt either.

By stendec

January 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Hate to be Nilly Willy nit-picker after victory but…Thrashers gave away point they may regret giving away as regular season draws to close. If a 3-1 third period lead is not safe then Thrasher D (so to speak) needs to be thrashed! Team which averages less than five shots per period (about a shot every four or so minutes) does not deserve to win. Glad it did. Boom Boom turned over in his grave! Moose in net? KL in net? Does it really matter? Thrashers have enough defensive breakdowns to cause any goaltender nightmares. Thrashers pass puck out of prime scoring zones more than any NHL team! Have seen Thrashers blindly throw pucks behind them on breakaways. Yes, breakaways! Three words of advice for a possible playoff run. Shut the puck. SHOOT the puck. SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK! Thank you for your time. GO BLUE!

By Lanny McDonald

January 3, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Goal 2 for Carolina is Todd White’s fault. Goal 3 for Carolina is Holik’s fault for taking stupid penalty and Todd White’s inability to clear the puck. Todd White has earned a demotion in my book. Where is Todd White? Haven’t seen him on the scoresheet in weeks.

By J

January 3, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I’m pretty sure Martin Gerber started most of the regular season for Carolina in 05-06. Ward played like a madman starting game 3 of the first round, with Carolina down 0-2 against Montreal…if I remember correctly?

By ranallo10

January 3, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Lanny — White had an assist in each of the last 4 games, but last scored a goal on December 20th.

By Lanny McDonald

January 3, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Also, why is Todd White on the PK??? He is terrible. He gets bullied around too much ala JP Vigier. Are you comfortable with this roster? I think we could fix it easily by dumping White and Hossa.

By Midfield

January 3, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

ranallo, I guess you’re one of those people who can’t take a hint. I will wrap it up with the less settled comment, and I apologise to everyone for wasting space on this blog. So, here it is: I would certainly accept Brendan’s dissent - he articulated his position very well, and I RESPECTFULLY disagree with him. As for you, ranallo, just your Enstrom post along is a classic example of a circular logic void of any common sense whatever. So, just spare me, I would most certainly appreciate that.

By Lanny McDonald

January 3, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

White had an assist in each of the last 4 games, but last scored a goal on December 20th.

Right, thats just not cutting it for a 1st line center. Sorry Waddell but this was a BAD pickup. You overpaid too. Todd White is no Marc Savard.

By J

January 3, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

He’s also making about half of what the Bruins are paying for Savard. We have no true 1st line center. He’s on pace for about 50 points…I’m ok with that.

By Bob

January 3, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Are you comfortable with this roster

Nope, not at all, haven’t been since preseason. Way too many holes, no #1 dman, no #1 center, shaky goaltending. Now we really don’t even have Hossa, we just have a guy with a ton of skill and half assed effort. I actually hated that it was him that scored the goal in OT, that was all Kovy, freakin Slater could have finished into the empty net after that sweet pass.

White is pretty useless, he gets a lot of secondary assists since he’s skating with Kovy. But he is what he is, and he’s not a #1 center, he’d be much better in the #2 slot or even the checking center next year after Holik is gone. Except he’s so weak on faceoffs, anyone know his stats? Seems like he’s losing one every time I pay attention to him on the draw.

The good news is that the East is chock full of middling teams just like us. So I hold out hope for some deadline deals that will bring us some help to make a run. Just no more Zhitnik’s, how many more years do we have him for?

Even Enstrom seems to be wearing down and hitting the wall, they need to quit overplaying him and get some more defensive help.

Can we clone Kovy and make him into a #1 dman?

By Lanny McDonald

January 3, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

By J January 3, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this He’s also making about half of what the Bruins are paying for Savard. We have no true 1st line center. He’s on pace for about 50 points…I’m ok with that.

So, based on what you have stated, you are OK with White earning $42,000.00 for each point he scores this year, if he scores 50? THAT’S LUDICROUS.

I’ll take Savard and his 90+ points AND his inflated salary over Todd “Soft as Charmin” White any day of the week.

By Brendan

January 3, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

J., right you are. Gerber played most of the ‘Canes Championship season and was the starter in the first two games of the playoffs for Carolina.

Gerber’s luster has faded a bit. But, you never know what might happen with him, or Cam Ward, or Kari Lethonen. Miikka Kiprusoff is not having a stellar year. And remember when Chris Osgood, even at “bargain barrel prices,” was a 50/50 proposition at best? I’ll confess right now … I thought Osgood’s career was OVER, as in OVAH. He’s earned consideration to be the STARTING GOALIE in the All-Star game.

By J

January 3, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Lanny - then what about the extra $3mil that Savard costs? Of course I’d rather have savard, but you gotta think about the atlanta spirits’ self imposed cap!

By ranallo10

January 3, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Midfield — My circular logic? Apparently you couldn’t comprehend the Enstrom example of a young talent being given the opportunity to develop, so I’ll just ask you to re-read the above posts to properly understand it. Perhaps my choice of words is confusing, so I’ll assume it’s my fault and re-state it differently.

In order to develop a goalie, you give them time to shoulder a load at the NHL level (in my opinion), and allow the kinks to work themselves out. Like a QB in the NFL, you cannot expect a two year turnaround from prospect to superstar. Lehtonen has played one full season, and has shown many times the great abilities he possesses. He has flaws like all goalies, but he can only get better with time.

Your assumption is that Lehtonen will never be better, mine is that allowing him to play will make him better. From your assumption you stated Pavelec makes more sense “getting his feet wet” in the NHL, yet you say the NHL teams are not in the business of developing talent (obvious contradiction in opinions).

The simple point of the matter is that Lehtonen is the best goalie on this team, and is the person who will bring this team to the playoffs. With Hedberg in goal consistently, the team will miss the playoffs…it’s that simple to me. There’s no sense in giving up on a 24 year old goalie because he dyed his hair blue, or has occasional brain farts on the ice. The defense is as much to blame, and you seem to place it solely on Lehtonen.

Bob — I still agree with the #1 defender or centerman, but I think Enstrom has filled in admirably as that #1, and Perrin and White are working as cheaper more serviceable center options (compared to the other available players at that time like Nylander and Comrie). For the price and roles on the team, do you agree or disagree with my thoughts? Aside from wishing for better, I think what we have has been working fine post-Hartley (20-14-1 is a fine record).

By AL

January 4, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Tony C Here’s what KL needs: A world-renowned sports psychology consultant, speaker and corporate coach, Dr. Jack Llewellyn is founder and president of the Atlanta-based Center for Winning Performance.