Thrashers

By Thrasher_Ed

January 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

First! Big points up for grabs tonight. Phillips needs to be rockin’ tonight!

By Barry

January 4, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I know I can’t wait for tonight. Hopefully the boys come out and play a full 60 minutes. No 3rd period meltdowns giving up the lead. If we are losing after 2nd then we better pour it on and come from behind. Let’s get 2pts!

By Darren

January 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Begging your pardon, but I don’t see where Mason is no longer the No. 1 goalie in Nashville. Ellis got a shutout against Dallas, which means he also got a start in the next game against Edmonton.

Trotz will go back to rotating his goalies back and forth, but I think he’d prefer to start Mason more.

By Jsmooth

January 4, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Speaking of news from around the HHL: Now that Ryan Smyth is out for 8 + weeks with a leg injury and Joe Sakic is on the mend out in Colorado, does anyone else think they would make a logical trade partner should we decide to part ways with Mr. Hossa? I’m thinking something along the lines of this for a trade:

Hossa & McCarthy (or Popovic)

in exchange for:

M. Hejduk & JM Liles (or Scott Hannan) and a 2008 2nd round pick

Thoughts?? Feedback?? Talk amongst yourselves please.

By oops

January 4, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

After the Kari stuff, it should be “changes” in lines” and not “chances in lines.” Go Red Wings.

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

If I were Don Waddell, my July 1st UFA signings would include Kristian Huselius. If the Flames are stupid enough to let that man hit the open market, then they deserve to lose him, especially TO US.

I hope Waddell doesn’t target UFA blueliner Wade Redden. He’s not worth the $6.5 million he’s getting now from Ottawa. And he’ll probably want a raise. Mike Ribeiro is an interesting UFA consideration. Brian Campbell is a fine defenseman. Is he worth $6 million? I was rubbin’ my chin at $5 million. I’d truthfully rather have the guy we could have drafted back in 2002, defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was the next selection AFTER Kari Lehtonen. But I think he’s still restricted. Someone double-check that. If he’s unrestricted, let’s see what kind of price he wants. If it’s “reasonable,” it might be worth it for him, especially over 5 years.

By d

January 4, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

FYI, puck drops for the USA/Canada semi-final in 30 minutes - televised on the NHL channel.

By Nate

January 4, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Yeah, it’ll be real interesting to see who the Thrashers go after this summer. Especially if they trade Hoss or let him walk. And yeah, Campbell seems a bit overpriced at 5 mil, much less six. Isn’t Atlanta Spirit back in control of the team now over Belkin? It would be nice if they could finally settle that mess before the end of June.

By GaVaHokie

January 4, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

If you want to watch Riley Hozapfel in the World Junior Championships the game can be watched live here at 2pm.

By Craig Custance

January 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Huselius could very well hit the market, especially if they break the bank for Phaneuf.

By GaVaHokie

January 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Bouwmeester is a RFA… I like the Hejduk and Liles for Hossa idea, but I don’t think Colorado would give up the dream contract they have with Hejduk (2 more years, $4 million per year). Liles is a UFA this summer.

By Jsmooth

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

GVH — sorry about your Hokies last night, but that 2 QB nonsense really bit them in the butt.

Glad to hear someone concurs with my “legitimate” trade proposal. I tried to be realistic but wasn’t sure about the length remaining on Hejduk’s contract. You’re right, it would probably be tough to wrest him away from the ‘lanche. However, if their slide continues, they may become just that desperate. Question is, would Hossa want to play in Denver longterm? I can think of worse centers to play with than Stastny and Sakic!!

Bottom line is: we need another top 4 defensemen to make the playoffs…unless we continue to “dominate” the Southeast. I think we have the best intra-divisional record at 9-6 thus far. I know I’d sure like to have some insurance for the playoff stretch drive.

By Jsmooth

January 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

While we’re blogging about the likes of Kristian Huselius, Andrew Raycroft and Vesa Toskala, I would like to nominate Vesa Toskala as a candidate for the best name in hockey. I just love the way his name rolls off the tongue. Since it’s a slow Friday and we’re all itching for some puck action at Blueland, why not start a thread in which everyone gives their favorite name(s) in hockey.

Pascal Duuuuupweeeeeeeeeeeee!

GO!!

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Calgary pretty much has to retain Phaneuf, or there’ll be a riot. But they still are on the hook for doing it “prudently.” That is, if Kevin Lowe swoops in with an RFA offer sheet that surrenders whatever’s still left of Edmonton’s draft picks for the forseeable future, Calgary should think about taking that offer and landing someone in free agency to replace Phaneuf. Again, prudently. Not $6.5 million for Redden or $6 million for Campbell. There’s got to be somebody else, decent, that saves the Flames some money. Lowe would so love to take Phaneuf from a Provincial rival. But it just might be his undoing. He’s still got to pay out Penner’s draft picks to Anaheim, and let’s see what Brian Burke and the Ducks do with them.

I believe the Flames acquired Huselius off waivers. And what a pickup! I wonder just what it’ll cost to snare Huselius on the open market? Anyone have any ideas? Waddell, you should really look at Kristian Huselius. He doesn’t just score goals, he scores timely goals and important ones. Kristian Huselius is an essential part of the Calgary Flames. Ohh, not as much as Iginla, but Jarome can’t do it alone. All Flames fans should be praying to keep Huselius in Alberta.

By Eileen

January 4, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I have read that Jim Slater has an “illness”. He was posted on the score board as injured. I know there is a tight lid on it, but has anyone heard anything? I hope he is alright. What a nice guy.

By Smoothie

January 4, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Brendan’s right: we’d be FOOLISH to not go after Huselius in the event we do not retain Hossa. Pull off the deadline trade for Hejduk and Liles, sign Huselius and re-up Moose, Dupuis and Recchi for 1 more year. I like these lines a lot:

Kovy — Perrin — Recchi

Kozzy — Huselius — Hejduk

Thorburn — White — Dupuis

Stuart — Slater — Boults / Lars

Havelid / the Kid JM Liles / Exelby Klee / Zhitnik

By GaVaHokie

January 4, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Jsmooth… I have to say not sticking to the running game hurt the Hokies the most… it was baffling. Almost to the point where I think we need a new Offensive Coord.

Thank God West Virginia promoted their assistant coach, because Bud Foster (Va Tech’s Def. Coord.) was considering the job. I’d hate to see him leave.

As far as fun hockey names… I like Kyle Chipchura.

By Andy S

January 4, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Serge Aubin was a great name during play-by-play, whether JP said Serge, Aubin, or Serge Aubin, it always sounded great.

By Tom

January 4, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

D

Thanks for the heads up on the World Juniors.

This is one of the joys of working out of the house…

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Some of my favorite hockey names from the past, just phoenetically:

Reijo Routsaleinen, Hakan Loob, Teemu Selanne, Eddie Beers, John Van Boxmeer, Wilf Paiement, Jocelyn Guevremont, Borje Salming, Yvon Lambert, Yvan Cournoyer, Guy LaFleur, Bob Gasoff, Cesar Maniago, Vladislav Trettiak, Sergei Federov, Bob Essensa, Tim Chevaldae, Dino Ciccarelli, Walt Padubny, David Vyborny, and Bill Hajt. But my all time favorite name over a P.A. System was Montreal’s Larr-eee Rrrrobinsonnnnnn. I especially love it because it’s such an Anglo-Saxon sounding name for a French Canadian to have to pronounce.

By Smoothie

January 4, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Andy, good call. I sure do miss good ‘ol Serge Aubin. Just think if we had Serge playing with Eric and Pascal, we’d have quite the French connection line. Although I do believe Monsieur Aubin est Belgique.

Brendan, did I get that right?

GVH, clever one. Chipchura is fun to say!

By Smoothie

January 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

JOHN VAN BOXMEER!!! Didn’t think anyone else knew who the heck he was!! He was one of my favorite Sabres growing up along with Gilbert Perrault, Mike Foligno and Mike Ramsey. Darn, I forgot about the name Reijo Routsaleinen…he might win this contest hands down!

By Brendan

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

Almost right, Jsmoothe. If he is Belgian, we’d say, “Il est belge.” And “il vient de la Belgique.” (He is from Belgium.)

I do wonder if it is a case of Serge Aubin being born in Belgium but being a citizen of Canada. Or vice versa. I’m too lazy to look up his player profile at www.nhlpa.com.

By Bob

January 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Hands down, it’s Yutaka F*******

I can just laugh thinking of the nicknames that guy would have if Hartley was his coach. Kamal would get FCC fines galore if he skated for the Thrash Oh! Yu-ta-ka puts it top shelf where yo Momma keeps the F******* Fuji Film of your Dad!

I always thought it would be poetic justice for Miroslav Satan to be signed by Sweet Lou as well.

Should be another barn burner tonight, how about 6-5 good guys in the shootout?

By Bob

January 4, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Argh, the FCC got me. His last name is Fu-ku-fuji

By MashaPlayer7

January 4, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Okay everyone, we’re only in the middle of an exciting season and we’re worried about the Thrashers’ offseason?

Craig - Please start doing more hockey notes from across the NHL..heck even the AHL and other leagues. KP Dupont of the Boston Globe does a terrific hockey notes column almost every Sunday at (http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/)….you could equally do the same thing here in the AJC.

By stendec

January 4, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

If Thrashers win it will be in spite of KL not because of him! Team NEEDS two outright points at home. Do not need to dish one (or two) out to Canes! KL not sharp! KL not mentally focused! KL not physically in sync! Too many soft goals. YES, SOFT DAMN GOALS! Home guys probably have to net a couple more in final 20 minutes to secure critical triumph. If KL gives one up in first five minutes of third period YANK HIS FINNISH A++! Well, on to conclusion. GO BLUE!

By Smoothie

January 4, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

I’m so tired of this Jekyll & Hyde BS!!! Can we please figure out how to play some conistent hockey?? This is so maddening. Stop retreating with the puck just inside the blueline when you can tap it out to neutral ice and force the other team to clear the zone!! And stop taking so many stupid and senseless penalties!! Lehts doesn’t stand a chance on some of these screened shots from the point. Last goal to tie it he should have stopped…didn’t get to the top of the paint. Bad goalie, bad!

Let’s just hope Kovy can save the day again…in regulation please!!

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Atlanta led 2-0, and 3-1. While that doesn’t “guarantee” anything, it’d be disappointing to have Carolina earn a point in this road game for them.

Right now, it’s 3-3, in the 3rd period. And Atlanta must make sure it at least comes away with one point for this effort.

By 12345

January 4, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Great Holik Thanks… This was OUR best chance and another SOFT EFFORT.

Changes of ON ice personel MUST BE MADE by next week.

24 sog is BS, how many in the third ?

Either do something waddell or GO HOME after THIE CRAP effort.. AGAIN !

By stendec

January 4, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Thrashers F+++++G pretenders! Champs do not allow rivals to embarrass them on home ice. Skate away with two points compared to zip for Thrashers. P** poor! Totally unacceptable! KL stunk! Team stunk! Do not cry on my shoulder abour 5-on-3! SHOULD NEVER HAVE COME DOWN TO THAT! Complete disappointment! Thrashers do not deserve playoff berth. Even as LAST seed! UTTERLY DISGUSTING! Good night all.

By B. Thenet

January 4, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Kari Lehtonen once again outplayed by some AHL bum, in a huge division game.

No excuse for getting beat from 50 feet out in the 2nd period. Lehtonen is anti-clutch.

Craig: Does the NHL release the diving list, and if so how many times has LaRose been on it. Until the NHL gets truly serious about diving, you will have bums like LaRose abusing the system.

HUGE loss by the Thrashers, with a massively anti-clutch unforced error by our wonderful captain.

By LAC

January 4, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

NO KL… Not Lucky, CRAP, another effortless effort by a BAD team.

The excuses are OVER waddell make trades use the WAIVER method on players like holik/Larsen/Klee/Zit.

Other teams have young D men doing a decent job… WE do not… We have Zit and Klee, did you like that pass in OT the other night to Walker ?

This teams stands NO chance of the playoffs UNLESS trades are made and made NOW, not 2/26 at the trade deadline…

Again, another night of NO shots on goal only 24 tonight.

So in the past two games… 38 SOG.

What is WRONG with that picture folks ???????????

The GREAT waddell better awaken and SOON beofre it’s again TOO late.

Well DON… season half over and in compasision to last season we are NOT improving plain and simple. Tonight was just SICK, DO SOMETHING !

By BigBill

January 4, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

CRAP-CRAP-CRAP-CRAP-CRAP-CRAP

Gee Whiz, Yet again another unispired effort at lovely BLUELAND !

This team needs a #1 center, had one let him go, a scoring winger,,, and two TOUGH defensemen, Not #22 & 77… They STINK LIKE HELL !!!!

Mr.Stendec is RIGHT, NO PLAYOFFS !

If the fans know the problem why in the F—King Hell can STUPID, No DUMB, no Idiot, no in way over his head DON WADDELL not see it ?

He IS THE STUPIDIEST MAN IN PROFESSIONAL Hockey and we are stuck with him, as well as worthless owners David McDavid would never let Waddell hang on this long, he is nothing but a proven LOSER !

By suomilion

January 4, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

We went down cause of Klee’s penalty and our “last minute stupid penalty taker” captain Holik!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOLIK !!! YOU REALLY SUCK !!!!!!!

TRADE HOLIK ! He really doesn’t deserve to be captain….poor l**r

By B. Thenet

January 4, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Anyone else just see Lehtonen on the post-game?

Those bad breaks got you again, eh Kari.

I would love to see this guy man up and admit it when he doesn’t play well. He is seemingly incapable of accepting any kind of responsibility for his play.

By jonesboroPete

January 4, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

This Lehtonen is BAD people just BAD, He needs to be traded for something of value while he still has a little value left.

He is killing Atlanta all by himself and a little help from the always bad Bobby Holik, yet another game where Holik was worthless !

Start over, bring up ALL the kids from Chicago, this team is BAD and getting WORSE I am afraid.

Where is this so called GM we have, in never never land I guess !

By Kenj

January 4, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

I agree Don Waddell is a very bad GM.

Kari is just not an NHL goalie and we are just short of being an expansion team… Kovy cannot do it all.

Would be nice for Hossa to show up on back to back games.

Lastly, Bobby Holik does not deserve to don an Atlanta Thrashers jersey ever again… He is terrible !

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

The goal late in the 2nd period is where I think the game turned. If Atlanta had just held on to that 3-2 lead going into the 3rd period, it probably manages to get a point for the effort tonight.

Instead, it’s a four-point swing to Carolina. They get 2-points while denying us 2-points. Russ, what’s the tally now? 51-points in the next 40 games?

Bobby Holik fired the puck over the glass while Atlanta was on a penalty kill. That is an AUTOMATIC “delay of game” penalty. It created the 5-on-3. Holik is the Captain of this team. He is supposed to “lead by example.” How much longer until Waddell strips him of the “C” and gives it to Kovalchuk? The sooner he does it, the better for all concerned.

I mean, what’s the holdup? Is it that Waddell would like to make Hossa the Captain in the future? Well, first he’d have to re-sign him. Which, let’s face it, doesn’t look promising. This is Kovalchuk’s team. He scores 30% of the team’s goals. He’s a Hart Trophy candidate. Do the right thing, Waddell. You promoted McCrimmon to “Associate Coach.” Now promote Kovalchuk to Captain.

By the way, “waiving” Bobby Holik could save $2.125 million, if someone claims him. Ideally, someone would claim him. But if Holik is claimed off “re-entry waivers,” it would only save $1,062,500.

By Bob-3

January 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Holik should never be allowed to play another game for the Atlanta Thrashers, Tonight was the end of his career in Atlanta he cost us the game and again like Lehtonen, is full of lame excuses.

By Midfield

January 4, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Yeah, we could hire some personnel to keep developing Kari Lehtonen for the money. It will take about another 5-10 years before he retires. Problem is, there will be nobody left to take face-offs. Bumer.

By Smoothie

January 4, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

No, Holik did not cost us this game, Ken Klee did! There is no reason in hell that his stick should have been anywhere near Staal’s face. You got beat so put your head down and skate your sorry a$$ back to the defensive zone. Until our defenders start learning how to use their body to sheild pucks, gain advantages along the boards and allow our forwards to swoop in and secure possession, we are simply doomed. But the again, our defense simply sucks a$$ and both Klee and Zhitnik are shadows of formerly capable NHL defenders.

TEFLON DON, MAKE A DAMN TRADE!!! NOW!

By SAM

January 4, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

The penalty by Klee was bad enough, but the one by Holik… it cost us the game. He takes too many bad ones late in the game.

By stendec

January 4, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Okay. THAT IS IT! Too blasted upset to sleep. I will not fault KL for 5-On-3 goal no matter how much I WANT to. WILL FAULT HIM FOR MORE DECISIVE THIRD GOAL! Tough-minded goalies do not allow that goal. I truly want to like KL. Guess I never will. So disgusted now I do not even know what else to type. Must-win home game slowly swirls down blue toilet. Where is the fire, will to win, pride and determination of guys in blue? Did not see any tonight. Not to worry. KL has a bagful (netful?) of excuses. Guess one of them was a damn monkey puck. Maybe third goal? Somebody alert Tarzan. Or at least Cheetah! F++K excuses. There were NONE for this debacle! This one will hurt throughout home stand. Want to see Moose in net next time Thrashers skate onto ice. Minus any hairy primates, of course!

By Brendan

January 4, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

The Flyers have waived D-man Rory Fitzpatrick. (Yes, of the former “write-in” campaign for the All-Star game.) Philly also waived 39-year old center, Jim Dowd. Dowd is best remembered for scoring a goal in the 1995 Cup Finals that turned the series, definitively, for the Devils over the Red Wings.

Hope everyone is watching Thrashers prospect Holzapfel playing for Team Canada, in this World Juniors tournament on the NHL Channel. Also, the future #1 pick in this Summer’s Draft, Steve Stampkos, and future #2 pick, Doughty, defenseman, are also playing in this game. Also, the #2 pick from last Summer’s draft, by the Flyers, James Vanriemsdyk, is playing in this game as well.

By Midfield

January 4, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

That’s all fine and dandy, Brendan. I just want to probe you once more: do you want to re-sign Lehtonen this summer still?

By stendec

January 5, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Re-sign Letemin? A thousand times NO!

By dj

January 5, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry. Carolina needs to be fined. The officials should not be paid for that performance. I cannot believe that the money I spent went to those guys salary. Three times Carolina dove like they were soccer players. Klee is right. Stall was not bleeding. The gash was on the opposite side of his face from where the stick hit him. I’m blaming the game on the refs. Exelby’s slash and Holik’s delay of game where the only two legit penalties. Trust me, Carolina did just as many hooks, holds, trips yet they are not called. That was just horrible officiating.

Craig, do you know how fans can send in complants to NHL about officials? That game needs to be reviewed just to show what diving looked like. Toby’s tripping penalty on LaRose (I think). He jumps three feet in the air when Toby’s stick was head down to the ice. If Toby tripped him then he just made a fool of Sir Isaac Newton.

By PJ

January 5, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Brendan Bouwmeester is UFA after this year, currently at 2.25M? If this attachment doesn’t work, go to www.nhlnumbers.com and you can sort by position to see who is UFA this year. It’s just a spreadsheet so it doesn’t have a column that reads “No chance they’ll ever come to ATL) but we can dream, right? What do you think of Rozsival and how much room does NY have before they hit cap?

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/sort.php?pos=D&type=capnumber

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

Midfield, Yes, I do want Kari re-signed this Summer. Lehtonen is 24 years old and in a “worst case scenario,” will serve as a backup. Goalies take YEARS to develop. Which is why I’m hesitant to advocate drafting them with high 1st round picks. Bygones, on that score. We can’t “undo” the 2002 draft and go get Rick Nash or Jay Bouwmeester. (We owned the 2nd overall pick that year, lest anyone has forgotten. Which means that one of those two players could have been ours.)

Kari shouldn’t cost that much to re-sign this Summer. He’s shown he can deliver a 30-win season. If he only starts 32 games next year, but wins 20 of them, he’ll have earned his salary. Let the RFA offer sheet come in for Kari. They tend to be egregious, and Waddell should consider the value of those draft picks rather than matching the offer. Waddell can, as insurance, re-sign Moose right now. It’s not forbidden for him to hold contract negotiations with Hedberg. He owns his rights. I hold a very unpopular viewpoint that this team ought to consider a 23-man roster, with one goalie sitting in the pressbox every night.

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

PJ, I love Michal Rozsival. This blog discussed his contract when he was a restricted free agent a few years back. I argued that he had healed from injuries and delivered an 82-game season and was worth the risk, except for his restricted status at the time. If the Rangers can’t re-sign him, the Thrashers could do a heckuva lot worse than Rozsival. But he won’t be that cheap, either. The Rangers have to re-sign Paul Mara, as well.

Of course, my “fantasy” pick would be Dan Boyle, of Tampa Bay. But he’ll cost the moon and stars. And TB won’t be stupid enough to let him go un-signed by July 1st. Well, if they do … it means his second surgery on his wrist didn’t take the way they hoped. And if that’s the case, all teams will “lowball” him until he can prove that he is capable of returning to form. The Bolts completely depend on him, defensively. I shouldn’t even mention his name.

I thought Jay Bouwmeester was restricted, PJ?

By hud

January 5, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

I agree with Brendan. Holik needs to be relieved of his captaincy. Waddell should hand the “C” to Kovy. The repeated late penalties and mediocre play have me wishing for the days of the Rat. I appreciated the move with McCrimmon. Now give Ilya some recognition, and the team a captain they can rally around.

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

PJ, the NY Rangers have a huge issue with goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. I think they went to arbitration with him last year, so he’s on a one-year deal. I’m sure the Rangers will try to re-sign him. But then, they’ll have to try to convince either Jagr or Brendan Shanahan to re-sign on a discount. Or trade them at the deadline. But those moves don’t really make a lot of sense for the Rangers. If they lost Jagr and Shanahan, they’d probably re-sign Rozsival and Lundqvist.

PJ, Rozsival is probably looking at somewhere in the viscinity of $6 million for his next deal. Stop. That’s the cap hit for Hossa right now. Rozsival logs over 24:00 a game and is on “pace” for a 20-goal campaign, for over 50-points, as a “plus” side of the ledger defenseman. Throw in his tenure in this league, and he’s quite a “proven commodity.” I suspect Atlanta’s budget can’t possibly afford him. I think Rozsival is in his 30’s now, which means he won’t be getting any younger as his $6 million hits our cap, year-after-year.

Trying to think like Waddell for the moment, I’d look at guys currently making between $600,000 to $800,000 who are pending UFA defenseman. Then see if I think there’s a diamond in the rough. Or, make a “best guess” that their current teams won’t try to re-sign them or can’t re-sign them. Of course, the list will shrink rather quickly by July 1, 2007. Teams will start to re-sign talent as early as February, except for Waddell, who doesn’t negotiate contracts during the season, unless your name is Marian Hossa.

Two guys sort of come to mind. One is Florida’s Steve Montador, a 29-year old blueliner from Canada who has playoff experience with Calgary in 2004. He scored an overtime winner vs. the San Jose Sharks. Montador logs just over 12:30 a game and is on pace for about six goals, ten assists, for 16-points, and a +6 for the year. He costs $800,000. Waddell could fetch him on a 2-year deal for less than a million dollars per season. Think of him the way you might Shane Hnidy, last year. Of course, Florida could re-sign him.

Another guy is Mark Streit, who is Swiss, and plays defense for Montreal. The Habs will probably re-sign him. But this 30-year old only costs $600,000. He’s due for a hefty raise, however. He’s well on pace for over 10 goals and assists numbering in the mid-30’s, but he is on the negative side of the plus-minus ledger. He logs over 17:30 per game. Streit could be a decent offseason pickup on the “relative” cheap side. He’ll likely more than double his present salary. So, figure that he can’t be had for less than $1.2 million. But even at $1.6 million, this is a “functional defenseman.” And let’s face it, salaries could get out of control this summer, with a rising cap. A non-Tier One guy like Streit, 6 goals, 18 helpers, 24-points through 40 games, could be pushing $3 million or more, depending on what the market does. The Habs will try to re-sign him, lest they have other “grand designs” for their offseason, like landing an Adam Foote or a Rob Blake. But those guys are “old” and cost way too much. They’re not exactly “new NHL” type blueliners.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 5, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this

Hello Blueland. This “L” can be pinned on WADDELL. This was A NO-BRAIN MOOSE start!!! Moose beat the Canes on Wednesday and you start KL, who through his entire career has SUCKED against Carolina? KL sucks against Philly and Buffalo as well. MOOSE MUST START AT LEAST NEXT 2 GAMES!!! KL is NOT MENTALLY READY for a playoff push! Even the common man, with no hockey knowledge whatsoever, could tell you that you ride the hot goalie. But idiot Waddell must have missed that memo.

Marian Hossa should be traded immediately. I get so tired of watching him gracefully skate around the ice and just give up on pucks in the offensive zone. He’s half the man (or boy) he was last year. GOOD F#$%@&% RIDDANCE!!! He’s coasting from paycheck to paycheck. Playing games at 50-60%. Waddell ought to wise up and do something now. THE TRADE DEADLINE WILL BE TOO LATE. Check Russ’ #’s, DON. YOU NEED A MIRACLE ON ICE TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!!!

NO MORE EXCUSES FOR KL. Thrashers give him 2 goal lead = TWICE. UNTALENTED FINNISH PUNK CAN’T HOLD LEAD!!! MENTALLY CHECKED OUT IN @ND PERIOD!!!

QUESTION—When the HAWKS make the playoffs and the Thrashers DON’T, DOES DW GET THE AXE???

Hope to see Moose in net on Sunday NOT making AMATEURISH mistakes like Baby Excuse maker KL.

RE-SIGN KL??? Maybe as a backup with an “EL-CHEAPO” Deal, as Brendan would say.

By 12345

January 5, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Gee Brenden, I like reading your views very much… But how long will this “He’s developing, It takes years for NHL goalies to become good.”

Too lame,Lehtonen is NOT very good, if he “needs” todevelop more then he needs to in Chicago or someplace else.

It gets REAK tiring watching him play poorly game after game with only one good one thrown in to keep interest in him.

Then Klee and Holik. These two MUST be waived and WAIVED NOW !

They are simply AWFUL players not even a good shadow of their former selves, Holik is ALWAYS full of excuses and that’s it period.

But we have this IDIOT GM who knows nothing about professional hockey and put this team togather…

It’s time the teflon wore off and waddell was sent packing before he ruins us even futher, can HE not SEE how BAD this team really is ?

Is he THAT STUPID ?

He has proven nothing here in what 8 seasons now, we are in REVERSE now, we will not make the playoffs and be lucky to not finish last.

They had a note on VS the other night… We are one of the top two OLDEST teams in the NHL…

Which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt waddell cannot draft, he cannot sign top level UFA and is a CHEAP S.O.B. to say the very least !

By five_hole

January 5, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Either Thrasher Ryan needs to go on stronger medication or maybe he should retake hockey 100.

Get rid of Hossa? Are you kidding? He’s certainly one of the top forwards in the league, and in over 40 years of watching hockey, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone control the puck as well has he can (with the possible exception of Stan Mikita). He can steal the puck off of other players sticks with the best of them.

Get rid of Lehtonen? Are you kidding? Do you understand how hard it is to play goalie with D-men like Zhitnik & McCarthy in front of you? And try to remember; sometimes you do everything right but the other team has talent too, and sometimes they can score, too. It happens; get used to it.

My guess is, last year you were probably saying how we should keep Hossa and get rid of Kovalchuk because he was a negative +/- player. You really don’t understand much about the game, do you?

I’m personally praying hard that DW can resign Marion. #18, if you’re listening, please stay. We need you.

By Midfield

January 5, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Alright, Brendan. Your steadfastness is respectable. When you use the term “worst case scenario”, are you describing KL’s current level of performance or envisioning something even worse than this? Also, just to clarify, your strategy is 20 wins of 30 or so starts for KL, with Hedberg and Pavelec rotating the remainder - did I understand you right? This would make it way too interesting for the team. Never gonna know what happens every night. That would make the team gel like never before… Sounds pretty entertaining, but I won’t waste my money on a season tickets, sorry.

By Bob

January 5, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

It’s like Hossa is trying to force Waddell to trade him. He is playing with about 1/2 effort. I almost started booing him last night. When he’s trying, like last year, he’s the strongest guy on the puck in the league. There’s none of that this year, just skates with it a little and flips it over to Kozlov and then stands around. I can’t remember the last time he went hard into the zone or to the net. Just trade him already and get it done, the season is slipping away.

How the crap do we lose to that crappy goalie last night? Leighton was awful! I could’ve driven my car through that 5 hole he showed on White’s goal. All they had to do was just shoot at that kid all night and he would have let in 6 or 7. Good news is that he’s not the answer to Carolina’s goalie problem.

Holik with the late penalty, again?! Klee just blows, but I knew he would, so it’s no suprise that he killed us again there. Lehtonen with another stellar performance.

This is not a playoff club, folks. The sooner Waddell can trade Hoss and get some players in here that can contribute now, the better. That loss last night was very demoralizing.

By Concerned Season Ticket Holder

January 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Can’t, Won’t, Don’t Walk the Talk

Last night was one of the most frustrating for me in watching our team this year. The Thrashers demonstrated in the first period they could skate, even dominate play against the Hurricanes.

What did they do in the second and most of the third period? * NOTHING*!!! They came out flat, didn’t skate and blew the lead and the game in 30+ minutes.

We keep hearing Waddell and some of the players continue to talk about what they need to do. The team demonstrates they can walk their talk, but they don’t, won’t, can’t for 60 minutes on the ice. Unless they WANT TO WALK THEIR TALK, THEY NEVER WILL.

Whose at fault??? They are not consistently executing, Do they really care, or are they just collecting their checks? Are they demonstrating any pride? Are they lacking experience? At this point who knows..

One thing is clear, if their desire to win does not outweigh their desire not to skate and put teams away when they have the chance, then this team will go no where. The Hurricanes Goalie was there for the taking last night and we gave away the game….

I personally am getting very tired hearing the Hossa story. If the guy want’s to play for a winner, let him score some goals and win some games for us. Hossa is a “shell” of his former self this year. he is doing little for us and I think his contract negotiations are starting to be a distraction.

I think if he signs now he will be a much better player for us, if he doesn’t then dump him and let someone else have the primadonna. he is certainly no replacement for Heatley! Could he be, yes, does he want to be, who knows.

The coaches better start putting some discipline in this team. There is absolutley no excuse for the way we are playing…I guess it’s hard to punish millionaire athletes. But for the pay, you do expect them to skate and play their hearts out for 60 minutes a game.

I AM DISGUSTED!!!

By Scott

January 5, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I’ve been thinking about a few things. And would like to share my thoughts and get some feedback.

I would like to see a new centerman for the Kovy Recchi line. White is just not getting it done. There has been a lot of talk about getting a legitimate #1 center - I’m thinking maybe we don’t need one (at least for this line) If you look at Kovy’s play, he doesn’t need a great playmaker at center. I’d really like to see either Thorburn or possibly even Stuart get a shot at centering this line - big, strong, fast skater who can play responsible D, dig the puck out of the corner in the offensive zone, and get the puck to #17 or #8. Let Recchi make the sweet pass to set up Kovy, or hit the crease and bang home the rebound. He has definitely shown the ability to do both. Kovy doesn’t score a lot off great setups - he makes / finds his own space for his brutal slapshot - let’s put someone with him who can give him more time in the zone to work his magic.

By PJ

January 5, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Brendan Rozsival is 28, Mara is 27. Malik is also up for re-negotiaion (32). They (NYR) have to give up something to free up some room and yea, it will probably be players on the downslope of their career. We have a few of those we can offer up. LOL I’m surprized that you didn’t mention Redden in your fantasy aquisition scenario, since he’s on that spreadsheet too. He’s a +12. Is there a cap in fantasy hockey? Thrasher Ryan Do you feel better now that you got that off your chest?? Who would you like to see the Thrashers aquire to replace Hossa and KL?

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

PJ, that’s great about Rozsival’s age. Now, I want him even more! The Rangers gambled pretty heavily in this offseason to win a Cup this year. And so far, they don’t appear to be heavy favorites. But a lot can change, and rather quickly. In the 2006 season, the New Jersey Devils were 17-points out of 1st place on New Year’s Day, and won their division on the final game of the season. The Devils won their last 11 games of the season. They’d go on to sweep out the Rangers to 15-straight wins. Then they got booted by Carolina, who won the Cup.

Midfield, what I meant by that “worst case scenario” statement was that we wound up re-signing a player (Lehtonen) as an “expensive backup.” Actually, I’m not really sure what the “average cost” of a backup goalie is. If it is $2 million, then KL, as a backup, would be being paid about right. I doubt Waddell will go as high as $3 million for Kari in the offseason.

I want to clear something else up, folks. Don Waddell doesn’t control the purse strings. The owners do. The owners determine what Waddell gets to spend on contracts. I’m hardly a Waddell fan, but not even I will blame him for the budget. Waddell is trying to do his “level-best” with a cap that’s $8 million below what other GMs have to spend. Like I said, Lou Lamoriello would tell the Atlanta Spirit Group to find themselves a new GM, because Lou refuses to play “hamstrung.” Lou would quit and go another organization that allows him to be at or near Cap limit on opening night.

Thrasher Ryan, believe me, I share your frustration over KL. He wouldn’t have been my choice on Draft Day 2002. But Waddell must have felt this guy could be the goalie of his generation. He received “inducement” from his “personal friend,” Florida GM Rick Dudley, who turned out to be Jim Slater, not to select Bouwmeester with that 2nd overall pick. We’d all probably feel a whole lot better about Kari if he’d been some 4th or 5th round pick. We’d have all liked Patrik Stefan more, likewise, had he been a latter round pick, rather than 1st overall selection. Our “expectations” were elevated because of where these players were drafted. If Kari Lehtonen turns out to be our “back up” goalie throughout next season, I’d say … that we have a pretty good back up goalie. Just not what we’d hoped from a 2nd overall pick in a draft.

I like Pavelec. A lot. But he’s very young and unestablished. I think he could be up to the task next season, to be our #1 goalie. And if he is, that’s GRRRREAT!. If not, we’d better have something ELSE ready to go. Which brings me to Moose Hedberg. He’s not really a #1 goalie. But he is an excellent “fill-in.” Between Pavelec, Moose, and Lehtonen, Atlanta should have at least “somewhere” to turn for relief. Who knows, maybe all three could play 27 games each.

Ummn, realistically, that’s not going to happen. Realistically, we’re going to lose Johan Hedberg in the offseason. And there it is. We’re going to sink or swim with Kari Lehtonen. It was Sage of Blueland who said, “Don Waddell’s future is tied to Kari’s groin. As Kari goes, so does Waddell.”

Don’t think I don’t hear you screaming that Waddell needs to be fired. He’s hired two coaches, and eventually, he’ll hire a third, signed every player, made every draft pick, etc. What you may not be processing fully … is that the Atlanta Spirit Group LLLLLOVE THIS MAN!!! He’s doing every, single … blessed thing … that they’ve asked him to do. They set the budget. They give Waddell an uphill battle to go fight. And he doesn’t grumble about it. He trudges on, doing whatever he possibly can to plug the holes in the dam. But he’s not “Helen Keller.” He’s not “A miracle worker.” He’s an “average” GM who finds himself in a HORRIBLE SITUATION. But for reasons that escape me, he WANTS to STAY. Folks, I can’t think of ANYONE who’d want this GM position, here in Atlanta. Not with this ownership. Be honest about that. You’re ALL capable of being “honest.”

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Scott, I think that, in time, Bryan Little could be that center. Absent that, if the Sharks are SERIOUS about wanting to move Center Patrick Marleau, then that’s something to consider.

By Craig Custance

January 5, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Wanted to throw out a Steve McCarthy update since I forgot to include it in the game story: He pulled a muscle in his rib cage and he’s going to be out a couple games. Mark Popovic will be back in the lineup for the game Sunday afternoon.

By Tony C.

January 5, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

OK

I went to the game last night, and really, yes I’m biased but good lord those were some of the worst calls I’ve ever seen!!! The call on Enstrom??? ARE YOU @#$%^!&%)# KIDDING ME???!!?!?!! Enstrom had *his feet swept out from under him, and he gets called????

Our entire section was up in arms due to crap calls…somebody check for me b/c I seem to remember this same ref #6 Maroulli (or something close to that)…he really seems to have it out for us. But seriously, I didn’t think Ken Klee played especially well, but the slashing call was also bogus as you want to get. He slapped Staal’s hand then lifted his stick…Staal looked like he’d be shot in the face by a BB gun…UGH!

But I think the over-pursuit lesson of the previous day was paid a little too much heed-there wwere several times I thought we could’ve/should’ve stood the off wing up coming into our zone and did not…then again, we probably would’ve been called with obstruction or some other BS.

Don’t yall think Holik would’ve been benched if he kept pulling crap like this in New Jersey???

I thought the crowd (as usual with ATL sports crowds) was listless…they showed as much willingness to cheer the team to produce…as the team is unwilling to move their feet! Seriously, for a skating team, the guys in blue didn’t hardly move in the 2nd. Thorburn looked good…but outside of he Dupuis, Stuart and Enstrom, no one else seemed ready to play…KL looked good for the most part, but there were WAY too many white jerseys in the slot all night. We should’ve made them pay, but, honestly, we probably would’ve been called. The Refs definitely helped CAR but our boys played well enough to loose-when the refs are against you like that you MUST not make the lazy play. We will get called for it. Period. The refs union hates ATL.

GO BLUE !!!

By Viking

January 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Disappontingly, (at least for me and fellow swedes), Sweden managed to loose in OT to Canada in the Junior Championship final. It would really have been interesting to see if asst. coach Peter Sundström (NHL player in the 80s) would have lived up to the extra incentive he gave the team before the tournament started; He would stand in the middle of the ice dressed in a “Borat swimsuit” if his team won the gold! It was close…

By Viking

January 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Another thing: I can not stand the free points handed out for OT/SO losses. Up till yesterday, 116 extra points have been generated in the league. 59 of those in our conference.

Without them, the standings would be even tighter and the Thrashers would actually be tied for 5th place with 5 other teams!

By Smoothie

January 5, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

five_hole — with all due respect, before you call out Ryan, who posts on here regularly and usually offers up good, rational insight, have you watched Hossa closely in any game over the past 5 weeks? Most of the time, he gives up on plays and does not pursue the puck as aggressively as he used to.

And when was the last time you’ve seen him dance along the red line on the PP forcing the defense to collapse on him before he drives the net and either stuffs one home or flips one over the goalie’s shoulder short-side. It’s as if he doesn’t want to do anymore than necessary out there.

I like Hossa a lot and think he can be one of the top 10 players in the league (when he wants to be), but I think his play is a reflection of his frustration with a low-ball offer from the ASG. We could probably wait and still get good value at the trade deadline in the form of draft picks, but then we give up on any hope of a post-season appearance. If we find a team in the West (a la the Avalanche) who find themselves in a position similar to ourselves, there might just be a deal that can help both teams make a legit run at the playoffs.

I suggest Hossa and Pops for Hejduk and JM Liles. I think Hejduk is under contract but the Avs will probably have a better shot of re-signing Hossa than we do. They might just be willing to take that chance since Hejduk isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore (not old but certainly not younger than Hossa). Just throwin’ it out there again.

By 12345

January 5, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Did ANYONE just see on CenterIce Tampa game the feature on KILLER heatley??????

They show this criminal in the tropics on a boat, swimming and fishing as well as doing the Centerice promo…

Does anyone know if this worthless THUG ever did his court mandated speeches ?

Then he commented “He was GLAD to be OUT OF ATLANTA” what a worthless LOWLIFE Punk THUG, I’d laugh myself to death if he got a Kovy Slapshot in the adams apple and died on the ICE… Would be nice to see HIM ON ICE, that punk !!!!

By Midfield

January 5, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Brendan, as much as it is un-cool, I think the team sealed its fate with this loss. Somebody said that it was demoralizing and I agree. Big part of it is that the players do not trust their designated #1 goalie to hold the line. This breeds the lack of confidence, miscommunication and mistakes, particularly in defense. So, I think bringing Pavelec and sending Lehtonen down RIGHT NOW makes sense, because a shake-up is needed for both KL and the team; and because you can test Pavelec for real before post-season moves are considered. It will be good for Lehtonen: I do believe that the only thing that can turn his career around is the realization that he has to fight tooth and nails to get an NHL contract.

By Tony C.

January 5, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

I think Midfield is onto something with his comments above-but honestly, the whole team decided to quit around about 19:15 of the 2nd. They then decided to begin playing again @ 10:32 of the 3rd, quickly moving to quit again @ 8:24 of the 3rd…then, while the crowd began to boo the whole sorry mess (Le Thrash, the haters-errr Referees) they decided to play again @ 1:41 of the 3rd. What a fustrating loss.

GO BLUE !!!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 5, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

FIVE HOLE—Where in my statement did I say get rid of Lehtonen? I said get rid of Hossa, dude. If you actually read my comment, I even said it would be OK to re-sign KL as a Backup. My main point was that Moose should be starting these games. If you even watch the games, you will see why Hossa needs to go. Hossa is playing at 50%. WATCH THE GAMES, PAL.
I am a long time hockey fan, just like you. I played Right Wing for about 15 years. Had Flames season tickets every year they were in Atlanta. I’ve been to over 200 Thrashers games. Hockey 101? That’s funny, because based on your statements you obviously failed that class, as well as Reading, based on your assessment of my comment. Stan Mikita was VERY good. And Marian Hossa (with an “A”, not an “O” by the way) IS NO STAN MIKITA.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

five_hole—Zhitnik does not play with McCarthy, hasn’t for about a month now, further proof you don’t watch the games. Also, if you know anything about my posts, I’ve been saying since the first month of the season that Zhitnik needs to go.

And try to remember; sometimes you do everything right but the other team has talent too, and sometimes they can score, too. It happens; get used to it.

Yeah, when KL plays we ARE DEFINITELY USED TO IT.

My guess is, last year you were probably saying how we should keep Hossa and get rid of Kovalchuk because he was a negative +/- player.

Nope, never said that. In fact, I have never said a bad thing about Kovy in my life. KOVALCHUK IS THE THRASHERS.

You really don’t understand much about the game, do you?

A lot more than you will ever know, my friend. And for future reference, it is generally not a good idea to accuse people of saying things they never said, or better yet, posting entries on the internet crediting people with saying stuff that they never actually said. Read a post, and understand it before you comment on it! YOU ARE A COMPLETE IDIOT, five_hole. Go play around on the Gladiators blog, please. MORON.

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Certainly, Midfield is on to something. Bob Hartley was often quoted as saying, “It’s my job, as coach, to field the team that best gives us the opportunity to win.” Amazingly, there were no “like,” “errr,” “ya knows,” Or baseball references in that Hartley quote. Well, if Pavelec is the goaltender that best gives Atlanta the chance to win, then that’s what should be done, if that’s what Coach Waddell thinks. As usual, I have NO IDEA WHAT ON EARTH WADDELL ACTUALLY THINKS. All I can do is “guess.” My guess is … that he thinks Lehtonen, the guy in whom he invested a 2nd overall pick, is the best opportunity to win. In this very Custance blog, Waddell was quoted as saying, “we’re extremely lucky to have Lehtonen and this opportunity at home.” Well, based on that, I have to believe Waddell thinks Lehtonen will get most of the starts.

I know people don’t want to hear this, but Kari cannot get better while riding the pine. So, either Waddell has to play him, or he’s got to make a “command decision” that Moose or Pavelec will be the #1 goalie and ride it out with them.

When Michael Garnett and Adam Berkhoel were our netminders in 2005, the team really struggled. I wouldn’t say we’re quite in “that boat” just yet. And, eventually, Michael Garnett started to play very well. He finished the 2005-06 season with the exact same same win percentage as Kari Lehtonen. Uhh, that’s a fact. An often forgotten and/or overlooked fact.

There’s something else to consider here. Kari Lehtonen is not obligated to play for the Atlanta Thrashers ever again after the conclusion of this season. He can choose to play in Europe or Scandanavia and kiss the NHL “goodbye.” As in, “Thanks for the memories. But I think I can make more playing in the Finnish Elite League.” Or whatever. Atlanta would still own his rights. But the second he set foot on European ice, playing as a paid professional, he forfeits his right to return to the NHL that season. I don’t know exactly how long Atlanta gets to retain Lehtonen’s rights. Someone could double-check that. He might have the right, at 29, to play for any NHL team as an unrestricted free agent. If Kari chooses to be a “holdout,” he can holdout all the way until December 1, 2008, before he becomes ineligible for the 2008-09 season. Waddell would do well to trade him before that happened. Actually, he might “pray” for an RFA offer sheet to either match the deal or accept the draft pick compensation, to finally resolve the matter.

For me, the thing about Kari Lehtonen is this: Trade him to Detroit, and the Red Wings might win the Cup. Ya never know. Now, I’m not saying that’s about to happen anytime soon. The rumor mill says the Red Wings are about to offer Osgood a 3-year deal. Hasek retires and unretires like he’s playing “musical chairs.” The draft picks Detroit would have to surrender to ATlanta on an RFA offer sheet for Kari are likely to be the #26-30 picks of the first round. In other words, Garbage picks. Atlanta wouldn’t benefit very much from them. And Kari would actually get to play for a very sound team, defensively, and probably thrive. And God help us if he helps them to a Cup. We’d all cry, “He was ours. What happened?” He’s 24 years old. He’s still developing. Giguere didn’t get to a Finals until 8 years after he was drafted. He didn’t win a Cup until 12 years after being drafted. And two teams quit on him along the way (Carolina and Calgary). Anaheim held on to him for seven years, just hoping that Giguere might be able to bring home that elusive Cup. Their patience was rewarded last season.

By Big Mike

January 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Jonathan Bernier

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Viking, I watched that game and even when it was 2-0, Canada, in the 3rd period, I thought Sweden would pop in two quick ones to force OT. When that didn’t happen after the first Swedish goal, I got very nervous. But when they scored in the final minute of the 3rd period, I was convinced that Sweden would prevail in overtime.

Hey, at least your Nation (Sweden) won the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games in Torino. And what sweet redemption that was, after the utter debacle of losing to Belarus in the medal round back in 2002, in the Salt Lake City Games. Don’t look now, but the Vancouver Games are just two years away, in February (2010). Kovalchuk will get to play with Ovechkin, Malkin, Zubov, Semin, etc. Who knows, maybe even Yashin and Federov may have some shot at making Team Russia.

By Midfield

January 5, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Who said that we have to cry if Lehtonen moves on and succeeds? I won’t.

By LAC

January 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

St.L helping us tonight against Carolina.

Little Tripp Tracey summed it up on the Carolina TV side… Saying last night’s loss by Atlanta will demoralize them for the rest of the season and they will continue to fade… Great !

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Yesss! St. Louis held on for the 1-0 win over Carolina.

Oh, maybe you wouldn’t cry, Midfield. But, would you think that others wouldn’t? Every time a player leaves Atlanta and has success elsewhere, we keep a running tally. While such things are probably inevitable, it is somewhat frustrating to see “castoffs” succeed when they didn’t here. Or, in some cases, the player wasn’t truly given the opportunity to succeed. I never thought Jeff Cowan would have any kind of success. I didn’t think Shean Donovan was anything special. Steve Staios I never thought of as some Tier One defenseman who had to be retained, no matter what. But he certainly is/was a serviceable defenseman who could have proved useful here.

By Midfield

January 5, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

By the way, regardless of Waddell thinks about goaltending, I remember Kovy’s comment at the time when KL was out. The comment was that Pavelec was the toughest goalie for him (Kovy) to score on in practice. I have to say that at this point I see more value in Kovy’s opinion, silly me.

By Brendan

January 5, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Midfield, I’m starting to think that you want Waddell fired. Am I offbase?

By Tony C.

January 6, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Montador- whoever said that he’s a likely suspect gets my vote. I like Montador not only is his name fun to say, but anybody who takes on a guy more than half a foot taller and correspondingly bigger and doesn’t get clowned is A-OK in my book.

By Midfield

January 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Well, if what I think is going to happen - which is that the team will coast away from the play-offs - I expect Waddell to get fired, do you? Of course, stranger things happened. What I am also saying is that hanging on to Lehtonen at this point is absolutely pointless. In fact, if I was Waddell, I would try to make a bold shake-up move, such as bringing Pavelec back in right now. If it works, he would look like a genius. I don’t see any downside. Yes, he invested 2nd-round pick in KL, but it does not work and it won’t, don’t fool yourselves, people. Again, I would love to be wrong on this one, but this bet is getting awfully old and hopeless.

By Brendan

January 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Midfield, I agree with you that if Pavelec is the answer, he ought to be given another opportunity. The only impediment that I see to it, is that if Pavelec plays two more games, the Thrashers lose a year off his period of “restricted” free agency. And yes, I know what you’re thinking: So what?! Blow a whole season, just so that we get an extra year to control Pavelec’s contract? That doesn’t make any sense. Point taken, Midfield.

I feel your pain.

But another truth is … that Kari has played “brilliantly” at times during the season. It’s also true that his play has directly cost us wins and points in the standings, and in the playoffs. It is a two-sided coin. It’s clear to me that Lehtonen can’t be expected to play 6-7 games without one of his pattented ADD meltdowns.

As for Waddell getting fired, I’ll believe it when I see it, Midfield. I’ve never seen anything but love and praise from the ownership regarding Waddell. In their eyes, they’ve got their man. Brendan, you can’t be serious, can you?

The facts are … after the missing the playoffs, again, in 2006, and the playoff debacle of 2007, the ownership EXTENDED WADDELL’S CONTRACT, and upon Waddell’s recommendation, extended Bob Hartley’s, as well. Hartley was fired six games later.

What more is there to say? They lllllove Waddell. They trust him implicitly. They believe every, single word he says. He’s the “Teflon GM—nothing sticks.” He’s a GM who doesn’t grumble about “working conditions” and does what he’s told. Even now, this team is very much in the hunt for the Southeast Division title. That might be a stinging indictment of the division, but there it remains. Waddell’s got a shot at “back-to-back” division championships. And if he gets it, EXPECT another contract extension. Waddell is under contract, with Hartley, until 2009. Waddell’s next contract extension will likely pay him through the conclusion of the next CBA, in 2011.

Stop. Have you ever heard Bruce Levenson, Michael Gearon, Bernie Mullin (on 680 TheFan,) or Rutherford Seydel ever THREATEN Don Waddell with the word, “accountability.” Or the words, “Unless” or “On condition upon.” Shrugs. Yeah, me either. And they won’t. Because they llllllove him. They ADORE him. They almost WORSHIP him. We’ve got most of the lyrics to “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” going on there.

Midfield, you may want to check out Scott Burnside’s column history at ESPN.com where he alleges that the Atlanta ownership does not have a handle on the situation with the Thrashers.

Midfield, it sounds, from your posts, that you want some accountability out of your GM. You may not get it. And yes, the ASG will not be getting Midfield’s season ticket sales either. Sage of Blueland applauds you. He always said, “You vote with your wallets to effect managerial change. Everyone understands the word “cancellation.” That’s a pretty hardcore stance by Sage. I’m just not there yet. I love going to games. I love my team. And if Waddell stays amidst failures, I guess I’m partly to blame for that.

By LAC

January 6, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Happy to see the WINNING Team appeared out of the fog today.

However… we were outshot and real lucky… Glad Moose was in goal if KL 8-5 Buffalo.

Philly another bubble team not playing too well so let’s JUMP on them !

Stuart sure looks a WHOLE LOT BETTER than Slater doesn’t he !

By stendec

January 6, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Who shook Marian Hossa until he woke up? Good job! Thrashers needed this one after stinking out home ice in last appearance. Moose was loose. Only two goals. Nice job wildlife guy! Play Moose. Keep Hossa scoring. Go on a tear! PLEASE. GO BLUE!

By Randy S

January 7, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Hey, does anyone know how long the Thrashers practices are? Has anyone been to one? Gonna go up tomorrow (motivated by Glavine being there but never even knew they were open to the public).

By Bob

January 7, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Brendan, read between the lines here my man. The owners made Waddell go down and take over coaching, why do you think they wouldn’t let him bring in another coach? They never even contacted anyone to interview for the job. Waddell’s rear is on the line this year, no playoff, no more Don, and that is frankly the best thing for the club. This is nowhere near a lineup that can compete for a Cup, so might as well miss the playoffs and get on with the business of getting a real GM in here who can rebuild.

Very interesting to see Moose get the start yesterday!

Well, lookie there. Schultz calls Hoss out and voila, Hoss steps up his game and gave his best effort of the year, and he pots 2 goals and we win a game.

Uh, Hoss, it’s you that have been part of the problem.

I think Hoss has been doggin it to avoid injury and he already has one foot out the door. He keeps saying that he’s not worried about his decreased performance this year and that he’s been in the league 10 years and all the teams know what they’ll get out of him.

Well Hoss, you’re showing the other teams that what they’ll get is a prima donna that won’t man up when the chips are down. Have some pride in yourself as a professional and bring that effort every night.

If Hoss doesn’t sign by the deadline though, Waddell has to trade him, regardless of where we are in the standings.

By Brian

January 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Randy S - go to the team website, it should have info there. I would say just go, if they are too long nothing says that you have to stay the whole time. I have been a number of times. The other rink has open skate in the am also, and no one goes in the morning, you get the whole ice to yourself. When I was in grad school I would skate for awhile and then go watch practice a bit.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 7, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Anyone know when the final All star rosters are announced?

By Brian

January 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Buzilla - tomorrow

By nascar_dave

January 7, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

LEST YE NOT FORGET MARIAN HOSSA DISAPPEARS IN THE PLAYOFFS. IF THRASHERS MAKE PLAYOFFS, WHICH MOST LIKELY WON’T HAPPEN, THEY NEED MORE FIREPOWER, BECAUSE HOSSA WILL BE MIA. THRASHERS HAVE BETTER SHOT AT PLAYOFFS TRADING M. HOSSA NOW. RE-SIGN HIM, DON’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, WADDELL GETS FIRED. TRADE HIM, MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, WADDELL STAYS. TRADE HIM, DON’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, WADDELL STILL GETS FIRED.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 7, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

assuming we do trade Hossa. What would be an acceptable trade? I doubt we would get back much NHL ready talent. Assuming all we get are draft picks…what would be the minimum that we should take?

By Bob

January 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

zilla, they have to get back more than just draft picks, they have to get NHL ready talent. If it’s only picks, then they’re better off just keeping him, assuming he keeps trying in the games like he did yesterday.

By Brendan

January 7, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Bob, I hope you’re right about Waddell. But another thought occurs to me. Maybe the ASG were just “too cheap” to go hire someone else. They could just make Waddell stay there, behind the bench, again next year. What’s Waddell gonna do about it? Quit? He can’t DEMAND anything. Not technically. If the Atlanta Spirit Group don’t want to hire a new coach, they don’t have to—they can make Waddell stay there … FOREVER. I’m sure Waddell would GRUMBLE quietly about it, but in the end, he wouldn’t “quit.” The job’s too lucrative to simply quit.

I can hear the ownership now. “Well, we were so close last season. Waddell deserves to stay on as coach. The team responded to him. The team finished with a ‘winning record’ with Waddell coaching the team. We’re not going to make a coaching change.”

Tell me, with certainty, that’s not a possibility? Again, I VERY WELL COULD BE WRONG. But where are the “ultimatums” and “threats” from (Thrashers owners) Bruce Levenson, Rutherford Seydel, Michael Gearon, or Bernie Mullin?

Maybe I missed them? It’d be “nice” to hear that there will be accountability for failure. But I won’t hold my breath for that, either.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Carolina Hurricanes claim Sergei Samsonov off re-entry waivers from Blackhawks, per TSN.