Thrashers

By Tom

January 8, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I have the feeling that Ilya is going to tear up the All Star Game and prove his point there.

By zimthrasher

January 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

The All-Star game doesn’t really matter let alone the voted in starters. We see this in every sport, not just hockey and not just because of the “Southern Bias”.

Kovalchuk himself doesn’t seem to care that much about the All-Star game. Last year he mentioned how much he enjoyed the break and time with his family.

This isn’t to say that he doesn’t appreciate the honor. I think Kovalchuk is actually very mature these days in dealing with the media, saying the right things, but also having his opinion on subjects and not being afraid to voice it.

Did Ilya get robbed from the voting public? Absolutely, but sixth out of 300 plus forwards is still impressive.

As for tonight, I usually don’t like the Moose in back-to-back starts, but I have a good feeling about this one.

By sisu

January 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

With the lack of TV coverage the NHL has this comes as no surprise. Crosby is the face of the NHL and Ottawa is a huge hockey town. Lacavalier is a very popular guy in Canada. Kovy will be fine, he will get the goal title this year and that will by far outshine the All Star selection!

By Bob

January 8, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

All Star game? Much ado about nothing, Kovy is doing his talking where it counts.

I like seeing Moose get the start again. Kari has to learn how to be a #1 goalie, and he’s never shown that he can do it over a long stretch, in short spurts, sure, but never over the long haul.

By Adam

January 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it, Ilya would receive more votes if he was Canadien. It’s not that there’s a ‘southern’ bias, it’s that there is a canadien bias. Crosby is Canada’s Great White Hope, the saviour of their precious game from those awful europeans.

By Hockeyfan

January 8, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

The NHL is expected to make an announcement later this afternoon that with Sidney on the starting lineup for the East, no other players will actually be on the ice as they are not needed… Ek now saying it will be Sidney against all of the Western All-Stars (E5). What was it Costas said last week, something about everyone else being mere mortals in comparison to Sid?

By Brian

January 8, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Carroll - of course people are biased, that’s what makes them fans. You can’t quite say it is Kovy’s price to pay for playing in a Southern town, otherwise Lecavalier wouldn’t have been voted in ahead of him. However, there is some truth to that. How many people from Atlanta actually voted multiple times for Kovy? Probably not as many as those from Ottawa voted for Alfredsson (also a Euro player so you can’t use that excuse on Kovy either) who is starting.

Yes, I voted for Kovy each time I voted, but are his stats that much more better than the 3 starters (thru today Kovy has 59 pts, Cros, Lecav & Alfie have 57, 62 & 55 pts)? I don’t see the overwhelming bias. Who were your top 3?

By GaVaHokie

January 8, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

It’s a waste of time, and doesn’t mean squat. It would be a much greater honor if the players voted for the starters.

But, alas, Sid-Alfie and Lecavalier will play for 18 seconds, the whistle will blow for an Offsides and the real All Star lines like Kovy-Lecavalier-Heatley will get on the ice.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 8, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

When are the other all stars announced?

By GaVaHokie

January 8, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

In other news… Eklund “Grain of Salt” is saying Ovechkin to Nashville for 2 #1’s Dumont, Zidlicky and Suter. (E3)

By Gsu-Lee

January 8, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Superb reporting as usual. I really think in the long run all Kovy wants is a Cup. But, I think it might be enough to add a little edge to his game, especially against some top quality opponents (like the Pens on Saturday). Kovy is having a great year though, and I believe him when he says he just wants to win.

By RS

January 8, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I think it’s most likely because Ovechkin is in the league now and he received votes that would have gone to Ilya in 03-04. It also seems to me that Ilya got the most votes that year with about 150,000 total votes.

The Thrashers had gotten off to a fast start after the Heatley-Snyder incident that season and the team was getting a lot of publicity.

By jen

January 8, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I’m guilty of not voting (yes, I am ashamed). Anyways, we have the luxury of seeing Kovy working his magic everynight (and it is fun to watch!) So, I think it’s because Atlantans are spoiled as to why he wasn’t voted in.

By christy

January 8, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I voted for Kovy every time I voted. I didn’t even vote for ANY of the top three vote getters in the east.

By Waffleboy

January 8, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Carroll- What’s the skinny on Slater’s “undisclosed illness”? I’m getting more and more nervous every time I read it.

By 12345

January 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Well at the very least the Game is HERE !!!!!

I just get a bit irked at all this Crosby stuff.

Sure is an above average player, but he is not scoring that much this season, in the grand scheme of things, and is not playing with the fire of say last season.

While a very good player, NOT an All-Star starter… at least this season should be the story here.

By Hooky Bob

January 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Repaeat after me:Kovy is an Allstar.

The vote for Rory last year should tell one somehting about the accuracy (ie meaningfulness) of the all-star voting. It is simply more a measure of the fan base…and lets face it folks…the south doesn’t have much depth in the hockey fan base.

So, imperfect as it may be,..I wonder how the votes would tally if players, coaches, or hockey beat writers did the voting.

Any predictions on the who the Thrashers “players choice player” will be this year?

As Bob noted Kovy is “walking the all-star talk.”

Brian, Kovy’s points may be similar to the starters,…but he doesn’t have linemates named Malkin, St Louis, Spezza or Heatley (guess he did have a sub-par Hossa though). I gotta think he’d have up to 10 more points if he’d had that stud Recci on his line all season.

Personally, I hope Kovy gets lots of rest over the allstar weekend. I want him rested as he resumes his quest to carry this team to the play-offs.

Repeat after me: Kovy has Hart.

By ranallo10

January 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I’d say it’s no big deal to Kovalchuk (and I feel it should be to his fans either), but it does speak volumes about the nature of All-Star voting, as well as the quality/quantity/loyalty of the fans of this sport.

Several factors work for others that work against Kovalchuk.

Ilya’s Russian, not Swedish. The NHL fan base is Canadian dominant, and their national team faces off against Russia for the Summit Series. The history of those two nations battling it out in hockey is hard to ignore, and clearly is embedded in the psyche of many Canadian hockey fans. The IHF Agreement standoff also has an effect on the public image of Russian’s compared to their foreign counterparts (think of the Russian player who dropped in the ‘07 draft purely because people figured he’d be hard to sign to a contract due to his nationality). The simple synopsis: Russia is the NHL’s number one enemy.

Lecavalier is Canadian, not Russian. Hence, although he plays for a southern team, his heritage garners him extra rumors and a larger viewing audience from the NHL fan base. All Canadians want him in Canada, not in Tampa Bay, so the “southern bias” is ignored in hopes he moves to a team north of the Mason-Dixon line. Kovalchuk, being an Atlanta player of Russian birth, is not heavily marketed outside of Atlanta. Subsequently he does not draw ratings like a player of Lecavalier or Crosby’s popularity.

Finally, All-Star voting is fundamentally flawed. It’s for the fans, by the fans, but not limited in the amount of votes allowed per person…thus rendering the most popular players to lead the pack over more deserving players (think of Griffey Jr. winning a starting spot though having only played 10 games due to injury). Popular players will always win out over the more deserving players.

But as many people said, it doesn’t really matter. The All-Star game is for the fans to see who they want, who they feel is deserving, and impacts nothing beyond bragging rights for fans and players alike.

If I were Kovalchuk (I wish this every day), this “snub” wouldn’t bother me in the least bit. I’d be leading the league in scoring, helping my team remain competitive, and focusing on the Flyers for tonight’s matchup. All-Star games are cute, but the games that affect the standings are what really matter.

(N.B. — My apologies for the novella, work was boring at the end of the day.)

By Brendan

January 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with Ranallo’s analysis above. And Bob’s (original, longtime poster Bob, that is.) Lecavalier is Canadian. Alfredsson is a major star on a Canadian team. Who influences the the All-Star vote the most? I don’t know, for sure, but I suspect is the voters north of the border, for whom hockey is more popular that NCAA football, the NFL, and NASCAR combined.

I voted for nothing but Thrashers as forwards every time I voted. I saw no point to helping players AHEAD of Kovalchuk gain or sustain their lead on him. But truthfully, Kovy has stated earlier that an All-Star game is not really important. It’s just “fan voting.” Rory Fitzpatrick, who was just “waived” by the Flyers, almost got voted in to last year’s All-Star game. It was “joke campaign.”

We can all take some comfort in knowing this isn’t baseball, where the winner of the game gets to host the “Showcase event” at the conclusion of the playoffs. Home ice for the Eastern Conference Champion is not at stake in this game. Still, I wonder how much it matters to Kovalchuk that his exposure is reduced in the South, as a non-Canadian. Kozlov seems to love it, and he is Russian, too.

By crogers1407

January 8, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

first let me say, you guys are much more polite than some of the braves bloggers. they woulda been all over me…i misspelled lecavalier (they’ve changed it now, thanks) and nobody jumped me for that. thanks!

you have all had some good thots on kovy. i will take them into account tomorrow, when i plan to talk to him abouut this….

waffleboy, my impression on the slater thing is that the thrashers would let us know if we should be alarmed by it, and they haven’t. but i understand your curiosity and concern.

By Sam

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

I voted quite a bit for Kovy. I had family members do the same. I don’t understand why Lecavalier (SE division) had so many more votes than Kovalchuk.

By Tony C.

January 8, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Oh well.

I like the saying “Kovy has HART“…perhaps we should just start cheering that when they announce the line-ups.

Watching this game, wow. our guys really need to tighten the box on these guys…bad penalty leads to PP goal..and…WHAT THE #%^$!!! man that 2nd goal after the PP hurts.

Let’s hope we can solve Nittymaki tonight.

GO BLUE !!! *#17 OWNS YOU *

By Thrasher_Ed

January 8, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Folks, I am trying so hard to keep the faith and then these guys play like a bunch of bushers. I just don’t know about this team. They are so Jekyl and Hyde, great one night - awful the next. Play with some damn consistency PLEASE!!!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 8, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Carrol, when Kamal announced the starting lineups on the radio he said Slater was scratched for a “lower body injury”. Thats the latest i’ve heard.

By stendec

January 8, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Thrashers turned in obligatory one decent period then went into the tank. AGAIN! Marian Hossa effortless lackluster non-showing a true embarrassment. MH must inhabit LaLa Land with KL! Counting minutes until he escapes from Thrashers? Good riddance to him! Moose was not stellar but he had A LOT of company in final 40 minutes. Thrashers do not seem a damn bit interested in winning on home ice! No wonder Blueland has deteroriated into Blue Land. FOR THRASHER FAITHFUL! Totally unacceptable debacle. Where is the pride? Fire? Honor? Dignity? Effort? It sure as Hell was not present Thrasher-wise from the first second of middle period. Did not expect team to give up! Exactly what occurred. Truly disgusting. Keep losing those points, boys, ninth place means more time with families. WATCHING OTHER DAMN TEAMS IN PLAYOFFS! Good night all.

By 12345

January 8, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Another BAD Game…

When will we get SOME DEFENSEMEN and additional scoring help ?

This is getting so old to keep saying… Is waddell THAT Asleep at the controls ?

By Russian

January 8, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Thrasher need to be regroup completely next year. No offence except Kovy - Eliot said that. No Defence except Tobi. Corbun fill so lucky to get out this Circus. No good Goalies. This team did not go anythere. They will do some spark in this season. May be they will beat Detroit or Pittsburgh, but nothing more. Very bad effort. :-(

By Russ

January 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Looked a lot like a team ready to take complete control of about the 11th seed in the East. 50 points needed in 38 games for the Thrashers flickering playoff hopes.

By Rone

January 8, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

First period was fun, then came the second.

It was pretty obvious at the start of the third that this game was over, but I stayed until the bitter end.

I wish I could critique the third, but I was much more interested in the ice girls that flooded section 121. I got a magnet and a megaphone!!!

Beats watching a beating.

(by the Flyers…)

(again…)

By R. Stroz

January 8, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

According a the post game interview with Holik, there is discord in the locker room. I imagine the discord went something like this:

Holik says, “Hossa you’re playing like a candy @$$.”

Hossa says, “Holik you are the dumbest captain in the league.”

The rest of the team says, “you both suck.”

By R. Stroz

January 8, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

At this point, it’s time to see if Hossa can be shipped to the Rangers in exchange for Cherepanov. Hossa will get to go play with his brother and the Thrashers get the best prospect in last year’s draft. Yes I know, we have to cross our fingers that the Cherepanov will come over and play in the NHL.

Lets face it folks, Hossa has quit. Even Heatley didn’t quit playing before he was traded.

If Hossa re-signed, do the Thrashers really want him after seeing “the kind of man” he has shown himself not to be this season?

Do the fans want Hossa back at this point? I don’t.

It’s time to clear salary: move Holik, Hossa, and Zhitnik. Savings 17 million per year including Rucchin.

By Ron

January 8, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Starting in the NHL All-Star game is really quite irrelevant. The starters play the first 45 seconds of the game then Ilya K goes out. “Fan” voting doesn’t mean one player is better than another. Alex and Ilya will get plenty of ice time.

By David

January 9, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

I happened to blog on the topic of Ilya’s great season (and career, for that matter) just this evening. Feel free to check it out. Suffice to say, he is already comparing favorably to some seriously huge NHL names already.

http://sportsatlanta.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-ilya-kovalchuk-compares-to-all-time.html

By Brendan

January 9, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

I liked this post from the offseason.

Braydon Coburn played 22:41 and was a +1, with an assist, on the night. Enstrom had another minus-game, could all these minutes played be catching up with the rookie?

Both Tampa and Carolina won tonight. The ‘Canes now have a 5-point cushion on the division. Cam Ward got the shutout, 1-0.

The two Flyers goals by Jeff Carter, 23 second apart, were devastating. It’s the difference between 2-0 and 3-0. But the “tell tale sign” that a club is struggling are “late period goals.” Well, the Flyers got one at 19:59 of the 2nd period. Fully digest that one, yet?

Worse still, were the efforts by Kovalchuk and Hossa, DEFENSIVELY, on the 3rd and 4th Flyer goals, respectively. A real lackluster, “phone it in” type effort was displayed.

By JB

January 9, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Kovalchuk’s absence from the starting line up for the All Star game is a direct reflection of the joke that is called the Atlanta Spirit.

By Bob

January 9, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

I think the serious problem in the locker room is Hossa. Look, if dipweeds like us can clearly see all season long that Hoss is doggin it and wants out of town, the other players can clearly see it too. They know his talent, and they can see he’s just not trying. That has got to be causing some serious discord in the locker room.

I called for Waddell to trade Hoss early this season, all Hoss’ trade value is doing is dropping as every game goes by. Why? Because everyone in the league now knows that Hoss wants out of here, and the other GMs have leverage on Waddell as they know Waddell has to move him.

It’s also reason #297 why Waddell should have been fired long ago. Hoss probably has lost all faith in the guy and his ability to build a club, shoot, anyone with any hockey sense has lost faith in Waddell long ago. If they had brought in a new GM, Hoss might have bought into the vision, and you wouldn’t have guys like Heatley laughing about how glad they are they got out of Atlanta and now a guy like Hoss just dying to get out of here.

I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again nothing meaningful will change here until meaningful changes are made and we get a real GM in here who knows how to build a hockey club

By Bob

January 9, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Enstrom had another minus-game, could all these minutes played be catching up with the rookie?

Yep, I noticed a few games ago that he seems to have hit the wall. His speed has dropped off, the minutes Waddell is playing him (a rookie!) is crazy and was sure to burn him out.

He’s starting to get manhandled on defense and getting caught out of position. That’s what I was worried about early with him with his size, but his great skating kept him out of those bad situations early in the year. It’s not his fault now, he’s getting burnt out playing all these minutes. He’ll be a damn good PP specialist for us and a good offensive dman for us, but Waddell is skating him on the PP, PK, and all of these regular minutes. He was sure to hit a wall. Just crazy.

By Russian

January 9, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

to Bob Do you know why Tobi tired? Right answer. Because we do not have D men except him. Havelid is ok, but he is not a number one. Ex is just heating machine, make mistakes very often. Popovic is too young, but might be a good one. Klee, Zhit and Mac are peace of crap. The Price for them together is bag of Pucks.

By RS

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

Another thing possibly working against Kovalchuk is the NHL’s schedule. The Thrashers only play 3 games this season outside of the Eastern Time Zone, and those are against Central Division teams.

Western voters had to vote for Eastern Conference starters too and unless they have Center Ice, they probably haven’t even seen Kovalchuk play this season.

By Bob

January 9, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Popovic is too young, but might be a good one. Klee, Zhit and Mac are peace of crap. The Price for them together is bag of Pucks.

Waddell should play Popovic more, he’s better than Klee, Zhit and Mac.

I knew Klee was going to be a waste. The day Waddell signed him I said he was just this year’s cluster dman signing like a Reardon, Smehlik, Burt, and every vet bust before him that Waddell signs every year.

It’s shocking to see how much Zhit’s play has fallen off but I guess the other team’s knew it as he got traded twice last year and Waddell got caught holding the hot potatoe. Hopefully the new GM will bring in new pro and amateur scouts with him, clean the whole house. The sooner they can get the ownership mess settled, the sooner we can get a new GM in here who can then hire his new coach.

By AJ

January 9, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that he is not a starter!!! He is the MOST exciting player right now-he deserves it and the “fans” in Atlanta should be ashamed that he wasn’t voted as a starter in amazing numbers!!!! I find him much more exciting to watch than Crosby!! Crosby is good-but Kovy should be there too!!!

By Pete

January 9, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

At least 8,000 empty seats last night vs Philly. We have Michael Jordan on skates and no one knows about it. Atlanta just sucks as a sports town, period.

By LF

January 9, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Before we get into another “non-event game” played by million dollar professionals, let’s apologize to Ilya for not voting him as a starter. It’s purley the fan’s fault on this one. Kovi plays hard every night and has the credentials to be a starter this year and what do we, the fans do, we let him down!!

As for the team’s effort or lack there of… This morning’s column by Carroll Rogers, if accurate, says a great deal.

If Holik, the captain, may not be the player he once was, but he is a straight shooter. Moose, whom we all say is a solid back-up goalie and quiet to the politics also says there is a problem, then there is a problem.

This team is still way too talented to be playing as inconsistently as it does. There are multiple reasons as we the fans see them, but even Ray Charles can see this team is not focused on winning, they are a team playing like a group of individuals with no common goal.

There are too many issues here: 1. Kari goes into a depression when he gives up easy goals which begets more easy goals. That is a maturity/sports intelligence issue and may or may clear up with time. 2. The Defense is weak and good old #77 has aged over night. He has proven time and again he cannot get back fast enough to handle the speed of the opposing forwards. 3. Klee, for all his faults is OK, but not leader we need back there. 4. Bottom line the defense can do more but is not clicking Fowards: 1. Kozloff is not effective. I don’t know if it’s age or he is feeling sorry for himself that he is now on the 3rd line.He can play better. 2. Kovi is the only consistent forward we have had all year. Yet we as fans let him down in the voting. 3. Hossa Unless he is injured or having an off year, there is no excuse for his play. If he is truly causing a problem in the locker room with his attiude then management needs to do something. If this very capable “star” wants to be only on a winning team and is not willing to try or contribute to make it a winning team, then this is screaming volumes about his charater. If this is true SHAME ON HIM and we as fans should let him know how we feel everytime he steps on the ice. Has he no pride?

Management needs to address the problems. I think Wadell has done all he can as a coach. I believe he should step down as coach, focus on the GM job, and let McCrimmon beat the s..t out of them both physically and emotionally. SOMEONE NEEDS TO FOCUS THEIR INDIVIDUAL TALENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO A COOMON END. Bench Hossa and send a signal.**WE CAN LOSE JUST AS WELL WITHOUT HOSSA (OR ANY OF THE OTHER PRIMA DONNAS)IN THE LINEUP AS WE CAN WITH THEM.

what a mess

By Sham-Rock

January 9, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing about Sidney Crosby (not that he is not a great player) but the NHL is so far up his a$$ that they have to give Gary Bettman an assist on all of his goals! Even during the Winter Classic all the talked about was Crosby this and Crosby that. Even when he wasn’t on the ice. I really, really dont like that guy.

By Maria

January 9, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Some cities have fans or use their on air announcers to campaign for such players. But when a city has tickets for the all star available, it is highly unlikely that they thought to market their own players. He deserves to be there, but Atlanta hockey just doesn’t get the publicity locally or nationally.

By Brendan

January 9, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Unless Waddell can really get someone good who can contribute now and is still under contract for another two years, I think we’d still do well to rent Hossa for two 1st round picks and two 3rd round picks, to the most desperate team. This way, when he leaves we get more than just reclaimed cap space, we also get two 1st round picks and two 3rd rounders. If there really is going to be a change made at the GM position, a new GM could turn those picks into something special.

Also, we have already lost a year off the free agency for Sterling and Little, so I don’t see how recalling them after Hossa’s departure could really hurt us. Waddell has allegedly said that if he cannot get Hossa re-signed by February, that he’ll trade him.

As far as Waddell admitting failure, that’s as close as you’re ever gonna get. In fairness to Waddell, he never held any of these cards regarding a contract extension. But Bob is right in that Waddell could have “admitted failure” sooner and moved Hossa before the season started. Those are the cards that Waddell did hold. He gambled, and Hossa called his bluff. So, Hossa now has to face a set of circumstances. He’s either going to play out his contract through April and whatever playoffs may ensure for the Thrashers … or … he’s going to get “rented” to a team either on the playoff bubble or securely in the playoff field, to give them more firepower. And then he’ll get to pick his next team on July 1st.

Good luck, Hossa. I hope you find what you want.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 9, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

As bad as I felt after last nights horrible loss, I do take some consellation in looking at the Eastern conference standing to find my beloved Thrashers sitting in 10th place all alone. We can still make a concerted effort and do something wonderful if the guys will pull together and just play balls to the walls hockey and play for and with each other and THEIR FANS!!!

By Jon

January 9, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Why the focus on attendance. Carroll have you ever been to a hawks game. The Thrashers have huge homestand and dilutes the week of attendance. Take a look at other sities like the original 6 Bosotn Bruins. They do not do so well in a homestand like this with a Tuesday night game. How about New Jersey, NY Islanders etc. I do not understand your train of thought and why you think that is a story. Despite all of the negative people on this blog, the Thrashers are the best show in town. By the way, the Dome will be a ghost town next season. I look forward to the commentary.

By Brendan

January 10, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

We all know that changes are needed. And ownership is a major part* of the problem. Some of the problem is our market itself. But even hockey Meccas deal with empty seats, too. It’s hardly some “Atlanta phenomenon.” A winning product on the ice will fill the arena and heighten awareness of this sport. Remember Games One and Two of the playoffs last year? I counted six (6) Rangers jerseys in our building and exactly ZERO, “Let’s go Rangers!” chants resonating throughout the SOLDOUT Philips Arena. Despite being told by media pundits that 10,000 tickets were bought by Rangers fans who would once again DROWN OUT the local supporters. Swing and a miss!! It was unsubstantiated propanganda, as everyone who attended knows by now.

Now, let me ask you this. How “confident” are you that this group of owners can find suitable replacement for Don Waddell? Well, wouldn’t they, themselves, have to improve? That is, don’t they need to send a message to their new prospective hire, “We’re going the distance” along WITH you. We’ll spend close to the CAP LIMIT on Opening Night. Just so YOU (the new GM) don’t feel handcuffed or squeamish about making the major moves that are needed to make this franchise a Championship-caliber contender.

I think a prospective GM, during the interview process, ought to be able to ask the ASG, “Are you committed to keeping the pieces of the Stanley Cup puzzle in place for the long haul?” Meaning? “I need to know, RIGHT FREKKIN’ NOW, that you’ll spend $10 million for Kovalchuk in 2010 to keep him here through 2018. And that you’ll allow me to spend money to find a Tier One Center to play on his line, too. Are you owners willing to do this, ‘Yes or No?’”

And if the Spirit Group says, “No, I can’t make that kind of commitment to you. We’re going to evaluate the situation and our budget/spending, YEAR-BY-YEAR,” rather than to present YOU, the new GM, with a proper “Window of Opportunity” to tweak the roster year in and year out, to bring home the Cup. Well, such a stance is something Atlanta and its hockey fans need to know about its owners. Are they committed, or not? And if they’re not committed, Bruce Levenson shouldn’t ever grab a “live” microphone, before a PACKED HOUSE on “Opening Night,” to promise that he’ll do WHATEVER IT TAKES to bring home the Stanley Cup to Atlanta and its fans.

See?? See??? Do You SEE THE LIGHT, my son! Move into the Light!! That’s why … the ASG … will not be able to get anyone GOOD to come for the GM job in Atlanta. What they’ll find, instead, is a Scott Howson-type hire. That is, some former Assistant GM, just willing to have a shot at a FULL-TIME GM gig. And this novice GM will be asked to field a competitive team at $8 million below the cap limit on “Opening Night.” And he’ll never truly be able to turn the corner … precisely because the ownership has clipped him at the knees. And that’s the whole situation. They’ll eventually fire the novice GM and replace him with another guy, who just “wants a shot.”

Discuss.

By Bob

January 10, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Brendan, the Rangers already proved multiple times over that outspending other clubs doesn’t buy you a Cup. Spending to the Cap max is not a necessary prerequisite to success.

They are plenty of clubs who have great success who didn’t outspend every other club in the league, or now, spend to max Cap on day 1 of the season.

A good GM doesn’t simply need dollars to outdo his rival GMs.

Waddell himself has said the Spirit has never turned down a request he’s made over money.

In addition, the Spirit did let Don spend max Cap the first two years out of the lockout, no? They went to the max with the deadline deals last year, no?

If they pulled the reins in on him this year, I wouldn’t blame them. Waddell told them to make x moves and spend x money, and it went bust on them. If they have him on the tight leash that I suspect they have him on, it would make sense they’d pull the reins in on him next year.

Sorry, your argument doesn’t hold water.

The only concern I have about getting a quality GM in here is that the ownership dispute with Belkin must first be settled. That’s the only prerequisite I see to getting a quality GM to take this job.

And it was Ted Turner’s red-haired son-in-law who grabbed the mike opening night and made that proclamation, not Levenson.

By Thorburn's Thugs

January 10, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Well, what do you guys think?

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Thorburn… I saw it, I believe it, and I support it.

He’s looking at $7 million, which means he probably wants $8 million from Atlanta, which is too much to pay for a playoff disappearing act… especially for a team spending well under the cap.

I’m liking the idea of trading him to Vancouver for Edler and Naslund more and more.

By PJ

January 10, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Hey AJC how much longer are you going to post that gawd-awful picture of IMUS to the right of the blog?? He looks like the walking dead! Newsmax, newsflash….no one cares.

By Brendan

January 10, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Bob, I agree that maxing out a Cap on Opening Night is NOT a good idea. It doesn’t leave any flexibility for the trade deadline or injuries. But a team should not be $8-$10 million UNDER the cap on Opening Night. And being MAXED OUT at the end of a season is not the same thing as starting out “closer” to the cap to start it.

And most DEFINITELY, big-spending teams have failed miserably through the years. Teams can’t just “buy” the Cup. They need to spend their money WISELY. By that, I mean don’t overpay yesteryear’s aging All-stars to longterm contracts, in FREE AGENCY. That’s mismanagement of money and resources.

But a new GM that loses Kovalchuk over money would be well within his purview to be furious about it.

By Bob

January 10, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Well, what do you guys think?

I think Eklund is stating the obvious in saying that the talks aren’t going well. We’ve known that the Thrashers have been trying to sign him since last summer and we’ve seen Hoss’ “effort” or lack thereof, this year.

I imagine that Waddell is going to do whatever is necessary to try to talk his agent into getting Hoss to sign, but I fear that Hoss’ mind is made up and he wants to pick the team he plays for, and it ain’t us.

The question now is this then, does he just hold onto Hoss and let him walk this summer, or does he risk a public relations disaster and trade Hoss now throwing in the towel on this season and trading one of the main guys of their marketing campaign?

Hoss has Waddell by the balls, and this isn’t going to make Don look any better to these owners if Hoss walks because he doesn’t Believe in Blueland

By Brendan

January 10, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

That seems to be the sentiment, Bob. Hossa doesn’t believe in Blueland. Which begs the question, why doesn’t he believe in Blueland. It’s a question that shouldn’t just be ignored. I’d wager that Waddell has offered a sizeable contract offer to Hossa. Maybe not what he could fetch out on the open market, but nothing to “sneeze at” either.

I think educated fans understand that Waddell is dealing with a cap and the strategic vision of the club when/if he moves Hossa.

By Tom

January 10, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Here is a thought on Hossa.

His nickname is the Ghost because he disappears at playoff time. Right?

Maybe he is sandbagging the early part of the season, avoiding hits as much as possible, not fighting for the puck or taking any risks because…

He knows he is not going to sign with the Thrashers and wants to be in the best possible shape for his new team and their playoff run.

The biggest drawback he faces in getting his next payday is his playoff performance. I can see Hossa convincing himself past failures are not an issue of heart but of being worn down and he does not want to risk his payday with another weak playoff performance.

Just a thought…

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

It’s simple… you don’t give $8 million to a playoff liability. It’s a waste of money… bye bye Hossa.

Trade for a serviceable player like Naslund and Edler, or Jordan Staal who still gives you a playoff chance, and save that money for a #1 Defenseman this summer, ala Phaneuf or Brian Campbell.

And like was said before, Naslund gives you a chance at the Forsberg sweeps coming up.

By Smoothie

January 10, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t get it, Wad overpaid to keep Kozlov (in number of years) AND didn’t mind overpaying Holik, Zhitnik and perhaps even Whitey. So why wouldn’t he overpay one of the top 10 players in the league??

I think the answer is this: Hossa wants out and he’s doing just enough to remind other GMs what he is capable of. After the ridiculous contracts we’ve seen for the likes of Briere, Drury, Vanek and Mike Richards, Hossa knows he can probably get $7.5 to $8.5 MM per yr (averaged out over 4 or 5 yrs).

When Nieds came back for the Ducks, I really wish DW would have offered Hoss/Pops/Slater for Beauchemin/McDonald/1st rounder. Perhaps Hoss will make me a fool and re-sign but I think he’s got one foot already out the door.

By Smoothie

January 10, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

GVH — fairly sage advice there pads. I would “settle” for Markus and this Edler fellow if I knew DW had the cajones to make Brian Campbell a Thrasher for the rest of his career…the guy has got mad skillz…can you imagine he and Enstrom together?? Wow.

By ranallo10

January 10, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

The AHL All-Star teams were announced and three of the Chicago Wolves made the two teams:

Jason Krog

Joel Kwiatkowski

Brett Sterling

By ranallo10

January 10, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I’d be willing to bet my Season Tickets that Forsberg would not be an Atlanta Thrasher this season.

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Smoothie… not only having Campbell with Enstrom, but Edler with Exelby as well.

Extending Naslund (UFA) might even come down from his current $6 million, rather than paying MORE for Hossa.

When we free ourselves of Hossa AND Hossa, we can sign Campbell, extend Naslund and still have money to burn.

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… Forsberg’s good friend Naslund combined with the Goal Scoring Leader in Kovalchuk? He’d think about it… maybe only 5 seconds, but he’d think about it.

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

When we free ourselves of Hossa AND Hossa, we can sign Campbell, extend Naslund and still have money to burn.

Oops, I meant Hossa AND Holik.

By Brendan

January 10, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I can’t say you’re not on to something there, Tom.

By ranallo10

January 10, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

5 seconds is pushing it…

By Bob

January 10, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I think the answer is this: Hossa wants out and he’s doing just enough to remind other GMs what he is capable of. After the ridiculous contracts we’ve seen for the likes of Briere, Drury, Vanek and Mike Richards, Hossa knows he can probably get $7.5 to $8.5 MM per yr (averaged out over 4 or 5 yrs)

Ding ding ding, we have a winner.

Now Hoss is a playoff liability? What a crock. Look up his playoff stats while on Ottawa, he became a playoff scapegoat from the fans up there after they would get bounced each year, but his playoff numbers were pretty damn respectable. I can recall watching some of their playoff games and he was playing hard, that’s when I first really started watching him hard, the way he could just drive to the net at will and no one could take the puck off of him.

He didn’t do anything for us last year in the playoffs, but who did? The whole team burned themselves out just trying to get in the playoffs.

Hoss is not a playoff liability. He has said multiple times this year when asked about his performance “I’ve been in the league 10 years, other team’s know what they’ll get out of me”. He’s just biding his time and has already decided he’s out of here.

And that speaks volumes about Waddell’s leadership of this club. Hoss just plain don’t Believe in Blueland and frankly, how many do? Has there ever been a gayer marketing campaign for an NHL club?

By Smoothie

January 10, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I knew what you were trying to say GVH…makes perfect sense to me. I’d even consider “renting” Forsberg towards the middle of next year if he would even ponder it for a second. Perhaps Foppa could scare Karpa into being less of a wuss.

With your scenario GVH, we could have this potentially:

Kovy — FA Center — Recchi

Naslund — Little — Stuart

Kozzy — Perrin — Dupuis

LaVallee / Lars — Doell — Thor / Boults

Enstrom & Campbell

Edler & Zhitnik (needs mins for motivation)

Havelid & X - L - Beeee!!!

Lehts and / or Pavs / Moose??

Perhaps we should trade one of our goalies (after re-inking Moose) and Zhitnik for another solid D-man to replace zhitty bang bang?

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Smoothie… you forgot White in that scenario.

I stand by my statements on Hossa… if we resign him, fine. But I think we can get more for the money. And if he stays, he better wake the f*** up, because he’s not even earning his current salary.

By GaVaHokie

January 10, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Bob… Hossa has only averaged a 9% shooting percentage in the playoffs. I guess the professional scouting report on him is wrong then?

By Midfield

January 10, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Bob, why did Ottawa unloaded Hossa? Because stupid Canadian fans decided to blame a poor Slovak for the exit? I think not. Also, although Hossa and Lehtonen were a complete and utter no-show last spring, Kovy and Holik - oh yes - were ripping it on and off-the-ice. Anybody with adequate memory, sense and honesty will not even attempt to blur the difference. Also, this is a professional sport. The line “just give me a playoff team and you’ll see what I can do” is something only suckers will buy. I’m sure there are a few out there…

By Tom

January 10, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brendan

It is tough sometimes as fans because we watch these guys only during gametime. But when you factor in that they play 3 games a week or 11 hours, that is a lot of time to be thinking about things.

With Hossa knowing this is the contract that will be the big one it is hard not to wonder what is going on under that mop of straw hair.

He knows better than anyone what the conventional wisdom is on his play and his future, and while we can see the results of his effort we can only surmise why that is occurring.

As an armchair GM I would be shopping Hossa right now for a very dear price. I think this is going on as the rumor mill is in full force surrounding Hoss.

All I hope is that Waddell does not blink and disappoint the fans of Atlanta like he has in the past.

By Viking

January 10, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

While I like the idea of a deal with Vancouver, last night when I turned on the TV, the NHL channel were in the middle of a segment regarding a possible trade of Sundin as being the solution for Toronto’s troubles.

I only caught the tail end of it, but if he would be available and Hossa is considered lost for Atlanta, what do you think of that as a possibility for us? I know he is up there agewise, but what a center…

We still need to beef up the defense though. Oops, the game is starting.

By LAC

January 10, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Outshot again tonight…

We HAVE to improve our defense and SOON !!!!!

Klee/Zit are just washed up…

A whole lot of other teams have young defensemen… Why not Atlanta ?

We just have retread defense… WHY ?

Just a tough one to lose in the SO, but we have to have more SOG, NOW !

By Brendan

January 10, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Sans agent, Ovechkin works out his own deal, 13-years/$124 million, that includes a ‘limited movement’ clause, which allows Ovechkin to choose certain teams to which he cannot be traded. No word on whether Atlanta made that list.

Did I read right? Alexander Ovechkin just got a $124 million deal for 13 years? Wow. Well, that’s just a hair over $9.5 million in cap hit. And well, that’s probably about his value, in the new price structure.

According to the rumor mill, Washington had earlier offered him a $7.5 million deal, which apparently “insulted” him. Less than two weeks later, he gets one for twice as many years and $2.0 million more, per year. That’s a great agent.

Ummn, I still think any deal beyond 7-8 years is foolhearty. Look, obviously, Ovechkin is a major superstar. And he’s got to get paid like one, too. It’s just that … where’s his incentive now?

Hold up a minute. Just hold your horses. What are the consequences of Ovechkin taking a year off, here and there? A la Marian Hossa, right now.

Off on distance, a coyote howls. Some crickets chirp. And some tumble weeds roll by. I guess it takes time to properly “sugar coat” an answer. For the record, I don’t think Ovechkin has poor work ethic. I don’t think he’s a “headcase.” And I don’t think he’s a “goof off.” But if he never scores 70 goals in a season, what does it matter? He won’t have to worry about getting paid like a 70-goal scores for another … what? Two years? Nope. Three years? Uhh, keep going. Six years? Umm, Brendan. More than DOUBLE that. Twelve? 12 years??? Keep going, Brendan. Thirteen?! Ovechkin has to worry about his next contract 13 years from now? Well, that sure will put the fear of God in him, huh?

When will these GM’s learn? Here comes another lockout in 2011.

By Brendan

January 10, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Uhh, make that 70-goal scorer. Hey, I wonder if Hossa will fire Ritch Winter and hire Ovechkin to work out his next deal?

Okay, I’m only “half-kidding.”

Look, there’s another point to be made here. If you saw the 2006 Draft, you’ll recall that Ovechkin made the first two Capitals draft picks. The move was unprecedented in NHL history. “Players” do not make draft selections at the podium. When I saw that, I thought … “okay, nice publicity stunt. Kinda corny. It’s some marketing gimmick. I’ll let it go.” Little did I realize just how far up Capitals’ owner Ted Leonsis’ tuckas Ovechkin really was! Think this is the end of it?

Better guess again. If you thought Jaromir Jagr was a “coach-killer,” just how much POWER do you think Ovechkin just got?

Let me make this simpler. Who’s leaving DC first?: Ovechkin?, or a long line of coaches?, and perhaps and smattering of GMs, too?

Still thinking. You shouldn’t be. Unless Leonsis sells the Capitals and/or gets severely fed up with Ovechkin, Alex just might tell Ted what the budget is, what he can and cannot eat for lunch, and to ensure his dry cleaning is picked up in a ‘timely manner.’ And that his dog likes to be walked three times a day. Perhaps Ovechkin will make a rule that M&M’s be provided to players before, during and after games, but all the yellow-shelled ones are banned. I tease. I kid. But if Ovechkin demanded that, he’d get it from Leonsis.

By Brendan

January 11, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Umm, just to be clear. Ovechkin didn’t “make” the selections. He merely “announced” them. The GM and the scouts “made” were the ones making the decisions.

By Russian

January 11, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

To Brendan I am just wondering. HOW much Kovy will ask??? I think it will be at least 10M, or we lost him. :-(

By GaVaHokie

January 11, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Russian… after watching Kovy again last night, and thinking about the Ovechkin contract, I’d easily give Kovy $9-$10 million per year for however long he wants to play.

Hossa is side by side with the best example of a $9-$10 million player versus a $6-$7 million player like himself.

By Smoothie

January 11, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

GVH — I left White out on purpose! In fact, I think we should trade him for a young defensemen.

If Ovi gets $9.5 MM on avg, then Kovy should get at least 10. Now if he continues his torrid pace and pumps in 60+ goals, I think he might raise his price to nearly 11. But then again, if what Brendan wrote is accurate, he’d have to play another year before he’s eligible to sign.

Perhaps he’ll have a “down” year in 2008-09 and score only 48 goals so we can re-sign him for 6 years, $55 mill. But under no circumstance should any player get more than 5 or 6 years. You’re right, these GMs just don’t get it.

LOCKOUT…HERE WE COME!!

By Brendan

January 11, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Russian, I think $10 million is about right. It makes him a higher-paid cap hit that his junior, in age, Ovechkin, who has less tenure in the league. If Kovy elevates his game to 70-goals a year, bump that cap hit up to $11 million. Again, that price wouldn’t be set until 2009 and wouldn’t go into effect until the 2010 season, in terms of a cap hit.

If the Atlanta Spirit Group are unwilling to pay it, they ought to look into trying to get 5-6 NHL players in return for Kovalchuk, while his value is so utterly high.

But that’s their call. If they don’t want to pony up the dough and commit to the GM and Kovalchuk for coming years, say … until 2018. Then they MUST explore trade opportunities. Just reclaiming $6.5 million in cap hit for the 2010-11 season … isn’t some “god send.”

By ANTHONY

January 11, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

WHY IS BOBBY HOLIK STILL ON THE TEAM MUCH LESS THE CAPTAIN. HE HAS DONE NOTHING THIS SEASON BUT TAKE STUPID PENALTIES. SOME LEADER.

By chickenhawk

January 11, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

well guys, just keep on losing. Then you can get a new coach and a new GM. Also some good draft picks for the new GM to work with. Keep up the good work!

By Brian

January 11, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - if you have a dish, it’s Niagara vs. Siena tonight on ESPNU…

By RS

January 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Anyone who watches Ovechkin regularly doesn’t worry that he will “dog” it in the coming years. To me, the biggest risk is injury, a la Bure, because he plays kind of recklessly. Plus he’ll (hopefully) have Kovalchuk in the same division as him for years to come and they will push each other.

By FormerIslesFan

January 11, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Not sure if anyone has posted it yet, but both Kovy and Hoss have been named to the Eastern All-Star squad

By Sara

January 11, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I mentioned this on Rawhide’s blog too. Apparently Perrin was injured at practice today and had to be assisted from the ice. Carol/Craig any word on how he is or if someone is coming up from Chi-town to replace him?