Thrashers

By RICK

January 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

this is Hossa’s chance to talk to other players and see where he might fit in. Last nite was pathetic watching him play.

By Bob

January 11, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I guess they don’t look at current performance to pick someone, Hossa, for the All Star game. He got in because he used to be a great player, and he will be again in the future, but it’s a sham that he got in this year.

By R. Stroz

January 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

The way Hossa has been playing, he doesn’t belong in the All-Star game.

By RICK

January 11, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

This will be Hossa’s chance to talk to other players and find out where he fits. It was pathetic watching him last nite.

By Bob

January 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

It was pathetic watching him last nite

Agreed. I’ve really lost respect for the guy this year.

By Sara

January 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Hey, I’m just glad that as the host team, we got more than just one player on the roster. And if you are going for two, who else on this roster is ASG-worthy? Granted, Toby, but I think there is less room for another d-man than forward and while I like a lot of guys on the team, Hoss is the only one outside of Kovy that could be considered ASG-worthy IMO.

BTW, Craig thanks for the injury updates, especially on Perrin. The descriptions I was getting made it sound pretty bad and several choice words have been lobbed in Klee’s direction. :)

By d

January 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Craig, I guess my big question is why Hossa’s performance deteriorated during the first half of the season? Many speculate that he is not motivated and wishes to be traded to another team. But this does not make sense. As an UFA, would he not be incentivized to deliver a career season in ‘08, thereby increasing the number of teams that would bid for him in ‘09?

By GaVaHokie

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

Mats Sundin is a glaring omission.

By ranallo10

January 11, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Craig — Thanks for the update on Slater, it’s about time something was said that didn’t contradict itself.

As for Hossa and Kovalchuk, good for them. I don’t feel it’s the end of the world either got on the team, or Sundin et ali got left off, it’s just an exhibition game. I’m sure Sundin will appreciate spending time with his family (and out of the immediate spotlight of Toronto’s media) for a few days.

Finally, Hossa…call me crazy, but I really think people are giving him WAYYYYYYY too much crap this season (did I emphasize “way” enough?).

Is he on pace for 100 points, no.

Is he playing up to the expectations that his previous two seasons have set for Atlanta fans, no.

Is he still showing that on occasion he can be an unstoppable player, yes.

Is he a top two player on this roster, yes.

I agree he seems uninterested in playing at times, but it’s no different than Ilya or Kozlov or ANY OTHER point producer in the NHL. He’s not playing superbly well, but he’s playing fine. Give me one player who never takes off a shift, seems complacent while on the ice, or never experiences a down-turn in production. Crosby can be lazy, Ilya can be lazy, Hossa can be lazy.

Give the man a little more credit though, he’s still the second best player on this team.

If he says “F- Atlanta, this town sucks”, I can understand your sentiments, but he hasn’t.

I think everybody is preparing themselves to be disappointed no matter what happens with Hossa…complain if he’s traded for less than an All-Star caliber center, or complain if he doesn’t get re-signed, or complain if he doesn’t score 100 points.

I just don’t agree with it.

(There, it’s off my chest)

By GaVaHokie

January 11, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I think Bouwmeester should have gone instead of Timonen, and I think Lundqvist instead of Vokoun.

But certainly Sundin is missing… he should have gone in place of Gomez (the lone Ranger).

By fes

January 11, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

i agree with gvh. lundqvist and bouwmeester should be on and gomez off. in regards to hossa, has it occurred to anyone that maybe the groin is still bothering him a little? that would certainly affect his playmaking abilities. personally, i’m glad luongo withdrew since he’s nothing but a flopper anyway. he dives more than greg louganis ever did.

By ToF

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

Sounds like Jimmy cracked a nut. Thanks for the update on Perrin. The original description that I read made the collsion sound pretty bad, glad to hear it wasn’t so.

As for the All-Star game, I would have rather seen Sundin or Kovlalev on the team than Hossa. Also, Vokoun or Lundquivst is pretty much a toss up, both are the only reason their teams are still in contention.

By ToF

January 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Ranallo I get what you are saying, and yes it is hard to argue with a point a game, but here is a reality check. Over the last two years here are Hossa’s averages.

Goals: 41 Current Pace: 29

Asssists: 55 Current Pace: 40

Points: 96 Current Pace: 69

+/-: 17.5 Current Pace: -16

PIM: 58 Current Pace: 40

SoG: 340.5 Current Pace: 293

If that doesn’t paint the picture of an underachieving Forward, I don’t know what does. I can do his career stats if you like.

By ranallo10

January 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Remember, each team has an All-Star voted in. Who else would be on the roster ‘cept Vokoun? With three goalies Lundqvist is excess, so pick their next best player (your choice between Jagr, Gomez, and Drury).

Sundin I can’t explain, but I don’t really care honestly. I’m all for watching less Maple Leafs play in Atlanta.

By Smoothie

January 11, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

CC — welcome back Double C! Good to have you back. We were starting to wonder if you were ever coming back…well, at least I was. I was afraid they were covering up a gruesome writing thumb injury like the Thrashers covered up Slates’ nad tap. Can I say that on here?

ranallo — I dare say Kovy wouldn’t be on pace to score 65 goals if he was taking off too many shifts. I agree that every player goes thru the motions over the course of a long grueling schedule, but Kovy has done everything a superstar is supposed to do and then some. While I agree he could spend a little more time back-checking and helping, we probably would have 10 fewer goals (and most of them clutch) if he didn’t “cherry pick” once and awhile. Face it, Hoss is unsettled in his own mind and it’s carrying over into his play. Once he decides one way or the other, I have a feeling he’ll be back to being the full Hossa.

SO FREAKIN’ DECIDE ALREADY!!!

By ranallo10

January 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

ToF — Take the last two years of overachieving out of his stats, and tell me what you come up with. (seriously)

The way I see it…he had two great seasons, and is back to his ~1 point per game total.

To say he’s lost MY respect is a bit harsh, I’m just disappointed he’s not putting up the points he did last year (in his career best year).

I personally would be happy to see him re-signed (he’s only 29, he’s not going to get worse), but at the right price (as Brendan would say). I don’t think $8M is the right price based on this season alone, but for a 82 point per season player who can have flashes of 100 point seasons, who is defensively responsible and is not a cancer in the locker room…I think $8M is pretty damn close.

By ranallo10

January 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Hossa consistently does what Kovalchuk doesn’t on occasion (backcheck, mark a forward, guard the puck waiting for offensive help, etc), while Kovalchuk consistently does what Hossa doesn’t (finish the majority of his scoring chances, upping the intensity, taking the team on his shoulders).

Right now the roles are reversed from where they were last season. People seem to be giving Hossa more s** because he’s an impending UFA, where nobody gave Kovalchuk a hard time last season though he was clearly struggling at times. I rightfully never heard a “trade Kovalchuk” comment after a bad game, but often hear them after Hossa has one.

It’s unfair to criticize this guy because he’s not performing up to vaulted expectations. I agree it’s disappointing, but until he’s traded I just don’t agree with harping on the guy after every single game. Dollar for dollar he’s definitely NOT the most disappointing player on this club (stares at Zhitnik).

By Christy

January 11, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Hello everyone. Craig - welcome back and thanks for the update on Jimmy, but a different topic for you - when will we know who’s participating in the Young Stars Game on that Saturday? any chance Toby’s in on that one?

RE Hossa - I agree with Ranallo. Overall, Hoss has not been as bad as portrayed by some. He may not be playing worthy of the $8 - $9 million a year he will likely get in his next contract, but he’s still one of the best players on the ice for the Thrashers, and one of the best players in the conference.

Despite the slow start and small stretches without any points, he’s still just under 1 point per game - 38 in 42 games played.

He’s taking his shots - 161 to Kovy’s 172, but he’s not getting the results and early on in the season especially some of that was just plain bad luck because he was sending them in all over the place and the goales were making some near-miraculous saves.

When you factor in that he, like Toby, plays in all facets (ES, PK and PP), and when you consider he’s not always had the best defense with him on the ice, I’m not all that worried about the +/- as indicative of future performance. The only real question/niggling doubt I have is if he’s feeling 100% healthy, or if he’s worried about his health in a contract year and that’s keeping him from gunning it in some of those games that he appears to be coasting.

By Christy

January 11, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Hello everyone. Craig - welcome back and thanks for the update on Jimmy, but a different topic for you - when will we know who’s participating in the Young Stars Game on that Saturday? any chance Toby’s in on that one?

RE Hossa - I agree with Ranallo. Overall, Hoss has not been as bad as portrayed by some. He may not be playing worthy of the $8 - $9 million a year he will likely get in his next contract, but he’s still one of the best players on the ice for the Thrashers, and one of the best players in the conference.

Despite the slow start and small stretches without any points, he’s still just under 1 point per game - 38 in 42 games played.

He’s taking his shots - 161 to Kovy’s 172, but he’s not getting the results and early on in the season especially some of that was just plain bad luck because he was sending them in all over the place and the goales were making some near-miraculous saves.

When you factor in that he, like Toby, plays in all facets (ES, PK and PP), and when you consider he’s not always had the best defense with him on the ice, I’m not all that worried about the +/- as indicative of future performance. The only real question/niggling doubt I have is if he’s feeling 100% healthy, or if he’s worried about his health in a contract year and that’s keeping him from gunning it in some of those games that he appears to be coasting.

By Craig Custance

January 11, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Christy - I believe they’ll announce YoungStars roster on Tuesday. Don mentioned it today, and he’s expecting Toby to be on the team. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t.

ranallo: I don’t think you can debate that Hossa’s production is down. But I agree with your point that people are more critical of it because of the contract negotiations. He’s under a microscope this season, that’s for sure. Maybe that’s part of the problem.

Smoothie: No cover-up here. I’ve been working on All-Star feature stories. It’s a nice luxury to have somebody like Carroll to take the reins for a few days. But it was good to be back in the mix, I think i was driving my wife crazy working from home.

By R. Stroz

January 11, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - Please post your borrowed comment on this blog. You found the comment, so I’ll let you get the credit sort of speak.

The issue with Hossa is the consistent lack of intensity. The examples I’ve been using is his failure to drive to the net anymore and failure to find fifth gear in the open ice. Every time the opporuntiy to drive the net is available, Hossa pulls up and passes or dumps a weak shot on goal. Last night, I referred to his shot as a can of corn, which is a baseball term for a lazy pop fly.

Hossa is currently averaging .84 points per game. Therefore, he is on pace to have 70 points this season.

By erock

January 11, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig glad to see someone else from Acworth likes Hockey !! Me ..Born and raised 44 years…BLUELAND PATRONS OUR TIME IS COMING REAL SOON AND WE WILL LOOK BACK AT OUR BLOG AND TRY TO RECANT ALL THE NEGATIVE THAT WE SPEW…LIVE HOCKEY..LOVE THRASHERS !! YEA COME ON !!!

By Eileen

January 11, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Kovy and Hoss! They will represent Atlanta well. Maybe this will be the boost of confidence Hossa needs. I hope Hoss stays in Atlanta, but he needs to decide what is best for him. Kovy is the face of the Thrahsers. Hossa does so much more than score goals.

By Rusty

January 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Obviously, the NHL is rewarding the home team by putting Hossa in the All-Star Game, because it isn’t based on his performance.

Hossa says he wants to play for a winner, but his lack of production is the primary reason the Thrashers aren’t winning more consistently. Combine Hossa’s numbers last year with Kovy’s numbers this year into a single season and we’re untouchable in the Southeast Division…and well up in the East.

Last year, a classic Hossa drive to the net involved planting his shoulder in the defenceman’s chest and shoving past him to the goal. I haven’t seen one of those moves yet this season.

It’s obvious he doesn’t want to resign with the Thrashers, so it appears he is provoking Waddell into trading him before 2/26.

Waddell would be smart to do so while he can get something in return for what we got in return for Dany Heatley.

Two other guys who need to step it up are Holik and Koslov. No one is better at face offs at critical moments than Holik.

However, two things you can depend on from the Captain: a critical analysis of the team’s performance after the game and a penalty at a critical time during the game.

Koslov has lost more than a step and rarely shows flashes of that consistency that made him such an asset. I wonder what we do now that he has an extended contract?

The only Thrasher who comes to work every shift is Kovy. Now that Oveckin has set the gold standard in the NHL, the owners may have to mortgage Phillips just to keep the Thrasher’s lone, true All-Star.

By Bad trade

January 11, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Hossa has NO BUSINESS being on an All*Star Squad in 2008. He should call in sick and let someone who earned a spot with good, consistent play step in…Malkin, Sundin, Savard….

By LAC

January 11, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

I agree, Great to see our TWO STARS go to the All-Star Game !!!!!!

Let’s just hope in the Southleast division this season… We act quickly to secure more scoring and some brusing defensemen before the season is gone.

As we are not doing that well, look at NRY, all that $$$ and they are getting a POOR return, You know it’s BAD when in the Philly game Ryan Holwig scored BOTH your goals !!!!!

Buffalo doing poorly as well as Toronto and so on… We are still in it, but we DO need more scoring and more from the defense to secure a playoff spot.

waddell better not wait until the end or it very well could be HIS end… at least let’s hope he’s gone soon !

By Red Light

January 11, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

No question that Hossa should have been a scratch for the ASG.St. Louis hasn’t had the same year as in 06-07 either. Sundin not Kaberle should have made it for the Leafs. Hal Gill has had a phenomenal year, too. Mike Green deserved a nod in Washington not the overrated, often invisible Timonen. Lundqvist has kept NYR in most games until lately. Parise, not Gomez!

By erock

January 11, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

HAYDAR NOT PLAYING TONIGHT FOR CHICAGO… SO I SAY THERE IS A DEAL IN THE WORKS FOR OUR THRASHERS!…WE CAN ONLY HOPE!!

By Nate

January 12, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Hossa is not an all-star. The ONLY reason he made the team is because the game’s in Atlanta. What a joke.

By Brendan

January 12, 2008 5:20 AM | Link to this

Red Light, welcome back. Where have you been? I haven’t seen a post from you in ages. Don’t be such a stranger.

As for Hossa being an All-Star, I wouldn’t say it’s entirely unwarranted. But I do think Sundin is head-scratching omission. But, hey. I’m GLAD we have two players in “The Show.” I just ask the Blueland faithful to come out with their signs that say, “Kovalchuk = MVP.” “#17 for the Hart Trophy.” “Hey NHL Channel, is this the Year Kovlachuk wins the Hart?” And “70 goals for Kovy.” Etc. Let’s show the rest of the league how proud we are of Kovalchuk, and his 30% of our goal production.

And yes … yes … yes … it’s “okay” to bring LOVE for Hossa with signs, too. I thank Hossa for his years of service to our club and for performing “admirably” after a “sign-n-trade.” (Just for you, BRIAN. Wink.) I’m sorry he’s not a believer in Blueland. I hope he finds what he’s looking for. I’d be satisfied by “renting” him for two 1st round picks and two 3rd round picks to the most desperate bidder.

There’s been “talk” that Hossa’s trade value is down, because we’re desperate to unload him. Well, I don’t agree. First off, Waddell WANTS TO KEEP HIM and drive towards the playoffs, and another division title, with him on board. Second, every playoff-bound team that can “squeeze” him into their cap will at least make an inquiry. And the most desperate team, maybe a “bubble team,” but also perhaps a #4-5 seed, will make steep draft concessions to go after Hossa. With the underlying concept that “he is the ‘missing piece’ of their playoff puzzle.”

Such teams are as “desperate” to have him as we might be to “unload” him. There are 2-3 teams for which Hossa could be the “difference-maker.” Whether we’re talking about “home ice” or a “higher seed,” or “deeper advancement into the playoffs.”

If you were a GM and you thought having Hossa would get you into the 2nd round, instead of being eliminated in the first round, would you give up two 1st round picks and as many as two 3rd round picks to make that happen? Well, you just might. Some GMs like to roll the dice.

I’ve heard Hossa recently described as “one of the seven best players in the league.” Well, we’re talking about a hypothetical GM sacrificing picks somewhere between #15-30 and #75-90 for the next year’s draft, and possibly the year after that, as well. These are far from ‘can’t miss’ draft picks. It’s the “crapshoot area” of the draft.

Is giving up those picks “completely crazy?” Crazier than giving Gomez, Vanek and Briere $7 million cap hits for 5 or more years?

What if it worked? What if the hypothetical GM took his 7th seeded team into the Conference Finals because he snared Hossa at the trade deadline? Was it “worth it” or not? Or would it take a Cup win to justify such a move?

Discuss.

By Red Light

January 12, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Thanks Brendan! Been a bit overwhelmed at work.

First, lets take the emotions of it being “your team” out of the Hossa equation. Why in Heaven’s name would he sign here? Surrounded by top-flight forwards? Nope. Ton of prospects ready for the NHL coming up next year and beyond? Yet to be seen but I haven’t seen much evidence yet. Stable management group with a history of success and intensely devoted to hockey? I’m laughing out loud on that one. Coaching stability? We’re still waiting for Don’s power play to work itself out. Endless marketing opportunities to increase earnings in Atlanta area? “Go, there is nothing stopping you!” If he wants to fly home to Slovakia he would have to use two other airlines to get there.

Yep, no question that the Thrashers would have the inside track with all that going for them. Trade him now. He’s not going to re-sign here when he can get the same money or better and play with a better team. Detroit has some cap space and it will go up again after the season. Maybe to Minny to play with countrymen Gaborik and Demitra? What if wants to play with Crosby and Malkin, in a new arena soon? Done, plenty of cap room there! San Jose to play with Thornton, Cheechoo and Michalek? Easy to do because they have as much room as Pittsburgh. And, if he wanted to hook up with Ovechkin, etc. he could do that too, but that franchise will be flipped in the next few years to another buyer. If he does re-sign here, I’d be shocked.

By rockdr99

January 12, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Craig — Any news on the ownership legal front? — Thanks

By Brendan

January 12, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Red Light, you bring keen and unique insight, as always. AirTran used Michael Vick, Ilya Kovlachuk, and Kari Lehtonen, but not Hossa.

Actually, now that I think about it, I can’t recall a single “promo” on the NHL Channel or Center ICE that features Marian Hossa? Isn’t that a bit “odd?”

By Brendan

January 12, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Red Light, for the first time, in a long time, I actually have a bit of “faith” in our farm system. I’ve been pleasantly surprized by many of the Wolves who have come up to play for Atlanta. Colin Stuart, Bryan Little, Brett Sterling, Darren Haydar, and Ondrej Pavelec. And there’s some others who deserve “some shot” next season. Those might be Guillaume Desbiens, Jordan LaVallee, Grant Lewis, Kwiatkowski, and “big” Boris Valabik, our former 1st round pick from 2004. I don’t know what to say about Krog. He’s come and gone a few times on waivers in his career. Haydar would probably be lost in this fashion. I can’t remember about Pilar, the defenseman with the heart condition. Is he still in Chicago?

If you ask me, Red Light, what we started at the beginning of the season is what this franchise should have been doing between 1999-2002. That is, taking our lumps while developing our young draft picks, in a league built on (1) speed and (2) grit, for puck battles along the corner boards. Had we stuck to “this formula” and made our draft picks count, through the years, we’d only need to “tweak” our roster periodically in FREE AGENCY, rather than to use FREE AGENCY and trade deadline deals to “solve” and “overhaul” our roster. We wouldn’t have had “cap issues,” since signed draft picks don’t break the bank until they hit free agency, restricted or unrestricted, depending on the level of success they obtained. Look at Exelby as a prime example. Did “X” ever prevent us, like HOLIK ($4.25 million), from making roster acquisitions/changes? No! Why not? Because he was a latter round draft pick who was cultivated through the farm club and up to the bigs, where he was responsibly re-signed when he hit free agency. He’s a $1.33 million cap hit. So what that he’s not an upper echelon d-man, (who expects to land one in the 8th round anyway?,) he’s “effective depth” on our blueline. We had other that could have served in that fashion. Brian Pothier comes immediately to mind (4-years, $10 million, playing on a division rival,) but Waddell traded him to Ottawa for Shawn MacEachern. Bygones.

Need I remind anyone that throughout the draft history of the Atlanta Thrashers, this franchise owned not one, but two 1st overall selections, two second overall selections, and two 8th overall selections, plus a 12th overall pick. Why the HECK aren’t we one of the youngest, fastest, most promising and “dangerous” clubs of the “new NHL?”

Take it, Bob: Because Waddell was here for all of it. While Waddell has gotten better, through the years, it hasn’t been enough to turn the corner to appearance in the Conference Finals, the second round, or even, gasp, one playoff win.

It is … what it is, says Sage of Blueland. This post was not meant to be a negative post. There’s objectivity in it. The Chicago Blackhawks, who came into the league in 1926, have owned exactly one (1) 1st overall selection. I believe it was this past year, when they took Patrick Kane. If I’m wrong, then Kane was the second-ever, 1st overall pick. That’s some “perspective” about the opportunity which the Atlanta NHL franchise has experienced, draft-wise.

By Brendan

January 12, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Allright PJ, time for that prayer. We’re gonna need it against Sid, the Kid and Co. Should be a packed house at Blueland tonight. You know what that means? Time to reverse the “soldout” jinx at home.

By Red Light

January 12, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Lets talk about talent evaluation Brendan, particularly on the blue line.

Safronov, Buzek, Sellars, Harlock, Tremblay, Reirden, Slegr, Tamer, Shannon, Galanov, McAlpine, Skopintsev, Vyshedkevich, Joseph, Tjarnqvist, Smehlik, Krupp, Grand-Pierre, Heins, Majesky, Rossiter, Kloucek, Burt, Modry and Vishnevsky.

It’s tough to be that unlucky in just eight years.

By Craig Custance

January 12, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

update for tonight: Eric Perrin isn’t going to play (he crashed into the net in practice, no structural damage) so Slava Kozlov is going to center that second line with Hossa and Stuart. Bump Larsen to the third line and plug in Boulton on the fourth to make up the difference.

By Brendan

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

That’s quite a list, Red Light. My goodness, I had forgotten a few of those names. Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre. Remember Ruman Ndur? I was actually at Philips Arena for his lone NHL goal. At least it was “memorable.” Vyshedkvich just may have been the worst of them. Hmmn, ya know, maybe Harlock, on second thought. Galanov was pretty bad, too.

The D-man draft pick that, perhaps, bothers me the most is Ilja Nikulin, who played for Kovalchuk’s home town team in Tver, Russia. He very well may have been a decent defenseman, but he chose not to play for Atlanta. So, the bottom line is … it was a “wasted” pick, 31st overall, 2000. Stop. When you are an expansion franchise in a “non-traditional” market, you’ve got to make those early picks count. It’s that, or trade those picks for established NHL players. Those top four early picks, 1999-2000, were Center Patrik Stefan, 1st overall, D-man Luke Sellars, 30th overall, and RW Dany Heatley, 2nd overall, and D-man Ilja Nikulin.

None of those guys even play here. Stefan has retired this season, due to an injury. His career is over. Stefan was dealt to Dallas for Niko Kapanen, who wound up “waived” and claimed by Phoenix. I believe Kapanen has five (5) goals this season and is on pace for 8-9 goals. Sellars, I think, is in Chicago. Maybe. Heatley was traded to Ottawa for DeVries and Hossa. DeVries was lost to free agency and Hossa may go down the same route, lest he be “rented” at the trade deadline. Nikulin plays in Russia and never played one regular season game for Atlanta.

IT is what it is.

By Brendan

January 12, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Craig, thanks for the Perrin update. Are you excited about going home, to Detroit?

By Craig Custance

January 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Brendan — yeah, I’m pretty excited - especially to see the Wings. It’ll be interesting to see how the Thrashers match up with the best in the NHL.

FYI — Brad Larsen was out with a groin pull. I didn’t have room for it in my gamer.

By Brendan

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

Well Craig, Atlanta has recently defeated Ottawa and Pittsburgh. Who would have though that, right? They just might “stun” Hockeytown. Russians love to “dazzle Detroit**. So, I’m looking at Kovalchuk and Kozlov and wondering … what they’ve got up their sleeves for that game.

By Smoothie

January 12, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Red Light — First, lets take the emotions of it being “your team” out of the Hossa equation. Why in Heaven’s name would he sign here? Surrounded by top-flight forwards? Nope. Ton of prospects ready for the NHL coming up next year and beyond? Yet to be seen but I haven’t seen much evidence yet. Stable management group with a history of success and intensely devoted to hockey? I’m laughing out loud on that one. Coaching stability? We’re still waiting for Don’s power play to work itself out. Endless marketing opportunities to increase earnings in Atlanta area? “Go, there is nothing stopping you!” If he wants to fly home to Slovakia he would have to use two other airlines to get there.

Well played, well played!! I’m afraid however the time to trade Hossa was in November once we got back to .500 and didn’t look like such a desperate team trying to salvage the season. Do we really have any leverage trading Hossa now? If there is an interested suitor and the deal makes sense (San Jose: Marleau; Colorado: injuries galore), I say pull the trigger. That way Sundin can take his rightful place in the ASG on 1/27.

By Smoothie

January 12, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Oh snap! I just thought of a deal with a team that is fading fast. A deal involving my (watch it Brendan, I’m a reformed Slug supporter) Buffalo Sabres. Since we both suck pretty bad right now and the Sabs are reeling from the loss of their best 2 centers, how about this for a deal:

Hossa, Charmin, McAwesome, Pops (sorry Marc cuz I love ya), Haydar and even Zhitty Zhitty Bang Bang in exchange for Afinogenov (1 yr left), Paul Gaustad (RFA) and Brian Campbell (UFA to be). Buffalo would be on the hook for more salary, but would only have to pay Hossa 2/5 to 1/2 of his salary this year. They are banged up on the blueline with Numminen out for the year and Tallinder seemingly plagued with nicks and scratches. And Zhitnik can finish his career in Buffalo which is what every NHL player wants!!

Think about it though…this might just work as they would still have a shot at getting Campbell back (doubtful they could sign Hossa) and they have 8-9 mill of cap room left this season. That would give us the following for line combos:

Kovy — Perrin — Recchi

Dupuis — Kozzy — Afinogenov

Stuart — Holik — Thorburn

Boulton / Lars — Gaustad — Slater

Enstrom & Havelid (keep the Swedes together for now)

Campbell & Exelby

Zhitnik & Klee (let’s face it, no way they take on his albatross of a contract!!)

If the Sabres keep sinking like a rock, DWad needs to give it a shot!

Whatta y’all think? Am I THAT crazy? Wait, of course I am. I crazy enough to love the Thrashers!!

By ToF

January 13, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Ranallo Sorry it took me so long to get this out. I broke Hossa’s numbers down into per game averages to eliminate error caused by different amounts of games played each season. Keep in mind that this is his full career, Rookie Year and all.

Goals Per Game Career:.429 Current Pace:.381

Assists Per Game Career:.496 Current Pace:.524

Points Per Game Career:.925 Current Pace:.905

+/- (simple average) Career:+12.5 Projection:-16

Penalty Minutes Per Game Career:.57 Current Pace:.524

Power Play Points Per Game Career:.135 Current Pace:.095

Shots Per Game Career:3.243 Current Pace:3.83

Shooting Percentage Career:13.5 Current Pace:9.9

So what is there to glean from these stats? First off, Hossa is scoring at a pace well below his career norm while his assists are up. This in turn balances out his points per game, but I would argue that we pay him to put the puck in the net not pass it. The most damning stats here are his +/-, Power Play Points, and his shooting percentage. His +/- is projected to drop incredibly, +12.5 averaged over the course of his career. This year…-16, MINUS 16, just unacceptable. His power play points have dropped nearly half a point per game. He is shooting more frequently, but is hitting the twine at a 3.5% lower rate. Again, unacceptable.
Ill give it up that when compared to his full career, his production isn’t too far off normal.

By Tony C.

January 13, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this

I just loved KL’s glove save in the shootout.

Hoss needs to give it up so we can get him cheaper, which may mean a true #1 pivot in the future…he must know that right? We/No-one can afford 3 capMax players at once.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Okay, to reinforce ranallo’s statistical analysis and argument, I will re-post what I posted on an earlier blog about the difference between Hossa and Kovy right now. It’s not so much the lack of production (although I don’t understand why Hoss is having such a difficult time scoring goals…poor shot selection…lift the puck!!) as it is the pretty clear lack of hard, persistent effort on the part of our beloved power foward. Hey Stroz, this “Bud’s for you”!!

The contrast between Hossa and Kovy was stark last night. Kovy drove the net at full speed with a defender in his back pocket and made a hard cut into the crease to force a shot on goal, and he tumbled over the goaltender. That was pure effort.

Compare that to Hossa’s near-breakaway. He definitely could have angled in, used his body to create space away from the defender, and driven the net - like we used to see all the time. Instead, he glided down the ice, never challenged the defender and flipped a weak backhander into the goalie’s chest. Ridiculous. Some of his unsuccessful breakaways this season have shown indecision but this one just showed a pure lack of effort.

I love Hossa and would love to see him finish his career in Blueland, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I hope he surprises me and inks a deal this week because I really think this team can still make the playoffs if we get 100% Hossa and not Hossa Lite! Re-sign Hoss, steal Brian Campbell from the Sabres, bring up Little, LaVallee, Valabik and perhaps even Sterling next year and it could be very interesting indeed!

By Brendan

January 13, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Jsmooth, relax. I wouldn’t ever go hard on your Sabres. Buffalo is one of the markets that I always scream about protecting. I want “every small market” protected and given every and equal opportunity to win. I’m sorry that the NHL is scared to death of Carolina vs. Edmonton in the Finals, but that’s the “fairness-effect” of a salary cap. The league is getting away from that, basing a cap on PROJECTED REVENUES rather than ACTUAL REVENUES in hopes that the Detroits, Bostons, Chicagos, NYs, Washingtons, Phillys and Torontos of the league can sign “big name” players to help them get into the annual “Showcase Event” called the Stanley Cup Finals. It makes me sick.

If the league is “deathly afraid” of having a Stanley Cup champion come from markets like Anaheim, Tampa Bay, or Carolina, then they shouldn’t put teams there. But since they did, it’s only right to allow these markets the opportunity to succeed. Sorry if there’s been no Maple Leaf Cup since 1967 and no Blackhawk Cup since 1961, no Bruin Cup since 1972 and only one berth in the Finals for Los Angeles.

If the NHL better “scrutinized” ownership in those markets, perhaps they’d have installed “competent” GMs, who in turn would have hired “intelligent and capable” coaches, who then would have molded intelligent draft picks into major players, leading to championships for those “Major Markets.” Digest all that?

That said, Jsmooth, I don’t think that trade works all that well for either Buffalo or Atlanta. Campbell can still be lost to free agency. Afinagenov can be lost the very next year, so he’d have to be locked up, too. And Paul Gaustad is an RFA who also needs re-signing. That’s a lot of work for the GM. A trade should make some longterm gain, not just immediate help. And, let’s face it, the immediate help might not even be there. Afinagenov is under performing. Brian Campbell isn’t worth $5 million, much less the $6 million his agent is asking. So, that’s a straight rental. Gaustad is okay, but what’s he gonna cost to re-sign?

For Buffalo, the benefit is Mark Popovic as a young, skilled, RFA blueliner for the future. McCarthy can be re-signed cheaply by Buffalo. Hossa won’t stay in Buffalo. So that’s a straight rental. Todd White would be okay for the Sabres. He’s got 3-more years, at $2.2 million cap hit, that’s a nice deal for a 2nd line center who can also be used on the 3rd line effectively, too. I’d say Buffalo wins that trade. Unless “crazy legs” Afinagenov and Kovalchuk click like gangbusters. That’d be what swings the deal in Atlanta’s favor.

But, as many posters (Russ, Bob, Sara, Red Light) have said, the Thrashers biggest achilles heel through the years is defense, or a SYSTEM, that limits Goals Against. Atlanta hasn’t had great luck in net anymore than they have with blueliners. Offensively, they’ve done well. Atlanta need defense. And Campbell isn’t worth re-signing, at the price he wants.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 13, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

CC—With Larsen and Slater both pulling a groin, and Boulton not 100% (my assessment), it looks like we have a hole to fill at either Center (move Kozzy back to LW) or at LW. Who do you think gets the call up from Chicago? I would like to get a good look at Lavallee or Desbiens, but we could play it safe and recall Bryan Little.

By Bob

January 14, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

First off, Hossa is scoring at a pace well below his career norm while his assists are up

And how many of those assists came when he was skating with Kovy and just flipped the puck over to him and Kovy did his thing? You’re right on target, Hoss is a shadow of his former self, but I do not think it’s because his skills have declined. It’s because he’s just not trying since he wants out of here. It’s like he’s playing not to get hurt.

I thought he did try and skate harder in the Pens game, but we hear Recchi wanted that win so bad that he offered up dinner for all the boys for a win. Hoss probably respects Recchi enough to give his all in that game.

How bout Recchi with the game winner in the shootout? Karma is a b***, Pens!

I know Lehtonen only gave up 2 against the Pens and was stellar in the shootout, but was anyone else noticing all the rebounds he gave up right out in the slot? I think both of Crosby’s goals came off of rebounds that Kari just left laying out there. Lehtonen has to learn how to direct his rebounds into the corners if he can’t handle the first shot. Don’t we have a goalie coach?

By ranallo10

January 14, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Brendan, Thrasher Ryan — I do not believe Desbiens is ready for Atlanta, nor will be in the next few seasons. I love the guy due to his ability to fight, but I don’t feel he has the hands or the foot work to be of much help in Atlanta. Basically he’d be another Thorburn on a team that needs more scoring threats. I wouldn’t be upset to watch him play, I just think it’ll continue to be in Chicago.

Lavallee, Valabik, Sterling, Little…I hope to see at least two of them playing in Atlanta in 2008.

ToF — Thanks for the breakdown. Your last statement is what I was looking for though, compared to the whole his production has not slipped so much.

Bob and Smoothie and Stroz — I too see what you mean when he drives the net, I cannot explain it. I wouldn’t say he lacks effort while playing, nor would I say his intensity isn’t there, I just think that we saw a possessed Hossa last season and have become expectant of it every game. Combine that with Kovalchuk’s intensity, and the team’s generally disappointing performances, and I can see why people feel he’s just not trying as hard as usual. I’m not saying any of you are wrong, I just have a little more faith in the guy, and feel that he’s still a valuable piece to this team.

I’d be happy if word came that Hossa signed a contract, in spite of the way he’s been playing this season.

By ranallo10

January 14, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Bob — On top of your question, don’t we also have a former NHL defender running practices?? The way this team plays defense it doesn’t seem so obvious.

Coaching and defensemen are still the things that bother me more than Lehtonen’s crappy rebounds (though some of them are really really juicy).

Both goals against Pittsburgh were due to Crosby being in the right place. The first was rebound from a shot through traffic (the nearest defenceman, Havelid, didn’t seem to know where the puck was before Crosby grabbed the rebound). The second goal was bad marking, I wouldn’t peg that on Lehtonen. Crosby got rid of the puck and was allowed to skate freely to the front of the net, and put home the shot.

I find it amazing that the team is something like 6-1 when they out-shoot their opponent, yet they seem content with passes and dump and chase (still). Perhaps they should try out-shooting teams more often?