AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKovalchuk talking with the league
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I write this, Ilya Kovalchuk and Don Waddell are in a conference call with the league over Kovalchuk’s hit on Michal Rozsival. The feeling around the team is that the hit wasn’t that bad and that a suspension beyond the game misconduct he served isn’t warranted. But it’s also the kind of hit the league is trying to crack down on, so we’ll see. By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the hit, what do you think? Suspension-worthy?
The big question is if Kovalchuk is out, who is going to score for the Thrashers? His goal-less streak is now at five games and you see the goal totals the Thrashers have been putting up lately. Honestly, not taking anything away from Lundqvist, but that might have been the easiest shutout I’ve ever witnessed. I thought Kari Lehtonen was the better goaltender on Tuesday night, because that could have been another loss like the one in Buffalo if he hadn’t played so well. You hate to waste an effort like that in a 4-0 loss.
Depending on how things go with the league, the Thrashers will be calling up at least one player from Chicago. Brad Larsen has a sprained knee and will miss, at least, a week. So they’ll need another body for him. If Kovalchuk is suspended, they’ll need two players.
Brad McCrimmon lit into the team at the practice this morning, and then skated the heck out of them. The players knew they deserved it and one of the players called it a wake up call. Bobby Holik said the punishment was probably long overdue.
We’ll see how the players respond. If they don’t come out fired up against the Rangers on Thursday night, you really have to question the character of this team and the players on it. They met this morning to talk about their sluggish start, then Beast let ‘em have it at practice. Holik also addressed the team between periods last night. But at some point, it has to start showing on the ice.
I’ll have updates this afternoon for you - on Kovalchuk and who the Thrashers decide to call up.
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Comments
By Jarndyce
January 23, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Can the Beast suit up?
By Sara
January 23, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Kovy meant to catch Rozsival from behind along the boards, but he did and that’s likely all that will matter. But here’s what really stinks about how this is going to go down.
Frankly, Kovy getting suspended wouldn’t really hurt my feelings in that he needs a rest I think. He’s been working harder than anyone and may be a bit burnt (physically and emotionally). However, getting suspended now does no good since he’ll play this weekend anyway (no way the suspension affects the ASG). So there’s absolutely no upside here at all. But then, there isn’t much upside to be found anywhere in Thrasher hockey lately, so I suppose it’s just par for the course.
Bummer for Larsen - could be good for someone in Chicago and maybe for the team. I’d like to see more Wolves get the call up - they’d at least try.
By GaVaHokie
January 23, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Call up Sterling, move Kozlov to either Center or 3rd line Winger with Holik and Dupuis again.
By ThrasherAlan
January 23, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Kovy’s hit was minor, did not seem intentional. Nobody knows what was going thru his head, the league will think the worst and try to send another msg this type of hit is not needed. However, the Ranger that was hit did smash into the glass/boards, blood was drawn, not sure how many stitches, so a 1 - 3 game suspension is warranted based on the current mood of the NHL enforcement cmte to punish such infractions.
By ToF
January 23, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Give me someone to crash and bang (Lavalee) and I will be happy. At this point, I don’t really care if we ever score another goal, as long as we make our opponents earn their goals. GIVE ME SANDPAPER OR GIVE ME DEATH!
By ToF
January 23, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Also, Kovy is going to get a couple of games. This is a convenient time for Colin Campbell to “lay down the law” on a “star” player. First off, suspending Kovy does not hurt league revenues like it would with other star players. Secondly, he is unmarketed, so the league doesn’t run the risk of “backing a thug.” Thirdly, he will be suspending the second leading goal scorer and possible Hart candidate. If he goes ahead and suspends Kovy, he can point to it for the next 10 years saying “see…I can suspend stars too.”
By J(Z)
January 23, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Typo? The feeling around the team is that the hit wasn’t that bad and that a suspension beyond the game misconduct he served is warranted.
You means isn’t warranted??
My guess is that Slater is back up a few days sooner than expected.
By fokov
January 23, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Bergeron was taken out for the season by Jones and he only got two games. If they give kovy one this will show just how pathetic this league is becoming. I agree we need to sit a few players and/or waive them. If they wouldn’t show up after the Buffalo game, they do not deserve to be on the ice. Give the “kids” on the farm team a chance. I bet they will give everything every shift without coasting.
By Bob
January 23, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Seeing how Kovy took two runs at him, and lept at the 2nd one while boarding him, I’d say he gets a game and just 1 game because there’s no prior history from Kovy on these kind of hits. I could easily see them let him off as they don’t want a black eye right before the All Star game. Although you could say that’s why they’ll give him a game as they don’t want him out there again tomorrow night doing something stupid right before the All Star game.
Is the All Star weekend over already?
By Craig Custance
January 23, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
JZ — Yes, typo. I fixed it. Thanks.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 23, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I bet you anyting Kovy thought he was hitting Avery.
By Mike
January 23, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I think we need a new Captain. Holik keeps talking about them being flat, that the punishment was overdue, that the game was the worst they played….yet they never seem to change after he is supposedly vocal. Seems they are tuning him out. Not good for a Captain to have that affect on teammates.
By Alan
January 23, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen worse hits this year that were never called. I don’t think he deserves a suspension. But I wouldn’t be complaining too loudly if he got a game or two. The league is trying to crack down, after all.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
January 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
If Kovy isn’t suspended for a game, you better bring up Boris or someone that can protect him cause they are going to go after him. Bolts and Thornburn (aka Ham Hands) can’t protect anybody. They both will fight but I don’t like just to see effort. Winning a fight now and again is a requirement in my book to be a “tough guy”.
By FormerIslesFan
January 23, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
If the Thrashers were not playing the Ranger$ again in their very next game, then I would say that there would be no suspension. However, in an effort to keep things from getting out of control in that game, and seeing how this is possibly the last time the Thrashers and Ranger$ are going to play this year (excluding potential playoffs - I’m still hopeful), I expect that Campbell will suspend Kovy for precisely ONE game…the Ranger$ game on Thursday night.
By R. Stroz
January 23, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers need to show that we are real hockey town, so I advocate that we bring up Desbiens, Stoesz, and Valabik and play some old time hockey.
By misty
January 23, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I thought for sure that Holik would use his catch phrase quote “We just didn’t show up tonight.”
By GaVaHokie
January 23, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
HOw would a suspension effect Kovy’s All Star appearance this weekend? If he gets multiple games, is he allowed to participate?
By Alan
January 23, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
FormerIslesFan - Did you see the Hollweg hit on Stuart with only a few seconds left in the game? Knee-to-knee hit that didn’t get called. There is no “preventing” things from getting out of control. It’s clear they want to goon it up. Which brings me to what R. Stroz said: so I advocate that we bring up Desbiens, Stoesz, and Valabik and play some old time hockey.
Bring ‘em up, and bring it on. I’ll leave work early just so I can get home in time to see the game if this happens.
By FormerIslesFan
January 23, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie Considering that Chris Simon was allowed to play in the exhibition games for the NYI prior to this season when he was suspended carrying over from last year (including against the Ranger$, the team he drew the suspension aginst for injuring one of their players), I don’t think a suspension would affect Kovy’s all-star appearance in any manner.
By LF
January 23, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Wadell step down and let beast run the club. Don needs to get the “Hossa” issue taken care of and try to find a spark for this team. I am a season ticket holder and try to catch the post game show on the radio on the way home. All I hear from Odgers and his side kick is the “schedule” and other excuses for lazy play. Every team has schedule issues, but the good teams find a way to win.This team’s personality is not to work as a team and not to work 60 min utes for a win.
Your statement which I quote below is the way I am leaning!!! “you really have to question the character of this team and the players on it”.
Maybe I am wrong, but everytime Hossa seems to heat up, Kovi gets cold. Do we have an ego issue? At
By Greg
January 23, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
He should be suspended for 1 game. Not only did he elbow him on the first hit but he left his feet on the second one and hit him from behind. Not to take anything away from him because hes a great player but he seems to let his emotions take him out of games. As a Rangers fan I thought he was going to kill us in the playoffs but he was almost invisible once Avery got under his skin. Hasn’t shown himself to be a big game player.
By Bob
January 23, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers need to show that we are real hockey town, so I advocate that we bring up Desbiens, Stoesz, and Valabik and play some old time hockey
I completely agree. But even if they don’t bring fighters up, we better see someone go after Hollweg the first time he steps on the ice, and I don’t want to see no dancing, I want to see a total and complete beatdown of that mouth breathing Neanderthal for that crap he pulled with seconds left in a blowout.
By Craig Custance
January 23, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
One game suspension for Kovy, Slater and Sterling will be called up.
By MB
January 23, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
CC, on to more important, or at least more pleasant, matters.
While looking over the ASG merch on NHL.com, I noticed that Alyssa Milano has a couple of items that she apparently designed.
Any word on whether or not she’ll be at the game? If so, your loyal readers request…no, demand…an interview!
And I humbly apply for the position of photographer, note-taker, grip, intern, flunkie, or whatever else it takes for me to get in the same room.
Okay, you can now return to your regularly-scheduled kvetching and moaning.
By Logan
January 23, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Milano is co-hosting the Rockin’ skate and signing autographs.
By Thrasher Ryan
January 23, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Kozlov—White—Recchi
Sterling—Perrin—Dupuis
Stuart—Holik—Hossa
Boulton—Slater—Thorburn
Havelid—Enstrom
Exelby—Valabik
Popovic—Kwiatkowski
By R. Stroz
January 23, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Craig - Thanks for the info; but, I was hoping for, at the minimum, Desbiens.
By erock
January 23, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
wow…same call ups..same results…TRY SOMEBODY DIFFERENT FOR CRYING OUT LOUD !!
By erock
January 23, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
DID SLATER EVEN PLAY A GAME IN CHICAGO ?
By R. Stroz
January 23, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
In the first Ranger game of the season played in Atlanta, Straka cross checked Enstrom from behind face first into the boards while Enstrom was bent over toward the boards. There was no penalty called, no suspension, no nothing.
Now, Kovy hits Rozsival from behind while he is facing the boards and Kovy gets a one game suspension.
NHL officials, how about some consistency.
By Darren
January 23, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
It’s the Rangers. They’ll always get a pass by the league on things like that.
By ranallo10
January 23, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Stroz — There is consistency in the calls, both went in favor of a major-market franchise…
Buzilla — The wikipedia link was a classic, it’s good to have you back.
Thrasher Ryan — You like my Sterling line idea I see, I really hope to see it tonight. However, without Kovalchuk I fear Recchi will have little room to work with, so he might be more suitable on that line. I don’t know though, it’s hard to imagine this team without Kovalchuk (even if it’s only for one game).
CC — I definitely guessed 2 games due to the repeat offense within a 10 second span, but apparently the didn’t think that forearm to the face was worth looking at. 1 game is fine, but I’m curious if it’ll be enough for him to learn from the incident. To be honest I don’t feel he understood what he did based on his comments (sounded like blanket excuses to me, not owning up to making a mistake).
By HookyBob
January 23, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Seems to me that the suspension is just another snub to Kovy and the Thrashers.
However, it may be an effort to keep the peace Thursday evening. It will be interesting to see if the Rangers goon it up in that game.
I thought the multiple penalties on Boulton the other night was a bit lopsided as well.
Maybe Kovy should voluntarily pass on the Allstar game? What do you think? I guess it may hurt him long-term though.
Get rested up Kovy.
By Pinball34
January 23, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Kovy is a selfish idiot. He got lucky it was only one game…
By j nes
January 23, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
I applaud Kovalchuk’s hit for 3 reasons:
I hate New York
At least he did something hockey related (Unlike the rest of the team)
It was smarter than getting in a fight and breaking one of his goal scoring hands on Avery’s face
By Tom
January 23, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
To be honest I am glad they suspended him. I doubt they would have if they were playing against anyone but the Rangers. But with the goons they have they would have been head hunting the whole game.
And the NHL did not want to lose Ilya before the All Star game, in Atlanta…
By BelieveInBlueland!
January 23, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
For all of you who think the NHL is pro-Rangers consider this.
The Rangers just gave the NHL a black eye when their former Icegirl captain won a settlement from the team over sexual harassment in the workplace.
The team and league are currently in a multi-million dollar lawsuit over promotional money the Rangers earned through unauthorized advertising used on their playoff tv broadcasts last year.
The NHL fined the Rangers 100,000 per day for not turning over their independent website to league control as the league controlled all of the 29 other teams sites. The Rangers sued the league in order to maintain control but lost.
Don’t think the league is doing the Rangers any favors in the near future..
Go Thrashers!
By Eileen
January 23, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
It sounds like Kovy makes $34,000 per game. That is the amount he gives up tomorrow night. Wow!
By Bob
January 23, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
1 game as expected and very fair, he deserved it.
Now the other guys need to man up and play balls out tomorrow night. And the first time Hollweg steps on the ice, he gets it. Then, Avery, he’s next. Show some balls, men.
By LAC
January 23, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Just have a feeling if we coast again… We may be without a GM after the All-Star Game next week.
Wish Boris was called up to really take care of business… But ole don knows best… Gee Whiz !
By Steve
January 23, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
It was a good hit. The only thing wrong is that it was against the wrong Rangers goon. The hit should have been on Avery, one of the NHL’s biggest cheap shot artists. I will take the suspension gladly, but where is the officiating when it comes to the Rangers goonery? The officials need to keep it even, or the Thrash will have no choice but to bring in some heavy hitters for self protection.
By BMo
January 23, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Saw Larsen, Zhitnik, Dupuis and Thorburn tonight waiting for a table at 9:30pm at Del Frisco’s. Hope they have legs tomorrow.
By Alan
January 23, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
I hope the only legs Zhitnik has tomorrow are ones that are planted firmly in front of the bench he’s sitting on while Kiwi, Popovic, and the rest of the Thrashers play.
By Marge
January 24, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
Anyone saying the hit was clean or wasn’t a big deal just doesn’t understand NHL rules. Leaving your feet, as Kovy clearly did, is one of the NHL’s cardinal sins. For as long as I can remember, injuring a player after leaving your feet has always been a guaranteed suspension. No surprises here.
By Russian
January 24, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
I am not worry about missing one game for Kovy. He needs to rest anyway. He will get fun on ASG this weekend and get back to Game tracking with Pittsburgh. It will be OK. But I am worry about game today. CC Do you know line up for today???
I am thinking to make lines:
Sterling - White - Ricchi
Kozlov - Perrin - Hossa
Dupiu - Holik - Stuard
Bolton - Slater - Throburn
D- men: Havelid - Tobius
Klee - Zhitnik (I hate this pair, but I do not have a choose)
Ex - Popovic
I hope Don will make today and get two points. And One MORE thing: “SHOOT A F*** PUCK!!!!!!!”
By GaVaHokie
January 24, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
The best thing that can come out of this suspension is if Sterling, with his second opportunity, starts lighting the lamp for the Thrashers.
By Bob
January 24, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Man, I must have slept like Rip Van Winkle, can’t believe All Star Weekend is over already.
Del Friscos? Nice steak and lobster, I’m hungry just thinking about it.
Thrashers playing like complete crap. Kovy and Larsen out. Got pushed around in the last game, no fight back. We bring up a couple midgets to replace them. Should be a complete a* kicking tonight on us, right? With this club’s Jekyll and Hyde act this year, we probably win this game 3-1.
By Russian
January 24, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
to Bob I like your optimism note about winning game 3:1. :-) I think we are going to loose again. Score will be 2:4 Rangers ;-(
By stendec
January 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Hi Craig. To Hell with the current Thrashers! Call up the Hansen brothers from Charleston. Ranjerks would not be so quick with cheap shots and DeA++hole Hall mouths! The Atlanta Flames were no world-beaters but at least they HIT opponents. Other teams KNEW they had been in battle! A loss tonight? Almost guaranteed! Another scoresless debacle? A thousand times no! Probably. Yes, KL was better goaltender. Applauded his quick exit into tunnel. Better than clotheslining his worthless teammates WWE-style as they left ice. No less than they ALL deserved! GO FLAMES!
By Midfield
January 24, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
All this bullsh*t started to unrevel in the game against Montreal when Enstrom got pummelled behind Atlanta net into a near concussion. What did you all expect from his glorious line-mates Havelid, Hossa and company? Well, we all saw what they did. They held Enstrom up - almost all of them. Enstrom must be a real heavy dude, although you wouldn’t tell just by looking at him. Did anyone even think of getting back at Kostitsyn, the perpetraitor? Did not look like that at all. This is a travesty for a NHL team. What do you think happens with the team like this? Those of you who had anything bad to say about Kovy are idiots. Who is he supposed to count on to protect him? Thank you very much. He is the only guy on the roster who is alive, whatever he does.
By Gsu-Lee
January 24, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Craig, glad your MSU boy is coming back, think this could ba an NHL tryout for Sterling? A chance to showcase what he’s got for other teams shopping at the deadline?
By GaVaHokie
January 24, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
If Sterling doesn’t impress tonight, I’d think he’s good as gone… maybe he’ll be the next Chris Kunitz somewhere else, but if he can bring in a Center or Defenseman, I’m all for it.
If Valabik came up tonight, with Avery and Orr on the ice, it would be complete ugliness… in a bad way… Valabik is a loose canon and would probably be ejected in the first ten minutes.
By Smoothie
January 24, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
DWad needs to ask Odgers to don his Sherriff “uniform” tonite…give him a one-day contract so he can contract Sean Avery’s face! Who needs Valabik when you can bring in the toughest sherriff in the Atlanta metro area. I would pay $50 to watch the game on pay per view if I knew Odgers was going to goon it up!
By Barry
January 24, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Problem with Sterling when he came up before was he was having to play on the RW whereas he’s mostly played LW and more comfortable. Well with Kovy and Kozlov on LW top two lines really no place for Sterling to play on a scoring line and where he’s more comfortable and confident. Hopefully we’ll see something out of him tonight.
By GaVaHokie
January 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Barry… with Waddell more willing to play Kozlov at Center or at LW with Holik’s line, there’s a greater chance for Sterling to “stick” this time if he plays well.
By Thorburn's Thugs
January 24, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
there’s a greater chance for Sterling to “stick” this time if he plays well.
Stick or get traded. This smells all too funny. Waddell is showcasing Sterling for a trade. You are right Hokie, if he doesn’t impress, he WILL be gone. Kinda sucks, because i’d rather have him around instead of Haydar. I think we could move Haydar in a package. Haydar is just not gonna put up the numbers in the NHL that we need him too. I think Sterling could.
Like I said on Tuesday, I bet this team AGAIN, comes out FLAT AS HELL tonight! We’ll see…
By Bob
January 24, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Sorry Russian, my optimism just got squashed and I’m with ou now after hearing that the Blue Skirts are retiring Leech’s # tonight.
I wonder if anyone keeps stats on this, but it seems like the visiting club always loses when the home team retires a sweater.
By Barry
January 24, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Well when Kovy does come back after ASG there will be no room for Sterling to play.
Kovy-White-Recchi Stuart-Kozlov-Hossa Perrin-Holik-Dupuis Thornburn-Slater-Boulton
Who in that group would you sit over Sterling???
By ranallo10
January 24, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Thorburn, Boulton, Slater…
I’d sit all three in favor of Sterling.
By ATLNative
January 24, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
I’ve only been a Thrashers fan for a few years, so I know the rules - just not the strategy. So let me start by saying the one game suspension of Kovy was very fair.
However, I’ve seen a lot of posters suggest different lines and groups - but how about they work on some of the missing basic fundamentals that seem so apparently forgotten? To me, before you start strategizing, you have to be able to skate, pass, shoot, and hit. We’re about 2-2 in the fundamentals - we’ve been skating and hitting, but the passing and shooting has been weak, timid, and passionless.
I don’t care if Lehtonen or Hedberg have to do it from our own goal - someone’s got to start letting some shots-on-goal fly if we’re gonna make up the ground we’ve lost in the past few games. It’s crazy… they’re looking as flat as they did before Hartley got fired.
By Tony C.
January 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I’m with Native
By Barry
January 25, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Also our breakouts have been shutdown alot. We try to break out of our zone with the puck and it’s either a turn over in the neutral zone, our guys get defended and stopped and we have to retreat into our zone, or we finally manage to get it to the red line to dump it in and by that time the guys are tired and needing a line change. Can’t score that way boys.