Thrashers

By ranallo10

January 24, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

It’ll be nice for that fourth line to finally score a goal…

It’d also be nice to see Sterling thrive in this brief stint. I just hope this isn’t an audition of some sort for Sterling.

By Thorburn's Thugs

January 24, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Craig Do you know anything about the rumor floating around the web that Marek Malik’s locker is empty today. Has he been traded?

By EROCK

January 24, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

What do you want us fans to say…this line up is just what we need ? WRONG ANSWER !!!

By kevin

January 24, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Why would you start your backup goaltender in the last game before the all star break? Nothing this organization or coaching staff does makes any sense! I like the fact that we finally had a hard physical practice after the last game, I guess the 10-1 debacle in Buffalo wasn’t enough to justify a hard practice, we needed to lose a few more before anyone took action. The shot stats tell the whole story, every game is played in our end, teams repeatedly outwork us and bring the physical play to us. The only way this team ever wins is if Hossa or Kovy have a great game and Kari stands on his head. Check the stats, that is the only way we win, the Detroit game is a great example. I hope I’m wrong but it’s time to face the reality that this season is over, trade the fringe players that we can get something for and play the young guys so we can evaluate their worth. Finally, quit playing with Kari’s head, he’s your guy, he’s your future, next year it’s Kari and Pavlec, get something for the Moose if someone’s interested and let Kari know the team’s on his back for better or worse.

By B

January 24, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

That fourth line should have their hands full anyway. We had the cheap Hollweg hit that no one even responded to. Shanahan putting his stick in Klee crotch. Avery taking out Todd White with a cheap shot when he doesn’t have the puck. We all remember Hollweg giving X his concussion. This game needs to be about retribution. If X won’t fight at all then Boulton or Thorburn needs to mix it up with either Avery, Hollweg, or possibly Orr.

Someone on this team needs to sack up and show that we will not be disrespected. We were disrespected in Buffalo twice this year with no fight, NYR take liberties with us with no repurcussions.

By Brendan

January 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

This is a puzzling move, although not entirely unexpected. Waddell is just looking to “change things up.” I agree with Ranallo, I hope Sterling isn’t been “showcased” for a potential trade aimed at prolonging the longevity of our GM.

By Bob

January 24, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Oh, ok, that makes perfect sense, sure, start Moose. Goodness, Kari played a heck of a game, and he gets plenty of rest after tonight before the next game, but start Moose? Oh, ok.

Mabye they are going to goon it up on Leetch retirement night and they didn’t want Kari getting hurt by getting run, yeah, that’s the ticket.

Someone better go after Hollweg the second he steps on the ice, or this club is just plain gutless.

By Thorburn's Thugs

January 24, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

B, AGREED! I expect NO LESS than 2 FIGHTS! Boulton, Thorburn, Exelby, Holik….. WE NEED TO SEE BLOOD!!!

I still expect them to come out flat, and we will get ROCKED tonight. I hope i’m wrong, but i’m probably right…

By Alan

January 24, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

I don’t care when Hollweg is gone after, so long as he is gone after. I’m still mad about that knee hit on Stuart.

By Maal

January 24, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I guess Waddell is as much of a tool as Hartley was when it comes to taking care of his goalies. Whatever.

By Tony C.

January 24, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Yeah Hollweg should get it.

Anybody gooing to the thing @ TJ’s???

GO BLUE !!!

By Alan

January 24, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

B - Actually, we did put up a fight in Buffalo at the beginning of the year.

It was a pretty good fight too, I think.

By Hookybob

January 24, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see Holleweg get “Simonized” tonight. But,.. alas,…I fear the penalties would go disporportionately against us. Which leads to us being down 2-0 or worse,…and then rolling over. Un-good,…really un-good.

So, I say go out and play your best hardcore hockey. Hit and finish checks at every opportunity. Make the Rangers (including Lundqvist) hear footsteps. Better yet as the “true sage of Blueland” says “Make their parents wish they had never met.”

Go Blue.

By MB

January 24, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Tony, I was up there earlier, around 4:00 - 4:30. The place was packed, and most of the players were tucked away in a back room. Saw Clarke and Schultz, plus Mellanby from a distance.

Not sure how they’re running it, but I also heard they’re going to make a stop at the Derby up there, as well.

By erock

January 24, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

THORBURNS THUGS…….NEW YORKS MARIK MALIK TRADED TO CHICAGO.

By beau vighn

January 24, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Well,so much for the pansy thrashers coming out and showing some guts and challenging the NYR. Typical Thrashers. We haven’t had a physical presence since Darcy Hordichuk

By Rice8891

January 24, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Love your coverage Craig, but I must disagree with you. The Thrashers problems are due, in part, to the fact that Hossa plays only when he wants. See his audition for Detroit. If he played like last year, the Thrashers would be way out in front. And as a Thrashers fan from the beginning, you won’t hear Hossa chants from me again until he either plays like he cares, or signs. Including this weekend.

By Waffleboy

January 24, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Rice8891- I could not have said it better myself. Hossa’s contract distractions are an appalling detriment to his team. He consistently talks about wanting to play with a winner. Hey Hoss, how about playing like a winner?

By Waffleboy

January 24, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

What a shock, playing on the road against a big market($$$) team and Hossa shows up.

By Rice8891

January 24, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

5-1 penalties? Guess the NHL wants the Rangers to win.

By Nascar_Dave

January 24, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Yeah, HOSSA is the dang CANCER in the Locker room!

By stendec

January 24, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

So far so good. Thrashers up 1-0 after two periods. Moose may have to pitch shutout to secure two points. Offense clueless once again! Only 13 shots in 40 minutes. What is with these guys? SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK! Even power play goal came on an excuse-me non-shot. Hey, it did go in! Ranjerk goalie not good but Thrashers refuse to test him. Do not cry to me about being shorthanded! A S++++Y offense is a S++++Y offense. Poor effort by Hossa on late rush cost Thrashers second tally. If Ranjerks knot things the Thrashers appear prepared to fold like cheap tissue paper. Moose, everything is on your broad shoulders! Take us to the promised land. GO MOOSE!

By stendec

January 24, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

DAMN!

By beau vighn

January 24, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

well, there’s your game. The best we can hope for now is a tie and maybe a win ina shoot out

By Nascar_Dave

January 24, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Someone better kick the SH++ outta AVERY! Before this dang game’s OVER!!! He shot the puck at KLEE’S Face!!! Make ILYA smile!!!

By Tom

January 24, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, by the way, Holik s%%ks

That is all I have to say.

By Tom

January 24, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

And another question, is our 3rd jersey going to be a dress???

By stendec

January 24, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Guess Thrashers have reached their goal and shot capacity for evening. Painful to witness this travesty. Can anyone say debacle? So sad to be Thrasher fan right now. FIGHT BACK DAMN IT! Oh well, clock winding down. Toward overtime or shootout defeat? Who knows? Too disgusted right now to care!

By Thorburn's Thugs

January 24, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

EROCK THANKS! DON’T HEAR STORIES LIKE THAT WITHOUT REAL SUBSTANCE! Thought it might be a trade.

By Rice8891

January 24, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Perspective, folks. Regardless, Thrash are 2 points from 3rd in the East. And they have yet to play their best hockey. Have faith.

By stendec

January 24, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Change name from Thrashers to Statues. Never seen so much standing around in all my life! Did Big Apple hookers drain ALL team energy. So disillusioned. Thrasher fans deserve so much better than this overtime garbage!

By stendec

January 24, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Another choke job! Moose did all he could. Fortunate to salvage point for these quitters! Way to go Hossa! I look forward to your trade. Piece of S++T! All-Star my A++. Again, ship these scum out then import young guys from Chicago. Hell, at least they WILL try! Guess Charleston Chiefs refused to provide Hansen brothers. Oh well. Thrashers need to grow balls! Let everyone push them around! Completely unacceptable. Flames had fight while in Atlanta! Thrashers are bend over B+++++S for all. Everyone gets a ride! No playoffs for these quitters. Just as well. Team with WORST defense does not warrant playoff berth! One-man team will NEVER get to next level. Rest well fellow Thrasher sufferers. GO FLAMES!

By Nascar_Dave

January 24, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of WIMPS! Did you not see that AVERY chump GET THE BEST OF YA??? NO FIGHT. NO WILL. I bet KOVY’s P**! It’s so sad.

THEY curled up and died in front of a bunch of YANKEE SCUM! We got a damn point but we gave away 2! WTF!!! The NYRANGERS are NOT that good people!!!

By B. Thenet

January 24, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Craig ask Hossa and Kozlov this question

If you had a breakaway in a game, would you stop moving towards the goalie and take a wrister from 10-15 feet away?

Then why would you attempt that when you are in the shootout?

To see both of them with back to back wristers in the SO made me sick.

By Russian

January 24, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

We were very LUCKY to get One POINT. Same game, no OFFENCE, today was little bit better Defesmen. And Moose saved our asses very many time. Bad team, not going to anythere. Sterling did not show a thing, just another man on ice. This 5 times on the road we did not win. Too bad, so sad….. F***.

By R. Stroz

January 24, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

It’s time to move Hossa and Holik.

Four legs, two mouths, zero heart.

By kevin

January 24, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Same Thrash, no shots on net, not much time in the offensive zone, playing on our heels the last 15 minutes of the game. Hedberg plays great game or we lose by 3-4 goals. I think our lack of talent at the center position is becoming more apparent, absolutely no playmaking ability in the middle.

By Bob

January 24, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

At least they skated hard, but the cold hard facts are there just is not enough talent on this club. Sterling completely ineffective again. Nice quote, Stroz, and spot on.

Hossa can just move on down the road already. I love his quote in Craig’s article today “we don’t want to do something now that I regret in a few months”. He means like on July 1st when he sees this year’s signings of the likes of Todd White and Ken Klee. Yep, I feel the same way and that’s why I’m not “re-signing” either till I see what they do to fix things. 1)Fire Waddell 2)Bring in a quality GM 3)Bring in quality players. Then you can call me about re-upping for tickets.

By stendec

January 24, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Superstars may sell tickets but they do not win championships. TEAMS DO! IK is a true talent but one man. Take him away and the Thrashers are skating on cement! Much the same with Ig in Calgary. Hossa has talent which he seldom utilizes for team which signs his paycheck. Kozlov has seen his best days. Thrashers are one-man team with no scoring plus worst defense in history of world! Heard about speed. Seen none! Entire team except IK, KL and Moose require immediate heart implants. Notice I said implants because hearts are missing. Talent level marginal. Willingness to compete for duration absent. Team may go semi-hard for 20, 30 or even 45 minutes but seldom 60 plus. Unacceptable! From division champs to division bottom-feeding chumps? Within realm of possibility! Calling Dr Howard, Dr Fine, Dr Howard. You are needed in heart surgery! God bless all Thrasher fans. Perspective my A++. GO FLAMES!

By Smoothie

January 24, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Pathetic, gutless and indifferent effort in the shootout…how do you put forth such a non-chalant effort in such an important shootout? How can they be satisfied with one point when one of the teams between them and a playoff spot is the one they’re supposedly trying to beat!!?

This team befuddles me and I’m on the edge of starting to dislike them greatly…Moose was stellar however and he will ALWAYS have my utmost respect and admiration.

By R. Stroz

January 24, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

stendec - I don’t think you can honestly say the entire team needs transplants.

Several players are out there busting their tails, namely, Perrin, Stuart, Dupuis.

The problem is that one player per line appears to be busting their tail while the other two watch.

Even though I was in favor of signing Kozlov, I was wrong. Somewhere, Don Cherry is laughing right now.

This team has alot of players auditioning for postal delivery jobs.

Some of the players are still putting forth a great deal of effort; but, the team leaders such as Holik, Kozlov, and Hossa are mailing in their performance.

That’s why I’m in favor of moving the lazy, overpaid players by trade, waiver, or contract buyout and giving all the years of draft picks in Chicago a chance to develop. However, this strategy will only work if their coach, John Anderson, comes with them.

By Brendan

January 25, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Moose did a good job tonight. He even almost stopped Shanny in the shootout. That goal just trickled in.

By LAC

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

Good effort and hustle, but when an NHL team can generate only 32 SOG in 6 periods THERE IS A PROBLEM !

R.Stroz… you are right, Kozlov and Holik mail it in every night. No hustle no heart no desire, but with MILLIONS in your pocket why bother ?

I just hope the All-Star weekend goes GREAT and we don’t have to hear a bunch of negative CRAP from Those Canadian guys and so on…

But if this is progress then these Atlanta STUPID Group owners better WAKE up… this team is NOT getting better it is getting WORSE…

It would be in the best interest of ALL concerned for don waddell to do the Correct thing and resign as soon as possible, so the team can move forward once and for all and no longer have this idiot from Detroit running the team in the ground !

By LAC

January 25, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this

Quick one here… TWO Nice features at NHL.com about The Atlanta Flames !

     **CHECK THEM OUT**

By mr. mike

January 25, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

To R. Stroz; good comment. I’m equally “guilty”; I too really wanted Kozzy back; what a major diappointment he’s been all year. I see about 5-7 guys giving constant effort this season(Kovy, Enstrom, Havelid, Dupuis, Perrin, Stuart since his call-up). And I know he’s still a rookie/still plenty of time/still learning, etc; but Sterling can’t play at all at this level. I frankly thought that in the season opener; have seen nothing to change my mind. Overall; this is a replay of the Curt Fraser years; except Fraser had god-awful talent with which to work. I’ve never been a Waddell-basher; but nothing is working for this franchise now. Lets be honest; we could play the Red Wings 10 times consecutively; they’d win 9. We appear to have just gotten lucky last time.

By B

January 25, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Holik played well last night. As has been said before Hossa is the cancer. He has not put forth the effort this year. If he wants a raise then he should prove he deserves it by playing hard on every shift. Kozlov is having the same problem. It is like they have both given up and don’t try. Hossa actually hit Avery very hard in the first period last night and had one great game in Detroit. The rest of the season he has quit. Kozlov has had about 2-3 good games this year where he has taken more than 3 shots on goal.

Mentally the team is not there. If Hossa and Kozlov can get going and try harder and Exelby can fight maybe this team can turn it around.

By R. Stroz

January 25, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Craig - Do you have status on Klee?

Also, is there any chance you can interview Lysiak, Vail, Plett, Quinn, and Bouchard while they are all in town and ask them if they thought Atlanta was a good hockey town in the 1970’s?

By Lanny McDonald

January 25, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

What a pathetic bunch of LOSERS! Good god, CAN WE PLEASE GET RID OF HOSSA??? He is a cancer in the locker room. Off-ice contract disputes are interfering with on-ice performance. UNACCEPTABLE.

Atlanta Sprit Group should talk to Pat Quinn at the All-Star game…

Pat Quinn for GM, John Anderson for coach.

Waddell had his chance. 8 years, and 1 playoff SWEEP! Not gonna cut it!

Atlanta Spirit Group PLEASE cut ties with THIS CLOWN WADDELL!

By Smoothie

January 25, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

RStroz — thanks for inquiring with CC on Klee. Have you ever seen a more pathetic S/O in your life? In a game they really needed to “win”, how do all three jackasses not even attempt to make one deke or fake or move? Why didn’t Recchi go to the backhand like he did so deftly against Pitt? Crikes!

Larry Mac — I like it. Fire DWad and hire Pat Quinn to handle the Hossa trade. Bring up Anderson and implement his system and sprinkle in a few more of his players. I want to watch a team that plays with heart and determination…not one that is just coasting around to pick up a paycheck.

By Thorburn's Thugs

January 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

HERE COME THE TRADES!!! Kwiatkowski, Colin Stuart, and Brett Sterling have just been re-assigned to Chicago. Clearing roster space?

By GaVaHokie

January 25, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Thorburn… Colin Stuart and Sterling are going down because Slater and Kovy will be back in the line-up.

Kwiatkowski, most likely in favor of Popovic or McCarthy. But with Klee being injured, it’s kind of a surprise.

It could also be because the Thrashers don’t play another game until next Wednesday, so the Wolves can use them in the meantime.

By Bob

January 25, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Thorburn, both Kiwi and Sterling are in the AHL all star game and the Wolves have a couple games tonight and tomorrow I think. Kiwi might be back, but not Sterling, he was just a one game stopgap during Kovy’s suspension. Stuart may be back if they want to carry an extra forward, or just bring him back when they need him again.

By Brett

January 25, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

I hope Stuart comes back. I like his energy and toughness. He is better than Slater in my opinion.

By Thrashers27

January 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig!

Any word on Klee’s injury?

Also…Any idea what’s up with Moose and Kari doing that little flip of the puck after they freeze it?

Thanks!

By ranallo10

January 25, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Thorburn — I agree with Bob and GVH on this one, Stuart, Sterling and Kwiatkowski are best utilized sent down for the next few Chicago games, then will possibly be brought back if no roster moves are made via trades. I actually think it’s a nice thing for Waddell to do because now Kwiatkowski and Sterling can play in the AHL AllStar game (I imagine they wouldn’t be allowed if they’re on an NHL roster), plus it gives all three plenty of ice time during the NHL break.

If only we could send down the entire roster, they all could use EXTRA ice time.

By Thorburn's Thugs

January 25, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 I’m just intrigued by the Stuart move. The other 2 make sense. They’re AHL all-stars. Gotta show off your skillz.

Between Stuart and Slater, I choose Stuart. Strictly based on stats for that, though. Stuart can also play Center, right?

Whats with the Malik story? Still haven’t seen a reliable report.

By raindawg722

January 26, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Nice story on Kovy. I hope he scores five goals tomorrow.

By Alan

January 26, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I would rather Kovalchuk score those five goals in a real game, so he can take his rightful spot as the leading goal scorer back.

By ranallo10

January 26, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

I saw Thorburn at the game tonight, he’s not as big as I figured he’d be. I think Buzilla or Rone could take him…

By Brendan

January 26, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Craig, your Michigan State Spartans nearly did it tonight against Michigan. The Spartans inadvertantly put the puck in their own net in a “clearing” attempt, with 1:33 left in regulation. It ended in a tie. Jeff Lerg was in net, as usualy, for the Spartans.

By MB

January 27, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Yeah, yeah, yeah…you buy the tickets, you can do (within reason) pretty much what you want.

But the booing of players at an all-star game(you get a pass for Waddell and Bettman) and especially the “Osgood…Osgood…Osgood…YOU SUCK!” chants were so bush-league and classless. Way to represent.

By Alan

January 28, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

MB - It’s just the nasty nest, I think. They’re in a league of their own.

By NHL Gone

January 28, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

It’s not Atlanta, it’s hockey. The sport is dying and Bettman is out playing golf. TV ratings for hockey in the US are abysmal. In Atlanta, the Battle of the Bands at the GA Dome got more attention than the All Star game. World Series, Super Bowl, and NBA All Star game shut this town down. NHL came and went with nothing more than a wimper. Your sport has no personality and no leader. It’s great for the few avid fans but that ain’t going to cut it. The best thing for the sport would be for Bettman to get rung up and a new commish could forge a new path for this dying breed.

By chickenhawk

January 28, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Penguins claim Kris Beech off waivers from Caps.

By ranallo10

January 28, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

MB — I always find it funny as we’ve all had this debate before, but the out of town fans are the reason I would resist doing it. Yes, I care what other towns think about our quality of fandom, because we’re already fighting for justification as a “hockey town” in the NHL.

At the game, the person behind me said “wow, I guess that’s Atlanta’s way of ‘taunting’ their opponents. I think Carolina does that too, in fact, all South Eastern teams do that.”

chickenhawk — That kid is racking up the frequent flier miles. Beech has been waived from three teams and only totaled ~20 NHL games this season…poor guy. But I think it speaks about his abilities that he can’t hold a spot on a roster, but is continually claimed by teams in need.

By MB

January 28, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Alan, you’re absolutely correct that it was coming from the nasty nest…or at least seem to be.

And ranallo, I’m in the same boat, at least for the ASG, where for all practical purposes there isn’t an “opponent.” Sure, we want the East to win, but I don’t think anybody is really that vested in it.

And to give grief to Osgood, who’s already getting hammered after getting hammered the night before in the Young Stars game, well that was just piling on.

To me, the ASG is just an exhibition of the game’s greatest stars, a time to appreciate their skills and put aside rivalries and bad blood…and save that until the very next time they’re in the building.