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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Degree of difficulty about to increase
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, we’re back at it. We can turn our attention to the Thrashers and their quest to end a five-game losing streak at a time in the league when play tightens. I’m writing about the importance of the next seven games (six at home) and Bobby Holik made a great point. They’re just trying to win ONE game. Forget the next seven games. But when you look at the schedule, if they don’t take advantage of this upcoming stretch they might be sellers rather than buyers at the trade deadline. And this is the time of year the games get much tougher. But then again, knowing how weak the Southeast is, they could probably go .500 and be a point back. So who knows?
The wildcard in all this is Washington. They’re right back in it and have played two games less than the Thrashers. This division is begging for someone to get hot and take a commanding lead, and surprisingly it’s been the Caps who have responded. It’s interesting, because they’re a good contrast in how they handled their coaching situation. The Thrashers fired Bob Hartley, and still have uncertainty as to who will be the coach next season. The Caps fire Hanlon, and Bruce Boudreau comes in and coaches his rear off. Now that team knows who is in charge this season and going forward and they can focus on winning. The same can’t be said in Atlanta. While Don has been solid behind the bench, you have to wonder if the Thrashers would have been better off going either with their own Boudreau (John Anderson) or handing things over to Brad McCrimmon. It’s been an interesting study in how two teams handled similar situations differently. I guess we won’t know until the end of the season who made the right choice.
Odds and ends: There’s a lot to catch up on here. Brad Larsen won’t play this week, according to Waddell. So Colin Stuart is back in town after his brief return to the AHL. Eric Perrin missed today’s practice with a minor groin pull and is a game-time decision. Mark Popovic skated in his place with the forwards. If Perrin is out for the Pittsburgh game, don’t count on Popovic playing forward. Don will probably call up another skater from Chicago if that’s the case. Ken Klee will likely be back in the lineup. If you remember, he took a puck off the face and has two black eyes and stitches in two places. For him, the break came at a good time. He said there was no way he was playing over the weekend, but he’ll more than likely be out there against Pittsburgh.
Responding to your responses: I tried to decompress as much as possible after blogging yesterday so I didn’t have a chance to get on there and respond. But I’m refreshed and ready for the post-All-Star break action. SO here are some responses:
DWTOO: If you look at our coverage of the All-Star game over the course of the last ten days, starting with the O’Ree story the Sunday before, I’d say at least 90 percent of it was positive. Look at Monday’s 1A section, with the giant photo and the headline: Ice Paradise. I think that really captured the essence of the weekend. People forget that we’re not a PR arm for the league, or for hockey. We’re trying to paint an accurate account of what is going on. If you go back and read Hummer’s Sunday story again, I think you’ll see it was an accurate, balanced account of hockey in the South. And isn’t the day the hockey world is focused on Atlanta the perfect day to reflect on the state of hockey in the region? I understand why some people were mad, and believe me, I’ve been hearing it. But our coverage is for everybody, not just people who have a stake in the sport or feel strongly about hockey and I think our coverage reflected that. I also think the feedback and discussion is healthy, that’s what helps improve the product, and I appreciate your input.
R. Stroz: No, I did not. I asked her one question and when she looked at me for a follow-up I froze like a deer in headlights. I don’t have that problem with Bobby Holik.
Jason: Thanks and while I feel like Hossa appreciated the love and support he got this weekend, I don’t know how much that will factor in his decision. He’s never had an issue with the fans, and loves playing in Atlanta. But it’s all about how strongly he feels about the future of the franchise.
Hockeyfan: C’mon now, you know I would have said hello if I had seen you. Just ask my wife, you have to call my name about 10 times to get a response. But to all the Thrashers fans I did get to meet out there, it was a pleasure chatting with you guys. I wish I could have grabbed a beer and hung out instead of actually working the events.
Brendan: You raise a good point and one that has some merit. If the Thrashers decide they have to deal Marian Hossa, don’t be surprised if they make another move to bring somebody back in. The Oakland A’s are great at that around baseball’s deadline. Rather than let someone walk in their contract year, they trade them but also pick up help so they can still contend. I think that’s a pretty good strategy. Also, in reading the responses to Mark Bradley, I appreciated your thoughtful response. The same people who get mad about a negative story also get mad when they don’t feel like their teams are held accountable.
stendec: Nobody uses bold as effectively as you do.
Boulton’s Bruisers: Let’s say the Thrashers let Hossa walk, then they sign Brian Campbell with that salary slot. Couldn’t you conceivably say they traded Heatley for Campbell? Okay, maybe not.
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