Thrashers

By HockeyDawg

February 13, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks, CC! Keep us up to date if you hear anything. I think it’s obvious Hoss doesn’t want to sign w/ us, so I think Waddell has no choice but to trade him. This is of huge importance! Hoss may be the biggest name available at the deadline this year, and by far the best player Donny has ever had the opportunity to trade, other than Heatley, which was a totally different circumstance. DW needs to make sure he absolutely maximizes the value he receives for Hoss. As much as I hate to lose him, these types of opportunities don’t come along every day.

By R. Stroz

February 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

If Hossa is still on the team for tonight’s game, I strongly suggest everyone give him a great potential send off by doing the Hossa chant as many times as possible.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

My feeling is Waddell wants to make absolutely sure that Ryder is a serviceable replacement if he has to move Hossa. Not necessarily moving Hossa to Montreal, but making some other deal to get Ryder if Hossa goes somewhere else for draft picks or prospects. In the meantime, he’s creating panic around the league.

The tough part about trading Hossa for Waddell is, if he wants a shot at getting him back this summer, the best thing to do is to give him a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup. Normally in a situation like this, you trade him out west and forget about it. But if Hossa can really win a Stanley Cup, get it off his chest, he might be much easier to resign this summer.

Waddell can say, “hey, look what I did for you. Now come back to Atlanta scratch our backs. And look, we have Ryder and Vermette now.” ;)

By fokov

February 13, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Well obviously Hossa is out of here before the deadline or, otherwise, would be trying to more chemistry developed on his line to lead us to the playoffs. We better get damn good pieces when we sell Heatley/Hossa.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

2nd?

By Brian Piccolo

February 13, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

FIRST! I didnt know we still had a hockey team in ATL. Yeah the Hoss’ is soon to be a loss’ Wow, good to see we would have nothing to show for trading the Heater.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

I did just get a phone call from the UPS guy who just dropped off something at my house. Most likely the season ticket package.

Unfortunately I will not be renewing my tickets for next year. I am moving to CT most likely in June. I think I might cry

By chrisf

February 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Craig:

Been cruising the Habs and Hamilton Bulldogs roster for obvious reasons. Do you think that Hossa for Andrei Kostitsyn (LW) and Michael Komisarek (D) is in the realm of reality? Surley Markov and Higgins are off limits. Understanding that both were #1 picks, I would still hope that Waddell could make another quality-for-quality deal such as when he acquired Hossa. Thrash are not going anywhere without adding a shut-down or a consistently plus-side D-man.

This may ultimately be Waddell’s downfall - never developing or acquiring a solid D core to support talented goaltending. Offense is more of a commodidty in today’s NHL, and we’ve had enough talent there lately to quailify for the playoffs for the last three seasons.

chris foley

By ames

February 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Bye, Bye Hoss.

By Alan

February 13, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Hossa not skating today at the optional practice is meaningless, I think. And I don’t think he’ll be moved at the deadline. We should still be in the thick of things around that time, and as a playoff contender, you just don’t deal out major pieces to your playoff puzzle.

By R. Stroz

February 13, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

We are losing Buzilla and ranallo10 next season, that’s worse than losing Hossa. What are we going to do for fun on the blog?

By nfieldr

February 13, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

I did just get a phone call from the UPS guy who just dropped off something at my house.

Your UPS guy calls you?? Now… that’s service!

By Alan

February 13, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

No way would we get Andrei Kostitsyn or Michael Komisarek. Higgins, Ryder, and Emelin are the names being thrown around the most right now, should Hossa go to Montreal.

By Russ

February 13, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Hossa to Vancouver for Bieksa, Kesler, and a top d-prospect or top pick.

If I’m GM this is the type of return I’m looking at for Hossa. Bieksa is a legitimate top four d-man who is very good on the power play. If Kesler continues to develop, he will be a decent #2 center for a long time. Bieksa is signed for three more seasons at a $3.75 mil cap hit. Kesler for two more years and $1.75 mil against the cap. Plus you get the high end pick or prospect. I think this trade would allow the Thrashers to continue to compete for a playoff spot this season, but more importantly it makes them younger, and better in the future. I picked Vancouver as my example because I think they are a great fit for Hossa. They are desperate for more scoring and have plenty of cap room in the coming years to sign him long-term. With Hossa, Vancouver is a legitimate Stanley Cup threat, with their current roster they are a borderline playoff team.

OK, DW…get it done.

By NASCAR Dave

February 13, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

EKLUND’S HOSSA TO THE HABS (E4) IS LOOKING REAL GOOD RIGHT NOW!

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

R.Stoltz - you are not losing me next season. Granted I will be going to a LOT less games, but I do have a TV and do get the hockey package. So I will be able to at least watch every game. And I will still have a computer so you all will still get to read my juvinile comments.

nfieldr - I live in a Post Complex and they have to ring me to get in the gate. I guess that is pretty good service. La de freakin da.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

..and I can’t spell ‘juvenile’ either

By Bob

February 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I’ll go with my best Larry Babbling Brooks impression and throw a WAG out there that Montreal’s GM flew into Atlanta this a.m. after the Tampa game and had a sit down with Hoss and his agent to work out a contract extension, that’s the way we can max value in this trade. The good ol’ sign and trade (or trade and sign), that just never happens, ain’t that right, off the post?

Craig, we had already decided that we’re not going to re-sign for our season tix until after the July 1st deadline to see if there’s a new GM, and to see what players are signed. But this ticket increase after looking at last year’s increase and the performance (or lack thereof) of the club, has pushed me over the edge.

I’ll take advantage of the 50% off deals the club offers, and scalp when those aren’t available. The team really made a bad move by sticking us season tix holders with the full bill and then advertising all these deals and giveaways to JohnnyComeLatelys. Bad marketing by them. Very bad. I would not be suprised to see a large decrease in season tix for next year unless the reverse this terrible business decision.

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

from the GM conference call: Waddell says that if he is going to trade Hossa, it makes sense to keep him as long as possible in order have his services for the playoff race.

Also, there’s a reporter from Sweden asking every GM if they are interested in Peter Forsberg. Don’s answer? “If Atlanta was one of [his preferred] destinations, for sure we’d be interested in him.” As we know, that’s a big if.

By GSU-Lee

February 13, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Nascar Dave, Let me just say that Eklund probably has put out a rumor about Hossa going to ninne different teams so if that’s the one you want to run with I say good for you. i think realistically he won’t be traded. He will be signed or kept for the stretch run. Odds are DW is probably looking at someone oon the Habs tthat he can get without offering up Hoss.

By Russian

February 13, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Why do you think we will do trade with Montreal??? I think Don is looking for something on West: Detroit, Dallas or Ducks. I think today will be last game for Hossa with Blue jersey 18.

By Tom

February 13, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Here is a dumb a**ed question…

Why would any player, especially a European player, want to deal with the psychotic media that is up in Montreal.

If Hossa thinks we are busting his balls about his failure to show up in the playoffs and occasional lackadaisical play, can you imagine how the media will react up there?

Marian, As the star of the Habs, why did you only score 2 times in our loss tonight?

He would have to be a friggin moron to do a sign and trade in Montreal and know that he will be under that spotlight.

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

chrisf: I think the reason the Montreal rumors have so many legs is that you can look at the Canadiens depth and come up with a deal that would work for both sides. I believe Waddell when he says there haven’t been discussions. But like you, I see a lot of players in that organization who would help the Thrashers.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

GSU… It doesn’t make much sense for Waddell to be watching Ryder if he’s not going to move Hossa at some point… Ryder is a RW. We could probably get him separately, but what would be the point if we keep Hossa and Recchi is playing fine with Kovy?

Anybody else worthwhile on the Montreal roster, like Higgins or Komisarek, will require a Hossa trade.

By NASCAR Dave

February 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

LEE I KNOW ABOUT EKLUND… BEEN READING HIS JUNK FOR YEARS. THAT WAS A SARCASTIC COMMENT I MADE. I JUST THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUNNY IF ANYTHING EKLUND SAYS ACTUALLY COMES TRUE! THATS ALL.

RUSSIAN I THINK SO TOO. TONIGHT IS HIS LAST GAME IN ATL.

By aaron

February 13, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Tom,

I really think there are some players who enjoy spotlight like that. I was listening to Dany Heatley on XM a couple days ago, and it seemed like he enjoyed the whole media scrum after games. He never would have gotten that here. I could be totally wrong, but… isn’t that what kid athletes aspire to be: the man?

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Aaron, I agree… these young phenoms love the spotlight. It’s guys like Kozlov that like the quiet life.

Speaking of…

Craig… did you ever ask Kovy what he thought about seeing his picture blown up outside the Westin Hotel during All Star weekend?

By sisu

February 13, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

By NASCAR Dave

You gave Ek money for a season ticket? LOL

By DaveM

February 13, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Season ticket since day 1. Seriously considering not renewing. This team has alot of problems beyond just losing Hossa. The ownership has shown NOTHING in the way of leadership, no desire to better the product and all the while they are screwing the season ticket holders for more and more money. My tickets were only $24 before the lockout, then $27, this year $30 and next year $32. The product hasn’t gotten much better and looks like it will become MUCH, MUCH worse next year.

I have made my voice heard to the Atlanta Spirit Group through their e-mail address and to my ticket rep. Right now I am in wait and see mode, but something big must happen soon. a 50% win percentage is pathetic….

By B. Thenet

February 13, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Don should have told that Swedish reporter: “Peter Forsberg, never heard of him. Is he any good?”

I have decided there is nothing more annoying than being in a rumored trade with Montreal or Toronto.

However, I assume DW is just thrilled to get some attention from people in the media other than Craig and Carroll.(no offense, but he probably wants to talk to someone else from time to time)

By Cable Peasant

February 13, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

What would it be like to live in a world where you can see your home teams play on local cable networks for every single game of the season? Much less, coverage for a division rival and sole posession of 1st place with 3 of the Best Hockey players in the World skating tonight? Kovy,Hossa,Ovechkin?

By Jim

February 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Been a season tix holder since Day 1 and have been impressed with how DW has handled issues. Got an even swap of Heatley despite Heater’s ultimatum and has handled Hossa’s ultimatum/delay as best he could to get as much out of Hossa and the deal as possible. Sure he’s made some questionable additions- Holik and Rucchin but most of the others have been OK. Sorry to see a talent like Hossa headed out but am sick and tired of prima donnas dictating to clubs and disappearing on the ice every now and then as Hoss has done. Give me a hustling scrapping team like Philly or Phoenix any day of the week. Maybe MacCrimmon will be the one to light a fire. Enjoy the media fish bowl in Montreal, Hoss.

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet: None taken.

By Teach

February 13, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out is the best hockey site around, and we dont need any American jounaliats explaining our sport to us. When it snows in Notlanta, and you have the semblance of a decent team, them maybe we can talk.

By Jeff

February 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t see us going after Ryder. FYI…he becomes a UFA this summer too.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

teach… then go back to your website and shut the f*** up.

By ThrasherFan

February 13, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

It seems Hossa is prepared to move on. Seems to me an offer in the neighborhood of 6 yrs at 50m is a nice starting point. O well, at lease we have the Hawks!

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

teach… I just looked at that website, what’s so special about it? I regret giving it a “hit”. Now it might exist for another 3-4 days.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Ignore Teach everyone, he’s just a troll trying to generate hits for some hack website.

By Joshgekko

February 13, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I knew I should have gotten the signed Kovy stick instead of Hossa one,lol. Im still holding out hope that they’ll be able to re-sign him. But if trading him means we can sign a true top line center in the off season and get some D help now Im for it.

By Joshgekko

February 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I knew I should have gotten the signed Kovy stick instead of Hossa,lol. Im still holding out hope that they’ll be able to re-sign him. But if trading him means we can sign a true top line center in the off season and get some D help now Im for it.

By Billsen

February 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Yo “Teach”. It snowed here a couple of weeks ago, and we won our division last year. So, I guess it is time to talk.

Billsen

By R. Stroz

February 13, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

You tell him **GaVaHokie.

Hey Teach, go back to your classroom and study the term inferiority complex, a common problem among Canadian hockey fans.

By Billsen

February 13, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Teach - I take it back - I just read this on your fantastic website:

The Canadiens dropped their third straight game on Tuesday night with a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Eastern Conference’s worst team.

I guess they do know what they are talking about there.

Billsen

By Russian

February 13, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Ticket Holder is sound intersting. I will get package IF:

1. center 1 will be in team

2. New owners

3. new Coach and GM

We will see what happend after this season. I am going to miss Hossa. ;-(

By Jeff

February 13, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

CC- How can you believe Waddell when he says he hasn’t had discussions with the Habs on a deal? He was at the Habs v. Bolts game last night. And apparently has been to two Habs games in the last 10 days. Additionally there are multiple reports of Pete Mahovlich attending Habs games. What are they doing there…trying to see how a real power play works?

By Alan

February 13, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Here’s a write-up about the GM conference call today.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 13, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

if hossa doesn’t suit up tonight that will mean he is definitely gone. otherwise we just have to keep guessing on where he is going and who is coming in return.

By Pucksdeep

February 13, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Sad times indeed. At least I get to see Hossa play tonight, if in fact it is his last hime game. Dang…just DANG!

By kracker

February 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I will probably renew but this will only be my first renewal cycle. If I had been buying season tix from the beginning and they increased each year like my property tax and all they did is collect the garbage, I’d hate the ticket increase just as much as I do the property tax increase.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Let’s say he gets traded.

Does Hossa get booed or cheered the next time he comes into Phillips?

By timmythebrave

February 13, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I am unable to go to the game tonight. Where can I watch the game since I don’t have NHL package? Anybody know of a good bar in Atlanta, Buckhead, or brookhaven areas that will have the game? Willing to drive farther if someone knows of a GREAT spot.

By R. Stroz

February 13, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Everyone attending tonight, please do the

HOSSA, HOSSA, HOSSA chant.

Lets show the guy we appreciate his efforts, even if that effort hasn’t been exactly up to par this entire season.

Maybe the owners and Hossa will hear the message being sent to both.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 13, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

if heatley gets the slightest bit of boos with all he went through then hossa definitely gets booed

By R. Stroz

February 13, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - I’ll cheer if he says, after he leaves, the owners suck and the fans are great.

By aaron

February 13, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Booed. He sits around saying he wants to be signed by a more competitive team while DW is trying to make the team more competitive by signing him. Makes no sense at all. Now i”ve got to knife up my Hossa jersey my wife gave me for a wedding gift. :(

By timmythebrave

February 13, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Hossa needs to sign!!! PLEASE. We don’t need to get rid of pieces. We need to add a #1 center and a defenseman. We will need another scorer if we trade him.

By timmythebrave

February 13, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I won’t boo him. I understand him wanting to be with a franchise that is committed to winning. If the owners show him the commitment(signing some good players, willing to spend some $, go for the cup, etc) and he still doesn’t sign then he deserves the boos. Until then…HOSSA, HOSSA, HOSSA

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Glavine got booed

By Bob

February 13, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Does Hossa get booed or cheered the next time he comes into Phillips?

I guess they’ll boo him, they booed Savard and Savard didn’t demand out of here, we just didn’t want to pay the man.

if heatley gets the slightest bit of boos with all he went through then hossa definitely gets booed

dude, that’s comparing an apple to a hand grenade, do you even know why Heatley gets booed? Goodness.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

R.Stroz - I’m confused. Will you boo him if he leaves?

By Russ

February 13, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t boo Hossa. His play has been slightly sub-par this season (by his standards), but overall he has been one of the best forwards in the game during his time in Atlanta. Also, he didn’t kill a teammate, then demand to be waived or traded and I assume if/when he leaves he won’t say how great it is to be in a “real” hockey town.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 13, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

no bob please explain it to me. i am not as smart as you are and need the help of your infinite wisdom to function in this world. please help me. please explain to me why heatley gets booed.

By ToF

February 13, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Marquee player that leave their teams get booed by their former hometown crowd, always. Hossa will not be an exception to this rule.

By MB

February 13, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

A short round of “thanks for the memories” applause when he’s introduced the first game back, then after that he’s just another opponent who’s trying to take points away from the Thrashers.

By ToF

February 13, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Russ You make it sound like Heatley’s comment was a lie.

By Chris

February 13, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Why boo Hossa? It goes back to the argument of if you or I had the opportunity in our chosen fields, wouldn’t we want to test the market?

We had a window with him year - and did make the playoffs (probably only once), so at least there is something to show for it. Not great but not a complete disaster. Let’s hope DW can cash him in for some new assets.

By ToF

February 13, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Just saw this on TSN

Zednik to be released from hospital soon. The story goes on to say that he should be released from the hospital in 2-3 days. Think about that for a moment, losing roughly 1/3 of the blood in your body and out of the hospital in about a week. Friggin incredible.

By The Falconer

February 13, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Honest to God I don’t mind paying more to watch NHL hockey. What I do mind is paying up front only to get undercut later in the season by promotions.

Why buy now when it is going to be cheaper later. I think Atlanta Spirit has made some miscalculations about how they price their product. There is no incentive for me to purchase in advance.

I’ve run the numbers and for 2 seats in the upper 300s a full Season Ticket holder who attended 37 home games paid between $800-900 more than someone who sat in the same section for the same number of games but used all the promotions for games she attended.

That is a VERY unhealthy way to treat your most loyal customers. I was still going to games and buying concessions on nights when there were fewer than 8,000-9,000 in the building in 2002-03. I am the fan base and I’m tired being charged a premium for my loyalty.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 13, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I think the Savard comparison is quite valid. Savard was just asking for more than the Thrashers were willing to pay (big mistake in hindsight, what is he making 5 mil?) Hossa, on the other hand, doesn’t like where the Thrash are headed even though the money is probably the same (if not more) than he would get from another team.

Now Savard is a really good player, but Hossa is an elite player. I will be sad to see him leave and would never boo him. I think he has earned it.

Not that I am going to be rooting for him when he plays against the Thrash…

By B. Thenet

February 13, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I cheered Savard, and will cheer Hossa.

Hossa never wanted to be in Atlanta, he got suckered into a sign and trade with the Sens. He has been nothing less than a perfect ambassador for the sport in Atlanta and has handled himself with class and grace.

I certainly hope people think before they boo Hossa.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

I may have to boo him… sorry. By leaving, he’s calling my team “not good enough” and a “non-contender”. I think that deserves a boo.

By Russ

February 13, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

ToF - Obviously I didn’t mean to say that Atlanta compares to Ottawa as a hockey market in any way. Sorry for the lack of clarity. What I meant was that his comments after the trade were a slap in the face to the Atlanta fans that supported him unconditionally throughout the whole incident. Basically, I believe Heatley handled the situation from start to finish with a complete lack of class.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

If he gets traded, no booing… we do want the guy to come back.

Now, if we keep him and he doesn’t resign this summer, we’ll readdress the situation at that point.

By aaron

February 13, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet -

Great point. Why couldn’t he just be honest and say that instead of hiding his intent to leave in a bunch of political double-speak?

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Hey - I got a great response from season ticket holders. Thank you all for your help.

By aaron

February 13, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - best idea i’ve heard yet.

By ToF

February 13, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Russ I’ll concede that Heatley probably could have handled the whole situation better. However, the problem with saying that he handled it with no class is the fact that we have very little in terms of precedent with which to compare the situation. Yes, people do die in car crashes all of the time, but how many of them are like the Heatley/Snyder wreck? So I like to give Heatley a little lee-way when it comes to his handling of the entire situation. Also, I understand the want to get out of a town where you literally killed you roommate like a block from your house. And one more thing (and this is just me), I personally thing the ATL fans over-reacted to the “nice to play in a real hockey town” comment. First and foremost, it came right after the trade and was in response to a series of questions posed by Canadian media (remember, they don’t like the fact that we exist). Going with that thought, what the hell is he supposed to say. “Danny what do you think of Ottawa, is it to your liking?” “Yeah, I mean, ATL was the greatest F-ing city on the planet, but Ottawa is nice too, quaint.”?
Seriously people, take everything written about ATL hockey with a grain of salt. Better yet, take pretty much everything you get from the media (CC excluded) with a bit of skepticism.

By Joshgekko

February 13, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

I just don’t see him coming back if he’s traded. He has never really seemed at home here anyway. Maybe he’s just shy, but it just doesn’t seem like he meshes well with the other players. I never saw him with the sens so I have nothing to compare with. My best case is still signing Hossa, trading Holik, and signing a top line center for next year. Off topic but why hasnt Krog seen any time in the nhl this year? Im sure theres reason, Im just basing specifically on stats.

By B. Thenet

February 13, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

aaron: If Hossa told the truth, that he never wanted to be in Atlanta, and that HE wants to finally decide where he is going to spend the next chunk of his career instead of having it dictated by GMs…he would likely be catching boos every night.

Look, I never said Hossa was telling the truth about the situation. I just said he has handled it with grace and class. Sometimes it is better when you don’t know the truth.

By aaron

February 13, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Sometimes it is better when you don’t know the truth.

Good point. I just don’t like feeling like I’m being sold.

By ToF

February 13, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

B.Thenet I read a Slovakian Newspaper article (translated of course) in which Hossa said that very thing. I’ll try and find the article, but he said something along the lines of “it would be nice to finally get to pick where I get to play.”

By Mike

February 13, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

I boo Hossa now. He isn’t trying and is slapping the fans of this team in the face. I HATE HOSSA.

Since I boo him now, I will continue to boo him, just like Heatley and Savard.

By Preacher

February 13, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

We at Habs inside/out dont want Hossa, he is not a playoff performer, send Ilya and we will for give the South.

By JayBird

February 13, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Does Hossa deserve to be booed after he is traded? I say no. He does deserve to get booed for his half-a* effort he has given most of this year. I truly like Hossa, he is a very good player and seems like a good guy. I would hate to see him leave but he is at the point in his career where he can choose where he wants to play. All of us know that our beloved Thrashers aren’t going to win the Stanley Cup anytime soon unless we get owners who will provide the money needed to field a championship team and we get a GM who can use that money the right way. I think Waddell has done a decent job, hit on some things, missed on others. The problem I have is seeing our team get older each year without much influx of young talent. Yes, I know we have seen some young guys but nothing like it should be. I guess I am using the Sabres as my litmus for youth. They lose Briere and Drury, two very good players and they reload with young talent. Obviously their GM is drafting guys who can step in and take up the slack. I don’t know about you guys but I would rather see a youth movement that will rebuild the team for the future than an old team struggling at .500.

All of the complaints about the increase in season ticket prices sums up how this franchise is run. We all see this kind of thing because it effects us directly. If ownership can’t get this right, do you really think they can run the other parts of the team properly? I have never bought season tickets and wouldn’t do it now because of all the discounts on single game tickets. I went to about 30 home games last year, sat in the same seats for the majority of those games. I got the tickets from a certain ticket monopoly for $5 a game by figuring out a password. Did the same thing this year for all of the games I have been to.

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Jeff - The power play comment was funny. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

By Applebees

February 13, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

For a good time, call on Teacher and Cournayer12 at Habs inside/out, winners are they both.

By Bob

February 13, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

I cheered Savard, and will cheer Hossa.

I’m not cheering either one, they’re the enemy now, but not booing ‘em either, unless they score, gotta boo em if they score on you. I was embarrassed when Savard got booed at the All Star game, even Waddell shouldn’t have been booed there.

Now Heatley? I go home hoarse when he comes.

By erock

February 13, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Kari is the ONLY Thrasher so far to show up !! BIG GAME AND NOBODY ELSE HAS SHOWN UP ?

By erock

February 13, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

END OF 1ST PERIOD….SHOTS ON GOAL 18-3 WASHINHGTON ?!! CAN YOU BELIEVE SUCH A BIG GAME AND ONLY KARI SHOWS UP !!!

By Preacher

February 13, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out says you gays have relations with your relatives, and we dont want amy of your players.

By David

February 13, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

outshot 18-3 in the first period…man this team has GOT to find a way to shoot more

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Wish I was at the game….2-1 at the end of two. Sounds great in my hotel room but apparently, no F’ing bar in Valdosta has the Center ice Package. AHHHHHHHHHH.

On another note, i listened to xm hockey all day and Espo, who also does lightning games said that DW said, “its hard to negotiate with yourself”-meaning he is getting no feedback from Hossa and his agent. He also said that the agent is who he considered the toughest agent to deal with in the NHL (ala Scott Boras). Just thought I would pass on the info.

And if DW takes any UFA’s for Hossa I will be absolutely baffled and might change my name to BOB or LAC.

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

BG33: Wait, you’re surprised that no bar in Valdosta has Center Ice?

By erock

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

LEHTONEN IS ABSOLUTELY ON FIRE !!!!!!

By Professor

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

Habs inside/out is the best site around, at least we dont have relations with our relatives, or watch dog fighting.

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

No CC, i was just hoping.

By Brendan

February 13, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown, I thought you were in Albany? I wind up in a Valdosta a couple of times a year, usually on my way to South Florida.

By Brendan

February 13, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

This is, perhaps, Kari Lehtonen’s best game. I think he’s caught Klee for “points” on the season.

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

I was earlier…spent last night in Tifton, day in albany and tonight in valdosta. Tomorrow here/bainbridge and home for vday dinner tomorrow.

Someone is going to have to tell me how we possibly leave Oveckin alone to step in with 1:30 remaining.

By erock

February 13, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

overtime !!!???…..#$%$%$#$%%^$$$

By Brendan

February 13, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I can’t even believe … that with the game on the line, Alex Ovechkin is left completely unmarked from the center ice red line all the way our our defensive zone faceoff circle, with 1:21 left on the clock.

I mean, how “badly” did someone miss THAT assignment? I think this is what Hossa has been taling about when he says, “I’m concerned about the direction of the team.”

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

was it a dman or a winger’s fault? who was on the ice?

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

2 pts…but again….how in the F is ovechkin left alone.

By stendec

February 13, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

KL excels in shootouts! Did so once again. Single-handedly secured second point for Thrashers! Another late goal gift-wrapped point for Caps. DAMN! Three-way jam at top of division. Any more sub-standard efforts will be extremely costly. As in non-playoff costly! Thrasher lack of defense continues to surface at most inopportune of times. Only one division team will back into playoffs. Hope it is Thrashers. GO BLUE!

By Brendan

February 13, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Good news! Montreal beat Florida in overtime, on a goal by Kovalev.

BG33Brown, are you in Vidalia, as well? Sounds like you could use an apartment in Macon, just for “layovers.”

I think the Ovechkin goal saw the Thrashers getting caught in a line change.

By kjdavid

February 13, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT site rules, and Hotlanta is a rebel coty of incest, and has a jealousy thing about Canada.

By kjdavid

February 13, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT site is a Canadoan site that dont want any rebel loders on it, so go wash and put on a shirt, and some pants. This is nit the Beverly Hillbillies.

By Brendan

February 13, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown, the “guilty” party … after further review, was Ilya Kovalchuk. Yes. I know. “Salt in the wound” for Kovy. Kovalchuk was the closest player to Ovechkin in the neutral zone. He didn’t pick up his man. Instead, he skated back into the zone through the middle instead of down the side, shadowing Ovechkin.

Kovy should be thanking Perrin and Kozlov for saving his bacon. But uhh, let’s not forget that Kovalchuk is still “eyeing” that Rocket Richard Goal Scoring Trophy. So, for Kovy, to be responsible for the AO goal, it’s doubly “bad.” It handed Washington a point and padded Ovechkin’s lead in the race.

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

spent the night in macon on monday…no vidalia this trip..though i did make it to dublin.

By Alan

February 13, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Craig: If you have a chance, could you ask how Kovalchuk is feeling? Is his knee still bothering him? He doesn’t look like the same Kovalchuk from the first half.

By Tom

February 13, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Is it me or has White turned into a ghost?

I was coaching tonight so I only got to see the 3rd period and it sure did seem like our 1st line was not in the game.

Brendan, I agree someone should have been marking Ovechkin during the last couple of minutes of a game. Yikes, talk about a let down.

Nice job by Perrin in the Shoot out, next time he should shoot the backhand to keep the goalie honest…

By NASCAR Dave

February 13, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

NICE SENDOFF FOR HOSSA IN ATLANTA!

CRAIG - I DON’T THINK KOVY’S 100% BACK.

TONIGHT IS THE FIRST NIGHT I HEARD HOSSA FOR KOMISAREK AND EITHER RYDER/HIGGINS…… I SAY DO IT! KOMISAREK IS THE GUY WE NEED!

By B. Thenet

February 13, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

I think everyone on the Thrashers owes Kari a goal after that performance…not all in the same game please.

What a phenomenal performance by Lehtonen. It is hard to pick which saves were the best, so many great ones.

By BG33Brown

February 13, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

thanks brendan for the update.

By Tim

February 13, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Tom, White saved us a goal tonight so by that definition, we can rule him out as a ghost. But true, the kovy line is not as explosive as earlier in the season. But notice how the Hossa line pick it up when Kovy is in his slump. This is why we need a second star player, no matter if his name is Hossa or someone else. Kovy won’t be able to carry this team by himself for then next 2-3 seasons. And Kari, that’s what I mean when I say we just need a hot goalie in the playoff to make some noise. Is there any goalie hotter then Kari in the past 3 weeks?

By JayBird

February 13, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

The biggest ghost of all is Slava Kozlov. The only time he seems to do anything is in a shootout. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for that but he needs to make a contribution during the rest of the game. He has 30 points for the season. How ridiculous is his contract looking now? As much as everyone complains about Holik’s albatross of a contract, Kozlov still has 2-3 more years after this season.

By Alan

February 14, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Is there any goalie hotter then Kari in the past 3 weeks?

I saw at least two highlight reel moves Kari made tonight. One on defense, and one on offense. He’s really been playing like a top notch goalie right now, and I hope he keeps it up. Especially since we’ve had no luck against New Jersey this year, and I assume he’ll be in net there on Friday.

By David

February 14, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

“Someone is going to have to tell me how we possibly leave Oveckin alone to step in with 1:30 remaining.”

Because he’s a great player haha. How many teams ask that about Kovy?

Great game tonight.

By Tom Glavine

February 14, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Bob

February 14, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

What a game by Lehtonen. He won us those 2 pts. single handedly, we had no business being in that game by the end of the 1st period, man we came out flat and the Caps flying.

Awful to give up a gift pt. to the Caps, that could come up big later, but bigger still to get the 2pts ourselves, so what the heck.

Hoss put on a good show for his farewell performance.

By GaVaHokie

February 14, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Habs inside/out is a website where male french canadians have in and out sex with each other.

Here’s a joke for you… why do gay Montreal fans do it doggy style?… So they can both watch the hockey game, eh.

By R. Stroz

February 14, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - PRICELESS

By Bob

February 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

why do gay Montreal fans do it doggy style?… So they can both watch the hockey game, eh

He Shoots, He Scores!

By drew

February 14, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

i dont mind the extra bucks as long as the knuckleheads at asg get rid of their self-imposed cap and get us #1 or #2 center or d-man with the extra $$$

By Joshgekko

February 14, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

drew Thats exactly my thinking. I can understand the spokesman when he talks about being competitive. Fact is they’re losing money. Add that to the fact that we have some of the lowest prices in the league and there ya go. At the same time it is crap that they basically make it more expensive to buy season tickets than to just buy individual game tickets for every game.

By Joshgekko

February 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Also, is anyone going to answer my question on Krog? Whats his story? Is he expected to make it to the NHL? Leading goal scorer for the wolves?!? Is he just going to be a career minor league player?

By David

February 14, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

That’s a good point, Josh. I was never THAT impressed with the guy, but he has 10 more points than anybody else in the AHL. That’s not too shabby.

By Joshgekko

February 14, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I mean I know he’s not the next Kovy or Hoss, but how can you score that much in the AHL and not be considered worthy of the NHL? Even if its just a 3rd line winger.

By ranallo10

February 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Joshgekko — Unfortuantely, he’s a career minor leagu player for this franchise. He is a top line type player who needs scorers next to him to be at his best, but those roles are filled here in Atlanta (though many would argue they’re not adequately filled).

I like Krog from the bit I’ve seen him play, and I feel he deserves more ice time, but he’s not “the answer” for this team.

Jaybird — Kozlov (14G 16A 30PTS -3) for $3.667M annually, or Holik (10G 12A 22PTS -12) for $4.250M annually…which would you rather?

Holik is