Thrashers

By BAF

February 22, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Distraction? Give me a break. It is hardly an excuse as well. The team is sucking right now and it has to do with not giving the right effort 60 minutes a game.

By Boulton's Bruisers

February 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS!!!

The Thrashers SUCK!

Dump Hossa, Holik, Zhithead, Hedberg, and call up some Wolves. If you do that, I might continue to follow the team.

But for now, I am done. I’ve heard every damn excuse in the book. Truly appalling that our DEFENSE is this terrible.

I cannot fathom the fact that DW has drafted 27 DEFENSEMEN and 2 have made the team. Just 2. Don’t forget that Waddell PLAYED DEFENSE in the NHL!

WHO IS SCOUTING THESE draft picks? A damn blind man could spot talent quicker than Waddell!

Sorry, I had to vent. I am done with THIS team. This TEAM is done for the season, too. Sad? No, it’s what we expect when we see who is running the show.

You cannot expect things to change if you do not make changes needed.

I knew I should have watched Survivor and American Idol last nite!

By B. Thenet

February 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

If the Trade Deadline was the excuse for the last two games, what are the excuses for all the other games this year we saw putrid team D and lack of hustle?

It is incredibly frustrating to watch this team get outshot by 10-15 almost every night, I can only imagine how hard it is on the players(especially Kari)

I suspect DW and Beast are not the answers when it comes to coaching this team. At some point, you have to look at the system this team plays when it comes to the abysmal performances we are all too used to.

By Thrasher_Ed

February 22, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

All these guys should be professionals! Holik’s comment’s from yesterday’s interview to me is the most damaging. They can not handle it folks. These guys choke time after time when the big games come up. The Detriot win and some others are just teases to get our hopes up as fans. I will not go to another game until someone at the ASG, gets some balls and settles our meriad of troubling issues. No Coaching Decision - they should have promted John Anderson and moved on. Hossa ain’t coming back for another year of this folks. Waddell is killing this team. Poor drafting, bad free agent signings, lack of guts to bench a bunch of bushers. I would bring up several players from Chicago rather than continue to watch Jimmy Slater, Brad Larsen, $hitnik, Ken Klee, etc. give half @$$ effort. Why should we go to the games??? What would compel me to attend when I see no effort, no progress, no heart!!! Hossa wants out!! We should trade Slava, and Holik just as a favor to them and get some pieces to move forward because THESE GUYS WILL NOT WIN THIS YEAR! You heard it here first! WWW.FIREDONWADDELL.COM

By Jeff

February 22, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I am really beginning to think this trade and contract extension talk is finally starting to take its toll on the team. The Thrashers have played some of their worst hockey of the season in the past 4 games (save for the Devils game). They are getting outshot, outhustled, and completely outworked on every line and every shift. It’s really tough to watch this team struggle like this.

Make a deal, DW. You’re losing your team much like Hartley did in the first week of the season.

By Ron

February 22, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

It’s a distraction to Marian Hossa. He’s been distracted all season. He’s not trying. He’s just waiting to be moved and that’s what is affecting the whole team. The team isn’t bothered by the trade rumors, they’re bothered by Hossa just going through the motions.

By True Thrashers Fan

February 22, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

These blogs and the Thrashers message boards are full of too many fair weather fans. The season is far from over.

By Tony C.

February 22, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I think Ron’s closest to the “real” truth

By Sara

February 22, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Not that this excuses everything or anything at all but ….

Having one of your best players not willing to re-sign with the club because he isn’t sure the team is good enough to really compete has to play games with your mind. Honestly. Hossa’s public declarations do not exactly speak well of his teammates. That has to make things uncomfortable to a certain degree in the lockerroom no matter what Waddell or Holik or anyone wants to say.

By Thrash1

February 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

I seem to remember DW saying earlier something like “it’s not that we were losing games, it’s HOW we were losing them”… I’m sure I missed the exact quote, but I think it’s time he took his own medicine.

We need a GM and a coach. I’m tired of rooting for a team that is full of guys looking to cash a paycheck. I don’t know how Kovy can stand to play with this bunch of quitters. A few are there, but they cannot overcome the lackadaisical effort of the rest.

I’m fed up with this $#*%. ASG needs to step up, grow some cahonnes, and fire DW, if he won’t go on his own.

By Smoothie

February 22, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Sara — you have absolutely nailed it!! No matter what, Hossa’s words and actions (players know if another is half-a*******ing it) have got to wear on your psyche after awhile. Problem is: Hossa is right about the direction of this team…they are on the road to nowhere. Waddell needs to do what is in the best interest of this team and make some trades!!

By Tony C.

February 22, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

The season may be far from over, but be honest TrueThrashersFan -Do you honestly see the Prince of Wales Trophy being housed @ The Flatscreen this summer and next season? Hell, do you really think this team with (but most probably without) Hossa advancing to the Conference Finals? Or even the Semi-Finals???

Do you really?

And before you retort, yes, I think that is a perfectly reasonable goal for a team with 8 years to prepare. Look at Ottowa-they sucked for a good long while but have been a playoff team for about the past what? 6 seasons? I will still cheer for Le Thrash, and carry a grudge that #17 isn’t getting the pub he deserves but honestly, this team shouldn’t be in the mind-set of “Making the playoffs=Successful Season”. Which seems to be the M.O. @ Blueland HQ.

We deserve better than this. Look at Tampa, oh they sucked for a good long while, but until they decided that Kubina was a better value than Khabibulin, they looked poised to dominate for years to come.

Granted The Accident threw a major monkey wrench in “the plan”, but really I’m supposed to be excited about a 4-game playoff sweep (against NYR of all teams) as an acceptable achievement for 8 years of preparation and 4 top-3 draft picks? Not to mention advantageous draft positioning 7 out of 8 years?

Be honest. The truth may hurt but it shall set you free.

GO BLUE !!!

By MB

February 22, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a combination of things: - there’s the stress the Hossa situation, on all parties (heck, if we feel it, you know they do, too); - there’s the lack of a strong system to fall back on; - weak coaching has proven incapable of pulling the team out of its malaise (putting to rest, hopefully, Beast for coach exhortations); - and not enough overall skill to overcome these other areas.

Make no mistake, I’ll still be at most of the home games through the stretch and will cheer for the boys, but in my mind it’s time to build for next year.

Hossa should bring good returns. Try to get a third liner and a later pick for Holik. If you can get something for Recchi as a pure rental and then bring him back, do that, too. Same for Moose.

By Vladnitz

February 22, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

The only distraction affecting the Thrashers is the weight of the purses their defense has to carry on the ice. Poor team + poor efforts + league worst GM = sold franchise!

By TommyBoy

February 22, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Rumors are flying the team is moving to San Antonio. Let them suffer!

By Another Alan

February 22, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — that’s pretty much what I was going to say to Sara, though I’ll go a step further and speculate that the other players know exactly where Hossa is coming from and wish they were in his position. If Hossa goes into free agency this summer he can easily sign with a competitor, or at least with a team that he thinks is building in that direction. I can’t say I blame him — I see nothing that leads me to believe the Thrashers are headed toward respectability. When they trade or otherwise let go all of their best players and prospects (Savard, Brunette, Coburn, to name a few), why would anybody want to stay?

By MashaPlayer 7

February 22, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Well everyone beat me to the venting, so I’ll take a calmer approach.

Optimistically speaking, this team is TOAST! Seeing a team play very good and go 6-3-1 (or whatever) and winning that great comeback, 10 round shootout, game in New Jersey last week should have been the motivation to fire these guys up. Since then, they’ve put up two stinkers.

And I must be watching a completely different game from the rest of you fans (live and on TV), because I have observed that Hossa HAS been putting the effort in. He backchecks on almost every shift and is strong 1-on-1. His problem is like Kovy…he’s got no linemates to play with effectively although Kozzy and Perrin seem to do the job from time to time. Stop hating Hossa everyone! Yes it may suck that he wants to leave, but can you really blame him. Who wants to stay at a job they don’t like. Hossa is the biggest tradeable asset we’ve had in franchise history. We should be able to parlay this into some good young players and picks.

If DW loses his job, so what. We’re 5 points out of the playoffs now and it doesn’t look good. Get something for Holik, Recchi or anyone on our defense not named Enstrom and start again next year.

I am a true blue fan but I do not view this team through blue-colored glasses. This team can not even compete with 2nd-tier teams in the NHL. Last night was proof once again.

I really hope I eat my words and am wrong about this season. But it doesn’t look good people.

By JPW

February 22, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I am a Hossa Fan like most here, and I know we will not resign him.

But to say he is smack talking the players on the team, that is WRONG! I have never heard him say Perrin needs to do this better or Todie’s size is hurting us, or anything about the players on the ice. What I have heard is he is questioning where is team is going, what the owners have planned, what DW’s plans are for the future. These are all things we do here.

We all say Don cannot draft past the 1st or second pick and sometimes not even that. If I was Hosse this would be a concern.

We all laugh at who we signed in during Free-Agency. Yes, they have been helpful Perrin on the PK is great BUT not at all what the team need. So why should Hossa not ask who are you looking at this year to try to bring in? I would.

The custer that is the ownership has cost us players in the past Sim for one, and I wouild say they will cost us Pascal this off-season. These players want more than a 1 year contracts. Also if players know that a team is only offering 1 year contracts to non-superstars, who is going to want to come here??

What I am afaid of is when Hosaa leaves the downward spiral that it will cause.. I am sorry but I can see both Kari and Kovy leaving us.. No goalie wants to stop 35 - 50 shots a night every game for their career. I don’t blame him. If you read the Hockey News about Kovy he wants a cup(s), wants to be in the playoffs, and simply wants to win. They ask a question that I agree with how long will Kovy hang around a .500 team or a team that will never win a cup? Kovy is almost as good as gone in 2010.

We will all look back on this as the year the Thrashers died, and for those that have been with the team since 1999 and have gone through all this all I can say is I’m sorry.

Good Luck Hossa and thank you for the memories…

By MashaPlayer 7

February 22, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Interesting comment from Peter Chirelli, the Boston Bruins GM. I’m paraphrasing, but he says in a chat in Boston Globe online yesterday, that this late in the season and into the playoffs, teams need some bigger players who can win the battles in the corner. If that is the case, then we are definitely in trouble. I think the last puck battle we won was during the 2002-2003 season.

By LAC

February 22, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Well happy to see folks FINALLY realizing waddell is a FLOP, who is in so far over his head it’s awful.

He and He alone is responsible for this entire mess. He cannot draft worth a DAMN and signs these worthless UFA’s and let’s our better players leave.

holik gets $4.5 million, Savard signed for $5 million, how many assists does Savard have ? How many points does holik have in the three years here ???????

Then rucchin, the what 3 million dollar man, where ishe ? Sitting on the beach LAUGHING at every check he gets !!!!!!! He did NOTHING here even before he was “injured”, he was washed up, Rangers bought out holik, but DUMB waddell could not wait to sign him.

Theis group of STUPID LYING owners better get off their collective asses and FIRE waddell before he puts us so far out of the picture it’s a joke.

It will take a couple years to rebuild, yes rebuild, we are not a lot better than our first year.

The thing I do not get is this…

We the fans cansee things for what they are, Why ???? Can these S&%T owners see it ? Are they THAT blind ?

I think they are just too STUPID !

I want THAT rutherford snydel the LYING WIMP HE IS, to come on the ice at the last game and tell everyone how they tried to bring the Stanley Cup here, Then give me 5 minutes on theice with him to make the point VERY CLEAR…

We the Atlanta Thrashers Fans are sick and tired of being treated like fools and LIED to all the time by a group of worthless trash owners either sell to another OWNER or relocate so we can start over…

Simply put… waddell is a professional LOSER and Atlanta STUPID GOOFS are professional LIARS…

Come on rutherford get some GUTS AH and try to be a man you LIAR !

By Alan

February 22, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Boulton’s Bruisers - Correction: Don Waddell played one game in the NHL.

By Craig Custance

February 22, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Masha: Yeah, I’m starting to take Boston a little more seriously in regards to Hossa. Here’s what Chiarelli said to the Boston Herald in regards to making an impact trade for a high-scoring forward: “I wouldn’t characterize it as a longshot,” said Chiarelli, who a couple of weeks ago felt chances of landing a top six forward were slim. “I’d say it’s in between a long shot and a good chance. “I’ve had a number of conversations. I haven’t gotten to the stage of actual offers, and I know a lot of the other GMs haven’t, either.”

By GaVaHokie

February 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Craig… I like Boston as a trade partner, more so than Montreal.

Seeing as Hossa and Chara are friends, they might even be able to extend Hossa and give us a really great offer in return.

I’m liking Phil Kessel and Mark Stuart as the early options. I think a team like Atlanta that has a hard time landing UFA’s needs to have as many RFA’s as it can grab ahold of.

By Midfield

February 22, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Masha, you can tell that you are in trouble when your small line-up - in addition to being soft at the boards and in the crease - does not even skate well.

By MashaPlayer 7

February 22, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Someone last night on the XM Hockey radio (ch 204) said that Boston was the front runner for Hossa and that Kessel was the bait. I hope we can pick up a good D-man too.

By ranallo10

February 22, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

The Sharks and Thrashers have discussed a blockbuster trade that would send C Patrick Marleau and D Matt Carle to Atlanta for F Marian Hossa and C Bobby Holik, according to The New York Post. — ESPN Rumor Central

Hokie — I’m not sure if I’d rather Stuart and Kessel or Streit and Ryder, but I think if Hossa is traded Waddell can get a lot more. Throw in Lucic or Krejci and I’d be more inclined towards the Boston idea.

By Heatley

February 22, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Sara

February 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

JPW let me try to explain my position a little more. Hossa has stated he doesn’t want to sign because he is concerned about the direction of the team. We both seem to agree on this point. He wants to play for a contender - again something we agree on. However, if that is what Hoss wants and he isn’t willing to sign here, then by default he obviously doesn’t think this team is a true contender. Which means he thinks we are missing some elements - perhaps the true top center and/or defenseman we all have called for for months ad nauseum. Again, by default Hossa must think that at least some of the players we have now filling those top positions are not good enough to make us contenders. It doesn’t mean that Hossa doesn’t like some of the guys on the team - perhaps even most. But there are probably a few players he feels need to be upgraded for better models. Now since he isn’t going to be tactless enough to come out and name those players, it kind of leaves everyone else wondering if Hoss thinks they are the ones that aren’t good enough.

As an example: Todd White was our “big center signing” in the off-season. If Hossa thinks we still need a top-line center, couldn’t that mean he doesn’t think Todd fits the bill? And if you were Todd White, how would that make you feel?

Bottomline: Hossa does not think the team, as it stands now, is good enough to contend for a championship. And since he has never come out and said exactly what he questions (be it management decisions, drafting, development, coaching, or quality of players on the roster) it leaves a lot of room for speculation. Since he’s been talking about the direction of the team in the future, I have to think at least part of his concerns are in fact the current roster. Either way, you can bet your behinds that we aren’t the only ones who speculate about all of this - so will the rest of the team.

The more I think about this stuff with Hossa, coupled with the stuff Holik spews out of his mouth (30 minutes after taking a retarded penalty), plus having no official coach and an ownership in turmoil, it’s a wonder there hasn’t been a complete meltdown in the lockerroom this season. Can any of you imagine working in those conditions?

By Darren

February 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

If you can get Phil Kessel in a deal, you take it.

That’s my opinion

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 22, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie — Apparently Eklund will be at the Nashville game tomorrow night. I watched that other one and did not see or hear him, now I know why.

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 22, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

I would only deal with MTL if they offer up Komisarek.

As for the other deals, the best ones I’ve seen are with San Jose or Boston.

Moneywise, the Boston deal looks better. Both of those guys are very cheap right now. The San Jose deal would give us a substantial cap hit, although the players are more experienced than the Boston players.

Is this Stuart guy with Boston Colin Stuart’s brother?

By Thorburn's Thugs

February 22, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 — Just saw your post. I would ask that Lucic be thrown in also (with Boston deal).

By kracker

February 22, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Tony C. Blueland has an HQ? Who would have thunk it…

By MB

February 22, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

ranallo, I agree that the options with Boston are intriguing. In addition to Stuart, Kessel, Lucic, and Krejci, I’d also be interested to look into Alberts and Lashoff. Along with picks, I think Boston could put together a very attractive offer.

As opposed to the MTL and SJS scenarios, you’re likely looking at younger players,lower costs, and a somewhat longer growth curve, though with the reduced costs you have greater options in terms of re-signing key players and delving into the FA market.

By B. Thenet

February 22, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Yes, the Bruins defenseman Stuart is the Thrashers Colin Stuart’s brother.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 22, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

The pathetic, pitiful—and downright embarrassing—EXCUSES being issued forth from the SHEEP are hilarious!!!

Please, keep it up…You know who you are! We need a good laugh at the poor little ol’ Thrashers and how the whole world is against them…

Grow up and begin with ACCOUNTABILITY. Stop subsidizing the utter incompetence. I did and I laugh at those who still recite the party line…

By Jim

February 22, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Give us a break. DW and others keep looking for excuses/dsitractions to divert attention to the fact that DW has assembled a very poor team. Without Kovy and Lets, we would the laughing stock of the NHL. He did nothing in the off season of any substance in the FA market and then quickly shipped the kids back to the Wolves after telling us we’d see a “youth movement”. All we’ve seen is a bunch of retreats give us a “useless movement”. How in the world can a battered team like the Canes (no Brindamour, Williams, Stillman, Eaves) etc. outshoot us 21-5 in the first period of the most important game of the season. Why? 1. We don’t have enought talent (keep Kovy, Lets, Enstrom and Dupuis and dump the rest) to compete in the NHL and 2. DW doesn’t add any motivational spark to this club. I have a defender of his for years but not now. We hit the crunch time of the season and teams average over 40 shots a game against us. I hope that we are “Big Sellers” this weekend. Got a lot of dead wood to unload- the GM/Coach included.

By Tony C.

February 22, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

kracker-Yeah it’s the Men’s Card Room @ Atlanta National Golf Club.

That’s where ASG guys get tolerated by real Sports executives and HOF’ers (and where one Marc Savard set a still standing record on the back nine as he pasted Andrea Sutton)…I call it Blueland HQ because those guys sure as hell ain’t @ the games and watching the game at the same time.

By B. Thenet

February 22, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Does a small team with such serious defensive problems need to get a smallish C who doesn’t play D like Phil Kessel?

Sure he is still a very young player, but I am sure there are other promising young players that are a better fit? Or does Don Waddell just assume he will grow into a two way game in the NHL.

By Coach John

February 22, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

It’s not a question if this is a distraction or excuse, the bottom line here if the Thrashers can afford to keep Hossa. The team has a salary cap and if they push it to its limits they willnot room for future good players.

I for one would like to see Hossa stay with the Thrashers. What they need is someone that has leadership to help guide the team.

By Sam

February 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

HOSSA’S NOT THE TEAM’S BEST PLAYER. Get real. Anyone look at points lately? And talk all the plus/minus stuff you want, but without goals, we’re nothing. So, no dissing Kovy. He’s worked his butt off for this team this year and is still contributing with a brace on his knee.

And not to say Hossa isn’t skilled. Dang, of course he is. But where has Hoss been all season in the goals/assists totals, eh?

Its like the team has put themselves into a holding pattern…not able to play good hockey until they know what’s going to happen.

Well, I can tell them: we’re going to get booted out of any chance for a freakin’ playoff spot while you’ve got your heads up your…

How’s THAT for a trade deadline prediction?

By Brendan

February 22, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Question: “Do you think the Thrashers are playing to ‘rid themselves’ of Don Waddell?” Some said, they “sandbagged” Hartley.

I never really bought into either theory. I think this team just ins’t the right “dynamic.” The whole direction of the team has to change. It’s the second oldest team in the NHL. That should, in part, explain the drive of this team. Folks, in the “new” NHL, you need YOUTH & SPEED, or you’re never gonna make it. Here we sit, in YEAR EIGHT, just hoping we’re part of the 53% of the league that encompasses the playoff field. Is this what you ‘envisioned’ when you bought your SEASON TICKETS back in 1999?

Think about it. THINK HARDER.

By GaVaHokie

February 22, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet… Phil Kessel was a projected #1 pick in the 2006 draft. He lost favor in the 8 months leading up to the draft because his teams started losing, which naturally, brought up questions of his work ethic… he was deemed a “wild card”. He was picked fifth behind E. Johnson, J. Staal, Toews and Backstrom.

The ceiling is high for him. He’s coming into his own, he’s got a real nose for the net. Gotta remember, the Bruins threw him to the Lions… he got no time in the minors or juniors.

By GaVaHokie

February 22, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan… yet here at the deadline, teams are interested in Mats Sundin, Peter Forsberg, Rob Blake and Bobby Holik. Not exactly the fountain of youth.

Holik, Zhitnik, Tkachuk, Blake, Sundin, Recchi… these guys know how to make a push for a playoff spot. That’s why teams want them… in March … and that’s why it’s so frustrating watching them play on your team for the first half of a season.

By Chum

February 22, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

You folks that are saying you aren’t going to games anymore until the management changes may be guaranteeing that it does change. The management will change when the team is sold to someone who moves it to another city because it ends up losing more money here every year. I hear Winnipeg still wants a team. Come on guys, they’re not going to do better with less support from the fans. If a second NHL team doesn’t make it here, don’t expect to watch any more live NHL games in Atlanta.

By Brendan

February 22, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Too true, Hokie. Too true. But, these “more seasoned players” who are on teams who are out of the playoff picture, or are perhaps on a “bubble team,” are precisely the type of players who should be moved at this time. The gaining team ought to already be YOUNG!! So … what the young, skilled teams need, perhaps, at the deadline is a bit of “proven commodity depth,” which is easily enough “rented.”

Deadline deal “gains” should almost be “insurance type” players. Every GM is looking for defensemen at the deadline. Or, perhaps, a backup in net. This is where “renting” Moose could really help the Thrashers. Except that, ya know, Atlanta needs Moose if they are to be a playoff team. I wouldn’t want to thrust young Pavelec into that backup role, if Atlanta makes the playoffs. Then again, what choice does Waddell really have? If “renting” Moose brings home Adam Foote, Rob Blake, or Kaberle, (It won’t,) then Waddell would have to pull the trigger. Those teams wouldn’t be buyers for a backup goalie at this juncture.

If moving Holik to Detroit brought back J. Hudler or V. Filppula, Waddell has to consider it. Period, the end.

By R. Stroz

February 22, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Chum - We’ll go to the games; but, we aren’t going to be stupid anymore and buy ticket packages at full price when we know we can buy tickets for half price once the season starts.

By Brendan

February 22, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Chum, that will never happen, you know it. Why must certain fans take the position, “Let’s let owners operate with impunity?” When ALLLLLL that’s needed … to make BOAT LOAD OF $$$$$$, is “better decision-making.”

And that’s the truth, Chum. And you know that, as well. This market, Atlanta, GA, is the second FASTEST growing market in the United States. It’s about 8th in the nation, as it is. There’s no way the NHL leaves this city. The problem, here, gets FIXED by changing management or ownership. And the contract with Philips Arena is “Iron-clad.” It’s a huge revenue-producer. And no owner in the WORLD would ever, EV-VER pay TWO rents for one hockey team.

Any thought of relocation … is ABSURD. A-B-S-U-R-D !!! Successful rebuilding, with a championship-caliber, that has an “honest” 3-5 year window to the win the Cup, brings home SELLOUT regular season games and about 20-24 SOLDOUT playoff games. Gee, sounds like we BETTER RELOCATE?????? Riiiiight. Not … gonna … happen.

What’s gonna happen … is ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability brings change. A “change” would be seen as POSITIVE, by most Thrashers fans. Who have been MORE THAN PATIENT. Most Thrashers fans want to win the Stanley Cup, not win one playoff game. And that’s where the goals and objectives of the CURRENT REGIME … are. Their goal … is one playoff win.

Call me crazy, but I think that’s a HORRIBLE OBJECTIVE in YEAR EIGHT.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 22, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

I hear our bumbling Donny is ready to unleash another “Five-Year-Plan, The Sequel”…See, he’s truly learned from his mistakes during his first near-decade with the team…

He just needs a little more time…I just wish the fans would stop subsidizing the incompetence in that figurative joke otherwise known as “Blueland”…Blueland?…What a joke!!!

(Keep on waving the wittle fwags! Feel foolish? You should…)

By GSU-Lee

February 22, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Sam, Hossa IS the team’s best player. His worth is not measured in points, do not forget that he is a solid penalty killer and a good puck distributer. While I think Kovy is a bigger threat in the goal colmumn, he does not have the defensive status Hoss does and for that I think they are of equal worth.

By Brendan

February 23, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Sage of Bluesland, Bernie Mullin, (Yes, that Bernie Mullin,) was on 680TheFan this morning. He said, “Since I’m no longer under a ‘gag order,’ I can tell you about Hawks trades that never happened but that were discussed. And then he dropped this BOMB: “Just look at John Wooden’s first 7-8 years. In today’s “win now” philosophy, he wouldn’t have made it past the second year without being fired. We’ve got to look at our managers as having longevity to ‘learn on the job,’ and to continue ‘evolving,’ until they eventually get it right.”

What????

Bernie Mullin is still making excuses for Waddell, even after being ‘let go’ by the ASG. If I’m to take anything away from that interview, it’s that he thinks Billy Knight and Don Waddell should have “lifetime” contracts. That’s just … WOW. I’m at a ‘total loss’ for how to respond to that.

Some of you, upon reading this, will be SPEECHLESS. Yes, you will be “without speech.”

By Tony C.

February 23, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Ok, as far as the who’s better debate about #17 vs. Hoss (not hossa). It’s apples and oranges. Hoss lives along the wall, while # 17 is looking more for the rush. No doubt Hoss is the more complete all around player, but I think even he would tell you that he’d give a lot to have the shot that #17 does.

For me it’s like this; Hoss=F4(A-G models) Phantom (don’t ask, I was a huge airplane freak when I was a kid), Great-to-better-than-average in any role/mission. #17 is more like the F15(A-C models) Eagle-it can perform more than one role, but it was built to win dogfights and kill bombers and for a generation, there was nothing on earth that was better @ dogfighting and killing bombers.

Now, this is not to say that #17 can’t be refined & refitted (practice Defence, being disciplined enough to make the low-risk pass/play) into a true multi-role player (a la the F15 E-H models).

Wow. I just re-read that. What a nerd I am, but I figured we could use a laugh so I’m going to go ahead and post it.

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Chum yeah dude, keep paying full price for season tickets-that is sure to make the ASG start conducting their hockey operations in a completely different manner. This is the USA, you vote with your wallet.

By Brendan

February 23, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

Tony C., I think there’s still some residue from Canadian hockey fans over losing the team in Quebec City to Denver and the team in Winnipeg to Phoenix. And yes, for Whalers fans in the USA when they lost that club to Raleigh, NC. But take a closer look at what was happening at the time those franchises were relocated? Those aren’t gigantic markets. There were financial constraints and mismanagement. Are the Thrashers a “devalued” franchise? Not according to Forbes Magazine, who ranks Waddell #6 on their list of financial “gurus.” Is Atlanta a small market, with a dwindling population? No. Is Atlanta having “Arena-financing and/or refurbishing issues?” No. The thing was just built in 1999. It’s not 30-years old, and without luxury suites. Atlanta is not moving any time soon. The ASG will be forced to “re-examine” its management history when the seats are empty. They won’t relocate. They’ll either hire someone “new,” or they’ll sell to a local interest, who will not relocate the team.

By LAC

February 23, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

TSN says… The Atlanta Thrashers failed today in their final push to resign Marian Hossa and he will be shopped now.

Well I read earlier where the Worst GM in hockey was watching a Junior game… WTF… Here you have One of your World Class Players wanting to leave because the team is TOO CHEAP and waddell is at a JUNIOR game ???

I hope he was there selling popcorn, heaven forbid if he was scouting someone, scouting, don waddell he of the youth movement and drafting worse than my granddaughter… GEE WHIZ !!!!

This guy is NUTS, Craig… I want you to FLAT OUT ASK waddell when he plans on resigning… You report on the team I want an answer, if not then ask WHY NOT ? Also I would like to know why he is such a BAD judge of players, I really want an answer Craig, no pussyfooting around put it to him.

Does he understand there are more and more fans everyday that see HE is THE PROBLEM here ? Ask him why he stays… You get the BIG bucks, ask the HARD questions and tell him for me I’ll meet him after any game to make MY point on how stupid he really is.

Come on Craig, ask the question, I really would, as would others, like to hear his response… Bet it will be a doozey !

By rockdr99

February 23, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

For once, I agree with LAC — This is a truly broken franchise — Regarding ticket prices, I often go to games for which I don’t have tickets, buy the cheapest I can get and sit where I want — That’s what I will do next year — It will be easy unless we dump Waddell, trade Hoss and Holik for youth, bring up the kid line and see if Valabik is either ready for the NHL or still another Waddell disaster —- Then I can feel much better about being TRUE BLUE, which I will continue to be — Craig, I love your writing, but please be a little tougher on DW and the ASG —

By boo

February 23, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

Ive never read such garbage in my life. Have any of you ever played hockey? I was reading s** about people comparing slave and hossa, talk about relocating, and more talk about the bruins than the thrashers. If you dont like the team then why are you reading and writing in here. Hang your heads you bandwagon posers. Go watch college football.

By LAC

February 23, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this

Thanks ROCK… It hurts to think how GOOD we could by this time in our teams existance… We could be real good.

But what hurts worse is seeing the team as it is now.

My question is this… If WE the Paying Fans who support this team ,albeit not much longer at this rate, see the PROBLEMS with the players, I’m speaking from draft to UFA to trades, then WHY IN THE HELL can these IDIOT owners not see it ?

I guess that is what REALLY gets me, we see it game after game, our fine bloggers hit the issues right on the nose, we see the problems, why can’t the ownwers ?

The Hell with they love waddell theory, just give me the facts please.

They are so so evident, waddell is simply NOT a NHL GM, plain and simple. The longer he stays the WORSE the Atlanta Thrashers will be for it !

I realize it is not easy to deal, but good drafting can produce, do we have that ? Good UFA sigings can produce results, Have WE signed ANY decent UFA’s NO NO NO we have not.

What will happen is with this Cheap profile we have here, no quailty UFA will ever want to be here, the team will continue to be average at best and fan support will waine, once that happens, do they go into PANIC mode or just do as they have in the past… Have NO clue ?

This team needs a whole new direction, an entire fresh outlook someone with a vision to make a PLAN work and put the pieces of a Stanley Cup Winner togather here in Atlanta.

don waddell IS NOT that man, he is old news and as I see it a complete FAILURE…

If he stays on, and this group does nothing to show the fans they are serious, in 2-4 years it could REALLY come to selling & moving.

The owners need to wake up and do it FAST, this season is going downhill fast, remember they wanted progress… This is NOT IT guys !

If the Rangers and other teams can sign top players and keep them WHY NOT ATLANTA ? This cheap mode is killing us in the eyes of every NHL player out there, nice city, great area, but bad franchise…

The loss of Hossa will be about it for me, he see’s the team for what it is, not too good, and by NOT signing he is telling Atlanta Thrasher Fans, we are not going to get better, we are going to remain the same or worse, he has ZERO faith in waddell or these owners, it will not be long before the fans do as well !

I want Craig to ask waddell when he plans on resigning… And I want a straight answer Craig, no beating around the bushes here, a DIRECT question and tell him to read the blogs, we pay HIS salary and we deserve an answer and we deserve a LOT better than he has provided !

By hockeyman 3944

February 23, 2008 6:10 AM | Link to this

I stil say that this sorry bunch needs to bring up some D from Chicago, size and grit need only apply. $hithead is a total bust Exelby, the big hitter hasn’t hit anything in weeks, Klee is the 7th D on most teams, Havelid, MIA, Enstrom started out fast but his size is now betraying him and he looks worn down. Bring in Valabek and Sipotz both 6’7”, Pavalec 6’2” some big bodies that can clear the crease. It has to be better than the journeymen back there now happy to be picking up an NHL paycheck. Get rid of Hossa, he’s a distraction no matter how you look at it. Cut your emotional losses NOW, freshen up the team and the scene, have the fans look forward to a team that it looks like someone gives a $hit about!

By STH

February 23, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

All of this and they are raising season ticket prices…What a JOKE!

By Sage of Bluesland

February 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Feel foolish, wittle fwagwavers of Bwuewand?

You should.

Stop the pathetic and pitiful EXCUSES for unacceptable performance and results for this franchise.

Stop subsidizing the incompetence.

(and it ‘would’ be nice to have a beat writer who was a bit more interested in determining the true cause of our dilemma here in that figurative joke otherwise known as “Blueland”—but I understand, too, that he/she will get cut-off from all information if a ‘negative’ article is posted…The truth suffers—and the ignorant fans that rely on such misinformation…)

By Stewie

February 23, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Sage, do you do children’s birthday parties?

By David

February 23, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

I think sage is taking it all a bit too seriously haha. I care about the team, but it’s just a team, and just a game. Enjoy it.

By TNG

February 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

These are the same posts I’ve seen for the last 8 years. DW stinks - QUIT paying to watch this team and someting will happen. But if you continue to subsidize this disaster why would they change? When they can field the Wolves and get you to pay NHL prices why would they change? Every year I read the same b*tching and every year you renew your season tickets. I haven’t bought a Thrashers ticket since DW let Audette - who I believe was the teams leading (and only) scorer at that point - walk. It was clear to me there was no commitment to put anything other than a minor league team on the ice. If you want to watch that save yourself some money (and pain) and go see the Gladiators. STOP PAYING FOR THIS MESS PEOPLE. The only thing entertaining about this franchise is waiting every trade deadline to see the bag of magic beans we get for proven talent.

By Bones

February 23, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

We have ownership that knows nothing about hockey or waddell would have been out 2 years ago. Until the ownership of this team wakes up and dumps DW and brings in a real GM we are going to get the same crap every year. A real GM would have never put together a team with the defense we have and all those draft picks that didn’t make it and one that was good that did make it, we traded to Philly for Zit that should be cut with the rest of them. Get rid of DW

By GSU-Lee

February 23, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Rockdr99, It’s not craig’s job to be “tougher” on DW and ASG. his job is to cover the team and report the news. It’s our job to criticize ownership and DW. If we do a good enough job and make enough of a fuss, then Craig will report on it.

By GSU-Lee

February 23, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Bones, I believe and agree with you completley about ownership knowing nothing about hockey. I actually met Michael Gearon, Jr. one time…what a joke that guy is. Total business gu, which means he only cares about money, not a Stanley Cup. I wouldn’t put it all on DW because I think he does care about winning. I don’t think he will see 08-09 in Blueland though if the team does not make the playoffs this year, which they more than likley will not. Carolina is playing better and Washington is as well. We, aside from #32 who is playinghis @$$ off, suck.

By Maury

February 23, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

The players who are really getting short changed in Atlanta’s senior movement are the prospects in Chicago. Other NHL teams, uniformally, bring their prospects up and down throughout the season. How can you criticize the draft picks, when they are never really given a chance in this system. The Thrashers desperately need the speed, size and physical play that some of the prospects have to offer. In Iowa last night LaVallee, single handedly, came out of the corner, fending off three Iowa Stars,using pure strength to take the puck all the way to the net. This is what the Thrashers need.Watch the Doell,Deveau, LaVallee line.

By Old Time Fan

February 23, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Reality check for all the DW bashers: First, to all who say the owners are idiots for keeping DW as GM because they know nothing about hockey, the owners don’t pick the GM of USA hockey, yet they picked DW over and over. Guess you fans who have played and evaluated hockey all your lives know better. Second, the team made a very fair offer to Hossa. This is not just a money issue, this is about Marion wanting out of ATL and maximize his contract (remember Tom Glavine?). Third, is it DW’s fault that Sterling and Little were flops? I’m sure he didn’t expect them to put up their AHL numbers, but come on. Imagine where this team would be if they produced even close to the rookies in Chicago. And last, do you really miss DeVries and Sutton that bad? Sutton played like he was Enstrom’s size and DeVries was constantly spinning around chasing guys from bad positioning. I’ll give you the Zhitnick flop, but it was a gamble they had to take at the time and hope that he could provide some PP leadership. If you read the league blogs you will notice that every team is looking for that.

By GaVaHokie

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

Boo and David… stick around… it’s really frightening how much happiness a bunch of grown men put into this game.

By TNG

February 23, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Old Time Hockey fan - the point isn’t whether or not I can do a better job than DW - although I doubt I could do worse - he’s allegedly a professional and can’t do his job. Are you saying that there’s no other GM in this league that’s been hired during his tenure (aka - a GM we could have had) that’s better than him? Please. And wasn’t the GM of USA hockey who left Ryan Miller off the team in favor of John Grahme? He stinks. There are only two constants - the team stinks and DW is the GM. You might want to look up Occam’s razor.

By Section119

February 23, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Old Time Fan- You forgot to mention that Sutton has rarely plays a full season, injury prone.

By Hockeynumb

February 23, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

It’s sad that this team probably won’t be around in 5 years time due to lack of any real positive momentum that every market needs, especially week ones like Atlanta. Truely frustrating to be a fan of this team. When they move to Ls Vegas, Portland, or Kansas City maybe their fortune will change.

We’ll never get another team here in Atlanta after they move. I put the blame squarely on Don Wadell and very poor draft picks and poor management.

By Alan

February 23, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I love how all you naysayers keep popping out of the woodworking to proclaim Atlanta “moving in x years” because they’re not winning here. Really, you people are class acts. What about Florida, eh? They’ve had one playoff berth as well, and have been around longer. Or the Maple Leafs, who haven’t won a Stanley Cup in 40 some odd years?

It’s sad what dumb things people can say when they feel like they’re desperate for something. This team isn’t moving anywhere.

By rockdr99

February 23, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee I beg to differ with you — In the northern cities that I have lived, the press would have buried DW and the ASG by now — However, most northern cities have multiple writers cover hockey, where someone may be designated “good cop”,but there are multiple “bad cops” — Here, we get only an uninformed occasion shot across the bow from Dave Schultz — What would the New York press do with this bunch? —

By Brendan

February 23, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

This team is not moving. Not before the lease expires, in about a dozen or so years. That’s when relocation could be discussed. NOT BEFORE THEN.

All the Thrashers need … is “better decision-making.” And that’s it. Stop. If we had Scotty Bowman from inception, or after 2002, would “anyone” be talking about relocation? Ever? No, we’d be talking about the scores of “soldout” games and “soldout” playoff games our market had experienced.

It’s just about accountability over decisions. Better decision-making leads, more often than not, to better results. Better results, namely wins, fills the stands. “Accountability.” It’s a beautiful thing. Ownership should not be “absolved” for what they’ve done … with renewed season tickets. They must receive the message … that there’s something “wrong” in Blueland. Time to address it. Finalllly. I feel bad for the ASG in that I’m sure that this lawsuit has hindered them in their efforts. But it’s more than just being “restricted” financially. Ya know, back in 2003, the Minnesota Wild reached the Western Conference Finals with a payroll of $22 million. They made good decisions.

By Teach

February 24, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out has a trade for you, Hicklanta, just give Montreal your good players, and we will look the other way during the next war, as well as when you do the naughty with your relatives.