Thrashers

By GSU-Lee

February 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Never first. Recouped yet Craig? Good to hear from ya. Thought you might get a day off today.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 28, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

first!

By RS

February 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Maybe Armstrong could be that guy that the Thrashers have needed to raise their media profile in Atlanta..a North American with a good personality and a name that you can pronounce. Someone who can give a good radio interview, not just answer questions.

By Bob

February 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

He is a glue-guy, and this team needed some glue

You can say that again. Great to hear that he’s a good kid, we need a lot more character on this club. I assume he’ll wind up on the 3rd line, that checking line for tonight is an abomination, Kozlov? Little?

By Holy Crap I was first

February 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

All I have heard is how awesome a guy “army” is. I wonder why they traded him if they love him so much up there? I am sure they will warm up to Duper though, you really can’t say he doesn’t go all out.

By Craig Custance

February 28, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Holy Crap: When Marian Hossa is coming back the other way in the trade, you’re a little more willing to part ways with a fan favorite.

By STH

February 28, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

The big question is what’s his stats? Nononoo…not plus/minus, G,A, PTS, SOG, TOI, or other nonsense like that. This is ATLANTA hockey…what’s his handicap and do you think he will be paired with X or take his place?

By Simple_Man

February 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Quoting Don Waddell:

“We need to have a good run, there’s no doubt about it. But if we were just packing it in for the season we would have looked at it much differently, maybe we could have gotten a couple more first-round picks.”

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;ylt=Ahgcvg05Rdut6MQqtWNPZF7vLYF?slug=ap-thrashersnewlook&prov=ap&type=lgns

By Don's 15yr PLAN

February 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Our game is about winning.”

there’s not going to be any quit in our team.”

Craig….I don’t think we have a lack of FUNNY GUYS.

By heather

February 28, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

You can get an idea of his sense of humour from a documentary that was done on him; it’s now on youtube.

youtube.com/watch?v=gRYup04g6vo

Despite the fact that the Pens got Hossa, I am absolutely crushed that Army was traded. He’s a character guy. Atlanta may not realize what a gem they’ve got.

By Heather

February 28, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

You can get an idea of his sense of humour from a documentary that was done on him before he got to be the regular line-up of the Penguins. He was still on their farm team; the video is now on youtube.

You can search “Colby Armstrong and Shane Endicott’s apartment” or you can try this link:

youtube.com/watch?v=gRYup04g6vo

Despite the fact that the Pens got Hossa, I am absolutely crushed that Army was traded. He’s a character guy. Atlanta may not realize what a gem they’ve got.

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN

February 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

We weren’t packing in the season,” Waddell said. “Obviously if we were going to do that, we would have traded lots of the [free agents]. We’re not giving up. We have 18 games left; there’s not going to be any quit in our team.”

Don quit now Don you are only 9yrs into a solid 15yr plan. Look at the progress you have made in such a short time.

By Hip Czech

February 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Craig, I assume Lehtonen is in goal tonight? Were there any feet to the rumors flying around at the end about Lehtonen possibly being dealt?

I am kind of shocked that Ottawa didn’t trade for an upgrade in goal. In a way, a Hossa/Lehtonen deal to Ottawa may have made sense.

Still shaking my head over the Huet deal. I gotta believe that Montreal thought they had a goalie coming to them somehow and that’s why they let him go so cheap.

By WW4

February 28, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

I HOPE THE TRADES ADD SOME LIFE TO THIS BUNCH. MAYBE THEY CAN SPIKE THE POWERADE. IN ANY EVENT, THEY WILL NEED TO SCORE AT LEAST 4 GOALS TO WIN IN REGULATION, CAUSE YOU KNOW WHO WILL LET IN AT LEAST 3.OF COURSE IF MOOSE GETS A START, IT WILL BE THE SAME.

By WW4

February 28, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

DW SAYS THERE ARE 18 GAMES LEFT AND THEY WILL NOT QUIT. FYI DON - THEY QUIT AFTER GAME 5

By jp

February 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

quick question, do we still have our own first rounder? didn’t we give that up in the tkachuck trade?

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN

February 28, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Just tweak the lines a bit that will fix it!

And could someone PLEASE turn up the music in blewland.

By KLS1

February 28, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech I agree. I bet the Montreal Hossa deal included Hedberg instead of Dupuis. Don Waddell is probably not real popular within the Habs GM ranks right now either.

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN

February 28, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Just tweak the lines a bit that will fix it!

And could someone PLEASE turn up the music in blewland.

By timthebrave

February 28, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

jp, I thought we gave up a 2nd round pick. not sure..anybody?

By five_hole

February 28, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Really good blog today Craig. Also good points about trade value for Moose and Zhitnik. Frankly, if Holik would be willing to halve his salary, I wouldn’t mind resigning him in the offseason.

I’m happy we got Colby from from Pittsburgh. He is a banger, and plays with a “high motor”. This is a guy who should open up the ice for everyone when he’s out there.

By KLS1

February 28, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

We would only give up next years first rounder if we resigned Tkachuk.

By Bob

February 28, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

quick question, do we still have our own first rounder? didn’t we give that up in the tkachuck trade

It was conditional, if we had re-signed Tkachuk, there was a penalty of giving up our 1st this year. Since we didn’t sign it, we got it back (really never gave it up).

jp, I thought we gave up a 2nd round pick. not sure..anybody

Yes, we don’t have our 2nd round pick this year, but I don’t recall where that went, mabye in the Tkachuk deal?

By MB

February 28, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

jp, that was a conditional first rounder with Tkachuk, to my recollection. Once he signed back with St. Louis, we got back the pick.

five-hole, I’d only take back Holik at a third or quarter of his current salary. He’s a rapidly-depreciating asset who has admitted to holding back until the second half of the season. He regularly takes bad penalties, and as captain he hasn’t exactly lit a fire under the boys when he needed to.

I say let him go, spend the money on D, and officially make this Kovy’s team by giving him the C next year.

By Bob

February 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Quoting Don Waddell

“We need to have a good run, there’s no doubt about it. But if we were just packing it in for the season we would have looked at it much differently, maybe we could have gotten a couple more first-round picks.”

Hmmm, so despite the excuse making we see above today from Craig (what’s up with that, anyway?), Waddell himself thought he could have rec’d at least a couple more #1 picks (or one would assume some nice prospects in lieu of).

By snappy

February 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Armstrong is a genuinely funny kid, and he is almost goofy in his mannerisms when he is “on”. On the ice though, he was a pretty big disappointment since his rookie year.

He has some “eel-like” moves with the puck, where he will subtly move around a D-man without seeming to do much to get there. All in all though, his on-ice results were spotty enough to get him scratched for a good stretch of games earlier this year.

Christensen is the guy that you should be intrigued by, because he has a great wrist shot and quick release (not in Hossa’s category) and I really believe he can give you 30 goals sometime soon.

As for Espo, the kid tanked as soon as he was touted as 1st overall and he hasn’t stopped since. He is only 5th in scoring on his own Junior team, in a league where scoring is what it’s all about. I really think the Pens drafted him as a gamble, and he has done nothing but regress again this season. I’m sure the Trashers looked at him as a Wild Card because right now he has BUST on his sweater in big bold letters.

I personally like Colby’s whole deal, so I hope you guys get the Armstrong from his rookie year.

By snappy

February 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Armstrong is a genuinely funny kid, and he is almost goofy in his mannerisms when he is “on”. On the ice though, he was a pretty big disappointment since his rookie year.

He has some “eel-like” moves with the puck, where he will subtly move around a D-man without seeming to do much to get there. All in all though, his on-ice results were spotty enough to get him scratched for a good stretch of games earlier this year.

Christensen is the guy that you should be intrigued by, because he has a great wrist shot and quick release (not in Hossa’s category) and I really believe he can give you 30 goals sometime soon.

As for Espo, the kid tanked as soon as he was touted as 1st overall and he hasn’t stopped since. He is only 5th in scoring on his own Junior team, in a league where scoring is what it’s all about. I really think the Pens drafted him as a gamble, and he has done nothing but regress again this season. I’m sure the Thrashers looked at him as a Wild Card because right now he has BUST on his sweater in big bold letters.

I personally like Colby’s whole deal, so I hope you guys get the Armstrong from his rookie year.

By Russ

February 28, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

My initial impression is that Armstrong reminds me quite a bit of Dan Snyder both on and off the ice. If that is at all accurate, he will be a tremendous asset to this team. I can see Armstrong coming close to a 30 goal guy in a few years, and they are the dirty, hard working goals the Thrashers never seem willing to get.

By Craig Custance

February 28, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Bob: If Don turned down a first-round pick for Bobby Holik, then he should be criticized. But if the return was marginal, than I understand why they hung onto him. Not making excuses, believe me.

By Russ

February 28, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Most of the talk has been about Armstrong, but it will also be interesting to see how Christensen does in these last 18 games. I assume he’ll get a lot more ice time and responsibility than he was getting in Pittsburgh. He’s supposed to be a pretty skilled guy. I think he fell out of favor in Pittsburgh because he was kind of miscast on a lower line…that will happen when Crosby and Malkin are your top two centers. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that he can develop into a legitimate #2 center, not just one that is a top center by default because he plays in Atlanta.

By Snappy

February 28, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

After I read my post above, I want to make sure that I point out that I think your GM got a GREAT package for what is no more than a guarantee of ~20 games + whatever playoff run the Pens have.

Your GM got a young guy with great skills in Christensen that had 18 goals in about 50 games last season, a great character who needs to be more consistently gritty on the ice like his is funny off it, a guy who is trending poorly but has great upside based on his speed and skills in Espo and another card in the deck from a low 1st rounder.

That is a pretty nice return, and any of your fans who are mad at losing Hossa have to realize that he could have simply walked away and left you with nothing.

He very well might do the same to the Pens, and that is why a lot of us don’t like the deal…..yet…..until he signs or we win the Cup. Both of those are longer shots than you getting good minutes out of the players you received back.

By Terry in Dahlonega

February 28, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Craig Someone needs to take Colby out in the Hot-Lanta sun! Dude needs a tan! Looks like Casper the friendly ghost.

Good trade since the Pens got a “Playoff Ghost” in return.

By Bob

February 28, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Not making excuses, believe me

Sorry, I need an editor, wasn’t lobbing one at you. I know you’ve told us that you just report (as opposed to a Schultzie who gets to throw his opinion out there) so what I meant was not that you’re doing the excuse making but that you’re reporting Waddell’s excuse making today. But he told another reporter in the Yahoo article that Simple Man linked that he could have gotten a couple first round picks. So, today Don’s saying the return wasn’t good enough, the other day he was saying he could have gotten some 1st round picks, which one is it?

Sounds to me like he’s just spinning to ease the heat he’s getting.

By Homeydogg

February 28, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Colby is out-muscled everywhere on the ice. Colby’s only NHL-level skill is his personality. He’s basically a YouTube presence: a few highlight head-hunting hits (that would be suspendable this year) and a goofy personality. His head-hunting shots have made him a target but he rarely draws penalties.

EC just disappears for weeks at a time. He’s dressed and playing 12-15 minutes, but he does nothing to stand out (except for the shoot-outs). He has a great shot, but rarely gets in position to take it during games. He shows rare glimpses of skills, but so far those have only been teases. Hopefully moving him to first or second line center with the right wings will jump start his career.

By MB

February 28, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

CC, if think it was Nikita who asked a very important question on an earlier blog…any indication of when a coach will be hired/announced?

No doubt DW’s been preoccupied with the trade deadline, but now maybe he can spend more time concentrating on that issue.

I’d be surprised if it occurred before the end of the season, though there’s a part of me that would love for it to happen so that (my preference) a new guy from outside of the organization could assess the current talent and the future needs ahead of the draft and free agent period.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

JP, Don Waddell re-acquired the 1st round pick for 2008 when he traded Keith Tkachuk’s rights back to St. Louis prior to July 1, 2007, so that the Blues could have “exclusive negotiating rights” with Tkachuk’s agent. In exchange for the return of that pick, Atlanta surrendered “future considerations,” thought to be a 4th round pick this Summer. But that’s not been confirmed.

Atlanta did surrender its 2nd round pick as part of the Tkachuk deal last year. Thankfully, that will be the last of the remnants of the Keith Tkachuk deal. “Let my people go!” The bondage and servitude is now over.

By five_hole

February 28, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

*Craig Someone needs to take Colby out in the Hot-Lanta sun! Dude needs a tan! Looks like Casper the friendly ghost. * - Terry in Dahlonega

Are you kidding me? Did you ever see Marion Hossa? I think he was the whitest person in North America. The only possible whiter person I can think of is his brother Marcel.

MB - no question we need an upgrade on D. However, when Holik wants to play, he can be a force. He should not be a captain, as you said, he takes games off and that’s a bad example for the team.

By atldave

February 28, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

UNBELIEVABLE !!! And we expect and want the Thrashers to make changes. Good luck. God help the fans of the Thrashers and Hawks. How does this get out. Wow!!

Hawks General Manager Billy Knight wanted to fire head coach Mike Woodson two weeks ago — but the owners refused.

Knight recommended Woodson be replaced by assistant coach Larry Drew after the team traded for point guard Mike Bibby on Feb. 16, during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.

One of the Hawks owners, Michael Gearon Jr., confirmed Knight’s desire to fire Woodson, but would not say why Woodson has been retained.

By MB

February 28, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Ugh, just screwed up a post, which fortunately leaves you with the abridged version.

Watch for Hossa to regain his form now that he’ll have more space within which to operate, space that had disappeared in ATL along with the game of Slava Kozlov.

Re: Hossa being a ghost in the playoffs, take that with a grain of salt. While he only scored 5 pts. in 18 games his first 3 playoff years in Ottawa and last year here, he also scored 30 pts. in 37 games his last 3 years with the Sens. Certainly not Messier-like numbers, but definitely respectable.

By Alan

February 28, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Atlanta did surrender its 2nd round pick as part of the Tkachuk deal last year

And kinda sorta got it back, since we can draft twice in the first round. If Pittsburgh goes to the conference finals or cup finals (which I’m pretty sure they’ll get at least to the conference finals), Atlanta has that late 1st rounder, which can easily be considered an “early 2nd round” pick.

Also, according to TSN’s player bio on Tkachuk, Atlanta did give up a conditional 4th rounder and Tkachuk for their 1st rounder back:

26-Jun-07: Atlanta Thrashers traded Keith Tkachuk and a conditional 4th round selection in 2008 to the St. Louis Blues for a conditional 1st round selection in 2008.

By B. Thenet

February 28, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

To clarify on the 2008 1st rounder in the Tkachuk deal. The Thrashers would only have lost that 1st round pick IF they signed Tkachuk as a UFA.

I believe we got an additional pick in the deal returned for allowing St. Louis to renegotiate with Tkachuk before the UFA signing period began, but it was not the 2008 1st rounder.

By Lanny McDonald

February 28, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Who thinks we should trade up both of our 1st rounders to try and grab Stamkos?

Not me, I would rather us take the best 2 D-Men available…. and with our next pick grab the best available goalie.

By Jason

February 28, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Found some Colby Armstrong videos on youtube from when he was in the minors. Pretty funny stuff. Thought everyone might enjoy seeing some personality from Army.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YophVm_XW0&feature=related]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRYup04g6vo&feature=related]

By Chuck

February 28, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT rules, Montreal rules, Atlanta is known for dog abuse, losing wars cat abuse, losing wars, f* abuse, losing wars, and Hee Haw.

By rimbaud

February 28, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Just to be factual, Angelo Esposito is fifth (actually tied for fourth) in total points at Quebec because he missed 14 or 15 games due to injury. Using PPG, he is second on the team, with 1.18 PPG, the leader has 1.19 PPG

By 12345

February 28, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Well 3-0 NYI, maybe we can get 12 shots on goal to gain a moral victory.

We needed DEFENSE and that Waddell Thing ignored The Biggest issue we have DEFENSE, of wait a second, we cannot shoot the puck, hummmmm

Tanking real good guys, I hope so for #1 pick, but Waddell will trade down for a couple 4th rounders or 5th rounders…

When O when is he going to be FIRED ?

Please be SOON !!!!!!!!!

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Mustacioed one, if Atlanta doesn’t win the draft lottery, or isn’t even in the draft lottery … and the team that holds the #1 pick is willing to drop that pick for our #6 pick and our #26 pick. Shoot yeah! Let’s do it!

What the heck were we going to get, definitively, with #26? And #1 is a whole lot better of a pick than #6. If some GM offered that scenario to us, and we declined it, we’d deserve to have Stampkos or Doughty light us up for a decade. It’s about good decision-making people. And ya know it. And I’d go with Doughty over Stampkos.

Hey, we’d still have a shot at Tavares in 2009, if we play all our Chicago Wolves players next year.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

12345, Waddell just might get a 3-year contract extension. Both scenarios seem equally likely when we’re discussing the Atlanta Spirit Group and its decision-making capacity.

By Michelle

February 28, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

We miss you Army!

By Jameson

February 28, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Well, listening to the game from work, it certainly sounds like Kari is on board with the new “Believe in Tankland” idea.

By B. Thenet

February 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

A gutty effort by the team, however our pathetic defense found a way to give it away at the end.

By Russian

February 28, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Klee was Hero to scored a Goal. Klee was Idiot to made BIG Mistake. New Couple looked OK for me. I hoped we will get new COACH, then NEW GM, then Good Dmen. IF it will not done, we are going to loose Kovy. :-(

By Thrashy Thrashy

February 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Ahhhh…I knew Klee and Zhitnik had to be the D pairing that was on the ice for that game-winner in OT. Christensen wins the faceoff, Klee turns it over in the corner, easy pass by an Isle out in front of the crease…and it’s game over. Lo and behold, who do I spy coming into the screen from behind the net? It’s Zhitnik! Our two blueline goalscorers bailed us out in the end. Thank God that they’re still on the team. It’ll make it that much easier for Ze Trash to get that high draft pick. Good job, fellas.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Christensen was a -3. Armstrong was a -2, but had a point. Hossa got hurt on a strained MCL injury in the 5-1 Penguins loss to Boston. By the way, Pascal Dupuis scored a shorty for Pittsburgh.

By Midfield

February 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

In all fairness, Zhitnik was not supposed to be in front. He was trying to get a puck from Klee, who was way too slow on the play. Clean turn-over. Technically, Christiansen was supposed to collapse and mark the Isle, but he assumed that Thrashers had possession and took off.

By David Duke

February 28, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

How are things down at Boohoo Land? Ice puckey team not doing well? I think I’m gonna go down to Boohoo Land and see what all the lack of excitement is about. How many halves in an ice puckey game? Is it three?

By stendec

February 28, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Moose would have gotten us a victory tonight. The Thrashers will be leaps and bounds better off without Sori Letemin! A truly sorry waste of oxygen! No talent. No desire. No guts. No brains. Wandering about in LaLa Land continously. Clueless! Most overrated so-called netminder in NHL. Complete fraud! Line up apologists. Tell me something. Took puck into net on first goal. A+++++E! Cleared to open Island on second goal. Dumb F++++R! Hope this pathetic Finn back in Finland for good after this season. Worn out welcome in Atlanta. GO FLAMES!

By Thrashy Thrashy

February 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

You’re right, Midfield. It’s just ironic that Zhitnik came into the screen there at the end. The guy always seems to be on the ice when one of those Thrasher cluster$#$%s happens.

By Steve

February 29, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys,

Another word from Montreal. I have to admit I was excited to see the Thrashers pull of their win last night. In the aftermath of Hossa’s knee injury I can only wish the best on the Atlanta organization for not dealing him to us. I hope your new players turn out well, although Dupuis may have been a bit too much given his nice goal tonight.

I appreciate all the feedback.

Regards,

Steve

By Wilson26

February 29, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

Hey Steve,

Is this the bitterness that 2 decades of sucking will get you? Good luck with your two rookie goaltenders in the playoffs.

Regards, Go F*** Yourself

By Marion Hossa

February 29, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

Montreal is world famous for being the gayest place on the planet.

By Alan

February 29, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

Steve - We didn’t really win. We took one point while letting NYI leave here with two. Sure, that’s just one more point than we had yesterday at this time, but it doesn’t change much.

Not sure why Wilson is unhappy with your comment. We know Montreal really wanted Hossa. Who knows? Had MTL picked up Hossa, maybe he wouldn’t be injured right now. I feel bad for Penguins fans, since they were so happy to pick him up for their playoff run (despite the feelings their GM paid too much, of course), and they didn’t even get to see him finish a game.

By Hip Czech

February 29, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Last night revealed (again) the two glaring problems with the Thrashers:

1) Defense can’t move the puck

2) No scoring presence in front of the net

Look at the contrast in the way goals were scored…the Islanders got great chances in the slot, Comrie, Hunter, etc. Those are point blank chances. The score could have been worse if Lehtonen didn’t make a couple nice saves on shots from the slot.

Our goals? Holik’s long range wrister, Klee’s long range slapper…Zhitnik’s goal was nice, but from the side, not the middle.

I realize we don’t have big forwards (or defensemen). But it is sickening seeing other teams get so many great scoring chances while we struggle to get any meaningful shots. One sequence in particular was galling. Hunter received a pass about 10 feet out…not only did he have time to receive the pass but he then had time to make a pirouette and wind up for a slapshot. If one of our guys tried that he’d be knocked on his butt so fast he wouldn’t have time to spin AND wind up.

Anybody know why Exelby was 8 feet from Comrie on the 4th goal? He was marking NO ONE. I didn’t know you play zone defense in hockey, but that’s what it looked like.

On the plus side, is there anything prettier than Perrin’s shootout (and now PS) move? It’s like he is snowboarding.

By Hip Czech

February 29, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

Oh, and on the subject of Exelby…is it any wonder McCarthy is -30 or whatever he is? Being paired with Exelby is a recipe for disaster.

I’d rather see McCarthy out there than X. McCarthy works his butt off, has some offensive upside (one of the only Thrasher D who will pinch in from the point), and probably hits just as hard as Exelby has all year.

By BG33Brown

February 29, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Hip you are right on about X. He has been god awful lately. He looks like he is just watching out there. I would love to know how many turnovers we had in our own zone last night.

Had to be at least 15. It was pathetic. All of our dmen just have no confidence back there right now. They panic to soon, they relax to soon-whatever they do it wrong.

New Pairings.

39-28

22-7

5-3

BTW…Kiwi didn’t look that good either but at least he has an upside. I was so hoping we could get someone to take X off our hands at the deadline.

By Sara

February 29, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

The more games I watch this season, the more I am convinced that this team’s woes are based on the system - or more importantly, the lack thereof. It is just complete disorganized chaos out there most of the time. Assuming they can even gain possession of the puck, they always pass back not forward, which in the d-zone leads to turnovers and from the neutral zone it gives the other team a chance to backcheck ahead of us and shut us down at the blue line.

The roster needs some tweaks certainly. That elusive number one center, and one to two upgrades on D. But I still think this roster is well-built, just poorly managed. We have a diverse range of talent, especially with the additions of Army and EC. I’m for keeping/re-signing most of this roster. But I’m more for getting a real coach in here to make it work. I wasn’t really sold on Anderson before, but the more I think about it, and how successful the Wolves have been consistently, the more I think it might be the best idea. Obviously, they seem to know how to implement a system that produces results. Be nice if the big club did too.

By Russian

February 29, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Last game was OK. It was ugly on begining, but second period was fine and end if game look good too. Stupid mistake by Klee was cost us 2 points. I am not happy with Ex and Kiwi together. I think we need to send Kiwi to Chicago and Ex needs to sit on weekend. I like to see Popovic and Mac. Well anyway, it does not matter who will be our D-men now. They are not good. :-( Now, come back to rest of season. We have 17 games left. I talked about BIG PUSH, but unfortantly the baby did not come up yet. I quest we were pushing hard but not enough. Well LADIES, you get your 17 more pushes and bring a BABY alive…… :-)

By Hip Czech

February 29, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Sara, spot on. Anyone who wants McCrimmon to become coach out to have their head examined. We need a new approach, system. I’m all for giving Anderson a shot.

The more I think about it, the more I really think they ARE playing a bit of zone defense. If you notice, rather than go take a man, we will point to someone else as if to say, hey, he’s YOUR responsibility, rather than just go play the nearest man. Now, I know hockey has some specific assignments, but I think we would be a lot better off just playing the closest man.

And the offense has to go…I complained about it last year thinking it was a Hartley thing. This cycle thing along the side and end boards sucks. Get people in front of the net and in the high slot, get them the puck and let them shoot and bang for rebounds.

It ain’t rocket science.

To tell you the truth, I was hoping we would lose in regulation. I think it’s time to start moving ‘up’ in the draft order.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 29, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Since it has become pretty obvious that we are NOT going to the playoffs. I think it is time to look to the future. I found this site which I thought might interest some of you…

http://www.mynhldraft.com/

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN

February 29, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Todays TRIVIA QUESTION…in what season did the Trashers have more goals for than against?

By Puck it

February 29, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Good trade but we neeeeeed blue line help soooooo bad. Wouldn’t hurt if the goalie could make some of those game winning stops either. Owners gotta dig deeeeep in thier pockets and get some blue line help in the off season and oh, how about a COACH?

By Midfield

February 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech,

Most of the time pointing in defense is to communicate switching, which has become much more common under the new rules. If you fell behind the guy on your side, it often makes no sense to chase him down, and you point for the teammate to switch, while you cross-over. That’s all it is. The problem is, Thrashers are not in synch doing that most of the time. Half the time, somebody is cheating on the backcheck, or too tired due to messed up line change, or simply clueless as to what his partners are up to. Sara is right, the team rarely plays as a team this year. That includes Lehtonen, who alternates brilliant saves and break-away passes with horrible give-aways and afternoon naps deep in the crease.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 29, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

06-07

By Puck It

February 29, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Oh i almost forgot. I think Kovy should be captain instead of Holik. Also play McCarthy instead of x. Better D.

By Hip Czech

February 29, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to draft anyone less than 6 feet and less than 200 pounds.

By Hip Czech

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

Midfield, I understand the pointing as communication. I still think ours goes beyond that. I think our defensive scheme is still one that plays a spot more so than a man. Our wingers sag too much off the blueline and our D do not necessarily go from side to side, they switch before following a man a lot of times.

That may explain all the puck possession time other teams always have against us. We need to pressure the puck more on D. The penalty kill started to do this after the All-Star break and they are playing much better.

By Russian

February 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

to Hip Czech Great Point. Absolutly agree with you. I do not want to see Little Midget Team - 5’10” 175 lbs. We need Big D and Big F. Army and EC looked very good size.

By Nikita

February 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game…meh. We are improving, but we have a lot further to go.

Like the new recruits, but couldn’t help noticing some of their errors/changes in style, which were an issue. Particularly Army’s hit which resulted in a loose guy making a goal. Not good. But I kind of expected that sort of thing with the two of them being new. I doubt it’ll continue, assuming that they get to stay in somewhat static line assignments and can get to know their linemates. I’m surprised all of them played as well as they did, particularly Perrin with both a new line and a new position.

And that reminds me — Perrin is playing awesome this year. I like rooting for underdogs in general, and it’s just making my year to see him chewing up the ice every night at his advanced age, cheap salary, and statistical unlikelihood.

Something on the 1st line isn’t working. I don’t know what, though — White is his usual unspectacular, dependable self. Maybe it’s Recchi? He has gotten a bit careless. But it’s clear that Kovy is feeling better — he’s gone back to making hits, really moving on the ice like he means it, and taking very precise shots.

The third line didn’t look too bad last night, either — Kozlov and Holik both were alert and intelligent on-ice, which neither has been for months.

What is the skinny on Esposito? The real skinny, I mean? Alcohol? Personal issues? What is the issue that affects his performance?

By NASCAR Dave

February 29, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

GUTLESS WIMPS AFRAID TO GET PHYSICAL… EXCEPT FOR KOVY.

NUFF SAID.

By NASCAR Dave

February 29, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

BRING BACK MCCARTHY! AT LEAST HE KNOWS HOW TO HIT SOMEONE!

By Alan

February 29, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Keyboard broken again, NASCAR?

By Kari Lehtonen

February 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By PittFan

February 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

You Thrasher Fans are lucky to get Army. He is loved in Pitt and will be missed. My daughter and her friends literally cried when hearing the news. A sad day for Pens fans. I guarantee the entire sold out crowd will give him a standing-O on Sun. when the Pens return home for their first home game since the trade….vs. the Thrashers!

By Cliche Police

February 29, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

How about a moratorium on “‘nuff said” and “get ‘er done”

By Alan

February 29, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Cliche Police - I’m personally sick and tired of “it is what it is.”

By Bob

February 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the link, zilla. Looks like the top 4 are where we need to be, all C and D prospects, either one is fine, but damn, we really need to tank it and get Stamkos, he sounds like a heck of a player

By Don Waddell

February 29, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

February 29, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Can we draft a gm?

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

February 29, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

We don’t need defensemen. The coach was a defensemen.

By Stats

February 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I am late getting to the site today, but can someone please explain to me why Stendec thinks that Moose would win anything. He is dead last in the NHL in GAA average and not even on the chart (top 50 get posted) in save %. KL has not been at the top of his game lately, but starting goaltending is definately NOT the teams biggest problem.

By Brad McCrimmon

February 29, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By ranallo10

February 29, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I’d be fine with any of the top four, but Stamkos would be my preference.

I highly doubt we’ll see Tavares in Atlanta though, a big market team will be awarded him with the “lottery” selection. Kinda like how the struggling Pittsburgh market won the Sidney Crosby “sweepstakes”…surprise surprise.

By Brendan

February 29, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

It is what it is is not a cliche. It’s a means of discussing facts, more often than not. “Rain on my parade” is a cliche. “A wet blanket” is a cliche. “More than you can shake a stick at” … is a cliche. “It is what it is” is not a cliche. At worst, it’s “an expression.” An expression which often leads to the conveyance of facts or statistics.

The Atlanta Thrashers are two games under .500. It is what it is. For example, it’s not two games OVER .500.

By ranallo10

February 29, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Stats — It’s just Stendec’s way of venting his frustration, pay no heed. Believe it or not he doesn’t rail Kari EVERY game, just every game lost or close.

stendec — One goal (in my opinion) was Kari’s fault, but that goal wasn’t the game winner. Say what you want about his performance, but I contend that if it wasn’t for Kari the game would’ve been out of reach before Zhitnik tied it up.

By dw

February 29, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

HipCzech and all others who are sour on McCrimmon: This is not his team. Waddell’s controlling hands are everywhere and the style of play/chaos this team uses is completely dysfunctional. The players love McCrimmon, and he was a longtime solid Dman himself. He deserves a shot and the GM needs to go home to Michigan. We’re happy to have anyone with a plus rating, McCrimmon had a season over +80 and may be one of all time best plus/minus. I suspect he knows some things about defence if given a TRUE shot. http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11063

The problem is Waddell thinks that open offense keeps Kovy happy and a system coach(Hartley)’s message wears thin in time. Open offense means no accountability for forwards.

By Bob

February 29, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

We are struggling right now having dropped five in a row. We are running out of rope. Our backs are against the wall.

So, it’s time to throw in the towel and just tank it, the guys have given it their all and it is what it is. We’ve left everything on the table, and we’ve got more holes in this lineup than you could shake a stick at. Now it’s time to tank the season as we’ve dug a deep hole for ourselves.

Now next year, eventually we’re going to have to shake that monkey off our back and win a playoff game.

Next year they have to realize that It’s not over yet and they just have to look at it as one game at a time.

There is no desperation. I think the best way to describe it is determination. I don’t think we have to do anything differently, we just have to play 60 minutes the way we are capable of playing. We just have to be more focused and disciplined.

So the boys in the organ-I-zation have to remember that there is no choice, they have to go out and leave it all on the ice.

It’s beyond me, that if you consider yourself a winner, how you can go out and not give everything. You can’t leave anything on the table.

They have to draw closer together in the face of adversity. Our team has shown a lot of heart and guts. This team has won a lot of close games and it has a lot to do with their mental toughness.

Resiliency has been the profile of this team all season, as we have matured and grown and have gone through the difficult times. We have come together as a team.

In summation, I’d like to write Waddell’s farewell speech for him:

I feel the time has come for new leadership in our hockey program. This is my responsibility and I feel badly I have not been able to get us going where we should be going. I want to thank our great fans and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life

By Hip Czech

February 29, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Maybe we’ll see the corporate line come out - “Don Waddell has left to pursue other career opportunties”.

Then he will still have to put his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us.

By Brendan

February 29, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Bob, this one is Waddell’s “private” farewell speech. (To the Atlanta Spirit Group) “Fellas, I respect your decision to fire me. I can leave without saying a ‘bad word,’ and I can leave with my dignity. But I’ll tell you what the next guy who sits there … in ‘that chair’ … will tell you. You can’t be $8 million under the cap on Opening Night. You can’t trade away 1st round drafts and future 1st round draft picks at the trade deadline without escalating the age of the team, in an era of hockey that requires youth and speed. You cannot set “4-year” contract limitations on players in a marketplace which now sees players in their mid-20’s being locked up for life or on six-year deals, at a minimum. You cannot treat FREE AGENCY as the means of filling out your roster. Free Agency is just meant to ‘tweak it’ a bit. You cannot continue to operate and do business the way you have. I wish you guys ‘GOOD LUCK’ in the future. I hope you learn something.” And Waddell waddles out of the organ-i-zation.

Meanwhile, the ASG wonders what BETTER drafting might have accomplished. And tries to hire someone with a good track record of doing just that.

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

February 29, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bob……………I needed a laugh..the time is now…for a gut check…it is what it is..nuff said

Oh ya, I’m gald dw fired Hartley..I hated that all that winning 43 games crap

back to the basics…build for the future…keep pushing ahead

By off the post

February 29, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Bob you’re a goof. The only one you were missing was to take it “one game at a time”. Maybe you did say it, no wait, I made sure to read it, I didn’t want to get ahead of myself.

By Bob

February 29, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

The only one you were missing was to take it “one game at a time”.

I wouldn’t miss that one, re-read it, it’s in there, that’s the Ultimate Sports Cliche

By yr 9 of 15yr PLAN phase 2 the rebuild

February 29, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Keep fighting men….. it ain’t over til the fat lady sings.

By ranallo10

February 29, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

“We have to play like every game matters”.

“This is an important game for this franchise”.

“We can still control our own destiny”.

Just a few to add to your list.

By off the post

February 29, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Bob, my sarcasm didn’t come across to well on the web. I knew you said it, that’s why I said “Maybe you did say it, no wait, I made sure…” I just tried to throw in a cliche myself. Kind of like saying I had that date circled on the calendar. I’ll get off stage now, everyone’s here just to listen to buzilla blues anyway.

By Phil

February 29, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

why aren’t more of you calling for the firing of Don Waddell? This is the man directly responsible for putting together, year after year,a bad combination of talent. Notice I said ‘combination’, because he has selected pretty good individual talent, but not the chemistry you need and see with other successful teams.I think Don Waddell has done a terrible job! It looks as if the Thrashers are always playing a man down!

By MB

February 29, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Phil, look back over the blogs…the fire Waddell comments are many and varied. Watch especially for the comments of Sage and his chastising of “bewievers in Bwuewand” as foolish and LAC with his condemnation of both DW and the owners as lying liars who lie. Good stuff. Plus you can check out the firewaddell web site and let your feelings be know.

On another note, dw, I am one in the camp of “just say no” to McCrimmon. While I wish we had a young Beast as the bedrock of our D, he has shown next to nothing as a coach.

Taking into account possibly system differences with Hartley and whatever influence DW may exert, it’s apparent to me that not only is our team defense at a low point this year, so, too, is the individual effort of our D-men.

As assistant coach, and with DW also active in his GM role (for better or worse), he has been more involved and, in a sense, trying out for the head coaching job. As much as the players may like him, they’ve hardly responded to his entreaties with strong, consistent effort, even though they know what’s on the line for him.

I’d love to have to eat crow on this one, but I just don’t think he’s the answer, and I’d rather have a coach that doesn’t have the stench of the current regime on him.

By PittCheMBA

March 1, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

The Penguins have a discount program for college students called the Student Rush Program, http://www.postgazette.com/pg/07017/754338-61.stm. Students basically stand in line in the cold weather for a slim chance to get discounted tickets. Army and a couple of other Penguins handed out Pizza once to the students. Army is also very cooperative with the media. Christensen is nicknamed the Crusher for being a shootout specialist. It is tough being a center playing behind Crosby and Malkin on the 3rd line, so this is a good opportunity for Christensen.

By pond scum

March 1, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Alot of folks here are dead on in their opinion…. this “system” our guys play is horrible!

I do feel Anderson or someone with more time to actually install and require the players to actually pay attention to the “small details” needed and more accountability,we might get more consistent results.

One big thing that hurts also is puck support,our forwards (most of them) don’t support the puck well,if at all. Forcing longer outlet passes to be made by a defenseman coming out of our zone leads to alot of our turnovers.It would probably help for the Thrash to move the puck more like most western teams do,move it from station to station.

I felt the trade would have an effect on chemistry to begin with,and coming off the long roadie didn’t help either. I’m hoping that DW can let the lines settle in for awhile.This also goes for the defensive pairings.

I don’t know about you guys and girls,but I’m sick of seeing X only trying to line someone up for a big hit. HE kills everyone else when he misses(which is alot) and it sends everyone else into a scramble when he does this. While he was down last season with mono,we actually had a far better defense.The numbers back it up.

I personally feel that Mac,Klee and Zhitnik’s confidence has been shot largely due to being paired with X,so it’s only a matter of time before Kiwi is the same way.And I feel Kiwi actually is more capable of playing consistent defense than X.

Think back,remember how Popovic and Zhit played together? Alot better than Zhit/X being together?Klee/McCarthy also being paired together had better results.

Zhit,Mac ect. have been benched for bad play, I feel it’s time X gets a couple games off as well.

I personally like both our new guys and feel they will only get better and better.Christensen was buried in behind Crosby,Malkin and Staal…..kinda hard to have an impact playing fourth line mintes and not every nite.Army has already won me over,he and Perrin really seemed to click right from the get go.He also is willing to score ugly.

I do also hope that Little is kept up for the remainder of this season and let him get the experience needed for the future.

As for Lehtonen,it’s hard trying to win every nite when your defense leaves you out to dry far to often.Every goalie lets in a couple softies from time to time,but most of his GAA is from his guys and system are leaving him out to dry.

IF we make the postseason,that’s great. If we don’t,I hope we still shoot for atleast finishing with a winning record to build from.I see how some of you would rather end up with a higher pick in the draft,but IF we was to deal that pick,then the suffering wasn’t worth the trade off.And there is no guarntee the guy drafted even turns out to anything.

As for the offseason,I’m hoping a coach, legitimate 1st line center,1-2 top defenseman are brought on board to add to what we will have coming back.

Recchi and Kovy have had really good chemistry from the start,so I’d like to see Recchi return.Holik, I’m at a cross roads with. He has called guys out for bad play,and stepped up his game some. He does give us a big body capable of winning faceoffs and will throw a check when needed. I feel his plus/minus would be alot better IF we had a more disciplined system overall. I agree he’s overpaid,but I can’t hold it against him personally.Maybe if he would take a paycut,I’d consider bringing him back.

With Hossa gone,Rucchin’s salary coming off the books,possibly Holiks as well…..we should have some good cap space to bring in the help needed.Larsen should be gone as well,we really have no need for him.

I’d keep Boults/Slater/Thorburn together for next season also.For a fourth line,they are effective most nites.

Keeping someone who’ll dig out pucks and set up Kozzy will bring him back also.He seemed more willing to get his nose dirty while playing with Holik and Little the other nite.

I liked what I saw from the Perrin(a very good addition)/Christensen/Army line in it’s debut, I hope we get to see it stay together and see if it grows.

Sorry for the long windedness,but just want to help get some positive flow going for our team whcih we all love alot.

By Buzzard

March 1, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

The ASG is managing the team on the cheap - no coach, no style, no willingness to get real D and now raise tix prices. What a winning combination. I see nothing to suggest any change as long as they own the team.

Oh one last thing, can someone please tell “Let-them-in” to stop trying to be Broduer and just stay in the net. I am sick of the easy goals he gives up. We could have beat the Islanders if not for the soft goals.

By joyaman

March 1, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

On another note, dw, I am one in the camp of “just say no” to McCrimmon. While I wish we had a young Beast as the bedrock of our D, he has shown next to nothing as a coach. - MB

MB/Phil:

*On the Beast as a head coach:

(a) If DW wanted to give him a legitimate shot, he should have stepped down when he did the the whole “Associate Coach” thing. If the Thrash had responded, perhaps we’re still in the hunt (but still destined to get swept in the first round again). If not, then at least we could have said that we tried. DW is no Lou Lamoriello, or even a Jacques Martin for that matter.

(b) The Thrash have never had more than two-to-three legitimate NHL blueliners on the roster at the same time. Not sure if it’s fair to hold the Beast entirely responsible for the atrocious GA total.

(c) While I too am a “just say no” guy, what harm would it do to let Beast ride out the season behind the bench now and at least pad his resume with some NHL head coaching experience before the entire Hockey Department gets pink slip? I pray for this day like a death-row inmate waiting for a reprieve from the governor. Right now all I see is the blue mile ahead of us.

-joyaman

By joyaman

March 1, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

On another note, dw, I am one in the camp of “just say no” to McCrimmon. While I wish we had a young Beast as the bedrock of our D, he has shown next to nothing as a coach. - MB

MB/Phil:

*On the Beast as a head coach:

(a) If DW wanted to give him a legitimate shot, he should have stepped down when he did the the whole “Associate Coach” thing. If the Thrash had responded, perhaps we’re still in the hunt (but still destined to get swept in the first round again). If not, then at least we could have said that we tried. DW is no Lou Lamoriello, or even a Jacques Martin for that matter.

(b) The Thrash have never had more than two-to-three legitimate NHL blueliners on the roster at the same time. Not sure if it’s fair to hold the Beast entirely responsible for the atrocious GA total.

(c) While I too am a “just say no” guy, what harm would it do to let Beast ride out the season behind the bench now and at least pad his resume with some NHL head coaching experience before the entire Hockey Department gets pink slip? I pray for this day like a death-row inmate waiting for a reprieve from the governor. Right now all I see is the blue mile ahead of us.

-joyaman

By joyaman

March 1, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the dupe post. An error message was returned the first time I submitted. -joyaman

By MB

March 3, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

J-man, you bring up an interesting thought with your third point. I doubt Beast would do any worse than DW if given the helm the rest of the way in, though I’m not sure how others throughout the league would look at it.

While it would give him a certain number of games experience as a head coach, the flip side would be that he was removed of all coaching duties at the end of that period. Not exactly a glowing recommendation.

And while you’re right that we’ve never had more than half of a legitimate top-4, what concerns me is the relative lack of progress that our D-men have shown. One could argue that X has improved a bit, but now he seems to be backsliding. Coburn was deemed to be a bust, yet now he’s logging big minutes in Philly, and playing rather well.

If I had seen better individual development and better play between the pairings, I’d feel much better about his prospects as head coach. Again, I’d love to be dead wrong on this one.

By Slapshot

March 4, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

If Army’s ex-roommate is hoisting the silverware at the end of this season it will eat a hole in his heart bigger than Peachtree City. The expression on his face as he left the Igloo Sunday was priceless. It wasn’t a loss on the scoresheet that was killing him, it was leaving part of himself behind that was ruining his day. This kid is a giant asset to an organization that has it act together. The question is has he joined one?

By Bruce

March 20, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Hello, Guys, Habfans.com is a really neat site, they have a trivia show week, guests and prizes. There is alot of great hockey talk also, so come visit this site for a great time.