AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHossa to be re-evaluated today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ll have to excuse my brevity on this blog. I have a story to write and plane to Boston to catch. That was a nice enjoyable home stand, right?
In a unique schedule twist, the Thrashers have back-to-back afternoon road games. Look for Johan Hedberg to get the start against Boston and for Kari Lehtonen to come back against Pittsburgh. I’m sure you already saw this, but Marian Hossa suffered an MCL sprain while making his Pittsburgh debut. I just got off the phone with Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero and he said he couldn’t say with absolute certainty that Marian wouldn’t play against the Thrashers on Sunday, but it was most likely. He said the injury was a grade 1 MCL sprain and that he’d be re-evaluated today. “We’ll see how sore he is,” Shero said. “I would say he’s out for Sunday.”
Shero said he was really hesitant to trade two players off his roster in Christensen and Armstrong for Hossa but Don Waddell made it clear that it would be a deal-breaker if they didn’t include those two. “That was tough,” Shero said. But that’s the reason why Pascal Dupuis was sent the other way. Shero had been interested in Dupuis anyways, regardless of a Hossa deal, and insisted that Dupuis be included since the Penguins were giving up two roster players.
Lastly, I was overwhelmed with e-mails from Colby Armstrong fans in Pittsburgh. I interviewed a couple for the story, but wanted to share some that I didn’t use. Here are a few snippets of the e-mails:
“…We’re still reeling from the loss here. He was more than just a Penguins player, you know? He was the kind of guy that made us feel like we were along for the ride with him. He did radio shows and interviews for the Pittsburgh media, and he was well known for his sense of humor. His personality is what will be missed more than anything - Army is one of those guys that you want to have around regardless of whether he’s producing or not.
The fact that he’s not the most skilled guy on the bench also added to his appeal in a strange way. He worked hard for every point he got, and - especially to the youngsters - it felt kind of like if he could do it, maybe we could too….”
“…He is an amazing guy, he is a great hockey player but I can’t stress enough what he brings to the locker room. Now, obviously I have never been into the locker room but I have read many of interviews and articles, and of course seen a million youtube videos. Sidney Crosby has so much on his shoulders at all times and I can only think that having Colby as his roommate helped Sid keep things light…”
“… I have to admit there was outrage followed by misty eyes when we found out about the trade. And you know a player is special when it outrages fans that their team aquired probably the best winger in the league in exchange for a guy who probably won’t break the 20 goal plateau in his career.
I got the chance to expirence the Winter Classic in person this year, and although the Crosby shootout goal was unbelieveable, I truly think Armstrong’s first period goal captured the feeling of the day…”
“…When my wife was pregnant, we put Colby on our names list without a serious commitment to it. But it turned out that our son was born about “20” minutes after Colby’s overtime goal to beat Florida on Feb 22, 2007. So we named our son Colby Andrew…”
Hard to top that one.
Comments
By David
February 29, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Ironic that hoss got hurt in his first game
By Bob
February 29, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
That blog entry was so touching, such swell notes from Army’s fans, what a guy, this was definitely one of those gotcha moments, Friday, 4:17pm, Leap Day… doggone it, what the hey, Custance is the name we’ll bestow upon the next tax deduction the wife downloads.
By Andy S.
February 29, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
The AJC picture set from the Islanders game includes a photo of Hossa jumping over the boards in his new jersey. The picture confused me for a pretty good while; it was stranger when I realized it was Hoss. Best of luck to him, I hope he gets better soon.
By Brendan
February 29, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
He sounds like Dan Snyder all over again. Except, ya know, drafted into the NHL in the 1st round. If Colby Armstrong puts up 20 goals a year, it’ll be just fine with me. That’s all fitting in perfect line with a “roll four line, depth strategy” that I’ve been wanting to see tried here in Atlanta.
Hey, if Free Agents won’t come, then why is this a “bad” strategy? Worked for Buffalo in 2006!
By bob (other)
February 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Hossa is no longer a Thrasher. Move on and good riddance. Overpaid, underachiever.
By kracker
February 29, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
It’s gonna be a tough rest of the year for me. I’m solidly, but not happily, in the ‘Thrashers need to tank it’ group. I even made a humorous thread (Operation Stamkos) about it over on hfboards. But I don’t feel good at all about pulling for us to lose, yuck, I hate even typing it. A top five pick is worth it though.
By NASCAR Dave
February 29, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
With HOSSA and CROSBY not playing Sunday, I guess we’ll have to CHEAP SHOT MALKIN OR STAAL FOR OUR DUE REVENGE ON PITT!!!
You mess with Kovy, you better be prepared to take some back you punks!!!
By bob (other)
February 29, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Kracker, we are not out of it yet. Comparatively, in baseball, if a team was 3 or 4 out with 17 to play, most people would still see a race. It will all depend on whether we can string a few wins together,particularly given the fact that teams will be knocking each other off in divisional play. As for the playoffs, if we can get in, win or lose, we have a chance and we need the revenue to lessen the LOSS already being absorbed.
By kracker
February 29, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
bob (other) We are pretty much toast this year.
We sit 8 points out of tying for either the eight spot of the SE division lead. We have 6 sets of back-to-back games remaining, with 4 of those being home-road games and the other two sets are both road games. The first of those is tomorrow and Sunday at Bruins and Pens. 5 of our remaining division games are the second game of the back-to-backs. We play awful in the second game. Remaining division games are 6 road, 5 at home. We traded two guys that have scored 37 goals for two guys that have scored 18m while the Caps ramped up for the playoff push.
The deck is very much stacked against us. Winning 12 more games will not get us in the playoffs but move us down the draft position list. So, regretfully, I am in the tamk-it camp.
By MB
February 29, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Hmmm…so you’re saying we still have a chance.
An interesting thing may, just may be happening on the way to the Flatscreen.
IF we pick up a free agent C this summer and IF Espo rounds into form in the next year or so, center may become our deepest position.
Assuming that Little makes the squad next season, and we let Holik walk, we’ll still have Christensen, Little, Perrin, Slater, and White in the middle. Add our top line new guy (fingers crossed) and potentially the Angel-o Death, and we have a log jam.
As that happens (if it does), we’ll be short on RW, with only Army, Recchi, and Thorburn there currently, and long-shots Haydar, Machachak, Pospisil, and Crabb waiting in the wings, so to speak.
On the left, Kovy, Kozlov, and Larsen are the only ones signed beyond this year, though Boulton would likely be resigned and Sterling and LaVallee offer, arguably, more upside than their compatriots on the right.
Of course some of the boys at center can play on the wing as well, but it would be interesting to see one of our weaknesses become a team strength.
By Tim
February 29, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
At this point if we go up, we can do the playoff, if we go down, we can draft someone who should be able to help us starting next season. Seeing things this way, I am fine with either direction.
By Crazy Diamond
February 29, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
We’ve gone from Heatley to Hossa and DeVries to … what? Rebuild with youth. Stinks to be a Thrasher Fan.
There is so much wrong with the team that even a change in our GM or Coach will not result in a true Cup contender anyime soon.
I don’t believe the Atlanta Spirit ownership is in a position to contend in this league. Poor economics (ticket sales, sponsorships, local TV and radio) in Atlanta to support an NHL franchise on the same level with the top teams. But the ownership should have known that and had the resources ined up to get this franchise moving. Superman could not do a better job with the team given the committment of the Atlanta Spirit Group to spend to the cap. Clear up the Belkin / Atlanta / Washington ownership mess then something good may begin to happen.
By Sage of Bluesland
February 29, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Weakness into a strength at the snap of a fantasy-finger???
…And maybe, just maybe, we’ll wake up in an alternate universe where hamburgers eat people and Don Waddell is deemed a true visionary as opposed to the steward of a failed “Five-Year Plan”…
By Tim
February 29, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Everyone in the Thrashers locker room is fair game now that Colby is there. The talcum powder in Crosby’s towel outside of the shower was a scream. Trust me, he’ll even go after the media. Beware!!!
By GSU-Lee
February 29, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Here is what Iwould like to see next year:
Kovy-Little/New Acquisition-Recchi Perrin-Christensen-Army Slava-White-Little (if not center)-or new acquisition Boults-Slates-Thor
-And if someone has to go to make room for Esposito, maybe Christensen or Little should go to the wing - Just my two cents, but I like Kovy playing with Little, I think they could do each other some good
By GSU-Lee
February 29, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Craig, Great stories on the new guys, really paints a great picture of them and also Mark Recchi as a leader. I think each of these guys will turn out to be pretty goo.
By pond scum
March 1, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
I gotta agree with GSU-Lee,great work as always Craig! Really enjoyed the stories on both our new guys. I think both will be good for us here on into the future.
Was also glad to see Recchi wearing the “A” the other nite.I’m also hoping we get to see him wear it alittle more come next season….he’s shown great chemistry with Kovy from the start and still putting up points.He’s been through alot of battles over his career and can still contribute at a high level,bring him back DW…..don’t Andrew Brunette him!
I like your lines for next season also GSU-Lee,that true #1 center as well as defensive help not named Excelby and a ” full time,hands on,fine detailed” coach should also be top priority who can implement a true “system” for this team.
The possibilities are there and I feel we are closer to being a more consistent team IF those other steps are taken than most people feel.
I can understand the frustration,but c’mon,our guys need the positivity to be felt more often.Vincent Peale would do some here wonders!
By Craig Custance
March 1, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Todd White didn’t make the trip this weekend after cutting his elbow and requiring stitches. Bryan Little will play in his place on the top line. Mac is in for Kiwi.
By Roswell Thrasherfan
March 1, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
craig call me a conspiracy theorist but did white really get hurt or is this don waddells politically correct way of saying “white youre sitting out so i can see how little and kovy play together?” id actually respect waddell if that is what he is doing. why not take the next 15 games to get next year in order and know what you have to do in the offseason.
By Brendan
March 1, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Because, RTF, Don Waddell doesn’t know what to do in the offseason. He’s just as apt to go sign Jason Allison out of retirement as he is to go after Marleau, allowing SJ to trade him before his next contract, the one of the NTC, kicks in.
By Nikita
March 1, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
White also got clobbered in the last game and didn’t play much in the 3rd. Elbow or not, his clock got cleaned.
Just rusteled up tickets on stubhub for this wednesday. And am very much looking forward to some Thrasher play.
By Craig Custance
March 1, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
RTF: I don’t know about that one Roswell, he had 20 stitches in his elbow. But I agree, at some point, they’ll have to get a good look at some of the young players.
By Kevin T.
March 1, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Moose this afternoon?
By Roswell Thrasherfan
March 1, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
thanks craig although injured or not at least they are getting a chance to see little play with kovy. i think this is what we need for the rest of the season to get a look at how these guys will do together so we can better evaluate for next year. i hate to sound so cynical and giving up on this year but “it is what it is”. sorry it had to be said. brendan does ntc = no trade clause?
By Craig Custance
March 1, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Moose
By Smoothie
March 1, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Kovy scores on a penalty shot to tie it at 1. Sluggish start and not much generated on an early PP.
By Brendan
March 1, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
RTF, yes NTC = “No Trade Clause.” Let’s see how San Jose does this year in the playoffs. If the Sharks are bounced in the opening round, or embarrassed in the second, it wouldn’t be that “shocking” to see Marleau moved. Whether he’d be sent here is anyone’s guess.
1-1 Bruins and Thrashers, 8:50 left in the second period. Savard is haveing a half-way decent game for Boston.
By kracker
March 1, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Craig, I can’t find a link to your Army story/interview online. My apologies if I am overlooking it, it’s in the paper but I wanted to link to it.
Nice pieces on Army and EC…they seem to be working in nicely as Thrashers, I like them.
By kracker
March 1, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Brendan, Marleau isn’t one of my first choices at this time for a rebuilding team positioned for a high draft pick. He is very expensive for the Thrashers and is a player that I have some questions about.
Let’s see how the draft goes and then reassess. If we had acquired Marleau at the trade deadline and going all out for playoff seeding this year then I look at Marleau differently and perhaps more favorably as a possible high-cost addition to the team.
By Brendan
March 1, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Okay Russ, I can still see the shoreline … but what’s the tally now? We must win 14 of the next 16 games to get in? The Flyers beat the Islanders 4-1, today, to be alone in 8th place. Isles have 69-points amd Flyers 73. Isles are in 10th spot, I think, with Buffalo in 9th. Boston has 76-points, in 6th spot, I believe.
**Time to play “True or False.” Ready? Put your “thinking caps” on. This is a test and it will be GRADED.
“True or False,” the Atlanta Thrashers knew they’d have to turn it up “big time” after the All-Star break? Answer: True.
“True or False,” the Thrashers knew that if they didn’t head into the trade deadline with 3 wins, that many of them could be sent “packing” in a “firesale?” Answer: True.
“True or False,” the Thrashers have now lost six (6) straight games? Answer: True.
“True or False,” Don Waddell already knew the season was “lost” at the deadline, when, at the most critical juncture, the team was outshot 49-10 in a game vs. their most likely competitor for the 8th and final spot, the NY Islanders, and then proceeded to put forth a “lifeless” effort vs. Carolina and then bottom-feeder Toronto? Answer: True.
“True or False,” If Don Waddell didn’t know the season was “lost” at that point, isn’t that reason #298 to fire him? Answer: TRUE.
“True or False,” the GM left “rentable” players, such as Holik, Recchi, Hedberg, and even Steve McCarthy, on the table? Answer: True.
“True or False,” Don Waddell could re-sign Holik, Recchi, Hedberg, and McCarthy in the offseason, even if he had “rented” them out? Answer: True.
Sorry … it’s no fun to play “True or False” when someone gives you the answers. Mea culpa.
By Brendan
March 1, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
John Manasso has another article in The Sporting News. This time, instead of Heatley, its focus is on Marc Savard.
By Stats
March 1, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Posted on RH Blog
*Stendec????? Hello?????
He is awfully quiet. Seems Moose did not fair any better than Kari. I thought Hedberg played well, but using Stendec logic, the 2 regulation goals were definately “marshmallow soft”
I am waiting to hear how today’s game was Kari’s fault. Maybe he is over on Craig’s blog….*
…. Nope, he is not here either.
Strange, considering his boy Moose was in net. I’ll say it again - goaltending just is not the problem.
By sensiblefan
March 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Brendan, if you are such a mind reader, care to tell us what happens next? Didn’t realize you were so close to Don Waddell to know his thoughts. You can’t possibly be serious in thinking Don Waddell hasn’t tried everything humanly possible to get this team in the right position - how would you like to do your job(s) with your hands tied to an idiot ownership AND have so many “armchair fans” telling you what you should or should not be doing? The man has more class than any of you ranting maniacs will ever have - so much so that if you ever had the guts to rant to him face to face, I am sure you would walk away feeling different about so much. Give the man a break - better yet, move to another team that warrants your mindless ranting.
By Long Blue Line
March 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
http://www.centsports.com/?opcode=26663
Bet on the Thrashers and other NBA, NHL, NCAA games!
By Long Blue Line
March 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
http://www.centsports.com/?opcode=26663
Bet on the Thrashers and other NBA, NHL, NCAA games!
By Brendan
March 1, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Sensiblefan, my business card doesn’t read, “Clairvoyant—seances by appointment only.” But I appreciate your “faith” in me. In his shoes, I would hate it. I have tried, and tried, and tried to understand what possibly goes through Don Waddell’s mind. Believe me.
Is Don Waddell blameless? Is he really? Couldn’t he have done a “bit” better than two (2) defenseman out of 27 drafted, into the starting lineup, since 1999? The ASG tells him who to pick, do they?? He’s had more opportunity than any GM could possibly “ask for.” Two 1st overall picks. Two second overall picks. Two 8th overall picks. One 10th overall pick, and one 12th overall pick. He’s been the GM for 10 years. And eight seasons. It is what it is.
Would Don Waddell be well within his rights to quit, in disgust, over his working conditions he has? Sure. I wouldn’t blame him! Not one little bit. The ASG are “terrible” owners. No debate, Sensiblefan.
I’ve been face to face with Don Waddell, and I find him to be a rather “personable” and “approachable” guy. And yes, one with an abundance of class. Would Don Waddell tell you, that he wished Damian Rhodes had worked out? Sure. And Hnilicka? Yes. And Byron Dafoe? Yeah. And/or Steve Shields, Mike Dunham, Michael Garnett, or any other goalie you might want to mention? YESSSS, and Don Waddell is the sort to tell you, “face-to-face” how disappointed he was with them. Why? ‘Cuz he’s an honest and classy man. If you asked him, “Back in 1999, is this where you envisioned this team?,” do you honestly think Don Waddell would lie and say, “Yes, it’s precisely where I thought it would be, outside of the playoff picture, in March 2008?” Or, is it more realistic that he’s say … “To be honest, I’d hope we’d have been at least to the second a few times, and probably the Conference Finals, if not the Stanley Cup.”
That’s a “would-be” honest answer from Waddell. In short, he’d ADMIT that things haven’t gone right. He’d admit … that he’s had to do things as GM, that he NEVER imagined he’d do, like bury a player. But if you asked him, “Don, do you think you should be fired?” What would he say?
What would YOU say? And what you would “think” that he’d say? I tell you what I think he’d say. He might say, “I can see, honestly, where people would point to zero series wins, only one playoff berth, and no playoff victories at all, after 8 years, and demand some accountability. I’d just ask such people to be more patient. We got good value back for Hossa. We’re still trying. And hopefully things will go better next year.”
Well, that’s a rahter political answer. But it’s what I think he’d say. But again, I’m not a soothsayer, mindreader, or clairvoyant, despite claims to the contrary.
By Sage of Bluesland
March 1, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
I see our brilliant Donny is posting his drivel here as well…
Donny, I’ve tried to tell you earlier—you have a house to get ready to sell very, very soon! You have ‘better’ things to do with your time than come on here and try to defend your pitiful performance over the past decade…
You have come close to ruining hockey in this city—but your stench will be mercifully gone soon enough…Your incompetence over almost a decade has been unbelievable—and still you have some sheep in your corner, defending your every blunder and misstep…
GaVaSheep is now a laughable shell of his former self—he still bewieved in Bwuewand!
(Let’s junk that Donny-concept as well—every thing his minor-league mind has thought of or his buffoonish actions have rotted…)
By Roswell Thrasherfan
March 1, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
sensiblefan, i know someone who used to work with and is still rather close with the team. and 99.99% of the complaints on this blog are not what the asg loses sleep over. i come here to talk hockey find out who is starting who is hurt etc. i can also tell you that some of the things i do hear about you would be amazed at what really happens there. let the ranters rant they have no influence on what really happens. there are some good posters here that actually know the game though listen to them and dont get dragged into a battle with anyone
By KJ David
March 1, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Habs inside/out wants allHotlanta losers to visit our site this weekend for a deadline and trivia contest with guests. We will also talk about why the South lost the War, as well as why Hee Haw is your number one rated show.
By T-Bone
March 1, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
After reading the article this morning where the Hawks GM Billy Knight wanted to fire their coach but was refused by ASG it got me thinking that DW maybe really did want to trade some others at the deadline like Holik, Recchi, and Hedburg but was refused by ASG as an admission of giving up on the playoffs in the midst of their season ticket renewal drive with the big playoff seat marketing hook. It’s the only rational answer I can come up with for why he didn’t unload those guys and get some 2nd round draft picks.
By Brendan
March 1, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Scary moments for Colorado’s Ryan Smythe. Glad to see he’s going to be okay, for the most part.
By David
March 1, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t have just traded away holik or moose for a 3rd or 4th round pick. A) it’s not worth it in my opinion and B) it gives your franchise a bad image. It shows now loyalty to anybody whatsoever. I think keeping the players on for the rest of the year is a good thing.
By Jim
March 2, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Craig: Good stories about our two newcomers. We certainly need more like them and a total transformation of the D. and system. It’s not going to come with DW at the top. We’ll probably re-sign Holik and DW will swear that Rucchin is rehabed and redady to go. C’mon, if it wasn’t for Tampa and LA we’d be at the bottom of the barrel. It’s sickening to see what was so promising a couple of seasons back unravel so quickly. The GMs and coaches of the Caps and Canes have done a great job, DW gets an “F”.
By Thrashers27
March 2, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
All hope is not lost…We have two games in hand on Carolina and we face them three more times. That would account for ten points. With 16 games left to play it’s not a terrible stretch of the imagination to think the Thrash could still end up in the mix come April.
By David Duke
March 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
so, how’s everything down at Boohoo Land? Are the Trash playing good ice puckey? When do the prayoffs start?
By Larry
March 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or is the game at Pittsburgh today REALLY QUIET? I don’t hear the fans in the game at all. It’s like they are all sitting on their hands just waiting for the Pens to break out. I really like how the Thrashers weathered that first 2-minutes of the game today. Kari is playing great in goal and we have really dominated the game in terms of the PK, hitting and aggression since the middle of the 1st period. 20-more minutes to go and maybe we can steal two points today!
By Larry
March 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or is the game at Pittsburgh today REALLY QUIET? I don’t hear the fans in the game at all. It’s like they are all sitting on their hands just waiting for the Pens to break out. I really like how the Thrashers weathered that first 2-minutes of the game today. Kari is playing great in goal and we have really dominated the game in terms of the PK, hitting and aggression since the middle of the 1st period. 20-more minutes to go and maybe we can steal two points today!
By Nikita
March 2, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Toay’s game wasn’t bad, particularly given how well-ranked PIT is…now, if we can just play a little harder and win in regulation, then that’ll make my season.
Switching gears, I am going to the game Wednesday, and I plan to go with my game face on. Any ideas for signage, body painting, glitter, etc.? I’m thinking of giving props to the 4th line (‘cause Thorburn and Slater are heating up), and whipping up some general encouragement.
(And by the way, you guys had better be cheering with me.)
By stendec
March 2, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
I have had it! Ilya “I Only Try When I Want To” Kovalchuk went through motions in shootout. Was that only evident to me? Expected Letemin to fold up like cheap toilet paper in shootout but so-called team star? Another Marian Hossa on horizon! Somebody tell the prima donna there is no “I” in TEAM. There is one in Ilya. From first to worst? Without a doubt. Deservedly so! Thrashers quit weeks ago. What a bunch of untalented clueless quitters. GO FLAMES!
By Brendan
March 2, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Stendec, you are being a little hard on Kovalchuk. I understand your “situation.” Believe me, I love this team and I want them to win and make a directional change, too. But pinning this on Kovy is really, really misplaced. If you had pointed to “Kozzie”—as in ‘first goal in 15 games.’ Perhaps I’d have said you have a point.
Dude, #17 hasn’t “quit” on anything all year. If anything, perhaps, he’s still suffering from the knee collision from Ruutu. Think about it.
By yr9 of 15yr plan
March 2, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
This franchise is PATHETIC!!!!!!!!
By sick of losers
March 2, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
All of you who are thinking playoffs—get a life. Besides, the only hope we have of ASG making real changes is for the team to finish WAY out of the playoffs. If we’re close, they’ll let DW tinker around thinking we are only a player or two away. Look at last year’s offseason—did we pick up anyone you really were excited about? Anyone you are still exicted about? In addition to second rate players (Kovy, Moose, Enstrom excepted)which is the fault of the GM, I blame Holik. Why was the most notable thing about today’s game the high effort level? These guys are professionals—shouldn’t it be expected that they have a high effort level EVERY game? Isn’t it the captain’s job to make sure they give it their all? On most teams, perhaps but on this one all we hear is Holik saying most nights how we didn’t show up. When will he not show up in the sin bin at a critical time?
If you want change, vote with your feet. Call your ticket rep and tell them what they can do with the season ticket renewal package. Unless we tell them we won’t buy sh—, then sh— on ice is exactly what we will continue to get.
By Sage of Bluesland
March 2, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
How ironic, “sick of losers”, you do know that our brilliant Donny spent much time as a Port-a-Potty salesman??? (more time doing that than with the Red Wings as Assistant GM…There is a complete myth which attaches the Wings’ success to our bumbling idiotic Donny! listen closely to the ‘baaah’ing and you’ll hear it! Ignorance isn’t an admirable trait—even in sheep)
Sh__ on ice? Yep, that about sums up Don Waddell’s tour as Czar of the Thrashers for nearly the past decade…
In the salary-cap environment, all teams can only spend so much money. Thus, the quality of the decision-making is the difference between good teams and bad ones. There is no other excuse—the field is completely level.
Well, given that portable toilets and the contents therein is Donny’s TRUE medium…
By phil
March 3, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers are playing as if they’re a man short on offense. They simply cannot get set up on offense-I haven’t seen them struggle like this in a while. DON WADDELL NEEDS TO GO! He actually said after the Penguins game that HE WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THOSE GUYS (Thrashers). ARE YOU KIDDING ME????
By phil
March 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Hey! Woulndn’t it be great if the Atlanta Spirit Ownership called a press conference to say that they were terminating BOTH THE HAWKS AND THE THRASHERS COACHES AND GENERAL MANAGER(S)!! IT WOULD BE A FIRST IN PRO SPORTS!! AND IT’S NOT REALLY THAT CRAZY AN IDEA!! GEEZ, WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THESE TEAMS/COACHES??
By phil
March 3, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Hey! Woulndn’t it be great if the Atlanta Spirit Ownership called a press conference to say that they were terminating BOTH THE HAWKS AND THE THRASHERS COACHES AND GENERAL MANAGER(S)!! IT WOULD BE A FIRST IN PRO SPORTS!! AND IT’S NOT REALLY THAT CRAZY AN IDEA!! GEEZ, WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THESE TEAMS/COACHES??