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Monday, March 3, 2008
Better for Thrashers: Playoffs or lottery pick?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kind of a bizarre weekend. After the Hossa trade, I was talking to one of the Thrashers and we were saying how strong the team would be in the shootout with the pickup of Erik Christensen to go with Kozlov. Then, naturally, the Thrashers go out and lose two consecutive shootouts - without scoring a goal.
I really thought it was curious that Slava Kozlov didn’t get the call last night in the shootout. Waddell said he was trying to mix things up after getting shut out in Boston, which I understand. But no Kozlov? I would have loved to ask Slava his thoughts on the decision after the game, but he declined to speak to the media.
The team is playing relatively well, but they still sit at No. 14 in the 15-team Eastern Conference. You have to love the NHL - the Thrashers have now lost seven straight but are officially 3-4-3 in their last ten. That’s why there’s just a spark of hope for Wednesday’s game against Carolina. It comes down to that game. To keep that sliver of hope alive, this game can’t go overtime. It can’t go into a shootout. The Thrashers need a good old-fashioned regulation win. I’m not even sure what one of those is like.
Interesting to talk to people in Pittsburgh, where there seems to be a mixed reaction to the Marian Hossa trade. I don’t think it helps that Hossa isn’t playing. If he had a couple goals already, I’m sure it’d be different. The talk right now is whether or not the Penguins can sign him. They have a lot of young talent now that will get expensive pretty soon. I’m sure Evgeni Malkin is going to want to get paid, and what are they going to do in goal? Plus, do you really want to spend most of your cap on three forwards - Hossa, Crosby and Malkin? Actually, if you’re going to do it, that’s not a bad three.
Ray Shero made the trade with hopes of signing Hossa. He compared it to the Gary Roberts deal last year. If you remember, Roberts waived his no-trade clause and was dealt from Florida to Pittsburgh. He enjoyed the stretch run and re-upped with the Pens. It’s an attractive option - there’s a ton of young talent, sellout crowds and new arena on the way. But boy, I’d be surprised if Marian didn’t test free agency. He’s come this far in the process.
There were a ton of signs for Colby Armstrong and Christensen at the game, and both were cheered loudly during intros. Armstrong was the first visiting player I’ve ever seen get huge cheers when an assist was announced. At one point, the scoreboard flashed ‘Thanks for the Memories’ for Armstrong and Christensen. One Pittsburgh media member found that interesting considering it was Mark Recchi’s first game back in the building as a visitor since the 2003-04 season, but he didn’t get any mention. All he did, it was pointed out dryly, was lead the team to a Stanley Cup and score 500 goals.
So I’m curious - are you guys rooting for a miracle run here at the end of the season, or would you prefer to see some call-ups like Boris Valabik and Brett Sterling get some ice-time to see what they can do? What do you think would be more beneficial for this team long-term - another playoff trip for more postseason experience, or a lottery pick in which the Thrashers get grab one of a group of talented young defensemen?
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