Thrashers

By The Falconer

March 4, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about Brendan, but as of today I’m officially ready for a new GM. I’d prefer to see Waddell moved up to the President where he can continue to do fan and media relations but I’ve lost confidence in his ability to construct a contender. I have more comments in my post today but this has been gradually building.

Pro sports is a bottom line business and Waddell’s bottom line just isn’t good enough. Someone else should be give it a try. The money hasn’t been well spent and the team have failed to take decisive steps to address long running problems in goal and on the blueline. After 8 years I’m weary of it and his past Free Agent decisions inspire little confidence.

By Boulton's Bruisers

March 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Hopefully the abrubt exit is due to Levenson calling Waddell and letting him know his services are no longer needed.

Fingers crossed…

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

The Avs lost Stastny and Smyth, I wouldn’t exactly qualify that as “getting healthy”. I’m thinking their moves were made in desperation, and won’t be helping them too much in the long run.

I wouldn’t want to be an Avalanche fan right now.

By J(Z)

March 4, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Didn’t we have someone who is a regular here dealing with Center Ice? Only one month of the season and last I heard (after the break) it was still around $99. Anyone know what it costs if I were to get it right now? Craig has me excited for some good games starting with tonight!

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Falconer — Good point regarding Waddell, he might be the perfect fit for conduit between GM and Ownership group. Mullin’s replacement might just be Waddell.

Buzilla and Custance — I’m in agreement with you both about Valabik. Last I heard (read it on Hockey’s Future) was that Valabik is STILL having problems with finding skates that work for him. Apparently he has to replace them ever week because he wears them out so quickly. Playing wise though I feel his size would be a huge benefit, his demeanor (most penalty minutes are roughing or fighting, not many hooking or holding penalties) would easily replicate Exelby and Boulton combined, and he’d be the type of enforcer that would definitely scare people from messing with Kovalchuk.

I’m all about Valabik, I hope to see him (on TV unfortunately) during the 2008 camp.

By J(Z)

March 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 - Statsknee and Sakic just came back. They lost Smyth (“indefinitely”) and Svatos (out for the year). And Forsberg returns tonight. And they also added Foote. I don’t think they’re in such bad shape.

By Craig Custance

March 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

ranallo - forgot about that, I’m taking it out and denying that I ever said it.

Boulton: By abrupt, I mean they were kicked off the ice by McCrimmon.

By SKL

March 4, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Man, that outburst by Beast at practice today was intense. It was definitely worse than the “e-mail from his brother” incident a few months ago, which I also had the pleasure of witnessing. I couldn’t really tell what set him off, since I thought the guys were pretty focused and kept the antics to a minimum throughout the practice. Whatever it was, it was enough to make him throw his gloves and kick his stick before ripping them a new one. I wonder how this’ll affect their performance tomorrow night.

By The Falconer

March 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

SKL: can you give more details on the “email from my brother” incident? Did he say he brother was asking why the team looked flat? IIRC he and his brother have done some coaching clinics over in Europe the last couple of summers.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

J(Z) — Thanks for the correction, I knew it was a “S” name…

Custance — It’s what I expect from you, nothing less. Deny deny deny!

By SKL

March 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Falconer- Back in December, the team was looking a little flat during practice, so McCrimmon called them over and tore them a new one, much like he did today (although I think today was much worse). From what I heard, when he was asked about it later, he joked that he was just sharing with them a funny e-mail he’d gotten from his brother.

By Robert

March 4, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’m officially on the “fire waddell” wagon. I don’t want him as president either. “Blue Land”??? What the h&ll is that?? STUPID. It makes us look like idiots around the league, just as much as our team does lately. Sad. Side note, the Center Ice package IS the greatest thing on earth. LOVE HOCKEY.

By Robert

March 4, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’m officially on the “fire waddell” wagon. I don’t want him as president either. “Blue Land”??? What the h&ll is that?? STUPID. It makes us look like idiots around the league, just as much as our team does lately. Sad. Side note, the Center Ice package IS the greatest thing on earth. LOVE HOCKEY.

By R. Stroz

March 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Didn’t BH get fired because the players grew tired and stopped responding to BH’s fire and brimstone tactics?

This team needs strategy more than anything else.

Yelling at the players to score a goal or play defense doesn’t teach them how to do so. Teaching them a system which puts them in a better position to do both would be considerably more productive.

By Bob

March 4, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I think if the team loses on Wednesday and falls out of the race

You don’t think they’re out the race already (and have been for quite a while)?!?! You’re too close and need to take a step back and get some perspective on this club, methinks.

I’d prefer to see Waddell moved up to the President where he can continue to do fan and media relations but I’ve lost confidence in his ability to construct a contender

Waddell is good for fan relations, he’s a nice guy. But this club needs an enema. A clean fresh start from the top down. I’ve felt for quite some time that the guys that have supported Waddell are the ones that met him face to face in Chalk Talks etc. and like the guy and wanted to support him. Shoot, he’s a nice guy. That’s probably why you find it hard to say “just fire him”. But it’s better for the organ-I-zation if they get someone in here and put him in charge. They’ll handicap themselves in attracting a quality GM if the prospective GM knows he has to come in under Waddell. The new guy needs to have autonomy to fix the deep issues Waddell will leave behind. Clean slate is the way they need to go.

So Beast is throwing things and trying to light fires, eh? Too little, too late. Welcome to Atlanta, Colby and Eric.

By The Falconer

March 4, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Robert: I know several people who also hate the “Blueland” theme.

Personally I think most marketing promotions are pretty lame. You should see the comments Red Wings fans had when they came up with “Fire on Ice” as their new theme. People in Detroit were ripping on it pretty hard.

So if you were put in charge of the Thrashers marketing theme what would you pick over the Blueland thing?

By AuburnZ

March 4, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

I went to practice today to get my Kovy all star jersey signed and saw Beast go off on the team. Not sure what set him off, but I haven’t heard that much usage of the f word. Team looked upset, but not ignited.

By J(Z)

March 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

I didn’t like Blueland at first, but it’s grown on me and now I actually don’t mind it.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the marketing campaign decided upon by the marketing department? GM and EVP doesn’t exactly sound like “marketing department” to me. If you want to get mad at someone for “Believe in Blueland”, get mad at Lou DePaoli.

DePaoli is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer…he’s the highest one on the totem poll to “blame” for anything you dislike about marketing.

By David Lee

March 4, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Custance - give it me straight, what is wrong with the chemistry on this team? These guys don’t fight for each other. It appears the only guys worth a damn and are trying are Kovy and Ricci. The rest of them look like the Falcons in late season.

By Bob

March 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I know several people who also hate the “Blueland” theme

I don’t know one person that likes it, it’s an embarrassment, especially for a hockey club. And that was one of the items in my open letter to Levenson for him to fix, following up on Rawhide’s excellent blog today.

By the way, did anyone else get the invite to the last minute Town Hall Meeting that was just called to be held this Friday before the Wild game? These guys are in full on scramble mode, season tix renewals must be even worse than I imagined, and I knew they were bad.

It all starts at the top, one fix, quality GM, and they can get this thing turned around.

By Midfield

March 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

I kind of feel for McCrimmon. There’s certainly a lot to be frustrated about. The question is whether the yelling is going to do anything. I still think that merciless healthy scratching is a more effective tool. But then again, it may not be available to the Beast. If that’s the case, I’d be shouting profanities too.

By Alan

March 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Stroz - I definitely agree. You don’t yell at a kid because he or she spilled milk. You show them the proper way of drinking it, and perhaps where to place the milk on the table so it doesn’t get spilled very easily. Same applies here. You don’t yell at players because they’re not producing to your liking, you teach them and demonstrate to them how to play to your liking. This is exactly why I’m against Beast being anywhere near a coaching position on this team. Having a temper tantrum is not setting a good example.

Craig - I think you can count me closer to the “Fire Waddell” camp, as far as being a GM is concerned. I do think he would be a good team President, though. He can keep an executive role, just so long as he’s also nowhere near the players on the ice.

The problem is, this team doesn’t have a system. That’s why we keep falling flat.

By timthebrave

March 4, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Thrashers are going to win 8 out of next 10 and make the playoffs. I’ll see you Wed. to the true fans. If ya’ll want to get off the bandwagon I know you don’t mind me moving down to your empty seat. Go Thrashers

By drew

March 4, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Blueland Blows!!! While ASG is house-cleaning, they need to get rid of those f* looking home jerseys, too!!!

By Boulton's Bruisers

March 4, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

By the way, did anyone else get the invite to the last minute Town Hall Meeting that was just called to be held this Friday before the Wild game? These guys are in full on scramble mode, season tix renewals must be even worse than I imagined, and I knew they were bad.

Yep. They are getting close. Maybe they realize what we have realized for many years now… WADDELL NEEDS TO GO! NOW!

But in reality it’s probably gonna be some PR BS about how they are gonna change things this offseason. Sorry, thats too little too late for me. My family will not be re-newing Season Tickets unless Waddell is gone.

By Alan

March 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Blueland Blows!!! While ASG is house-cleaning, they need to get rid of those f looking home jerseys, too!!!*

What would you have them do for new sweaters? Personally, I like these more than the last home sweaters we had.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Alan — I miss the old design (the silhouette), but at least they have it on the shoulders and in their advertisements/graphics. However, my first concern about a hockey team is not the uniform…maybe that’s just me and my goofy priorities.

By curiouser and curiouser

March 4, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

So yesterday I gave you the numbers run the bad way. Today, the same numbers, a different way ‘round:

We have 15 games left to play and are 8 points back with a game in hand, right… so what are those games?

4 are against Florida; 3 are against Carolina; 2 are against Washington; 2 are against Tampa Bay. That’s 11 games in our division, all of which are eminently winnable. The hardest opponent will likely be Washington, who made some solid moves at the deadline.

The other four games? Minnesota, Colorado, Calgary, and Philly. Three Western Conference playoff teams and one choker that we still can’t seem to beat. A reasonable expectation here would be no more than 2 points out of these, though it’d be nice if the West decided to take the night off against us.

For those of you who don’t get it: It’s not over until it’s over, as cliche as it sounds. Now, if they go out there and lay an egg against Carolina on Wednesday, that will start to push it beyond reasonable; it takes the results out of our control. But until Thursday morning, hold your water. There’s lots of hockey left to be played.

By Andy S

March 4, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Like I’ve said before, I’ve been a Waddell apologist previously. However, I’m shifting towards throwing the baby out with the bathwater here. Hartley got canned, and it got a little better, but not for the long term. There’s a virus in Blueland and the whole thing needs to be rebooted.

Speaking of Blueland, it is just a dumb marketing gimmick, but at least they stuck to it and made an identity for the casual fans.

By will

March 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Waddell’s head needs to be shaved at Center Ice. I’m hoping for some kind of miracle.

By Russ

March 4, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

If we’re making significant marketing changes anyway, let’s start from scratch with the nickname. I’m a Thrashers fan, but I haven’t liked the “Thrasher” name from day one - It sounds gay if you ask me. Not too mention, isn’t it a bird that weighs about 1/2 a pound? That’s intimidating! Why don’t they just call themselves the Atlanta Hummingbirds.

By vlad

March 4, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

The Blueland theme is lame. However, what is considerably worse is the radio commercial that has the Dr. Laura sound alike screaming about Blueland and Kovy. Fortunately, with the low power of the broadcasting stations, not many people here it.

By vlad

March 4, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

The Blueland theme is lame. However, what is considerably worse is the radio commercial that has the Dr. Laura sound alike screaming about Blueland and Kovy. Fortunately, with the low power of the broadcasting stations, not many people hear it.

By Alan

March 4, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

However, my first concern about a hockey team is not the uniform

Definitely not my first concern, either. It’s not the uniform that matters, it’s what’s wearing the uniform. And unfortunately, we have several players who deserve to be wearing semi-pro or minor league uniforms instead of Thrashers uniforms.

By NASCAR Dave

March 4, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

4 are against Florida; 3 are against Carolina; 2 are against Washington; 2 are against Tampa Bay. That’s 11 games in our division, all of which are eminently winnable.

DUDE, HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING THE GAMES? THIS TEAM SUCKS! THEY HAVE NO HEART LEFT. THEY BAGGED THE SEASON BACK AT CHRISTMAS!

HOW CAN YOU EXPECT THINGS TO CHANGE NOW?

By Chica

March 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

McCrimmon was right; McCrimmon was wrong. Right to get a point across that they stink; wrong the nite before a big game when this team nds all the practice time it can get.

By Alan

March 4, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

THEY BAGGED THE SEASON BACK AT CHRISTMAS!

Last game before Christmas was against the St. Louis Blues. Atlanta won that game. As a matter of fact, it was part of a back-to-back series that they won. I think it was their first back-to-back in which they took both games.

If you notice, the team now is playing with more intensity. More heart. They’re starting to play now like they care. It’s probably too little, too late… but I think it makes the games more enjoyable for me to watch now than it did when I watched the Islanders and Carolina games just before the trade deadline.

By Nikita

March 4, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Various thoughts…

I’m attending the upcoming game. And I am bringing signage and maybe a blue crew outfit. See ya in your body paint, Ryan?

Like the home jerseys. Dislike the away jerseys.

Believe in Blueland…it’s ok, but it kind of evokes a communist gulag with all the depressing gray/blue/stark photography stuff. The stop mo is cool, though.

re: the Thrasher…it’s our state bird, people. Geesh.

I’d say the chances of getting Dupuis back are, like, nil. We have a million forwards, and most of them are better.

By Serge Aubin

March 4, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Bring back Serge Aubin! xD

Waddell really should’ve dumped guys like Holik, Larsen, Slater, Boulton, Zhitnik and ESPECIALLY Exelby at the trading deadline. Holik is the only guy out of that list that anyone would’ve wanted, but the others could be dumped down to Chicago. Bring up the young guys. This season is over, and they need experience.

Oh, and buy out Todd White in the offseason. He’s absolutely useless.

By kracker

March 4, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

The short version: Tho saddled with a myraid of difficulties out of his control, Waddell has had long enough to make decent progress, so…DW goes…ASG hires best GM available, paying whatever it takes…new GM assesses coaches, scouts and trainers, etc., changing as necessary to fit his vision of team identity…players, draftees, FAs, trades are assessed and dealt with so as to fit the same vision and style of play…owners back the GM fully to pay all the bills and salaries as may be required…new team executes newly defined style of play with success….ticket sales and fan maina soar.

There you go, Bruce L. Run with it. Do these things. Check them off the list as each is accomplished.

By Hotrod

March 4, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Cant wait to see the article.

I was there as well and McCrimmon should of blown earlier in the practice. He couldnt hold it any longer and I dont blame him.

I will post a comment after I see the article.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Sorry I’m “late,” Craig. It pains me to say it … but yes. It’s time to let Waddell go. Shoot, even ifff it were the “wrong decision,” it’s time to make a some sort of change. But it’s not the wrong decision. We’re smack dab in the middle of a “P.R. train-wreck.” The one constant here … through it all … is Don Waddell. There’s just no running away from that. After 10 years, eight seasons, 27 defensemen draft picks, and zero playoff wins … It is what it is. But Don Waddell had “nothing to work with.” Really? He’s had two 1st overall picks, two 2nd overall picks, two 8th overall picks, one 10th overall pick and one 12th overall pick. Most GM’s would sacrifice a testicle to have eight picks in the top 12 over nine (9) years of drafting. Shoot, they’d just want the opportunity to draft nine times!!

For the record, I wish it had been different. Truly, I do. I wish that man, Don Waddell, had experienced more success than he did. He “deserved” to be successful. He’s kind-hearted, caring, and an honorable “family” man. But he had his shot. So, I totaly agree with (poster) Falconer there. It’s time to let someone ELSE make the decisions that a GM should make.

Where I respectfully disagree with Falconer is on this point. And I’ve mentioned it several times now on RAWHIDE’s blog. Ifffff the ASG is going to fire Don Waddell, they must “do it right.” Don Waddell isn’t merely the “Head Coach,” “General Manager,” “Executive V.P. of Hockey Operations,” the voting member of the “Board of Governors,” etc. He is the HOCKEY CZAR here in Atlanta. He’s allllll anyone has ever known!! If the ASG is really going to make a change, they’ve got to do it COMPLETELY. Like a “bandaid,” you’ve got to tear it right off. The employees and players and fans … have to REALLY KNOW that … The CZAR IS DEAD. Otherwise, you’re not really turning the page. Don Waddell is “lingering,” possibly still in some “advisory capacity.”

Sound familiar? Well, if you follow the NY Islanders, this is the saga of former GM Mike Milbury, who mismanaged them for 10 years, and still has “sway” with owner Charles Wang, whose approach is a “govern by committee” approach.

I’m sorry. I can’t support that. If you’re going to fire Waddell, fire him. He’ll land another gig in the NHL. He’s got “friends all over the place.” I think he’s well-respected among his GM peers enough to be given some fan and media relations job. That’s my $0.02.

By MB

March 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Bob, any other details on the Town Hall meeting this Friday?

Sage and LAC, could this be the opportunity you’ve been awaiting?

By kracker

March 4, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Believe in Blueland? Who cares? What I mean is it really doesn’t matter…Hockeytown may have seemed hokey at first (I’m just speculating) but the Wings backed it up as winners…ergo, the only promotion that matters is winning. Win and the Blueland tag sounds just fine, lose and it sounds very trite.

By Mark

March 4, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how anyone can support Waddell. Look at how this team is constructed. Good play-off teams are strong up the middle. Meaning they have good goal-tending, good defense and strong centerman. Lehtonen may end up being a good or really good goalie but he is inconsistent at this point but Hedberg has been a good back-up. I’ll give Waddell a pass there but the other two areas are horrible. We have no #1 or #2 centerman. Holik is a serviceable #3 at best. White is a #3 on most play-off teams with the ability to play #2 minutes due to injuries. It’s a joke that Waddell thought he was going to be Kovy’s centerman. Every point he has is because Kovy has been pretty darn good this season and not because White has been creating opportunities for Kovy. Savard should have never been let go and that’s an indisputable fact but Waddell got cheap once again. By the way, $5M a year is a great deal for a #1 center and that is what Savard signed for in Boston. Our defense is really bad. Beyond Enstrom and Havelid, who is there? Klee? He’s a good #6 but he’s playing 2nd pairing minutes. Exelby? He’s a horrible defenseman that everyone gives a pass because he makes nice open ice hits … but how many times has he left the team out to dry going for those hits? The rest aren’t even worth mentioning. Oh, and while we are stuck with Zhitnik, Coburn has developed into a stud playing for Philly and is now playing 30 mins on the top pairing, against other teams top lines, leads the team in +/- and has almost 30 points on the season. That was a grrreat trade, let me tell you. I guess it saved Waddell’s job for one season though.

By David

March 4, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a fan of DW from the beginning, but I feel like it’s time for a change. Not because he’s necessarily doing a “bad” job, but the organization needs a new feel.

By curiouser and curiouser

March 4, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry. I can’t support that. If you’re going to fire Waddell, fire him. He’ll land another gig in the NHL. He’s got “friends all over the place.” I think he’s well-respected among his GM peers enough to be given some fan and media relations job. That’s my $0.02.

Yes. There are only two faces to this decision: either you fire him and start fresh, or you stick with him 100%. Parking him off in the corner with a “reduced responsibility” role does not actually do any good.

By Rob

March 4, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

curiouser, believe me DW approved the “blueland” crap. He was in Detriot for “hockeytown” and thought he could do something down here like that. Problem is we suck and DW can’t draft. It gets old having teams come here and beat on the thrashers and then listen to fans laugh about “blueland”. Zero centers and Zero D-man in 8 plus years? Cmon DW. I will give all of you that he is a very nice guy, but that has NOTHING TO DO WITH BUILDING A WINNER. He has got to go and once again start building around Kovy. Poor guy, I bet Kovy CANT wait to get out of town. Frustrating for sure.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

David, “thank you.”

By Nikita

March 4, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

How awesome would our team be if we upgraded to just two top-notch D positions and one center?

If we kept, say, Havelid, Enstrom, Klee (in a 3rd line position), the new kids, 6 of our current 20 million forwards, and upgraded with just three additions, we’d have a pretty competitive group.

By NASCAR Dave

March 4, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Man, that outburst by Beast at practice today was intense. It was definitely worse than the “e-mail from his brother” incident a few months ago, which I also had the pleasure of witnessing. I couldn’t really tell what set him off, since I thought the guys were pretty focused and kept the antics to a minimum throughout the practice. Whatever it was, it was enough to make him throw his gloves and kick his stick before ripping them a new one. I wonder how this’ll affect their performance tomorrow night.

WELL IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME! SHOULD OF BEEN DONE MONTHS AGO — DURING THE GAMES!

THIS TEAM IS SO PATHETIC IT HURTS! :(

By Sage of Bluesland

March 4, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Team gets thrown off the ice, huh? Silly grandstanding to save a job(s)…Nothing more, nothing less.

Actually, this is the pitiful end to the Don Waddell era—a time of empty bombast, promises, and utter failures…

I’d give anything to be there for the ‘townhall meeting’…Anything…Of course, I’d be shown the door promptly as soon as FACTS of our pitiful history and severe underperformance are listed…

Bob was right—you BETTER believe that the wheels of fear are in motion for the Spirit boys…Whoever thinks the non-renewals are (only!) a couple of hundred needs to put the crack-pipe down very slowly…

The proverbial chickens are coming home to roost all over our incompetent Donny’s face…Too bad ol’ Sage spotted that fraud many years ago—but not many would listen!

Are you listening now? Are you?

By George

March 4, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

I don’t get why everyone thinks DW should be fired isn’t it McCrimmon doing most of the coaching and running of prac?

By Tony C.

March 4, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Sage-

Those of us that agree are beginning to tire of the “I told you so” bit.

You were right.

Feel validated now?

Not to be too b!tchy, but howabout being sage-like and coming up with a list of AVAILABLE potential GM clients???

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Sage — I’d give anything to be there for the ‘townhall meeting’…Anything

Well, I’ll give you my STH invite, in exchange for you to back up your talk and actually do something during the meeting. Do anything, go to the meeting, tell them how you REALLY feel. You wont be shown the door, you’ll be ignored, it’s quite simple. You’ll have your chance to say your peace, and when you do you’ll choke and instead of lambasting them you’ll simply spin your dribble into a PC friendly version of your consistent sewage of an opinion.

I’m not worried, I’m listening…go grow some balls and do it in public, I’m daring you.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Craig, I have a very serious question I’d like to have posed to Brad McCrimmon. If you’d be so kind … as you have “access” to him, I would be much obliged.

Here now, the question: “Brad, were you EVVV-VER offered the ‘Head Coaching’ position?” And if so, did you decline it on the basis of it not being a ‘multi-year’ deal?”

I’m reallllly curious to hear what he says. If he says, “No, it was never offered to me.” Or, “No, it was never ‘formally’ offered to me,” then it’s pretty clear that we have a “hearsay” situation on our hands, as it relates to a blog post on Rawhide’s blog. If he says, “Yes, Don Waddell offered me the job. I declined it.” That’s equally interesting, isn’t it? For it begs the question, “Whyyyy did he decline it?” And if the answer really is, “I declined the post because it wasn’t a ‘multi-year’ deal?,” then why didn’t Waddell, or if you prefer, the Atlanta Spirit Group, offer him the “multi-year deal” once it was CLEAR that THAAAAT was the stumbling block?

Come on now. You either have “faith” in McCrimmon … or YOU DON’T. Which is it?

Lord lord, is the answer really, “Well, we had ‘faith’ in him for the ‘rest of the season,’ but no longer than that.” Chuckling. Well, if that’s what anyone is advancing … it’s absurd. Again, if McCrimmon was never offered the position … then that’s fine. Really. If the ASG or Waddell or both … didn’t “feel” that Brad was ready or capable to take the next step … then that’s what felt. That was their “Command Decision.”

But I wish the matter could be CLEARED UP one way or the other. How about it? Fire the question at him, Craig. I’m dying to hear the answer.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Not to be too b!tchy, but howabout being sage-like and coming up with a list of AVAILABLE potential GM clients???

Come on Tony, how could you expect him/her to do that? That would require a form of tangible evidence that would support his opinion, one that could be traced back to in the future as evidence that he/she can only do one thing…b***.

Anybody can say “there are better options for a GM than Don Waddell”, but not everybody can name an available GM (key word being available, which implies one that would WANT the job and is in the realm of possibility).

You expect a person obsessed with sheep to have knowledge of “available” GMs?? I don’t.

By fokov

March 4, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

I’ll be GM :D

By sick of losers

March 4, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Bad news everyone. Yesterday’s letter to season ticket holders from ownership talked about a bunch of young guys and also said, “Our summer agenda will also include solidifying a head coach who will take us to the next level.” Not ONE WORD about getting a GM who will get us out of the toilet.

Cunstance’s Wednesday column (which I just read on-line) says we only have 15 regulation wins all year. When is ASG, DW and everyone else going to realize that this team SUCKS??!! Who cares what the uniforms look like when you’ve got crap (for the most part)in them?

If you want a change in direction, do not renew your tickets. ASG is made of up businessmen and they will understand non-renewals.

By KLS1

March 4, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I grew up watching McCrimmon in Philly and was excited to hear he was coming here to coach the defense. Its been 3 years and our defensive personnel and schemes are lousy.

In that time we have also not developed one defenseman from the minors after all those #1 picks (except finally Enstrom this year). Yet deadwood like Greg DeVries and Modry log tons of ice time.

Time to get real with some new blood…bring in Anderson from Chicago.

By sick of losers

March 4, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

for those of you who did not receive the letter from ownership, here it is:

Last week we traded Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito, and a 2008 first-round draft pick. While Don Waddell is being praised for the amount of talent we acquired in this deal, the decision to trade Marian was reached after exhausting all other possibilities and was one of the most difficult moves we have been forced to make in our three seasons of owning the Thrashers.

In light of Marian’s departure, we felt it was important to let you know how we view this team, and what our goals are for the future. We want to stress to you our commitment to winning and to bringing a Stanley Cup to Atlanta. We are excited about this franchise and the continued development of our top players this season. Among them, Ilya Kovalchuk is a highlight-reel scorer who has emerged as a passionate leader. Kari Lehtonen continues to gain the experience he needs to become one of the league’s elite netminders. Toby Enstrom has been a work horse and is a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. We expect great things from these players along with the core group of players who are under contract for years to come.

Building on that foundation will be Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen, two young and talented forwards who possess the size and skill that will help our club immediately. We were also able to add Angelo Esposito, a highly-touted 19-year old prospect who was a first-round pick of the Penguins in 2007. He will add to our current crop of up and coming amateur players like Riley Holzapfel, Spencer Machacek, Niklas Lucenius and Andrei Zubarev that will bolster our team for the future. In addition, we have players such as Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Brett Sterling and Boris Valabik, who are having significant success while leading the Chicago Wolves to the best record in the American Hockey League. We look forward to their future as Thrashers with great anticipation.

We also realize that we have areas we can improve upon and as we move our team forward we will aggressively pursue all means at our disposal to strengthen our club, including free agency and the Entry Draft. The first round pick we acquired from Pittsburgh will also be used to select a high-quality prospect or can be used as a chip to acquire immediate help. Our summer agenda will also include solidifying a head coach who will take us to the next level.

The climb to the top of the mountain is never straight up. In our first two seasons as owners our record improved, we won a division championship, and made our first playoff appearance. Our goal for this team has not wavered and we want to bring a championship to you, our loyal fans, and to this city. Like you, we are passionate Thrashers fans, and we spend every day working on trying to make this team one that we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your continuing support, and we look forward to achieving long-term success together.

Bruce Levenson

On behalf of the Atlanta Thrashers’ Owners

By Sage of Bluesland

March 4, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

“…You expect a person obsessed with sheep to have knowledge of “available” GMs?? I don’t.”

I love the pathetic attempt to deflect the issue to “WHO would you want as a replacement?” in a silly superior tone which makes me laugh every time!

Silly sheep—I guess your pride hurts enough to know that your opinion on Don Waddell was completely wrong all along, yet even at the 11th hour, you ‘try’ to regain some of the lost credibility by such pitiful deflection!

Listen “geniuses”, IF (and that’s the KEY word) I was an owner of an NHL team, I can assure you that I would interview as many ASSISTANT GMs out there who are interested in the job. I can GUARANTEE (as in the opposite of your boy Donny’s failed playoff guarantee of a couple years ago) you that I would indeed FIND a GM to run ‘my’ team.

Simple. End-of. Now, was that so difficult? Stop being a child and obfuscating like Donny.

Now, while you, again, attempt to regain the ‘moral’ or intellectual high ground (which is impossible for embarrassed sheep), chortling that “I knew you couldn’t name a replacement!”, simply remember this: I DO KNOW A FRAUD WHEN I SEE ONE.

Where was YOUR wisdom and insight when it was needed most? Suckling at the organizational propaganda, looking like a complete fool (is the answer)…

Feel like any more excuses for the FORMER ASSISTANT GM of the Detroit Red Wings? (Who is none other than Donny himself…of course, don’t ever believe that he actually had anything to do with ‘building’ the juggernaut Wings—he was only there a year or two…He spent more time selling Port-a-Potties than he did with anything related to the Wings…His true medium, along with his likewise minor-league buddy Curt Fraser…)

By Kevin

March 4, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

For Brad M. to kick the team off the ice for a subpar practice only to have Don Waddell state that we had a great practice prior to the last drill is a perfect example of what’s wrong with this organization. Waddell has a great talent to ignore the obvious and paint a rosy picture out of any situation. I like the guy but it’s time for a change. We need someone who will demand accountability and results from the players and the front office.

By Crazy Diamond

March 4, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Poor Brad McC. Atlanta Spirit was too afraid to can DW and hire a new GM so we were stuck with DW as coach and BMcC as executive assistant or some such nonsense. DW must know he’s a gonner. Let the new GM hire the new coach. Give Brad the chance to catch on with another team.

Catch 22: Who wants to join Atlanta Spirit as the GM while the ownership arrangement is a total cluster_bungle. Stinks to be a Thrasher fan.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

I heard Erik Christensen on 680TheFan with Christopher Rude and Perry Laurentino yesterday morning. Rude or Laurentino told him that Captain Bobby Holik had often talked of “complacency” on the team. And Rude/Laurentino asked him if he’d experienced any of that. Christensen replied, “I’ve really only been here three (3) days. But I haven’t seen any of that. I’m just excited about the ‘opportunity’ to play more minutes in Atlanta. Playing in Pittsburgh, I got buried behind Crosby, Malkin, Staal, etc.”

I just read Custance’s article “Players kicked off the ice,” and then Waddell saying, “We had a GREAT practice. Well, we had a good practice. We practiced for more than an hour.”

Ya know something, folks. It’s a lot LATER than some folks in the organization think. And “denial” is not just a river in Egypt.

There’s not a TIER ONE free agent who will consider playing in Atlanta. And if they find one, rest assured, it’s a player who is doing it just for the money. Hmmn, Sergei Federov is 38, right? He’s yesteryear’s All-Star, surviving more on reputation than actual ability, and is extremely susceptible to injury, has slowed down, and is no longer capable of logging serious minutes. And, he’s looking for some stupid schmuck to give him one LAST contract. I smell a marriage in Atlanta! “See! See!! We got you Federov!,” says Bruce Levensen, hypothetically. “We’ve ‘fixed’ the problem at Center. Sergei holds all sorts of NHL distinctions, including nearly 500 goals and more than 1,100-points, and has won three (3) Stanley Cups. He’s a ‘natural fit’ with countrymen Slava Kozlov and Ilya Kovalchuk. We look forward to seeing you rooting Sergei on at ‘Blueland.’”

What can you say?? Deny it! Deny that’s not going to happen. And that you’d be expected to SWALLOW that!! Hook, line … and sinker. And if you still don’t renew your season tickets, Bruce will fold his arms and say, “Well, I just don’t know what’s wrong with YOU PEOPLE! Don Waddell is one of the best GM’s in the league. And you’re just never going to be happy, I guess!”

Option #2 is … get ready … finding some TIER TWO free agent who is not likely to be signed by his current team. Happy just to have a contract and some stability for his family, Waddell “swoops in” to offer some 3-4 year deal, at a 15-20% raise from his current deal. The player hugs his pregnant wife and says, “I guess we could do a few years in Atlanta? Couldn’t we, hon?”

Option #3, and this is for DEFENSEMEN, is target every pending UFA making between $600,000 to $800,000. Then offer him a 2-year deal for a 40-50% raise, to play here. Steve Montador, Don Waddell is probably looking your way!!

… and so it goes.

“Baaaah.” Don’t look know, but there just might be “wool” in our closets.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Option 1 through 3 speak to the nature of this franchise since the inception. What makes you think that changing GMs will change the types of players looking to play in Atlanta? As Crazy Diamond posted, it’s the seemingly unending Catch 22 for this franchise.

If you were a Tier 1 UFA, would you want to play in Atlanta? Would you want to GM in Atlanta? I’m not so sure I would.

Sage — OBFUSCATE, IT’S BACK!!! I’ve missed that word and your use of it in every post!

Where was YOUR wisdom and insight when it was needed most?

Well, I don’t remember anybody of significance asking for my “opinion” (that’s the word you were looking for, it’s not an answer but an idea), so I’m not really sure at what point in time you’re talking about. Do you actually know or care about other people’s opinions. Ask for an opinion once in a while and you’d be surprised by most of the answers. Or would you rather just say “sheep” some more?

For instance, even after admitting to holding a similar opinion about Waddell, Tony C asked you the question about naming replacement GMs. I implied you wouldn’t be able to answer his question because he was looking for a simple name or two…instead you gave him this:

“I’d interview candidates until I found someone to run ‘MY’ team.” (paraphrased)

Good answer. With that type of answer I bet I can guess your next steps as owner — you’d hire “the best coach available”, give the green light to your prodigy GM to acquire some “key free agents”, stockpile prospects and draft picks, and “build a perennial contender”. It’s so simple, I’m curious why so many other ownership groups can’t do it just like you typed.

What you don’t seem to understand is the ASG has FOUND the GM they apparently want to run THEIR team. Don Waddell. You don’t agree, that we all understand, but at least you should learn they apparently don’t feel the same way about him as you do. Have you gotten that yet?? Give it another three-year contract and marginal successes, I’m sure nothing in your mind will change. Chances are the GM wont change either.

Speaking of deflecting, I guess you wont take me up on the offer for the town hall meeting? You still seem to be all bark…

But go ahead, throw out the April 26, 2000 Word of the Day some more. Call people a sheep, or post with ridiculously mocking names, it’s done you so well to this point.

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you attended a Thrashers game?

By LAC

March 5, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

This entire mess is getting much worse and is deeper than we have been led to believe.

When one of your two top players wants out,because of constant bumbling by the ownership and GM, it is a very serious sign.

Now Kovy seems in that same exact boat. He wants to WIN, The Fans WANT TO WIN, We would love NOTHING more than to see The Stanley Cup on Philips Arena Ice, not at some sports show or something !

So now what ?

The be vary honest I have been long a critic of don waddell. In all honesty he has had 8 years to put a solid winner on the ice, and he has NOT done that. Granted we can point to his limits, but to tear apart the team from last season and rebuild it to this, come on ????

He is like any other worker out there, if you cannot produce with the task presented you and fail repeatedly, well your employer has NO choice except to FIRE you and bring in someone who CAN do the job.

don waddell is a FAILURE as a GM and worse as a coach, Did he say we had a GOOD practice today, what is he smokin ?

Then these owners… I have never seen a group of people in so far over their heads than this bunch.

They have NO clue as to what is going on. All they care about is their profit, which I understand, but is professional sports sometimes that is not always the case to have a winner, but the old saying, To The Winner Go The Spoils… You WIN you make more $$$, you put a poor team on the ice and we are seeing the result AGAIN This season !

You Clowns at this sprit group better wake up and wake up now.

The NHL fans in Atlanta are getting very tired of your do nothing attitude and complete failure to see this team needs a REAL GM & COACH !

Look at the Washington team… They have an OWNER, one guy who makes the calls and he wants to win ! Carolina the same and so on, but what we have are a bunch of guys who know NOTHING about professional sports, and ALL they care about is they can prance around and tell everyone “We own two sports teams” Heaven forbid anyone ask them “How good are YOUR Teams ?”

Then they will run and hide…

I still want that rutherford snydell thing to get off his A* and get on the mic again at the next game and tell everyone WHY they are NOT doing anything to WIN The Stanley Cup…

Remember rutherford snydel LIED to everyone opening night We ALL need to remember his out and out LIE!!

These owners are just a collection of Cheap misfits, who do NOT have the GUTS to make the Atlanta Fans proud, until we get an OWNER, we will never be a suscess and we will continue to call for their heads while the head count on the turnstiles will lesser and lesser, Then they will panic and really do something STUPID, but they have CLEARLY shown they are LIARS and INCOMPENT people who cannot be trusted…

By Hotrod

March 5, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

No comments can be added to the wed. article so I will comment on practice here.

The first part of practice was spent on the power play. Very few shots , maybe one or two, found the net after 10 minutes. To many dropped passes, lots of skating , and hoping Kovy’s slap shot is open.

Another drill they worked with was a 3 on 1 break away, again, very few shots found the net. I am no hockey genius, but dang , 3 on 1, those should be automatic blind folded goals.

Then a little later, the Thrashers practiced 4 on 3 and thats when the Beast blew. A good solid chewing. At least it confirmed what my eyes were seeing.

So lets see who responds tonite against Carolina. If there was ever a time to get a win, its right now. It is a chance for players to prove who is in and who is out.

By dcw

March 5, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Craig, what you do here is unprecedented and a door for fans into the media room so to speak. For this I thank you.

However the media as a whole in Atlanta needs to take some responsibility for the mediocrity. Passionate sports towns would not give a GM or owner group the free pass these people on our, pick any sport, sports teams get. From Billy Knight to Waddell AND our owner group. They should be in a spotlight answering tough questions EVERY week if not every day, especially given our situation. Our owner group has never been interested in hockey; they’re a basketball group. If hockey portion is not sold or changes aren’t made, the NHL in Atlanta is in serious trouble.
We already see season ticket holders refusing to reup for next year. Well the NHL will notice and if the trend continues they’ll find a market that wants the NHL.
This isn’t to say Atlantans don’t, but the ownership group doesn’t make decisions to help. Perhaps the falcons are getting it right now; it only takes solid decisions to build for future. I supported Waddell, until he sold the farm for a lousy playoff run last year. We weren’t winning the cup last year and to sell off the future was the sign of a desperate man. Our owners need held accountable.

Craig, I challenge you to start pushing with your colleagues more on the owners. From scouting to the GM, we need a housecleaning. How many picks are in the NHL from this franchise? How many regulation wins? How many broken promises? Demand a winner and accountability by pushing the hard topics. Write cutting stories and get their attention. Maybe just maybe things will turn a corner.

We all keep hoping, but the interest is fading; fast.

dcw STH 1999-2006

By MB

March 5, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

So LAC, does that mean you’ll be attending the town hall meeting to share those opinions on Friday? Ranallo has offered his pass to Sage, who hopefully is considering it.

If you really want things to change, and it’s clear that you do, you have a much better chance of affecting it in that town hall setting with the team honchos than you do berating your fellow fans here on this blog. And you have two days to fine tune your comments.

I hope both of you will take advantage of this opportunity.

By LAC

March 5, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

MB… Like sands in the hour glass, so is our NHL francise…

By Bob

March 5, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Sage, I have to agree there with what Tony said (and Tony and you and I have been on here for many years saying that Don is the problem), but enough already with the I told you so. We know it, you are and have been right all along, there’s a couple goofs around here that just don’t want to admit that they’ve been wrong since they’ve wasted so many thousands of words and countless hours of their time defending Waddell. But ignore the clueless ones, let it go, they are insignificant, it’s obvious to the vast majority of our fans where the problem lies.

Let it all play out from here, I have little doubt that the Spirit will fire Waddell. They’re completely incompetent if they don’t, and you don’t get to where these guys are in their careers by being completely incompetent.

I see lots of great comments up there by my fellow fans, new fans blogging as well. That is great to see and heartens me to know that a lot of my fellow fans get it, welcome, stick around and blog. Great to see everyone waking up and joining the effort to shine the light on the underlying problem in this franchise.

As for the Town Hall meeting, the owners aren’t going to be there. It’s going to be led by Waddell. Even if I could hire a chopper to get me over traffic and there by 6pm on a Friday!, what is the point of going to that to get more sunshine blown up our rears by The Master Obfuscator? This is simply the owners telling Don, get out there in front of the fans and save this. It’s in the same vein of them throwing him down on the bench. It’s his vision, they’re making him try to sell it, one last time, to us.

But anyone that laps up anything out of him now is beyond naive, Waddell is the proverbial Boy who cried wolf I laughed my rear off reading the quotes from Waddell this morning where Waddell tried to blow sunshine up Craig’s rear about the practice going great yesterday. Classic Don, just whistling through the graveyard. Starting goalies go down? Let’s call up our ECHL goalies! They go down? How bout Steve Shields! Defense needs improving? Let’s sign Todd Rear-End! Need a top line center to retain Hoss? Let’s sign Charmin! Hoss won’t re-sign, don’t worry, I’ll talk him into it! Team is in total meltdown? Practice went great! Par for the freakin course with this guy.

Lastly, dcw, good blog in calling out the AJC and spot on. To be fair, Craig’s job is to just report, not to opine. That is Schultz’s job, and the other columnists jobs’, to look cross eyed at this and the clubs in town. I agree that they don’t do it often enough. As Brendan often says, how long do you think Waddell would have lasted in a “real” hockey town? 3 years tops. It’s been obvious to me since then that he was in way over his head (oops, did I just pull a Sage)

By Pucksdeep

March 5, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

George I see your point, but while McCrimmon may be running practices and doing most of the coaching, he certainly didn’t build this “team”. In baseball he might be refered to as “the mop-up guy”; a guy not good enough to be the closer (or the head coach apparently), but good enough to perhaps stop the bleeding and hopefully give your team fighting chance. I’m not so sure that either have occured, although I don’t believe he’s to blame.

Go Blue!

By timthebrave

March 5, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I know that this team probably won’t make the playoffs but with so many games remaining with the division it’s still a possibility. I refuse to give up until I hear the fat lady singing. The last 3 games I have seen a lot more competitive hockey. It at least has been fun to watch except for losing in OT. See you in blueland tonight. Go Thrashers

By timthebrave

March 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I think the thrashers should trade some of their draft picks for a top tier center or proven defenseman that are already under contract for several years. If we do this we can be a contender next year

By Bob

March 5, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I refuse to give up until I hear the fat lady singing

You need to turn up your hearing aid.

j/k of course, but you left yourself wide open for that one!

Let’s go Thrash tonight, I really would like to play spoiler and help get the Caps get the division title, I would love to see Ovechkin in the playoffs.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

My problem with ‘BLUELAND’…

First off, my blogging name actually comes from my hatred of the powder blue home jerseys. This was the ASG first step in going to blueland. They ditch the ‘classic’ Ultimate Warrior maroon and give us this feminine blue jersey. And I am positive they did it to please the suits at Phillips Inc. So we would match…isn’t that cute…”Gayland”

Then they launch the marketing campaign the following season. “Blueland” this; “Blueland” that. They pose all of players in these ridiculous photo shoots. It is all a bit embarrassing. I was happy that they toned that crap down at the all-star game. I’d rather not look stupid in front of the whole hockey community more than we already do. But I am hoping that the ASG have realized that they need to change that up. Get a fresh marketing campaign. Bring back the Ultimate Warrior and give this team some teeth. ESPECIALLY ON DEFENSE. D freakin’ FENSE…

I just got my new copy of The Hockey News: Farm system report (or whatever they call it) Little and Ondrej and in the top 50 list of rookies.

It was a nice write up by our own Custance. Who contributes to it every issue. I hope they pay you for that Craig…

Keep it real.

Shizzle

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

I would love to see Ovechkin in the playoffs.

Ditto…he’ll have just as much intensity as Kovalchuk did during his brief playoff stint, it should be exciting to watch.

By Mark

March 5, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

If the Thrashers want to get a top, young player to come here they are either going to have to trade for him or we are going to have to overpay to a RFA like Edmonton did last summer. Maybe that’s not a bad idea. Of course, the Thrashers overpaying for anyone is very unlikely.

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I would love to see the Thrash win tonight, and will be there to cheer them on.

Go Thrashers.

By Nix

March 5, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

My brother, who never checks his email, is the one that gets the emails from the ASG. Can anyone fill me in on the details of the Town Hall meeting this Friday?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Here is the letter verbatim

THRASHERS TOWN HALL MEETING FRIDAY, MARCH 7th Thrashers vs. Wild

Please join us for an opportunity to hear the “inside scoop” on the team with Thrashers Executive Vice-President, General Manager, and Head Coach Don Waddell who will be on-hand to field questions. Doors will open at 5:30, and the event will begin promptly at 6 pm. Please feel free to stay on the practice court with us until face off at 7:30pm.

Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring guests equal to the number of season tickets you own. Please click here to R.S.V.P. if you are able to attend. A confirmation e-mail will be sent after you RSVP. An RSVP and a game ticket are required to attend this pre-game event, so be sure to bring your tickets with you when you arrive at the arena to check-in.

You are the Thrashers most valuable asset, and we sincerely appreciate your support and feedback. We hope you are able to take advantage of this special opportunity.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

FAMILY SKATING PARTY EVENT

In addition, there are two exclusive Season Ticket Holder only events on Sunday, March 16th at Philips Arena.

Join other Thrashers Season Ticket Holders for an exclusive opportunity to skate on the same Philips Arena ice as Ilya Kovalchuk, Kari Lehtonen, and the rest of your Atlanta Thrashers. This special Season Ticket Holder event will begin at 12:30pm. Click the link below to choose from one of three 80 minute skating sessions.

After you are done carving up the ice, stick around for our Blueland Viewing Party and watch your Thrashers take on division rival, the Florida Panthers, at 5:00 pm on the Philips Arena video board!

Can’t skate? Don’t want to skate? NO PROBLEM. Just join us at 5:00 pm for the Blueland Viewing Party at Philips Arena. Complimentary Parking, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided

CLICK HERE TO RSVP If you would like to skate, please select from one of three ice sessions.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Thrashers Service Executive directly or call the Service and Retention department at 1-866-715-1500, option 3.

We look forward to seeing you at these events on Sunday, March 16th!

By Sara

March 5, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Of course, the Thrashers overpaying for anyone is very unlikely.

Two words for ya’ - Bobby Holik.

Sorry, couldn’t resist.

By Get The Puck Out

March 5, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

1. Should be looking for new GM.
2. Owners are gonna have to dig upsome money for some quality defense and a top notch forward.
3. New GM hires a proven COACH.
4. Look at goalies?
5. Having a team that’s competive —-PRICELESS.

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Guys, I need to take a break. I actually dreamed last night of a romantic entanglement with Garnet Exelby, and this tells me I am losing my mind.

By Thorburn's Thugs

March 5, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I bet this team comes out flat as hell AGAIN tonight. They are similar to the Falcons in that both teams quit on themselves with half the season left.

By Nix

March 5, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks, BBB.

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

IMO…

Havelid = worth every penny. Holik = worth a little less than we pay for him.

Does anyone have the lines for tonight?

By Nix

March 5, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Nikita, you must really be in a dark and twisted place. Get help! :-)

By Alan

March 5, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Look at goalies?

I know some women who could look at them all day long, too, but what would that accomplish?

Oh, I think I know what you’re trying to say.

Hedberg, Lehtonen, and Pavelec are all fine goalies. There’s no reason to look anywhere else to replace them. If Moose isn’t re-signed in the offseason, though, I imagine Pavelec will get the call to back up Lehtonen.

By NASCAR Dave

March 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

EXELBY NEEDS TO CUT HIS DAMN HAIR. I THINK HIS MULLET IS MAKING HIM SUCK!

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave — But with flowing locks like that, he gets dreamed of by ladies like Nikita.

Nikita — I imagine that in your dream Exelby wasn’t marking his man and was completely out of position trying to make the big check? Or is that reality?

By Midfield

March 5, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting that the practice incident seems to have caused more uproar about the team’s management than long stretches of the team’s lackluster performance. Perhaps we’ll remember the day as the famous Beast Scream in Duluth.

By NASCAR Dave

March 5, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

The best thing i’ve seen lately was when Kari shot the puck directly at EXELBY after EXELBY let his man skate right into goal. Kari got pi$$ed and did a slapshot at Exelby as he was laying on the ice in the corner.

ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!!

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

That’s what Ex does normally, right? ranallo — it was REALLY unsavory. Seemed to involve mullets and flannel and attempts at romancing me by taking me to monster truck rallies. shudders

In a related girlie note, why are our goalies so incredibly good looking? It is because their masks are so much better? Really, not kidding — most goalies have never had their facial structure smushed, as opposed to pretty much everyone in a forward or defensive position.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Alan — I’m personally fine with Lehtonen and Pavelec for the future, and wouldn’t MIND Hedberg being re-signed for one year max as strictly a back-up. I’d prefer Pavelec serve the same role Bryzgalov, Toskala, Halak, etc have for their respective teams, and either take over the number one role or serve as a main chip (a few years down the line) in a trade for high picks or quality players.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Nikita, luckily for you know, you can’t catch “mono” in a dream.

Ranallo, generally-speaking, I am an “optimist.” That is, I still believe that good decisions can and usually do lead to better results. Let’s say a “Scott Howson-type GM” showed up, having been selected as the the one with the most glowing resume of the Assistant GMs around the league. This guy is perky and enthusiastic about creating a “winning environment.” He understand and accepts, completely, that he isn’t going to have a lot of money to spend. His game plan is … to build through the draft. He gets the “high sign” to not worry about the playoffs next year. His job is secure. The key is acquiring another “lottery draft” selection, and high round picks in all the subsequent draft rounds. The new GM has hires new scouts as one of the first orders of business. The new GM tells the Spirit Group, “Don’t worry about money, I’m bringing up the Wolves, and we’re gonna ‘coach ‘em up.’ I’ve got the perfect coach in mind for doing just that. If it works out right away, and there’s playoffs, then great! If not, then we kept payroll low in a ‘rebuilding year’ to help us restock. We’ve also showcased players for potential trades. Plus, we’ll sell off assets at the trade deadline for more picks and prospects in 2009.”

Over time, might only take two seasons, the team has restocked “Target’s” shelves with products worth buying. The previous items, filled with cobbwebs, have been removed, and the shelves cleaned of any remnants. Target made so much money off the new sales, that it added square footage to the property, to sell even more goods.

Once a “winning environment” has been created, FREE AGENTS will come. The ‘prospect’ of the Stanley Cup is the pot of hunny that brings forth all the FA bees. Hopefully, Kovalchuk could have been convinced by then that these sweeping reforms and draft picks will pay dividends, and that Tavares and Stampkos will make fine linemates for him over the 10-12 years. They’re young and fast and skilled. Kovy will be offered the Captaincy until he retires.

That’s probably not the answer you wanted to hear. We can’t “fire” the ownership. It’s not leaving. There are other people willing to be GM’s without a nice budget. Allowing Waddell to continue to make the decisions doesn’t make any sense. The team is where it is because of his decisions.

Stop. Well who ELSE’s decisions could they have been? The Easter Bunny’s? The Tooth Fairy’s? The Lochness Monster’s? The resurrected ‘Lizzard Man’s? Muslim male extremists, aged 17-41? I like Don Waddell. I hope he gets another chance, just … ya know … somewhere ELSE.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

That’s probably not the answer you wanted to hear.

Brendan — I’m not dedicated to Don Waddell, so your answer doesn’t bother me in the least bit. A winning environment is the important thing in the long run…but is it possible under the current ownership? Chicago has been nickle-and-dimed for many years, when were they last TRULY competitive? They have a great foundation now with core players of Toews, Kane, Sharp, and Keith, yet they can’t seem to get over that hurdle. Does that mean the GM is horrible? Or does it possibly mean he’s doing the best he can at a disadvantage to most teams in the NHL (bad ownership)?

That’s the debate, and I obviously know where you now stand regarding it. I’m just putting out all options, because I really don’t feel that most GMs could succeed in the environment the ASG creates for this franchise. Despite what some seem to think, I don’t care about Waddell, I care about the final product. The final product IN MY OPINION will not improve unless ownership begins to loosen their purse strings AND care more about this franchise (to you that means firing Waddell, and I can honestly deal with that).

By Smoothie

March 5, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Craig — c’mon man, I’m dying for some line updates…help a brotha out! Since I won’t get to see the lines for myself on TV (thanks a lot SS and ASG!), I’m looking to you for my lineup fix!!

By Mark

March 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Sara, good point. I forgot about Holik.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Well look, I’ll agree with you, *Ranallo. The ASG isn’t making it Easy for any GM. No debate. But I will extend this little branch to the ASG. I’m sure that the pending litigation is affecting them and how they run their business.

But, I’m far from convinced these guys are Mensa candidates.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Agreed. And if a new GM were to come in I, of course, would give them a two year pass before coming to one of three conclusions:

1 — The New GM is an idiot.

2 — The New GM is a genius.

3 — It doesn’t matter who the GM is, the ASG is the anchor.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 5, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

RanalloSheep is kind and generous enough to give a “two year pass” to the new GM?

My, how gracious.

Yet, you’ve defended Donny and his pitiful results for how many years??? Don’t do a turnabout now when the writing is so clear on the wall that even our esteemed beat-writer has to acknowledge it (as opposed to stick his head in the sand and lap up every last word of Donny’s)…

Was it GaVaSheep who opined that Donny should be given another THREE YEARS to fix the mess that he, alone, created??? (Someone around here did, and my most sincere apologies go to you, GaVaSheep, if I slighted you in any way on that quote)

It will take one year to simply begin the rebuilding process again. It will take another two or THREE to reap the benefits of ‘good’ decisions made in player prospects…At least…

If Donny had a FIVE-YEAR PLAN, then I’m willing to give the successor a generally like amount of time. OK, I’ll cut it to four years, as at least there are some scraps to work with…

Just my opinion, but two years isn’t enough to 1. Undo ALL of the stench and damage inflicted by Waddell; and, 2. Rebuild, with youth, the right way.

By ranallo10

March 6, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Yet another pedantic diatribe without approaching any semblance of an answer to direct questions asked of you. Instead you cleverly used the word “Sheep” in a person’s handle…par for the course for you.

So 2008 is what, your 9th year of the “Fire Waddell” plan? I can only imagine the amounts of ulcers you must give yourself every day he remains as the GM. You’ll eventually get your wish (it’s inevitable he’ll leave the GM position, nobody retains that position for life), and also with enough time see the improvement every one of us desires, but you’ll still stick to the “I told you so”s and the “baaah”s.

Personally, I could care less if Waddell was or was not the GM at the helm of this team, but I guess you’ve yet to realize that.

Most “sheep” around here are simply stating differing opinions, or reasons they feel Waddell isn’t being given a fair shake by you and the others opposed to him. Playing Devil’s Advocate doesn’t mean one is defending the subject of the discussion/argument, but it does mean they’re sticking up for a different point of view when apparently nobody else feels it is necessary.

Another question for you…in your master plan, is the new GM the person who will undo all of the damage currently being inflicted by the ownership group? Is your answer going to go the road of “winning cures all things”, or do you actually have a unique opinion about this question?

Or will you simply duck yet another direct question?

By ranallo10

March 6, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Another infantile diatribe barren of an answer to any questions posed…how expected.

And what clever nicknames! It’s conversations like these that make me miss “Ranallo World” and “Sparky”.

By Ward

March 6, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Stick a fork in the team’s chances for respectability this season. Watch out for Tampa and us dropping into last (and 29th or even 30th overall)in the Southleast Division.

By Rob

March 6, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Wow, what a waste of time that was last night. Classic GUTLESS outing by the Thrashers. Ex was a MESS along with all of our D men. Forwards were dropping BACK when we were in the offensive zone. Total confusion, ZERO disipline. I loved DW going crazy about the no whistle puck cover up, last goal. Hmmm, I’m thinking PLAY UNTIL THE WHISTLE BLOWS, Carolina did, Atlanta didn’t. Coaching??? I think so. WOW, I was embarresed last night.