Thrashers

By trlblzr

March 5, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

no, i’d rather AS stop undercutting my ticket values! i paid good money up front for this team, and they’re slapping me right in the face. i can’t even sell my unused ones for face value. they’re really doing a good job of p** off their most loyal and die-hard fans!

certainly no way to run a business… we keep you afloat and you treat us like this. no more!

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Craig — I think most of us full season ticket holders would like those saving somehow passed on to us. Give me 25% off concessions, a free ticket to all remaining games, SOMETHING. I’m paying $58 for my tickets and some random Joe is getting in for $24, just to sit next to me.

I understand that they need to make money from those empty seats, but they also need to please their current PAYING fan base. That’s where the problem lies.

Re: Holik and Recchi — I think the skill sets for the 5 centers we have on this roster are such that losing Holik would not have SERIOUSLY impacted the faint playoff hope this team has. I’d have welcomed a 3rd round pick for him in a heartbeat. Recchi however I don’t think should’ve been traded, because I think he can be re-signed for cheap and he’s admitted he WANTS to stay. Keep him happy, sign him again, don’t rent him away. Hedberg has no immediate replacement, so he was rightfully retained for the remainder of the year. It would’ve been foolish to bring up Pavelec for 3-5 starts in the NHL, removing him from his playing time in the AHL (where he’s been shining as of late). Continuing Pavelec’s development is better than a late round pick (the only return I feel Hedberg would’ve gotten).

The CAP hit would have been lowered to ABOUT $37.67M had those three been removed from the roster. Does anyone know the CAP floor off the top of their heads?

By DB

March 5, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

As far as the tickets, I rather see a competitive team fielded. The the discounts do not matter. In the preceding years, the Thrashers gave those seats away (and supposedly received flack from the NHL about it). If you field a competitive team, the seat problem goes away.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Holik, Hedberg, and Recchi would have fetched 2nd rounders, at worst. Again, in the hands not named Waddell, these can turn into “assets.” In Waddell’s hands, any pick beyond #10 is probably wasted. So, in that sense, if we are to assume Waddell is still the GM next year, then yes … we were better off keeping them and trying to win, than selling them off for draft picks.

However, if this ownership SUDDENLY EXPERIENCES AN EPIPHANY, it’ll wish it had afford a new GM those squandered picks.

By Jason

March 5, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

What I would say is that during this season I have seen plenty of empty seats regardless of the “deals”. I have been a season ticket holder since before the lockout and there are always empty seats around me, except for Atlantic Division games and the occasional game against a canadian team. The “deals” are fine, but I can’t understand how the ticket prices continue to go up for the folks who actually support the team. It’s not easy supporting a team that you can’t believe in and it’s even harder when the ticket prices continue to climb higher and higher each year, yeah, it’s two dollars here, and five dollars there, but it’s also five dollars a coke,and twelve dollars to park, and twenty-five for a t-shirt! I have found myself pondering whether or not i can renew for next year. I love hockey, and the Thrash, but I have NO confidence in the ownership, and right now, I find it hard to have confidence in the team itself. I have always liked DW’s picks, but his coaching is questionable, we have to have the worlds worst goalie coach since Kari is supposed to be a phenom and where is that phenom. I just get so frustrated when I look at the league and there are weaker teams with much better records, and much more confident fans. At least it won’t cost me anything to watch the playoffs this year, I’ll be rooting for the Penguins, they are more fun to watch and I have the utmost confidence in their coach(since they have one) and their squad, and their ownership. Send the coaching staff packing, get a coach, let DW GM, and maybe someone better will buy the team soon.

By Craig Custance

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

Brendan - Huet cost Washington a second round pick - do you really think Hedberg would have received equal value?

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Holik, Hedberg, and Recchi would have fetched 2nd rounders, at worst

According to whom? That’s a little off-base, even for you Brendan. Most rumors spread during that time listed little interest in those players, and marginal returns at best. If Minnesota or New Jersey actually OFFERED a second round pick for Holik, I’m sure Waddell would not have thought twice about ridding the ASG of their salaries. Hell, he could’ve used that little money saved to throw into his last ditch contract offer for Hossa (which wouldn’t have changed a thing).

Huet got a second rounder, he’s a proven number 1 goalie. Hedberg is a backup. Bryzgalov had to be waived for a team to take on his salary, and he too is a number one quality goalie. Hedberg receiving a second round pick in return is preposterous…

By NewHockeyLover

March 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

It’s a catch 22 on the tix. I want to see the arena filled but not when it means the people sitting next to me on a regular basis are paying half what I did. How about offering the upper level seats at discounted prices and if lower level seats are still available, current tickets holders who have seats in the 300-400’s could be moved closer to the ice. They would be happier and maybe it would encourage them to upgrade next year.

By Bob

March 5, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Craig, you didn’t press Waddell when he claimed that the best he could get for Holik is a 4th or 5th round pick? That is pure double talk baloney. Holik would have brought much more than a mid round pick. Devils were rumored to be willing to give up John Madden for him for him last summer. That’s just more double talk out of him (have fun at the Chalk Talk open house tomorrow) unless he really believes that, and he’s incompetent if he did. Wait a minute…

But wouldn’t you rather see empty seats around you filled rather than see the team refuse to offer deals then have a half-empty arena?

Yes, I’d like to see the seats filled, by fans paying full price because we have a competitive team on the ice. Owners get more money in their pockets, fans get a winner, it’s a win-win all the way around.

To sell tickets at 50% and now 65% off what I paid UP FRONT is a slap in the face, and just plain bad business. They treat we season ticket holders like second class citizens. Do you know that they were giving away BETTER seats to the All Star game to new people who signed up durig this season for 6 game packs than the tickets that gave us 8 year season ticket holders? It’s unreal, just unreal.

I have no problem with the amount of money the Spirit has committed to the Thrashers. They spent max cap the first two years out of the lockout, they have shown the willingness to give the GM the necessary funding to field a competitive team, but how they price and market the tickets is just backasswards.

By R. Stroz

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

Why should anyone renew their ticket package when they can buy the same tickets on an as needed basis for half price?

Why don’t the Thrashers offer the same half price season ticket deal that the Hawks do for lower bowl tickets?

By Plenty Of Empty Seats

March 5, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Craig,

More interesting questions and insights. Thanks,

With respect to Holik and Recchi, my answer is…that depends - on a number of things. Chief among them are; the type of team management intends on building, their financial committment and the availability of talent, pursuant to their objectives.

So, first things first…Who will be in management next year? What’s their philosophy and what are their financial resources? The current crew didn’t get very much for >$44 MM this year.

In my view, offense is fun to watch - until January :), but defense wins championships - net, then blue line, but also some responsible forwards capable of 200 ft hockey for 15 shifts per night wouldn’t hurt either.

Now on to a more personal question… wouldn’t you rather see the seats filled? Boy that’s a tough one to ask someone paying over $8,000 a season to watch what we’ve been watching. But sense you asked…filling the seats is not my responsibility, but I do feel sufficiently compromised by the current situation and have no plans to continue my committment. That said, I do plan on feeling much better being one of the customers lining up for 65% discounts.

PS - What’s that say about your product, distribution capabilities and your pricing models if you’re willing to discount it by 65%? I know what it says to this customer!

By Ben

March 5, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The angry season ticket holders need to keep this term in mind… “revenue management”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenue_management It’s a generally accepted sales practice in business. If it works for airline seats and hotel rooms, why can’t sports teams use it too? I understand that the thought of paying for for the same product as someone else doesn’t sound fair, but why shouldn’t a business be allowed to put their unsold products on sale? If you buy a pair of tennis shoes at the mall, do you complain the next week when the same shoes are on clearance?

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Okaaayyyyyy. Maybe Moose only gets a 3rd rounder. But someone “could” have been desperate enough. Some of it is in the “salesmanship” of it. I didn’t pay any attention to other team’s goaltender situations, or goalie injuries, in the week preceeding the deadline.

Hedberg’s contract, pro-rated, costs a gaining team almost nothing. And if you’re a team that will almost certainly own a latter round pick, it’s a “throw away” pick, anyway. Ya know? We’re talking about “insurance” for a Cup-run.

Stop, what team doesn’t need insurance, at the goaltender position, for the playoffs? Hedberg costs you nothing. And yet, he is a proven commodity goalie, that you’re only going to use for emergencies. Isn’t that worth a throw away 2nd round pick, sayyy … #57-60 overall? So, it’s impossible to shop Hedberg is this fashion? I guess it is. It’s utter folly. Just … total insanity.

By Teflon Don

March 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Sneak Preview of the talking points for the Town Hall Meeting Friday per meeting with sales representatives today.

Offseason Moves:

1) Get a coach

2) Get two defenseman

3) Get a center for Kovy

Special Note:

I plan on being with the organization next year.

By Smoothie

March 5, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

If Whitey plays tonite, he better not be on the first line! I think that experiment has run its course. Let Little have his chance to gel with Kovy and leave it alone. It’s something we need to know before heading into the off-season. If Charmin keeps stealing mins on the 1st line, I may not watch another game this year…oh wait, except for the two games I’ve already bought tickets for…darn it! Well, at least Gorin’s is there to keep me from getting too “thirsty”. ;-)

By NewHockeyLover

March 5, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Here’s another idea. If say on Monday you noticed the arena has lots of available seats for a game on, say Thursday or Friday, send an e-mail to the season ticket holders first offering them better seats at discounted rates. If they chose not to take advantage, so be it. At least we know we were given first opportunity since we are the ones supporting the team up front.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Brendan — JS Aubin is the only “backup” goaltender acquired at the trade deadline (that I can remember). He was acquired by Anaheim for a 7th round pick.

Al Montoya was traded in a package includind another goalie prospect (Lenevue of Phoenix). Huet (a starter) was traded for a 2nd round pick. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head in terms of goalies moved during the deadline.

A 7th rounder is not worth the development of Ondrej Pavelec, it’s that simple in my mind. This team has two goalies in Russia (Brathwaite and Garnett), a rookie goalie in the AHL, and then two in the NHL. There is no depth on this roster to remove Hedberg for anything less than a SUBSTANTIAL gain. A 3rd round pick is pushing it in terms of a quality return, and still does not solve the problems of depth at the goalie position.

Simply put, Hedberg was rightfully retained for the remainder of this season.

By ranallo10

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

Brendan — Mike Smith and Johan Holmqvist were moved in a package deal centered around Smith and Brad Richards. That’s the only goaltender transaction I missed from the deadline deals.

TSN’s Deadline Deals recap

By Bob

March 5, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

1) Get a coach Check.

2) Get two defenseman Uh, you have 5 starters under contract next year, who you trading?

3) Get a center for Kovy Uh, you have 3 offensive centers under contract for next year, Little, Christiansen, and White. Slater and Perrin are centers as well, who are you trading?

I plan on being with the organization next year. Don’t bet on it.

By GaVaHokie

March 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I’d like to know what the success rate is for the discounted tickets… I bet they STILL don’t sell at that price.

I don’t think they really offer a lot of deals for “walk-up” customers (Two for Tuesday is the only one I can think of). Most of the deals I see are advertised during the game, which only about 2,800 people watch… most of which are probably season ticket holders.

My guess?… 65% discounts still doesn’t attract new fans. I think they just cost themselves a lot of grief with season ticket holders for nothing.

I think the solution is simple… hockey is not popular in Atlanta… ownership should offer ANYONE willing to buy an entire seasons worth of tickets a 30% discount on every game… plus reinstate season ticket-holder events.

Ben… what about the business strategy of Sams Club and Costco?… you always save money buying in bulk.

By Russ

March 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

In my opinion, based on no expertise of course, I would be very surprised if anyone offered higher than a 4th or 5th round pick for Hedberg, Holik, or Recchi. As for the Holik for Madden rumor, I don’t buy that for a second unless that was just part of the proposed deal and the rumor left out prospects or picks that might have been involved. If DW turned down Holik straight up for Madden he’s an idio…OK maybe it is possible.

By R. Stroz

March 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Ben - Have you ever heard of quantity discounts and early bird specials?

Look at it this way, the guy buying the forty pound bag should receive a lower cost per unit than the guy buying a one pound bag.

Also, the guy at the store at 6:00 AM on Black Friday should receive a better price than the guy who waits until the weekend after Black Friday.

The season ticket holders should receive a quantity discount and an early bird special. If they don’t receive either, there is no reason to buy tickets to 41 games at once and pay before the season starts.

I understand the revenue management as a cash flow and accounting concept.

However, price is one of the four major aspects of marketing and right now the ASG only seems to be looking at the accounting end of the equation not the marketing end.

Without customers, there is no product.

By Thorburn's Thugs

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

Ranallo - You forgot one. San Jose picked up the journeyman Brian Boucher/Bouchard (I think thats his name.)

By Teflon Don

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

Bob

Please don’t confuse the sales reps with facts. These talking points get them back on the phones.

By Lanny McDonald

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

Without customers, there is no product.

Exactly. And with Waddell and crew running the show, without a decent product, there are no customers.

Must suck to be with the ASG and Thrashers Management right now. You just messed up BIG TIME.

By Mitch Holder

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

I agree there is more the team could do in offers since we have already payed for our season tickets but everyone must keep in mind that we have other rights your regular season ticket holder doesn’t have like discounts for every game, the ability to resell our tickets or turn them back in and use the ticket for another game. Plus I like the meetings and accessibility for the team
In a non hockey market you are always going to see deals for the single seat buyer hoping to lure them in for a season ticket that is just the nature of the beast with Hockey in the south if none of the other perks apply to you you would be better off buying singles.

By Craig Custance

March 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Bob - I didn’t press him on that because it made sense, but I would have pressed him if I heard him say he was offered first-rounders for Hedberg, Recchi and Holik. That didn’t add up.

By bob (other)

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

For all the detractors, the facts suggest that our average home attendance is 15,779, higher than 9 other teams. There is no massive fan revolt and DW isn’t going anywhere. I have been a full STH since day one in the lower level and will continue to support the organization. ASG is made up of several smart, successful people and I am very comfortable with that. Our problem this year is effort for 60 minutes. When we play well, we have demonstrated the ability to beat anyone. I personally believe that Hossa was a cancer and there still may be some hangover on that, but frankly we are much better off without him,now and long term.

And for all the negative comments on DW, it takes two parties (at least) to get any deal done.

Get on board and pony up folks. Keep the whining in check. If all this energy turned into paid customers, many issues would be solved. The Thrasher business model break-even is less than $40M, so the ASG has already accepted a small operating loss.

Wake up people.

By GSU-Lee

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

Why is everyone so crazy about trading Recchi? You can’t have a team of just rookies, and if we traded Recchi and Holik, what kind of leadership do we have? Whatever with Holik, he is gone in 09 anyway, but I think the team should certainly keep Recchi, he works well with Kovy and is a great leader, not that Bobby Holik is not a veteran, but he is incredibly cynical. I think the way Recchi had to prove himself to the NHL after being cut by Pittsburgh and then getting two goals in his first game with Atlanta, he has deserved a stay.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Boucher has a shutout already for San Jose. Russ, you don’t think there’s more of a sense of urgency at the deadline for some of these pickups? I mean … as an offseason trade … I’d agree that you’re probably not getting much. But as a needed trade deadline move, doesn’t it change the value, somewhat? Recchi is a point-a-game type guy, with proven playoff results. A GM can always recoup 2nd and 3rd round picks by agreeing to move down in a draft where he doesn’t see something he likes at his current position, in hopes of stockpiling chances to fill positions of need with picks overlooked by other GM’s. It happens every year.

Say someone has the 19th overall pick. The team holding the 24th overall approaches them and asks to swap, and they’ll throw in their 2nd round pick, #39 overall (acquired by some prior trade), to sweeten it up a bit. If you (The GM) think the guy you want will still be available at #24, or if you believe the “quality” of the player at the position you need will be the same or comparable at #24, perhaps you agree to this move. And in the process, you acquire another shot at getting what you need, while already seated in the “crapshoot” area of the draft. In short, you gave up #19 to get #24 and #39. This more than compensates for the #49 overall pick you “gave away” when you got Hedberg from Atlanta, at the trade deadline. For example.

By R. Stroz

March 5, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

There is no massive fan revolt and DW isn’t going anywhere.

bob(other) - Do you have any hard facts to back up this assertion? Do you know the renewal rate this year compared to the last two years?

By Ben

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

Using the airline analogy again, airline companies know that business travelers are going to book their flights no matter the cost, and casual vacationers are only going to book the flight if the price is cheap enough. Sports tickets are the same. Are you the business man who buys season tickets as a tax write off for your company and give them out to clients and employees like thousands of season ticket holders do? Or are you the casual fan who buys tickets because you enjoy the game and want to go to as many games as possible? Any responsible business is going to maximize the sale price of their products. If you’re a casual fan, season ticket packages may not be designed for you, you may not be the demographic they’re after with that ticket package. You have the option of scouring the internet for ticket specials, but they’re not offered for every single game, it’s incredibly time consuming to search for those specials, you miss a lot of games you’d like to go to because the ticket special isn’t offered.

By MB

March 5, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

I’d have been sorely tempted by a third rounder for Holik, and might have tried to finagle a deal for Recchi with a third rounder and a conditional 2009 2nd rounder if he didn’t resign with the Thrash.

I’m not a STH, but I’d be pretty ticked. When I was going to GA Force games, ticket reps would occasionally come through the upper deck with lower bowl seats at the end of the half, especially during nationally televised games.

Perks that I would find tempting: - ability to upgrade seats, especially to club level, at steep discounts (also filling in some of the most visible, regularly empty seats) - premium items available only to STH (when I managed our company seats, full Philips pkg., in the club section, I received a Thrashers fleece, a Philips gym bag, and a Hawks stadium throw) - steep discounts at team gear stores - exclusive STH auctions for player worn or signed gear/merchandise - options to buy special event tickets (concerts, etc.) at Philips ahead of the public; my company enjoyed this perk, you STHs might already get it - discounts on Philips electronic products; again, we had this through our club seats, and you guys probably have it already

That’s about all that comes to mind at the moment. I think they’d sway me towards re-signing, though I’m such a cheap SOB it’d still be a tough decision.

By bob (other)

March 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz, yes ticket churn is built into every NHL team’s financial models. No major defections, although there are always some. Obviously, it is better if that does not occur, but on average our market penetration continues to grow, both in revenue and in community involvement.

Patience is indeed a virtue. No need to panic.

By R. Stroz

March 5, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Ben - Airline companies aren’t sports teams, period. The analogy is flawed.

Please review the quantity discount and early bird concepts mentioned above.

So what product type is the rapid fan suppossed to buy? Or should corporations only buy season tickets?

By R. Stroz

March 5, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

bob (other) - Are you stating that you work or have worked for the ASG?

Trust me, I’m in no hurry to renew my ticket package. I’m waiting to see what management does with Hossa, Holik, and Rucchins’ contracts being moved off the books.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Now swap your theoretical #49 pick for a #129 pick (5th round), and you’re closer to the way the market has been working for backup goaltenders.

Brian Boucher was a free agent, signed to a one-year contract on the draft deadline day. Like Forsberg he cost the receiving team CAP space only, no roster players or picks. He was playing in Philadelphia (AHL) prior to signing the contract with San Jose.

If was San Jose’s GM, I would rather sign a free agent goalie than acquire Hedberg for anything more than a 5th round pick.

The only true backup goalie acquired, JS Aubin, came for a 7th round pick. That’s not much of a market for a backup goalie. (I know, Hedberg’s better than Aubin, but not 5 rounds better).

By STH

March 5, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

By the tone of several of these posts, “revenue management” may take on a new role for ASG next season. ie. manage cash flow by guessing how many people will show up and buy a ticket at a discount rather than knowing how many people have already paid for their season tickets.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 5, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Feel used, STHs? You should.

Feel silly, Waddellites? You should.

Lacking tough/real questions for our bumbling GM from the local media? You bet.

Said I wouldn’t say it (“I TOLD YOU SO”). I lied.

Reading the hopeful optimism from the Waddellites? Hilarious.

By The Falconer

March 5, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Ben: Given that there is no shortage of seats or discounted ticket offers then all rational fans should not buy unless you want to sit in the same seat every game.

The comparison of Thrashers tickets to airlines and hotel rooms is questionable because there is no scarcity or certainty factors involved.

As a hockey fan I know the Thrashers only sell out on Saturdays so I don’t have to worry about scarcity. Unlike flying to another city, I can wait to decide to go to see NHL hockey until the last minute.

Now if the Thrashers sold out more often—ok there is value to buying in advance. But the scarcity and certainty factors are not all that comparable in my view.

By erock

March 5, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

OUT SHOT 14-3 IN THE FIRST PERIOD A MUST WIN GAME !!!!!! AFTER CAROLINA WENT UP 2-1 WITH LESS THAN A MINUTE TO GO IN IN THE PERIOD….SOMEBODY HAS TO DROP THE GLOVES !!!! PITIFUL EFFORT AND EXCUSE FOR A HOCKEY TEAM !!

By yr9 of 15yr plan

March 5, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

IF WE SCORE ON EVERY SHOT WE MIGHT WIN. congrats DW you built on fine team in only 9yrs!!!!!!!!!!!!

By GSU-Lee

March 5, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Craig, or anyone, and I mean this seriously, but why is it that the Atlanta Thrashers get outshot by such a large margun every single night? God this team is bad.

By GSU-Lee

March 5, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Okay Craig, one reporter mentioned that the DW pretty much controls his own destiny with the Thrashers, so he may never get shown the door. Since Bruce Levenson seems to be the only one that is really into the hockey part of it, he is going to be the one who has to press for “corrective action.”

I mean, when is enough enough? When is this team finally bad enough that DW is fired? Will all of our superstars have to be traded? Will all of our prospects fail to develop and result in losing season after losing season? God this team IS BAD! The same poor product is put on the ice, night after night. If the ownership is truly dedicated to the fans then they will listen to the cries all over blueland and send DW packing.

By 12345

March 5, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

How many will Carolina win by…

I say 5.

This team simply SUCKS…

THREE SOG in the first ?????

This Waddell A hole has to be FIRED AND NOW, not until the end of the season NOW !

He is a CANCER on this team and it is spreading, plus the two new guys look just “wonderful” Totally NOT impressed.

What is it here ? When you play here you do not care, collect a fat paycheck and HOPE like hell to get out ASAP !!!!!!!!

We are NO better now than in our first year, NO offense, NO defense and POOR goaltending and WHO made this happen Don Waddell !!!!!!!!!!!

He has to go, and LOOK at ALL the empty seats, who wants to pay to watch these LOSERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FIRE WADDELL NOW TO SAVE THE THRASHERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By jIMMYz

March 5, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

I agree, no more games for me until Waddell is gone.

We have no heart, no desire,no guts no nothin, this is a disgrace and the fans in Atlanta should not have to put up with this crap anymore.

The GM is responsible and from my prospective, He cannot remain with the team in any function, esp… players and drafting, He SUCKS !

Wonder if these owners see the mess he has us in… this team is no better than when we first took the ice in 1999, Totally Unreal to see this team go down the drain !

By Sage of Bluesland

March 5, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

That’s right, ALL they have to do is kick Donny the heck out of the organization (I don’t even want him sweeping the floor or cleaning the lavaratory, which is what he is more suited for)…Clean the stench out of the office and ALL is forgiven!

Hope is restored.

The fans will stop being restless.

Admit what many of us have known all along.

Stop the bleeding.

Begin the healing.

FIRE THE BUFFOON.

(and let the inevitable wholesale rebuilding start yet again—but this time with a different path and hopefully competent decision-maker)

We WILL support a new direction…The current regime has done nothing but run the product into the ground…We are no better off than our third year…

If Donny is back in any capacity next year (i.e. after April, 2008), then this ownership doesn’t deserve your support. Period.

By Tom

March 5, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

well, if the criteria is that we quit on Hartley, what does 6 shots on goal halfway through the game mean?

firewaddell real soon

By 8 n a row

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

Hartley lost 6 in a row and was fired. DW 8 in a row?????????????????

By Sage of Bluesland

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

“…FIRE WADDELL NOW TO SAVE THE THRASHERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Now, can I get an “AMEN!!!” from the crowd?!

AAAAMMMMEEEENNNN!!!!

(Waddellites, you are dismissed…The embarrassment you’re feeling must be overwhelming, isn’t it? Maybe you’ll learn a valuable lesson from this entire experience? Maybe you’ll learn to pay attention and entertain thoughts which conflict with the narrow view espoused by the organization? Maybe you’ll learn that your mind is your own and that the media is not always to be bewieved or even trusted? Maybe you’ll learn the difference between propaganda and truth?)

We’ll see. I’m not holding my breath, I can assure you…Even ten years from now, when Don Waddell and his stench is a distant and laughable memory in “Bwuewand”, there will be some lambchops who utter, “He was solid”…

IIIIIFFFFF that is the case, in the future, and Donny and this era is looked upon as the “good ol’ days”, then this franchise is doomed…We cannot afford another Don Waddell patented “Five-Year Plan”…

By GSU-Lee

March 5, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Amen

By Sage of Bluesland

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

Yet another prediction:

Don Waddell will chortle about his temper tantrum during the 3rd period a few minutes ago. A designated sheep from the crowd (with pre-written question in hand) will ask our bumbling Donny about losing his temper—and he will bluster the “Woe-is-me” BS, garnering an appreciative laugh from the rest of the sheep in attendance.

Write it down. Just remember where you heard it first.

Waddell and his ilk are now resorting to desperation tactics to save his sorry hide…He fired Hartley for nonperformance—and he needs to go next…

Period.

By Tom

March 5, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Don should have been throwing sticks after that BS call by the ref for Moose holding the puck.

That was pathetic refereeing and deserves to be shown up. But I guess we should be thankful, instead of making the point Waddell showed fiscal responsibility by not getting a fine.

The Canes announcers are just ripping the Thrashers lack of energy, hitting, and even joked about how the Canes players were hoping that Waddell would just give them the 2 points.

By LAC

March 5, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

What more needs to be or can be said about this team, Disgrace, Terrible, Disfunctional, heartless, no direction, worse than anexpansion team ?

This game was crap period, These players DO NOT CARE !!!!!

Keep Kovy & Enstrom and waive the rest, they are QUITTERS, time to bring up the Chicago kids and give it a try !

What is with Brian Little ? He hustles,but has NO shot and cannot pass worth 2 cents another draft BUST !!!!!!

Saw tonight where Washington had 10 First round draft picks in the game, 8 were their own picks…

What the HELL does THAT tell even the Biggest waddell supporter ???????

waddell is a farce and a JOKE, hehad personally made the Atlanta Thrashers THE Laughing stock of the NHL thanks DUMB don, you should be run out of town on a rail before midnight tonight, You Sir are a COMPLETE FAILURE !!!!!!

Agree Sage ?????

When will these STUPID IDIOT owners wake up ??????????????????????????

By Waddell $ucks

March 5, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

No More Excuses Waddell Must Be Fired Before Morning.

By Ranger Rick

March 5, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

I’m probably crazy for posting here, being a ‘Canes fan, but I’ve gotta say, while the Thrashers been having a bad game, they sure seem to be screwed by the refs tonight. Why the heck did the ref not whistle Hedberg holding the puck in the 3rd? It looked like he sat there so long waiting for it, he was forced to push the puck back out to keep it from getting knocked in, or at least, that’s how it seemed.

I felt so bad about the refereeing that I felt like I needed to hunt out a Thrashers blog and apologize. :P

By B. Thenet

March 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

The only issue I have with not playing the youngsters, is why he thinks they might not be an improvement over some of our current players. 8 game losing streak now…

Hey Sage, you gonna take the offer to show up at the meeting…or are you going to hide behind your safe little, yet abusive, corner of the internet.

You talk the talk around here, lets see you do it in the flesh.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I’m not disputing that mediocre backups merit 7th rounders. What I’m saying is this. Some “salesmanship” could have gone a long ways! There’s a lot to argue in Hedberg’s favor. (Here it comes, “But Brendan, didn’t you SEE tonight’s game. How can you say he has ‘value?’ Ahh, whatever.)

I like Hedberg. Here’s how I’d sell him, if were a GM “committed” to the FIRESALE. (1) Hedberg isn’t a cancer for your lockerroom. He’ll even sit up in the pressbox, without complaint. Then come down, suit up in mid-game, and deliver a ‘solid’ performance. (2) He’s going to hit your cap for about $200,000. Yeah, I think you can swing that. (3) He’s won as many games as Lehtonen, the #1 goalie. (4) He’s much more than a ‘solid’ backup, he’s a “playoff-tested, proven commodity” in net, having carried the Penguins a nice playoff run earlier in his career. And ultimately, he wound up being Atlanta’s #1 playoff goalie last year. (5) You can even re-sign him before July 1, because you now own his rights. (6) He can mentor your other backup, with “credibility.” (7) You can easily recoup your draft pick in the manner I’ve already outlined earlier, but sliding down a bit in an uneventful portion of the draft. (8) Which season is more important, the regular season or the playoffs? (Duh.) (9) Once the playoffs start, what’s the most important position on the ice? (Hmmn, 3rd line winger, I believe? No! Okay. You got me. It’s the goaltender position.) Wouldn’t you guys like a little insurance for your Cup-run, that doesn’t cost you anything, financially, and even in the draft, we’re hardly talking about some ‘can’t miss’ territory, where the very future of your franchise HANGS IN THE BALANCE!! What if your starter gets hurt? Are you really that ‘comfortable’ with your backup? Or do you want “Moose,” just to be sure?

Ya know, “salesmanship.” Don’t wait for someone to call. Pick up the phone and say, “we’re holding a firesale, want to breathe a bit ‘easier’ for your playoff run? I’ve got your solution.

“Well that stilll seems a bit ‘steep.” “Fine,” you say, “we’ll make it a conditional 2nd round pick, if you reach the Conference Finals or beyond. If not, it’s a 3rd rounder. The point is, it’s a pick of little value to a true Cup contender, to toss our way. It’ll very “late” in the second round. A team that needs to build will be more hesitant to part with it, I agree. Target the Cup contenders. Sell him. But Atlanta wasn’t committed to the “firesale” concept. So, they left a ‘rentable’ player on the table. Is “Moose” going to re-sign here? Come on, now. He’ll get good offers, elsewhere. Our goalie tandem of the future is Lehtonen and Pavelec.

It’s now, 3-1, Washington over Buffalo, very late in the 3rd period. Thrashers lost, 6-3, to Carolina.

By Hanson Brothers

March 5, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Craig - with the season ticket renewal deadline on Friday, do you think you can get some inside information, maybe from an anonymous source, as to the renewal rate. This is my 6th year as a STH and for lower level seats it is a pretty large investment. Each year it gets harder and harder to justify the expense, and I am still on the fence for next year with only 2 more days to decide. I wonder how many others there are like me on the fence.

As you said, it is frustrating to see all the tickets being discounted, but I don’t blame them for trying to get what they can for the remaining seats. That is good business. But it is bad business not to offer anything in return for STH’s. Why must we pay now, 4 months before the Cup is lifted, for next year. The Thrashers want over 50% of the cost of the tickets before this season is even over. Perhaps they could give those willing to renew some better payment options. We should be allowed to pay for next year when they play next year.

Considering the performance of the team, they might not lose so many that are on the fence like me if they gave us more time, let us see what they do over the summer, etc. I love my seats and don’t want to lose them, but knowing I can buy good seats to any game online for less than face value is what keeps me on the fence. If I renew it will only be with the assumption this team will have new leadership at the GM and coach positions, and at least one big name blue liner signed in the summer.

I cant imagine the ASG not being savvy enough to know that is what must be done. They will have plenty of cap room to get that done. If I renew and they don’t accomplish this I will be a frustrated customer. If they do this I will be satisfied they are making the right steps even if it takes a couple more seasons to put it all together.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 5, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Agree, LAC…Always have, always will…You were one of the few to speak the truth, as well, despite the mindless—and WRONG—scorn heaped upon you…

The sheep are running for cover—they have run completely out of credible excuses…

Pathetic!!!

By scott

March 5, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

10:30 no story from CC or AP on ajc.com yet - is something happening?

By Bob

March 5, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Tonight was Waddell’s low point of the zenith of that illustrious GM career. I actually felt sorry for the guy.

First, the place almost burns down pre-game.

Then, like 400 people were there for the drop of the puck.

And then, after the wonderful motivational tool that The Beast layed upon this club, they come out and get outshot 14-3 in the 1st. Nice.

Don Waddell, you have been voted off the island.

By Nostradamus

March 5, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers will not make the playoffs in 2008.

By Hockeyfan

March 5, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Craig ask Waddell if the Wild offer for Holik was a player and a pick… just curious what his answer will be. I would have taken a 8th round pick in 2012 Zhitnik to unload his salary hit for the next couple of years.

Friday’s Townhall meeting should be fun. Make sure you attend Craig

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Salesmanship is what got the Capitals Huet. Hedberg was at MOST a sweetener, and not much of one at that. If only two teams acquired a backup goaltender (Anaheim and Dallas), and one acquired a starter (Washington), there arguably was no market for Hedberg. Right?

If any team relies upon Johan Hedberg to lead them to a Stanley Cup, they’re in trouble. How’d he fare in his last two post-season starts? As for the other players acquired…Aubin is insurance to the backup plan (Hiller). Holmqvist was a throw-in to replace Smith, and serves as a suitable backup for Turco. Goalies were the hardest commodity to move all season (ask Toronto and Anaheim), thus Hedberg’s market was seemingly non-existent.

If I were the team you were trying to sell to I’d simply respond “thanks, but no thanks. I can go sign Robert Esche or Sean Burke for the remainder of the season and keep my current draft picks.” There are plenty of options out there as good or better than Hedberg, that wouldn’t have cost a second round pick. Boucher is a great example. Huet, a proven starter, cost Washington that same type of pick…I don’t care what kind of salesperson you are, you shouldn’t and couldn’t have traded Hedberg for a second rounder.

By stndec

March 5, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

I have grown accustomed to watching the Falcons quit. It has become traditional. It truly hurts me to see the Thrashers quit. Make no mistake, they have. TO A MAN! Not even the tiniest speck of pride, dignity or care. They do not even atempt to hide the apathy anymore. Which city did Hossa get traded to? The way I feel about these quitters and losers, I may just follow him. There is no shame is losing. There is shame in not competing. That must never be condoned or glossed over at ANY level of sports! No fiery tirades tonight. These MF SOBs simply are not worth it. Good night all. GO FLAMES!

By Bob

March 5, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

they might not lose so many that are on the fence like me if they gave us more time, let us see what they do over the summer

My man, your seats will be there next September…

By Tom

March 5, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Amen Hansen Brothers. Amen.

By sisu

March 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Ben,

What ever dude! Did these people pay for their airline tickets a year in advance??? NO!!!! What the AS has done is basically told the season ticket holders that they do not care about them. Does Ilya receive his whole paycheck in October??? NO!!!!!!!!!!

By i wonder

March 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

How bad would the Wolves beat Thrashers with Letemin in net? Sobering thought. Double digits a real possibility!

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Laughing. Well, I agree, Ranallo. No one is EXPECTING Hedberg to LEAD them to a Cup. Althought, rubbin’ my chin, one wonders what he is capable of, with a quality blueline in front of him, and a sound defensive system. Perhaps he has a 20-win campaign left in him. But even with all that, he’s not your pony to bet on. But if you needed him to fill in for a few playoff games, he could probably do that for you. Sixteen playoff wins is a ‘bit’ of a tall order for the Moose. Not even he greatest ‘snakeoil’ salesman in the world can pull that one off.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Brendan — You’re right, Hedberg wouldn’t be too shabby in, say, Vancouver (again). But the Canucks could find a plethora of suitable backups to man the fort IN CASE Luongo went down, while still keeping their high draft pick. Who knows, that second round choice could be one like Ondrej Pavelec, and be the goalie of their future (well, Vancouver already has their future tender in the wings, but you see my point).

If comparable goalies with a lesser playoff resume were available to me at no cost (beyond salary), I’d pick that person first.

Eh, who cares? We’re disputing what COULD have happened but didn’t (and I’m glad it didn’t).

By Teflon Don

March 5, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Well, uh, we could go on a 15 and 0 run with 14 games remaining and win the conference.

By xfanatl

March 5, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

First, I have been a season ticket holder since day one. Wearing my colors through the good and the bad. Tonight was one of the worst of the worst. The “goal” that went in off the referee, Kari made NO effort to try and stop it. Maybe he assumed it would be waived off, but it was almost as if he didn’t care. The same can be said of ALMOST every other person on that team. We were beaten to the puck in the offensive zone, the defensive zone and neutral zone. They out skated us, out huslted us, out coached us, out played us, out smarted us, and most importantly of all, showed they had heart.

There were a few a few bright spots. When Moose skated onto the ice he hustled. He showed emotion when the empty netter went in. Christiansen showed he has great hands, and Kovy just looked p** out there all night.

I have been reticent to jump on the fire Don bandwagon. But, I think the time has come for a fresh start in the leadership, including Brad (sadly). The players don’t seem to listen or care and Kovy’s quote after the game pretty much sums it up.

Sigh …

By Bob Hartley's wife

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

Suckers!

By Jason

March 6, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Wow! The first five minutes of the game and the last three minutes of the game we looked like a Stanley Cup team ;) Not sure what happened in between. Maybe the ghost of Norm Maracle still haunts us.

Anyway, as others have said, this team shows no heart or guts on the ice. If I was their wife/girlfriend, a beatdown would be in order every time they got home. A friend gave me tickets tonight, and I sat there thinking, wow, I did’nt have to pay for these seats or anything, and I still wanna puke watching this crap. So I feel for all of you season ticket holders weighing the decision on renewing for the amount of cash it cost. I really hope some good fortune will somehow find its way back to the organization and its’ fans.

It’s time for Levenson and the group to do something right for a change, because we know they’re not going anywhere. When the season ends in a few weeks, fire DW and his coaching staff, take time and hire the right GM for the job, and let him get to work. Show the fanbase, that’s still willing to listen, that you are serious about this franchise and intelligent enough to figure out where the broken pieces are. This whole team has quit, but there is still some good talent and pieces to keep around. It was tough to see it tonight though ;)

By Jason

March 6, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Craig, Have you thought or tried to get a recent interview from Levenson or any of the other owners regarding the fragile state of this franchise? Many of the sentaments I read here echo in other places too, in respect to peoples opinion of the team/franchise. Also meaning his/their thoughts on the front office, and maybe waning of the season ticket base.

By Nikita

March 6, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

I was at the game this evening, which I’m not too often.

I don’t understand what happened to Kari — he completely melted down, and was just not mentally present.

Moose got robbed, plain and simple. He’ll be taking a hit in his stats for two goals for which he bears almost no responsibility, and that’s not fair.

Speaking of not fair, that was the most hostile refing environment I have ever seen. It almost seemed like they were just dying for a reason to penalize anyone who played effectively for us, and give the other team every advantage. Most notably the puck non-freeze and the Havelid penalty were inane.

Only one of our lines is really working, and it’s the 2nd. Everyone else is playing a very conservative style of play that simply doesn’t work when your opponents are already smarter, faster, and in better condition than you are. Recchi/White/Kovy IS NOT WORKING.

That said, it was kinda hard to tell which line is which, because no one’s playing consistently together, anyway. DW needs to stop moving people and let the lines work or fail.

I actually thought the team looked pretty decent. The 2nd line, Slater, Thorburn — good hustle. Ken Klee played decently, and so did Holik. Nice work from Bryan Little, too. Kozlov’s looking better, as well.

What’s not working…our defense. Which I’m going to boil down to two things — Garnet Exelby and our offense. Our offense neither forechecks nor backchecks unless they’re transplants from other teams or the checking line. And this is not acceptable. Even under the best of conditions with the most perfect of D play, the D is physically overwhelmed and often not in a position to stop the opposing team because the opposing team is completely free to just waltz into our defensive zone and physically pressure the goalie and two Ds with no backup whatsoever.

Also, there are lots of people who think Holik is overpriced. But Holik is worth every penny until we can get someone else to lay on effective physical pressure as he does. If the entire team did that, we’d win every game.

By LAC

March 6, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this

Right Sage my Man… Ijust laugh as people who actually support waddell, WHY ?

He canot draft,no SOLID UFA’s and fired a coach after 6 losses ?????

He hasall but KILLEDNHL hockey in this town, itis a DAMN shamewe are on here bashing the WORTHLESS GM, instead of going nuts over expanding our lead inthe eastern confrence.

don waddell IS the problem here and this STUPID owners group better figure it outand figure it out FAST.

If… waddell IS here next season nothing will change, nothing, and the fans WILL start staying away in Droves.

Saw quite a few EMPTY seats last night, and why not.

I guess Sage, is these owners are too dumb to figure if you win fans will come, but that means a QUALITY product on the ice, we have an awful team on the ice.

I also believe itis time to trade KL, he is NOT an NHL goalie, maybe good for backup, but not one to build around, maybe offer him the league minimum over the summer or Good-Bye…

Just a Terrible state of affairs with this Hockey club, anduntil waddell is FIRED we will never be anything but a joke in the NHL !!!

Thanks Sage, Time MORE people opened their eyes to the real problem with this team.

By Blue Knight

March 6, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

It is the year 2025, GM Don Waddell believes his 25 year plan to make the playoffs and advance beyond the first round will “come down to the last home-and-home series with arch-rival Washington.” When asked how come it has taken 25 years, Waddell responded “Craig Custance gave me a free pass all this time.”

By FlamesFan

March 6, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

No need to add my b*** about this team. But I could not believe what that ref did to Hedberg and the Thrashers last night. Fans often get irate with refs on judgement calls. But this was different. This ref decided by himself to change the way the game is played.

A few weeks ago, the Thrashers got burned when the league, in mid-season, redefined a valid goal by stating that as long as a player did not lift his skate off of the ice, kicking a puck in would not disallow a goal. However, this was done through league channels. Every team was notified of the change.

I wonder if the league decided to make a point of pushing the puck back to the goalie. I doubt it. Instead, I think the ref decided on his own to make a statement and interject himself into the game. And no better team to pick on then the lowly Thrashers. Can you imagine a referee pulling a stunt like that in Montreal, Toronto, Detroit or MSG? No way in hell.

By FlamesFan

March 6, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

No need to add my b*** about this team. But I could not believe what that ref did to Hedberg and the Thrashers last night. Fans often get irate with refs on judgement calls. But this was different. This ref decided by himself to change the way the game is played.

A few weeks ago, the Thrashers got burned when the league, in mid-season, redefined a valid goal by stating that as long as a player did not lift his skate off of the ice, kicking a puck in would not disallow a goal. However, this was done through league channels. Every team was notified of the change.

I wonder if the league decided to make a point of pushing the puck back to the goalie. I doubt it. Instead, I think the ref decided on his own to make a statement and interject himself into the game. And no better team to pick on then the lowly Thrashers. Can you imagine a referee pulling a stunt like that in Montreal, Toronto, Detroit or MSG? No way in hell.

By Hotrod

March 6, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

I dont know, I get tired of analyzing this year after year, except for ‘07.That last part of the season was fun.

I think back to what the Braves did in the early ‘90’s to get on track for possible answers. I cant remember who the owner was , but I am guessing it was the Turner folks. Somebody brilliant,maybe Kasten,had the foresight to hire Shureholze. That was the moment that a dynasty was concieved.

So , basically, the Thrashers will need some sort of immaculate conception from the front office down just as the Braves had.Wadell seems to be a good hockey man,just not in this position going forward.

Really, the bottom line is the ownership is responsible to get the ball rolling and the record will be a reflection of their decisions.

So if they keep doing the same thing they have been doing….well you know the rest of the story.

By Howard

March 6, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Season ticketholder Town Hall with DW tomorrow should be interesting. Maybe he will announce he is stepping down :-) If not, we should all advise we are not renewing. I am a day one STH and no longer can provide my support to this organization and frankly don’t believe they care if STH leave.

Now that they can’t blackmail us with playoff tickets, we should hold our money until October and see if they actual make improvements. We have the leverage now, lets use it and force them to do something - if they build it we will come