Thrashers

By Hockeyfan

March 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I dont care about southwest teams…. SouthEAST is a different story and yes there is a bias there

By True Thrashers Fan

March 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Craig, do you know who is in goal tonight?

By moo

March 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

I have to agree that since we need to get bigger next season, I’d offer Holik a one-year deal at 2 mil. I always wondered why they didn’t try to make him into Kovy’s “Tkachuk” this season. Move White to the 3rd line wing and buy out Larsen for sure. Thorburn looked fantastic last night and if Holik finds better money elsewhere, Thorburn — Little — Kovy will be a nice line.

By GaVaHokie

March 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Craig… I was just pointing that out on Rawhide’s blog. Waddell went overboard with the smallish speedster, puck “danglers” this year. I don’t know if it was by accident or just too many available… White, Perrin, Dupuis, Kozlov, Little, Slater, Sterling… that’s too much.

Last night’s goal from Holik is a perfect example of how effective a big, lumbering Center gliding up the middle can be. It’s an easy target, to pass to someone like that opposed to figuring out what the hell Slater, Sterling, Dupuis and White are trying to do on any given play.

By Alan

March 14, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I would bring Holik back next season, for the right price. A 1-year, $2m-$2.5m contract would be exactly that. However, Holik would most certainly not wear the C on his sweater next season. He’s not the leader Hartley thought he was.

By Smoothie

March 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

As well as Mr. Robert Holik played last night (and at other times during the year), I’m afraid I cannot endorse the idea of re-signing the big Czech unless he is willing to take a bigger paycut than what you’re suggesting Craig AND we somehow manage to trade Todd White.

If we somehow manage to do both, then Bobby can always spend some time playing 4th line minutes while the younger Slater and Perrin share minutes on the checking line. That way, Mr. Holik will be more than ready to “step up” his game for the playoff stretch run (riiiiight).

By Denny Lambert

March 14, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

I was just glad to see every line play with heart and energy. Nice to see, I’m confused as to why we don’t see that effort every night?? I believe Calgary is more talented and they played hard, most Keanin teams do. Cujo was average at best. That said, if the Thrashers play a physical hard fought game every night they will be much more competitive and in every game, talent or not. It’s the first time I’ve been proud to be in the stands since the Buffalo game in January. Sorry DW, you still have to go, the team should be playing like that every game or at least 75 out of 82 games. Thorburn gave some energy and some chippyness. I’m not sure what got them going, Recchi chirping with Phenouf possibly?? Whatever it was, it’s needed every night.

By GaVaHokie

March 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

On Holik… it’s so hard to say. If we can move White this summer (I’m surprised to hear myself say this) yes, I would resign him for $2 million.

Question is, would Holik want to stay? Maybe that’s your next article Craig… Holik seems frustrated with the lack of comradery. Plus, he came here specifically because of Bob Hartley. Making note of Hartley’s strict conditioning.

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Custance — I think re-signing Holik creates more problems, both financially and roster wise, than it solves. His size and toughness will be missed, but his handcuffing due to his salary will not be missed. Even at $2.5M, his salary would impede the contracts for the more glaring needs like defense.

Without Holik this team will have 5 NHL caliber centers under contract (White, Perrin, Little, Christensen, Slater). Thorburn, Larsen, Kozlov and Recchi are also potential centers in dire situations. I think it would be counterproductive for the team to add (or retain) another lower line defensive-minded center to the mix.

I’d rather see that $2.5M spent towards a defender like Roszival or even Streit.

By MB

March 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

I’m with you, CC, I didn’t see that one coming. I will give some props to Surly T, though, as one who did predict that line would click.

IF that line stays together and continues to produce at high levels the rest of this season, then I would have to consider bringing back Holik (though at $2M tops, preferably less).

Otherwise, thanks but no thanks. There have been a number of indications throughout this season that he’s been a polarizing force in the locker room. If that’s the case while he’s wearing the C, imagine what will happen if he’s stripped of the C (for Kovy) and forced to take a sizable pay cut.

By Bill Wirtz

March 14, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Back at the beginning of Feb I e-mailed Waddell and talked to him about how Thorburn plays a lot like Al Secord who was a linemate with another great player named Denis Savard. The combination of scoring ability and the speed of Savard mixed with the size and physical play of Secord worked amazing. Too bad Waddell waited until March 13th to go with my idea.

By Nikita

March 14, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I like Bobby Holik as a player. He is the total package, and he’s insanely durable and fast for his age. As a captain, though, no. He’s too moody, and his style of self-criticism is probably not so good when it turns outward. I would pick Kovy or Recchi for captain, keeping whoever doesn’t get picked as an A, plus Havelid, Holik, and Perrin.

About size…6’0” and 200 pounds is average. Smaller than average = Perrin, Enstrom, Kozlov, Recchi, Little, Zhitnik. Average = Slater (skinny), Boulton (heavy), Kovy (heavy), Lehtonen, Christensen, Armstrong (tall, but skinny), Havelid, all of our remaining defense.

Large= Holik, Thorburn, Moose.

By Russian

March 14, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Holik played good now, but I am affraid to pay him $2 mln. He is veteran and has couple Rings on his belt. Kozlov is same story. Veterans did not want to play on our team. They got a contract and their skills disappears rigth after sign a Paper. I am agree that we need to get bigger and faster, but Thrashers has very many players still under contact. Expozito is 6’1”, but we got Perrin, White, Kozlov and etc. stay here with contract.

By rockdr99

March 14, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Don’t want Holik back under any circumstance — If Holik could have centered Kovy on a consistent basis we would have already done it — Last night was a fluke — Holik takes way too many nights off —-

By Hockeyfan

March 14, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Craig sorry for being a smart@$$ but I am just trying to live up to the role that Bruce Levenson thinks of current Season Ticket Holders…

I will have to admit that my first reaction of reading yesterday’s Kovy, Thor and Holik line was WTF? but they produced last night (even though some of that was because Calgary was giving Kovy way too much room). Dont think it is a long term solution.

I wouldnt mind Holik here at $2million or less and without the C. Do you think he would want to stay without the C? I believe that he will be with the Devils or Wild next year though.

By GaVaHokie

March 14, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

If I’m spending in the $2-$3 million range, my wish list is Jason Williams (UFA), Brian Rolston (UFA) or Steve Bernier (RFA).

By Tony318

March 14, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Craig first thanks for all your work. Your blog has become my first stop for Thrashers info.

Regarding Holik, In my head I agree with ranallo10’s post although it doesn’t address Bobbys prowess in the face off circle. Will that be missed with the remaining crop of centers? who will become our go to guy?

In my heart I’d like to see Holik back at 1/3 his salary but only until Espo or Holzapfel are ready. I like the big lug except when he’s skating toward the penalty box with 3 or 4 minutes to go in the game!

By Bob

March 14, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

No, I don’t care the price, Holik has to go. I love his play as a checking center. Just love it. However…I think he is the biggest problem in the locker room. He was a divisive force in the Ranjerks’ room and they threw him under the bus when he left there to sign here. I think he needs to go.

This club needs to come together with around it’s young core. For years Waddell has brought in a Buchburger, Ferraro, McEachern, Mellanby, and now Holik as a savvy vet to lead the boys, but it’s time to give the C to Kovy and an A to Armstrong and let those guys take this club over. Bring Recchi-ball back to wear the other A and provide the vet presence on the 2nd line, but it’s time to move past this idea of having a savvy vet as a C, but give up a roster spot in the process. Holik’s our most effective player who was a captain, but he’s too divisive, he’s not a good leader and I’m afraid a lot of the guy’s have lost respect for him and that’s why there’s a split room.

Don’t know if you saw it last night, but Armstrong was jawing with 1/2 the Flames and was under everybody’s skin. I like that kid. Let Kovy and Armstrong run this club next year.

White can be the checking center, you don’t have to be physical to be effective in that role, just need to be able to skate and backcheck and have own zone awareness, White can do that. New real #1 center for the top line and Christiansen for the 2nd line, Slater can keep slogging up minutes on the 4th. Perrin can play a winger on the checking line.

By MB

March 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

From the “way too much time on my hands” department, what a difference a year (+/-) makes:

Looking over some of the blogs from last year (see above), it’s interesting to note that the Zhitnik trade was roundly considered the best right here on CC’s blog, with many citing how great it was that he would be here 2 more years. Of course, at that time he had replaced Mandy and was playing top-line minutes for Havelid (who had improved his play once paired with the Zhit).

Kozlov and Belanger were considered the two most important FAs to re-sign, and as we went into the summer the re-signing of Kozzy was considered a no-brainer.

Though I can’t claim to have made an exhaustive search, I found nobody who advocated trading Hossa this past summer.

Oh, and quite a few folks were very excited about the improvement in X’s game and considered him a very strong player in our defensive future.

Tough game to predict, isn’t it?

By kat

March 14, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

@ Nikita:

Large= Holik, Thorburn, Moose.

…what?

By MashaPlayer 7

March 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Is there anyone in the hockey world who doubts that Kovalchuk should be the captain of this team for the next 10-15 years??? He will be our Steve Yzerman..I only hope we can play like the Red Wings did (terrible start in Stevie Y’s career with some nice Stanley Cup runs at the end).

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Tony318 — Christensen is a very good faceoff winner, I think he was at 58% efficiency (compared to Holik’s 60%) when he came from Pittsburgh.

If you want to know his actual faceoff %, I can look that stat up for you.

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

kat — She’s not talking about in stature…

Nikita’s got a big crush on Hedberg.

By Bob

March 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Though I can’t claim to have made an exhaustive search, I found nobody who advocated trading Hossa this past summer

At the end of last summer, when it was obvious he wasn’t going to re-sign here I started calling for Waddell to trade him then as that would maximize our return (the return he got at the deadline was pretty decent, however). Moving in the summer probably would’ve made for a more competitive team this year as the distraction wouldn’t have been there and the roster players would have been here all year contributing.

However, I also remember liking the Coburn for Zhitnik trade at the time, as well as all the deadline deals Waddell made last year.

I thought Kozlov was a must re-sign, oops. I wonder what Kozlov’s deal is? Was he that distracted by Hoss’ situation? He and Hoss really clicked last year.

Or does he have his final contract before retirement and not really give a s**?

By Craig Custance

March 14, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

True: I didn’t fly in until after the optional morning skate, so I don’t know.

Hockeyfan: I’m glad you’re on top of things. Thanks.

Nikita: I’m not sure I could consider Moose large. Kari maybe, but not Moose.

Tony318: I appreciate the comments and your loyalty.

Bob: I’d have no issue with Armstrong getting an A next season.

Masha: The answer to your question: Is there anybody in the hockey world who doubts Kovy should be captain…? is yes. There are people who doubt it.

By kracker

March 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Holik: Not at $2.5M, it’s some other team’s turn to overpay the ageing players. Maybe $1.5, and that is doubtful. Bobby was supposed to be the guy that lead by example every game. Earning the nickname ‘Captain Hook’ doesn’t do much for you in securing a new contract.

By Tony318

March 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks ranallo10 no need for pencil sharp stats that’s good enough. I still like Holik, but not if we can replace his productivity and on-ice presence with younger players.

slight side note: I really like the way Little and EC play, but does their seemingly inability to approach point per game production worry anyone?

By Russ

March 14, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

MB - I’ll be the first to admit I thought the Zhitnik trade was the best deadline trade DW made last season. And I think I was right…for about one month. Zhitnik played great at the end of the regular season, then he tanked along with the rest of the team during the playoffs. I never liked the Tkachuk trade and still don’t. Do the Thrashers make the playoffs without him last season?…probably not, but they were never a serious cup contender and with what they gave up for Tkachuk anything short of the cup was a bad deal IMO.

Don’t bring back Holik next season, Kovy has to be Captain next year and Holik doesn’t impress me as somebody who would be OK with being stripped of the C. He is still somewhat effective in his role, but who is to say he doesn’t pull a Kozlov if re-signed…he isn’t exactly getting any younger.

By lilibeter

March 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

My $0.02 worth on Holik? No, please don’t bring him back next year. he is big and he is presumably strong. He does not play that way though. Although he had some good hits last night, I have been confused all season as to why he won’t seem to follow through with a hit. he gets the opportunities, but he seems to pull his hits at the last moment the way an actor would pull a punch on camera. We need someone in his place who is big enough to play a physical game; not someone who is built to play a physical game but shies away from actually getting physical.

By Bob

March 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, there’s some food for thought in this blog. I think Craig’s saying don’t count on Kovy with the C next year, Kovy is kind of shy, isn’t he, not the vocal guy you need in the room. Do they go with the same mode as every year then and bring back Recchi and slap the C on him? Let Kovy and Armstrong wear A’s?

By Rob

March 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Uh, Until Kovy learns how to consistantly backcheck and plays with the reckless abandon on both ends of the ice game in and game out, like say, Ovechkin, he shouldnt wear the C. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kovy, I do, but he has to become the complete player we need him to be. Let Armstrong wear it. You have to let Holik go. Put the 2 million somewhere else, dman. We could do with at least 4 new Dmen next year. Hats off to McCarthy, guy is talentless but he does play with heart and is one of the few on the team that stands up for his teammates.

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

MB — At the time, the Zhitnik trade was in the best interests of the team, and my thoughts were that the multiple years left under contract was a better incentive than a rental defender. Zhitnik’s production in 07 helped, but this season hurt. At the time I hated giving up on Coburn, but was to the point that I felt it didn’t matter since Hartley would never help develop the kid at this level (he seemed to give up on him way too soon). At the time I also would have been fine keeping Coburn, but felt Tkachuk was necessary even though we overpaid (Metropolit didn’t bother me, the quantity of quality draft picks did).

I was a proponent for re-signing Kozlov, and am still fine with the decision. I just hope he can wake up one day and at least resemble the Kozlov of the past few years.

Bob and a few others did support dumping Hossa before October, as they felt the return would have been greater. There’s no way to prove they were wrong, but that was their opinion at the time. To his credit, Bob was the most outspoken about that idea and often voiced it on these blogs.

But you’re right, it’s evidence of how we as fans can assume we know what’s best for the franchise, but once the games are played we show that the people being paid to run the franchise might no better (or worse) than us the fans.

How wrong we can be over the course of a season.

By Sigh

March 14, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I would definitely like to have Holik back next year. I think Nikita’s right about his playing and his manner. I don’t see him as moody as much as so straightforward it hurts. Some egos can’t take it. I do think every time he’s called for the boys to step up he’s been in there stepping up himself. The penalties are frustrating but I think that’s a function of #1 age #2 he’s known in the league as a strong player, a bumper, but not a fighter plus he’s so big refs can’t help but see what he’s doing. Watching him last night was like watching a pinball machine. He left some Flames going to the locker for some ice packs for sure.

Think of Andy Sutton. Andy was everyone’s whipping boy here for a lot of reasons, but his size alone kept a lot of pucks out of our net, not to mention the ones he purposely blocked—162 last year, 195 the year before. Despite the other parts of his game, his shot blocking was very, very valuable. It’s not that teams have learned how to shoot more against us this year, but that we don’t have the big guy to lower the SOG total.

I think losing Holik would be something like that. You don’t realize the importance of the faceoff wins until you don’t have them any more. And his intimidation factor is still really effective, he moves the puck, and he is a tank. Plus he uses a wooden stick, which I think is just cool. I’m not interested in keeping players who don’t contribute, but the veterans are SO important to developing character and general hockey smarts for our younger guys. However, I agree that he may not be the best guy for the C. I think it should be Rex.

By WW5

March 14, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

just because a new line produced last night, doesn’t mean it will be replicated. and good old letemin exceeded even his usual ineptness last night. is he at 4gpg yet?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 14, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I’ll play Center for the league minimum

By Nikita

March 14, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

My bad…Moose is average. Not in looks, though. (I’m working up crushes on others players too, though.)

Oh, forgot to say I like Holik, but at the right price. He’s currently more expensive than I think is really optimal. But he really can do 99% of the things we need done consistently and with reasonable skill. He plays like an enforcer when necessary, but also has decent hands and speed. And I like seeing him thoroughly humiliate opponents by sitting on them or stuffing their faces into the ice. Especially this year when too often other teams feel free to physically intimidate our guys.

By MB

March 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Apologies for being all over the place today, but was reading the comments of Flames fans beneath the game article on the TSN site.

Without team and personnel names, it could easily be the fan comments we see here…bad GM decision, coach must go, no defense, veterans not living up to their salaries.

Now before you go calling me an apologist or a sheep or some other barnyard creature, I’m in no way comparing our club (or situation) to that of the Flames. Just enjoying the universal occupation of fans that is kvetching.

TSN article

By Nikita

March 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Forgot to add…Bob, I think a good part of that game was won with the Thrashers’ big mouths. Did you see Recchi mixing it up? Holik was smack talking the guy he tied up face down, smack talking the other guy in the faceoff, and so on. Armstrong was really turning it on…even Klee, who apparently is good lockerroom presence but kinda mild-mannered, was jawing. And then of course there was Boulton. Nice fight, eh?

By Tony C.

March 14, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I would have to see how my guys that are under contract feel about re-signing any of the vet UFAs we have before I did anything. If nothing else, it’s been painfully obvious that chemistry in the room has been a huge issue all season this year.

As far as possible destinations for Holik’s salary: ah nevermind, I forgot Stoll was an RFA.

Really liked to see the guys hitting last night. That’s something I think we should go for in the off season. Like say, Sean Avery-seriously. He’s like $1.7-2M, and yes while Armstrong is a similar kind of player, Avery is this generation’s Claude Lemieux-chirpy @sshole guy who has a timely goal or two in his stick-especially when the stakes go up, maybe not as clutch as the other Lemieux, but timely for sure. They’re the type of player you need on a serious contender-Avery will drop ‘em stick up for teammates and we’ve all seen how effective he can be throwing off his opposition’s players’ mojo.

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Bob — I think he was just saying that there are people who don’t feel Kovalchuk is the type of player that should be a captain. I can point you to a website (hockeybuzz.com) where the majority of message board posters do not know much about him, and see him as a whiny Russian kid who is a puck-hog.

They might be wrong, but they don’t feel he’d be a captain.

That’s how I interpreted Craig’s response.

By Stats

March 14, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Another interesting thing about last night’s game is the fact that Kari Lehtonen wasn’t sharp and the Thrashers still won. Honestly, when was the last time you heard that?

CC - Actually, on Rawhide’s blog a few weeks back (I cannot find the post), he and I asked the same question -

When was the last time they won a game (in regulation) with a 5-4 or 6-5 score?

The answer I found was something like January… of 2007.

By Surly T

March 14, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

My first chance to say “I toldya so” since I was one of the few excited about Kovy-Holik-Thorburn. The best Thrasher games this year have been very physical, which is why I never understood DW’s small-guy approach to our defense. Seriously, Ex and Enstrom (love him) and even Zhitnik get “runned-over” for turnovers and scoring chances in our own end multiple times a game. Puny centers lose faceoffs. Wimpy wingers lose board battles. It’s like DW latched onto the idea that the league was so fast and fluid that size doesn’t matter. Not so! A superstar like Kovalchuk will always create crazy opportunities but sometimes you have to be strong and tough to help him create space and pounce on rebounds.

So I say keep Holik and pay him market but not a penny more. He’s a solid veteran with respect in the room and around the league. Unfortunately, he never seems to “lead” on the ice. Holik seems humble enough that he will do what he’s asked to do, even if he’s not captain anymore. Like many here, I think Kovy should be captain, but I’m very intrigued by Craig’s comment that there are doubts about Kovy’s worthiness. What’s the scoop behind the scenes? His talent, hard work and passion are inspiring from the stands, but maybe he’s a judgmental jerk off the ice.

Careful Buzilla Waddell might offer you the job.

By Alan

March 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

*just because a new line produced last night, doesn’t mean it will be replicated. *

It doesn’t mean it won’t be, either.

is he at 4gpg yet?

Lehtonen’s GAA is 2.98. But thanks for playing.

By Russ

March 14, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I’ll admit I run hot and cold in my support of Kari, but if you look at his numbers I really don’t get the constant bashing he takes from some people. According to ESPN.com he currently has a .911 save percentage, good for 18th in the league. At first glance that is pretty average, but when you consider that he is unquestionably playing behing one of, if not, the worst defensive teams in the league, suddenly a .911 percentage looks pretty good. I’d be willing to bet that if the Thrashers can ever trim 3-5 shots against per game Kari would be in the top ten, possibly top five goalies in save percentage. As always with Kari, his problem isn’t his performance on the ice, it is his durability issue. He still has just one season that he didn’t miss a significant number of games due to injury.

By Bob

March 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I’m very intrigued by Craig’s comment that there are doubts about Kovy’s worthiness. What’s the scoop behind the scenes?

Craig’s the beat reporter, he can’t come out and give his opinion on the behind the scenes stuff to us, as that will cut off his access the guy’s give him.

You have to read between the lines there with what he said up there (and didn’t say). We see Kovy’s effort on the ice, but we’ve also seen him be shy on camera (except for the All Star game). The captain on a hockey club needs to be a guy that can stand up in the room and command respect and rally the boys when needed, or tear them a new one when called for. Kovy may not fit that. Doesn’t make him a bad teammate, some guys just aren’t born leaders. He has an A already, right? Mabye that’s enough for him and we need a guy more vocal who is also a POSITIVE force in the room (not Holik’s scowling and complaining all the time).

By Bob

March 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

As always with Kari, his problem isn’t his performance on the ice, it is his durability issue.

Concur, and I think he made strides forward this year. He would also, in the past, break down mentally after 4 or 5 strong starts in a row and seemed to have a hard time staying focused. But I think he progressed there this year.

I’d like to see what he could do behind an average defense, or hopefully one day, a real defense. The current regime can’t be trusted to fix that, they’ve swapped out dmen so many times it makes me dizzy, and the results are always the same. But a new GM could come in and slap together a solid defense pretty quickly, I’d think. I’d like to see what Kari could do next year behind an improved D.

By Universal Dawg

March 14, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

No. Do not bring back Holik. He is to old and slow and is always in the penalty box. We need more North Americans who are not afraid of contact in the corners or in front of the goal.

By Brendan

March 14, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Craig, with some luck, Holik won’t want to be back. Or a new GM will be hired who won’t bring Holik back at the salary he wants. Which I’m going to estimate at $2.75 million, or more. Personally, I think anyone paying over $1.5 million for Holik is paying too much. Especially for the “baggage” he brings.

I agree with Bob. I suspect that Holik is a very polarizing figure in that lockerroom. I believed he used the word “cancer.” I won’t disagree. And isn’t it a bit of slap in the face to bring the guy back, but not make him Captain? What it means is, “We didn’t think you did a very good job.”

Personally, I think it’s more than high time the Thrashers had a house cleaning and established a “new day” here at Blueland. And that means out with the old and in with the new. There’s a whole lot better ways to spend $4.25 million.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I beseech you, How hard is it to win a faceoff? If need be, the coach can make the players practice it every day, to the point where they can’t leave practice until they each win 10 of them. It’s what our coach used to make us do.

It’s also high time that the rightful leader of this franchise be recognized accordingly. Ilya Kovalchuk should be the Captain next year. It looks “bad” if he isn’t. He’s been here since 2001, with four 40 goal seasons, and is one of the team’s enforcers. Anyone “think” that Ilya isn’t the face of the franchise??

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

You have to read between the lines there with what he said up there (and didn’t say)

Or you just have to understand he was answering a question. Unless Craig clarifies his comments, we’ll have to keep inferring based on his reaction.

I know a Pittsburgh fan who thinks Kovalchuk would be a bad captain, so therefore I could say the same response that Custance did… “The answer to your question: Is there anybody in the hockey world who doubts Kovy should be captain…? is yes. There are people who doubt it.”

By MashaPlayer 7

March 14, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Back on the Kovy for C comment, a good captain doesn’t have to be vocal in the dressing room. He leads by example. Kovy does have selfish moments, but is becoming more complete and plays hard every night. Now Craig may have other “backroom” knowledge, but that is my view from the fan perch.

By MashaPlayer 7

March 14, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Brendan - have you ever played Center? Winning face-offs are actually quite difficult..there’s a lot of strategy, knowing opponent’s tendencies, which side of the circle you are drawing from, physical strength, hand-eye coordination, quickness, etc. Look at the NHL stats - there is a very large minority of players who do it well every year. Guys like Holik are hard to find - I still woudn’t spend 2 mil on him though.

By Brendan

March 14, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Knowing how to “cheat” a bit on a draw makes allll the difference in the world. I am a bit curious to see if any team’s statistician ever kept track of how many times a player had been thrown out of a draw. And is there a record for the number of times a player’s been booted out of the faceoff circle in the course of one game? Or for a whole season? If I had to guess, I’d say Roenick would lead the league in “tossed draws.” I don’t think it’s a stat that’s ever really been tracked.

By TrashSuckTonight

March 14, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Blobby Holik can be retained but for alot less $. He can be a “great 4th line” center! (note non sequitor)

More importantly, if the owners don’t want to sell the team (please Rutherford? …dammit) you MUST fire Waddell if only for the fact he seems incapable of hiring a good coach. It is too bad because it seems the owners are tying his hands now, but just as well. You should let a new GM hire the coach. How many tries does DW get? Just because he makes decent trades does not mean he can develop talent. That is what the Trash need. And hang on to players for a change!

By Terry in Dahlonega

March 14, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

I would make Recchi the Captain next year - if he is resigned, which I think could be done for 1 Year/$1.25 Million.

Otherwise, Kovalchuk gets the “C”.

By R. Stroz

March 14, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Newest Email to Season Ticket Holders

By Russian

March 14, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Same s** on ice today. Thrasher are not compete with any team on NHL. Terrible game. Kary is only one playing today. 1:3 after second. We got SG and Ovy out shoot us horrbly.

By truth

March 14, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

TYPICAL LETEMIN. GOALS LESS THAN 2 MINUTES IN. BOTH 2ND AND 3RD PERIODS……

By joyaman

March 14, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Craig:

Looks like it got pretty testy with BL when you asked the appropriate questions. Can’t beleive the whole “we’re a young team” routine, when Don has had a full decade to shape the team’s makeup and its destiny.

Please be aware that there is a grassroots effort of STHs now organizing as a block. We’ll let you know when we hold our next meeting.

-joyaman

By Get Real

March 14, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

I just read the interview with a Thrasher owner…I was so appalled at what he said I’ve already forgotten which one…doesn’t matter ASG is a lame joke anyway. What has sickened me is that this guy was not in Blueland…he was in dream land.

He said he can’t evaluate Waddell on his whole tenure…only the three years he’s worked with him. WHAT?? When you hire someone, you evaluate them on their record. You evaluate their body of work. Why can’t you do that when you purchase a franchise? Even if you accept his flawed logic, then what success has Waddell had in the past three years? It was a fluke that the team made the playoffs as evidenced by the playoff sweep. As a coach Waddell is a loser as well.

What the ASG boneheads want to do is put a positive, unrealistic spin on Waddell’s performance for some reason. Last time I checked, in sports you are competing to win. You don’t win the Stanley Cup for coming in second. Almost making the playoffs is not a goal anyone strives for. Consistenly choosing first round draft picks who can’t make the starting lineup is hardly the player’s fault.

What does it take for ASG idiots to see that this franchise is not “heading in the right direction”?

By stendec

March 14, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Flushers continue to Falcon (tank) season! The CS can score six goals (count ‘em, six) against the Flames but only one against an inferior Capital ragtag group? Good old Letemin gave up his customary four goals including one to Achoo plus a shorthander. This untalented piece of crapola needs to be shipped back to Finland. As if Finland would have his sorry A++! Another mail-in effort. Atlanta sports followers can be D++N proud! Flushers laughingstock of NHL, Falcons ongoing NFL joke and Hawks eternally pathetic in NBA. Only Braves worth half a D++N at so-called professional level. Would like to see all new faces next season. That includes Ilya Kovalchuk who I finally realize is nothing more than an overrated Russian prima donna (no offense Russian, I like your posts). Like Falcons, NONE of these hopeless ball-less quitters are worth retaining! GO FLAMES!

By R. Stroz

March 14, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Craig - Great Interview!

You truely brought out the emptiness of the canned management answers.

Craig, for Pulitzer

By Brendan

March 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Get Real, I would say … that the ASG is just trying to flip this franchise for a profit. As in, The whole acquisition of the team was based on money. Buy low. Sell high. If that’s your goal … shed payroll, don’t take on more, and keep whoever is still under contract. And folks, Waddell is under contract through 2009. That is, unless they’ve extended him.

You and I and others … we look at this sport as “fans.” We CARE about our team. We want to win. We’re passionate about hockey. These owners don’t. They want to make money. They want YOUR MONEY. The only thing they’ll understand, at this point, is cancellation and failure to further subsidize.

Once that message has been well and truly received, and completely understood by the ASG … Levenson will have to post a response that says, “We goofed. We’re sorry. And we want your business back. Don Waddell has been fired. Billy Knight has been fired. We’re going to try to win.” It’s that, or complete the sale of the teams and operating rights to Philips Arena … for a huge profit.

By LAC

March 14, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

What a JOKE, this levenson needs professional help and NOW, he is about the only sober person I know who cannot see this MESS !

What was it tonight 12 SOG, 2 in the first period, a JOKE !!!!!

Then Mr.Potty Mouth says we are close… Hey Dumb A$$ close to what ??????? More LOSING ?

This liar cannot give a straight answer to save his life, just brutial to have someone like this in charge of a professional sports team and letting a TERRIBLE GM run wild with Bad draft picks, Awful UFA sigings, bot todd white is a great one !!!!

Then Marian Hossa tells it like it is, we SUX and this Sicko defends the GM ?????

What is he smokin or drinkin ????

This guy is a NUT an absolute NUT, Please somebody get levenson committed as soon as possible for the sake of the team.

Sorry Craig but YOU let this scum play you for a fool, damn shame some worthless turd like Mr.Potty Mouth controls the team… A man without a MIND !

By Tom

March 14, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Craig

Excellent interview. I am sure that you are getting your resume ready as Mr. Levenson is not used to being put on the spot.

The level of hubris and lack of fundamental knowledge shown by his is impressive.

My impression is that he will maintain the status quo because he is afraid of looking stupid if Don’s successor does a worse job.

I sense a whithering of the franchise over the next couple of years as fan apathy sets in with the recognition that there is no motivation to put out a great product.

By Tom

March 14, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

OMG

These owners sure do not have a friggin clue.

This year they offer huge discounts to those not buying season tickets and a price increase to boot.

So to make things right, instead of cutting a break on the burden of the loyal season tix holders, they came up with a new idea.

From the letter to the season tix holders:

Plus, you can be sure that we will raise the individual game ticket prices higher than the season ticket price increase of +4.3%. Thus, making your season ticket holder discount larger too.

Ah, so the feeling is this year we screwed you, and next year we are going to screw you even more. But that is okay because those new fans or occasional fans coming in, we are really going to screw them next year.

Do you wonder if the ownership of the Thrashers have worked for the government before? Because that convoluted thinking could only come out of a bureaucrats mouth.

These guys do not have a clue, do they. Remember when the Falcons were bought recently.

Ownership gave away the tickets to get a full house EVERY GAME. Then as the team improved and the crowd was solidly behind the team, they raised ticket prices.

If Vick had not imploded the concept would have worked. So the ASG has a great example 200 yards away and instead decide to screw all of their customers in a weak hockey market?

Maybe the Atlanta Spirit Group and Waddell deserve each other.

A Mutual Admiration Society That Worships Mediocrity.

By Brendan

March 14, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Craig, I was astounded at Bruce Levenson’s answers to your thought-provoking questions. I have a question for you.

Ready? (Just say, “yes.”)

At any time during the interview, did you hit stop on the voice recorder and say, “No really, Bruce. The interview has started and I’m required, by journalistic integrity, to provide an ‘honest’ reply on your part for these questions. Do you really want to go on record with these kinds of responses? I mean, you’ll go out of business and never sell another ticket. This interview will be read by the league office and media outlets all across Canada. No Free Agent will sign here, if you can’t realize Don Waddell is the problem. These players won’t play for him, and neither will others. They’d first have to believe in his abilities before they’ll put forth effort for him. You have a genuine ‘crisis’ on your hands.”

And if so, was Bruce ‘offended’ that you’d stopped the interview to ask him if his incredulous answers were actually genuine?

The worst part of this blog entry is … that I’m deadly serious. Did you ever give Bruce the opportunity to amend his answers?

Because unless Bruce was auditioning to host “Saturday Night Live,” or something, he came off as something out of a “Fellini film.” Whoever posted that Bruce Levenson knows about hockey, due to his time with the Capitals, has just lost their credibility. Based on Bruce’s answers, I’m not sure this guy has a handle on being able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

I can respect only one of Bruce’s answers. When he said that players are responsible for their performance, and get paid a lot of money to play, he was right. But what he didn’t say … was what the ‘consequences’ would be, in terms of the punishing the ‘veteran’ players who sandbagged it. For example, will players with remaining years on their contracts, like Kozlov, Larsen, Havelid, Klee or Zhitnik be waived? If Bruce feels accountability rests with the underperforming players, what is their punishment? Did you ask him that?

By bob (other)

March 14, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Bruce is a successful business person as are the other owners. They know what they are doing and so does DW. Many of the comments on these blogs show a high level of irrational, emotional thought. It is a business and it will get stronger based on the business plan that exists. Bruce’s answers are responsible and well thought out as will be the actions from the plan moving forward.

Bruce and Don are certainly much more qualified than anyone posting on these boards and are well respected within the league and the teams within the league.

Sorry if many of you cannot accept that.

By ranallo10

March 14, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

It’s a good thing Levenson compares this team’s ownership situation to that of Florida and Washington. I must say, those are two quality businesses to be compared to. Note I didn’t say “teams”.

Wow.

By Brendan

March 14, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Bruce Levenson thinks Keith Tkachuk is responsible for the Thrashers woes this year?, as an underperforming veteran player from last season. Or Eric Belanger. Or if Levenson thinks, perhaps, that the blame lies with Steve Rucchin?

I have to ask questions like these … because it’s truly hard to determine … what Bruce thinks he knows.

ASG, sell the teams and the rights to the Arena. You’ll make out like bandits. Pay out Belkin whatever “percentage” he initially invested at the TIME of purchase. Move on with your other business ventures and count your money from the sale. But do move on. While you still can. Fans aren’t going to pay to see your version of the NBA and NHL.

By bob (other)

March 14, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

He mentioned Fla and Wash as two teams in our division with similar ownership structure and cited there were MANY NHL franchises with this structure. He was not holding those as success models necessarily, but simply examples (2 of many) of similar ownership structures within the NHL.

By bob (other)

March 14, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Brenden, fans are not leaving in mass. I am a STH and everyone I know in my area since 1999 and shorter is renewing. The seats are $3 grand plus , ecah, so the ASG still has a strong core revenue stream, particulary with suite, club, sponsor and high end STH renewal. All season tix are of value but one seat very low is worth a few up above. That’s where the baseline dollars are.

By R. Stroz

March 15, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

bob (other) - Do you work for, or have you worked for, the ASG?

By bob (other)

March 15, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

R Stroz, Where I work is irrelevant to the facts. Frankly I am really sick of the fair weather negativity and feel compelled to try and serve as a voice of reason.But then again, everyone is entitled to an opinion. The opinion of our Fans is almost 16,000 average home attendance and renewal churn consistent with most other teams and most other years.

By enough

March 15, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

In nine drafts Waddell has produced a total of 4 nhl players that were drafted after the first round. I recently watched a Detroit game. They had 4 players on their team drafted in the 2005 draft alone that were drafted after the first round.

By enough

March 15, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

correction.

it was the 2002 draft.

By R. Stroz

March 15, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

bob (other) - It’s a yes or no question? The answer shows whether your opinion may be biased.

Your statements allude to internal ASG data, such as renewal churn. On a previous blog post, you stated renewal churn for the upcoming year is similar to prior years. What is the churn for this year compared to the last two years? Without the actual churn data, which would only be available to certain ASG employees, how can you factually make such an assertion?

By Brendan

March 15, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

Right now, I think there’s nothing short of a “P.R.” crisis going on. Fans are begging for change and accountability. Things may be about to change.

By Get Real

March 15, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this

Brendan,

I would have to agree…this is a franchise gutting operation for profit that has gone badly wrong. Now I think they are just trying to do damage control. It is the only explanation, other than that these guys are complete idiots. Maybe we’re giving them too much credit here…

By Sage of Bluesland

March 15, 2008 5:37 AM | Link to this

Apparently, yet another letter was sent to the fans yesterday—one in which the owner who attended the THM (and exposed his rear end) “answers” commonly held questions by the fans.

Yeah, whoever can’t see this is in direct correlation to significantly slumping sales is truly bewieving in Bwuewand…

Good. This entire organization—from top-to-bottom—does not deserve any financial support whatsoever. To continue to buy tickets of ANY kind—with the belief that it is doing any ‘good’ beyond providing a mere evening’s worth of entertainment—is akin to simply throwing your money down one of Donny’s Port-a-Potties…

I, for one, am thrilled to see folks finally realize what this organization is all about and stop subsidizing the incompetence.

Keep it going, good people!

By Tom

March 15, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this

Bob (other)

If you are a representative of the Thrashers posting on the board it is incumbent of you to let us know. The rest of us are true fans who care passionately about the team.

You on the other hand could be drawing a paycheck (or ownership share?) and that should be disclosed.

Or let me put it another way, if Brendan’s identity was revealed would that be newsworthy? If your identity was revealed, would that be newsworthy?

If there is a difference between the two then you should step forward as you are writing in a completely diffrent capacity.

By Buzzard

March 15, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Bob (other)

Huh? You might be a fan, similar to the the occasional blue hair that has been a STH forever to some mediocre team and just needs something to pass the time.

Most paying sports fans want and expect competitive play, including reasonable numbers of trips to the post season.

If you buy into the fairy tales being told by the ASG and DW, I am sure Craig or Schultzie will do a nice article on you in 10 years about “I’ve been a STH forever and remember the wonderful 2006/2007 season”. Wake up.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 15, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

“R Stroz, Where I work is irrelevant to the facts. Frankly I am really sick of the fair weather negativity and feel compelled to try and serve as a voice of reason….”

Funny, but when I don’t answer the “irrelevant” sheeps’ questions about me, I’m labeled rather unfairly…How does it feel, sheep, with the shoe on the other foot?

Frankly, I’m really sick of this on-ice “product” we’ve been given. I’m really sick of the incompetent buffoon at GM who’s been here nearly a decade with zero playoff wins to show for it. I’m really sick of ownership that is indifferent to the well-being of the fans—the ones who directly subsidize this “product”.

It’s past time to boycott this “product”. It will be for the best-interests of the fans, long-term. Giving your hard-earned money to these clowns is doing nothing but throwing it away.

Buy Center-Ice and a new television—and you will be so far ahead it will be laughable…That is precisely what I did and I haven’t looked back…

My bank account also thought it was a good idea…You (all) will thank me later…

By Bob

March 15, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

bob (other) - Do you work for, or have you worked for, the ASG?

Stroz, that guy’s a plant. I suspected it all along since the first day he showed up earlier this year blogging using the exact same name as mine and posting the exact opposite opinions I had. At first I thought he’s just a maroon for using the same blog name, but it’s pretty obvious from his comments above that he’s inside the ASG. What a joke this management group is to resort to coming in and pulling that lame crap.

Custance, all I can say on that Levenson interview is thanks for asking the proper questions, good job. But as to his “answers”? Or should I say non-answers, did he even understand the questions? What a PR disaster this guy is. Wow. Just freakin’ wow. I am speechless, there’s nothing that needs to be said in response to that interview.

These cats don’t have the brains to see that Waddell is the problem. We are so screwed.

By Brendan

March 15, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Bob (real fan, longtime poster Bob), I think we are ‘screwed.’ Here’s what I think is going on. The ASG feels that the AJC has some “ax” to grind with them, and hates the team. Or something. We are posters at the “venomous” AJC blog, a product of the “hate-mongering” news outlet. So, in the ASG’s eyes, we are “poisoned” by a biased media outlet.

Therefore, the ASG doesn’t CARE what we, AJC bloggers, think. The ASG will run its business they way it sees fit. Namely, it has to move high-dollar inventory, in the form of suites and STH’s along the glass and lower bowl. If it gets its money, as Other Bob has suggested that it has, it will change … ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the way it does business. Which means, Don Waddell won’t be getting fired. The ASG is “satisfied” with the implementation of its business plan.

I’m left wondering … who, if ANYONE, is ever ‘held accountable’ at the ASG? Let’s examine it. Bruce Levenson implies that accountability resides with the underachieving vets from last season. Or, “the players.” But, which players have been waived or traded? Well, Kiwi was put on waivers, but not as punishment, but rather to be reassigned to the AHL affiliate. And Hossa and Dupuis were traded, when the ASG’s hand was forced to salvage “assets.” If you want to argue that Hossa and Dupuis have been held ‘accountable,’ I won’t quibble with you. But I might just roll my eyes a bit.

Okay, some poster just screamed, Bob Hartley was held accountable? Hmmn. By the ASG?? Or by Don Waddell? In other words, did the ASG ever tell Don, “Fire that coach! And do it now!!” Shrugs. I don’t know. I doubt it, though. I think Don made the decision to fire Hartley. And the ownership group, which relies EXCLUSIVELY on Don’s judgement for all roster and personnel decisions, went along for the coffee and bagel ride. Perhaps they said, “Do whatever you feel is best.”

Then Levenson said something interesting. “We agreed that Don would remain on as Coach for a few games until a replacement could be found. But when things went so unbelievably well, going 11-4 in 15 games, and Don approached us to say, “Let’s call off the search,” Levenson agreed to Waddell’s judgement. Now, he says it was a “big mistake” to rely on Waddell’s judgement.

A-ha, grasshopper! Sadly, that’s only “mistake #1” in Bruce’s eyes, regarding Don Waddell’s acumen. Would YOU fire someone … over one mistake? Hmmn, probably not. And see, this is why we’re ‘screwed.’ This was HARDLY mistake #1 by Waddell, after 10 years, 8 seasons, 80 draft picks, one playoff berth, and no playoff wins. But for people like Bruce Levenson, he doesn’t see a need to review the “body of work” of Waddell beyond the last three years. Umm, because … now HOW did he phrase this part??? Ohhh yessss! Because he’s unsure how much Don’s hands may have been tied under previous ownership (!!!).

Laughing HYSTERICALLY!! BRUCE, buddy, if ANYONE’s handcuffing or binding Don’s hands, IT’S YOU!!!! We were $8 million ($50.3 million - $42.3 million = $8 million) under the cap on “Opening Night.” Please, do EXPLAIN it. And don’t tell me how you let him spend MAX CAP last year, because you only ARRIVED at that figure at the TRADE DEADLINE!!!!

Bruce, I beseech you, good sir. Sell the teams. Make a “boatload” of money. But do move on with non-sports related business ventures. Preferably, outside of the greater metropolitan Atlanta-area.

By NASCAR Dave

March 15, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW???

TRASHERS are back. Are you surprised? I’M NOT.

PATHETIC, GUTLESS WIMPS! PATHETIC, LAUGHABLE COACHING. AND A GM WITHOUT A DAMN CLUE!

OUTSHOT! OUTHIT! OUTSKATED! OUTHUSSLED! OUTCOACHED! OUTCONDITIONED! EVERY DAMN NIGHT!!!!!!

And then the pathetic owners say “WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS”?????????

WTF!!! Have they been smoking crack? Or better yet, HAVE THEY EVEN WATCHED A DAMN GAME ALL SEASON??? WE SUCK A$$!!! AND IT’S WADDELL’S DAMN FAULT!