By Bob

March 17, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Where do you think the ideal spot for White is

The unemployment line?

Seriously, he can play on the checking line next year.

I’d pair Valabik with Popovic on the 3rd pairing to start and go from there. They should have some familiarity with one another from Chicago and that should help acclimate him.

By Mike

March 17, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Valabik needs to be paired with Klee (I know he’s out TUE) or McCarthy. Not with Exelby, please… Exelby will cause Valabik’s confidence and plus-minus to go down.

I’d like to see next year’s lines as follows, provided we don’t pick up a big time name.

Kovalchuk-Christensen-Armstrong Perrin-Little-Recchi Kozlov-White-Slater Boulton-Holik-Thorborn

Havelid-Enstrom McCarthy-Klee Zhitnik-Popovic

Pavelec Hedberg

Exelby, Kiwi, and Lehtonen are all in Chicago/scratches.

By Russian

March 17, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Valabik is coming. It is intersting to see him. I think D - line will be:

Havelid - Toby

Kiwi - Valabik

Ex - Mac

By Smoothie

March 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Where do you think the ideal spot for White is?

MINNESOTA!!

And who are you pairing Valabik with?

Gotta go with Tobes on this one Craiggers…Havelid and Pops will work fine together thus keeping Stevie McAwesome with Garnet.

Happy St. Patty’s Day!! Don’t get too happy and end up in a donnybrook by lipping off to a drunk Flyers’ fan who’s in a bad mood because of their end of season tank job!!

By Craig Custance

March 17, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Smoothie: That’s why I always make sure I hang out with Odgie on the road. He’s got my back.

Mike: I agree, you probably put Boris with someone who can move the puck, so he can focus on defense.

By Russian

March 17, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I woukd like to see line as Kovy-Chrush#9-Army#19. They are big and powerfull. Same as Holik and Throburn, but they are more yonger and want to play hockey. Little will be our second center. Question is by who? I do not want to see second line size of midgets (Ricchi and Perrin)

By Adam

March 17, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

What’s this about a No. 1 center possibly no longer being a priority? Didn’t Mr. Levenson just tell us season ticket holders that that was a key area they planned to address this summer, along with two top pairing D men? My, how fast they go back on their word. Re-signing Holik (at any price) should not even be on the radar. For them to even hint at that possibility reaffirms my decision not to renew for next season.

By Mike

March 17, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Russian: I think Perrin plays “bigger” than he is. Recchi isn’t afraid to play near the net. That’s why I like Perrin and Recchi on a line with Little. Just an observation that it would work, and is probably the best solution with current resources.

By The Can Man

March 17, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I wanted to hear more about your days in East Lansing. Johnny Spirit says, “Hi.”

By Sara

March 17, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Wow Craig way to end the blog with a loaded question. Although well-addressed already, for poots and giggles my answer would have been “anywhere but here.” I just think he’s the odd-man out.

Adam I definitely don’t like the idea of Holik coming back - BIG mistake. But I think finding a #1 center is a bit negotiable at this point. The Thrashers are working so hard to hit the basement and gun for that lottery pick and there are two potential top-line centers in the draft so we could end up with one. There’s also Esposito to consider who could by some miracle just gel with Kovy like nobody’s business. Or Little might do the trick. Either way, I think they can stand pat at center right now, especially when you factor in that there isn’t really much on the UFA market worth chasing after. Let ‘em blow the big wad on the D line (fingers crossed).

By Russian

March 17, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Mike Recchi get older every day. Second line should be score line. I an afraid that he could not stand up with speedy guys like Little and Perrin. I am just heard that Pittsburg not think reassing Hossa quickly. They are looking for him at PO. Any news from Dupui? I like to bring him back and play on our 3-d line.

By Craig Custance

March 17, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Wow, a Can Man and Johnny Spirit reference in one comment? Well done.

By LAC

March 17, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Craig, Just looks to me that we are planning for more of the same next season…

Bringing back all these players who did not preform on a consistant basis this season, tells me next season will be another loser.

We need a whole fresh turnover,

No to bring back holik, $ wasted, not more white/zit/klee/slater… Been there done that and the results were terrible.

Change starts at the TOP and from your wasted interview with Mr.Potty Mouth levenson, we will be lucky to win even as many games next season… yet to the GREAT hockey minds of levenson and don waddell This IS Progress… Too bad these two jerks refuse to live in THE REAL WORLD… and the FANS are ones who suffer !!!

Still waiting levenson, my 6 companies for your owners spot… Sage will ref he said, YOU got the GUTS PUNK !!!!!!!!!

By Sara

March 17, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Btw, I don’t know about anyone else but I’m looking forward to the Versus broadcast. It should be entertaining watching them attempt to find something nice to say about either of these clubs. Although if Kovy scores it should make it easier. ;)

By Brendan

March 17, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bob’s post. White can be on the checking line. He’s a very capable two-way center. Replacing Holik with White for next season is a step in the right direction. (And is less expensive for a 3rd line center option.) If Holik must return, play him on the 4th line, at center. But, for Pete’s sake, don’t overpay for him. And don’t offer a multi-year deal. And definitely, at all costs, don’t toss in some “no trade clause.” Or it’s Slava Kozlov all over again.

I guess the d-men pairings should be Enstrom-Havelid, McCarthy-Exelby, and Popovic-Valabik. Klee can sit, too. What? At this point, it isss about evaluating our young talent. Klee’s not young. Let him sit. Every point we get, at this juncture, hurts our chances at Stampkos or Doughty. I’m not saying, “give up.” I’m saying, “let’s see what our kids can do!”

By DB

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

I would not mind Holik back at a low dollar contract(sub $1.5 million) as he has become our ace in the hole face-off guy. White must lead the league in being tossed out of the circle. Holik as a 4th liner except for crucial face-offs, at a low salary, would be fine.

By Brendan

March 17, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I meant to say tough break for Christensen. Get well! We need you more for next season than this one.

By WolfKeeper

March 17, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I’m going to rush through this blog because I hear there’s some green beer waiting for me up the street here in Philadelphia.

If the beer is green, it’s not worth drinking.

By David

March 17, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

hedberg and pavs? lol that’s not going to happen

realistically…i think holik, zhitnik, and hedberg are all gone next year. We may not mind having holik back, but i think we’ll go younger. I wish we could dump kozlov to be honest as well, but oh well. Hedberg just isn’t worth keeping with another good one in the system ready to come up.

line wise

perrin-christensen-armstrong

absolutele NO reason to break that line up

kovy-white-havlat

i still like having white on kovy’s line as somebody who is a little more defensive oriented and smart with the puck. And, i really have a feeling we’ll make a move for havlat (i’m crazy, i know)

recchi-kozlov-little

and then depending on who is around lol

thorburn/sterling/stuart/slater/haydar

To be honest, i like something along those lines. I like recchi, but perhaps he goes as well and we go even younger. That works too.

Defensively…no idea

By h

March 17, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I like Valabik with either Havelid or Enstrom, definitely NOT Exelby. I like Little and Crusher as 2 of the top 3 centers, but we need one more. White isn’t it. He may be more help as trade bait than anything else. Slater isn’t it either. If Holik can take less money and a 4th line position, then I like re-signing him. Perrin, Recchi, Thorburn and Kozlov probably should be on 3rd or 4th line too. That leaves Kovy and Army for top 2 lines so you need one big winger who can score and a genuine top 1 or 2 line center…..THEN your team is better up front. Let Slater fight it out with 3 or 4 others for the final playing spot and healthy scratch spot. On defense we still need 2 top 4 defensemen (to go along with HAvelid and Enstrom) with the other current d-men fighting it out for the 2 final playing spots and one healthy scratch spot. Either way, you are looking at needing 4 quality players……will they get 4? I doubt it, but 3 would make this team a TON better.

By h

March 17, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

David……Havlat??? HAHAHA!!! We definitely need a guy who plays about 30 games a year……maybe we should sign Forsberg too!

By chief of smoke

March 17, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

ok. It time to get a real defensman like Brian Campbell

We need some new blood on the Blue line. Since Mc Carthy has no contract I am predicting he is gone I wish Zhitnik and Klee would retire.

Holik makes no sense maybe Rechi for a year make Kovy the Captain

By diegohall

March 17, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

I will spend my season ticket money to watch LAC beat up on Levenson! And I want ringside seats, too!!!

By Red Light

March 17, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

The perfect pairing for Valabik is Jerry “King Kong” Korab.

Sorry, I’m showing my advanced age.

By atldave

March 17, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Craig Holik makes no sense at any price and I suspect he is one of the cancers in the locker room. What is your perception although I know you can not honestly answer? Where do you guys think these two top four defenseman are coming. There is maybe 3 or 4 top 4 UFA defenseman in the NHL this off season. Michal Rozsival, Brian Campbell and Wade Redden. 30-teams are looking for top 4 defenseman, why in the world would a top 4 defenseman come to Atlanta with our ownership and management mess? Even at the RFA level there are only a couple of top 4 defenseman and why would they accept an offer to Atlanta? Money?? Sure but their clubs will match. Defense is just too important to let walk, something Waddell never figured out. What do have to trade to get a top 2 or 3 defenseman. “Little” to nothing with no depth. If we needed to add a center or wingers then there is a realistic change of improvement, but 30-other teams want quality defenseman.

By Sam

March 17, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Centers for next season: Skilled, Big Guy on the top line, Christensen on 2nd (going out on a limb ‘cause the kid hasn’t been able to show us enough in this short time), White’s fine on the 3rd and Little on the 4th. No Slates. No Hooker Holik (get the size elsewhere and Crusher provides the face-off wins). Perrin on wing.

Interested to see how Boris skates and if he can deal with the NHL speed well enough to stay out of the box. If he can’t do it this year, move him in an off-season deal. Big, slow guys have no place in the NHL now. Right, Toby??

Tuesday’s D pairings: never break up a winning top pair, so go with Nic and Toby always; Exelby with the familiarity of McCarthy works well; so put Pop and Boris together and limit their minutes. Easy one.

No Zhitnik on this trip? Got his panties in a wad? Yeah, that’s real professional. That’s real grown-up. That’s teamwork at its best. Go screw with another team’s chemistry. No respect for the lazy.

By Brendan

March 17, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

atldave, your post is accurate and insightful. Well done, sir. But I can hear it already, from the ‘ASG/Waddell are never wrong’ backers.

Here’s their rebuttal. “But AtlDave, who knows better? You, a blogger?, or DW, a 10-year NHL GM, and head of U.S. Olympic Hockey.” They continue, “$3.25 million-a-year, for the next two years, with a “no trade clause,” is a very fair and appropriate price to pay him. He’s an essential part of our future and has excellent faceoff-win percentage. How can you complain? He’s our Captain!! And Don just re-upped him for $1.0 million LESS than he pays him now, per season. You bloggers are all so negative!!! You should be happy DW convinced Holik to return here. Holik could have signed anywhere. He chose Atlanta.”

Umm … what is there left to say?

In the 2006 Torino Olympic Games, GM Don Waddell went 7-0-0, advancing his club to the Gold Medal game, where unfortunately they lost to Sweden. But that’s still pretty good! Why are you picking on him, atldave? (Psst! Hey Brendan! That was Team Finland) Whoops! My bad. So how did Team USA do?

By ranallo10

March 17, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

expect to see [Valabik’s] promotion announced today or in the morning

HELL YEAH.

I’d pair him with Popovic for the same reason many of you had said. Chemistry from Chicago (if anything, knowing a person is enough of a chemistry). Popovic is a puck mover. If Kwiatkowski is going to stay up for a few more games I could even see those two paired.

I don’t know, maybe someone can tell us who Valabik and Kwiatkowski usually lined up with in Chicago.

By Sara

March 17, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Brendan I’ve never been known as a Waddell-hater but you sure won’t see me arguing with atldave’s post. I want no part of Holik next season. Whatever he brings to the table as a face-off winner is more than off-set by his ill-timed penalties and ill-humor.

Recchi is worth keeping - he said recently during an in-game interview that he’d like to play for one more year - which is perfect. A one-year deal doesn’t lock us into anything, he’s proven to be a help to this club, and it leaves us with another veteran on the club (we don’t want to ditch them all). I’m all for a buy-out of Zhitnik, to be replaced with either Campbell and/or Redden.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 17, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell in charge of the U.S. hockey team—yet another unmitigated disaster!!!

Brendan, didn’t Donny’s Olympic foray go 1-1-4 or something like that?

The man has the ‘reverse’ Midas-touch…Practically everything he touches turns to GaVa-Ranallo, instead of gold…

Why our bumbling Donny has been entrusted with this ‘extra’ duty I’ll never know…Hey, it allows the REAL teams’ GMs to focus on the here-and-now with THEIR teams…It keeps their focus on the prize: the playoffs.

Of course, after eight years of Donny’s efforts at “building”, we’ve only been once—and had such a pitiful showing it was deemed in the paper as, “Do you believe in Debacles?!”

Yes…Yes, I do…With Don Waddell at the helm and calling the shots, I have no doubt that failure is just around the corner—as it has been for near a decade now…

Stop subsidizing the incompetence. That’s the ONLY message that will get through to ownership—count on it.

By LAC

March 17, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

The Suspense is growing…

I request Brenden ringside announcer.

The entire City of Atlanta wants to see this, come on levenson… I am putting my name on the line… How about YOU ? You can even have a mask of don waddell on too, just to add fuel to the fire… And Changes will be made when I gain control !

Come on levenson, put up your SPOT, I want it for ALL Atlanta Fans who deserve much better !!!!

By Jim

March 17, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Great to see shome new blood and size on the back line. Suggest that White joins Larsen and Holik on the Retirement Line. Seriously, he is not shifty or aggressive enough to be a top center. Maybe a spot on a 3rd or 4th line is appropriate for him. I still think that Little has the stuff to be Kovy’s center, especially with a wing like Armstrong mucking things up on the boards and around the net. Great that Valabik is getting a shot. Friends in Chicago say that Oystrick is as physical as him along the boards.

By Real Hockey

March 17, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Get a grip folks. Holik has never been the problem. This franchise lacks fundamental guts/confidence. Always has. I think it gets back to Waddell’s Detroit model: ‘skill’ hockey with no aggression. And I don’t think it will befixed, no matter who we bring in or draft, unitl Waddell, a nice man, goes. Holik!? Hell, he’s the only guy we have left with real hockey instincts and courage. We will never win until we develop courage and toughness. Half our problems go away with guts. Until we are not a ‘night off’ for a visiting team. Ever wonder why Coburn becomes an all star the minute he leaves? No personnel move will work until we fix the guts problem. We’re just shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic. Rant over.

By R. Stroz

March 17, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Lets hope Boris and Brashear start partying early and often Friday night.

By Brendan

March 18, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Sara, I like Recchi, too. He’s the only 40-year old I’d ever consider in free agency. But, let’s set some ground rules. No multi-year contract. No incentive clause (which could hit our cap again next year. Think Peter Bondra, 2005-06). One year, $1 million, and we can trade him anytime we want. Truthfully, if we’re not happy with Recchi, we’d just put him on waivers and eat half his salary.

I agree with Bob, Holik just might be a cancer in the lockerroom. If he returns, he could still wind up as Captain. And that’s not good, if he’s the source of acrimony in the dressing room.

LAC, violence is not the answer. Levenson might not be a “Mensa candidate,” but he’ll never accept your challenge. And if I were the ring announcer, I’d still declare that you won, even if you’d lost. That way ‘real changes’ could be made. Honestly, I do wonder what it’d take for the ASG to remove a standing GM before the contract had expired.

Sage, Team USA was 1-4-1 in the Turin Games of 2006. Guess who they defeated for their lone win?

A) Sweden, B) Czech Republic, C) Canada, D) Austria, or E) Kazakhstan.

At this point, someone will chime in to say, “Don Waddell has been affiliated with USA Hockey in some form or fashion for some 8-9 odd years.” Why?? Why do you think? For the same reason they mention his one year in Detroit. Waddell, by proxy, gets to claim some connection to the Silver Medal in the Salt Lake City Games. Although, I don’t think he was the GM of that team, like he was in Torino. To be fair, I think the team Waddell assembled should have fared better than 1-4-1. Sayy, 2-3-1 at a minimum.

By GSU-Lee

March 18, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

anybody else spend their St. Patrick’s day staying up til 2 am to finish a term paper? guess not… I was in the couple of a few green beers though, which i shall now return to.

By ToF

March 18, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

Woohoo Green Beer!!!!!

By David

March 18, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

are they still in court the spirit?

By woody

March 18, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I read your interview with Bruce Levenson….

That guy is in complete denial..

Can someone fire him?

The Thashers are not a new club anymore. I wont accept that excuse anymore. You and Waddell are just incompetent pretenders.

Face it, this team will never be a Cup contender with Waddell at the helm.

By Red Light

March 18, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Please cease with the “lets re-sign Recchi” posts. The guy had a better than expected year for the Thrashers but you don’t need him taking up a roster spot next year. Personally, I’d rather see C. Stuart or some other “prospect” take a spot. Give a young guy two months in the every day line-up and if he doesn’t produce than it’s back to the AHL. If he does produce, then it’s a bonus for your club in the long run. Cheap NHL experience/leadership is great, but not at the expense of a 20-something in your line-up for the future.

By FormerIslesFan

March 18, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Okay, here is a subject change for a second. Last night I was up late and on NHL Network they showed Game 6 of the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals (Islanders v. Flyers). A comment was made by the announcer that the Isles’ first Stanley Cup was “8 1/2 years in the making” and it got me thinking. The Islanders went from an expansion team in 1972 to Stanley Cup champions in 1980; roughly the same period of time that our beloved Thrashers have been in existence.

So, what is it that was SO different about how the Isles’ dynasty was built versus how the Thrashers have been built and why such different results?

Both teams selected a goaltender in the expansion draft (Thrashers: Damian Rhodes; Isles: Billy Smith). Okay, so we know what happened there.

Both teams had a miserable first season. The Thrashers had the second overall pick that next year (Dany Heatley) and the Isles had the first overall pick that year (Denis Potvin).

The Isles hired a coach that stayed with the team the entire run (Al Arbour) while the Thrashers have now gone through “three” coaches (if you truly consider Waddell a coach) and are about to hire a fourth.

The Isles built their team through the draft with very, very few free agent signings or trades. The Thrashers have demonstrated an ineptitude at drafting once you get past the “locks” and the occassional late round gem.

I could probably go on, but I think one thing can absolutely be drawn from this basic level of comparison: the difference between these two similarly aged teams is how the front office had handled personnel (both behind the bench and upstairs in administration). Unless and until the Thrashers make significant changes in BOTH those areas, I don’t see where things are even remotely going to improve.

By Mike

March 18, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Red Light Do you realize Recchi is second on the current Thrashers roster with 42 points? Only Kovy has more… I’d say he should at least get a chance next year. If you want to dump a veteran in favor of a prospect, how about Kozlov or Holik or Slater or Larsen.

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Red Light, Mike et al — I’m okay with keeping Rex for one more year assuming Holik is allowed to walk and Larsen is bought out in favor of bringing in a young guy like Colin Stuart (for good). We certainly don’t need to get any younger, but Recchi can be and has been a solid, veteran presence in the locker room. He has a connection with Army and Crusher and can only help them further their development within the framework of the “new” Thrashers.

I’d like to see the following for a line-up on Opening Night nexy year:

Kovy — Little — FA winger over 6’1” who can score 20-30 G

Perrin — Crusher — Army (give Colby a chance to compete for first line mins especially if we can’t sign a big name)

Kozlov — White — Thorburn (I would even consider Thor on the top line with Kovy simply to “protect” Kovy, but again, need to sign the big name if at all possible)

Boulton — Slater — Stuart (insert hungry, young Wolves player)

With respect to Recchi, the problem with signing him is convincing him to play 3rd line mins. A line of Kozzy/Whitey/Rex would work, but not for the whole year. And Recchi will want to play regularly so it may be tough to convince him to re-sign for a role that is severely reduced / limited from what he is doing this year.

While I like what Rex has been able to do with Kovy this year, we still need some size in the worst way. Perhaps if we get a big physical top-line center to go with # 17, then Rex can stay on the top line while Little slides down to the 3rd line to play wing with Kozzy and White.

So, what is the consensus on the blog…would y’all rather get a big, physical center for Kovy or a sniper-type winger to go alongside Little on the top line??

By Nikita

March 18, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Bummer about Christensen. But hopefully he comes back better than ever.

Re: Holik, Recchi…I say keep ‘em both if they’re sufficiently inexpensive. For both, I’m thinking $1-2.5 mill. Single-year contracts.

re: Valabik…pair him with Klee. They appear to have similar MOs — which is to say solid, physical play. Valabik seems to be faster, and is obviously way larger, but similar in terms of what he brings to the table — mostly defensive defensive play. I’d like to see them play against the Kovy/skull-cracking line. It would be a nice shock and awe session for the opposing team. That leaves Enstrom-Havelid together against the top line, and the idiot twins (Ex/Mac) to duke it out with the kids (Popovic/Kiwi) for the remaining sessions. Maybe move Valabik to play with Enstrom eventually if the chemistry works — but Enstrom/Havelid works way too well to break it up right now.

I don’t think White will work on the checking line. He’s a two-way center. He’s not very big, and he plays roughly the size he is. And our checking line is small, anyway — comparatively. Slates/Boulton are middleweights playing (usually) against heavyweights, and they don’t need bantamweights requiring their protection on the same line. He needs to be on a line where his size isn’t an issue, and where he can set up competent scorers. I’d put him with Kozlov, and pressure them both to produce. The problem here, which is a good problem to have, is that we have plenty of forwards capable of playing center well. But what that means is it’s hard to place any center that isn’t top-notch.

By Mike

March 18, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Smoothie Great question. Is both an acceptable answer? With Perrin and Christensen playing well, and Little improving, that’s 3 people who can play center at a decently high level. Granted, you’d want to keep Perrin with Christensen and Armstrong if at all possible. I don’t think we are as strong on the wing, especially if Kozlov isn’t going to perform at the high level he has in the past. So I would say I’d rather sign the winger along side Little and Kovy.

However, I’d much rather sign 2 top quality defenseman. That’s are biggest need. If we overhauled the defensemen on this roster, I MAY feel comfortable with the current group of forwards. Maybe…

What do you think Smoothie?

By Midfield

March 18, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

The softest center playing on the checking line? Innovative. But I would consider balancing the roster. I understand coming into this season, the team was supposed to compensate the lack of size with speed and skill. Not.

By Midfield

March 18, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Mike, it’s funny how Slater progressed into an aging veteran just one year after being a rooky.

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Mike — I agree, first things first and that means DEFENSE. Unfortunately, it is slim pickins for FA blueliners. But you gotta make a serious run at Campbell if you’re DWad…IMO, he is THAT good and worth what Hossa was asking.

Midfield — I’m usually screaming “Charmin” at Todd White whenever I am close enough to be heard. However, there is nothing wrong with having a skilled checking line. If guys are speedy and good at backchecking (see Buffalo Sabres), you do not need a lot of size on the 3rd line. We could always beef up the 4th line and go with Stuart / Slater / Thorburn to rough up the other team’s 2nd line.

My preference in FA would be to get Campbell locked up to a LT deal. Then make a serious play for Ribeiro or Legwand (2.5 - 3 M) to give Kovy what he deserves. The quality of available Centers is better than the FA wingers so I would prefer a center…let Recchi play with Kovy & Ribeiro and then slide Little down to play with Kozzy and Thorburn.

Use White on the 4th line with Slater and Boults and possibly on the first line if Recchi tires. Of course, I’m fine with trading White to get a solid second pairing defender and perhaps another draft pick for next year.

By TRON

March 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

LETEMIN AGAINST PHILLY? LOOK FOR HIM TO LET IN A 6 SPOT TONIGHT. WILL HE HAVE ANOTHER MENTAL BREAKDOWN ON NATIONAL TV TOO?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 18, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

So no Boris tonight?

By TNT

March 18, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Regarding Recchi playing less time, I think I heard him say he doesn’t want to be a first line player. He said at his age and physical level, he doesn’t want too many minutes. I’m sure he would be just fine playing 2nd or 3rd line time. And the leadership he brings is well worth resigning him. Add into that the fact that he wants to play for the Thrash (how many players with two Cups would say that?), and I say get him for next year.

By dcw

March 18, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

what in the heck makes you people think Campbell would come here? He’ll be most sought after UFA defensement, and if you’re him would you take more money to come here? you’re in a dream if you think so..wake up.

If I have to eat my words I’ll even buy into some season tix. My money feels pretty safe today.

STH 1999-2006

By GaVaHokie

March 18, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Craig… Rone and I were talking last game about Valabik pairing with Zhitnik… maybe that would allow Zhitnik to play a more offensive game instead of being relied upon too much on defense.

By GaVaHokie

March 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

dcw… I agree on Campbell. If Waddell can convince him to come here, Waddell should get a lifetime contract.

I think we’ll have to trade draft picks and prospects for defense. I can’t see us wooing top UFA talent.

I think we should target Brian Rolston this summer and let Holik walk… I think you could entice Rolston by projecting him to play with White (familiarity) and Kovalchuk (an upgrade to Gaborik) on the top line.

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

dcw — no one said Campbell wanted to come here, but then again, have you asked him? Stranger things have happened. It’s too bad that our owndership group consists of a bunch of boorish buffons and DWad can’t even construct a competitive all-star team for the Olympics, because I would much rather live in Atlanta than New York, Boston, Ottawa, Philly, Washington etc. Now Toronto and Montreal are different stories, but BC ain’t no Frenchman.

GVH — I thought about Rolston too because I like his speed as a compliment to Kovy. However, I don’t recall him being a particularly physical player. Unless Little is the center over White, who is going to do all the dirty work and fight for pucks in corners and behind the net…certainly not CHARMIN!!!!

By ranallo10

March 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Rolston would make the point on the PP much more intimidating…

I’m not opposed to Rolston, but would he play wing or center for this club?

By diegohall

March 18, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

There are a few comments in the AJC sports vent today about the Thrashers. One says we should stop complaining and just be glad that we have hockey in Atlanta. Did Levenson right that himself, or just have his secretary do it? There is also one about believing in the Easter Bunny before they would believe in Blueland. I can’t tell you what to do but I used the voting buttons to help move those comments into negative numbers…

By Tony C.

March 18, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I doubt they won’t re-sign Rolston in Minny.

Put The Big V with Pops…Hokie-you really want Boris taking his “this is how to be an NHLer” cues from Zhitnik???? Might just work though, I see where you’re coming from.

We desperately need a real coach. Need to drop this “Zone” defensive scheme, I don’t know if it’s being executed properly (boy I hope not), or the personnel aren’t the right “mix” for what they’re trying to do on defense-but that’s what coaching is about: creating a plan to complement your team’s strengths, while compensating for it’s weaknesses.

Smoothie-Dude. Dallas has already locked Ribeiro up long-term (he was my #2 FA choice after Gomez this past summer he’d have been sensational with #17).

CC if y’all get thirsty after the game, I got a bartender who owes me a favor or 5 up at the Fogo there email me: hispeedtest@hotmail.com I’ll let him know you’re good people.

GO BLUE !!!

OPERATION: Believe in Tankland IS GO!

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

ranallo — since Rolston shoots lefty, I think I’d prefer he play on the RW with Little manning the middle. As much as I love Tobes on the PP, Brian would be the perfect point man on the right side to go with Kovy. Plus, he’s got good wheels to move the puck around and draw defenders away from Kovy. However, then we would have 5 forwards on the ice for the PP. Do we dare do that with Ilya out there on the opposite point??

Kovy — Little — Rolston

Perrin — Crusher — Recchi

Kozzie — White — Armstrong (keep some muscle on the 3rd line to keep team’s from pushing us around)

Boulton — Slater — Stuart

Sianorah Captain Hook!!

By TRON

March 18, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

HEY BRUCE…………. WOULD 16 HOME LOSSES IN REGULATION BE CONSIDERED “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?”………………. JUST WONDERING……………………

By Bill Wirtz

March 18, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

http://www.hockeyjerseysdirect.com/hjd/rbk-premeast.asp

By Teacher

March 18, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

HABS INSIDE/OUT HABS INSIDE/OUT invites all Atlanta hockey fans to oue season ending trivia show, with guests and prizes. Hope to see you here.

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Woooops! Thanks Tony C…did not know about his extension. Could not even find it in their News Archives going back to January. I guess it must’ve happened quite awhile ago…my bad. But I did find this little nugget about the Stars’ FO dropping tkt prices:

http://stars.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=353543&page=NewsPage&service=page

Take note ASG dillweeds!!

By ranallo10

March 18, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

There aren’t many options of American players who could compete with the likes of Sweden, Canada or the Czech Republic. Hell, a US team could barely compete with Finland based on talent alone.

There are some fine US players, but not many great ones. How many Crosby’s, and Heatley’s are from the US? How many Kovalchuk’s, Datsyuk’s and Malkin’s are there here?

Don’t kid yourself, it’s not like it’s picking from the best talent in the world, but rather the 4th or 5th best. At least in my opinion.

Just because we’re the US doesn’t mean we’re deserving of two wins in the Olympics…no matter WHO the GM is.

But that’s my opinion, maybe I think a little more highly of the non-American players.

By TRON

March 18, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

WHAT’S THE OVER/UNDER ON HOW MANY LETEMIN “LETS IN” TONIGHT?……………………???

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Dang! I’m more ignorant than the bloggers over on the UGA and Falcons blogs. I don’t recall when Dumont and Legwand were extended either! Some of these websites have very stale information!

Anyway, let’s go after Daymond Langkow to center Kovy. He’s a career +82 who averaged 30 G / season for the last 2 years. He may be 5’10” but obviously he is doing something right. Then again, playing with Jerry Iginla probably will make anyone better!

By ranallo10

March 18, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — First, I agree on Rolston on the wing. I’m just curious if that’s where he’d actually be placed by the staff. They have a knack for placing players in the wrong role and expecting them to continue their successes…like White for example.

On the PP, I wouldn’t mind seeing him on the right, Kovalchuk on the left, and Enstrom as the high point (umbrella), or keep Rolston and Enstrom on the points (current PP configuration) with Kovalchuk free to move around. Enstrom’s passing abilities cannot be taken off the PP, and those two cannons next to him allow for so many opportunities.

It’d be nice to have the conundrum of not knowing how to utilize three capable PP point-men.

And I agree, keep White on the third line, don’t re-sign Holik, let Little and Christensen be the top two lines (unless youth such as Esposito can prove more capable). Try to sign ONE scoring and versatile winger (like Rolston) and go after a few defenseman in the offseason.

Streit and Rozsival, those are my realistic choices at this time.

By ranallo10

March 18, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

TRON — Probably under the amount of times you’ve posted the word “LETEMIN”.

By Smoothie

March 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Rolston and Enstrom on the points (current PP configuration) with Kovalchuk free to move around. Enstrom’s passing abilities cannot be taken off the PP, and those two cannons next to him allow for so many opportunities.

ranallo — I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see that PP configuration. That’s where Kovy belongs: at the left circle with the freedom to cruise behind the goal and draw defenders away from the slot for guys like Crusher, Army, Perrin and Rex to crash the net hard.

I’d be ecstatic with Rolston, Rozsival and how about Montador over Streit?? Twould be nice to have some green left over for a guy like Chris Kelly to bolster that third line and allow White to play wing on either the 3rd or 4th lines — or just trade his butt for a better defensemen than the guys we’ve listed above.

By ranallo10

March 18, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Smoothie — I’m not a big Montador fan, but I’ve said before I think it would be a good move if Waddell signed TWO Tier II defenders (such as the ones we just mentioned). Personally I like Streit because he’s been on the point for Montreal’s PP (the best in the league), has an accurate shot (not booming though), and is a very versatile player (can play the wing, as he’s done in the past with Koivu’s line).

And yes, I’d like Chris Kelly, but he doesn’t fit a glaring need in my opinion. I don’t see White being traded, but it wouldn’t disappoint me. I’m fine with him as the third line center.

By GaVaHokie

March 18, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Smoothie… your roster line-up is exactly what I was thinking. But, you forgot Thorburn… I’d say Thorburn over Boulton. Bolts walks with Holik… unfortunate roster casualty.

Recchi is the real question… I’m not so sure he’ll stay. Could be unpopular with the fans, but if you replace him with Chris Kelly or perhaps Steve Bernier (who I think Waddell secretly likes) then you gotta do it.