AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USValabik won’t play against Philly
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today was Boris Valabik’s first practice after getting called up from Chicago. He’s a big body out there, that’s for sure. He practiced with the team then spent some one-on-one time with Brad McCrimmon after the morning skate. The plan is still to sit him tonight, and I’m guessing he’ll make his NHL debut against Carolina.
He said he’s been told he’ll get a lot of ice time so he can get an idea of the speed at the NHL level. He still expects to play in the AHL playoffs when Chicago gets to that point.
I asked him how Ondrej Pavelec has been doing in Chicago and he said he’s playing really well right now. The two are roommates and friends and evidently Pavelec was giving Valabik a hard time for being called up after Pavelec was. If both of those players pan out for the Thrashers, that would bode really well for the Thrashers future. Five years from now, who do you see as the better pro?
Speaking of goalies, Kari Lehtonen will start tonight against Philly, a team that has owned the Thrashers for awhile now. Last time the Thrashers were here, they lost in Bob Hartley’s last game as the Thrashers head coach. Now that seems like a lifetime ago. Was that even this season?
Chatted with Toby Enstrom for a few minutes and he said he’s been a little frustrated with his play the last couple games. Neither Enstrom or Don Waddell think he’s wearing down, but you have to think maybe that’s a factor. Let’s not forget this is first full NHL season. His ice time is down a little bit, but that’s mostly because the Thrashers haven’t spent a lot of time on the power play lately, not because Waddell is trying to manage his minutes. The 21:19 he played against Washington was the least amount of time he’s played since Feb. 2. Remember though, Washington is pretty big, I wonder if that was part of the reason. Anyways, he’s a minus-6 in his last three games. And a minus-10 in his last ten. On the bright side, he’s one point away from setting a franchise record for points from a defenseman. That’s pretty impressive for a rookie, although he said he’d trade it all for a few more wins.
Comments
By d
March 18, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
It would like to see Toby & Boris side by side on the ice :-)
Regarding Boris vs. OP, how good a skater does a D man need to be if he’s as large as Boris? Andy S. is a good example that a mediocre player can make a lot of $ in hte NHL if he is big and physical enough.
By Sara
March 18, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Why in heck is Kari starting tonight? Cause you know Philly is going to start Nittymaki and Kari just cannot seem to get over on him. Nor the rest of the team for that matter. I hate watching the team play the Flyers.
Looking forward to seeing what Valabik can do - hopefully something besides hit. As for Enstrom…I would imagine a lot of players are worn down at this point - roller coaster ride of a season will do that to anyone - even the fans.
By Russ
March 18, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Craig - Do you know if the Thrashers will or can send Little down to Chicago at the end of the season? I think the playoff run would be good experience for him.
By Ron
March 18, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Toby’s not “wearing down”. He played 75 games, including playoffs, last year at MODO.
I suppose the level of play and the fact that he’s matched up against the top forward line of opponents each night might be tiring. Also, there is the increase in travel. And the speed and level of play is considerably higher than the Swedish Elite League. It is also more physical in the NHL….
OK, maybe he is wearing down a little. Even worn out, he is better than our other d-men.
By ranallo10
March 18, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
d — That’d be the circus sideshow line. An Oompa Loompa next to a Giant on skates…their skaters would be too busy staring to notice our offense is trying to score.
Custance — I’m guessing he’s got the same problem everyone has, which is attempting to mentally prepare themselves for relatively meaningless games. His mistakes (that I can see) have been trying to do too much at one time, but that’s what makes him good. I wouldn’t use the phrase “wearing down” because I would think his ice time would be the indicator of such. As a 22 year old defender, I think he’s fine PHYSICALLY.
But that’s my opinion. I think he’s tiring mentally, like everyone else on the roster.
And I’d pair Valabik with Popovic or Kwiatkowski.
By GaVaHokie
March 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
In case anyone’s interested… Va Tech vs. New York Yankees today in Blacksburg watch live on MLB.com.
I think A-Rod can reach Lane Stadium from there. :)
By fes
March 18, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see the big man. It will be nice to see someone with size on this squad.
Regarding Toby, he was a -4 last week and a -9 over the last month (according to Yahoo), but it’s hard to have any semblance of a positive +/- during a losing streak of the magnitude that we just endured.
By five_hole
March 18, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
I’m hoping Valabik plays with Enstrom. The 2 of them standing side-by-side would be (almost) worth the price of admission. I really enjoyed the All-Star game, when Chara was standing next to St. Louis. He was almost invisible.
By Andy S
March 18, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I never realized until d’s first post that my handle here might relate me to Andy Sutton, so let me state for the record: I am not trying to impersonate Andy Sutton. It is my actual name and initial.
By Smoothie
March 18, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
C’mon Craig — tell us something we didn’t know like tonight’s lines or how much beer Odgie can consume in an hour. Does Jeff take out his false teeth (just guessing he has them) and slip them into girls’ drinks when they aren’t looking…you know, like in Youngblood!? Now that’s the kind of stuff we need to know.
By Sara
March 18, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
That’d be the circus sideshow line. An Oompa Loompa next to a Giant on skates…their skaters would be too busy staring to notice our offense is trying to score.
We had that once when Sutton was paired with Mike Weaver. They actually were a very effective pair together. Until Hartley quit playing Weaver, benching the wrong half of that pairing. But then again the Hartley mantra always was bigger and/or older is better.
By Sam
March 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
“Even worn out, he is better than our other d-men.”
Truer words were never spoken. Though, I’m a big Havelid fan, too. Toby’s got the edge in PP skills. But Nic’s super solid on D. Great team.
Boris who?
By ranallo10
March 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Weaver was exactly the WRONG person to sit, but rather the easier to do without (due to his stature). How’s he doing now in Vancouver?
I don’t think it’d be wise to break up something that’s working (Enstrom and Havelid). But what do they have to lose? So I guess anything is worth trying.
By Midfield
March 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Weaver was benched after an opposing forward just skated over him on one on one and scored. That was the last straw. With this size you must have well above average skating and puck handling ability (Enstrom) to hang in this league. By the way, this team is not doing well largely because it is small and not fast enough to comensate for the lack of size.
By Sara
March 18, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Weaver played a lot harder than Andy did, particular down low and against the boards. Small but works hard > bigger but a pylon IMO. But then again, it’s not like I’ve been offered a coaching position. ;)
By ranallo10
March 18, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
…yet…
By Mike
March 18, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Correct me if my memory has faded, but Boris didn’t have that great of a training camp with the team in September. I am hopeful and excited, but I’m concerned. Everyone is so quick to say Boris will be a force for the Thrashers for years to come… I’m not so ready to say anything like that quite yet.
By Russ
March 18, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Mike - I’ve seen him play four times this season, and I’m definitely not ready to say that.
By GaVaHokie
March 18, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Mike… Valabik was one of the final cuts in training camp. He got ejected in the next to last game for a game misconduct in the first 12 seconds of the game.
By R. Stroz
March 18, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
I’m looking forward to Boris shaking hands with Brashear Friday night.
By ranallo10
March 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Mike — He was one of the last cuts from the training camp roster, so I’d think that at least the coaches thought he showed something special.
Many of the Valabik fans are most excited about his size (6’7), his propensity for fighting, and his statistics in the minors (leading his team in +/-).
But I don’t think many people are rushing to the decision that he’ll be the next Chara.
By NASCAR Dave
March 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Well, well, ole DWAD calls up BORIS… TOO BAD HE SHOULDA DONE IT MONTHS AGO!!!
If this guy can hit, that’s a little more than what can be said for the 20 something other WIMPS on the roster!!!
Lost cause move, too little too late from a Lame Duck GM… how miserable it must be to be a Thrasher right now…
Pathetic wimps.
FIRE WADDELL!!!
NUFF SAID.
By ranallo10
March 18, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Stroz — If by “shaking hands” you mean carrying Brashear’s tattered uniform to the penalty box with him as a souvenir, then I’d be all for that.
Did you happen to see Hnidy buckle when Brashear popped him in the jaw with his glove still on?
By Paul
March 18, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Boris should of been called up a LONG time ago!
Anyone notice how well Angelo Esposito is doing this year? Check out this link , click on stats then click on players.
http://www.remparts.qc.ca/eng/index.asp
By Cournoyer
March 18, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
HABFANS.COM site wants Atlanta to keep playingsports it is familiar, like Hee Haw watching, and having sex with your relatives. Sports like hockey isnot for the South, losers.
By Brendan
March 18, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Sara, has Lehtonen ever defeated Niittymaki? If not, it’s high time it happened. The “law of averages” probably comes in effect right about now.
Watch, Waddell will play Lehtonen for the whole game and overtime, but will send Hedberg in there for the shootout, and Moose will get credit for the win. Technically, with no (zero) saves. (He didn’t face any “shots on goal.”) If it happens, it’ll be the answer to a trivia question. Which Thrasher goaltender won a game … without making any saves. Bob Hartley is probably smiling.
By Brendan
March 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
ATL 1, PHI 1, late in the 1st period.
By ROBO
March 18, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
TYPICAL LETEMIN…….. THRASHERS GIVE HIM A LEAD, HE LETS OPPONENTS TIE IT LESS THAN 3 MINUTES LATER……..
By CHA tourney winner
March 18, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Paul, I know it looks like Esposito has fewer points than the other two centers, but he played in 12 fewer games. If you were to take his pt/g avg and include 12 extra games, he would have at least 83-84 pts and even better than the others.
Brendan, if worded properly, can’t you ask a trivia question like “which goalie lost a game without letting a single SOG in?” Technically, your theory goes both ways, so that bizarre trivia question already exists.
By ROBO
March 18, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
MORE TYPICAL LETEMIN…………. LET ONE IN WITH 3 SECONDS LEFT…………….. WAS THAT A MONKEY PUCK?……………..
By Alan
March 18, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Typical juvenile all-caps whiners. Blaming Lehtonen for goals he couldn’t have stopped. On ALL THREE of the goals allowed, where was the defense?! Asleep in the middle of the neutral zone, or away from the play. Out of position.
But yes, let’s not allow logic and rationale to get in the way of a terrible roasting by noted whiners.
By R. Stroz
March 18, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Are the Thrashers heading in the right direction yet?
By LAC
March 18, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
It is sad to watch this no offense show… Gee the UNCA- Ohio State NIT game was more interesting than watching another wreched Thrashers game.
Just remember We are moving in the RIGHT direction according to Mr.Potty Mouth Coward levenson and You all need to remember waddell saying THIS team was better than last season too…. What a joke he is !
Come on levenson put you spot up against me, got the GUTS PUNK ???? You need a Real Butt Whipping !!!
Lastly has everyone noticed the “other” bob has dissappeared once he was confronted with FACTS Just a ags plant, which like everything else asg tries to do, was a COMPLETE Failure !!!!!!!!!
By TRON
March 18, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………. MAYBE YOU SHOULDA STAYED IN WASHINGTON??????……….WHAT DO YA’ SAY, EH?…………………LMAO…………………….
HEY BRUCE…………… 5 REGULATION WINS IN LAST 35 GAMES……… THAT’S “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”………. RIGHT?????…….RIGHT??????…………… OR MAYBE IT’S HARTLEY’S FAULT????????………………
By TRON
March 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
CHECK THAT…. LAST 36 GAMES……….. BUT STILL, THAT’S “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”, RIGHT?????…………..
By TRON
March 18, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………….. 10 ROAD LOSSES IN A ROW………………. WOULD THAT BE CONSIDERED, IN YOUR OPINION, “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”??????????…………………. JUST WONDERING…………….
By Bill Wirtz
March 18, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
hey IDIOT — turn off the CAPS! Then, follow another sports because you are totally ignorant to the great sport of hockey.
By Bob
March 18, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
It was nice to watch a Thrashers’ game in High Def, but had to be subjected to Derwood Eliot again. Ugh.
Whoever is doggin Lehtonen for tonight’s game needs to check themselves. He was third star of the game, and rightly so. Our boys got outshot 47 to 19. 47 shots, Sparky. That game should have been 6 or 7 to 1 and Lehtonen kept them in it and it was going to OT if Nittymaki didn’t rob Kovy at the end. Shoot, Lehtonen could have been first star of the game, he played lights out. Our D was non existent all night, per the norm.
By IDIOT
March 18, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE……….. NITTYMAKI IS 10-0 AGAINST ATLANTA…….. IS THAT “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”?????????………… YOU TELL ME……….
By Brendan
March 18, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Bruce Levenson is thinking … “If ‘tweak this’ and ‘address that,’ and pick up a nice draft pick … and if some of the AHL guys make the transition successfully … we’ll be ‘just fine.’” That’s a lot of “iffff’s.”
Guess where he GOT that idea from? Answer: Don Waddell. It’s pretty clear, at this point, that Waddell is the “brains” of the organ-I-zation. How hard is it, really, for Waddell to outmaneuver Bruce Levenson? I’m thinking … Waddell takes 7/10 games of “tie-tac-toe” with Levenson.
Instead of firing Waddell, Levenson’s “big idea” is to, “perhaps,” have … what he called … “A Senior Hockey Guy,” like Scotty Bowman, overseeing Waddell’s moves. And this is going to work, how??
Let’s say Waddell wants to sign … Kristian Huselius, Steve Montador, and Mark Streit as free agents this Summer. He’d have to run that list, and proposed contract lenghts and values, past someone who ISN’T Scotty Bowman for approval??
Okay, let’s change the example. Let’s say Waddell’s big pitch is … We’re gonna overpay for Brian Campbell. I want to offer 6-years / $36 million. Is it the “Senior Hockey Guy’s” job to say, “okay” or “No, not really. Try something else?” Who’s really in charge? The GM? Or the “Senior Hockey Guy?” And let’s just say, for argument’s sake, that both the GM and the “Senior Hockey Guy” agree that Brian Campbell is the big offseason move, then it’s up to Bruce to approve it. Bruce holds the checkbook, and allegedly, supposedly never denies any of Waddell’s recommendations. Well, now what?
Whattaya mean (vernacular, English teacher rolls over in grave, let it go), “Now what?” Yeah, what happens when Brian Campbell, or his agent, says, “Thanks for the offer, impressive as it was, I’m accepting the ‘identical offer’ from (supply other team name here).”
At what point does Bruce understand that “this environment” isn’t conducive to landing marquee players who want very much to win? Perhaps Bruce never realizes it? Perhaps his next move is to counter-offer, 6 years / $37.5 million? Brian Campbell and his agent thank the Atlanta Spirit Group for their interest, and politely decline, accepting the lower offer, from a more competitive team.
Bruce’s next move? “We offered Brian Campbell a substantive deal, but he had his heart set on (supply team name here). How is this “remotely” OUR FAULT?, he’ll argue. After all, what did Bruce say in his interview? “I think we know how to sign free agents.”
Wellll, what if the “organ-I-zation” lands Brian Campbell? Then, “terrific, but we still overpaid for him (out of NECESSITY). And we still haven’t devised a defensive system, other than ‘whack-a-mole’ (TM, Poster Sara, all rights reserved).”
By Fire Don
March 18, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Congrats don. Your team held em to less than 50 shots.
By Bob Hartley
March 19, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
I keep laughing and they keep paying me.
By STH 1999-2008
March 19, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
YOU F&^%%#$# LOSERS.
By NASCAR Dave
March 19, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this
Well, well, well. What do you know? The Atlanta TRASHERS showed up again! This time in Philly! What was the excuse this time? South Street hookers wore you out? What a bunch of WIMPS!!!
OUTSHOT AGAIN!!! What was it, 47 shots to 14? That is absolutely pitiful! Did the TRASHERS even hit anybody? I didn’t see jack. These gutless quitters get NO respect from me!
So Boulton and Holik got in a shoving match? GOOD!!! Boulton oughta beat the snot out half the LAZY WIMPS on this team! At least he seems to care about the remaining games!
And again folks, not trying to beat a dead horse, but who’s fault is it that these WIMPS can’t even compete in an NHL game against a mediocre at best team? Well, again, that’s that IDIOT Don Waddell’s fault! He signed these LOSERS. He fired Hartley. He took over. Even he couldn’t even get the LOSERS to win! It’s a glaring indictment of Don Waddell’s complete and total INCOMPETENCE at running an NHL team!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! End the incompetence! FIRE WADDELL!!!
NUFF SAID.
By tbone
March 19, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this
Waddell is still in the house and I’m still in mine.
By stendec
March 19, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Flushers continue Falcon (tank) job! Flushers will be worse than Falcons next season. Man, it HURTS to type THAT. First, Letemin is untalented Finnish crapola! That statement proven fact NOT conjecture. Forget unimportant stats! Only one that matters is number of wins opposed to number of losses. Knew LaLa Land resident had perfected art of allowing soft goals in last minutes of periods. But last F+++++G three seconds? Ship this ball-less loser. Where? Any D++N where! Ilya Kovalchuk is overrated. But he scored his 50th goal, you counter. BFD! Team superstar does not whiff on tying marker from point blank range on final shot of night. Not ones that take their team to next level. Defenses have figured him out! The marginally talented Russian will not score anywhere near 50 goals if he is still Flusher next season. **Victim of Steve Bartkowski injury curse. Will never return to pre-injury form. Oh, by the way, Flushers were playing team decimated by troubles which was only a shadow of its former self. Still managed to lose. Looked absolutely pathetic in doing so! No reason for any type of future optimism! Any chance we can get Flames back? SO DAMN TIRED OF WATCHING PRIDELESS QUITTERS GAME AFTER GAME!
By Bob
March 19, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
With Boulton going after Holik, during a game no less, is there any doubt left as to who’s the divisive force in that locker room?
By Stats
March 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
CC - Can you try and find a few records for me? I cannot find them anywhere. The Thrashers have to be in the running for these:
NHL and ATL Team Record for SOG allowed in a season (total and per game average)
NHL and ATL Team Record for SOG differential
Thanks,
By d
March 19, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
After last night’s effort, the Thrash now lead all 30 teams in the most shots allowed per game at 33.7. And who’s to say we’re not moving the right direction? We’re #1.
By LAC
March 19, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Come on levenson, meet me I want to kick your A$$ so bad for the fans of Atlanta !!!!
I promise it will be fair, and witnesses etc… Sage will ref, so why are you still hiding ?
You says we are headed in the right direction, well PUNK, I will send YOU in the RIGHT DIRECTION !
Quit hiding and come out like a Real Man answer me, stop hiding, show us you have a little guts… Because I will clean your clock in about 45 seconds and you will wish you had been in the Tornado !
By stendec
March 19, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Morning all. I watched every miserable second of the Philly fiasco. Including the Letemin goal with three seconds to play in the period and the whiff job by Ilya Kovalchuk at the end. Even folks with minimal ice hockey sense can tell you that the timing of goals DO matter. Nothing deflates an entire team like early (first five minutes) and late (last three minutes) goals. Sort of like in football when a fantastic goal line defensive stand is followed by a (Josephine Harrington) safety. What good was all that hard work by defense? Damn hard to recover! I knew Flushers would never bounce back from fatal goal at close of period. No, I an not Pavelec or anyone affilated with him. Just a long-suffering Atlanta pro sports fan who wants Flushers (Braves/Hawks/Falcons/Fill In Blank)to succeed. To Hell with purported Letemin potential. How about some results! As in victories. Letemin has shown absolutely no flashes of becoming upper echelon netminder! Except in excuses department. Ah, those elusive monkey pucks! Want Flushers to hitch entire wagon onto mediocre (at best) goalie for years? Not THIS fan. Have a nice day all.
By Mark
March 19, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
You know absolutely nothing about hockey if you are laying any blame for last night at Lehtonen’s feet. He stood on his head and, if not for him, it would have been a blow-out. He faced 47 shots for goodness sakes and many of them were good chances.
By Russ
March 19, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Stendec - Well, I have to admit, any team that never gave up goals in the first five minutes or last three minutes of every period probably would be very successful. Unfortunately, that is guaranteeing allowing no goals for 40% of the game, which is completely unrealistic.
By joyaman
March 19, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Brendan:
Couldn’t agree more on the whole bringing in a “Hockey Guy” while DW keeps his GM post situation. If ASG is so fond of DW and wants to keep littering his bird cage with $1,000-dollar bills, then fine, do the Rich McKay thing and kick DW upstairs and bring in a real, empowered-to-change-things GM and give Principal Skinner Bernie Mullin’s old job (what did he do anyway?).
* ROUND #2 - GET OUT THE VOTE **
We’ll be gathering to the left of the CNN Center entrance to Philips Arena both tonight and Friday at 6:00 pm. We’ll have more signup sheets and URL slips with the Fire Waddell web site address: http://firewaddell.googlepages.com to hand out.
We have 30 or so folks already signed up as a result of a two-person effort at last week’s Colorado game. We want/need more.
See you there. -joyaman
By NASCAR Dave
March 19, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
People, people, people, please get off stendec’s case. He is absolutely correct. With the timing of the goals he lets in, Kari is a noted momentum killer.
But let’s look at the real issue… THIS TEAM SUCKS A$$ IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE GAME!!!
And it’s IDIOT DON WADDELL’S DAMN FAULT!!!
Every single problem, issue, or deficiency with this time is DIRECTLY related to choices made by DON WADDELL!
Waddell Checklist:
-Can’t Draft
-Can’t Sign the “Right” Free Agents
-Free Agents he does sign are old journeymen with no chance of a career on any other NHL team
-He then overpays said Free Agents
-Trades away our best prospects in panic moves to save his own a$$
And that’s just the beginning….
Bruce Levenson needs to open his eyes and see “the real problem” that is right in front of him…. DON WADDELL.
No matter how you look at it, everything wrong with this team is Don Waddell’s FAULT! That is a FACT!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
THRASHER FANS DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS!!!
END THE INCOMPETENCE!!!
FIRE DON WADDELL!!!
NUFF SAID.
By dw
March 19, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Craig Scott Burnside(ESPN) has picked up the pressure too. Keep up the good work and pressure, maybe someday we can have at least hope:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3300728
By TRON
March 19, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE…………… THRASHERS ARE 235-326-38-47 LIFETIME UNDER DON WADDELL…………………. WOULD THAT BE A GOOD EXAMPLE OF “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”???……. JUST WONDERING…………..
By Alan
March 19, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
People, people, people, please get off stendec’s case. He is absolutely correct.
Please stop drinking the bong water. Thank you.
By Midfield
March 19, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Brendan, I don’t know much about NHL brass pecking order. Here’s my question: could Levenson om trust Waddell to be well-liked enough around the league to be in the better position for negotiating pre-season deals? Just want to make it clear that from where I stand, there’s no way around the fact that to even begin to restore the franchize’s credibility, he has to be - at the very least - “reassigned”.
By Wintirwolf
March 19, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
If you haven’t had the chance, please check out the glowing review of the Thrashers management and team over at ESPN.com. Hmmm…wonder how long Levenson is going to hold his ling of statements on the state of affairs surrounding the Thrashers. If this was the real world and not the fantasy that is Bruce’s, then we’d have already had the shake out of all the rotten about a year ago when we failed to even win a playoff game after 7 years of trying.
By Brendan
March 19, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Midfield, Yes, that is correct. He nees to be, at a minimum, re-assigned. But truthfully, that is insufficient. Why? Because any Czar still has informal power. If the Thrashers are really going to turn the corner, in my opinion, they’ve got to treat the GM position like “bandaid” and tear it right off. And then replace it with a fresh one.
And if Waddell gets to hire the “Senior Hockey Guy,” it’s no different than having the fox guarding the chickens. The fans cry, “we’re a few chickens short.” The Fox says, “No we aren’t. I just checked. And Don Waddell agrees with me.” Boy, that sure accomplished a LOT.
By BL & DW
March 19, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
BL: Don you’re just not getting the job done and ticket sales are down, so we’re going to have to let you go. Do you know of any GM’s available?
DW: Yes, the guy that used to be the GM in Columbus needs a job, he’s really a good guy too.
BL: Thanks Don
By erock
March 19, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
BORIS…BORIS…BORIS…BORIS…DROP - EM
By GaVioKie
March 19, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
HABFANS.com site says Atlanta has more homosexual males ages 19-35, we top 62 percent. Can that be right? Also are calling us Hee Haw watchers, well, that we all know is true. Their small team of players who cant speak English wont go far, as we are out of the playoffs too.
By David
March 19, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
that article on espn was pretty harsh stuff
By Gary
March 19, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Fret not, Atlanta fans! Your Atlanta Hawks are going to the playoffs this year!
It’s gotta look bad for Waddell when Billy Knight and Woody look like they’re doing a better job!
By erock
March 19, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
BORIS…BORIS…BORIS…BORIS…DROP - EM
By Bob
March 19, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Hey, Valabik fits right in on the Thrashers! Seamless transition for him, he’s -3 after one period, looks like another of Waddell’s boys will stick here!
It’s only one period, but I liked nothing of what I saw from him. What I saw is what I’ve heard from the Chicago fans, that he’s slow of foot and not an NHL ready dman.
By STH ???
March 19, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Burnside nailed it Mr.Potty Mouth, The little COWARD levenson is a joke of a man and a Disgrace to The City of Atlanta…
Damn SHAME he did not step outside last friday night, I would LOVE to have seen him impaled in a broken window at CNN, Let’s hope for an F-5 Tornado next time, maybe it will get him, He deserves it the PUNK !
By ROBO
March 19, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
SAY WHAT YOU WANT ABOUT THE TEAM SUCKING, BUT THE MARKETING TEAM IS JUST AS BAD………….THEY ARE STILL AIRING THRASHERS PLAYOFFS COMMERCIALS ON THE RADIO!……….LAME!………
By TRON
March 19, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………… 5 REGULATION WINS IN THE LAST 37 GAMES……… IS THAT “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”????……… YOU TELL ME……….
By TRON
March 19, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………. WOULD THE TEAM’S COMBINED -49 RATING BE CONSIDERED “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”????………. INQUIRING MINDS WANT KNOW……………..
By TRON
March 19, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………. WOULD THE TEAM’S COMBINED -49 RATING BE CONSIDERED “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”????………. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW……………..
By TRON
March 19, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE…….. CAROLINA IS 4-0 IN PHILIPS THIS YEAR……………. THAT’S “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”, RIGHT??????……….
By TRON
March 19, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………… IN THE 13 GAMES SINCE THE TRADE DEADLINE, THE TEAM HAS WON TWICE………… WOULD THAT BE A BETTER EXAMPLE OF “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”???…….. JUST WONDERING……….
By TRON
March 19, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
HEY BRUCE………… THE TEAM IS NOW 6 GAMES UNDER .500………… ISN’T THAT WHERE WE WERE WHEN HARTLEY LEFT???………… OR IS THAT “MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”????????…….LMAO………….
By Thrashy Thrashy
March 19, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
I’ll cut Valabik some slack. This team is just crap. They don’t play any D at all.
By R. Stroz
March 19, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Thrashy - I’m cutting the guy some slack too. It’s obvious that Chicago plays a different type of defense, probably more man than zone.
Then again, I’m not sure what defense Atlanta plays, other than, as Sara says, what a mole defense.
By R. Stroz
March 19, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
That should read whack a mole defense.
By Bob
March 19, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Valabik was on the ice for all of the Canes’ 5 goals, did you see him chase the Cane behind the net in the 3rd? oof.
By Tony C.
March 20, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Bob- I know the play you’re talking about, and it’s a rook-type mistake. He thought he could make the angle before Cole I think it was could beat him-he was wrong, but I will take a guy who makes mistakes by believing in himself over guys who make mistakes because their head is up their butt.
Let’s give the guy more than one game before he’s hung out to dry.
By R. Stroz
March 20, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
If I remember correctly, Coburn sucked to start with as well. So even though he looked like a deer in headlights, lets give the guy a fair chance because we surely don’t want a replay of the Coburn situation.
Instead of Number 48, can they put BAMF in place of the number? Just a joke…then again.
By d
March 20, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
We were one of the few at last nights game. Boris clearly was unaware of where he needed to be on the ice - that is not surprising given our feeder team plays a completely different system.
I will admit Boris was quite effective in finishing his checks. I suggest we hold our nose on Boris through the end of the season and next year’s camp - with the right instruction he could turn out to be a real player.
By Bob
March 20, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
What concerned me the most was how slow he was, and that was the word on him out of Chicago. The difference in speed between the AHL and NHL is tremendous, which is why he was ok in Chicago, but the Canes really exposed his lack of speed and quickness last night. But you can’t teach size, at least he has that going for him.
By stendec
March 20, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Hoist that Gatorade high! From first to worst for the babies in blue. The Falcons are so proud. Cheers! GO FLAMES! (If Flushers wish to relocate they cannot get out of town quick enough for this thoroughly disgruntled former follower)
By NASCAR Dave
March 20, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Well, well, well. Whaddaya’ know? Those GUTLESS QUITTERS/WIMPS led by the incompetent buffoon Donny Waddell once again EMBARRASS THE CITY OF ATLANTA!!!
So, have you people had enough yet? Based on the attendance last night, I would say so! I don’t know who is dumber, the people that actually still go to the games, or the morons who waited out until the end of the game to leave!
Where are all the mindless sheep this morning? GaVaHokie? RanalloSheep? Hello???
Isn’t it funny how they’re never here to spout their ignorance after a loss? Maybe they’re cowering in shame? Who knows? Who cares, really.
Personally, I think they have just run out of excuses. Don Waddell makes that real easy! LMAO!!!
Seriously folks, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
END THE INCOMPETENCE!!!
FIRE WADDELL!!!
END THE MISERY!!!
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!!
By NASCAR Dave
March 20, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
For GaVaHokie, Love NASCAR Dave.
By David
March 20, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
All i’ll say is remember Chara early in his NHL career. He was big, but not fleet of foot or with the puck. He improved dramatically with experience. Give the guy a chance.
By GaVahokie
March 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Habfans.com is a great site, Montreal and Hotlanta are like kissing cousins, I personally like my fella cuzins best. Habfans,com wants to invite us Hillbillies over for a real jammin time, trivia, guests and prizes this weekend. Heeeee Hawwww.