By fan202

March 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Craig, what did you think about Burnside’s article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3300728

By Sara

March 20, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Frankly Craig I think about 60% of this roster has something to play for - their jobs here. Between buy-outs and waiver wires plus impending free agency in some cases, there are a myriad of ways to dump under-achievers. Outside of Kovy, Enstrom, Havelid, Thorburn, Boulton, Armstrong, and possibly Slater, I don’t think anyone else has proven anything this season. (I’m leaving goalies out of this on purpose.) I don’t think Little really has much to worry about - he’s been working hard and it’s shown. Beyond that …

By Tony C.

March 20, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I liked Christensen, I think you’re on point with he and FA-we-hope-for to battle it out #1 with #17….wow I just had deja vu…. oh yeah, 3 years after Savard left and we’re still looking for someone to feed #17 the puck.

I think too many people were harsh on Valabik….I mean just because he’s as big as Chara doesn’t mean he’s just like Chara-and besides, Chara was pretty painful to watch his first few NHL seasons….I say give it time-he was quoted as saying nerves got to him, and that’s understandable.

I like what I see from Armstrng/Christensen/Perrin….I would keep that line together- they’ve been effective for whole games at a time, good shifts but then the next line decides to just hand the other team the puck at the redline.

Your point about Kozlov is well made-I would like to see him really bring it next year.

Recchi is going to have to show me a little bit more energy but I think he’ll get an invite-but I don’t think we should offer more than a one-year deal (maybe a mutual option on a 2nd?). To me Larsen is going to have to perform magik in order for me to want to see him back next year.

I still feel we should’ve dealt Moose at the deadline…might not’ve gotten a first rounder, but hey man at this point, I’ll take the blueline prospect from the ‘00 draft…it’s painful to watch our team try and clear the puck

By Tony C.

March 20, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

CC-oh yeah props for having the stones to call guys out by name

By GaVaHokie

March 20, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Habfans,com is laughing at the Thrashers for the stupid trade we made, and their right. Now with this bum out, we stink more. Anyone wanna see my “Bum”.

By Sara

March 20, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry I meant to add Perrin and Recchi to the list of probably don’t have much to worry about.

So maybe it isn’t really 60% - maybe just 40% - like most of the blueline, 2 centers, and a couple wings.

By Cournoyer

March 20, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Habfans.com Habfans.com Habfans.com wants to see Gavahokies bum, we already have the Full Monty of him anyways, Hee Haw.

By 10yr plan

March 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Craig,

How about Waddell. I can’t believe he is not taking any heat for this season or for his blueprint over the past 8 years. He had no problem holding Hartley accountable. We’re basically an 8 year old expansion team. Burnside’s article hit the nail on the head. Any chance of forwarding it to Levenson? As for Valabik, patience will be necessary. You can’t teach size and hopefully toughness. Kozlov is mailing it in. Thank godness we have him locked up for 2 more years with a NTC.

By Bob

March 20, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid that if Waddell is still in charge, he’ll go with Christiansen and Little as the top 2 centers. And that’s just not going to cut it. We still need a #1 center and that’s not on in the organization. I’m ok with Christiansen as the #2 center, he was decent. Little’s a center though, that’s where he needs to keep working, might be best for him to spend one more year in Chicago.

I liked what Recchi brought when he first got here, but I’m seeing now why the Pens waived him. I don’t want him back next year, but I’m afraid Waddell would bring him back and slap a C on him.

Lehtonen probably has the most to play for, to justify a contract. And I think he deserves it. He’s stayed healthier and he’s stayed more focused, even in the face of a nightly barrage. I really don’t think it’s fair to lay a lot on Kari’s shoulder’s, I’d really like to see him play behind a real defense.

I’ll key on Valabik tomorrow night when I’m at the game. Last night I was keying on him watching on TV, and he was slow to react to plays and generally sluggish. But give him his games here and see if that was just nerves or what. I’d heard that Oystrick was the more NHL ready guy down in Chicago anyway, I’d like to see him.

By GatorGuy

March 20, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Great! There goes the season!

By rockdr99

March 20, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

 Everyone knows that I have been a STH since day one, so I am not a "johnny come lately -- I am a knowledgeable hockey fan going back to the 1960s -- To begin,  
 Levenson's comment that he has only observed Waddell for three years is a blatant falsehood, unless he was blind for two years -- I clearly remember meeting him and the other new owners at the fan forum the night of the "wreck", September 29, 2003 -- We have just finished the fifth season since then, yes we're finished -- Even if the sale wasn't approved yet by the NHL in 2003, surely these guys would have started observing what was going on, you would think --
 Thanks for the Burnside article, what an indictment -- Is Levenson the only blind man here --
 I couldn't be at the fan forum -- I attend most -- I would have asked this question -- "How would you describe our style of play? -- What are we trying to accomplish? -- It is interesting that new players say, it takes a while to adapt to the Thrashers' style of play -- You mean we have one --
 It is true that the Bondra contract the first year after the strike put us slightly "over the cap" when it was about $39 mil -- At a fan forum the next year, when the cap jumped to about $44 mil, Waddell said this franchise couldn't afford a $44 mil payroll -- The idea that one of our assets is "cap room" is a frigging joke --
 Levenson said that they feel it is their right to have a midrange price structure, hence the rise in ticket prices -- That only works if they put a midrange product on the ice -- Hey Bruce, 10,000 people in the seats times a midrange price structure is LESS that a price structure that the traffic will truly support times a full house -- 
 Finally, he says that this ownership structure is "common" in professional sports -- WRONG -- It is unique in its structure only exceeded by its uniqueness in incompetence -- I know, I was a consultant to major league professional sports for over ten years -- Every other major league professional team has a single legally defined knowledgeable representative that "sits at the table" to represent that team -- Levenson has seemingly been that man representing the Thrashers and Belkin was that man for the Hawks, until he wanted to veto the "Joe Johnson trade" -- Being overturned by the other owners was exactly what the leagues do not want and clearly will not tolerate --
 I could go on and on but that's enough for now -- I am steamed --

As to who should be fighting to come back — Clearly it is Don Waddell, everything else is secondary — Let’s face it, this team has “QUIT”

By AJ

March 20, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Give Valabik a break!!! His 1st night out with us, u can’t expect him to play PERFECT and go around knocking everyone’s lights out!? Come on people!!

By rockdr99

March 20, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

I am very disappointed in how my blog turned out so I will try again — Levenson et al were at the Fan Fest in Sep 2003 (the night of the wreck) — They were announced as the new owners — So he had a chance to observe Waddell for five years now, unless he was blind for two, which is possible — I could not attend the town meeting, I was out of town — I would have asked “What is our style of play?” — What are we trying to accomplish?” — Other players come in and talk about having to adapt to our style — The Wolves don’t play our style — Do we have one? — Bondra’s contract put us slightly over the cap in fall 2005 —The cap was about $39 mil — The next year when the cap jumped to $44 mil, Waddell stated at the town meeting, this franchise can’t afford $44 mil — The idea that cap room is an asset to rebuild, is a joke — Unlike Levenson’s claim that our ownership structure is common in professional sports, it is unique in structure and incompetence — Levenson is supposed to be our representative at the table of 30 chairs for the NHL — Belkin had that role for the Hawks, until he “vetoed the Joe Johnson trade — Then he was overruled leading to the current debacle — Leagues don’t and can’t operate that way — I know because I have been was a tax consultant to major league professional sports for the last eleven years — Levenson implied they have a right to a mid range season ticket structure — That only works if you put a mid range product on the ice —Bruce, 10,000 tickets sold times a mid range structure is less than a full house times a market driven structure — The last paragraph of my previous blog attempt was legible, so I won’t repeat it — If this attempt doesn’t post right, I will chalk it off to a bad day and not try again — Best, rockdr99

By GaVaHokie

March 20, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Habfans.com has a gay hockey site, with meeting forums, trivia shows and guests and prizes. My boyfriend on the site is Cournoyer, we were married in Atlanta, Heeee Haaaaw.

By Sam

March 20, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Boulton. And he’s making a good case for himself with good showings in fights vs Godard, Belak and Mezai…all of whom have weight, height and reach on him. Oh, and he had 5 SOG last night.

Mac, as well. too little, too late, IMO though.

Totally agree on Kozlov floating. I saw that, too. Can’t wait to see how McCrimmon (if he’s the coach) handles Kozzie next season. He won’t be as gentle as Don. With Boris…I didn’t have high expectations for him on day 1. I don’t have high expectations til someone shows me something on the NHL level and does it consistently.

Which brings me to Bryan Little. That kid has GOT to increase his physical game and his effectiveness along the boards. I haven’t seen him take to those key pieces of NHL work. Little’s got more size and should have more energy, but I bet Perrin could kick his a$$ in a 1-on-1 competition along the boards. That’s got to change.

My centers in the fall from 1st to 4th: Big, Skilled New Guy, Christensen, White, and Little on the 4th line. Grind it out or look for a job. If our superstar can play a physical game and block shots, then a 4th line rookie better do it…all the freakin’ time.

By Sam

March 20, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Rockdoc99, I would disagree somewhat on the team “quitting”. Last night, we led in SOG, hits and face-off wins. That’s a good night for us, expecially the shots. We haven’t led in SOG most of our games all season. Now, take our rookie D-man who was on the ice for 5 goals out of the picture, we have a chance at winning last night’s game.

I thought the top 2 lines had good effort all game. In fact, the only line that was a minus was Perrin/Slater/Armstrong. We’re just not talented enough to carry the losses of Christensen, Exelby and Klee. Say what you want, but X and Klee look better than Boris.

My point: I can’t say the team wasn’t trying. I can say they don’t have enough skill right now to win.

By Plenty of Empty Seats

March 20, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Craig,

Here’s a suggestion for ya’ - print out the roster, cover your eyes and toss a dart at the paper. Where ever it lands, that’s your guy!

When an organization implodes like this one has, you can make a case for everyone on the payroll (albeit for different reasons) - including the guys behind the bench, the UFA’s auditioning for other squads, the new guys looking to find a place in the NHL, even the superstar - who has recently expressed his concerns. Sure Kovy’s played hard and has been productive offensively, but among the elite there are holes in his game, like he’s +/- minus 10 and vacations defensively. And don’t think for a second the decision makers around the league don’t know it. It’s a small, tight fraternity. So, if he’s going to “do a Hossa” and play all of his cards, then the better he plays now, the more leadership he displays, the more options he’ll have.

I’m interested in your perspective in the Burnside article. I believe the ASG’s shortcomings are now national news. Burnside beat up worse than the Sabers did in January. And that was 10-1.

Your thoughts…

By moo

March 20, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see us trade XLB and Pittsburgh’s first round pick to Edmondton for Joni Pitkanen.

Then, try hard as hell to sign JM Liles and Ron Hainsey this July. Give each of them $4 mil. a year for 5 years. THAT would be a solid defense:

Pitkanen / Hainsey Liles / Enstrom Valabik / Havelid Klee

Then, on offense, we can get by with:

Kovy / Little / Thorburn Armstrong / Christensen / Perrin White / Holik (yes, if we firm up the defense) / Kozlov Stuart / Slater / name your garbage

AND A REAL NHL COACH WITH A REAL SYSTEM.

By rockdr99

March 20, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Sam — I didn’t go to the game last night, which for me is very rare — I saw the game on television

 The announcers were not kind with there analysis of replays or there comments -- Constantly, we were out of position with lackadasical effort -- They announcers called the second period "river hockey" -- Carolina had the game under control and they just played out the string --

 Too often lately, we have a total lack of effort until we are hopelessly out of it -- In my opinion, we are just going through the motions -- That adds up to we have QUIT --

By rockdr99

March 20, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Sam — I didn’t go to the game last night, which for me is very rare — I saw the game on television

 The announcers were not kind with there analysis of replays or there comments -- Constantly, we were out of position with lackadasical effort -- They announcers called the second period "river hockey" -- Carolina had the game under control and they just played out the string --

 Too often lately, we have a total lack of effort until we are hopelessly out of it -- In my opinion, we are just going through the motions -- That adds up to we have QUIT --

By Brendan

March 20, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

I believe Mark Popovic is an RFA this Summer. So, he should be playing for his next contract. Same deal for Kari Lehtonen, who is battling as much for length of contract as he is dollar value. I think 3 years / $9.0 million, for a cap hit of $3.0 million is appropriate enough.

Johan Hedberg probably doesn’t have to worry about his next contract, but I’m sure he’d like to finish strong and get a nice 3-year offer from some club out there, just looking for insurance behind their starting goalie.

Boulton, Recchi, McCarthy, and Holik ought to be concerned about their offseason contract negotiations, as all of them are pending UFA’s. Jim Slater has one year left on his deal after this season concludes. If there is an offseason trade to be made, he is a likely candidate to be gratuitously added to a deal. While few players actually relish the idea of being traded, there is another way of viewing it. “Another team wanted you.” Atlanta’s centers are Little, White, Perrin and Christensen. Slater’s past two seasons haven’t really been anything to write home about.

By Alan

March 20, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Say what you want, but X and Klee look better than Boris.

It was Boris’ first game, and even with that in mind, I thought the complete opposite.

By Terry O'Reilly

March 20, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Any Thrasher player satisfied with this season should be released. Get rid of the entire defense, and BOTH goalies, cut all the slow old forwards and maybe PLAY DEFENSE Worst GGA in the NHL means lots of player just lost their jobs, and to finish the spring cleaning, FIRE DON WADDELL NOW!!!!!

By Brendan

March 20, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

It is wayyyy too soon to utterly dismiss Boris Valabik. He’s played one game. Let’s see how we feel about him at Christmas time. Defensemen draft picks, like goalie draft picks, take longer to develop. It’s unfair that he got compared to Chara on draft day. He’s his own man. But he’ll have to earn his own reputation, just like Dion Phaneuf did. I hope Boris isn’t prematurely sacrificed in some offseason trade.

By ranallo10

March 21, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Popovic is now a Group VI UFA. I can’t remember, but I think it has to do with age and tenure in the league without hitting a certain amount of games played. SOmething along those lines, and now Popovic’s qualified for UFA status. Waddell and Custance mentioned this recently, with Waddell saying that Lehtonen is the only RFA on the roster, all others are UFAs.

Alan — I agree, he wasn’t perfect but he wasn’t making mistakes due to being apparently nervous. He looked simply out of communication with his linemates (not knowing the system will do that) and out of position (same reason). I think it’ll take more than one game to come to the conclusion of how good/bad he is.

By Tony C.

March 21, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

Hainsey would be cool.

On Liles….put him with Boris (hopefully) And keep the Swedes together…I don’t think you want two guys that go smallish to damn-near-tiny on the same pair.

I hope DW gets inspiration and puts together a deal for Stoll-don’t think he’s the best in the biz, but I really like his steelo, plus he’s handy in just about any situation, but I don’t think Lowe’s letting go of any of his core, but I bet whoever makes runs on Lowe’s RFAs this summer gets serious consideration for GM of the year for that alone.

Anyway, that’s an option, send them Slater (But that ain’t gonna happen he’s from Michigan same as DW) and Pittsburgh’s 1st for one of either Stoll or Greene / Pitkanen. I don’t know, but there’s several candidates if you look at RFAs that a skilled GM could find a fair and palatable package to get it done.

just some early am thoughts.

I mean we’re gonna win the lotto pick.

By UpperDeck4Life

March 21, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I would not want Hainsey. He has less than 50 hits on the season, only 80 Blocked Shots, and 3 times as many give aways as take aways. We don’t need another offensive defenseman if we sign Liles. I say go hard after Jason Smith of Philly, even if you have to over pay and then pair him with Liles. That puts your top 2 defensive pairings as Havelid-Enstrom and Liles-Smith.

By Michael Shapiro

March 21, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Craig

Sorry for the long post, but you asked some pointed questions.

I think Boris needs some time and Recchi needs some slack. Remember that he’s not playing with Kovy anymore and we all agree that Kozzy has been mailing it in all season so that hurts Recchi’s production now that he’s on that line.

So, if Kovy, Little, Armstrong, Christensen, Thorburn, Perrin (and of course Kozzy with his nice little contract) are safe up front; and Enstrom and Havelid are safe on the blue line; what’s left?

Up front:

Boulton-lot’s of people like his energy, hitting and willingness to fight, but what does he PRODUCE? This season, 4 goals, 5 assists for a total of 9 points, a -10 and 110 penalty minutes. Is that what we really need? I think not.

Holik-outstanding on faceoffs, big and occasionally willing to get into the paint (something we really need and got last year with Walt), but slow, old and clearly divisive in the lockerroom. I think it’s time he moved on.

Larsen-this is probably the worst season I’ve seen him play. Slow, out of position, not getting time on ice (and deservedly so). One goal, three assists for 4 total points, -16 with 10 penalty minutes. I think it’s time we replaced him with a forward that uses his stick a little better. Even with his limited ice time, 4 points stinks.

Recchi-I like the energy and experience he brought and would buy him for another year at a favorable price, say $1-1.25.

Rucchin-sorry about the concussion, but glad you’ll be off the roster. Maybe insurance is paying, but it looks like you’re tying up space.

Slater-love your speed, love your hustle, HATE that you can’t keep a puck on your stick or shoot straight. Spend the summer working on both of those skills and maybe there’s a place for you here next season.

White-honestly don’t know what to do with you. Your faceoff numbers are far worse than Perrin’s and you just don’t keep your stick down on the ice. I know we’ve got you under contract and that I should’ve put you up with Kozzy the Mailman, but maybe it’s time for you to find another home.

On to defense:

Klee-you were the surprise this season, but you’re on the bubble.

X-gawd I loved you last season, but where have you been this season? Out of position, slow, often choosing the wrong time to miss a hit, thus putting your pair in deep poopoo. You too are on the bubble.

Stevie Mac-what happened to the superhero who arrived two years ago, was the general of our powerplay and darned near got us into the playoffs? Just like Simon and Garfunkle “Where have you gone Steve McCarthy, Blueland turns its lonely eyes to you?” I think you’ve got one more year to prove yourself, but you’d better start early in the season.

Pops-young, learning, you get to stay on Blueland Survivor Island for another year.

Boris-we’ll see how you do for the rest of the games, but I think another year in Chicago to work on your footwork and speed (maybe impossible, but that’s what it’ll take for you to say in the bigs).

Kiwi-sorry, but I don’t think you’ve got what it takes to stay at this level. Often out of position and looking like you really don’t know where you should be. Maybe you’ve been carrying mail with Kozzy.

Zhitnik (YOU S%@#$K)-gawd, somebody please take your fat, lazy, slow and out of position gluteus maximus off our hands. If not, do a darned Rucchin and just sit his bum someplace. Maybe one of our own can hurt you just badly enough that you won’t play next season and Rucchin’s insurance will cover you. You have had the worst year of any Thrasher player this year and I’ve spent the entire season wondering what happened to the stud we brought in last season at the trading deadline. Must have contracted Stevie Mac’s disease, but in spades. Please find your way out of Blueland and onto someone else’s roster, soon!

Goalies:

Ah yes, what to do. Moose isn’t getting younger, and Kari’s head it too fragile. I do not think that Kari is worth the big bucks he thinks he is and would negotiate very tough with him for a year and an option year. No more. Prove yourself or get out. Meanwhile, bring up Pavs for some work. Moose, thanks for the hard work, you’re a gem in the lockerroom and on the bench, occasionally on the ice, but Pavs is probably our future.

Parting shot 1, Perrin’s face off numbers are good, and while I hate to break up lines that he’s been on, he passes well. Did D-Wad ever think of letting him play for a while with Kovy and Recchi on the 1st line?

Parting shot 2, I wish for several things this coming season, in no particular order: a true 1st line center; two good d-men (Zhitnik, you suck, there, I said it); a game plan that doesn’t include dump and chase, passing seventeen times on the powerplay, or Tobi circling backwards 80% of the time when he gets the puck. The opposition team’s goal is up ice, that’s where we need to take the puck. A system (gawd do we need a system) that includes a real four-line rotation, not the crap that Bob and Don created; people willing to scrap for the puck in the corners; large immovable bodies in the paint; and above all, a team that knows how to clear the freakin’ puck (Santa, can you deliver before the season instead of late December?)

Parting shot 3, please, please, please (in addition to firing D-WAD), can someone work a deal out with Chicago so that both teams play the same system? Oh, that would mean that we have to have a system!

Peace out, go BLUE, will be there to see you tonight, though I may take a brown paper bag with me marked “FIRE D-WAD”

By raindawg722

March 21, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

It looked to me like Boris can skate for a big guy. When he came out of the penalty box, it was like four or five strides and he was at the Thrasher’s bench. Of course he was in the penalty box, but by playing him now we’ll accelerate the learning curve. If this franchise has any future, it starts with developing the young players and you have to be willing to accept those growing pains. The Thrashers don’t have anything to play for this seasons except a lottery pick anyway.

By Midfield

March 21, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

I too think that Valabik’s evaluations are coming in prematurely, as opposed to those of Waddell, of course. Valabik hasn’t even really practiced with the team before he hit the ice this week. That is on top of the fact that the team is out-of-control, in disarray, in an “every man for himself” kind of mode for all practical purposes. Not a good environment for a try-out.

By RS

March 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

The Chicago Wolves are currently leading their division by 14 points. Maybe the Thrashers should just change their system to match Chicago’s.

By ToF

March 21, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

In defense of Steve McCarthy: I like him. He plays bigger than he is and is one of the few d-men willing to take the body.

He broke into the league with sporadic playing time on a god awful Chicago team. Then he went to Vancouver and had forgettable half season (2g 4a 6p +3, not bad production for a Canucks player). At the deadline that year, he came here.

He started his career with the Thrashers scoring 10 points in 16 games. That equals out to like 53 points over the course of a season (assuming my math doesn’t suck, which it might). Then, last year, prior to his benching, he really wasn’t that bad. In 46 games, he had 4g 12a 16p and was +4 (28p in 82g.) Not amazing, but not really bench worthy; the Bob really hated him. Also, our power play was almost scoring at will early on in the season (till Hartley started effin with it and Melanby’s hands got Alzheimer’s.) Yes, he has sucked this year, but has played much better lately. I have a theory about that.

Last year he skated in 46 games, the last of which came on Feb 24th. His next NHL game on Oct 5th. That’s 223 days without days without playing, 22 games (18rs 4po) watched from the press box. I could see rust flaking off of him as he skated by. To top it all off, McCarthy was replaced by Zhitnik at the trade-deadline last year (sigh). So what do you think; shall we give ol’ Mac another chance?

By rockdr99

March 21, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Michael Shapiro — Great, great post

By Old School Al

March 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Sorry…I dozed off for the past eight years. What do you mean, Waddell is STILL here?

By Coach Fred "The Fog" Shero

March 21, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

My comment on the Thrashers? Like I used to say in the old days about similar clubs: “That team has one problem. It stinks!”

By Lew318

March 21, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t at the game tonight and I I need to apologize my three friends for giving them tickets to this game.

HOW CAN ATHLETES OF THIS CALIBRE COME OUT IN THE THIRD PERIOD WITH A 3-1 LEAD AND STAND AROUND. HOW CAN THEY EXPECT TO EVER WIN A GAME WHEN THEY DON’T PLAY FOR A FULL 60 MINUTES? WHERE THE HELL ARE THE COACHES? IS IT IMPROPER TO CALL A TIME OUT DURING THE GAME AND REAM THESE “HIGHLY SKILLED AND HIGHLY PAID ATHLETES” FOR STANDING THERE WITH THEIR THUMBS UP THEIR POOP SHOOTS?

What a damn disaster. I know some of you will blame Lehtonen, well you should be ashamed of yourselves if you do. He was hung out to dry by a bunch of NHL hockey player wannabes. The post game show was full of bad language brought on by a TOTAL COLLAPSE of the guys in front of him. How can any one of them look themselves in the mirror without throwing up!!!

Tonight’s loss was worse than any of the four playoff games against the Rangers. It says to me if a win was this team’s behind, they couldn’t find a win with both hands.How can you even try to explain this. The coaching staff and the GM need to apologize to the fans.

I am disgusted. I have never in 45 years of watching sports have I witnessed a bunch of under achievers.

By Ilyak

March 21, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Congrats! Don Waddell…thats another game your team held the opposition to less than 50 shots. To think it only took you ten years to build this dynasty!!

By maury

March 22, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is a year behind the curve. Little guys went out a year ago to size, speed and skill. Atlanta, at the end of a dismal season,is recognizing some value in Thorburn? Any other NHL team, at this stage of the season, would have given their prospects a chance to show themselves. They have size, speed and skill in Chicago. What is the hold up?

By maury

March 22, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is a year behind the curve. Little guys went out a year ago to size, speed and skill. Atlanta, at the end of a dismal season,is recognizing some value in Thorburn? Any other NHL team, at this stage of the season, would have given their prospects a chance to show themselves. They have size, speed and skill in Chicago. What is the hold up?

By maury

March 22, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is a year behind the curve. Little guys went out a year ago to size, speed and skill. Atlanta, at the end of a dismal season,is recognizing some value in Thorburn? Any other NHL team, at this stage of the season, would have given their prospects a chance to show themselves. They have size, speed and skill in Chicago. What is the hold up?

By Henry

March 22, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Why should we trust Waddell to make any decisions in the offseason? We have been atrocious on defense since the inception of the franchise. Last night, we let Ovechkin sit in front of the net with no body on him. We have no clue how to play responsible defense.

Levinson cannot rationally defend Waddell. This has to be about money, which the ownership group is bleeding. The only real solution appears to be a sale of the team to an ownership group that cares about the product on the ice.

By joyaman

March 22, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

CAPS EXPOSE THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Last night’s Thrashers-Caps game was picture in time of where this club really stands and how it’s been constructed under Don Waddell. Where it really stands is waaaaaaaaaay out of the playoffs with no realistic hope in sight down the road. How it’s been built is by assembling a non-cohesive group of talented-to-journeyman forwards, decent goaltending and pourous defense. You don’t win billiard competitions by relying on trick shots and trying to run the table without any concern as to where the cue ball may wind up should you miss. You don’t build a contending NHL club with shootout specialists and a thin blueline, who can’t clear the zone when a buildup follows a spectacular save on the odd-man rush orginallly caused by the D being out of position.

Last night in the thrid period the Atlanta D stood around like a collection of statues in a formal garden, while Ovechkin, Backstrom and Laing ran around them like a bunch of bratty tourist kids. Exelby was just clearing his own blue line in an effort to get back after an ill-advised poke-check attempt halfway between the offensive blue line and goal line. He was only beaten by 45-to-50 feet or so. There is no defense for BAD DEFENSE.

The good news is that 25 new names were added to the Replace Waddell roles last night, bringing the total to near 75. The online petition will go up soon and a group poll will be launched to quantify the collective ticket-buying power of our group.

Let’s hope that last night’s game was the tipping point for those remaining loyal Thrashers fans who have been in denial up to this point. Don’s house of cards came tumbling down once again. At some point even close friends and supporters need to realize that the best thing they can do for their sick friend is to stage an intervention. Our sick friend, the Atlanta Thrashers, need such an intervention right now. Even the dysfunctional ASG can’t afford another season where thousands of their knowledgable, core STHs stop visiting the hospital because they just can’t stomach seeing their terminally-ill friend in such a pitiful condition.

-joyaman

By OrderedChaos

March 22, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Lehtonen undoubtedly is still motivated, if only because goalies almost never give up and he’s one of the better ones in the league. Beyond that, just the pending UFAs have something for which to play.

By the way, nice double-whammy spelling error on the front page’s photo caption of “Victor Kozlove” upending Kovalchuk. Yeesh, hire an editor! ;)

By Buzzard

March 22, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Craig, it is too early to tell about Boris. He was a deer in headlights his first game.

Players who have something to play for, hmmmmm……. You would think all but obviously based on the level of play since the All-Star game I would say very few. The only guys that care are Kari (you can tell by the tantrums), Ilya, Toby, Nic and Slates. Armstong and Christensen seem to care though they are probably wondering what they did to deserve coming here.

The only thing worth writing about in my opinion is laying out the justification of getting a new GM and head coach. I could not agree with Joyaman more. The entire STH base should tape a sign on their jerseys/shirt saying Replace Waddell. The Thrashers issues start and end with Waddell.

Buzzard

By Eileen

March 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

The highlight of last night was Alex O. What a treat he is to watch. Other than that, I wanted to cry in my beer.

By WW5

March 22, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

LETEMIN has nothing to prove. we all know that this head case can’t keep his ga# below 3 for a whole season.

By Max

March 23, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Christensen…top center??? Perrin is a naturel center…he should be our top center with Kovy! I don’t understand why he didn’t play as a center during all the season.

By Max

March 23, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Christensen…top center??? Perrin is a naturel center…he should be our top center with Kovy! I don’t understand why he didn’t play as a center during all the season. I just hope that the thrashers will sign him for many years. Next captain…why not

By Max

March 23, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Christensen…top center??? Perrin is a center…he should be our top center with Kovy! I don’t understand why he didn’t play as a center during all the season. I just hope that the thrashers will sign him for many years. Next captain…why not

By David

March 23, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Will the Atlanta Thrashers be for sale soon?