AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPiling up interviews before the weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Had several conversations with players this morning since there won’t be practice the next two days. I had to pile up some information for a couple stories, including a long-overdue feature on Niclas Havelid. That reminds me, I know Havelid spends a lot of time on the ice in Duluth, especially in the summer. If you’ve ever seen him out there with the general public, or ever skated with him, please e-mail me at: ccustance@ajc.com.
But the most entertaining part was watching another reporter ask Bobby Holik some off-the-ice questions. She was asking a few players stuff like ‘who would play you in a movie?’ or ‘what’s your favorite recipe?’ Colby Armstrong is the perfect player for that kind of stuff and he seemed to have fun coming up with answers. Then she came over to Bobby, who warned, ‘I’m probably not the right guy to ask these questions to.” But to her credit, she fired away anyways. He ended up answering only a couple and passed on a majority, which is too bad, because I’d love to know who should play Bobby in a movie. Any thoughts on that one? Anyways, it was some great levity.
I waited out Alexei Zhitnik, who was the last one off the ice, although he doesn’t have a lot to say right now. He said he hasn’t spoken to anyone on the team about his future, but expects to have a better idea in May. He really didn’t want to comment on not making the recent road trip, other than to say he spent the time with his family and staying in shape. He appears to be working hard, and yesterday Kari Lehtonen commented that Zhitnik was on fire in practice, scoring from anywhere. Zhitnik jokingly called it a Hall of Fame practice. Do you think we’ll see him the rest of the season?
Caught up with a disappointed Erik Christensen who said he just plans on hanging out with the team the rest of the season. His knee doesn’t sound like it’s in great shape, especially when he described what it does when he gets in and out of a car. I felt bad, because he said he was just getting to know everyone and now he’s feeling kind of detached from the rest of the team. That’s got to be rough, because it’s obvious Christensen and Armstrong love hanging out with the guys at practice and afterwards. Some players are gone immediately after practice, those two love to hang out.
Niclas Havelid won a community service award, so I talked to him about that. Congrats, Nic. Also, Scott Mellanby will be in town tonight for Autism Awareness night, a great cause he’s passionate about. Hopefully I’ll have a minute to speak with Mel. Man, this team misses his leadership, that’s for sure.
Mark Recchi is part owner of the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL and his team is taking on Olaf Kolzig’s Tri-City team in the first round of the playoffs, so they have a sidebet going. I asked if he made an motivational speeches for his Kamloops team, and he said nope, that’s what the coaches are for. Sounds like Recchi’s team is the underdog, so we’ll officially adopt the Blazers in this blog. Here’s the pre-game breakdown on the official Kamloop’s team website. First game is tonight.
After being a healthy scratch, Garnet Exelby is back in the lineup for Kiwi. Kari Lehtonen will start in goal.
Lastly, a few of you have asked my opinion of Scott Burnside’s ESPN article on the Thrashers. I think you’d be really hard pressed to argue any of his points. I’m not ready to call Kari Lehtonen a bust just yet, because this has been a tough year for him, but that’s a small issue in an otherwise well thought out column. Scott really was spot on in identifying the issues facing this team. I also thought the anonymous comments from GMs were pretty telling. I have a ton of respect for Scott as a person and a reporter and that column made a big enough impact that people were still talking about it two days later at the arena today. What about you?
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Comments
By PuckedUP
March 21, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Nice story. Don’t bring up the Burnside story on the Nasty Nest site. Most of those folks are die-hard supporters of everything DW. I have to wonder if some are just DW posting in disguise …
By PJ
March 21, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Craig!
By Mark
March 21, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I thought Burnsides column was great. It pointed a lot of the issues that I and many other Thrashers fans have been saying for a while, not just this year. This team has absolutely no foundation or plan going forward. How can you allow Waddell to continue in his current capacity when it is he who has brought us to this point?
By ranallo10
March 21, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Good stuff man, keep it up.
By GLOVER
March 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Craig - it’s about someone gives you props on the great job that you do on covering the Thrashers. Being from Chicago where I am used to great hockey coverage I have lived in Atlanta for the past 10 plus years. You have raised the bar on hockey coverage here in Atlanta. Great job.
By Tom
March 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Craig
He featured you in the column, how can it not be great.
But seriously, he did nail it and hopefully the ownership read the article and will react to it.
By Barry
March 21, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
I thought the Burnside column absolutely hit the nail on the head and drove it down deep. Hopefully the owners read that for what it is…honest truth. It’s not about bashing the franchise but pointing out the problems. What is it they say is the first step in fixing a problem? Oh ya admitting you have one. Hopefully Bruce and the rest of the owners can admit where the problems are and take measures to fix it before this team and franchise completely goes down the toilet.
By Jarndyce
March 21, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Saying that Lehtonen is ridiculous. Comparing him to another goalie is difficult because of team dynamics, but his sv pct is in the top half of the league. The only decent comparison would be to Hedberg in order to minimize team effect.
Lehtonen has faced almost 4 more per game than Hedberg, all else equal, that could be attributed to rebound control. If you adjust for this, then Kari would have given up about 15 fewer goals in his 44 games, or about .3 per game. That equates to an increase of 1 point to the Thrashers total. 1 point.
If Lehtonen was playing behind a real defense, he would be talked about among the league’s best.
By Craig Custance
March 21, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Jarndyce: I hear what your saying, but why do you think Johan’s overall record is much better than Kari’s?
Glover: Appreciate the comments. I think the Blackhawks would be a great team to cover considering all that young talent and the rebirth of the team. I think Chicago is really going to get behind that team.
By Sam
March 21, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Do a little research, Ccraig. This is not just “some community service award”. It has meaning. Steve Gilner Played rec league hockey with a lot of folks who come to these Thrashers game.
So read below and learn.
Sergeant Steven Matthew Reeves 1964-1999
Sergeant Steven Matthew “Steve” Reeves was born January 16, 1964, in Denver, Colorado. Moving to the Atlanta area at a young age, he attended Douglas County High School before graduating from the Cobb County School system in 1983. Steve joined the Cobb County Police Department on June 27, 1985. He was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Bureau Precinct 3.
Steve was a member of the Army National Guard serving in the 20th Special Forces Group. In 1989, Steve was selected to be a member of the prestigious Cobb County Police Department SWAT Team. In 1991, Steve was awarded the Cobb County Police Department’s Medal of Valor for placing himself at risk to save the life of another officer during an encounter with an armed car thief. In 1992 Steve, along with seven other officers were selected as the first members of the newly formed Tactical Team.
On July 23, 1999, Steve the supervisor of the SWAT entry team was tasked to perform a hostage rescue. The suspect, Greg Smith, had already shot one police officer and would not negotiate with the crisis negotiation team. Upon entry to the residence the SWAT Team came under heavy gunfire at which time Steve was fatally wounded. Officer Stephen Gilner was also killed during this same action. Approximately 16 hours after the situation began a Cobb County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team Marksmen killed the suspect, and the female hostage was freed unharmed.
The Cobb County Police Department posthumously awarded Steve his second Medal of Valor for his heroic actions. Steve personified the term hero and will never be forgotten by the many fortunate people that called him friend. A day does not pass that he is not remembered and deeply missed.
Officer Stephen Gilner 1967-1999
Officer Stephen “Steve” Gilner was born January 6,1967, in Port Jefferson, New York. After graduating from high school in 1985, Steve immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served four years with an engineering battalion before being honorably discharged in 1989.
Steve joined the Cobb County Police Department on July 5, 1992, and served as a uniform patrol officer, motorcycle officer and DUI Task Force officer. On April 23, 1998, Steve was selected to be a member to the prestigious Cobb County Police Department SWAT Team.
On July 23, 1999, Steve was assigned to the SWAT entry team to perform a hostage rescue of an elderly woman. The suspect, Greg Smith, had already shot one police officer earlier in the day and would not negotiate with the crisis negotiation team.
Upon entry to the residence the SWAT Team came under heavy gunfire at which time Sergeant Steve Reeves was fatally wounded. Steve, realizing Sergeant Reeves was hit, pulled him from the doorway and placed him outside the residence.
Steve then re-entered the residence to assist the other team members who were pinned down, but was fatally wounded by the suspect.
Approximately 16 hours after the situation began a Cobb County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team Marksmen killed the suspect, and the female hostage was freed unharmed.
Officer Stephen Gilner was posthumously awarded the Cobb County Police Department’s Medal of Valor for his heroic actions. Officer Gilner was a faithful husband, father, son and brother and will never be forgotten by our department.
By Craig Custance
March 21, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Sam: I meant no disrespect, I hadn’t read the release yet on the reward, but will before writing the story for the paper. Thanks for sharing.
By ROBO
March 21, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
SO, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WADDELL’S “SUPPOSED” LIST???
By raindawg722
March 21, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I agree with the Burnside article except for the comments on Kari as others have noted. DW must have some J. Edgar Hoover-level dirt on the Spirit owners. I like the guy, but seriously, how does he get a free pass on this?
By TRON
March 21, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
SO HOW MANY WILL LETEMIN LET IN TONIGHT???…………. 4, 5, OR 6???…………. LOOK FOR AN OVECHKIN HAT TRICK TOO……………..
By bart
March 21, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
The Burnside article was great. Now everyone knows what has been talked about locally, management/ownership of this team is bad.
On who has to finish strong, I submit that you have to get rid of the slackers first. Kozlov and Zhitnik must go. We may take a cap hit but at least you have underperforming veterans out of the locker room. How can you build and inspire when you have a guy who has won a cup coasting. A waiver or a bag of pucks and a stick would be a good deal for Kozlov and/or Zhitnik and would go a long way to improving team chemistry.
Also is Bobby a divisive presence or is it that even he can’t get these ‘old school’ guys to put out some effort?
By David
March 21, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Man, I feel horrible for lehtonen tonight. He had a great game and everybody really let him down in the third period.
By Chop Chop
March 21, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
That’s the kind of effort we need in these last six or seven games. I believe in Tankland.
(Honestly, Lehtonen should have broken his goal stick over someone’s head tonight. He gets no help at all. None.)
By stendec
March 21, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Line up Letemin apologists! This piece of Finnish crapola registered yet another home loss. This time the oxygen waste had to blow a 3-1 lead! This LaLa Land zombie was completely lost in the third period. His A++ should have been pulled after third goal! This untalented Finn can kick his glove, stick or water bottle. Somebody needs to put a skate up his sorry A++! Fans should have been treated to a 3-1 victory. Letemin made sure it was a 5-3 defeat! Send this ball-less A++hole back to Finland as quick as possible. Hell, he could not stop any shots in practice. These, after all, are the offenseless Flushers taking the shots. Any fans who continue to defend this SOB loser are deluded. Letemin does not possess NHL caliber talent! At least Achoo made the clueless Finn look like a complete jerk. Which, by the way, he is! To Hell with Letemin and his quitter buddies. Both Letemin and Ilya Kovalchuk (who has completely lost his scoring touch) are terribly overrated. Congratulations Caps. GO FLAMES!
By Sage of Bluesland
March 21, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
My Heavens, what an impressive showing in the 3rd period!
I now know where all the pitiful little sheep are congregating: Nasty Nest. The excuses for Don are actually disgusting over there.
Yep, sheep, we’re truly heading in the right direction! Let’s give Donny boy another year…Whoever thinks this mess can be fixed in one year does indeed have the mental capacity of a sheep.
At least they are the emotional equivalent of a five-year old girl…I wonder if there’s a correlation with their hero’s “Five-Year Plan” that no-one wants to talk about anymore?
Pitiful little mindless sheep. Look in the mirror for the complementary problem to this woeful franchise…The sheep-enablers!
By LAC
March 21, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Why don’t you do the Thrashers a BIG favor waddell you f’ing piece of $hit GM coach or whatever… RESIGN.
We are damn tired of this team YOU assembled, it is CRAP.
You are a TOTAL LOSER, you are DUMB as a stump and have NO business in the world of NHL hockey.
What you have on the $hit owners must be mind boggling to say the least.
I may hire a PI to look into your background, I DO have that type $, let’s see what DIRT I can find on YOU, you little trud.
No other NHL team would allow for one second waddell to remain a game longer… He has ruined the entire franchise and THE FANS better start seeing it and start staying home these last games to protest his being here any longer.
waddell has to go and never have anything to do with this team one second longer, I for one have had it and everyone else should too !!!!
FIRE DUMB A$$ waddell NOW !!!!!!!!!!!
By Hockeyfan
March 21, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Kari needs to grow up
By Brendan
March 21, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Kari could sue this team for “non-support.” Honestly, leaving guys like N. Backstrom and Ovechkin alone in the slot, at “point blank” range … is non-support of a goaltender. Backstrom’s shot that tied it was nothing short of a sniper attack, aided by a “friendly” goal post. The Thrashers failure to provide any kind of forecheck allowed the Capitals to get back in it.
Look, I’m hardly all broken up about it. We need to win this lottery draft more than we need to win games, at this point. Nobody likes losing, but let’s not lose sight of the “big picture.” Segue to Lehtonen’s contract this summer. He’s not going to be able to command major dollars. But he can make the case that he didn’t have good support. Excuses don’t translate into dollars, however.
Maybe someone is monitoring the Thrahsers with the intention of making an RFA offer sheet for Kari? But, they’ll have to overpay to get him, plus surrender draft picks. And that’s not a very smart way to do business, unless you’re out of options, up in the wilderness of Western Canada.
On the Detroit Red Wings, Kari could probably post a 35-win season.
By stendec
March 21, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
The Red Wings would not want an immature crybaby like Letemin. Did I really read 35 wins? Maybe Letemin is not the only inhabitant of LaLa Land. GO FLAMES!
By THE FISH
March 21, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Come one guys, give Kari a break. Our blue-shirted excuse for a hockey team was getting out shot over 20-1 at one point in the third period. Unbelievable!!! Even Patrick Roy in net wasn’t going to help these underachievers win this game. No team on earth with any goalkeeper in the history of the NHL can withstand this kind of mismatch in shots and time in the offensive zone and win. None. Zero. On the other hand, don’t forget….WE’RE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!!!!!!!
By 12345
March 21, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
weel guys & gals… Some great defense tonight ! As put togather by the great hockey mind himself Don Waddell.
How in GOD’s name can this baffon remain here ? How can he come out game after game with a straight face and even be seen as he is a complete fool !
I am almost for trading or waiving everyone on this squad and starting over… There is no excuse for this type play, I cannot believe we have gone from first to WORST, so fast.
What pi$$es me most is Waddell saying at the start of the season this team is better than last year.
Then one of our top two players wanting out because he see’s this whole franchise going down just like the Titanic…
For Waddell to remain would lead to the Thrashers leaving town in a couple years, He is THE CANCER of this entire franchise… You owners better wake up
By Michael Shapiro
March 21, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Thought the 2nd was a nice period. Wondered where the boys went for the 3rd. Outshoot 23-2. Pathetic. Wore my bag to the game with “Fire D-Wad” on it. Too bad Potty Mouth Levenson wasn’t there and couldn’t read. Felt sorry for Kari (a rare thing) because our boys hung him out to dry in the 3rd.
Why can’t we play a game to win instead of trying not to lose?
Happy that Slates got 2, and proud of Perrin’s passes. That line (with Armstrong) looked strong and energetic tonight. Can’t say the same about the rest of the team, especially in the 3rd.
Fire D-Wad.
By bart
March 21, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what they should do with Kari either.
His problems are not physical he has tremendous skills. But, how can he get his head screwed on straight when he helps keep his team in the game with some great saves for 2 periods then in the 3rd it turns into a shooting gallery.
He needs to toughed up but it is difficult when the team is so inconsistent.
By affc1
March 22, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
LAC -
First of all I am nota Waddell fan. But you have made your points on DW so many times it is a waste of space and reading now. If you can’t say something new - post off!
By LAC
March 22, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Thanks Michael, Mr.Potty Mouth IS catching ON !!!
How about it CRAIG, ask levenson what he thinks about that !!!!
Ask waddell why he is a LIAR !!!
I wish you would, but know you will not and that is ashame !!!
Come on levenson you Potty Mouth punk, my 6 businesses against YOUR owners spot, show some GUTS for once in your worthless life I will so why not you ?
Ask him Craig why he will not put up or hide like the COWARD he is !!!
Come on Craig !
By LAC
March 22, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
affc1… When POSITIVE changes are made I will respond in kind, but as long at the status quo remains… I will not, everyone else feels the same, why not dump on them too ???
By ToF
March 22, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Alright, so Ovechkin pots his 60th goal of the season. A milestone like that is reached for the first time in 12 years and the arena announcer is too much of a homer to even mention it? What the hell ATL? I don’t care if he is an opponent or not, marks like that do not come around and should be celebrated by ALL fans of the game, not just fans of his team.
Secondly, what are the odds at the end of the year that Kari tells DW to go screw himself and doesn’t sign a contract. If he sits out a year do we lose his rights, would he have to clear waivers, or something to that effect? Essentially, even though he will be a RFA can he bail somehow (outside of leaving on an offer sheet)? If I were him, I’d be looking for a new job. Playing behind an ATL D for much longer will kill his numbers (and subsequently his career).
By Brendan
March 22, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
Stendec, obviously you know that Kari posted 34 wins for Atlanta in 2007. Do you really think he couldn’t get one more with Detroit’s defense and system playing in front of him?
The Red Wings have posted 11 seasons of 45 wins or more since 1993.
Detroit’s goaltending isn’t young. Hasek is 43, I think. Osgood isn’t that far behind him, either. He’ll turn 36 next season. I do wonder if Detroit has a young goaltender that they’ve been cultivating in the minors. If the RFA offer sheet came from Detroit, their draft pick compensation (#28-30 overall) would be something close to worthless. Although, they seem to find a way to make late and latter round picks count.
By Brendan
March 22, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
ToF, Kari Lehtonen is free to play in Europe, if he does not want to return to Atlanta or the NHL. But the second his foot touches European ice, as a paid professional, his possibility of returning to the NHL in the same season is over. So, if he makes that choice, he’s going to play in Europe all season long. He can be a “holdout” all the way until December 1, 2008. At that point, he becomes ineligible for NHL play for that season.
I do believe that Atlanta would still own his rights until Kari turns 27. I’m not exactly sure how old Kari is, or when his birthday is. But I seem to recall hearing that Kari can’t become unrestricted until 2010. Someone would have to double-check that.
If Kari, indeed, opted to play in Finland, or anywhere in Europe, it would reflect very poorly on the organization. He was a 2nd overall pick back in 2002. People would ask, “why?” And, ultimately, Atlanta would be blamed for not not locking up this player while they owned his rights. It doesn’t do the Thrashers any good to have a goalie playing in Europe, rather than re-signing in NHL. And if he says, “I won’t re-sign with you, trade me,” then we’d better try to keep Hedberg around. He’s unrestricted this Summer and can sign anywhere. Pavelec may not quite be ready for the NHL, full-time, as the #1 goalie. Then again, maybe he is?
I really don’t think Kari will pull any of that. He’ll probably re-sign a 2-3 year deal with Atlanta. He custom-built a home here. I think his intentions are to stay. He, like Kovalchuk, are hoping for a “magnanimous” offseason of player acquisitions to improve the team.
By ToF
March 22, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
Alright, so short of looking like a walking bag of cleanser, he can’t do anything. Kari doesn’t strike me as a guy who would that. I just hope we can keep him and Kovy painfully optimistic for a few more years.
By B. Thenet
March 22, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
This might be the greatest collection of quitters in the history of the NHL.
By BigBill
March 22, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
I for one just cannot watch this team anymore… They have simply quit on the fans, as well as themselves. They have no hope for improvement, as it has been stated the GM will be back, and a number of current roster players back as well. After this disaster, how can any return ?
I just ask ownership, Don Waddell put this team togather, fired the coach and has been just a wrecking ball on the entire team all season.
Why would anyone want to bring Waddell back ? Do the owners not realize his track record is just terrible ?
Why will they not face the straight forward facts, Waddell is just Bad and keeping him will make a bad sitution much, much worse.
Get Neil Smith in here, or Cliff Fletchers son Chuck asst GM in Nashville,trained by David Poile, Those guys know NHL hockey, because Dom Waddell is the worst excuse for a GM in pro sports, What does the ownership see in him ? WHAT ?
But then we all know about the ownership here, like Waddell, the worst in pro sports period.
By COPS ???
March 22, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this
Sam, This is a hockey blog, not one about two dead crooked cops Good Riddence on them !!!!!!
By Alan
March 22, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this
This is a hockey blog, not one about two dead crooked cops Good Riddence on them !!!!!!
This is displaying a complete lack of class. First of all, you have no idea whether those two individuals were crooked or not. Secondly, this is almost directly related to hockey, since the Thrashers chose to name the award in memory of those two individuals. And lastly, to bid those individuals who are trying to make our streets safe “good riddence” is above and beyond reproach.
By affc1
March 22, 2008 5:12 AM | Link to this
LAC
Redundant reduntancy is boooorrriiinngg and a waste of space.
Everyone understands your points, opinions,points,opinions - same,same,same all the time
Besides it feels a lot better when you stop beating your head on the wall.
By hockeyman3944
March 22, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Big Bill..you said it all..great post! I have been associated with hockey as a player and coach for 49 of my 54 years and simply can’t watch this team anymore. They are going through the motions, I watched as Ovechkin scored his 60th with three, yes three Thrashers watching him! No one laid a body on him. They have no step to the puck, watch them in their own zone, gliding to the puck carrier and then giving them the “matador” or fly by to see if they’ll cough up the puck…well they don’t, this isn’t mite hockey! They have lost interest, are happy to be drawing an NHL paycheck and frankly, are cheating the fans who pay them…a sorry scene. Indeed Waddell has to go, there are many knowledgable hockey fans here which I’m grateful for, and we deserve better. Levenson and his ilk, I’m afraid, are driving hockey out of this town, driving the fan base away and alienating any fans that know the difference between what we saw tonight and a good team by keeping Waddell near this franchise. Disgraceful.
By A Old Goalie
March 22, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Some of the comments here amaze me. The only one with any credible hockey knowledge is Brendan. How can you people criticize Kari. Have any of you ever played Goalie? You can only stop so many shots. He had absolutely no help at all in the third period. Much of the season has been the same. I played Goal in high school, juniors and the AHL. I was never good enough to make the NHL but I think I know a little bit about the game and goaltending. Facing 40-45 shots a night takes it toll. Not only physically but mentally. A goal tender has to have the mindset once he lets a goal in that he will not let another in, but when you constantly get pounded sooner or later the dam is going to break. When you have a sniper uncovered and a wing on the other side uncovered you can only do so much. Sooner or later you are going to let a goal go in. Get off Kari’s back. He showed some emotion and he deserves some help. The kid has great potential. I bet if he played on a team with any type of defense he would be in the top 10 stats in the league. The team should be ashamed of themselves for letting him down. Yes it is a team game but he finally lost his temper. I think he deserves the right to be digusted. The management of this team is tight fisted and will not spend money. The team is too small, not enough speed for even a small team. Defense is suspect. Game planning stinks. All the offense wants to do is dump the puck and go the corner to look for someone open in the slot. How do you do this when your opponet is 3 inches taller and outweighs you by 30 pounds and has better skill? How many times do you see players out of position. It is time to clean house. Waddell has been here since the inception. Fire him, bring in new blood with a proven coach. We need help for Kovy. Hell, we need help every where if you think about it. As a season ticket holder I am done. I will not renew next year. All season ticket holders need to write and call the Spirit group to voice our displeasure. The Thrashers will be like the Flames and leave Atlanta because of too many empty seats but frankly with ownership and management like this I don’t think it will matter to most. No way Hossa will come back and I believe soon Kovy will be wanting out unless changes are made. We have no up and coming players in the minors. Waddell signs veterans past their prime and overpays them. We are getting left behind as other teams build youth and bring in valuable veterans. I think it is a combination of Wadell not knowing how to assess talent and ownership not willing to spend. As fans and supporters of a NHL team we deserve more and it is time to demand more. Not just anyone can afford a ticket. They are high priced, lets face it a family of four going to a NHL game and eating is going to spend well over $200. You want a team that plays well for that kind of money. If the team quits then that says something about the coaching staff. We were going in the right direction last year and Wadell disected the team and let valuable people go. Not superstars but good solid hockey players that knew how to play and gave it their all. Letting Jon Sim go was beyond me. Out of all the new players the only one that impresses me is Perrin. He has a edge to his game and has decent speed. I could write all day but I just get more upset the more I think about it. I would like to thank Craig for the opportunity to vent here and voice our opinions. It is a pleasure to read your articles because this town does not give hockey enough respect. However, Hockey needs to be first page news, not on page 7. Once again as fans we need to ask for better coverage. Craig needs more space in the paper and the AJC needs to let him open up. Thanks for your time.
By shoot it
March 22, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Was that the mite’s who showed up for the 3rd period?
Other than the stupid penalty in the first, I thought Boris played a pretty good game. He had very little ice time but he seemed to control the puck and make some good breakout passes and moves. He also stopped any momentum by being physical. They certainly could have used him in the 3rd.
By Paul Hamilton
March 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I agreed with SB critique of the disfunctional teams the Spirit own. They really don’t have much of a clue. The future doesn’t look very bright for the Thrashers. At least the Hawks have shown signs of a pulse this year.
By Jim
March 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Admittedly this team is just going through the motions now, but if Bruce and the other owners needed any evidence that this team does not have an NHL defense or guts, the third period last night should be the final piece of evidence. Outshot 23-2 at home. Fail to protect a two goal lead, worse than pathetic. DW has no clue, no plan, few players with any grit. This team is too small, too slow, too timid.
By Nikita
March 22, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
It’s always easier to blame individuals than to think about how the team might work better. And I’m really sick of hearing people pick on the goalies. Kari’s stats are awesome, particularly given the number of shots he sometimes faces. Moose is also a very good goalie — they’re two elements of the team that actually work. Unfortunately, they’re not perfect, though.
As for everyone else…Eric Perrin needs an A for next year. Period. His line has been consistently very good, very positive, and 100% effort and hustle. If the whole team played like he does, we’d be fine. The C should probably go to Mark Recchi. Kovy and Havelid keep their As.
It’s notable that nearly every player that we brought from elsewhere is producing at roughly half of their production rates on their previous teams. That’s the average — Zhit and Kozlov are producing at even lower rates. Is this a case of 20 individuals failing or is this a case of a system that doesn’t allow those 20 to succeed? Probably the latter. Something is fundamentally, seriously wrong with the entire team.
By enforcer
March 22, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Stendec,
Your an idiot!
When you figure out something sensible to contribute let’s here it, otherwise keep your uninformed A%% off the blog.
By enforcer
March 22, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Stendec,
Your an idiot!
When you figure out something sensible to contribute let’s here it, otherwise keep your uninformed A%% off the blog.
By Christy
March 22, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
If I’m reading the stats right, games where Kari plays in goal (45 this year), thrashers allow an average of 32 shots on Goal. .912 Save %
Games with Moose in goal (34 this year), an average of 28 shots on goal. .895 save %
now, the same team plays in front of each of these goalies on any given night. why is there at least a 4 shot difference. That’s a rather significant difference and I think it has to do with the fact that Kari allows more rebounds which fly every which way and are harder to defend where Moose does a better job of freezing the puck.
I’m not saying the defense is good, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I believe that unless Kari improves in regards to “rebounding” or controlling the puck better the Thrashers will continue to have issues with Shots on Goal against.
By Plenty of Empty Seats
March 22, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks again Craig, I continue to enjoy your work.
I’m with hockeyman and the Old Goalie. As a participant and hockey fan for 40 years, yes I said 40 years (and a STH here for 5 years) I could not believe what I saw last night - even for this team.
I’ve witnessed bigger 3rd period come backs, but never recall watching the abject lack desire, the lack of will and the unprofessional behavior at the NHL level - all in one 20 minute period.
Last night was an utter disgrace. Burnside’s ESPN story actually understated the depth of the issues. I wouldn’t be surprised if the team leaves town. At least management has a blue print for that course of action, because it is obvious that operating an NHL franchise is well beyond their professional competencies.
By Thrashers27
March 22, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Way to go Slates!!! Great game. Make sure you bring that same scoring touch with you for next season!
By Thrashers27
March 22, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Good call Old Goalie!
Kari did show some frustration and rightly so. I’ve seen many goalies throw tantrums on the ice and if any of them were justified in doing so Kari certainly is.
As a matter of fact I do believe I watched Pasi Nurminen crack a paddle over a goalpost on more than occasion.
Keep your head in there kid. Hopefully, they’ll bring in some D next year.
By Nikita
March 22, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
I actually think the team trusts Kari more — they allow fewer shots when he’s in goal. That said, Moose is more conservative, and will generally ensure that the puck is taken as far from him as possible, or frozen.
By Buzzard
March 22, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Craig,
Burnside was right on. At this point if Waddell is still here in the fall, no decent player will want to come to Atlanta.
Perhaps our new coach and GM will have a real system and build on it.
Last night Kari kept us in the game until the D became lawn orniments in the 3rd. My only concern with Kari is that he lets our tenacious D - Hah! get to his head.
You know your team is in trouble when Slater scores 67% of your goals. Good for Slates, sad for the Thrash.
Buzzard
By BMAC
March 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
This is so sad to watch, the fans deserve a whole lot better.
Question. If you had an employee who was given a position within your company and year after year he consistantly did not improve the business. What would any business owner do ? Simple replace that person with another person that brings in fresh ideas and wants to make changes to improve.
The status quo in business is not good. It costs you money if you do not keep moving ahead, you have to change with the dynamics of the business, something that worked last year, may not this year and so on…
The Thrashers are in need of a complete makeover, from top to bottom. The people who own them, they are businessmen correct ??? Would they keep employees in their regular business who do not produce ? Answer NO. But nobody cares about a electronic sales manager being fired, but a hockey GM is a visable position where his termination will be seen by all.
The owners of this team, need to make a smart business decision and soon. While their popular train of thought is to keep the present GM, they need to understand his record here has been nothing short of terrible. While it may look bad, how many times did George Steinbrenner fire Billy Martin ? Sure it got a lot of laughs and made George look bad, but in the long run… Who won the gold ????? George did !
What the issue is, is that the current GM has run the table, nine years and almost nothing to show for it. Poor drafting, bad UFA signings, poor trades and bad coaching. He has had enough time to produce and simply put has not.
The owners need to realize the whole picture here, not the short term, despite the fact they did not hire the current GM, they need to replace him. The Thrashers can ill afford any additional damage brought onto this team by him, it may not be what the owners want to do, but it is what the owners have to do, they are businessmen, and to continue to evolve in a never ending circle of failure, they must act in the best interests of the Thrashers, The players and most important The Fans.
We are not willing to endure anymore seasons like this one and continuing to keep the curent GM to continue to fail at his job, well the bottom line, the Fans will stop buying into a poor product, then it maybe too late.
Owners, it’s like castor oil, it might taste bad to fire Waddell, but in the long run you will be very glad you did, The breath of fresh air would be most welcome…
So would WINNING !
By Denny
March 22, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
HMMM - BMAC, Interesting post and I trust your analysis is better than your metaphor. Last time I checked - castor oil did not leave a fresh air at either end of the body.
By Brendan
March 22, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
BMAC, what if the ASG’s plan is merely to resolve the Belkin lawsuit, then sell the asset they acquired for $131 million to an overzealous investor, for $181 million? That’s a cool $50 million profit, just for being the “caretaker” owners of a hockey team, (that they never even wanted,) for 5 years. (That’s $10 million in profit a year, on average, if sold for that price.)
Jim Balsillie offered $238 million for the team (Nashville) ranked 30th on Forbes list, by “value.” The Nashville Predators were valued, as of November 2007, at $143 million. The Atlanta Thrashers, at that time, were valued at $148 million, in 26th place out of 30 NHL clubs.
If the ASG’s goal … is and was nothing more than to flip this team for a profit, then it makes total “business sense” to keep the payroll low, acquiring Tier II free agents, as opposed to Tier I free agents (Like Campbell, Redden, Hossa, etc.). Then, the next move is to HOODWINK the fanbase (AND KOVALCHUK) into thinking they’re actually trying to field a Stanley Cup-winning roster.
If some fans are “skeptical,” (shrugs) … grab a live microphone on banner raising night and promise them, like a politician in an election year, that you’ll do everything you can to bring a Stanley Cup Championship to the city.
If the fans “believe your obfuscation,” they’ll pay for the season tickets. If not, you may be in a heap trouble, as you, as owners, have greatly underestimated the intelligence level of the hockey fans in Atlanta, who see right through you.
Don Waddell will always be able, in certain circles, to argue that Mark Streit and Steve Montador are all that’s needed along Atlanta’s blueline. And that the problem is just getting Zhitnik to play better. And people will lap it up! And plunk down their money, fearing that a team which CANNOT ESCAPE ITS LEASE for another 12 years … might up and leave, for greener pastures. It’s absurd!
You fans who point out that Emperor Waddell isn’t wearing any clothes … and that Bruce Leveson’s lack of hockey knowledge could fill a warehouse … are mucking it up for them. You “bad fan,” You!! (Heavy sarcasm.) You’re screwing up their business plan. How dare you! There’s as much as $50 million in profits to be had here!
By Tony C.
March 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
How xan you blame Lehtonen for the 3rd goal dude? Ovechkin gets two point-blank (and I mean point-blank look t the video his [Ovechkin’s] toe is at the top of the blue paint) and NO ONE on our team even pushes him? Really? That’s on KL???
I would have had somebody’s @ss out skating laps after the game. Yep. Right there in front of everyone. I mean I’m all for OPERATION:Believe in Tankland, but wow-try not to be too obvious about it.
I also noticed that they pretty much went away from what was working the first two periods, no coincidence that when they went to the “prevent” defense, WSH just basically had their puck carriers curl around their goal for a head of steam and carried the puck 175 feet to our zone-no hitting that guy just kind of put your stick in the lane and holler out “Ole’!” when Green skates by boys, that’s sure to win the game.
I do think that the kicking of the blocker was a bit much, but I was ok with him chucking the stick-23 shots in less than 20 minutes? He had every right to be disgruntled. But the kicking of the blocker he chucked and then telling someone else to go get it is at best childishly petulant.
But this loss isn’t on KL.
Oh well, looks like OPERATION: Believe in Tankland may even obtain better draft-place results than previously expected. I betcha we get #1 or # 2 spot.
By Alan
March 22, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
no coincidence that when they went to the “prevent” defense, WSH just basically had their puck carriers curl around their goal for a head of steam and carried the puck 175 feet to our zone
I had a friend at the game last night who hadn’t watched a hockey game in almost 20 years, and that’s exactly what he said. Almost exactly to the letter.
By kacie
March 22, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Bye to WALDDELL and please bring in coach McCRIMMON as he knows the game much better and the city of ATLANTA needs that now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Alan
March 22, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
and please bring in coach McCRIMMON
There’s no room for crybaby temper-tantrum having people on this team. Coaches included.
By NASCAR Dave
March 23, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
Well, well, lookie here. The GUTLESS QUITTERS led by the INCOMPETENT BUFFOON DON WADDELL embarrass our great city once again! 3-1 lead, and you lose 5-3!!! WTF!!! And some sheep wants bring in McCrimmon as COACH??? Are you FU%^^&NG kidding me? They oughtta fire his a$$ when they fire Waddell! They both suck a$$ and have no business in the NHL!!! McCrimmon was a great NHL player, but they are both AHL calibre Management/Coaches. This needs to be a clean sweep folks. A total clean house, from the scouts to the coaches, to the GM. That is the only way to do it.
And Sori Letemin is One Pathetic Pile Of Crap!!! Damn, we shoulda dome that trade with Ottawa!!! DAMN!!
Lame Duck GM… NUFF SAID.
See everyone at the Playoffs in Philips… when the HAWKS are there! LMAO at Waddell! Billy and Woody outdid you you DAMN LOSER!!! HA HA HA!!! Go back to Detroit and sell your Porta-Potties you MORON!!! And Good Riddance!!!
By Alan
March 23, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
And Sori Letemin is One Pathetic Pile Of Crap!!!
Basis? Or should I start writing off your goalie analysis like I tend to write off stendec’s?
By T-Bone
March 23, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Brendan, Once again I think you nailed the situation with the owners. It really is obvious though, that that is the plan to buy some time and unload the team(s)for major profits in half-dozen or so years. They have DW who is willing to muddle thru with their lack of real commitment so why change? A real GM would perhaps demand more from THEM! Like spending for a legit coaching and scouting staff, like spending closer to the cap when it’s called for, etc., etc.. So, we get this country-club of a franchise for the nearly retired to spend their final years while the poubahs mouth the usual platitudes they are building a winner for a Cup run, blah, blah, blah. And before you know it, another five years is behind us and they decide to ring the register. We are all being played for fools!
By moo
March 23, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
This team needs a COACH with a SYSTEM other than WAddell and McCrimmon’s POSTAL SYSTEM of MAILING IT IN.
Every big league team has a GOALIE COACH. Our two bit lemonade stand team has NONE. Hello, that’s like the Braves not having a pitching coach and Ted Turner making out the line-up card again!
FIRE WADDELL ON APRIL 7. In fact, let him line up at the end of the last game and take the jacket off his back like they will take the shirt off the back of the players.
By moo
March 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
and another thing….
DW keeps saying how the locker room is full of Character Guys??? Well, nice guys finish last. Go out and sign some A-HOLES who don’t cry and pout and GIVE UP when a WINNER coach like Hartley yells and demands they move their collective good guy asses.
By Sage of Bluesland
March 23, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Whoever subsidizes this “product” is a big part of the problem.
I couldn’t agree more with the angle that the fact of keeping Waddell means the ownership doesn’t care one iota about winning.
I haven’t thought of it quite that way (or it’s too early to form cognizant thoughts).
At that point, when the TRUTH is obvious, the ENABLERS become the real problem. Real fans deserve better than this.
WE deserve better than this. There’s only one message the ownership will understand: COMPLETE BOYCOTT.
Sell the team…Move the team…Do nothing with the team…I could care less—except for NOT filling your undeserving pockets with MY dollars.
By Tony C.
March 23, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
No, no we got Steve Weeks. Not a bad guy, but when you compare him to the goalie coach who has gotten Cam Ward’s head (and season) turned around-well I’m sure you’ve at least heard of Tom Barrasso….well let’s say that yeah you might could have stuck anyone halfway decent back there and Super-Mario and Jagr with Francis and Trottier riding shotgun would still have won The Cup-I don’t buy it. I watched Those Penguins teams with Recchi, Lemieux, Jagr etc.-Barrasso he definitely pulled their fat out of the fire on multiple occasions.
Just like we’ve needed some sort of goalie conditioning program for the entire history of the team and only last season does the team come up with one. I do a lot of half-@ssed stuff, but not when I’m getting paid for it, and certainly not when I take pride with something I actually care about.
Boo.
Believe in Tankland
By PJ
March 23, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Craig Don’t ya hate it when you write a perfectly good article and then they put up a picture of Hossa with a caption stating it’s Recchi underneath? lol, Work with me people, work with me!
By stendec
March 23, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
HAPPY EASTER ALL! Especially to Flushers still trying, here is to you, uh, hmm, well, that category is a waste. May all Flusher followers (especially Letemin aplogists) be blessed and enjoy the best of everything. No NHL playoffs for Flushers this season but the sun still shines and DeA++hole Hall is in a Raider uniform not a Falcon one! Life is good. GO FLAMES!
By LAC
March 24, 2008 4:21 AM | Link to this
Right on Sage & Stendec & NASCAR DAVE, You ALL Speak The Truth about this messed lost franchise, Just watch how much WORSE it will get with waddell still running the show !
Does it take yet ANOTHER season like this one for the Little Baby Owners to act like men and fire waddell, these Idiots are as clueless as Bush !
By timthebrave
March 24, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
That was the last game for me this year. How the hell do you get out shot by 20 shots in 1 period. LAC, stendec, nascar dave. We get the point that you want Waddell fired! Telling people on a blog 8,000 times won’t make it f*** happen. It just gets old….I’m not saying that he shouldn’t get fired, I’m just sick of hearing the same s** from you people. Do you just copy and paste from yesterday’s blog?
By Alan
March 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
timthebrave - No, they copy and paste from each other.
There’s a difference between calling for change and being a sore loser. The lot of those cats are the latter. Yeah, I’m frustrated that this team has literally gone from worst to first and back to worst again in the course of one season. And yeah, I’m more than aware that there are some really major problems with management. However, like I’ve said before, whining like children on a newspaper blog will not change things. That’s just pure common sense, folks. Don’t just talk about it, be about it. You want him fired? Do something about it. Sitting on your a* and posting on a blog is not doing something.
By stendec
March 24, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
What should we do? Storm Thrasher headquarters to punch Don Waddell and owners in mouths? Bind Kari Lehtonen then toss him on first airplane heading to Finland? Boycott a sport we love? Our views may not tickle majority but they are our views nonetheless. There is no excuse going from division champion to last place. Absolutely none! Blame Waddell, Letemin, bad ice, players, bad karma or whatever you wish. No excuses are near adequate for such a monumental collapse! Baseball starts with pitching. Football starts with defense. Hockey starts with goaltending. Unearth all the statistics available. The only one that means anything in any sport is the win-loss record! How is Letemin’s? Our (Stendec, LAC and NASCAR Dave) options are extremely limited folks.
By stendec
March 24, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
What should we do? Storm Thrasher headquarters to punch Don Waddell and owners in mouths? Bind Kari Lehtonen then toss him on first airplane heading to Finland? Boycott a sport we love? Our views may not tickle majority but they are our views nonetheless. There is no excuse going from division champion to last place. Absolutely none! Blame Waddell, Letemin, bad ice, players, bad karma or whatever you wish. No excuses are near adequate for such a monumental collapse! Baseball starts with pitching. Football starts with defense. Hockey starts with goaltending. Unearth all the statistics available. The only one that means anything in any sport is the win-loss record! How is Letemin’s? Our (Stendec, LAC and NASCAR Dave) options are extremely limited folks.
By Alan
March 24, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Our (Stendec, LAC and NASCAR Dave) options are extremely limited folks.
So you choose whining on a newspaper blog. What a cop out. How about you watch how fans in other cities act when they feel there is a problem. Remember when Atlanta whipped Washington earlier this season? Remember the fans in Washington? They were chanting “Fire Hanlon” in the stands that night. The fans in Toronto? They were in the stands - SELLOUT CROWD - chanting for the head of Fergueson. But no, the fans in Atlanta? “Hey, lets repeatedly post on the newspaper blog with bold letters and all caps and maybe hope the ownership is listening!” Yeeeah! That’s sure to force the hand of the ownership!
What a frickin’ cop out.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Frankstein
By NASCAR Dave
March 24, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
ALAN - YOU CAN BET YOUR BRITCHES WE WILL KEEP DOING IT, UNTIL THE CHANGES ARE MADE!
It is absolutely disgraceful that Waddell apparently gets a free pass with this bullcrap!
Whining on the blog might not get anything done, but at least it might open some peoples eyes to our “big” problem here, be it Nationally or Locally, or both.
At least we are TRYING to do something, unlike you, who keeps ENABLING and SUBSIDIZING the incompetence!!! Get a damn clue dude!
WAKE UP THRASHER FANS! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! WE DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS! WADDELL BUILT THIS MONSTROSITY, NOW HE MUST SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!!!
MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!
END THE ONCOMPETENCE - FIRE WADDELL!!!
GUTLESS LOSERS/WIMPS/QUITTERS LED BY AN INCOMPETENT MORONIC A-HOLE/ PORTA-POTTIE SALESMAN NAMED DON WADDELL….
NUFF SAID.
By timthebrave
March 24, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
stendec…Do you think being outshot 45-18 has anything to do with losing? If you don’t think so than you are correct in your hypothesis that it is all KL fault. If you see that maybe that has something to do with it then you might see(I doubt it) that there are more problems than just KL.. Like getting outshot 45 to f*** 18. think about it before typing Let-im-in ha ha. I’m still laughing at that sorry joke I can hardly type. It was so funny you should type let-em-in on every f*** blog. It really gets your point across and lets people know how punny you are
By Alan
March 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
ALAN - YOU CAN BET YOUR BRITCHES WE WILL KEEP DOING IT, UNTIL THE CHANGES ARE MADE!
And you somehow think posting in a blog will change things. You’re going about this all wrong, but if it makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something while sitting on your a* doing nothing otherwise, so be it. Don’t expect to be heard, though, since you’re not using your voices. You’d rather hide behind the computer screen and use your fingers instead.
Yes, let’s end the oncompetence .. whatever that is.
By Bob
March 24, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
And you somehow think posting in a blog will change things. You’re going about this all wrong, but if it makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something while sitting on your a doing nothing otherwise, so be it. Don’t expect to be heard, though, since you’re not using your voices. You’d rather hide behind the computer screen and use your fingers instead*
Well, then let’s do something. Some guys have some momentum going on doing the right things to save our hockey club, please go sign the petition here if you love our team (and Craig, you should contact those guys that are doing this and interview them for an article, that would be some good stuff):
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/replacewaddell/
By Jarndyce
March 24, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Craig: Sorry not to answer quickly, but to your question regarding Hedberg’s record versus Lehtonen’s, we’ll need a few numbers:
After Hartley was fired, the Thrashers went on a tear, and Lehtonen sat in a whirlpool somewhere healing up. Over those 18 games, the Thrashers scored 3 goals per game, and allowed only 3.05 goals per game. Hedgberg went 8-4 and Pavelec went 3-3. It was a great run, no question. However, if we take that explosion of good play out of the equation…
Hedberg’s record drops to 6-12, or .333 winning pct, compared to Kari’s .341. In Hedberg’s six wins, the Thrashers scored a eye-popping 4.3 goals per game! Overall shooting percentage for the Thrashers is about 10%, but in Hedberg’s wins it’s been about 18% (14% for Kari’s wins). Meanwhile, in Hedberg’s wins, he’s actually given up more than a goal per game more than Lehtonen has in his wins (2.8 against 1.6)!!!
In essence, Hedberg’s record has been helped by some high-scoring games and offensive performances by the team in front of him, not because he was a better goaltender on those nights.
By Alan
March 24, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
please go sign the petition here
Been there, done that, see the other blog for details.
A more active approach should still be taken, though, much like the fans in DC and Toronto have done.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 24, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
You guys have 23 signatures so far. That is almost an entire row in one of the sections of Phillips.
Keep up the good work
By Bob
March 24, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
You guys have 23 signatures so far. That is almost an entire row in one of the sections of Phillips
The petition has been up since just this morning, zilla.
It’s not like the Spirit are going to post the petition on the jumbotron at the next game, so spread the news at the next game to get the word out.
By Jarndyce
March 24, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
You may want to correct the grammar before you send it to the ASG. Not that they’re going to take it too seriously in the first place, but certainly less so if there are typos.
By Bob
March 24, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Not that they’re going to take it too seriously in the first place
Of course not, why would they take it seriously if they hear that hundreds of their season ticket holders, who each buy 2 or 4 seats to games, aren’t going to renew unless they get a competent GM?
Then again, if there’s enough poor souls left out there that don’t realize what the problem has been since Day 1, and that are willing to lap up more promises out of Waddell, then they don’t have to do anything, do they?
Isn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? Woo hoo, Waddell has 2 #1 draft picks this summer and he’s gonna fix our defense and bring in a #1 center, yay!
By Jarndyce
March 25, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Names on an internet petition mean nothing to the ASG. When the season ticket base drops more than 5% or so, that will get their attention.