AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKozlov: Everybody at fault for struggles
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So, what to do with Slava Kozlov? He’s the focus of my feature story for Tuesday’s paper, which looks at his disappointing season. His numbers are down, nearly in half. But, as he points out, his playing time is down considerably. He’s getting half as much time on the power play as he did last year and almost no time on the penalty kill.
But is his lack of playing time a result of poor play or is his poor play a result of a lack of playing time? Anyone want to take a stab at that one? I didn’t use it in the story, but here’s was Kozlov’s explanation as to why his playing time was reduced under Don Waddell: “I think there’s a lot of pressure on Don. He was nervous, sometimes. It’s a quick decision. It’s like when you’re on the ice in front of the net, it’s a quick decision - pass or shoot. It’s the same on the bench, it’s not easy. My dad was a coach and coaches a junior team now. It looks like it’s easy from upstairs - ‘Oh, what a job,’ but it’s not. A head coach has to handle 23 players, everybody wants to play the power play, the penalty kill. It’s a lot of decisions. He was the GM and coach - it’s not easy.”
It’s a pretty diplomatic answer, I’d say. Unfortunately, Waddell wasn’t around to talk about Kozlov’s playing time. But I know in the past he’s said he hasn’t given up on him, which is good considering he’s still got two years left after this one. But Kozlov has bounced back from rough seasons before. If you look at a couple seasons in Detroit (36 points in 99-00, 38 points in 00-01) you see similarities to this season - including ice time.
But Kozlov has heard the criticism of the veteran players on the Thrashers this season, and I asked him to respond to people who say the underachieving veterans are the reason why the Thrashers have struggled this year: “When the team is going well, the whole team deserves the accomplishment. When things don’t go well, I think the whole team is in the basement, the whole team deserves punishment. I don’t agree it’s the veterans or it’s the rookies. In this team, we have lots of depth but we need to improve defense, offense and even goalie. Last year, the reason we were in the playoffs was the goalies played unbelievable the whole season. This year, it was good games, bad games, like everybody else on the team. You can blame the veterans, but it’s a package.”
Kozlov said he has no regrets about signing with the Thrashers again, and that all they really need is a superstar defenseman to contend. No problem, right?
“This team needs a foundation, defensively - like a [Zdeno] Chara or [Nicklas] Lidstrom. Good teams, they have one or two very good defensemen who can play 30-35 [minutes per game]. Like [Chris] Pronger on Anaheim - one of those guys. They’re hard to find, but that’s what we need. With our goalie, he can win a game by himself, but we have to help them. We can’t let the other team shoot 40-45 times.”
Kamloops update: Since the blog adopted the Mark Recchi-owned Kamloops Blazers, they’ve dropped their first two playoff games to the Olie Kolzig-owned Tri-City Americans. Recchi’s not giving up hope. “They were both on the road,” he pointed out today after practice. He said the goalie has been playing well - Kamloops goalie Justin Leclerc had 71 saves in two games. Sounds like the Blazers play the same defense as the Thrashers. Games three and four of the seven game series are on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Roy’s son apologizes: Bob Hartley’s favorite goalie, Patrick Roy, also has a team in the playoffs. His Quebec Remparts are playing in the QMJHL playoffs and evidently Roy’s son went bonkers and fought the other goalie, flipped off the crowd and said some inappropriate things on TV. He apologized for it all today. Naturally, it’s all on YouTube.
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Comments
By cournoyer
March 24, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
HABFANS.com site just had a show saying Atlanta is the worst sports city in all of North America. Started me thinking, our Braves are going on a downward spiral, the Hawks are a joke, the Falcons cant seem to get off the ground, and as for the Thrashers, lets leave that “On Ice”.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 24, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
word
By Hockey Rodent
March 24, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Greatest..goalie..meltdown..EVER!!!
By timthebrave
March 24, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
The only player on the team that has played up to their potential is Kovalchuk. Other than that there is plenty of blame to pass around. Owners, management, offense, defense, goalies, etc. You can’t just blame the veterans but they have to take a large part of the blame because more is expected of them than the rookies.
By Bob
March 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I think Kozlov’s issues stem directly to Hossa’s issues this year. Kozlov and Hossa really clicked last year. It was obvious to everyone that Hoss was mailing it in for most of this year, especially early, as he was biding his time to get out of here. That had to rub off on Kozlov, he was used to dishing back and forth with Hoss, and all Hoss was doing was skating into the zone and flipping the puck at the net or back at Kozlov and peeling off. No hard forechecking. Watch Hoss for the Pens, I think they play tonight, to see him back at his usual self.
By Bob
March 24, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
In case you haven’t see the link from the other blogs, please visit this web site and sign the petition to save our club (Craig, you should contact the guy’s that built that site, that would make a great article about the fan’s standing up to take control and save our club!):
http://firewaddell.googlepages.com
By Brendan
March 24, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Well, let’s see if the new Coach plays Kozlov more next season? If he does, and his numbers are still down, then I believe we’ve found our answer. But nobody scores from the bench.
Slava Kozlov is not getting any younger. I hope he can rebound and be re-energized for next season. He has a “no trade clause,” so … if he doesn’t work out, all Atlanta can really do is subject him to a waiver claim. Let’s hope it doesn’t ever come to that. Paying guys to play for another team isn’t really a good way to go.
By Ward
March 24, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Terrible ending to season filled with frustration and some absolutely brilliant glimpses into what could have been/should have been. Kovy will be gone after two more years of this yo-yo defense and team efforts over 60 minutes.Camp opens in September.
By ranallo10
March 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Custance — Wait, so a Roy acts like a douche and is allowed to apologize??? NO WAY!? Say it aint so…
I think Kozlov’s issues stem directly to Hossa’s issues this year.
Agreed. Hossa’s uncertainty, lower production compared to the last two seasons (I’ll leave it to others to enlighten us on their opinion why he underperformed), and a new coach. I’d say those three all had significant impact upon players like Kozlov, Larsen, Holik, etc.
Larsen played fine last season in the PK, and on the checking line. How’s he doing this year? In my opinion, very poorly comparatively.
Holik is much the same, he’s playing poor compared to season’s past, but occasionally shows flashes of life.
Incorrect utilization hurt this team in the long run, though it helped us in the short run. Stacking Kovalchuk and Hossa on a line was nice, but it lead to less scoring depth.
As a coach, Waddell succeeded immediately, but the league (and the teams lack of depth) caught up to him. He didn’t adjust in time, and look where we are now. As a GM, Waddell didn’t make the appropriate moves to fix the perpetual slide the team seemed to be facing. He seems to have shouldered the blame, but yet the ownership group don’t seem to care.
(sigh) … It is what it is. (TM) Brandon
By TRON
March 24, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
GREAT POLL QUESTION……….. RESIGN LETEMIN???………HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jim
March 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Kozlov is a classy individual and a solid player when he’s got other talent on the line drawing top attention. He is good at finding open spots and scoring with action around the net. He does not create opportunities. He siezes on those set up by others. Let’s hope that our New GM and New Coach can come up with talent to surround him and that he rebounds.
By Rusty
March 24, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Koslov, Hoss and Holik really let this team down. Koslov has been invisible and Hoss wanted out from day one. Holik has worked hard, but couldn’t resist critical penalties at critical times. I hear the calls for Waddell’s dismissal. Without question, this is his team in a world where you win or get another job. What I don’t know is what this disfunctional ownership may have done to hamstring him. Did they, over his objections, force him to trade the team’s future for a frustrating, futile appearance in the playoffs?
The fact that the owners don’t seem to be searching for his replacement indicates they accept responsibility for the on-ice product.
Meanwhile, I don’t hear answers to the fundamental questions, such as “With whom do you replace Waddell?” Is there a world-class GM candidate available that can get the job done? What kind of team are we trying to build? We went for speed this year and brought in some quick midgets who get pushed around on defense and couldn’t control a puck in the offensive zone if they were alone on the ice. If you are going to build a team around Kovalchuk - which really is the only option - what kind of supporting cast do you need? What is the plan to ensure Kovy doesn’t get moved at next year’s trade deadline because we can’t work out a deal. If the veterans are the problem, how do you unload them and with whom do you replace them? If world-class GMs are available, can you get one to take the Atlanta job working for a bunch of rich guys seemingly content with a mediocre fantasy team in a real world league?
By LAC
March 24, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
I have to agree TRON KL needs to be traded for scoring, he is NOT the goalie we thought, a fresh start someplace else is best at this time for him and Atlanta.
LA needs goaltending and we need scoring, perfect trade match, but with idiot waddell that will never happen and we will again be the oldest team in the NHL next season.
By LAC
March 24, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Quick FYI… TSN… people WHO DO KNOW NHL Hockey, have Our Atlanta Thrashers ranked at NUMBER 30 this week !!!!!!!!!
That is right DEAD LAST in the NHL, a true sign of moving in the RIGHT DIRECTION as Mr.Potty Mouth would say, just shows people in the know and who cover and really understand NHL hockey see us as a complete JOKE, LA & TB both 4 back for worst record in NHL and NO FIRINGS will take place ?
Just shows how really BAD the problem is here in Atlanta and the STUPID owners refuse to fire THE problem DUMB don waddell !
Just a sign of more losing hockey here next season folks !
By Nikita
March 24, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell is right not to play Koz when Koz can’t get anywhere near scoring for months at a time. He’s done better when combined with Holik and Thorburn, suggesting that some of his issues are the same issues that everyone has — not enough physical heft, mental delicacy — but still, we gave him a no-trade clause and a substantial payout to be more of a professional than that.
In this team, we have lots of depth but we need to improve defense, offense and even goalie.
Uh, yeah. We certainly do. Goalies could be more consistent — but they’re consistently left to carry the team, so I’m not surprised that they occasionally fail at that. Defense needs to be significantly revamped. And offense needs to stop leaving defense up to the two guys playing the D positions.
By Jay
March 25, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
A little off topic: (but remembering a Thrasher we traded w/ Hossa)
I just read on TSN that Pascal Dupuis’ wife gave birth to a daughter on Monday morning. Congrats to the Dupuis family!
…back to your regularly scheduled blog…
By Wilson26
March 25, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
cournoyer
The Hawks have a decent chance at finally making the playoffs again this season, and the Braves on paper definitely appear to be a team set to go on a run for the World Series. You’re right about the Falcons and Thrashers being terrible right now though. No way Atlanta is the worst- not with Cleveland and Miami around (off the top of my head).
By Tony C.
March 25, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
From the previous blog:
{Hey, all I got to say is, last game I went to when I tried to start a “Fi-re Don-ny!” chant, one other guy five rows back and one section over joined in.
Trust me, I’m LOUD. But people just looked at me weird (granted there’s plenty of supporting evidence in general, but in this particular case I don’t think so….just being a fan). Maybe they didn’t know who “Donny” was, or, much more likely they’re the typical atlanta sports-event attendee (I use that because they sure as hell ain’t what I call fans). You know, the “making an appearance” crowd.
What else can you do-buy a row of seats with other disgruntled fans and start the chant? Hey if so, let me know I’m down.
But seriously, if you thought that getting Kipprusoff (spl?) in goal would equal a better season guess again. Maybe by one or three-hell maybe five if he got in the zone-games better, but getting outshot by a difference of >-12SOG a game is never a winning formula. As hiBob would say “That is eh, that’s gonna put you in the ditch, you know-that’s not the road to victory”. I don’t think that KL is the sole problem, just like getting Campbell this summer isn’t the sole answer (honestly, I think there’s better fits for the $$ Like say, Hainsey+Liles).
Anyway, let’s start being proactive and start coming up with plausible replacement GM options. Quinn has said he’d like to come back to Atlanta, but I think I’d like to see him behind the bench moreso than GM-definitely not Coach/GM as he had it in Toronto.
I would think that criteria should be these points to begin with:
1) Strong history of drafting and developing (productive) talent.
2) Credible work history as executive at the NHL level (as it’s been pointed out, DW had great success with more than one minor-league organization-it hasn’t translated).
3) Most likely candidates will be younger, possibly blocked at next step by well-entrenched and respected GM
4) Will have shown genuine interest and activity in community outreach initiatives (seeing as how my buddy who wants to go see hockey for the first time in his life says “Yeah man, I’d go, but I hear the Thrashers are sorry-I ain’t trying to watch that dude.” I reckon that’s a pretty good general-pulse line of the ATL sports-consciousness).
5) Ideally, I’d like to see someone from a media intensive market-someone who will be able to sell Le Thrash to local media outlets etc. Previous experience with a more intense environment may allow for this new candidate to to use their savvy to produce a better LOCAL TV profile. Also, it would help to be able to provide better coverage (like why not some clips of practices posted on the web page? I’m not saying show them working on face-off set plays but I’d bet that having some clips of Kovy working on one-timers would get your page a LOT of hits).
Just some thoughts. Hope yall enjoyed the op-ed piece.
CC keep up the great work. Any chance you can get an interview with Esposito? I’m curious as to how he feels about the trade.
GO BLUE !!! Believe in Tankland
By Tony C.
March 25, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Burnside is doing the web-chat Q&A on espn today If yall want to say something about that March 18 column. I think it goes live @ 1pm this afternoon.
By Sage of Bluesland
March 25, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
“…But people just looked at me weird [upon attempting to start a ‘Fire Donny’ chant among the ‘fans’]…”
Prima-facie evidence that mere SHEEP were looking back at you, Tony…Is Ranallo or GaVa near you?
Oh well, they’ll still continue to “bewieve in bwuewand” next year…and the next…and the next…
(and the Spirit will THANK them with silly wittle trinkets, baubles, and spin)
By luckydog
March 25, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
Nice story, Craig, and thanks for doing it.
But let me get this straight: As GM Don Waddell makes a judgment that Kozlov is worth 3 years/$11 mil.
Then as coach he decides Kozlov is worth less than 16 mins per game.
So, Donnie boy, was the contract a mistake or were you just drunk?
STOP THE MADNESS!!!!
By Thrashernut
March 25, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
timthebrave The only player on the team that has played up to their potential is Kovalchuk
What? That statement would only make sense if you were talking about the first half of the season. Since then, except for one or two games, he’s been a big disappointment, completely out-shined by Ovechkin, especially in head-to-head competition (such as last week’s game). He’s got a terrible record, beginning last year, in shoot-out goals as well. I think his particular style of play has been figured out by his opponents. I’ll grant you, that the lack of a great center perhaps has allowed defenses to isolate him, but his performance this year should not be singled-out as anything better than then the rest of the team. Enstrom would be the exception.
By Russian
March 25, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Slava Kozlov!!! Yes, he is BIG Disappointment on this year. I like him, not because his is Russian, because he is good player. He has Soviet Union Hockey School. But all of this was Past. He has two years contarct with Thrashers and he is not going to other team. Only one thing what we can do with him - Use HIM, Give him a Play Time. He was very productive with Hossa. My idea to try him with Kovy next year. He is going to bring puck to Kovy and #17 will shot. It was exactly he did with Hossa. If we can build first Line is:
Kovy -Little -Slava - scoring chanse will be go to High.
Perrin -Crush -Army - Second scoring line (I hope)
Ricchi(Big Question???) -White -Stuart (I take him. He is big and fast, or we can bring back Dupiu)
Boltoun -Slater -Thronton - I do not have problem with those players.
D-men are different story. GM (who is going to be, I do not know) needs to work his a* off to bring someone (better couple) to work on our blue line.
And PEOPLE KEEP KARI to the NET. He is good Goalie.
By Nikita
March 25, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Russian…i agree with you, sorta. Slava is a playmaker primarily, and therefore he needs to be on a line where he can be a playmaker to a top scorer. But I’m not sure he should be with Kovy. Kovy’s really doing well with Holik/Thorburn, suggesting he needs some physical/defensive forwards to give him room to do his thing.
The 2nd line is gold. Keep it as is.
I’m really troubled by these recent improvements in play by Thorburn and Slater. It kind of makes sense with Thorburn per the Don Waddell “needed to mature” story — but Slater hasn’t changed. What has changed is where he’s placed, and who he plays with — I think he’s been poorly deployed all season.
In fact, I think the whole damn team is poorly deployed. I know poor DW has 23 players to deal with, with all their competing needs, but I think that’s been an unqualified failure. Specifically:
Zone defense is a wash. So is the Power Play. Both of these concepts need to have new staff, and be worked over from the ground up. Also, the lines switch constantly, and that doesn’t really help with feel for your fellow players.
Kovalchuk is a great scorer, a beautiful skater, and potential gold — but he needs a lot of support, particularly in terms of setup and physical support. He’s gotten both inconsistently this season. Also, he’s totally worth it right now, but unless we can provide him the support he needs he won’t produce for us well enough to justify his salary.
We have a bottleneck in younger forwards who are currently in 3rd-line shape — we need to either train them up or lose them. Instead of, you know, not giving them consistent pairings or ice time and then trying to judge their readiness to play based on gut hunches.
By 007
March 25, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
DW, BEAST was seen Monday meeting with at an undisclosed location along with a possible coaching candidate.
By Tappi
March 25, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Sorry, TimTheBrave, but Kovalchuk is just as responsible as the rest of the team. I’m tired of superstars getting a free pass just because they’ve scored goals. He doesn’t pass the puck when he should, he makes horrible passes that get picked off, he doesn’t pass when he is on a two on one, he doesn’t get off the ice when his linemates do, I could go on and on. You think this is quality play?
I was sickened the other night when the play by play guys were giving him credit for the goal being scored. He wasn’t trying to be a decoy, he was trying to get in position to get the puck before Enstrom.
By Fan
March 25, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
I am a Kovy fan. Tappi, be prepared to get blasted if you say anything negative about him on this blog. I agree with you on some points. He is a goal scorer. He is still not the defensive forward and passer he needs to be. If you compare him to Ovechkin, you see the difference.
Kozlov said in a diplomatic way that DW has no business being a coach.
By Eileen
March 25, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Bob, I agree with you on Hossa. I have been watching the Pens games. Hossa is the “old” Hossa. It is not just because of the players he is playing with. I did not not to believe that he wasn’t giving it his full effort here this year, but I certainly do now.
By timthebrave
March 25, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Thrashernut, since Kolvachuk is only the 2nd best player in the east then he hasn’t had a good season? The only time he has not played well was when he first came back from that injury. Of course his production goes down when there are less scoring threats for the Thrashers. I think he has played really well offensively and his overall game has improved. He has maybe the hardest and best slap shot in the league. JMO
By Chris LiPuma
March 25, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
HOSSA was a minus -3 last night. yea, he’s back to being the old HOSSA for sure.
By Surly T
March 25, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Hmmm anyone who thinks Kovalchuk isn’t the best player on the Thrashers needs to wake up from DreamLand. All season long (and, no, not just the first half), he has had the most intense work ethic and will to win at both ends of the rink. When he came back from his injury I think he was pressing (which is normal) and over-possessing the puck. But working with Thorburn now, someone with grit and speed, he is back to his superstar effort. I’m suprised anyone can watch the games and think otherwise. As for Mr. Kozlov, I’ve ranted enough about his obvious lack of heart. Did you see the weakest backcheck in history give up the second goal last Wednesday? But more broadly, the same should be said of the whole team - no heart. Every team wishes for a big impact player, but it is the coach that sets the tone, intensity and strategic system for the team. The coach should be playing to strengths and mitigating weaknesses. The shot totals this year are staggering…do they work on blocking shots in practice? I blame Coach Waddell for all these failures.
By Tony C.
March 25, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
17 is a god and extremely creative passer.Two problems with him as a passer though; they’re good passes but he puts more mustard on it than is needed-you can see how other guys struggle to deal with catching & keeping the puck on their stick, also, he’s too creative many times with his passes. How many times have you seen #17 make a nifty pass that the intended recipient had no clue was coming his way? I can think of about 4 instances from just last game.
By Alan
March 25, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
He wasn’t trying to be a decoy, he was trying to get in position to get the puck before Enstrom.
What? I was at that game. I saw the play. You have no idea what you’re talking about.
By Nikita
March 25, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Kovy is probably the most talented player on the Thrashers. Seriously, his skating is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, and his shots are magically precise. His physical conditioning is impressive. But “best” is relative. I tend to think he’s a puck hog, or maybe has been treated like one against his natural tendencies. However, there is no question that our scoring has suffered from an offense that concentrated entirely on unassisted Kovy goals. Since his injury, and to an extent before that, he has had issues with physical play. He needs protection. He’s not inclined to play defensively except on rareish occasions. And the offense has his schtick figured out, which means it’s especially ridiculous for us to continually ask him to do the same thing and yet produce different results. Plus, the power play sucks — which indicates a serious inability to convert a natural advantage and doesn’t reflect well on anyone who plays on it.
Yes, he’s a good player. Statistically he is better than most because we have given him every opportunity to shine that was in our understanding (we have failed to play a holistic defense and offense, but we have given Kovy every advantage within that failing). He’s had moments of poor play and poor attitude.
So, I wouldn’t call him “best” — I would probably give that distinction to Eric Perrin. EP is an old semi-rookie. He is undersized and underexperienced in the NHL. His entire line was traded, and quite frequently he is asked to switch positions and/or work with people who are not his routine linemates. He’s a little guy on a special team that doesn’t traditionally go the midget route. And you know what? He frickin’ brings it. Every damn game Eric Perrin shows up ready to work whatever there is to work, to make his line and team work, and to play every minute on the ice like it matters. His work ethic is top notch, and his line has been consistently successful since at least January. He’s the guy. 1st in assists on the PK in the NHL! Relatively high in assists in general. And that’s on a team that is among the worst in the league, for a guy whose role is in support of others. All hail the workhorse of the Thrashers!
Obviously someone like Eric Perrin doesn’t get the scoring chances of someone like Kovy. We can’t have an entire team of either type of player — but we can leverage their relative strengths.
By TRON
March 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
LOOKING AT OUR ROSTER FOR NEXT YEAR……… WE HAVE 5 3RD/4TH LINE CENTERS, AND NO 1ST/2ND LINE CENTERS………… NOW WHO’S FAULT IS THAT???………
By stendec
March 25, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Setting up to defend an NHL team? Tell a goon to take Ilya Kovalchuk off his game with constant shadowing and physical play. Keep him off scoresheet at all costs. That is all it takes to compltely tame Flushers. One arguable superstar with no ensemble cast. No way to build Stanley Cup contender. Goalies give up three to four goals per night. Pathetic offense fortunate to net one or two markers each game. Do the math. Equals ineptitude of a Hawkian nature!
By TRON
March 25, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I LIKE LAC’S PLAN………… TRADE LETEMIN TO LA KINGS FOR A CENTER……….. THEN GO WITH HEDBERG/PAVELEC NEXT YEAR…………
By stendec
March 25, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Use Letemin as bait to secure proven scorer so Flushers will not be one-scorer team. Go with Moose and The Kid next season. Goal differential sure as Hell can not get any worse! Letemin may become Keepemout elsewhere. If so, I wish him well.
By Tony C.
March 25, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
No maybe to it. #17 has the best one-timer in the game. And depending on the night, it’s a toss up between him and A-O on wrister…I think his slapper is #1,2 or 3 depending on the night.
By Smoothie
March 25, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
*Kovy -Little -Slava - scoring chanse will be go to High.
Perrin -Crush -Army - Second scoring line (I hope)
Ricchi(Big Question???) -White -Stuart (I take him. He is big and fast, or we can bring back Dupiu)
Boltoun -Slater -Thronton - I do not have problem with those players.*
Russian — I like your lines for the following reasons:
1) If Kozzy is to earn his paycheck, then he needs to play first-line minutes and PRODUCE! Then he will have no one to blame but himself for not being able to produce with one of the best snipers in the world. However, if Little isn’t ready, then we may need to bring someone like Holik back to provide the physical presence needed — problem is, Bobby can’t play 20 mins / game on the 1st line for a whole season…or can he?
2) Line 2 — if it works, stick with it and let the chemistry continue to develop. Don’t change it unless we are 10 games under .500 as of Christmas next season. Same goes for Kozzy with Kovy…give him at least 25 games to prove that he can produce with a star on his line.
3) If we’re not able to trade White, then he must play at least third line mins since that is what he is: a solid two-way third liner. However, I’m not sure about Rex on the 3rd line. We may not have room for an another aging star who can’t win faceoffs and smother bodies into the boards. I love his work ethic, but the harsh reality is that Recchi may need to head elsewhere.
Note: perhaps we should use Little on the wing with Stuart and White. Little is a great back-checker and seems very sound defensively. The offensive skills will come, but he may need another year of seasoning before going to the first line. But no need to ship him back to Chicago as he is still better than most of the other muckers we’ve got.
4) Greek god line has played well together so I agree that there is no reason to break them up.
Of course, all of this changes if we sign a big-time free-agent winger or center in the off-season!! We shall see come July 5th I suppose.
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — I REALLY wanted to see Kovalchuk line up for the hardest shooter contest…he’s got a cannon. From the comparatively little I’ve seen of Ovechkin’s wrister, I’d have to agree with you there too. Ovechkin seems to get wicked speed with little effort, it’s got to be scary for a goalie to see him with the puck and no defenders between you two.
Nikita — Also, the lines switch constantly, and that doesn’t really help with feel for your fellow players. — It’s worked pretty well for Montreal this season. I think specific players need a linemate to build chemistry with (Kozlov, Kovalchuk) while other can seemingly play with anyone (Recchi, Armstrong, Perrin). I think you’re right about the “system” employed by the team, but I don’t think it’s horrible to see line’s swapped up occasionally.
stendec — If Lehtonen’s as bad as you feel he is, he wouldn’t garner any more than a replacement goalie stick. Look at the stats: Lehtonen’s got a better GAA (3.04) and a higher SV% (.912) than Hedberg. He’s played in 11 more games but faced ~490 more shots. But you’re right, Lehtonen’s horrible and Hedberg/Pavelec is the way to go (note the sarcasm).
By Surly T
March 25, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Nikita I just had to smile at the thought of an oldschool playground situation where you and I are captains. You get the first pick, but I shut my eyes and chant “don’t pick Kovalchuk don’t pick Kovalchuk.” Thanks to the hockeygods, my chanting works and you pick Perrin first. I pick Kovalchuk and, as everyone on the planet would assume, we win. ps. I like Perrin for his grit and superior work ethic but Kovy has so much talent and he works hard. pps. Assists on the penalty kill is a funny statistic. How about blocked shots? ppps. Did we ever get Craig’s exposition of the behind-the-scenes rumblings that Kovy would not make a good captain?
By Midfield
March 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Nikita,
with all due respect, I would suggest that you leave Kovy alone. He is just as good of a passer as he is a shooter. Both Holik and Thornburn have scored more often lately. It would help if both could be faster on their skates - Thor mentally, and Holik literally moving his feet faster. If you consider Kovy’s production in the context of the state of this franchise, and the terrible coaching mess they are in, it is nothing short of incredible. He IS one of the very few “true MVP” contenders, together with Ovechkin, perhaps.
By Nikita
March 25, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Leave him alone? I’m just noting that his tears don’t actually cure cancer or anything. He’s a great player — but is he the best? No. I’ll agree with you that he’s a MVP contender — but only if all the stars align. And I’m pretty skeptical that they will.
Also, my personal preference is toward solid journeymen rather than stars who need coddling and/or perfect setups, and that’s Eric Perrin.
By Pierre
March 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
There was an article written in Bob Hartley’s hometown newspaper in Le Jaorenc recently where he discussed the past year on the Thrasher’s bench. Hartley actually says basically all of the offseason moves were made without his consultation or feedback. So, Waddell never even talks to the coach before making a move?!?!? What a joke!
Good luck Bluelanders. Your team is done. I guess you be settling for ECHL hockey. That’s all your worth anyway. We need to waste good players in your arena.
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Surly T — I didn’t consider Craig’s statement as behind-the-scenes rumblings, but rather an obvious answer to a ridiculously phrased statement of “who in the world thinks Kovalchuk would not make a good captain?” (or something similar).
As I’ve said before, I personally know a few people who feel Kovalchuk is too “immature and selfish” to be a captain. So, if Craig is like me and knows people who aren’t Thrashers fans, and don’t watch every Thrashers game, then I guarantee you he knows AT LEAST ONE PERSON who doesn’t think Kovalchuk would be a good captain. Thus his answer can truthfully be “there are people that think Kovalchuk wouldn’t be a good captain” (paraphrase). Or, he simply could’ve stated the obvious that not every hockey fan feels Kovalchuk is captain material, even if he doesn’t have a direct opinion to substantiate it.
It’s like asking “does anyone in the world feel that Brian Burke isn’t the best GM in the NHL??” It’s such a simple answer, it doesn’t need further explanation.
By Boulton's Bruisers
March 25, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
{Hey, all I got to say is, last game I went to when I tried to start a “Fi-re Don-ny!” chant, one other guy five rows back and one section over joined in.
Trust me, I’m LOUD. But people just looked at me weird (granted there’s plenty of supporting evidence in general, but in this particular case I don’t think so….just being a fan). Maybe they didn’t know who “Donny” was, or, much more likely they’re the typical atlanta sports-event attendee (I use that because they sure as hell ain’t what I call fans). You know, the “making an appearance” crowd.
Has anybody thought about making “Fire Waddell” T-shirts? This could be a great idea, particularly if they were a bright color, like yellow with black text. They could hand them out outside of Philips. A sea of yellow shirts would definitely be noticeable.
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