AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLehtonen’s outburst: Good or bad?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When there are a few days off between games, you tend to overanalyze, which I’m going to do today. I’ve been thinking about Kari Lehtonen’s outburst after Washington scored the game-winner the other night. He threw his stick down, kicked his blocker and made it clear to everyone in the arena that he wasn’t happy.
Then after the game, Lehtonen expressed his frustration that a win was taken away from him and that the effort in the third period was, ahem, horsepoop. Now, me as a writer, I love that stuff. Great quotes, some color during the game, a guy is angry and probably rightfully so. It makes good copy, not to mention fodder for the blog four days later. I asked Don Waddell if he had any issues with Kari’s public show of frustration, and he said he didn’t.
“I like seeing his competitiveness because he cares,” Waddell said. “Sometimes we keep our frustrations inside and that’s not always a good thing. I think it’s good sometimes for his teammates to see that. He’s battling hard every night to try to win. I’d much rather have a player in that direction than just live with it. Players know he competed hard and gave us a chance to win and we let him down.”
And Kari’s comments after the game, which didn’t endear him to some teammates, showed his frustrations even further. He admitted today that those were made simply out of frustration and he seemed to have second thoughts about how they came out. And making it even more compelling are the contrasting personalities of Kari and backup Johan Hedberg, who lost the game before and said simply, in so many words, “Cam Ward outplayed me, that’s why we lost.”
Obviously teammates might prefer to hear that coming from their goalie than Lehtonen’s comments. But in reality, both players were speaking the truth and how they felt. Simply put, Ward did outplay Hedberg. And Lehtonen probably deserved a win against the Caps. So do you have any problems with Lehtonen expressing his frustrations about the play in front of him publicly? Certainly you can understand it.
I know Darren Eliot was critical about Lehtonen during the postgame show, although I didn’t hear all of Eliot’s critique. Something about writing a story on deadline. So I gave Darren a call to see if he’d expand on his comments. He’s out in Arizona doing a VERSUS game tonight, and he said he understood Lehtonen’s reaction, but that doesn’t make it right:
“I understood the why and how. You can look at old Don Cherry tapes when I chased [now retired referee] Terry Gregson out to center ice… It was well-documented, I was a hothead. I fought teammates, I chased referees up the ice.”
But an older, wiser Eliot - someone I consider one of the brightest minds in hockey - thought Lehtonen’s response, during and after the game, was the wrong one.
“Let’s put it this way - when you’re older, you know it’s the wrong response. I understand the frustration. Did I do it in the past? Absolutely. It’s the wrong response because it sets you apart from the team.”
And something else Darren said really made sense to me. It might give opponents an edge.
“As soon as you start breaking sticks and shaking your head, the opposition says, ‘You know what? Keep going. He’s thinking of everything he shouldn’t be thinking of,’” Eliot said.
It’s all very interesting to me because one of Bob Hartley’s issues with Kari was that we didn’t see his competitiveness all the time. I don’t think Hartley always appreciated Lehtonen’s laid-back demeanor, especially after winning a Stanley Cup with Patrick Roy, who is anything but laid-back. We’re witnessing the maturation of a young goalie who still is finding himself within the team concept and it’s fascinating to watch as he continues to learn. But you have to wonder if it’s equally fascinating for his teammates.
Comments
By thebighairybeast
March 25, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
A lot of people like to bash Kari. But he is still a young (24 years) goalie, still developing, playing for a team that has no real grasp of defense. Him, Kovy, Toby, and a few others are the only ones who have showed any heart this season.
The saddest thing is. Until management changes, and real hockey leadership developes, the Thrashers will only be a place where hearts are lost.
By Boulton's Bruisers
March 25, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
From 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.
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.
By Smoothie
March 25, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
“Let’s put it this way - when you’re older, you know it’s the wrong response. I understand the frustration. Did I do it in the past? Absolutely. It’s the wrong response because it sets you apart from the team.” And something else Darren said really made sense to me. It might give opponents an edge. “As soon as you start breaking sticks and shaking your head, the opposition says, ‘You know what? Keep going. He’s thinking of everything he shouldn’t be thinking of,’” Eliot said.
To put it succinctly, that is utter horsepoop. Under the circumstances and in the context of when the tantrum occurred (at the end of a game after standing on his head for 19 mins), Lehtonen was very much within his rights to vent his frustration. Now, perhaps his post-game comments could have been less blunt and reactionary, but his teammates would not necessarily know he was kicking a blocker because he was pi$$ed at them. For all they knew, he was upset with himself. We’ve been saying all along that Kari should let his emotions flow and not keep them bottled up. If it helps him grow as a teammate and a leader in the C/H, so be it.
By Hockeyfan
March 25, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Craig Do players allow more shots on average on goal when Kari is in net because 1) they dont respect Kari as much as they do Moose, 2) because they think Kari is better equipped to stop them or 3) this is simply a coincidence? Answer that question and I think you have the answer to your question about the outburst.
By Thrashy Thrashy
March 25, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Well, put a solid defense in front of the man and see what he can do. A goalie can only do so much. Kari understands that.
The part of Kari’s comments that he should want to take back is when he said that it’s not often this year that I have been having the opportunity to enjoy a win. It’s not all about you, Kari. You’re a young guy and, yeah, it’s damn frustrating to watch the defense consistently implode the way it has all season, but part of being a team guy is not mentioning the individual side of things.
Despite the “Sori Letemin” moniker that stendec has given him, Kari Lehtonen hasn’t been terrible this year. The whole organization, from the top down, is culpable for this failure. I believe that Kari has a good future in this league, but if the good times are going to come in Atlanta, things have to change. Since it doesn’t look like we’re going to get a new GM, I don’t know when those good times could possibly come. I guess we’ll just have to hope that Levenson’s moronic faith in Don Waddell is, in the face of all clear logic and reason, somehow rewarded.
By GSU-Lee
March 25, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Awesome blog Craig, as far as the comments go, I think Kari has every right to be frustrated but as far as getting a win taken away from him, that bugs me a little bit. But I would be frustrated if I were him. the team sucks, the coach/gm sucks, the defense is nonexistent and it might take more than one offseason to fix it. So I understand kari, and I sympathize with him. If I were in his shoes…or skates I guess…I would have probably done something like that much sooner than that game.
By Bob
March 25, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/replacewaddell/
Craig, you need to do a story on the guys that are doing this petition. Once enough people sign up on the petition, the guys are going to ask for a meeting with the owners and sit down in an effort to save our club.
The infighting amongst the teammates (Boulton and Holik during a game!, Hossa’s sideshow all year, Havelid berating White in the last game on the way back to the bench, now this with Kari) just shows more and more of how lacking the leadership and vision is on this club, and that goes directly to Waddell.
Please everyone sign up if you love our club and want to save it.
I have no problem with Lehtonen’s reactions. Yes, he showed up his teammates, but you know what? They deserved it. Kudos to him. On a successful team, you don’t want to pull something like that, but this club is broken, badly. So Lehts reaction just goes to show more clearly to even the blindest of how deeply sown the divisions are on this club.
As for Eliot? Please. He’s lost all credibility with many fans with his ludicrous comments during games. Remember his Andy Sutton lovefest? Or how about him taking all the fans to task for booing Heatley, when he didn’t even understand why we were booing him! Eliot panders to management and has lost all credibility with his inane cheerleading during games when it’s obvious what the many problems are. I know a lot of people that refuse to listen to him on televised games and turn the sound down, and I can’t blame them. I actually like to listen just to hear what moronic thing he’s going to say next. You could almost make a drinking game out of it shot of Jaeger every time Eliot calls Todd White a world class assist man
If Derwood Eliot is one of the brightest minds in hockey, Craig, then Darren Pang must be a freakin’ Mensa member, eh?
By SK
March 25, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
I really wish people would stop blowing Kari’s outburst out of proportion. He’s had to deal with his team’s sorry effort all season, and he has every right to be fed up with them. Maybe he was still a little too angry to think about what he was saying and doing, both during and after the game, but given the performances we’ve seen this season, his teammates have no right to be upset with him. Kari takes responsibility for his actions, and back when the team usually played a respectable game, he would hold himself accountable for the loss. Still, no one with two brain cells to keep each other warm can say he’s at fault when he makes 40 saves almost every night and his team still can’t buy a win. He’s been the better goalie in most of the games he’s played; it’s not unfair for him to want to win occasionally, rather than almost never.
As for Darren’s comment that Kari’s behavior might give the opponents an edge, from what I could tell, Washington had the edge for the entire third period, start to finish. There was nothing Kari could have said or done to affect that, short of throttling Ovechkin.
Still, it’s unfair for him to face so much criticism the moment he steps out of line, even though it’s completely justified. No one ever gives it a second thought when someone like Moose or Kovy does that. No one even really had much to say when Holik and Boulton got into a shoving match during a game. I think everyone’s better off just letting it go, including Kari and his teammates.
By GaVaHoKie
March 25, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Habfans.com said it, and it happened, they are number one, and Hotlanta is definately “LOSERVILLE” again. Well, spank my bottom, as I said if Montreal won the East, I would sing Hee Haw naked on You Tube, making the arrangements right now. My a* is a little hairy, maybe a bikini wax will work. Montreal, this is for you, HeeeHaaaw.
By LAC
March 25, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Can do some nice bumper stickers for the FIRE WADDELL supporters !
KL’s outburst andthe way thethird period was played YET AGAIN, show whata CRAP team we have and the master of Disaster don waddell, the All Unknowing GM is the ONE who put it togather.
He has tobe fired, he seems obilivious to the fact so many want him fired, hell Craig will not even ask him… Just get used to it folks, Thrashers will be a point fodder team from now on,next season the next and so on as long as waddell is around and these BABY owners remain in control…
Just a sick joke BUT we are moving in the right direstion… Go stick you head up your A$$ levenson, and Iam STILL waiting to take you on you little snot nosed punk, you need a BIG TIME A$$ WHIPPING !
By Russian
March 25, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
If Kari wants to leave it will very sad day for me. If you got shot less than every minute (45 sec) on 3-d period and your teammates did not show you anything, of cause he was upset and angry. I was angry also and word like Horseshit was absolutly correct to Thrasher team and managment. WE have to kepp Kari at least couple more years and see what he can do.
By Bob
March 25, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I really wish people would stop blowing Kari’s outburst out of proportion
Fear not, I haven’t heard “people” doing it. I’ve heard Derwood Eliot blowing it out of proportion, but he’s in the minority in that opinion and way off base (as usual with him).
By Tank
March 25, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Kari is getting beat up with shots. How many games this season have the thrashers been outshot by double. The defense besides enstrom and havelid is pitiful and the general team effort is even worse. real shame with so much talent on this team.
By Rusty
March 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Through much of the third period, I felt the same frustration that Kari expressed. Instead of slamming a stick and drop kicking a blocker, I stomped a $7.75 cup of beer. I’m 55 … so much for Darren’s older, wiser theory.
P.S. It didn’t make me feel better either - particularly since I was saturated in beer from the knees up. So, Darren may have a point.
By Smoothie
March 25, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Hey, Russian just got away with horseshit but I can’t say ‘p**’! Does this blog favor Eastern Euros over North America? Damn, this blog is as racist as Terrence Moore and the idiots who post on the Junkyard Blawg!!
By Fuego
March 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I completely understand Darren’s comments, but this is ridiculous. Do I really need to point out how bad this team (or should I say, group of individuals) has been this season? Kari absolutely gets no help out there - he hasn’t in MONTHS. The defense doesn’t do its job, the offense doesn’t do its job. The goalies are the best players out there, and they get no help from the team. It’s frustrating because we’ve seen earlier in the season how well they can play when they get their crap together, but that doesn’t happen at all anymore. It’s not like Kari’s response was inappropriate because the team is doing the best it can. It’s NOT. They’re NOT playing the best the can. They float around, they lollygag, they stand around. They’re not playing hockey. I think Kari was justified in his actions. Hell, I’ve been waiting for a Pasi-esque stick-smashing session for a few weeks now.
By WW5
March 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
SO WHAT IF LETEMIN WAS UPSET. THOSE WERE PEEWEE LEAGUE ACTIONS. I BET HE SEES EVEN LESS HELP THE REST OF THE SEASON. THR TRASHERS WOULD DO NO WORSE WITHOUT HIM. DUMP HIM WHILE SOMEONE STILL THINKS HE IS WORTH SOMETHING.
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Pushovers hold in emotions, competitors vent frustration. He was shot on 23 times in the 3rd, more than his own team shot the entire game…any goalie would be p** about that.
Eliot’s a tool, I’m in agreement (mostly) with Bob’s assessment of him. He might be bright, but he’s Atlanta’s biggest asskisser.
By Jarndyce
March 25, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Um, if the first player in fifteen years to score 60 in a season is standing untouched, all alone, five feet in front of the net, just relacing his skates while he waits for a puck to come his way while my teammates watch him and ask if he needs warm towels for his shower after, I’m throwing stuff, too.
It’s not like Kari’s teammates are going to get mad at him, anyway. That would mean that they had some emotion for the game…
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Smoothie — I’m a white North American, I think the racism is just towards frozen fruit drinks…or possibly the calls of nature.
By Tony C.
March 25, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
It’s because horseshit is a proper term. It’s a thing. But Mother-F*** for example, is a type of person. Libel and Decency setting on the editor.
By Tony C.
March 25, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Also, while I do think that TV-face Elliot is always going to give you the sunny-day version of events-the off-air guy is very perceptive-some of his columns have been really outstanding-to the point that I’m tempted to see what would happen if DE was somehow given the reins (hey, I betcha it’s better than DW).
That being said, yeah it’s annoying to hear the guy fish for superlatives over the cold poodle-bombs being laid by the guys.
Here’s a thought-maaaybe KL ran his yap a bit too much during the 2nd intermission? Maybe he didn’t congratulate Slater or Perrin? I would hate for it to be true but…Perhaps that was a deliberate response by the room?
“Oh OK Kid, you’re all that huh? Well, prove it-we ain’t doin diddley in front of you the next 20!”
But one thing I can tell you, is that we didn’t see anywhere near the same Defense as the first 40min. We also saw Nik & Toby out there everytime A-O was out. I think that’s where the biggest blunder was-all night the D-pairs had been rotating out pretty smoothly-Nik & Toby for A-O, maybe X & Mac every 2nd shift, but DW went away from the rotation and let his top pair try and hold down their top pair-and they just couldn’t I mean I saw Kozlov Bury Toby,-clean now, but A-O and Backstrom were already swarming the net, no time to get Kozlov back (even if we had guys like that).
My point on KL’s B!tchfest-cool with throwing blocker and cursing but not cool cursing your teammates and definitely not-cool to make your teammate pick up your crap that you just kicked and threw everywhere. The comments after the game should have been followed by an apology by KL in the room at the next practice-get there early and huddle the guys up and say “Guys I said some stuff when my blood was up-I apologize for the way it came out.” something along those lines-this is predicated on the theory that KL did indeed cuss his teammates on the ice out as well.
Believe in Tankland
P.S. I think Valabik’s nickname should be “Vikki”-just because it’d be waaay to fun to call a guy that big by a girl’s name. -Craig if you’d pass that on (maybe not saying who said it?) I’d be interested to hear the response.
P.P.S. there’s a spot on L’ville Hwy just inside 285 that does $4 T-Shirts-and I think the price goes down for bulk….you should do safety orange or safety yellow-some really garish color.
By lavaleefan
March 25, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Intensity — more like a “hissy fit” — here’s intensity — www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESHa9-Czv
Like father, like son! Let’s draft him.
By Nikita
March 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Word, Jarndyce.
When did this Boulton/Holik fight occur, and what was it based on?
Not that it matters — we all know that there are issues and they are holistic. But is any player right to vent those frustrations in public or during the game?
I agree with Darren Elliott on this one — no. It gives an advantage to the other team. The proper place for venting is in the locker room. The second most proper place is in the post-game interview. and the least proper place is in the midst of play.
By Smoothie
March 25, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Then why did CC use the term horsepoop!? And I was joking by the way..perhaps my sarcasm was overlooked. Well, in that case:
The Atlanta Thrashers play like
HORSESHIT
HORSESHIT
HORSESHIT
HORSESHIT
HORSESHIT
HORSESHIT
There, I feel better!!
By AJ
March 25, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
I DON’T BLAME KHARI AT ALL FOR THAT GAME OR FOR HIM SHOWING HIS FRUSTRATION!!! I WAS HOPING THAT THE OTHER GUYS WOULD SEE IT AND IT WOULD FIRE THEM UP TO WIN THAT GAME AND QUIT PLAYING SO BAD!!!! I SAY GO KHARI-SHOW US THAT SOMEONE ON THAT TEAM CARES-WE CAN’T TELL FROM ANYONE ELSE!!!!
By TNT
March 25, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
If Kari even WANTS to play here next year, I would be surprised. For what ever reason, the players have not supported him all year. I remember Captain Hook saying back when KL was injured, how the team felt bad for not giving Moose more support, because you want to help a guy like him win a game. I can’t remember anyone saying something like that about KL. I’m still not a huge KL fan, but I have come to realize that he has got no D help this year. If he’s lucky, he can go to another team with some D and really shine. If he stays here, he’ll be so shell shocked it will ruin him.
By Sam
March 25, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Totally agree on the fascination part. Kari’s original move to Atlanta was such a big change for him: living away from his parents, his country, his language and a familiar team and coach. Everything was new. Where would that put him on that famed stress test of major life events? Probably over the top. Add a weak groin and a missed season. The guy had a lot to deal with. I think there’s no doubt Kari’s getting better every season. I see more and more glimpses of a truly amazing and unbeatable goaltender. In a couple of years, maybe sooner with some stellar and consistent defense in front of him, Kari’s going to be in the top 5 goalies in the league.
I love to see him express his displeasure from time to time. I’m disappointed more guys don’t act that way. Ilya often does the same thing. In fact, he lay on the ice in disappointment and frustration just a game or 2 earlier. Its the quiet inevitability of losing that should be criticized, not a passionate and hard-working competitor who’s showing his displeasure. No offense to Eliot, but I disagree with his comments.
With all the shots Kari’s faced this season (Moose, too), I think he’s earned the right to gripe and complain a bit. Maybe those guys he irritated needed to feel a little irritation. You think Olie Kolzig didn’t light into his teammates last season when they hung him out to dry???
By Midfield
March 25, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
I completely agree with Tony C. Line rotation was totally ridiculous in the 3rd on Friday. They called up Valabik - presumably because there’s nothing to lose anymore. They play him in the regular rotation for two periods. They take the rare lead going into the 3rd. And then - snap - let’s hold the lead! Havelid, Enstrom, stay on the ice with Ovechkin! Right. Deep thinking there.
By ROBO
March 25, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
TYPICAL LETEMIN……….. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SOMEONE WITH THE MATURITY OF A 12 YEAR OLD???……………
By Brendan
March 25, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I think Kari’s “outburst” is but a mere blip on the radar of this season. I’m glad Kari snapped. He could sue this team for non-support, and not even a Missouri-based judge would disagree.
And even though I wouldn’t have drafted him back in 2002, I think we’re a little too vested in Kari at this point to just let him go or trade him. If he’s ever going to be the $7 million-a-year goalie that he wants to be, he’ll have to elevate his game and improve his mental focus right here in Atlanta. It’s my belief that Kari cannot deliver more than six games without a mental meltdown. So, if he’s the #1 goalie of the future, we need a guy who can play 15-20 games in relief. Luckily, we do have Pavelec in the system.
Now, if the new GM wants to trade Kari, he’d better get “decent value” in return. Can Kari, at present, command a Tier I center in the return? Probably not. And more Tier II guys … is not what this franchise needs to turn the corner.
It’s probably better to re-sign Kari to a 3-year/$9.0 million deal. And if he winds up as the “back-up” goalie, so be it. Don’t offer Kari a “no trade clause.” With a decent blueline in front of him, Kari’s numbers would be better.
Back in 2002, 790TheZone AM radio blustered, “Just you wait ‘til this Kari Lehtonen gets here! It’ll be playoffs every year and a real threat to win the Cup!” Don tried to build a defense in front of him. Yanic Tremblay, Jaroslav Modry, Nic Havelid, Alexei Zhitnik, Andy Sutton, and draft picks Braydon Coburn and Boris Valabik, as 1st rounders.
Waddell had his shot at building a winner. We are … where we are. But I’d hate to think … that Atlanta took six (6) years developing this kid … just to flip him to some team for a Tier II center. Especially, when Rick Nash or Jay Bouwmeester would have been our other option on Draft Day 2002. It pains me to think … for even for a brief period, we might have had Heatley, Nash and Kovalchuk on the Thrashers. And that’s not even some “pie in the sky” thinking. It was reality, had we played our cards differently, and just said, “no,” to the inducement of the 30th overall pick (2002), who turned out to be Jim Slater. Yes, that Jim Slater.
Bygones.
By Waffleboy
March 25, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Brendan-How were the Thrashers supposed to draft Nash when we had the second pick and Columbus took Nash first?
By Maal
March 25, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Who cares if it’s fascinating for his teammates. They’re apparently jerks who would rather have a 9-to-5 office job like the rest of us rather than the privelege of being a paid, professional athelete, one of the best in the world. They consistently mail it in almost every game, except for a few guys. How has Kari NOT flipped his lid before now? Because he IS so laid back and calm. I’m glad he did, but I doubt it will have any impact whatsoever. And to further the, who cares if they like it theory, he’s the goalie. Since when do goalies and skaters fraternize anyway?
By ROBO
March 25, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
GOOD POINT BRENDAN…….. THRASHER DRAFT 2002…………. LETEMIN = BUST……… SLATER = BUST……… END OF DISCUSSION………
By Mark
March 25, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Roman Chekmanik (sp?) called went crazy on his teammates during a play-off game in Philly one year. The players spent the next practice shooting pucks at his head. It’s a fine line in situations like that. As Eliot pointed out, he runs the risk of alienating himself from his teammates and that is not good. Chekmanik was traded that summer becuase his teammates didn’t want to play with him. I understand Kari’s frustration but those things should probably be handled behind closed doors in the locker room.
By Maal
March 25, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
2 b/c I didn’t read comments above until I’d posted… the umbrage people are taking with Kari’s “I didn’t have a chance to enjoy a win” is so typical of a goalie that it’s ludicrous they’d be bothered by it. Teams don’t win or lose games - goalies do. At least in their mind. If he’d said anything different, I’d be bothered, but any goalie who is all rah rah we won as a team, is lying through his(her) damned teeth.By TRON
March 25, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
SO, LESSON LEARNED HERE…… LET IN 3-4 GOALS A NIGHT….. HAVE HISSY-FITS AND CALL OUT TEAMMATES…….. AND YOU EARN A MILLION DOLLAR MANSION IN BROOKHAVEN………. LMAO……..
By Brendan
March 25, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Waffleboy, Columbus traded with Florida to obtain the 1st overall pick in 2002. Florida’s “intended target” was D-man Jay Bouwmeester. So, when Florida was approached by Columbus for a trade, 1st overall of 3rd overall, Florida needed Atlanta’s ‘blessing’ that it wouldn’t take Jay Bouwmeester with the 2nd overall pick. To induce Atlanta to agree to that, Florida offered up a “late” 1st round pick, 30th overall, which turned out to be Jim Slater.
Had Atlanta said, “No, you trade that 1st overall selection to Columbus, you can kiss Jay Bouwmeester ‘goodbye’ because we’re taking him,” Florida would have called off the deal with Columbus. Then Florida would have selected Bouwmeester 1st overall in the 2002 draft, leaving Rick Nash to be taken by Atlanta, or traded to Columbus for whatever GM Doug MacLean was willing to part with to make that happen. Probably, it would have been Columbus’ 1st round pick in 2003, which turned out to be 4th overall. I think they took Nicky Zherdev. But had Atlanta obtained that pick, they could have taken Thomas Vanek, who wound up 5th overall, selected by Buffalo.
Bygones.
By Terry in Dahlonega
March 25, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Bob, thanks for the link. I just signed up also.
By Waffleboy
March 25, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Brendan.
By Barry
March 25, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
I think this expression of frustration was long over due. I mean seriously. Game after game he and Moose both battle hard only to have the rest of the team let them down. You can’t expect our goalies to face 35-45 shots a night and they not get a little tired of it. Kari hasn’t won it what seems like forever. He wants to win more than anything. He is usually laid back and just takes it all in stride, but you know what, enough is enough. Enough of this team putting out crappy efforts and performances and leave our goalies out to dry. Kovy shows emotion and celebrates goals. Guys like Thornburn and Boulton show emotion when things aren’t going well and start a fight to spark the team up. So, what, Kari isn’t allowed to show emotion when he gets scored on 3 times in a matter of like 5 minutes? If you watched that game on TV he faced a sequence of about 5 shots in a matter of 30 seconds at one point in the 3rd period with no help from his teammates clearing the puck out. Most of the shots and the goals in the 3rd period was close in. It’s obvious his teammates ARE NOT getting the message when they see they keep losing every game, so he finally had a personal message for them and the way the game went. Thrashers were playing great 1st and 2nd period. They were leading 3-1. Kari was as sharp as I’ve ever seen him, then bam…Washington seemed to be like on a 20 minute PP. Thrashers couldn’t clear the puck. They could barely get the puck past the opposing blue line. There is obviously no accountability in the locker room since alot of players are playing like crap most of the games and putting forth half assed efforts.
By done
March 25, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Why shouldn’t Kari have a turn? He has been blasted over and over for the rest of the team’s poor play. He takes 40 to 50 shots a night and says nothing. The next day, everyone is on his case like he did nothing all night and he was the only reason the game was lost. A lesser goalie would show the world how bad the team has been playing at times. Other team members can have their say. Why not Kari? He has been professional all season.
AS for Darren Eliot, he has it in for Kari and has for a long time. He has made it very clear that Moose is his friend and he expects everyone to think Moose is the greatest so he puts Kari down every game. If Moose makes a mistake, it is not his fault. If Kari is in goal and doing well, it is because Moose is on the team. He is critical of where Kari stands or how he defends. His last game on Versus, the speakers from the other team spoke well of kari and Darren could not stand it. He had to say something negative about Kari and kept bringing the subject back until he could say it.
I have reached the point that I dislike Moose because of Darren. This nomination that Hedberg has for the Bill Masterson award was nominated by the Atlant Professional Hockey Writes Association. Wonder who influenced them?
Anyway, back to Kari. This young man has a done a great job and gets no credit. He was the best goalie in the World Championships last year. Other teams have made it clear that they would like to have Kari. We need to appreciate his efforts more.
By bob (other)
March 25, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
For those of you posting, as usual, you might want to check out some facts. Go to ESPN and look at NHL goaltending statistics. Kari faces 29 shots per game, Moose 25. So although we do give up a lot of shots, Vokuon for Florida faces more shots per game with better GAA and save percentages. Other goaltenders also. Kari has talent but still lets in too many soft goals which will hopefully decrease with more maturity and concentration on what it takes to win.
The sky is not falling folks.
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Smoothie — I was joking too…guess my sarcasm button is broken.
By Barry
March 25, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Ya Bob but I wonder how many of those shots Vokoun faces that are within 10-15 feet? Both our goalies face about 20 quality scoring chances a night at the least! Kari’s save percentage is around the same as some of the other good goalies out there but he faces about 500-1000 more shots a year hence why his GAA is higher. You put Kari in net with a team in front of him like Detroit or Anaheim then Kari’s GAA probably be around low 2’s. I’m also sick of Darren ragging on Kari. At least he had the balls to actually call out our D and some of the forwards in game. I don’t think he’s ever done that before this year.
By B. Thenet
March 25, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Kari was the only one who appeared to have a pulse in that awful 3rd period.
When you are out shot by 20 in the 3rd period…yes Kari’s post-goal rage and his specific use of foul language regarding the teams play was spot on. If there was anyone in that locker room who was proud of their play in that 3rd period…they don’t need to come back next year.
There are many who think Eliot is a smart hockey guy and a potential GM. Based on the things I hear out of him during games, I just don’t see it.
By bob (other)
March 25, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Barry, just to be clear, 500-1000 more shots a year is just not accurate. There are 16 netminders that have faced more shots this season than Kari. 8 of those have higher save percentages, so Kari is in the middle of the pack of that group. All 16 have lower GAA.
Check out the facts and that can diffuse the editorial comments. He is good but needs to be better.
By ASG
March 25, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
I think Kari should take it like a man just like all the fans that go to the games. We will be in last place soon. We will not make any changes or spend any money on this team. We will not make the playoffs next year. Take it like a man. Go buy some tickets go to the game and don’t forget to buy another jersey before we change the jersey’s. And don’t forget to buy another jersey after we change the jersey’s. Buy lots of beer we make a killing on that. Don’t forget to buy your jersey. That is the only thing we will change. Sincerely, ASG
By Alan
March 25, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I was impressed with that outburst. Honestly, it was a very long time coming. He held back for so long, I knew he’d end up blowing up like that for the team playing zone instead of playing the puck into the back of the opposition net.
By Alan
March 25, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
There are 16 netminders that have faced more shots this season than Kari. 8 of those have higher save percentages, so Kari is in the middle of the pack of that group. All 16 have lower GAA.
And how many of those netminders have played 60+ games?
By WTCG - !7
March 25, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Eliot needs to go as well,he is second worst TV guy in NHL, Tripp Tracy in Carolina is THE worst.
Eliot would never have been allowed on The SuperStation, he is minor league and I am sick of him, JP not too hot either, Wish we could bring back a Hall of Fame announcer we once had… Mr.Jiggs MacDonald a man with Knowledge, Humor and something NOBODY at asg has CLASS !!!!!!!!!!!
By LAC
March 25, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Great point as ALWAYS Brenden, just another example of what a HORSESHIT GM don THE IDIOT really is,he is every other NHL GM’s B***.
He is STUPID as any GM ever in the history of the NHL.
But we are ranked LAST by TSN, given up THE MOST GOALS in the ENTIRE NHL, are the oldest team in the NHL or damn close and have $HITA$$ owners who are as Dumb as they come.
As long as these idiots who could careless about hockey run the show we will belucky to be a .500 team and watch the fanbase go away, then only out-of-town teams will have fans come in, That’s just great !
Expect NO improvement over the summer, more todd white’s may be heading this way and waddell isstill here, AMAZING!!!!!
By joyaman
March 25, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
*REPLACE WADDELL PETITION NOW ONLINE *
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/replacewaddell/
75 signatures recorded in first day online
Send the link to fellow Thrashers fans - Need new GM before NHL Entry Draft
-joyaman
By joyaman
March 25, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Concerning Kari’s outburst:
Totally understandable in light of how he single-handedly kept them in the game despite having been left twisting in the wind again by the D.
Put him on a club with four-to-six legitimate NHL blueliners and this kid is a stud. On the Thrashers his record continues to reflect (a) the amount of time the opposition is allowed to maintain puck position in the offensive zone; (b) the number of quality scoring chances he (and Moose) face each game; (c) the inability or unwillingness of Atlanta’s D to keep the low slot clear and patrol the inside circle areas.
By Jim
March 25, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
His frustration mirrors ours. I was happy to see him let loose. Our only outlets are booing at the game and the vents through sites such as this one. Two mysteries remain: 1- Where the heck did our D go? They gave Kari no support all year. Without him, our goals against would have been over 5/game. 2. How in the world can the ownership turn a blind eye to the way DW’s moves have turned this franchise into an absolute disaster in one season. Bobby Cox would make a better GM and he doesn’t know squat about hockey. Maybe John Rocker wants the job. We could do worse.
By Pinball34
March 26, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
I thought I was the only one who can’t stand Tripp Tracy…it’s all about him, who his roommate was, who he talked to on the plane, etc…UGH
By Pinball34
March 26, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
I thought I was the only one who can’t stand Tripp Tracy…it’s all about him, who his roommate was, who he talked to on the plane, etc…UGH
By srlib
March 26, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
It’s the wrong response because it sets you apart from the team? You say that as if it were a bad thing.
By wristshot
March 26, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
Too bad he didn’t pull this type of stunt two months ago; we might have stayed in playoff contention.
By Jarndyce
March 26, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
I have no idea where Bob (other) is getting his stats, but they’re very inaccurate. Kari has made an average of 29 saves per game. He’s faced an average of 32.17 shots per game, more than every other goalie in the league except for Vokoun, who has faced only 0.17 more shots per game than Lehtonen.
But let’s go one step further and look at shots faced per minute of ice time. Lehtonen leads all goalies in that dubious category.
And yet, his save percentage is among the top half of the league…
By David
March 26, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Will the Atlanta Thrashers be for sale soon?
I sent a letter yesterday to Atlanta Thrashers so should I send a fax to the NHL office to or not?
By Russian
March 26, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
to David Are you gonna Buy IT???
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
(I do have some hope for the future, in that nearly every player we’ve gotten on relatively recent trade or waivers has good checking skills and is young — we could have a very competitive team with all of them peaking in 1-3 years. The Penguins, in particular, have good instincts for using their bodies, intercepting the opposition, getting in the blue, and physically pressuring the opposition whenever possible.)
Don Waddell’s recent comments about a final callup scare the hell out of me. Am I alone in this? He said we’re fine for D right now — we need more forwards. Yeah? On what planet? Our roster consists of mostly forwards, and mostly 2nd- and 3rd-line forwards. We need to help them differentiate their skill levels, or we need to lose some. And we certainly don’t need to add more rookie 3rd-liners. If what he meant was “yeah, I’ve got some forwards from Chicago I want to see on the big ice,” then I can get behind that. But he said we don’t need any more D, and that’s totally wrong.
Back to the original question…I think Kari is right to vent his simmering rage. But I do not think he is right to do it on the ice in the midst of play.
By David
March 26, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
to Russian I am not going to buy IT.
By Sasquach
March 26, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Considering he stopped more shots in the third period than the team took the entire game, Kari’s got a beef. He’s doing more to stop the other team from scoring than anyone (which isn’t saying much, but his save percentage is .912, better than several all star goalies) and though he’s not really supposed to stack up the offensive stats, he’s only one assist behind Larsen, two behind Exelby, and three behind Slater, Boulton, Zhitnik, and Kiwi. Still, people blame him when we lose. That’s like blaming your throat for choking on unchewed steak. I’m glad he’s showing some fire; it shows he cares. You could probably count on one hand the other players on the team that show that as well, so what are the others even doing in the league? If Kari ever gets some decent defenders in front of him, we’ll be comparing him to Brodeur rather than Darren Eliot (sorry, Darren, you are a GREAT commentator).
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Once my opponents start fidgeting, cursing, or otherwise losing their composure, my chances of winning go way up. I doubt any of them are worse players than I am, but their anger is a weakness, and you can bet I exploit it.
By robert
March 26, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Wow Kari gets upset and its news worthy. Heck the other week Moose went to the glass and broke his stick and nothing.
Passi incase you don’t know what that is was the goalie before Kari. Use to break a stick every other game. If a player got in his way he would hit him with his stick(didn’t matter if they where on his team).
He showed some emotion and this crappy team isn’t doing anything.
By Craig Custance
March 26, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Hockeyfan: I don’t know why Kari faces more shots per game than Hedberg. He says it might be because he gives up more rebounds. Maybe Hedberg plays against teams that don’t shoot as much. Maybe the team plays differently. It’s a good question.
done: Darren had nothing to do with Hedberg’s nomination for the Masterton. That was the Atlanta chapter of the writers association - guys like myself, Burnside, Schultz, Manasso etc.
jarndyce: That’s an interesting stat on shots per minute of ice time. What’s the number?
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
I think the team trusts Kari more. They seem to let more stuff get to him, and in general not to back him up as much. That said, Moose is the better puck handler. He’s much more careful about freezing the puck, getting it away from the goal, handing it to a competent handler, etc. That’s among the factors raising shots on Kari. He’s far less conservative, and he sometimes fails to get the puck out.
Basically we have two very good goalies. But they’re not quite great. Neither is durable enough to handle the entire season more or less solo, and they both have meltdowns occasionally.
By Brendan
March 26, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
You’re welcome, Waffleboy. And thank you, LAC. This “finale” vs. Tampa Bay is taking on more and more relevance, vis-a-vis the lottery draft, as I peek at the standings and the scoreboard.
By Russian
March 26, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
to Nikita
I am agree with Don to see LaVallee play on NHL level. He saw Sterling, Stuart, Little and other players from Chicago. Now he should figure out who is going to get trade for D-man and who is gonna play next year. If I wiil be GM this is exactly my way to start with future team. He called all D-mens from Chicago and got some pictures what they can do. I think it will be good to see LaVallee last 5 games. About our goalies, I will repeat again, leave them alone. They are Good goalies. Not great!, but very copmetetive on NHL level.
By Sasquach
March 26, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Nurminen. The first jersey I ever bought. Gotta love a goalie that’ll fight every now and then.
Remember, before he blew out his knee, he was supposed to be the veteran to help groom Kari. Instead, Kari had the lockout and the groin injury before having Moose as a mentor. Shoulda, coulda, woulda…anyway, all things considered, Kari has done well developing into a premier goalie. He’s not the problem with this team.
By Jarndyce
March 26, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Craig: Shots per minute are just a bit over .57. In other words, this season he has faced a shot every 105 seconds.
The average NHL netminder has faced a shot every 125 seconds, which means that they have, on average, 20 extra seconds between shots to compose themselves and prepare.
Marty Brodeur sees a shot every 133 seconds, a good half a minute more than Kari.
By Crazy Diamond
March 26, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
OK then. When will Kari be a playoff caliber goalie? How long does it take to become a playoff caliber goalie? How long did it take (fill in name of your favorite goalie here) to become a playoff caliber goalie?
By Alan
March 26, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Remember, before he blew out his knee, he was supposed to be the veteran to help groom Kari.
And I really, really hope the organ-i-zation tries to get Pasi to come back and be a goalie coach.
By T-Bone
March 26, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Brendan, Your recounting of that ‘02 draft had me thinking that old Casey Stengal quote: “nice guys finish last.” And that is never more apropo than with DW. Apparently, he’s universally liked by the other GM’s because he doesn’t play hardball with them. I guess it makes for convivial relations with the other GM’s but it sure is hell on a roster.
By ASG
March 26, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
We are keeping Waddell because we don’t want to pay two coaches and two gm’s next year.
We are not going to spend more money on players either. Why should we?
Go buy tickets quit whining and take it like a man! WIMPS!
Sincerly, ASG
By BT
March 26, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Under circumstances Kari’s actions would be uncalled for. But since nobody, not ownership, not the GM, not the coaching staff, not the media, is going to call out underpeformers then somebody has to do it. Keep in mind that KL has been one of the few Thrashers that has performed. Kovalchuk is the only other player I would be in that category on a consistent basis. It is unfortunate that the majority of fans here, who’s hockey knowledge is limited, don’t recognize the effects on a goalie of giving up 40+ shots on a consistent basis. I would like to see Kari go to a team like a New Jersey or Detroit where he would routinely win 40 games a win. (Remember that he won 34 in a year here.)
By Nate
March 26, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Kari deserves better defense. I’ll leave it at that.
By Thrasher_Ed
March 26, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Craig Custance, Any update about Le Thrashers claiming Bill Lindsay from Montreal off waivers earlier this week?
By Alan
March 26, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Kari go to a team like a New Jersey or Detroit where he would routinely win 40 games a win.
I would like to see Kari stay here. Why the wish to ship him out? He’s a great netminder, and if you slap even a mediocre defense in front of him (see: 2006-07), he’ll still win 30+ games. Refine this defense and he’ll look like the great goaltender we know him to be already.
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
I disagree with you, BT. For one thing, I don’t think any player on that roster has played 100% of the time in the perfect frame of mind and performance, and I think a group of the players have played way better than their stats or the team standings would indicate.
I would separate them into two tiers — near-perfect keepers and under-talented or under-mature workhorses. NPKs include Kovy, Nic Havelid, and Eric Perrin — they’ve all been consistently very good. Workhorses (most of whom just need to mature or become more durable) include Toby Enstrom, the goalies, Chris Thorburn (since the break), the penguins, and Bryan Little.
My opinion on the goalies is…they’re both very good. They both could be better. But I don’t think our problem is with them — I think some offseason work and some maturity will serve Kari better and Moose will be served better by playing slightly fewer games with a better defense in front of him. I don’t know anything about Pavelec, so I can’t say if we’d be better off with him than with Moose — but we’re already in good hands with the goalies we have. I’d much rather see us concentrate on developing our young talent, and acquiring the top talent we need.
By ablebody
March 26, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
BOB: you lost all credibility when you made a “Bewitched” reference in a hockey blog.
By Sasquach
March 26, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Alan, I don’t think we’ll see Pasi any time soon. He’s in Finland helping with a team of which he’s part owner.
Anyone who knows anything about hockey knows that if you’re going to make old sitcom references in a hockey blog, it had better be I Dream of Jeanie.
By BT
March 26, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Just a clarification. I would love to see Kari stay here and thrive. But if the team and specifically the defense is not going to improve I don’t want to see a career ruined by being stuck here.
By Smoothie
March 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Barry, just to be clear, 500-1000 more shots a year is just not accurate. There are 16 netminders that have faced more shots this season than Kari. 8 of those have higher save percentages, so Kari is in the middle of the pack of that group. All 16 have lower GAA.
bob(other) — where the hell are you getting your stats from? are you kidding me? we give up nearly 34 shots per game, probably highest or second highest in the league! With a save percentage hovering around 91, Kari’s GAA would probably be closer to 2.3 or 2.4 if we could lower the avg shot total to 26-27 per game. ESPN’s stats can’t be accurate…you should check out the official stats on NHL.com. We’re on pace to give up more shots this year than any season prior other than ‘01-‘02 when we gave up nearly 2,900.
Check your numbers dawg!
By Smoothie
March 26, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
ranallo — sorry there budrow, I think I was reacting to Tony C’s response to my comment. I simply didn’t understand your joke! I guess I’m a little dense when it comes to hockey blog humour! ;-)
But it’s fun saying HORSESHIT on a major media outlet where bad language is supposed to be filtered out to protect the pollyannas of the non-hockey loving world.
By Brendan
March 26, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Alan and BT, “Watch out!” Stendec will say you’re in “LALA land” if you suggest Kari can win even 35 games in Detroit, much less 40. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Stay tuned.
T-Bone, not defending Don Waddell, even in the slightest, but I think I understand why he did it. The “did it” part referring to accepting Florida’s inducement of 30th overall pick (Jim Slater) in exchange for not selecting Bouwmeester with the 2nd overall pick in 2002.
If you look back on the 2001-02 season, it was clear that we needed everything! You name it, we needed it. Centers, blueliners, PP specialists, PK specialists, and even a goalie, as Damian Rhodes and Norm Maracle … and Frederick Cassivi and Scott Fankhouser certainly weren’t getting it done.
So, “nice guy” Don Waddell, a PERSONAL FRIEND of Panthers GM Rick Dudley, from their days together in the minor leagues, certainly wasn’t about to play HARDBALL with him, if his pal wanted to make a “harmless swap,” especially if an additional 1st round pick was in the offering back to Atlanta.
Can I really argue that Atlanta didn’t need a goalie? No. But my argument would have been … “why draft a goalie, which will take YEARS and YEARS to develop, when you can always go get one in Unrestricted Free Agency?” Of course, that means paying through the nose for a netminder, but they cost what they cost. At least you’re getting a proven commodity.
Can I say we didn’t need a top defenseman prospect in 2002? Heck no, we stilllll need them. Can I say we didn’t need another power forward in 2002? You can never have enough quality power forwards in hockey.
But you’re right, T-Bone, Don Waddell didn’t want to rock the boat. The “spin” will always be … “I targeted Kari allll along. And I sure wasn’t going to give up an additional pick in the 1st round, when it falls into my lap.”
Others will counter-claim, “Waddell may not have been able to do better than a 30th overall pick as an inducement not to take either Bouwmeester or Nash.” That’s possible. But I don’t buy it. Columbus wanted Nash and didn’t keep it a secret. By telling (Florida) GM Dudley, “take a long walk off a short pier, Bouwmeester will be ours!” Columbus is forced to approach us with an impressive offer, or suffer the consequences of Nash being selected by Atlanta.
Bygones.
By Alan
March 26, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Alan, I don’t think we’ll see Pasi any time soon. He’s in Finland helping with a team of which he’s part owner.
Of this I’m aware; however, it would definitely be nice to see him back as a coach. Kari might be more comfortable being coached by a countryman as well.
I digress though. Tis just a dream.
By Bob
March 26, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
BOB: you lost all credibility when you made a “Bewitched” reference in a hockey blog
lol. At least someone got it. Think about it though, doesn’t Eliot remind you of Derwood with that goofy grin and the inane comments made in a such a serious tone?
Anyone who knows anything about hockey knows that if you’re going to make old sitcom references in a hockey blog, it had better be I Dream of Jeanie
double lol. Barbara Eden. I’d like to climb in her bottle.
Don Waddell didn’t want to rock the boat
You spelled his name wrong, Brendan, the guy that didn’t want to rock that boat was good old Jar Jar Binks
By Stats
March 26, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
(other)Bob & Smoothie -
As the stats junkie, you are both looking at different things - KL is in the middle of the pack in total shots faced b/c he has played in far less games. If Kari had played in 20 more games (for a total of 65) which is about the standard for starting goalies, and the Thrashers allowed the usual 30+ shots, KL would lead the league in shots faced (and it would not be close).
Always use si.com for your stats - no other website comes close. Trust me. Also, Si.com is the home of the daily HOT CLICKS from which I found the Jar jar Binks reference for DW. If you haven’t checked out the link, do so. Also, you should read HOT CLICKS everyday - a good hour of time killing, easy.
Thanks BOB for posting it over here. I haven’t yet learned how to do links.
By Smoothie
March 26, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Stats — thanks, but that’s why I was talking in terms of averages. Anyone who follows our beloved team closely should understand that KL has not played in more than 40 games. There’s nothing wrong with the stats on the league’s own official website. Not to say I won’t start checking out the HOT CLICKS you speak of…but Bob(other) was just plain wrong…as usual.
By Alan
March 26, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
“Watch out!” Stendec will say you’re in “LALA land”
I suspect those who blame the goaltenders are the ones who are in “LALA land.” The only time he shows up is to criticize Kari. “Sori Letemin won, but he let in two soft goals!!” Which is amusing, since I’m not quite sure anyone critical of Kari knows what a soft goal is. And even then, let’s see you go stop forty shots a game and we’ll see how you fare. Whether it’s a slapper, redirect, or a dirty tip-in… let’s see exactly how many goals you let in.
On a completely different note, Atlanta has signed prospect Spencer Machacek to a three year entry level contract.
By Stats
March 26, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Smoothie -
Did not mean to appear to slight you. I was trying to reinforce your point and compare apples to apples. Other Bob was techinically accurate, but was comparing apples to oranges. The league site is good. I actually use it alot.
The best advantage to SI.com is that it has game splits - you can look at records at home v. away, even records on Monday v. Friday nights. The really scary thing is that when you pull up starts you find out that Osgood from DET (who leads the league in GAA) and Kari have almost the same number of starts (OSGOOD has 39, KL has 42) but Osgood has seen 922 shots to KL’s 1401 in those starts. That is a difference of 479 shots in almost the same number of games (even if you take 90 shots away from KL to even the games up at 39 - it would still be 389).
Or to use your way, Osgood - 23.64 shots/game started. KL - 33.3. OUCH.
By Brendan
March 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Bob, that link was hilarious. And I did go vote for “Blue Crew,” our Atlanta Ice Girls. They now have 139 votes! I would have thought Carolinas would be in the lead, since they were the 1st team to have cheerleaders.
Even Don Waddell must feel disappointed by the results of this season, and where the franchise is after eight seasons. If this team were a contender, he could realistically target some Tier I free agents, assuming he had the blessings of ownership to pursue that.
I’d like Craig to ask Bruce Levenseon whose idea it is to target Tier II free agents? Waddell’s? Or the ownership’s? Follow up question, if the plan is to target Tier I FREE AGENTS but Waddell comes away “empty-handed,” having to settle for Tier II FREE AGENTS, whose fault will it be? Waddell’s? Or theirs??
The political answer will be, “We do everything ‘as a group.’ Obviously, we’d like to have glorious results, but the truth is … that there are 30 teams competing for free agents, all of whom want to land the big names. All things considered, we did very well with our free agent signings (Streit, Montador, Huselius) this Summer (‘08). And we’re announcing a 3-year contract extension for Don Waddell.”
Watch.
By LAC
March 26, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
What is WRONG at AJC ?
First they show Marian Hossa as Mark Recchi, now they show someone else with the GREAT UFA Signing todd white ?
Why can AJC NOT GET IT CORRECT ??????
Maybe they are run by asg, that would make perfect sense as to why they are in an OUT OF CONTROL crash dive to the depths of the NHL forever !!!!
By Brendan
March 26, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Dany Heatley is now a +33.
By kracker
March 26, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the link Bob I signed it of course and have distributed about the petition on email, myspace, and some other hockey sites. I am already in at the firewaddell websites too. How much further damage will the ASG allow to be done to the franchise??
FIRE WADDELL
Nothing personal, Don, but your record as GM of the Thrashers speaks for itself. For the good of the team, the players, the fans and the franchise, just resign with dignity on April 6th.
By WTCG-17
March 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
I agree, on April 7 we must have the resignation of Waddell for all to see.
He must admit he is a complete failure at being a real NHL GM and go from there, just him being gone will change the outlook for the team.
Now that would be moving in the right direction !
By Bob
March 26, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Jar Jar Binks must go
By kracker
March 26, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
WTCG-17 I remember that…Channel 17 was “Watch This Channel Grow” before it morphed into WTBS.
By Poor White Thrash
March 26, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Got a little help from a friend on these stats. Shots allowed since the 2003-04 season. SE Division Florida: 10,658; Washington: 10,334; Atlanta: 10,078; Carolina: 9,223; Tampa Bay: 8,700
If anyone has a right to b*** it would be Tortorella, whose team regularly finishes in the top-5 in fewest shots allowed but couldn’t get the goaltending until Smith arrived (jury still out on him).
Over an 82-game season for four seasons, the Panthers have allowed 32.5 shots per game. Atlanta: 30.7, Tampa Bay: 26.5
By KQuark
March 26, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
When you really think about it who is the most talented player after Kovy? I believe it is definitely Kari. You cannot win consistently in the NHL without out shooting your opponent. Waddell is building the team on the wrong premise that Atlanta needs to be a high flying scoring franchise. The Thrashers need to be a winning franchise (period).
By Russ
March 26, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Kari wasn’t throwing equipment and getting p!ssed because of his teammates…he was mad at himself because he knew he let stendec down (again).
Obviously, I have no problem with Kari doing that. It’s got to be frustrating when the team playing in front of you looks completely incompetent 90% of the time.
By ScottBravesfan
March 27, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
Fire WADDELL!!!!!
By Tony C.
March 27, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
Dude.
That StarWars ranking was awesome
Martin=Vaporator-fantastic!!!
Unfortunately, we got Jar-Jar
By Sage of Bluesland
March 27, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
Don Waddell compared to that asinine character Jar-Jar Binks!!! Now, if the sheep don’t understand that reference, then they never will…
At least Jar-Jar never blustered about “Five-Year Plans”, “building through the draft!”, playoff “guarantees”, and “this team is better than last year’s team”…
So, with that in mind, Jar-Jar is, without question, a definite upgrade over our current little fraud of a GM.
Why people continue to waste good money on that, umm, “product”, I’ll never know?…It’s too bad, as the ownership has absolutely no incentive to change with this type of ignorant behavior.
A gold-painted turd is still a turd, folks…
By SimpleDawg
March 27, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers are the same as they’ve been for years…they can’t play consistent defense. There are too many point blank shots on goal. There are too many Thrasher players in poor defensive position and not enough effort.
Problem #2 is not enough play makers on offense….we keep trading or losing good offensive players. One monkey doesn’t make a circus. Kovy needs some help.
3 - If Waddell were such a great coach, he would not have been in the front office.By Sasquach
March 27, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
I’m not a sheep; I’m Sasquach. You know, Big Foot? Yeti’s cousin? Big but elusive woodland humanoid seen mostly in the Pacific Northwest and Villa Rica? Yeah, that Sasquach. Nobody, nobody puts me in a herd.
If I buy a hockey ticket it’s because I think it’s a great sport to go see, not because I’ve been duped into subsidizing a sub-par organization. I went to as many Braves games in the ’80s as I did the ’90s, maybe even more, I wasn’t a sheep then either. I was Sasquach, big hairy baseball fan. Plus, if you wanted to be elusive in the ’80s, a Braves game was a good place to go.
When I started going to Thrashers games, they were worse than they were this year, but I didn’t think of my ticket as a promissory note - buy this now and we promise to turn this team into a champion. I was just a big hairy hockey fan. I still am, so I buy my ticket, and if one day the Thrashers go the way of the Flames, I’ll start planning trips to Nashville and Raleigh.
I’m Sasquach, not a sheep. If you want to call me names, call me “Conifer Junkie.” That would be much more accurate.
By Smoothie
March 27, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Stats — no offense taken! I was just trying to be emphatic about my position by trashing the other Bob because I never agree with anything he says. Now, the original Bob, that’s a different story. I composed a 6 or 7 paragraph post that provided a litany of statistical evidence to support my position that Lehtonen is a fine goaltender and why we can’t blame most of our ills primarily on his poor or inconsistent performance (of course, he did suck the first 6 games of the year) this season.
By Bruce L
March 27, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Wear your Fire Waddell Shirts next Saturday, April 5
They can be purchased at
hFire Don Waddell
By Bruce L
March 27, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Wear your Fire Waddell Shirts next Saturday, April 5
They can be purchased at
Fire Don Waddell
By Bruce L
March 27, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Wear your Fire Waddell Shirts next Saturday, April 5
They can be purchased at
Fire Don Waddell
By truth
March 27, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
New rule… Bob had the name first.
The other 15 “Bobs” need to get a little more creative and come up with new names. It’s too confusing. We even have “the other bob” and “bob (other)”. Are they same, or different? Get original please.
And the bigfoot guy must have went to GA public schools, because the correct spelling is “Sasquatch” not “Sasquach”.
By Sasquach
March 27, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Actually, Sasquach is correct. Sasquatch is one of those spellings that came about when parents got bored with the traditional spelling, like Marq or Sindee. We in the know think it’s funny because “sasquatch” is actually our word for defecation.
By ranallo10
March 28, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
Sasquach rocks
By sisu
March 28, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Sorry Alan, but Pasi is very, very happy at home in Finland. Even with his Pelicans being eliminated by Jokerit he has taken a bad team and made them into a solid contender!