Thrashers

By NASCAR Dave

April 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Nice work, Craig. I am GLAD Anderson said he wants the job. I think he deserves a shot.

The Snyder/Booze/Drugs comment was weird to me too. I still don’t understand what he was trying to say…

NASCAR Dave thinks bumbling Donnie got surprised there for a second and came out with one his “infamous” bumbling quotes…

Craig, you should of heard him on 680 the other morning… He sounded extremely nervous… Skated around some of his answers… Said the Thrashers “Don’t like to call out players - that’s not our style” then he immediately called out the veterans when asked what was the primary problem this year…

And he also continues his refusal to accept responsibility for this dismal team…

We’re screwed…

By NASCAR Dave

April 18, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Waddell said, moving forward, developing an identity is crucial. It also raises the question, should the Thrashers still be trying to develop an identity at this point in their existence? Shouldn’t they already have one?

Great point Craig. Here we are 10 years later, and we still deploy the dump and chase.

This is the problem many of us have with Waddell. He has had AMPLE oppurtunity to get this team “Moving In The Right Direction”… And he has FAILED to do so.

By NASCAR Dave

April 18, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Not to pile on after a rough season, but if Don thought the strength of the Thrashers was scoring goals and taking care of their zone, I must have been at totally different games all season. The Thrashers averaged 2.52 goals per game, No. 22 in the league. And they weren’t good in their own zone. But other than that, those were the strengths.

Nice one Craig. Still LMAO at this one…

Donnie simply has NO CLUE what is going on, does he???

This article is brilliant… Craig has done a superb job here.

Maybe now everybody will realize what a joke bumbling Donnie is…

What a fraud… Don FRAUDell.

By NASCAR Dave

April 18, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

We have to play to the strengths of our team: scoring goals and taking care of our zone.”

WHAT?!? Was blustering Donnie drunk, Craig???

Maybe he thought he was still with the Red Wings…

Donnie, you had 1 guy that scores goals (Kovalchuk) and he wants to leave ala Hossa…

And we NEVER took care of our own zone you IDIOT!!!

We are not the NAIVE Sheep you think we are, Donnie!!! (Well, most of us anyways)…

This guy Don FRAUDell has NO business in the NHL, Craig…

What a friggin joke he is…

NUFF SAID.

By Jason

April 18, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Craig, glad your in Chicago looking for any “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. I’m sure there’s quite a few to be found. Let them know the fans here are PO’d about the lack of successful products coming outta there. Not that many of us don’t feel DW and Spirit are the main phoney’s ruining the Thrash and causing the main issues to this point.

I think Anderson deserves just as much a chance for coaching considerations for this team as a Pat Burns or someone else with a long NHL pedigree. Personally, I don’t know who’s the right guy for the job. I guess it all depends on what direction DW and gang want to take. Promoting a youth movement and bringing in a few younger free agents, along with youngsters like Esposito, Pavelec, and others lends toward an Anderson type maybe? Or, if it’s playoff tested veterans like the team tried last year, then a more established coach may make more since.

Either way Craig, I think you’re right about identity. You can’t very easily make a proper decision on who you want or should be coaching the Thrashers until you decide what you want them to be coaching.

I will agree with DW also on being able to turn it around quickly. Look at Nashville. I thought there was no way they made the playoffs in the west, but somehow they are tied 2-2 with the Wings going into tonight’s game. I still think Detroit wins the series, but the Preds have shown a lot of resiliency clawing to this point. I think a lot of their credit should be given to Barry Trotz and staff, along with their younger players like Radulov and Ellis. Which is what I hope happens with us in players like Little, Pavelec and other prospects finally making a strong impact on the team.

By Teka

April 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

What are your feelings on Joe Motzko and that trade with Alex Giroux? I’m interested to hear the ‘other team’s’ opinion on Motzko, as I watched him here in Hershey for most of the year and was stunningly underwhelmed by his ability to play as part of a team rather than God’s preferred puck-carrier.

By Craig Custance

April 18, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

You gotta love the AHL - there was nearly a brawl at center ice and the two teams are just in warm-ups. Good stuff.

By LAC

April 18, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

I’m STILL waiting for Craig to ask waddell what he thinks of the blog comments ? Why NOT ask him Craig ?

The man is a confused mess, and NOT capable of handling the job anymore.

Bringing up the Snyder/Booze/Drug this was NUTS, I agree with NascarDave was he DRUNK or on drugs himself ?

The man takes NO responsibility for the collaspe of the franchise. He skates around issues, he will NOT answer direct questions and keeps this “Moving ahead” crap going.

Moving ahead to where don ? 30th place next season ? We have so many players returning from this past year’s disaster there is NO hope for improvement. If they were bad last year, is there any reason to think for a second they will be better next season ? Answer NO.

The more and more this season’s door close, it is painfully evident that don waddell IS the problem with this team, there is NO doubt about it.

Why in heavens name these owners do not fire him and hire Dave Noris is a new wonder of the world. It is nuts to think that waddell is doing an acceptable job.

I am very very concerned now about the entire franchise, it is now so fragile it is scary, I mean REAL scary. If anyone thinks don waddell is the person to pick up the pieces please come forward, I want to hear your reason’s why.

He is finished here and I think he really knows it, but why a man in his position who has failed year after year, cannot come to grips with it and step aside for the betterment of the team is simply astounding. For the Sake of the franchise waddell please resign ASAP you have and are killing the Thrashers to the point of NO return, If you really, really loved this team as you say… Then do the acceptable thing and step aside and let a real NHL GM put the puzzle back togather, one more day of your services is another day closer to the collaspe of the entire franchise !!!

By Hockeyfan

April 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Craig How many games do you think Mark Bradley went to last season? I bet it doesnt approach double digits.

I thought Anderson should have a shot at coaching but watching Boris’ first couple of games where his positioning was awful I thought maybe not.

Espo, et al should be given a little ice time to see if they can make the next step but then again, Chicago is about winning without developing Thrasher players…

By Eileen

April 18, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Craig, I am so glad you brought up the Dan Snyder comment. That really bothered me. It was kind of like “we don’t have a drug problem, I mean we had one player die, but other than that…” Strange and insensitive. Perhaps it was nerves. Anyway, welcome back.

By Thorburn's Thugs

April 18, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with LAC. Dave Noris, recently fired from Vancouver after 3 Winning Seasons would be a solid pickup for our GM position.

Is Cliff Fletcher going be staying around in Toronto?

By Bob

April 18, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

…players talk and if there are perceived issues about the organization…

If?!?

You gotta love the AHL - there was nearly a brawl at center ice and the two teams are just in warm-ups. Good stuff

Good stuff indeed. Valabik go tonight? Tell more.

By Alan

April 18, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Well, if Waddell truly is here to stay, then let’s bring in a coach who is capable of heralding our youth movement. I do NOT want a coach who is unfriendly towards the young guys. Give the job to Anderson — he deserves it.

By Tony C.

April 18, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Heh.

Gee, maybe I’m not the ignorant-rednek hockeyfan that the fellas up in Toronto think I am.

What is “Thrasher’s Hockey”???

I’m pretty sure I’ve been asking that at least once a season for the past few years (Brendan can back me up on this). I’m glad to see that DW realizes the need for a true identity-I think back to an interview The Captain (that’s Messier for the uninitiated)gave regarding their embarrassing 2nd game 6-1 loss to the defending Cup Champion NYI in the ‘83 Finals:

“No, no, we knew it was different that year, we just played poorly, they had a great game plan [that game], and we fell right into it. We just talked in the room before game 3 back home, that if we would just play Oiler’s Hockey that they couldn’t beat us, they wouldn’t be able to stop us.”

He goes on to mention that even though Edmonton had won the first game 1-0, they didn’t win it “the right way” in Messier’s words. He said that for the first two games they tried to match up against the Islander’s by changing their style-playing the Islander’s game, and not sticking with their own style, that brought them so much success.

I can’t think of a better endorsement for developing and staying true to your team’s style/identity than that (for those that don’t know, the ‘83 finals was won 5 games to 1 by Edmonton, with Messier’s inspired play and obvious “heart&soul of the team” winning the Conn Smythe).

Now at times, I think we’ve seen Le Thrash play dynamic, hard-hitting, puck-possesing, good hockey. The problem? It’s been “at times”. Now, last season’s team suffered from “we can turn it on in the 3rd”-itis, but for a few games in a row, I think we got teased with a vision of what “Thrasher’s Hockey” could be.

Obviously, a lot has changed since last season. But I do think that as far as the offense goes, we truly are one or two players away from icing 3 very adequate and one exceptional lines.

Defensively, well….hey, you know, uhh. nah. It sucks. I think we need at least two, if not three players to address that area. Who’s to say that one or possibly two of those players are available internally (yes I am looking at Big Vikki & Oysterick/Popivic with a hopeful eye). Now with complete honesty, I reckon that it’ll be only ONE internal promotion-in fact, there may be only ONE FA/trade addition.

That being said, I think that we can all see that a properly prepared team can be “more than the sum of it’s parts”. This carries over into almost all team sports-I look back to France beating Brasil in the World Cup as a prime example of this: Brasil was an uber-talented juggernaut of a team, fielding at least 5 of the top 20 players in the world, with the rest of the squad being in the top 75. France, meanwhile had one such top-20 player and several top 100 players (and yes Bartheze is in that group as he was getting up in years).

Odds for France prior to the game were something like 24-1! However, as the game unfolded, France shocked the world as they executed a perfectly-crafted game plan that stymied Brasil’s potent offense and resulted in an unthinkable 3-0 defeat of the perenial powerhouse in the summer of 1998.

This type of story repeated in every team sport-I think you’ve heard the old saw “preparation and dedication will beat talent every time”…

Now as far as the dedication-that’s on the players, but proper peparation falls squarely on coaching and management.

So, theoretically even if the ingredients are store-brand a talented cook in a well-equipped kitchen will be able to produce quality dishes.

By JB

April 19, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Guys, its NONIS, not NORIS. Dave Nonis was fired by Vancouver.

But anyway, Craig; good blog as usual; kudos to you.

By Brendan

April 19, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Yes, Tony C. has been asking, “What is Thrashers hockey?” for some time now. I think he first posed it in 2003-04. And if the sole GM in the 9-year, eight season history of the franchise doesn’t know or have an explanation for why one hasn’t been established, isn’t that particularly telling?

It reminds me of the time Waddell said, “I don’t know,” when responding to a reporter’s question, “Why can’t the Thrashers properly make a line change?”

I’m delighted that Waddell has extremely successful sleep patterns. It seems to be something he’s emphasized a lot lately. Which is a bit of a curious topic. But I’ll let it go.

Speaking of a curious topic, I thought it was compelling that Chicago’s GM and Coach are arguing, “We’ve tried to mimic ‘Thrashers Hockey,’ but we just know what it is.” I think I can answer it. “Pass the puck to Ilya for a ‘one-timer,’ then play ‘whack-a-mole’ (TM, Poster Sara, all rights reserved) on defense.

But, if you’re Chicago, you don’t have Ilya for the big one-timer. Nor does ‘whack-a-mole’ seem like a particularly viable option. Even for the AHL.

Keeping Waddell in charge … is such an indefensible decision. I can’t wait for Forbes Magazine to come out with their list of top business GM’s. I hope Waddell is on it again. The ASG will need some positive press. Who knows? Maybe the Hawks will deliver their very 1st-ever playoff win, since they tooks stewardship of the Hawks and Thrashers. But Vegas says … Celtics in a sweep. I can’t really argue. But I do wish the Hawks “good luck” in their quest to get that elusive playoff win, which has eluded them since 1999. They weren’t swept in ‘99, were they?

By Terry in Dahlonega

April 19, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Are we moving in the right direction yet?

By polskidawg

April 19, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Nice blog Craig. A few thoughts:

Chicago GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who will be an NHL GM one day, and John Anderson, who should be an NHL head coach one day Any chance that can be 2008 in Atlanta? I already know the answer…

John Anderson…if he’s going to get an interview, he doesn’t expect to talk seriously to Don Waddell until after the Calder Cup playoffs. I just to see that happening. It will be a recycle job, if not DW’s buddy from Carolina.

I thought there were some interesting quotes from Waddell in there. Nice job being diplomatic Craig. Perhaps confusing, unrealistic or delusional would work.

Waddell also said this team didn’t have problem scoring goals. I beg to differ. I think, other than Kovy, this team had a serious problem scoring goals. To say that the Thrashers are only two players away from a complete turnaround also seems like quite a reach. No truer words could be written.

But you have to wonder if the Marian Hossa saga might have hurt the recruitment of premier free agents. It has and will continue.

Even Waddell said as much with this quote: “Accountability from a coach to player standpoint - we have to be better moving forward.” Yet, that doesn’t apply to the GM apparently.

If the Thrashers had a distinct identity, like say the New Jersey Devils, the AHL affiliate might be more apt to consistently fit that identity. Once again, you hit it on the head.

What was their identity? A team that gives up a ton of shots and hopes Ilya Kovalchuk scores? Yes

It also raises the question, should the Thrashers still be trying to develop an identity at this point in their existence? Shouldn’t they already have one? Yes, yes, yes.

We have to play to the strengths of our team: scoring goals and taking care of our zone.” Either that was the most absurd comment of the interview, or DW meant that it is the desired identity. Which do you think Craig?

By Sara

April 19, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this

Craig nice to see you back. I was afraid you were heading to summer vacay without even saying goodbye! And how ‘bout those Wings - they giving you as many heartattacks as they’re giving me?? Sheesh!

In regards to the identity thing - aka a system, which I think everyone here has brought up this season:

I think the idea of a high-scoring team that is defensively sound in their zone (not necessarily top-notch, but average) is the direction he was looking for this year but didn’t quite get. It was meant to be a bunch of small speedy guys to generate offense, with some solid two-way players to handle our other business (White, Dupuis, Hossa, Holik, etc etc). Obviously, it did not work out according to plan.

I really think this team doesn’t need lots of upgrades to the roster BUT it needs a few very specific ones in a big way. Improving our d by bringing in two top quality defenders (that would be considered such on any team) goes a long way to shoring up the D. We have some servicable guys, like Klee and X, who can get the job done and would probably do it more often and better if they weren’t having to log tons of ice time. The same could be said for some of our forwards as well. Beyond that…we saw last year and this year what even a mediocre line-up can do when they work together. It’s all about synergy - the value of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts (see professors - I was paying attention). With the right upgrades and the right coach with the right system, this club could be competitive quickly. Stanley Cup next year - well, doubtful - but competitive yes. And from there you keep tweaking.

By LAC

April 19, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this

This whole thing is really very, very sad to see.

What makes no sense, is waddell saying how much he loves the team… OK. Then with such an awful track record and no playoffs in the next 5 years, why doesn’t waddell do the honorable thing and step down ???

In recent interviews he seems confused and timid. He shows little regard for the real problems with this team and all he can keep saying is “moving forward”, but he offers no solid answers. He avoids tough pointed questions and seems out of touch with the entire aspect of running a professional hockey club.

While he may be a nice guy, he is not making tough calls on the team and it’s future and that bothers me most. He really acts like he does not care if we win or lose. He almost looks afrid to win, because he does not know how to win.

We need a WINNER !

Lastly these owners, where did these clowns come from ? If they ran their personal businesses like the Thrashers they would have gone out of business years ago. They have to be reasonably smart men, and why would smart men who are sucessful, allow the preception of failure pull them around by the nose. They can NOT be that closed minded… or can they ?

All season bloggers have done an OUTSTANDING job spelling out all of waddell’s failures and countless times from UFA’s to the draft and is a sad sad sad story we can all see.

It is now time for either waddell to do the correct thing and resign.

Failing to do so, the owners really and I mean really need to look at other possible GM’s and that would not be hard to do.

This team needs new leadership, waddell is stale and the thought of him rebuilding yet again… is what should scare everyone.

By tshumphreys

April 19, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Hey we Do have identity BLUELAND whatever that means I don’t know, but they sure were proud of it. I’m going to do the wait and see thing next year. I’ll give thme a year to determine if it’s going to be worth reinvesting as a STH again.

By badhatharry

April 19, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Craig:

I know you don’t want to be too negative but let’s face it the Thrashers are one BIG mess, from top to bottom. You start with the ownership (Burnside pretty much nailed it) Waddell is nice hard working guy who just seems way over his head, I can say with almost complete certainly he would not no still have his job with any other organization. And ownerships response that there was “too much to do” for them to change GM is laughable.

Then there the fact we have no coach, poor drafting, (the short sided trades late the end of last year that basicllly forfited our first round pick just to get sweep by the rangers did not help much either) which has lead to a lack of home grown talent helping the big club, questionable relationship with top minor league team, no identify, poor moral, unable to sign top player. I am sorry but it’s hard to spin that into something good.

The only chance is too bring in someone and start from scratch. Pick a style of play, find a coach to implement this type of play, draft and acquire players to fit the scheme, encourage minor league teams to play similar style.

By Mike

April 19, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sara that it shouldn’t take much to upgrade our roster.

I am excited about a full season of Little, Army, Kovy, Kozy, Thorburn, Perrin, Christensen. Hopefully we keep Recchi, resign Boulton, bring Dupuis back and let Larsen go. I would like to see LaVallee and Sterling get a shot. Maybe Stuart. I am also ok with losing Slater and Holik. Moving White down a few lines would be good too. Get us one top tier forward and and we should be able to place together 4 good lines.

Defensively, Enstrom, Valabik, Havelid are a good place to start. Spend the money to bring a Brian Campbell here and you have a solid 4. I honestly believe you can find 3 or 4 solid D between McCarthy, Exelby, Popovic, Klee, possibly Zhitnik in a contract year, and what we have in the minors. Ok…I know I will get blasted for saying that about Zhitnik, but it may be in our best interest to hope the new coach and him get along and he plays with a purpose. The reason…what team is going to take him with his salary? How much are we going to have to “add” to the deal to make it worth it to a team? The “adding” is what scares me as I don’t want to see DW give away too much AGAIN to cover up his mistake, i.e. not unloading Zhitnik at the deadline. Let Zhitnik know he is going to get 3rd line minutes at the start of the year unless he proves himself better than that. I would say having him and X on the 3rd line is not bad. I would also like to keep McCarthy and put him back on the power play where he was so successful when he first came here.

So, if we want to see some of the youth here in Atlanta, then I think we really only have the money for 1 top tier forward and 1 top tier defenseman considering we have to pray DW signs Kovy to a long term deal soon. I believe DW should give him a 10 year deal soon and show possible free agents that we are serious about keeping him here and building around him. It is the only way to change the negative opinion of this team after Hossa left (even though I believe DW got a good group of players for him).

By kracker

April 19, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, Craig. Thanks for staying on the job now that the season is over. And what a hefty blog entry. More than three screen’s worth!

So Holzapfel, Machacek and Esposito are in Chicago to just get a view of the pro game? I guess there’s not much ice time the Wolves can just give out to youngsters in the playoffs unless the lineup is thin at a particular spot. Hopefully they are getting work and pointers on what to improve on in the practice sessions.

Another Thrashers prospect, Arturs Kulda, is also in Chicago on an ATO. He was, however, getting (and earning) some ice time as of a week or so ago. Kulda had the opportunity to provide needed blue line depth and took advantage of it. Holly Gunning has a nice report on Kulda and lots of other prospects in Chicago on this thread:

Thrashers Prospects Annex

This thread appears to grow with each entry, so the articles on Espo, Kulda, Valabik, LaValee and many others are down the page. There are tons of pics too.

By kracker

April 19, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Are we moving in the right direction yet?

Terry in Dahlonega , we were but we finished in 28th place instead of 30th. Now I’m just hoping DW keeps it simple and takes a top player with the 3rd pick instead of getting creative and trading down as he did in the 05 draft.

By Gary

April 19, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Folks, the decision on DW will NOT be made until the Atlanta Hawks season is over. The Atlanta Spirit has their full attention on the Hawks right now. The decision on DW will be made after the Hawks season is over, but BEFORE the NHL draft.

Get your Hawks playoff tickets here… they are going fast!

http://www.2008hawksplayoffs.com/offers/april08/intro_flash.html

By Hockeyfan

April 19, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

*Craig ask the Don why they didnt have a STH at the draft lottery. * I mean did you misspoke or did the Don feel it more important to reward the people that have done such a fine job of scouting for us…

By Nikita

April 19, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Sara, we’re very much in agreement about the general overall quality of the roster. The forward portion is fine, and with good coaching ought to really explode next year. Maybe we could use an additional marquee-quality center, but that’s all I’d suggest.

The D is another subject. I suggest we dump every D player we have who is over peak and under standard. That would mean Kiwi. We should also lose Stevie Mac, not because of what he’s capable of (which may be significant, if the last 8 games are any indication), but because you don’t reward 1.5 seasons of hideous play with a new contract.

I think we should NOT bring back Dupuis. He was good on the PK, but we’ve had no trouble replacing him there. He created a lot of scoring chances. But his hands suck, they’re not getting better, and he has delusions of being a top forward. Slater I’d like to see back.

I think we should think about trading Todd White, depending on how things look out of camp and the market for him. I like White, and I appreciate his two-way abilities. But I’m not sure where he will be useful. He’s clearly not first-line material, at least with Kovy. He’s too small for the 3rd or 4th, and the 2nd as it is can’t use him.

By kracker

April 19, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

OT: I wonder if DW is looking into 24-yr old Ville Leino? He looks to be a fit on some team next season as a signed player, not as a draftee. I’d take a look at him to replace White as a center.

Ville Leino

By ranallo10

April 19, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Fabian Brunnstrom’s recent change of heart due to Nonis’ firing.

I can’t wait for the day when Atlanta is included in the list of teams a highly touted prospect is interested in.

Will that ever happen here? The teams mentioned are hockey markets, can we ever compete with them??

Many people feel that without Waddell a magic wand will be waved and Tier I UFAs (like Brunnstrom) will start coming en masse.

kracker — Another player I’m curious about is [Kristian Kuusela] (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=70478), an undrafted Finnish forward. I doubt Atlanta can attract such types of players, but it’d be nice to see one of them signed (and surely surprising).

By Brendan

April 19, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

In a couple of these series, the team enjoying a 3-1 series lead didn’t close out. Only the Rangers accomplished their mission in Game Five. Tonight, Boston tries to extend its series with Montreal to seven games. Philadelphia has let Washington up from off the mat. Game Six will be played in Philly. And … tomorrow … Dallas will try to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks. Dallas led this series, 3-1.

Later on, tonight, #6 Colorado will attempt to complete it’s upset of #3 Minnesota. Colorado finished the season nicely. They didn’t miss winning the division by all that much. The home ice situation hasn’t been a factor, as Colorado has twice won in Minneapolis. The Avs reacquired Forsberg and Foote to make this playoff run.

By kracker

April 19, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Ranallo Are you thinking Atl can’t even attract undrafted Euro players? I don’t understand, the bidding can’t be that high, so why couldn’t we land a Leino or a similar player worthy if coming to the NHL? Please expand on your thinking.

This is where I don’t think DW has the necessary stones to be a Thrashers GM…to commit to a relative unknown that is ready to help the team…for Atl to be sucessful DW has to find some diamonds-in-the-rough type of players, although Leino isn’t some raw youngster, he is a fairly seasoned player in Europe.

By Brendan

April 19, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

I hope everyone got to see Game Six from Boston! What a wild one!! I know I’m not supposed to be happy for Marc Savard, but this was a fun game to watch. And Savvy got two assists.

It was 2-1, Montreal, after two periods. The Bruins tied it up, only to see Montreal re-take the lead, 3-2. Then Boston ties it up again. The BankNorth Garden starts going nuts. Then the Bruins take the lead!, with like 4:37 left in regulation. Off the drop of the puck, 11 seconds later, the Habs tie it, 4-4. Then, with just over 2:00 left, the Bruins get the winner. That’s four goals for Boston in the 3rd period. Boston 5, Montreal 4.

The Montreal media will be in a frenzy after this. I hope (rookie goaltender) Carey Price doesn’t read the morning paper. Montreal GM Bob Gainey’s decision to move Cristobal Huet for a 2nd round draft pick will get intense scrutiny with one more Montreal loss.

Boston is the #8 seed! Montreal took all sixteen-points (16-16) vs. Boston in the regular season. And if the Bruins win Game Seven, it’ll prove, once again, that what happens in the regular season doesn’t count for much. The last time these two teams met, Montreal was the #7 seed and Boston was #2. The Habs got down, 3-1, but rallied to win the series. Remarkably, it was the 1st time EVER that Montreal overcame a 3-1 series deficit. In 2002, the Habs were the #8 seed and Boston was #1, and again Montreal pulled the upset. These two playoff upsets ultimately contributed to the trade of Joe Thornton out of Boston.

So?

So Boston would LLLLOVE to get some revenge on Montreal, arguably the Bruins’ most hated rival. In case you’re curious, Boston and Montreal have met 30 times. Boston is 7-23, thus far. So, when was the last time Boston won a playoff series? Answer: 1994. Against????

Answer: Montreal. The Habs led that series, 3-2, but the Bruins took Games Six and Seven to win. That was 14 years ago. Hard to believe, isn’t it? In 1991 and 1992, Boston went to the Conference Finals. Both times, the Bruins lost to Pittsburgh. The Penguins then went on to win the Cup both years.

If the Bruins win the series with Montreal, their next opponent will be Pittsburgh, the #2 seed. That is certain. Pittsburgh has to like the history of that “matchup.” The last two times they defeated Boston, they were en route to winning a Cup.

History repeating itself? Yeah Brendan, Montreal hasn’t been eliminated yet. Hmmn. Good point. Thrasher Ryan has got the Bruins in that series. Maybe he nailed it?

By Ben

April 19, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

I truely am at a loss over the drugs/Snyder situation. I wasn’t aware that drugs were an issue in this NHL. So to say that you don’t suffer from a non issue is crazy talk. Remember this, he chose to trade the Heater, he was here for like 5 years. I think Snyder’s death affected him a little more than he ever let on.

By LAC

April 20, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Good point ranallo, I do not believe, as you, that simply firing waddell will attrach prize UFA’s.

It would become a work in progress to rebuild the stature of the franchise, to the point of winning on a regular basis, then seeing us be a good team, would at least, make players more than just consider us at a team to play for and one that has a chance to win in the playoffs.

With the current state of affairs and the status quo… we really have ZERO hope of signing any top UFA’s The Hossa thing pretty much killed that for us.

I just hope things change, because we… The fans deserve much better than the misguided mess we had this past season, Really !

By A.S.

April 20, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Glad to see your back!

I was wondering where the Thrashers articles have been the past few weeks, then all the sudden Bradley pops in an writes an article. Anyways there is not reason to sound upset that your speaking poorly of the team. We had an awful season! Possibly one of the worst seasons in our franchise history. We go from making the playoffs to becoming one of the NHLs worst teams! D.W. is a joke and must be removed from the franchise. Do the owners seriously still wonder why we do not have a “identity?: Its because of Waddel!

By ranallo10

April 20, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this

kracker — Ranallo Are you thinking Atl can’t even attract undrafted Euro players? I don’t understand, the bidding can’t be that high, so why couldn’t we land a Leino or a similar player worthy if coming to the NHL? Please expand on your thinking.

I don’t believe that when an undrafted and unrestricted player decides to make the jump from their national league to the NHL that the player decides to come to a non-traditional hockey market just for the sake of playing NHL hockey.

I would compare this to a Japanese player joining the MLB…the teams that OFTEN win the bidding on such players are HUGE markets (NY or Boston), or one with a large Japanese contingent (Seattle). When did the Braves last sign a Japanese free agent?

If I were an unrestricted Finnish hockey player, playing at the top of my respective league, and knew that I could make money in the NHL playing for any team I choose…I wouldn’t single out Atlanta (or any team in their division) as THE franchise I’d like to play for. I’d pick Detroit, Ottawa, Toronto, one of the New Yorks, or Boston. I’d be choosing based on hockey tradition, the market, and the quality of the team.

For us (fans) to know about these players, they’re bigger than a run of the mill UFA…and those types of players will choose Toronto over Atlanta 99% of the time. Of course, that’s my opinion.

So, though I’d love to see a player of their caliber (proven international abilities, but unproven North American abilities) come to Atlanta, I highly doubt such a coups would happen anytime soon.

By Tony C.

April 20, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Who knows?

Maybe our Finn and Swedes could talk to them ranallo-of course that might be exactly why they would choose not to sign here.

By Hanson Brothers

April 20, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Brendan - the last time Boston won a playoff series was 1999 against Carolina, not 1994 against Montreal.

By Brendan

April 20, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Right you are, Hanson Brothers. I was waiting to see how long it would take for someone to catch that. Well done, sir. You win the prize. (But, I determined what that is just yet.) That was the only series Boston ever won with Joe Thornton.

By Jim

April 20, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Continuing good job, Craig. Great to have someone objective on the Thrashers scene. Donnie wants an identify. What the ??????. I want more ability, grit, guts, defensive awareness. The playoffs are a perfect example of what teams need to pattern themselves after- total team effort with a strong emphasis on physical play and good goaltending. Donnie Boy- take a look at the Caps-Flyers series.

By ranallo10

April 20, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

True Tony C., but would the words of Toby Enstrom and Niclas Havelid resound louder than the words of Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Lidstrom? Plus the current state of this team would mean they’re coming to the NHL to play for a bad team, where they could sign with Detroit or Toronto and instantly be on a much better team.

But I’ve gotten this feeling that the scouts don’t recommend these players to Waddell, so Waddell is not aggressively pursuing these types of players.

By kracker

April 20, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

I think DW is voting in the current poll. It should be at least 75% for a new GM, IMO. A competent GM (with willing owners) can fix the other three choices in the poll.

By Tony C.

April 20, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah,

Maybe what DW is hinting at is that perhas some of the players who were traded/not re-signed had some substance abuse issues.

Oh, and yall don’t think that hockey players drink A LOT-C’mon!!!

Or at least go ask the bartender’s up @ Luby’s…..they’ve got some stories.

By Hanson Brothers

April 20, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brendan. Since you have not decided my prize yet I will give you a choice, in my order of preference. A new GM, a first line D man, or a center who can finish in the top 10 in assists. If you can get me all 3 that would be even better.

By Thrashniac

April 21, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Craig, welcome back - everybody deserves a little down time - hope it was enjoyable.

Do you have any plans to interview Holik about the season? You possibly could get better answers after July 1 and he has fully cut ties with the organization, but I would like to hear his take on all of this. Was Holik part of the problem with the players tuning him out? not responding to him? What was going on before the season when there was a delay in naming a Captain - does that indicate a rift beginning between Holik/Hartley/Waddell/the team that led to the erratic play this season?

On another front, DW’s comments to Bradley about how Philly turned it around quickly and you can do the same in the new NHL, need to be qualified I believe because so many of the players you want to change out are under contract for next year like Zhitnik, Larsen, Exelby, Klee - how is DW going to handle that is a big area for discussion in my mind.

Finally, I’m very concerned about getting free agents of any magnitude interested in being here - I don’t see it unless they’re looking for a reclamation project to be part of and just pickup a paycheck.

Just the ramblings of a former season ticket holder. Keep up the good work.

By Nikita

April 21, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Maybe what DW is hinting at is that perhas some of the players who were traded/not re-signed had some substance abuse issues.

Seriously, ya’ll…does anybody know what’s up with Esposito? Some of the commenters on his behavior STRONGLY suggested that his issues are personal, not professional, and they are significant.

Dan Snyder died in a car accident caused by someone who had been drinking. I wouldn’t go any further than that in assuming anything.

…so many of the players you want to change out are under contract for next year like Zhitnik, Larsen, Exelby, Klee - how is DW going to handle that is a big area for discussion in my mind.

Where did Craig say he wanted to trade those specific players? I think both your statement here and DW are not thinking correctly on this. DW says he’s looking for a #3 and #4 — he needs to be looking for a #1 and #2. That would leave us on D with #1, #2, #3 Enstrom, #4 Havelid. Then Klee, Zhit, and Exelby (ranked in order of their stats) are under contract. Plus we have the option of resigning Popovic and Kiwi (I think we should at minimum release Kiwi), and Valabik in Chi-town.

That could actually make a huge difference for us. If we had an ironclad first D line playing opposite Kovy (since he’s not really two-way, but with the proper setup could be killing Ovie next year), the Swedish Second paired with the P&Ps (who are decent on defense, and have a combined scoring potential of about 100 points), and then the Brute Squad (which could be any combination of our remaining players as long as the weakest don’t play together) opposite the third and 4th, we’d do fine. Or maybe switch the Swedish Second and the Brute Squad, to complement the speed and defensiveness of the P&Ps and possibly elevate the third to an actual scoring line.

I’m assuming that we’re keeping Zhit given that DW hasn’t showcased him. Hopefully when he comes back from the summer he’ll be ready to play to his capabilities. And I’ll say it again: I like Klee. I’d like to continue to have him on the team in a role that requires his playing less minutes because we actually have other players who are capable of picking up the slack, though. He’s not meant to play as much or as highly as he’s been required to. Also, if we keep Pops, we should probably try to actually play him so we can find out if he has NHL capability or not. Maybe we bring up another Wolf? Maybe we pick up another backup in trade? All of that is dependent on how the guys return from Summer.

Finally, I’m very concerned about getting free agents of any magnitude interested in being here -

Those who are easiest to get a) will come at a premium, b) will be veterans relatively close (at least halfway) to the end of their careers. I would think that the ideal people for us to pick up would be veterans who are relatively young (30ish), have a Cup ring (so aren’t reliant on Atlanta to establish their cred), and want to juice their playing time and value by playing in Atlanta — deal sweetened by playoff potential. I would think that our coach selection will be a huge factor in how successful we are in getting them.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 21, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Dan Snyder died in a car accident caused by someone who had been drinking. I wouldn’t go any further than that in assuming anything.

See Nikita, this is where you are DEAD wrong. Dany had 1 beer at a Team Dinner. That’s it. He was NOT drunk. This was proven in Fulton County Court.

I cannot believe some of you people continue to spout out your ignorance like that.

Heatley was sober. He was driving too fast and reckless, sure. But he was NOT drunk.

Guess that shows how much you truly know about this team…

By d

April 21, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

CC, one question regarding your research on the Wolves/Thrashers relationhip: does the independence between the two clubs reduce the amount of capital that the ASG has to invest in its farm system? In other words, would an parent/farm organization structured similar to Detroit require a greater investment from the ASG? If not, how did the autonomy between the parent and farm team originally develop?

Separately, have you considered writing an article on the Thrasher alum’s that are in the playoff’s? Metro, Savard, Coburn, Hndiy, Devries, Dupuis, etc.? Oh yeah, Hossa.

My adopted playoff team for ‘08 - the Stars - looked fantastic in the third period last night!

By GaVaHokie

April 21, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Habs inside/out site invites ALL Hotlanta to a Hoe Down tonight starting at six. We have somehow been forced into a game seven in our quest to the Cup, and need some more fan support. We offer a trivia show, prizes, games and guests, so drop Hee Haw for one night, get that straw from between your teeth, wash up, and come join us tonight.

By Nikita

April 21, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Heatley had been drinking — he hadn’t been drinking much. His breathalayzer results are as stated, and public record. The major contributing factor in the crash was speed. And there is zero basis, as far as I know, for bringing drugs into the discussion at all. Which was my point. Thanks for playing.

By Sam

April 21, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Team identity? I’m not surprised they don’t have one. I think Don was building one kind of team and Hartley wanted to coach another kind. Take re-signing McCarthy last summer after Bob sat Mac a long time in the Spring. Then there’s the differences Bob had with Ilya. You knew how that was going to end, right? Never cross the franchise superstar (and I side with Ilya on that one, for sure) or try to put him in a box. My point is the GM and coach were differing on the team’s system/focus/identity. Don liked where Bob was going intially, but later…not so much. I imagine Don’s going to be more careful with the next coaching hire. I think he was intially starstruck by Hartley and his Stanley Cup pedigree. But the more he got to know him…the less Bob’s system optimized Kovy and failed to nurture youth…the more Don and Bob parted ways. It didn’t happen soon enough for me.

By T-Bone

April 21, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

DW is a boob, and everytime he opens his mouth it just reinforces that fact. He came here Day One espousing to pattern this team after the dominant Red Wings teams he was an assistant GM for. Trouble is, as an expansion team, we didn’t have nearly the talent in the roster or coaching staff to skate, shoot and defend anything like the Wings. He purposely chose a “system” that was doomed to fail and is still failing due to lack of any real improvement in those aforementioned areas. What’s really sad is watching the playoffs and seeing hockey played at such a high level and knowing we are still years from that type of play here.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 21, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Nikita—I’m sorry, but you are wrong. Heatley was NOT drunk. If he was drunk, why was he NOT charged with a DUI? Why was the court case revolved around whether or not to charge him with vehicular manslaughter? Why did Fulton County DA Paul Howard go lenient on Dany after hundreds of Thrasher fans begged him to do so?

What was his breathalyzer reading?

Where can it be found?

And can you cite sources for anything you just said?

Just so you know, this is deeply personal topic to many Thrasher fans, so be careful about what you are trying to imply.

I don’t care either way; Heater’s gone and he’s never coming back here. Same with Hossa.

So please cite your “sources” and we can end this discussion. Otherwise, you are full of “hearsay”.

By Nikita

April 21, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Ryan, it appears you can’t read. I’ll leave it at that.

Never cross the franchise superstar (and I side with Ilya on that one, for sure) or try to put him in a box.

Sam, talk to me about this. What kind of coaching do you see Ilya doing best with?

By Thrasher Ryan

April 21, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Nikita, please cite your sources and provide links, if applicable. I’ll leave it at that.

By Nikita

April 21, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, I don’t respond to orders, and even if I did I’m under no obligation to clarify statements for people who seem incapable of comprehending them. Also, I’m sure you have the same magical ability to google that I do — Heatley’s BAC was featured in any number of news reports.

By ranallo10

April 21, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan — I understand your defensive stance on this Heatley topic, but do re-read her original statement. She said “Dan Snyder died in a car accident caused by someone who had been drinking. I wouldn’t go any further than that in assuming anything.” That’s accurate, no? One drink is “drinking”, and he had one drink.

She said she wasn’t assuming anything (implying the cause of the wreck was proven to not be due to alcohol, though drinking had been involved in the entire scope of the situation).

So basically, you’re in agreement with her, she’s just being as technical as possible regarding the situation.

Nikita — (Regarding Sam’s statement)…I’d agree, and I would site several coaches who have offensive/scoring talents who are underutilized in a defensive system. Columbus and Nash/Zherdev. Minnesota and Gaborik/Koivu. New Jersey and Gionta/Elias. All of these players are good, top caliber scoring (Koivu is proving it, he’s still improving too), but currently play for defensive minded teams. I don’t feel their talents are properly utilized in the type of system they are playing in, and thus they are performing far below their ceiling.

Nash is a maybe, because he is a powerforward type player (thus the physical game doesn’t hinder his style of play)…but I think he could blossom under a different offensive system.

So yeah, I agree with Sam, get a coach who’s got the BEST system that would fully utilize Kovalchuk’s scoring abilities, while not severely undermining the defensive side of the puck. Looking at the scoring in Chicago, I’d wager Anderson knows a thing or two about properly utilizing scoring talents.

And unfortunately I can’t quote or site this, but I remember Anderson backtalking Waddell when Sterling was sent down because DW wanted Sterling to become a more complete two-way player. Anderson said something to the effect of “he’s a goal scorer, why would I teach him to do anything else??”. Personally, I agree with Sterling’s type of play…there’s no need to teach him to be defensively conscious when he’s a top level scorer, because that’s what the other 5 teammates on the ice can be used for.

Proper utilization of the current talents on the roster. That’s all I’m looking for in the next Atlanta Thrashers Head Coach.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 21, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Ranallo—Point taken. I DO get defensive on that subject, that’s why I find it very ignorant of her to make a statement like that. Not only that, but she can’t even back up her assumptions with “sources”.

I have read it. And re-read it. With her choice of words, she is implying that drinking caused the wreck, when it in fact DID NOT.

Sure, she could have said “Snyder died in a car wreck… the driver had a beer earlier in the night, but the crash was NOT alcohol-related” but she did not. With her choice of words she is making it seem as if alcohol caused the wreck.

Too many times I find myself reading posts of hers where she talks of “sources”, but I have yet to see one of these actual sources cited as reference.

Nikita—I used to be a former hockey player, so I have taken my fair share of pucks and sticks to the head, but I do know how to read. I find it quite immature of you to resort to childish antics like this when all I was trying to do was to get you to clarify your remark. Seriously, there is no need for hateful remarks like that.

That’s all I have to say about this topic. Carry on, all.

By Nikita

April 21, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

“Used to be a former hockey player?” You still are one, right? I mean, till you die you’ll be a former hockey player.

Man, these last few playoff games have been awesome. Just watched Habs/Boston.

Anyone want to take bets on whether Anderson is our new coach? I’ll put $50 on it.

Ranallo (and Sam), I remain pretty ambivalent about Kovy. With great capability comes great additional investment, and I’m not sure this team knows how to support Kovy. That said, I’d love to see Kovy supported — I’d love to see that happen alongside at least two other credible scoring lines, too. What do you think the ideal line is for Kovy? Do you think we have the talent, or do we need to recruit it?

By Brendan

April 21, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

… And the Habs fans go wild … for eliminating the #8 seed. Okayyy, they’re happy they are moving on, irrespective of the seed of their opposition. But seriously, in a 16-mile marathon … who needs to add a 3-mile detour? I like the Rangers over the Habs in Round II. If it’s Philly, I haven’t made up my mind yet. Flyers-Habs would be a good series.

By The Right Direction

April 22, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

Maybe the drug/substance abuse problem DW was talking about was Bruce Levenson’s drinking problem.

What DW meant to say was, “Our players are on the straight and narrow but one of our owners is drunk out of his mind, how else do you think I keep this job.”

By Remie

April 22, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

NASCARDAVE - you’ve been smelling your exhaust fumes again! You are delusional!!!!!!

By d

April 22, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Brendan, the Habs fans are fearing a second round match against the Crapitals. They are concerned that their former #1 goalie, Huet, will play over his head in an effort to discredit his former team’s decision to trade him to Washington. I think the Habs prefer to play the Flyers in round 2.

By Nikita

April 22, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hmmm. I think Habs/Flyers will be better match. and I think Washington is going down no matter who they play, if they make it to the second round. The Flyers are not Cup contenders, but they do play holistically solid hockey. The Capitals, not so much. Scoring capability is uneven, and they’ll pay for it.

By Craig Custance

April 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

hockeyfan: According to the Thrashers, they sent a STH to the draft for the whole experience and everything but the TV coverage wanted to go another route with team representatives.

Thrashniac: I’ll give Bobby a call when July gets closer, no rush right now. Nothing has changed since I chatted with him after the season. He was actually really good, I’ll blog about that in a few days.

d: I’ll get into that in the story, but yes, there are financial advantages to keeping the relationship with Chicago. As for former Thrashers, we’ll see about that one, maybe round two.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 22, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I used to be a former hockey player

Damn, the grammar cops caught me! It should read either “I used to be a hockey player” or “I am a former hockey player”.

See Nikita, sometimes those pucks and stick whacks to the head can mess up a persons grammar/syntax/writing skills! Oh well.

GO FLAMES!!!