AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPhilips Arena atmosphere no surprise
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, finally got the AHL story in the paper today. Something about a local basketball team exceeding expectations kept pushing it back. My brother, who moved to Atlanta a few years ago, is officially on the Hawks bandwagon and bought me tickets for tonight’s game, so I’ll be there. I’ve heard the atmosphere is unbelievable, and that people are surprised about how Philips Arena has rocked during the home games against the Celts.
But seriously, are any of you guys? This may be a bandwagon town (let’s save that debate for another time, shall we?) but Atlanta knows how to come out for an event. The NHL playoffs last year proved it. Philips Arena was LOUD during games one and two, and the players still talk about that atmosphere. And look at how this town came out for the NHL All-Star Game. And now, the Hawks are an event, so I’m not the least surprised that it’s a great atmosphere. I’m looking forward to seeing it first-hand tonight.
As for the Wolves story, I tried to be even-handed about it. I’m sure some people weren’t crazy about it, but I tried to get as many voices in there as possible. In talking to Don Waddell about it, he said he could make a good argument for the Chicago relationship as well as a good argument against it. And he’s right, you could. I just tried to put some things on the table and let you guys make the decision if it’s good or not. I think Kevin Cheveldayoff put it best when he said: “It’s very subjective, you can look at it different ways but that’s why it is unique. Not every way is right, sometimes it’s going to work and sometimes it’s not. People tend to, when you want to write about the positive stuff, find everything that has worked. When they want to write about the negatives, write about what’s not.”
That sums it up about as well as anything I could say.
Things are quiet news-wise on the Thrashers front as you might expect this time of year. Don Waddell has waited this long to hire a coach, so look for him to wait until all the AHL/NHL playoffs are over to make sure every possible candidate is weighed. I’m hearing that Providence (AHL) coach Scott Gordon could be in the mix, so add him to the names that are being thrown around. Gordon was named the AHL’s most outstanding coach in April.
I’ve been focusing this week on a training session in the basement of the AJC where we’re brainstorming for ideas on how to become a better paper. Personally, I think it’s a simple solution: More hockey. Right? I’ll try to hop on the blog more often next week when I’m between training sessions.
But how ‘bout these NHL playoffs? I told you Johan Franzen is the best player in the game. At least I meant to. And Pittsburgh looks pretty darn good. I know one thing I’m not hearing right now: Marian Hossa is underachieving in the playoffs. Three goals and eight points in eight games is pretty good production. If he continues that pace and the Pens make it to the Stanley Cup or win it, the demand (and contract) for Marian is going to be huge this summer.
Comments
By Bob
May 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
You couldn’t pay me enough to go to an NBA game.
By GaVaHokie
May 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Scott Gordon, interesting… pretty impressive record in Providence this year.
Looking at his bio, he coached the Roanoke Express for a short time. That’s the team I grew up watching in Virginia… that probably only interests me. :)
By The Teacher
May 2, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
The one time Iwent to the Arena, I was asked for money, my seat was filthy, the ghetto food was awful, and my car was broken in to. Ranallo wouldnt slave me that day either. Habs inside/out says..No More Hee Haw for you.
By Bob
May 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Don’t who that Bob above is, but I was very suprised at how rocking Philips was when I tuned in for the 4th quarter of their last couple of home games. The stadium announcer sounds kind of obnoxious though, he sounds like the guy that does the ingame announcing on those AND1 baller games that ESPN shows.
It’s a stretch to try to argue that the Chicago-Thrashers relationship is working out for anyone other than Chicago. We’re one of the few NHL teams with no control over our AHL affiliate and we’ve had no success in the NHL. Hard to argue against those facts, but I bet Chicago loves having us give them guys like Lehtonen and Pavelec and then allow them to go play all the AHL vet forwards and dmen they want.
I know one thing I’m not hearing right now: Marian Hossa is underachieving in the playoffs.
Yep. Hoss always has been the same player in the playoffs, I first started watching him in the playoffs for Ottawa and was amazed at how strong on the puck he was, he reminded me of Jagr. He’ll be the top UFA this summer, wonder who will snag him. Pens need to sign Malkin long term first, I don’t think they can afford to give Marian a 5 year deal, which is what I think he’ll want. But who knows, mabye they get to the Finals and get close and he’ll opt for a 2 year deal to stay with the Pens, but I doubt it. I think he wants a 5 year deal and no trade clause on a contender, probably $8m per year.
By Russian
May 2, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
I just got this news from Russian Newspaper. Krog and Kiwi will play in Russian Team “Severstal” next year. Now two UFA are gone. Anybody get this news???
By Thorburn's Thugs
May 2, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I just got this news from Russian Newspaper. Krog and Kiwi will play in Russian Team “Severstal” next year. Now two UFA are gone. Anybody get this news???
Nice catch, Russian! No big loss there, I would have recommended NOT re-signing those 2 guys anyways.
In Atlanta, If you WIN, the fans will come. Been that way since the 60’s.
Go Hawks!
By Craig Custance
May 2, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Hokie: Gordon also lives in Atlanta during the offseason, so there’s that.
By Archie
May 2, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
I made the point several months back that the Wolves are simply going all out to capitalize on a hockey market that has long been abandoned by the Blackhawks. Bill Wirtz alienated the local Chicago hockey fans with his policy of no local TV broadcasts, it’s only been in the last year that his son took over after his passing, that the team changed their philosophy and started to win back the local fans. So the Wolves have thought of themselves as “THE” hockey team in Chicago, hence the TV contract. So it’s easy for the Wolves to claim they’re doing their best for Atlanta, but in reality the only things they’re doing in the best interest for the Thrashers are just the things that coincidentally happen to ALSO be in their own best interest. Sure, they’ll play Pavelec in goal, because he’s the best goalie on their roster, not because they want to develop the guy. Sure, they have NHL caliber practice and video facilities, but for their own benefit and not ours.
So I thought the comments in the article were just kind of PC spin, just sugar coating the situation for the sake of not upsetting anybody. Does anybody expect Waddell to publically throw the Wolves, Cheveldayoff or Anderson (a possible head coach candidate) under the bus? That’s exactly what he’d be doing by calling them out.
It’s a huge problem for the Thrashers, any way you slice it. When your prospects aren’t getting playing time in the minors, they can’t develop. And when they are playing, it’s counter-productive to be playing in a different scheme altogether. So the result is you get players that look out of place when they get to the NHL, and the result is that people claim you’ve been drafting poorly when in reality your players are just hitting the proverbial wall in the minors. Compare Chicago to the Gladiators, who play mostly Thrashers prospects, they also win every year too, and go to the playoffs every year.
By Craig Custance
May 2, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Other notes: NBC picked up the option on their NHL contract. It will extend the partnership through next season. Ratings for the Sunday telecast are up 11 percent and 33 percent in the key male 18-49 demo.
By J.B.
May 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Craig,
I’m curious as to whether or not you think Peter Laviolette will be released from the ‘Canes organization. And, if so, do you think that would be a good pick-up for us. I know I’d be in favor of it 100%…
By Craig Custance
May 2, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
JB - Last I heard, Rutherford was in the evaluation stage regarding Laviolette. If he were to hit the open market, I think he’d be a serious candidate for the Atlanta job.
By Mark
May 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
The Canes would be stupid to let Laviolette go. They missed the play-offs because of injuries, not because of his coaching. He’s a good, young coach. Atlanta would be wise to snatch him up of he is available.
By Sara
May 2, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Craig nice to see you haven’t totally abandoned us. ;) How ‘bout those Wings eh? Saw them clinch in Nashville live - talk about an electric crowd. Even getting shut-out on the way to elimination, those fans were loud and proud - and very nice.
Any chance you could do a story this off-season trying to get a behind-the-scenes feel for why we are having trouble signing/retaining prominent FA players? I’m curious to know what impact ownership, or Waddell, or the city/region, etc etc might be having on these decisions/non-decisions. I imagine there are some players and agents you could talk to anonymously right?? :D :D Pretty please?
And don’t be such a stranger all summer!
By Ben
May 2, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
the thing about the Hawks is that their being here having taken place 40 years ago has somewhat grafted them to the community.
By ranallo10
May 2, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Custance — There’s not a doubt in my mind that Atlanta fans can be an intimidating bunch, especially when the team is in an important game. “Blueland” was rocking during the two home games last season, so I’m not surprised to hear that “The Highlight Factory” is blowing up now that the Hawks have actually won a playoff game at home.
The arena is one of the best in the US, so when filled with excited fans it definitely shows off the abilities of the venue. Linda Cohen (i think it was her) said last year that Philips might have the loudest crowd for a hockey game she’d ever heard.
Playoff games will always be loud, but regular season games are a completely different story. I can hear plays called during a Hawks game in January…it’s that silent/empty.
By MB
May 2, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
I was a little surprised by the first Hawks playoff game, only because we were coming off two blow-out losses and conventional wisdom said it would be a sweep.
But I give the fans full credit…they came out and rocked the joint in support of their team. After that win, I wasn’t surprised at all for the Monday night game.
As for Hossa’s rep for disappearing in the playoffs, that’s been way overblown. He’s been a bit up and down, with 30 pts. in 37 games his last three years with Ottawa. But while, in my opinion, he doesn’t disappear, neither does he dominate and carry the team, and I think that’s a fair knock against him when he’s asking for league max dollars.
On our relationship with the Wolves, I think it’s fair to say that it doesn’t work at optimal effectiveness for the NHL club.
For the Thrashers, a fairly new team in a non-traditional market with a smallish fanbase, we need as many elements as possible to work at near maximum effectiveness for us to be championship caliber.
Clearly, when you look at player development, coaching, scouting, player acquisition, and organizational perception, things are not running at maximum effectiveness.
Oy.
By kracker
May 2, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Craig Before I read any more, I’m flagging where you used “right” instead of “write” in the Cheveldayoff quote so you can fix it and then delete this entry :).
If it’s a faithful representation of how Cheveldayoff wrote it, don’t you put [sic] behind the wrong word?
By kracker
May 2, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Interesting news, Russian So we have room for more Thrashers prospects to develop, yes? Probably not though, the Wolves will just sign more career AHLers.
By kracker
May 2, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Scott Gordon has another Atlanta hockey connection: After his playing career ended, Scott was hired as an assistant coach for the IHL Atlanta Knights. It appears he also played for the Kinghts in the 93-94 season.
Scott Gordon goalie bio
By Brendan
May 2, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Hawks did it again. They’re 3-0 at Philips Arena in these playoffs. When Team USA defeated Russia, in the 1980 Olympics, it was one game. If the “37-win” Atlanta Hawks beat the “66-win” Boston Celtics four times in seven games, it has to rank as one of the all-time greatest upsets in sports. In a “best-of-seven” series, the better team usually wins.
This series was a utter mismatch, with sweep written all over it. It was probably tough to place a bet on this series in Vegas. Considering that Boston has won all their home games handily, Atlanta will have to come up with a new “road” game plan or just execute the one they reserve for home games.
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 2, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
As a Red Wings fan, I don’t care if Grand Rapids makes the playoffs or not. I care if is is developing the players so the Red Wings can compete, and it has. Plus, the Red Wings have a first-class organization run by people who know what they are doing. The Wolves have been the only hockey team in Chicago that has been able to win recently, and since they don’t technically have to answer to the Thrashers like other AHL teams do, of course the Wolves are going to try their best to win the AHL since we all know the Blackhawks are far from being a Stanley Cup contender. Seriously, what would Waddell rather have - an AHL affiliate that competes for a title or for his NHL team to compete for a Stanley Cup?
By R. Stroz
May 3, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Craig - How did you like the Hawks game at tonight?
The place was really rockin.
Alan - My apologies, I know this is a hockey blog, but the three Hawks playoff games have been a blast.
Two Thoughts:
1)Winning fills seats.
2)Barely making the playoffs and pulling off an upset of epic proportion may fuel the Spirit’s desire to continue to field mediocre teams that barely reach the playoffs.
By Craig C
May 3, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
tHANK GOODNESS WE TRADED hEATLEY, HE TOOK MY VIRGINITY AWAY DURING A CAR TRIP TO SEE Gavahokie. He was a nut, and drank alot, toughed my doopie. Now Isee Gavs only at Peachtree gay house.
By Tom
May 3, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
The problem with the Wolves relationship is very simple:
Why worry about getting the kids playoff experience in the minors when the system can not get the Thrashers into the playoffs.
By ranallo10
May 3, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
R. Stroz — In response to your thoughts…
1) Let’s see how the increased ticket sales go next season before we can actually say that for this team. Playoff games are going to sell out (they did for the Thrashers too), but the important sales to measure success are regular season tickets.
2) I agree, the ASG has the perfect scenario going for them right now…spend little money, allow for one big acquisition, field a team that can back into the playoffs (with a losing record), and generate a surprising three games of playoff revenue. Hopefully this Hawks run will light a competitive fire in them.
By Sage of Bluesland
May 3, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Silliness, the arrangement with the Chicago Wolves organization…Then again, with bumbling Donny calling all the shots, why should we expect anything but incompetence and substandard performance???
Get used to it, folks—as long as Don Waddell has any significant decision-making authority over anything related to the hockey operations of the Thrashers, buffoonery will result…
Take that to the bank.
By kracker
May 3, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Craig This is a bit OT but always timely, sad to say. What is the latest news from our local soap opera “As the Owners Turn”?
By Brendan
May 3, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
The 30th place team, from 2007, has just secured seven (7) home games’ worth of playoff revenue for its ownership. That’s $14 million in “pure profit.” It might actually closer to $16 million.
Well, how did Philadelphia do it? They had the benefit of knowing that they were sellers at the 2007 trade deadline. They held Peter Forsberg as a bargaining chip. They moved Foppa for (1) Scottie Upshall, who scored the series clinching goal tonight for Philly, (2) blueliner “prospect” Ryan Parent, and Nashville’s 1st and 3rd round picks in 2007. Philly then gave Nashville its 1st round pick back, in exchange for for D-man Kimmo Timonen and LW Scott Hartnell, who also scored an important goal tonight (put Flyers up, 4-3, heading into 3rd period). Note: The Flyers re-signed these players, and OVERPAID a bit in the process, but the ownership was “committed” to fielding a better team for 2008, in hopes of competing for a playoff berth.
In the June draft of 2007, the Flyers selected 2nd overall and got a fantastic prospect in James vanRiemsdyk. The Flyers gave up their #32 overall pick in a trade with Buffalo, that brought goaltender Marty Biron into the fold. In these playoffs, Biron has started all twelve (12) games, with a record of 8-4. They also addressed their goaltending situation by re-signing the promising Antero Niittymaki, again showing “commitment” for the future.
Up next, the July 1st free agency period. The Flyers made a trade that day, acquiring D-man Jason Smith and FW Joffrey Lupul (Oilers got from the Pronger trade with Anaheim) from Edmonton for D-man Joni Pitkanen and LW Geoff Sanderson and the Flyers 3rd round pick in the 2009 Draft. And finally, the Flyers won the Daniel Briere sweepstakes, ponying up $10 million-a-year in a front-loaded contract, that reflected over a $7 million-a-season “cap hit.”
Does this make GM Paul Holmgren the greatest GM in hockey? Shrugs. I don’t think so, but it does reflect good decision-making on his part, aided by committed ownership. The owner has been rewarded handsomely for his willingness to put faith in Holmgren and his staff.
The Flyers have once again reached the Conference Finals. They lost the 2004 CF to Tampa Bay, 4-3. The Flyers lost the 2000 CF to New Jersey, 4-3. The Flyers won the Conference Championship in 1997, but were swept out by the Red Wings in the Finals.
The Flyers lost Conference Finals in 1995 and 1989, as well. Philadelphia last won the Cup in 1975, against Buffalo. The Flyers have lost their last five trips to the Finals, in 1976, 1980, 1985, 1987, and 1997. So, now you know the “rest of the story,” (Copyright, “Paul Harvey News and Comment,” all rights reserved.)
By Kracker
May 4, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
We have a new site called “Rangers Report” it deals with homosexual Atlantans, we have a trivia show Sundays, with games, guests and ptizes. All are welcome
By ranallo10
May 4, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this
Brendan — You forgot to mention the other factors in the big turnaround for the Flyers. They were the highest scoring club the season PRIOR to finishing in last. Due to injuries to key players (such as Simon Gagne), defensive liabilities, and the cohesiveness of the team lacking, a coach was fired and the team floundered. If you recall, it was to the surprise of all hockey analysts that Philadelphia played so poorly in 06/07. That season, they finished last.
The following season, with some key acquisitions and additions, the team was able to bounce back to where they were two seasons prior…scoring at will, and winning.
I’m not taking anything away from their feat, but it’s not a “worst to first” story without the whole perspective.
By Brendan
May 4, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Let me see if I have this correct, Ranallo, you wanted my post to be even longer?
By Brendan
May 4, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
There’s no doubt, Philly had mitigating factors in their “flop” of 2006-07 season. Stanley Cup-winning Head Coach Ken Hitchcock had to go. Which he did. And once the line of demarcation for salvaging the season had been formally and officially crossed, “Operation Tank It” was in full effect for the Flyers. But Philly must be given full credit for firing Hitchcock and brining in Holmgren, and then letting Holmgren and his staff shop for ingredients.
A true “hopeless, hopeless, utterly hopeless” team were the Flyers, of 2006-07?? No. I agree with you there, Ranallo. But, factually, history views the 1987 Detroit Red Wings and 2008 Philadelphia Flyers as the only two clubs to go from LAST to the Conference Finals in the next season. It is what it is, even with mitigating factors.
The Hawks-Celtics Game Seven is about to start. What an upset this would be.
By J (Z)
May 4, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - I went to high school in Roanoke, and am the owner of a Roanoke Express t-shirt…somewhere! I claimed about 5-6 broken sticks after some of their games back in the day.
As for the Hawks, I haven’t watched an NBlAme game in a couple of years, and I am in no way tempted to change that. I guess i’m rooting for the Hawks, but its more out of hatred of all things Boston than anything else :)
But i’m not surprised about Philips, like Craig said, it rocked for the Thrashers in the playoffs, and thats without a single win!
By kracker
May 4, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey, that is not me with the above entry. It should be in a NY blog, seems like.
By kracker
May 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Philly began their retooling by trading Zhitnik for Coburn. A chapter in the “Tale of Two GMs” saga. Tis a woeful tale for Atlanta’s part in it.
By Brendan
May 4, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Kracker, thank you for pointing out my other “oversight.” Boy, is my face red. In addition to the selling of Peter Forsberg, they also traded off Zhitnik to Atlanta for Braydon Coburn. Coburn was a pending RFA and could not have been lost without compensation coming back to Atlanta. Of course, Coburn was hardly given a proper opportunity to develop here in Atlanta. So, this is pure mismanagement of assets. The trade was just the final straw among the mistakes the organization made with Coburn.
By sisu
May 4, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Two players I want to see here: Avery & Ryan Malone. Nice to see Hoss & Dupuis involved in the series winning goal:)
By kracker
May 4, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Well, Brendan that trade is something we don’t like to remember.
For me though, I keep going back to the 2005 entry draft, when Waddell traded down twice from the #8 pick. In doing so he insanely passed on the obvious choice (to me) of center Anze Kopitar, now an LA Kings All-Star, with the 8th pick to take Alex Bourret at the 16 spot. Bourret was traded to the Rangers for Pascal Dupuis and I assume he is playing in the AHL but I have heard nothing of him. He has bad work habits and has been a bust for a first-rounder that Waddell touted highly.
Of course, drafting is an inexact science for sure. I don’t know what needs the other drafting teams needed in 2005 but the Thrashers needed a quality center beyond the pending FA Savard and still need one now. I remember hoping Kopitar would last until the 8 spot and was estatic he was still available. DW may have been gambling he could trade down and still get him and he lost the gamble. More depressing would be that Waddell actually thought the stocky Bourret was a superior player to the 6-4 Kopitar. He did pick up Ondrej Pavelec with a pick garnered by trading down so it is not a total loss.
I can easily propose that replacing Savard’s spot with the developing Kopitar would have made the Thrashers a better team in 06-07 to the point where trading Coburn and also losing more assets to bring in Tkachuk would have been unnecessary. Nothing is for sure but I have to think the Kopitar that cracked the Kings lineup that year would have made the Savard-less Thrashers roster.
This is all useless speculation, I know, but I really wish that DW had just made that choice in the 05 draft.
By Marion Hossa
May 4, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
If the owners don’t care about the fans why do you give them your money??????????
By Brendan
May 4, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing wrong with what you posted, Kracker. It just adds to the indefensibility of retaining Waddell as GM.
I’ll agree, certainly, that drafting is an inexact Science. And, I’d also agree, that hindsight tends to be 20/20, but I voiced my concern over passing up the #8 overall pick to move back to #12, and later #16, as well. My overwhelming thought process at that time was … nobody between #8 and #16 better turn into anything good. And yes, Ondrej Pavelec came to Atlanta from those moves.
It’s not as if we have “inadequate sampling” of the Waddell Administration to make a determination on his future for Atlanta. Everything happening now … is a “business decision.”
By Bob
May 4, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
So, uh, nice game by 18 on the Pens today, eh?
Yep, quite the playoff disappearing act that guy is.
By Mike
May 4, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
So everyone seems to think that Hossa is back. He is a disappearing act when it comes to the playoffs, except when he has people like Crosby and Malkin to lead the way. Hossa cannot lead a team in the playoffs, he instead has to have someone else carry his sorry @$$ to the championship. In Ottawa, he was asked to carry the team. Here, he was asked to carry the team. In Pittsburg, they’ve asked Crosby and Malkin to carry the team. Hossa can ride their play to the championship and maybe score a goal or two along the way.
Hossa, I hope you don’t win. You are a worthless coward and if you ever step foot in Atlanta I will personally kick your @$$.
By ranallo10
May 5, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Mike — Hossa may be second fiddle to Crosby and Malkin, but do you really discount his production this playoffs as not being integral? He had two goals tonight, including the OT game winner…
I personally feel he plays as expected during the playoffs, and averaging a point per game (as he does in the regular season) is solid production. I would want him on my team during the playoffs…again.
By Mike
May 5, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
ranallo10 His goals tonight were clutch, no question about it. He’s a great player, no question about that either. I’d want him on my team in the playoffs, no doubt. However, I do not trust him to be my top player on that roster. He has shown that he isn’t the type of player to lead a team, at least in production. A point per game is decent, superstars usually produce more than a point per game in the playoffs. Someone like Joe Sakic has more than a point per game, and I don’t think Hossa is at that same elite playoff level that guys like Sakic are at.
By ranallo10
May 5, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Mike — Understood. Perhaps Hossa isn’t the type of player that takes a team and puts them on his shoulders…but he’s the perfect complimentary piece to a strong roster, and is clearly a great player.
By Bob
May 5, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Dude, Hossa carried this team on our playoff run year, on his back.
He is a top 10 forward in this league, without a doubt.
He dogged it all this past year for one reason only, he had already decided he was out of here, and who could blame him? Our fearless leader’s big offseason moves last year were, get ready, Todd White at top line center and Ken Klee.
I blame him not one bit for mailing it in all year until he got out of here.
I’m sure you’ll be dogging Kovalchuk when he does the same.
By Craig Custance
May 5, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
I think Marian’s role in Pittsburgh is perfect for him. I don’t think he necessarily craves the role as the team leader and the player who carries the team. But if that’s true, do you pay him superstar money, like I’m sure his camp will demand this summer? I also wonder if he’d take less to play in an ideal situation, especially if he enjoys Pittsburgh.
By Thrasher_Ed
May 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Craig Custance, What does the AJC have you doing the days? Anything new on the coaching front? I think we would all like to start moving forward with some Free Agent news and talk! I like the idea of adding Peter Lav. from Carolina as our coach. I’d also like to bring back an Andrew Brunette to add a stronger net presence. Anybody think Pascal Dupius might return? I really liked him in his 1-1.5 here. I like Pittsburgh in 6 games and Detroit in 5 to advance to the Stanley Cup finals, then Detroit in 7 games for the Cup. Franzen has been unreal the last 10 days or so.
By kev
May 5, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Does anyone realize that the Wolves are AVERAGE in terms of AHL-only contracts which they have signed. The Wolves have signed 7 players to AHL-only contracts. It isn’t the Wolves fault that the THRASHERS and WADDELL have signed aging AHL vets like Krog, Haydar, Pilar, and Kwiatowski.
Guess how many combined games these Detroit players have played with their AHL team in Grand Rapids: Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Rafalski, Cleary, Holmstrom, Samuelsson, Franzen, Chelios, Lilja, Drake, Maltby, Downey, and Hasek. Those players have a combined total of 10 games played with Grand Rapids.
Six of Detroit’s roster players have played significant numbers of games with their AHL team: Hudler, Fillpula, Kronwall, Lebda, Kopecky, and Osgood.
Detroit is not built from homegrown talent as Custance would have you believe.
How many “homegrown” Thrashers spent time in the NHL this year: Lehtonen, Pavelec, Exelby, Stuart, Lavallee, Little, Sterling, Popovic and Valabik. Does Slater count since he skipped the AHL? I guess not. Many of those listed above will make the team next year.
The Thrashers issues are the Thrashers and not the Wolves. The Wolves are well-coached and are doing what they need to be doing which is making the playoffs and contending for the Calder Cup.
No, the Wolves haven’t churned out excessive numbers of NHL players TO THE THRASHERS in the 7 year affiliation that they have had with Atlanta, but has anyone defined what numbers are acceptable in a relatively short 7-year period? Does anyone know how many NHL players have played with the Wolves coughCoburncough but now play or have played with other NHL teams?
By T-Bone
May 5, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Jeremy Roenick is rumored to be a potential UFA signing for the Thrashers. As ludicrous as this idea is on its face, with The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight in charge, anything is possible. We are truly becoming the waystation for over-the-hill NHL’ers looking to bag a few more Benjamins before calling it a career and moving on down to Florida with Espo and the boys.
By MB
May 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Oh, I pray that doesn’t happen, T-Bone.
Please tell me you got that from Eklund or a similar unreliable source.
By Maury
May 5, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Wolve’s Development System Remember LaVallee, who made a seemless transiton into the NHL at the end of this season, who tied for the lead in AHL play off goals last year, is playing on the 4th. line, behind 8 career AHLers, basically killing penalities,very little even strength, in the play offs this year. What a waste of talent.
By Chris LiPuma
May 5, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Roenick is clutch - He will have more game winners than half our roster will have goals. Too bad it won’t happen, Waddell does not get along with JR all because of the hotel room crap that went in with USA hockey awhile ago.
By Marian Hossa
May 6, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
I am Marian, se glad to leace the slum of Atlanta, and be in playoffs with great team. When here, coach say go get Cup, I tell him already have one trainer give me. Maybe next year I play in Montreal, better to play with other like me in Kovalev, we both not listen to coach. Need better players with size there, play like ballerinas, say go hit someone, they hit me, Marian. Habs inside/out site says hello to GavaHokie, he like boys, like me.
By Terry in Dahlonega
May 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Craig,
I know what the problem is. The Thrashers need to go back to The Ultimate Warrior Jerseys. That will fix everything.
By ToF
May 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
MB T-Bone Are you two nuts?? JR would be an awesome acquisition. No, I don’t mean his production, and not his leadership either. Personality and name recognition. JR is a guy who could sell the game to ATL. His interviews are leaps and bounds better than anyone else on the team. Stick him on talk radio and he would be golden for ATL. Also, he’s an American; that has to win over nascar fans, right? Next, he’s Jeremy !@#$%^& Roenick! Think of the Autograph potential. Easy access to the #2 American born player of all time would be killer.
By R. Stroz
May 6, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
After reading Craig’s article concerning the Chicago Wolves, I came away with the feeling that Chicago is looking after Chicago and if a few Thrashers prospects will help Chicago, then those prospects will be used.
Otherwise, Chicago has little concern for the Thrashers.
The Wolves GM and Coach appear to be more savvy than the Thrashers GM/Coach. The result, the Wolves are nearly always in the playoffs and the Thrashers are nearly always not in the playoffs.
By Bob
May 6, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
That pretty much sums it up, Stroz.
Waddell has the anti-Midas touch. Everything he touches on this club from setting up the relationship with Chicago to drafts to signing UFAs is just broke.
By GaVaHokie
May 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Habs inside/out may be no more, as their moderator posted a You Tube video he made called “Hitler Loves the Flyers”. Now everyone is going to Habs inside/out and having a field day with Mr Boone and his insensitive video. Whats really funny is that ALL Montreal fans are laughing about it. Guess 6 million victims wasnt enough for them.
By GaVaHokie
May 6, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Habs inside/out may be no more, as their moderator posted a You Tube video he made called “Hitler Loves the Flyers”. Now everyone is going to Habs inside/out and having a field day with Mr Boone and his insensitive video. Whats really funny is that ALL Montreal fans are laughing about it. Guess 6 million victims wasnt enough for them.
Stealing my screenname to make holocaust jokes… real funny psychopath… must be hard to type with a straight-jacket.
By Lanny McDonald
May 6, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Craig, Any idea why Waddell went back on his word with Montreal in the Hossa trade? What made him change his mind to switch to Pittsburgh at the last minute? Apparently, Montreal made roster adjustments (Huet trade) to accomodate for this (they thought they were getting Moose).
These Hab trolls still haven’t gotten over this so it seems, hence their un-ending desire to come on here and harass us.
Any ideas?
By MB
May 6, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
ToF, so you want to bring in a guy 5 years past the end of his prime who would probably put up 20 - 30 pts. for the Thrashers, all because he gives a decent interview and he’s an American.
And you’re calling me nuts?
Name recognition, huh? Ask random Atlantans who Jeremy Roenick is and see if more than 15% give you the right answer. Heck, I’d be surprised if more than half of them could tell you who Gretzky, Lemieux, or Crosby is.
Sorry, ToF, we have farrrr too many real needs to worry about bringing in a guy for his mediocre (in this market) marketing potential.
By ranallo10
May 6, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Lanny — I know this sounds a little harsh, but it’s not Don Waddell’s fault for Gainey trading Huet. If Gainey felt a trade was in place, and merely awaiting a signature, it’s his prerogative to jettison his spare parts (Huet). However, it’s also a preemptive move, and CAN come back to bite him…which it did this time (apparently).
Any GM worth his weight in salt would know that a deal is not consummated until it clears with league officials. If Gainey decided to make a trade with Washington BEFORE Atlanta’s trade was cleared, it’s his problem. Waddell has no obligation to trade with Montreal simply due to having the proposal in his hands, he has the right to take the best offer available.
I have no sympathy for Montreal regarding this situation.
By Lanny McDonald
May 6, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I have no sympathy for Montreal regarding this situation.
Yeah, me neither. I was just wondering if Craig knew exactly what happened because I have been reading on some of the MTL boards and they keep crying about this, so obviously something happened. I just think it’s funny they are trying to blame Waddell.
By Brendan
May 6, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
I don’t even think Waddell’s biggest critic, Sage of Bluesland, would blame Waddell over the Huet trade. That’s “straight up” Montreal’s doing. Iffff Gainey thought he had a deal in place with Atlanta, he must hold off on the Huet trade until the Hossa & Hedberg trade is consummated. No matter how “late” in the day that becomes.
Without knowing a thing about it, engaging 100% in speculation, I think no trade materialized between Montreal and Atlanta because Gainey didn’t like the terms of the Hossa “rental.” At least, that’s his story in post-trade deadline comments I taped off NHL TV, at the February deadline.
Welllllll. If Gainey didn’t like the terms, why did he move Huet anyway?? Okayyyy. Fiiine. He felt he had Halak as a capable-enough backup, and that Huet would cost too much down the road, so why not pick up a “pick,” since he had such “faith” in Carey Price. Allrightee then.
Again, how is this Waddell’s fault???
That’s a straight-up Bob Gainey decision. It’s not as if Waddell said, “Hey Bob, I think you should trade Huet to Washington, a division-rival of ours. I think the Caps might part with a 2nd rounder. What about it?”
Chuckling. Heyyy, maybe Gainey did it to punish Waddell for not offering better terms for Hossa? Gainey thought, perhaps, “You don’t do this deal with us, and I’ll give Washington the goalie who’ll give you “fits” in the coming years, within your division.”
Hmmn. Even I’m not buying that one. It was a mistake to give Huet to anyone. That’s the Habs “1-2” punch for the coming years, no offense to Halak, who is a promising goalie.
Had Carey Price gotten Montreal to the Conference Finals, everyone would be lauding Gainey for his bold confidence in Price. Price is still a good goalie. He’ll be their #1 guy next season, barring something strange happening in this offseason.
By Tony C.
May 7, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this
Way the rumor mill has it:
Gainey and DW were haggling over MTL’s 1st-round pick and who else DW was going to give other than Hossa and Hedberg.
SuperMario called Shapiro and told him that short of anybody on the big-league club anything was on the table to get Hossa-and he expected either Hossa or a resignation letter by the end of the day.
DW gave Gainey one last crack and apparently Gainey wouldn’t budge on the pick or another roster player (I’m guessing defender), so DW took Pittsburgh offer (which by the way, if Esposito lives up to half his hype could be very well thought of-especially if the stud defender-prospect hopefully even DW isn’t dense enough to pass on).
By GaVaHokie
May 7, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Tony C… that was my understanding as well. Good explanation.
By Tony H
May 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Well, Knight’s gone now. Why couldn’t the Thrashers be so lucky.
By Brendan
May 7, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Imagine in the “joy” in Hawksland knowing that the “cancer” has been extracted? But, but, but, but, who will take over for Knight?
If they picked Eugene or Rusty, two guys waitin’ for the bus, it’d be an improvement over Knight. Good for the Hawks.
By Tony C
May 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Gavs, Thanks man, that was some great doopie you gave me at HABS INSIDE/OUT site last night. Maybe we can go to Peach Tree Street festival and get our names tattooed also. My former man wont mind, as I became a free agent recently, a regular Hee Haw Hoe. Whats the difference between an Italian Grandma and an elephant?..Fifty pounds and a black dress.
By GaVaHokie
May 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I love my man Tony, O yes I do…..He comes here and visits, red white and blue….He wants to now make me, a legitamate girl,…and even a pet name,..he calls me his Pearl.