AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHossa finds another gear in playoffs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, let’s talk some on-ice hockey. Those Penguins are looking really good. A Detroit-Pittsburgh finals seems inevitable and both teams look capable of winning the Stanley Cup. The amazing thing about the Penguins is that they seem to find different ways to win each night. We know all about Crosby, Malkin and Hossa - but how ‘bout that defense? Philly had 18 shots last night. That’s it. Shoot, I’ve seen 18 shots on the Thrashers before I had my laptop unpacked in the press box. That’s a heck of a performance.
And how about Hoss? He scored the game-winner last night and added an empty-netter. That’s five goals in the last four games if you’re keeping track. He’s also been dominant on both ends of the ice and I think it’s safe to say that the Penguins aren’t 11-1 (the best playoff run since the ‘83 Oilers, and that team wasn’t so bad now was it?) without Marian. It also begs the question - would Montreal, who came pretty darn close to landing Hossa, still be around if they made the deal? And, let’s say the Penguins don’t win the Stanley Cup and Hossa walks this summer, is that still a good deal for Pittsburgh?
Other former Thrashers news: Braydon Coburn, who missed Tuesday night’s game, vows to return - just as soon as he can open his eye.
Now it’s Daniel Briere getting ripped for a lack of performance in the playoffs, not Hossa. Ryan Dixon, with the Hockey News, said that Briere is disappearing when it matters most.
Thrashers update: Not much has changed on the Thrashers front. Yes, there’s uncertainty about Don Waddell’s role but that said, I’ve been told he will be running the draft, he is running the coaching search and has full authority to hire the next head coach, with ownership approval. The Thrashers would like to keep the coaching search as discreet as possible as this e-mail from Bruce Levenson confirms: “[Waddell] is running a very private process and neither he nor ownership will comment on individual candidates during that process.” Now that doesn’t stop me from talking to the possible candidates and those who I’ve spoken with have said they haven’t been interviewed. Waddell has said that the plan is to do all the interviews around the same time, so they aren’t at that point yet. Expect two or three candidates to ultimately get interviewed when the team gets to that point. The team also continues to deny the rumors that former Vancouver GM Dave Nonis has been contacted or that there is interest there. One name you’re not hearing, who would be a good option is Kevin Cheveldayoff. The Thrashers already have a good relationship with the Chicago Wolves GM, and they could do a lot worse than bringing him into the fold in Atlanta. He’s a bright hockey mind, well respected in the league, and was a finalist for the Phoenix job last year.
Hartley’s options: Bob Hartley has spent most of May in his Montreal cottage but between now and when he starts running his summer hockey camps, I’m sure he’ll be fielding a lot of phone calls from potential employers. “It’s going to be interesting,” he said when we chatted the other day. But, boy he’s looking good right now, isn’t he? In fact, I’d say he joins Ron Wilson as the best candidate on the market right now. Whether you liked Bob or not, his success with the Thrashers and Colorado is undeniable and it certainly doesn’t hurt his cause that the Thrashers went in the tank this season after he left. I think he’d be a great fit in Ottawa but I want him in the Southeast so I can deal with him eight times a year. I can’t be the only one who misses quotes like “no more Romper Room.”
Mellanby to Vancouver: We knew that Scott Mellanby wanted to stay in the game under the right role, and sounds like he got it in Vancouver. The former Thrashers captain was just hired as a special assistant to new Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis and the hockey operations department. I think that’s a great hire, and it’s too bad that the Thrashers and Mel never could get on the same page to work something out.
The big hangup with the Thrashers was that Mellanby wanted to stay in St. Louis with his family especially while his children were in school. Evidently that wasn’t an issue with the Canucks since Scott will still work from St. Louis. “The bottom line is Mike [Gillis] wanted me to be involved and after speaking with him and meeting with him, I wanted to be involved,” Mellanby said by cell on the way to the airport. “My role will be a little more defined as we go along.”
Comments
By NASCAR Dave
May 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Don FRAUDell been FIRED yet???
Is he DONE Waddell yet???
Has DAVE NONIS or PAT QUINN been hired as GM yet???
JOHN ANDERSON or RON WILSON been hired as Coach yet???
Has LEHTONEN been re-signed yet???
WHAT THE F+++ IS TAKING SO DAMN LONG???
WHAT are we WAITING on???
F+++ING DO SOMETHING!!!
NUFF SAID.
By B. Thenet
May 14, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Regarding the Flyers, it is amazing how bad a teams offense can look when you are missing two solid puck moving defenseman in Timmonen and Coburn. That is one area that the Thrashers need a serious upgrade in.
Craig Do you have any updates on how DW is doing with getting prospects signed. I know Kulda is still playing with the Wolves, but hopefully he has been in contact with Enlund, Esposito, and Zubarev.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
May 14, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Custance for GM!
By LAC
May 14, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Well CRAIG… Like how you ignored my requests for a question to waddell… But I suppose it is NOT surprising now is it CRAIG ?
waddell still running the show means more DOOM & GLOOM for the Thrashers… While they may own the team, these thumb sucking liars are clueless at the mess they have on their hands and waddell IS THE MASTER MIND OF IT ALL !
They need to admit they were wrong and FIRE waddell now, not after the draft when he SCREWS it up AGAIN, or hires a BAD coach when other WINNERS, something waddell is a far removed from as they get, are ready to go.
Someone said what does it take to get fired by these owners ? An attack on their person ?
I just marvel at the prospect of more losing, more waddell destroying everything here and we the PAYING fans get the shaft.
These owners should put up as good a defense on the ice as they do for waddell, how can owners like these continue to protect him when he is the direct result of the problems at hand ?
Well,the asg IS the LAUGHING STOCK of the NHL and all professional sports, they have to be the dumbest collection of nitwits ever assembled to run anything, let alone a pro sports team or two…
The quicker they get out the better we will all be, Let’s face it, asg does NOT want to win, does not know how to win and puts a team on the ice that will not win… Thanks you bunch of liars, and levenson, I still will put my companies on the line for your spot, I wll kick your you know what real good, but you, like CRAIG have NO GUTS…
By Bob
May 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
No suprise to me at all how Hoss is doing, in fact I called it before the playoffs started. He’s always been a heck of a performer and top 10 forward in this league, and he’s showing it once again. It’s unfair for Briere to get labeled, he’s not a bad player, he simply is getting locked down, watch what Staal does to him in the game.
I blame Hoss not one bit for wanting out of here, he saw they were leaving Waddell in charge. It’s the same reason I left the ranks of season ticket holders, no way this significantly improves with Waddell still calling the shots.
Pens D is playing great, Gonchar once again flies quietly under the radar, I like his play a lot. Brooks Orpik is a good d man as well. I don’t care for Derwood’s analysis much, but he was spot on last night in comparing the Pens D to the Canes D the year the Canes won the Cup. They are underappreciated but playing great and getting the job done. The Wings will be the ultimate test for them, Fleury is going to have to play lights out as well.
I would love to see Hoss skate the Cup. Anyone get their year end ThrashTalk in the mail? I love Waddell’s spin about how he and Hoss have a great relationship and that Hoss left on great terms and is alluding to a chance that he’ll re-sign Hoss. Yeah right
By Smoothie
May 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
No doubt Hossa is playing well on both ends of the ice — and he is the perfect conservative complement to Sid the Kid. And he is certainly benefitting from all of the attn paid to # 87 on the offensive end. But Duper is deserving of some of the credit for opening things up with his hard, scrappy work in the corners.
But let’s face it, Hossa cannot carry a team like a Malkin, Crosby Ovi or Jagr. He played really well here when he was the second line option behind Kovy and roaming the red-line while defenses shifted attn towards Kovy’s one-timer on the PP. I would love to still have Hossa, but I don’t think he is in the category of elite, dominant players who command the $10 M / year salary. His market rate should be no higher than $7.5 - 8 M IMHO.
the Smooth one
By Brendan
May 14, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I’m happy Mellanby found the situation he was looking for. Good for him! It’s not easy having a special needs child in the house. And Mellanby being able to remain at home is a huge consideration.
Craig, I hope Hossa wins the Conn Smythe Trophy and get a nice 7-year deal in Detroit, like he wants. Though, if Pittsburgh wins the Cup, and Hossa is the guy who stuck the needles to them, I’m not sure how well received he might be in the motor city so soon after a fresh wound. Who knows? Maybe the mood in “Hockeytown” would be, “If we just had Hossa, we would have won.”
Ummn, we should look at it the other way, too. If Detroit wins, and Hossa lays a giant egg in the Finals, maybe Detroit is a little less ‘hung-ho’ to ink Hossa to a longterm deal. What nobody can take away from Hossa, in this year’s playoffs, is his performance through three (3) rounds.
By Brendan
May 14, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Uhhh, make that “gung-ho.” I’m starting to sound like a disgruntled Habs fan.
By joyaman
May 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
How to Rebuild a Hockey Club for Dummies
Hire a GM before the draft, not a coach.
Kick old GM upstairs, but neuter his ability to make hockey-related decisions.
Define the intended direction and personality of Atlanta Thrashers Hockey (Hmmmm, now that’s a new concept)
Let the new GM filter and veto the opinions of the current scouting staff at the draft.
New GM hires qualified coach he can work collaboratively with, but with full knowledge of who hired whom.
New GM overhauls Player Personnel Department, keeping pro scouts in place until the UFA period has passed.
Head to camp with retooled roster and a realistic hope of yielding fewer goals while rebuilding over time.
-joyaman
By ranallo10
May 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I hope Hossa wins the Conn Smythe Trophy and get a nice 7-year deal in Detroit, like he wants.
When did Hossa say or allude that he wanted to play in Detroit?
It’s unfair for Briere to get labeled, he’s not a bad player, he simply is getting locked down
I agree, this can be said about nearly every star player in the NHL when it comes to underperforming in the playoffs. Some players are able to excel despite the extra pressure, others are not. That doesn’t take away from their abilities. Thornton is being talked about as being a playoff underperformer…JOE F-N THORNTON!! Some people just like to find excuses, rather than giving props to the opponents when it is due.
Pittsburgh’s D is underappreciated, but I’d say it’s better than Carolina’s back in 2006 based on talent alone. Gonchar flies “under the radar” to the media, just like Zubov, but nobody (in my opinion) from Carolina’s Cup winning team competes with Gonchar. Orpik’s good, Letang is a solid young prospect, and Whitney is pretty good as well. I’d rather Pittsburgh’s defense than the cohesive Carolina defense that won The Cup.
By GaVaHokie
May 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
wow… aren’t we all crazy today… I can sense Craig’s vacation bliss is wearing off as he reads these comments.
Hossa is benefiting from being on a team that generates SHOTS ON NET!! A lot of his goals are generated from picking up junk in front of the net.
By joyaman
May 14, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Brendan:
“Hung-ho” was way funnier. I’d just let it stand. ;-) joyaman
By GaVaHokie
May 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Now that doesn’t stop me from talking to the possible candidates and those who I’ve spoken with have said they haven’t been interviewed.
Craig… now, who might those people be? ;)
By GaVaHokie
May 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Hire a GM before the draft, not a coach.
What new GM (besides Nonis) coming in would be prepared for this upcoming draft? The most they could look into is the Top 30 prospects… even someone like Quinn who’s familiar with junior hockey wouldn’t have the insight Waddell has. Most likely the new GM will end up using Dan Marr’s advise or… perhaps even… Don Waddell’s.
By ranallo10
May 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Hokie — I’d bet Anderson, DeBoers, and Scott Gordon…I don’t expect the veteran coaches to make the ASG’s list due to their contract size.
By Nascar Dave
May 14, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie is our boy, do da do da, Nascar gets it up the butt, Oh a doo da day. Gavs is a sweet slave, Nas is all the rave, better get to the Georgia400, the gay boys will be taken by then, doo daa.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
May 14, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Mandingo, will you spank me at Habs inside/out. Lucious lips, and juicy hips, a REAL hockey slave. Hey BOY, thats not what the stick is for.
By Tony C.
May 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Hokie: Probably the guys we’d like to see as the new hire. Looks like we’re going to get DeBoer-he’s cheap.
By Norm Maracle
May 14, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Briere has been a proven player in the playoffs up to this year, see his stats in Buffalo. Hossa is enjoying the space he’s getting. He will cash in. Craig, Why don’t we have a new GM yet? Draft is rapidly approaching and we need some decisions made. This is the joke franchise of the NHL. Blueland, Waddell, C.Fraser, all the old free agents we sign (that get hurt and never play), its all so laughable. When does it end? The future isn’t bright. DW is libel to trade the third pick for a dozen pucks and some Labatts, I keep waiting to see that we signed Shanahan, another old washed up guy!!! Sad, love this team and hockey but it gets harder and harder with all of this in-activity.
By Brendan
May 14, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Right before the Thrashers played Detroit, where he scored a hat trick, Hossa said, “I’m really looking forward to playing before those fans in Detroit.”
By Dingo Warrior
May 14, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Why the H&ll is this coaching search so private? This is so stupid. It’s like the Hawks or Clippers. I think it’s private because they’re MORONS and have no idea what they’re doing. I’m talking about DW and the owners. They act like were coming off a 100 point season. No, you know how they’re acting, JUST LIKE OUR TEAM PLAYED. NO URGENCY, NO DIRECTION, NOTHING. Gutless.
By Dingo Warrior
May 14, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Camptown races, sing this song doo daa doo daa. General Lee separates the races, oh doo daa day. Shine up those boys, guns aint no toys, camptown races sing this song, Atlanta,s now for Gays.
By Hockeyfan
May 14, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Craig yes the Thrashers tanked long after Hartley given the boot but how did Hartley do in the playoffs last year and the start of the season this year? Kinda the same as how he did after winning the cup in Colorado…
I agree Cheveldayoff should be on the short list for GM here.
Surprised Levenson climbed out of the rock he has been hiding under long enough to crank out an email. He needs to go back in seclusion and let Gearon by the main owner to deal with the public and the media.
By Hockey Fan
May 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Craig, no, the Thrashers yanked it long and hard. After Hartley wanted Gavs and Nascar Dave for duppie.You need to go back into seclusion at Spring Road Waffle House. Kinda the same homos here after losing the bathhouse.
By Joe
May 14, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
To all the nay sayers about the Hossa trade to Pittsburgh. To all of those who say he would be a “no show” in the playoffs and that the Penguins would regret the trade. At the end of the day, he is the best two way forward on the ice. This trade has already paid dividends, regardless of whether he is resigned or not. He is nplaying at his highest potential, partly because he is in a system that compliments his two way style. Unfortunately or the Thrashers, they are loaded with players that are one way…at best. Time for some serious retooling inn Atlanta. It starts at the top. Waddell must go.
By David
May 14, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
I’ve said a few times that I don’t think the season would have been any worse with Hartley behind the helm all year, so i’m sure his stock is just fine. He’ll land a good job, probably better than atlanta.
As for our coach…Wilson would be my first choice, Anderson second. I think it’s important for the team to have a high profile coach, which is why Ron is my first choice.
Hossa is a great palyer, nobody ever has said otherwise. However, in the past he’s been absent in the playoffs. I still personally think he’s underproducing for his salary. Yeah, i said it. But for a rental, Pitt is probably happy. The question is will they be happy next season without him and Armstrong and company. But, i guess if it wins you the cup, all is happy.
On another note…go stars
By Hockey Fan
May 14, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Regardless of the sport, it remains the same. Successful sports franchises are linked to the quality of the organization. It is is top down. The Thrashers are a wreck. Player development is non existent. There is a decided lack of a clear approach or system. Waddell has a well deserved reputation as a hockey person. But, at the end of the day, it is about results. This franchise lacks momentum, direction, and a plan. I will bet all I have that Kovalchuck is counting his days until he can get out of here. I see no other marquis name’s in site. Is it possible that Calgary could have two teams? This franchise is in serious trouble and jeopardy. the Atlanta fan base is very fickle and I see the fan base eroding rapidly. poor trades (Tcachuck for nothing. Zitnik for Coburn) have sunk this franchise for several years. Complete lack of vision and leadership. Time for serious change!
By Gavs
May 14, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Joe, I couldnt agree with you more If you go to Hockeys Futures and see the Thrashers rated near the bottom of prospects in the league. Montreal is ranked secod, just so Y.all knows . The trades last season to get Waklanta its first playoff berth, and possibly its last, cost the team most of our good young talent. It will take many drafts to get this sinking ship righted. Question for all you Georgia Teach drop outs, Last year, you traded prospects for veteran players for a one year sweep. This year, you tradea star veteran foward for third and fourth liners. Where,s the consistancy?
By Donald
May 14, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
David, Hockeyfan and Joe, wanna join Nascar Dave at the Spring Road GHHL gAY Mens hockey tournament to be held next month. We are accepting applications, Dave will supply them at Peachtree Street Manwhore house at 11 Pine Grove and Peachtree.
By hockey fan
May 14, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
David. No doubt the Penguins paid a big time price for Hossa. Armstrong, Christensen, Esposito, and a first round draft pick was a serious price for Hossa, especially given there are no guarantees of resigning him. But make no mistake, with or withou Hossa, there is a LONG TERM plan IN PLACE. Bringing Shero in as GM has been hugely important and has solidified their likely dominance for the foreseeable future. You build thru the draft and bring in pieces that address specific needs. Hossa, Hal Gill and Dupuis are excellent examples. In addition, this team is loaded with prospects. Crosby, Malkin, Orpik, whitney, Malone, Letang, Kennedy, Whitney, Talbot and Fleury are all in there EARLY twenties. Their farm system is loaded. Carl Sneep,Alex Goligoski, David Brown, are perfect examples of future stars in waiting. That is the product of having several very lean years and then drafting very wisely and then having the wisdom to having a patient approach to bringing them along. The Thrashers have been in a very similar position as the Pens relative to their draft psoition over the past several years, but yet have nowhere near the talent in their system. You can only point to the personnel decision makers within the organization as those to blame.
By Eileen
May 14, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
I have been watching and commenting on Hossa’s play since he left. He looks great on and off the ice. It is hard to watch him knowing that if the situation had been different, he would still be here. Having said that, congrats to him for playing so well in Pittsburgh and enjoying a winning team.
By Joe
May 14, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Donald. Not entirely sure whatyou mean by your post.. But if you are interested in dropping the gloves….Lets get it on!
By Mr Butler
May 14, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Eileen, your remarks about Georges seem very racist to me. Hossa also is not a homosexual,, as are many male posters here, as well as during your Civil War, captown pansies sing that song, do daa do daa. Lee,s gonna get ya in a pumped up tent, run, rebel run. Here comes the oil, here comes the grease, camptown thrasheres sing that song, tie the oiled hog down.
By joe
May 14, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Donald, my Mom would be interested in your Gay hockey league, are refored Lesbians with staches allowed, as Dave has this thang against womem, he and you were spanked by tour daddys, then turned around and said, Now do me, boy.” Real Southern swingers them that folks are. Beverly Hillbillies, anyone? Wanna fight, or kiss, Americant.
By David
May 14, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I think Atlanta has plenty of young talent in their system. I just think they’ve been hesitant to play them. Chicagohasn’t been so successful for no reason.
By Donald
May 14, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
David, your comment about Atlanta having good prospects is a joke, are you paying attention, watching too much Hee Haw, smoking a bong, or sniffing poppers with Gavs and Nascar Gayve. Secondly, you said Chicago hasnt been successful for no reason, compared to Hotlanta, yes. Compared to the rest of the free world, they have been a Northern Thrashers for two decades. Pass the bags, smoke some more sh.. Bong time.
By Tony C.
May 14, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
It’s crazy that this guy knows the physical location of a manwhorehouse.
I tell you his stuff just cracks me up
By nu
May 14, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
I’m just curious - isn’t there any way to edit or monitor the comments? Reading all the obscene comments from people with far too much time on their hands is an unwelcome annoyance and a distraction from the people with RELEVANT things to say. In fact, I’m pretty sure most newspapers have policies to prevent this sort of thing, even in the blogs.
Sorry if you’ve all gotten used to it; I’m not blaming you, Craig.
By old
May 14, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
I,m not curious, as my kissin cuzin, male of corse is named NU, and will come on asking for Gezstapo moderators to intervene. This site hasnt had it so good.Mr Canada, troll, or whatever he calls himself is right on and a riot to many of us. Leave him alone. Bring it on Hab Troll. I love you.
By ranallo10
May 14, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
For those interested in doing something about the annoyances, take a look through the Visitor Agreement link at the bottom of the page—I’ve hyperlinked it here for your ease.
Under “Specific Prohibited Uses”:
• Uploading, posting, emailing, transmitting or otherwise making available any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, libelous, or obscene;
• Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or otherwise misrepresenting your affiliation with a person or entity;
We invite you to send in your questions or comments about this website, or to bring to our attention any material you believe to be inaccurate. Please send such comments, including a copy of any material you wish to discuss to:
Hyde Post Vice President, Internet Operations The Atlanta Journal-Constitution P.O. Box 4689 Atlanta, Georgia 30302 Email: hpost@ajc.com
So yeah, do with that what you feel is most appropriate.
By ranallo10
May 14, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Just joking, Personally, I wiped my a* with it.
By The Joker
May 15, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
How to you cure a Habs troll?
Areate his head with a 357.
BOOM, BOOM, OUT GO THE LIGHTS
By Buzilla Baby Blues
May 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Lets bring Hossa father in for an interview for coach. Then we can go out and get the Hossa brothers
By Donald
May 15, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
How do you get rid of a “Joker”, tell him the difference between his Moms and an elephante is 50 pounds and a Black boyfriend, err, Dress.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Martin Erat’s contract was rejected by the NHL. Does not conform to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
By FormerIslesFan
May 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
In other Thrashers’ news, did anyone hear about what happened to Kovy at the World Championships? This from espn.com:
A scary moment came with 6:47 left the game, when Russia’s Ilya Kovalchuk took a major penalty and a game misconduct — earning an automatic suspension for the semifinal — after a charge on Julien Vauclair. The Swiss defenseman was down for several minutes and attended to by trainers on the ice before refusing a stretcher and skating off the ice under his own power.
By GaVaHokie
May 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
How about this one on Kovalchuk? Looks like he’s letting off some frustrations for not being in the playoffs. :)
By B. Thenet
May 15, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
From what I have read, it was a pretty clean hit, unfortunately Ilya got a game misconduct. Since he got another game misconduct for a “fight”(no gloves dropped) after he defended one of his teammates who caught a cheapshot he will miss the semi-finals with a suspension.
By Ilya Kolvachuk
May 15, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
You morons dont understand, first I have to play for an organization like the Thrashers, lose, lose, lose.No prospects, no Hossa, and these idiot fans here complain about other teams. HA. The Wodka here is horrible, Waffle Houses everywhere, traffic all over. I be late, coach fine Ilya. I say trade me to Pittasburgh or Montreal, good teams with talent. The even open a new Manehorehouse on Spring and Grover.
By Donald
May 15, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
To my fans, coming home tomorrow, will arrive at 3pm at the Hartsfield, please have the Palace at Peidmont and Ponce De clean for me. Now for some terrible news. A man was found dead yesterday at the College Park fieldhouse, wearing a Thrashers sweater, hi heels, wig, make up, a dress with a dildo. After observing the scene and filing a report, the officers took off the SWEATER as to not cause his family further embarrassment. Smmtch.
By Terry in Dahlonega
May 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Are we moving in the right direction yet?
Because it looks like we are stuck in neutral. What is the holdup?
By Jerry
May 15, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Just want to say ” Love ya Habs Troll and Habs inside/out too. Won two tickets to the finals.
By Tan a Lat
May 15, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
All fans wishing to complain about issues regarding the NHL, Bettman, officiating, anyrhing else should visit NHLPA.com, they are very nice, and take each request seriously. National Hockey League Players Asso. Thank you.
By Donald
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Friends, Its me, the troll, I am leaving the site, as I will be back home tomorrow. I am a great fan of the Thrashers, and was a child during the Flames days. Thats why I went out of my way to UNITE fans here, we cannot afford to lose another team, it will be our last. So I got you UNITED against ME. hOPE i DIDNT OFFEND ANYONE TOO MUCH. There isa saying the ememy of your enemy is our friend. I want Atlanta back on the map, so Icreated this personna, all fake to get you mad and fighting for our team. Well, as my last post, I really didnt mean any harm, and best wishes. I hang around Peidmont Squars, you wont know me, just a fan like you. Later, its been a blast.
By Mark
May 15, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Glad to see you go, yet somehow, you will be missed. Comments?
By kracker
May 15, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Won’t be missed.
By Exit 716
May 15, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers, don’t appear to be able to draft or develop players. That seems to be Waddell’s major weakness. That Coburn trade was Mike Milbury quality.
By The Falconer
May 15, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
re: Hartley.
Actually the Thrashers were already in the tank when he was fired and then ran off a nice hot streak once he was fired. Saying that “went into the tank” after he was fired isn’t exactly the best way to describe it.
By Brendan
May 15, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Why was Martin Erat contract “rejected” by the league? Couldn’t be because of the length (7 years), we’ve got Richards with a 12-year deal, Ovechkin with a 13-year deal, and DiPietro with a 15-year deal.
Is it because the Predators season is over, and yet he is still playing, on International ice??? I’m at a total loss.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Friends, Its me, the troll, I am leaving the site, as I will be back home tomorrow. I am a great fan of the Thrashers, and was a child during the Flames days. Thats why I went out of my way to UNITE fans here, we cannot afford to lose another team, it will be our last. So I got you UNITED against ME. hOPE i DIDNT OFFEND ANYONE TOO MUCH. There isa saying the ememy of your enemy is our friend. I want Atlanta back on the map, so Icreated this personna, all fake to get you mad and fighting for our team. Well, as my last post, I really didnt mean any harm, and best wishes. I hang around Peidmont Squars, you wont know me, just a fan like you. Later, its been a blast.
College kid, perhaps? I hope for your sake you’re under 18, or your parents have lots of money… what you’ve done the last several weeks is harassment. And what the AJC has done to prevent you is negligent.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Why was Martin Erat contract “rejected” by the league? Couldn’t be because of the length (7 years), we’ve got Richards with a 12-year deal, Ovechkin with a 13-year deal, and DiPietro with a 15-year deal.
I’m wondering the same thing… maybe something in the bonus incentives or maybe the yearly breakout. Perhaps something in the wording regarding injuries that gave the Preds a loophole?
Could be anything.
By ranallo10
May 16, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Brendan & Hokie — It had to do with the annual breakdown of salary, and how it didn’t conform to the rules set by the CBA. I believe it had to do with fluctuating cap hits not qualifying under the CBA’s allowance for such fluctuations.
By ranallo10
May 16, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Per TSN: “Erat’s contract was rejected because it violates a clause in the CBA that regulates year to year fluctuations in salary.”
My memory served me, this time…
By GaVa Hokie
May 16, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I didnt take my Meds today.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I didnt take my Meds today.
…keep it up.
By GaVaHokie
May 16, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I didnt take my meds today, …..keep it up.
By Brendan
May 16, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh. Was there something like $4.5 million in ‘09, but only $3.5 million in ‘10, then $5.5 million in ‘11? Something like that? If so, that does appear to be trying to finagle something or other. “Front-loaded” contracts will be common as the CBA expires in 2011, and there is potential another “rollback” of salaries, if the event of another “lockout.”
I wonder if the owners and players could just agree: The Cap from now on will be $55 million. It can’t get any higher. It can’t go any lower. It’s “set.” I know it was the owners’ stance that the cap must be tied to revenues, to prevent massive salary escalation. Well, the NHL has got too many team now that are flirting with the FLOOR of cap as their “break-even” point. That’s financially dangerous, unless revenue-sharing dollars are much higher than I “think” they may be.
Critics of the salary cap are going to come armed with arguments. One camp will cite Edmonton vs. Carolina, two of the three (2/3) smallest markets in the league, meeting in the 2006 Cup Finals as “the effect” of the cap. More specifically, that the cap hurt the larger market teams because the cap was “too small” at $39 million (in 2006).
The other camp hopes to cite that “Detroit vs. Pittsburgh” for the Cup allowed a major market like Detroit to make the CF in successive years, as the cap grew in size ($44 million, then $50.3 million). They’ll likely cite the “fall” of Buffalo from the CF in successive years to being outside the playoff picture as “the effect” of the cap rising, precisely because it’s tied to revenues, which are artificially inflated by “projected revenues” rather than “actual revenues,” in markets like Toronto and Detroit.
By Brendan
May 16, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
To continue, are we going to Donnas bash at G Teach tomottow>? Its at Hopkins RA off the Peidmont.