Thrashers

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Two blogs already??

WELCOME ABOARD KNOBBY!!

By General

June 10, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Waddell not going upstairs? Waddell still the GM?

That seals it. No season tickets for me.

By Jenny

June 10, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

If Waddell isn’t “giving up” the title, can we please just take it? Forcefully?

This guy cannot make a good decision to save his life.

The fact that Don Waddell is allowed to choose yet another huge figure for the Thrashers’ future makes my heart break.

I don’t expect a star center this summer. I don’t expect a star coach. I do expect that he will deal away our draft picks for a quick fix and Kovy will leave next year.

This man, I mean, this management, it’s ridiculous. We’re a laughing stock in the league, and it’s heartbreaking.

By The Other J.B.

June 10, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Just did a double take when I saw blog #2, mike! I second that ranallo.

By Mike Knobler

June 10, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Thanks, guys.

Any recommendations for a good place to watch tonight’s Calder Cup game? (Other than Chicago, of course .)

By RS

June 10, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Does this mean that “The Knob is on the job”? Welcome aboard Mike!

By Mike Knobler

June 10, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks, RS

It’s a long “o,” as in “globe.” A college roommate used to riff on an old Boston Globe advertising campaign by saying, “The Knobe’s here.”

By T-Bone

June 10, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

In listening to XM’s In The Slot show yesterday they said Atlanta and the Leafs probably lead the league in needing the most roster work over the off-season. I think we here would all agree on that! The fact DW will continue to make those key roster decisions has me very depressed. Almost as much as $4/gallon gas has me depressed. Oh, and welcome aboard Mike!

By GaVaHokie

June 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

“It doesn’t affect it at all,” he said. Despite what you might have read or heard elsewhere, Waddell said, he isn’t going to be kicked upstairs. He’s not “giving up the general manager title or responsibilities.”

Uh oh… I have a feeling you’re gonna hit the 200 posts mark in just your second blog. :)

By B. Thenet

June 10, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Make that 1 down 6 to go, the Kings just fired Crawford.

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

LAC — I figured you’d be happy to see this headline…Niko Kapanan signs with AK Bars Kazan.

On another interesting note, Buffalo just changed their AHL affiliation, and have announced a new affiliation with Portland (Anaheim’s AHL affiliate). Since Rochester has been shared between Florida and Buffalo, does this mean Portland is now shared between Anaheim and Buffalo? I also wonder if any other teams are going to make AHL affiliation changes.

By Mike Knobler

June 10, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Interesting. Crawford has a heck of a resume, with a Stanley Cup and a stint as coach of team Canada. What would you guys think of him with the Thrashers?

By Chad

June 10, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure about Crawford, it just seems odd LA would do this considering how close we are to the draft. He did win a Cup in Colorado, and amazingly in the first year in Colorado. Hell of an introductory statement wouldn’t ya say?

By Hockeyfan

June 10, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Welcome aboard Mike. TJ’s is always a great place to watch hockey but I think I will be watching it from home.

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Wikipedia for Marc Crawford

“Crawford replaced Mike Keenan as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks midway through the 1998-99 season. Joining Vancouver in the midst of a rebuilding period for the franchise, Crawford slowly developed the Canucks into a successful regular season team, playing a fast-paced and offensively emphasized style of play. After one-and-a-half seasons, Crawford led Vancouver back to the playoffs, however, was defeated in the first round by his former team, Colorado.”

Yeah, he’s done it before, but that’s pre-lockout. In his two seasons in LA he has missed the playoffs both times (though not entirely his fault), and has landed them the number two pick in this years draft (29 out of 30 in the standings).

He’s a good coach, I’d support his hiring, but I honestly know little about his coaching style due to my little exposure to the Kings. I do like how players like Kopitar, Brown, Johnson and Cammalleri have developed under his tutelage, but can he be given the credit for them blossoming?

Knobler — Crawford can take the #3 spot on my list, now that Wilson is no longer available.

And where are your blue letters?? Rawhide got his within a few days…GET ON IT.

By [Mike Knobler](http://www.ajc.com/sports)

June 10, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, I’m working on it. This color stuff is a challenge. Maybe Wednesday.

By Brendan

June 10, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

I think we can do FAR WORSE than Marc Crawford. But the ink is far from fresh on that 1996 Stanley Cup he had with a star-laden Colorado Avalanche team.

Honestly, I’m surprised by this move from Los Angeles. They seemed very committed to the “patient” approach to building a winner. I really do think the L.A. Kings are headed in the right direction. If they had a high pedigree goalie, I think they really could have made some major strides last season.

I wish Marc Crawford well. He’d be welcome here, but I wouldn’t want to see a longterm contract (4-5 years) for Crawford. There may be a reason he’s been let go so many times.

Mike Knobler, you’re spoiling us with these frequent blogs! I like it!!

By kracker

June 10, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Forget the blue letters. Get us a coach.

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Brendan — You don’t consider Bernier high-pedigree? He might not be NHL ready at this point, but I feel he’ll be a fine netminder.

By Mark

June 10, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Crawford sucks. He hasn’t done squat since he left Colorado. I’m really surprised that Tortorella (sp?) isn’t on Waddell’s list. He plays a smart system and demands his players are accountable, he’s won a cup, he’s familiar with the Southleast conference and he knows how to get the most out of extremely talented players like Vinny and St. Louis. He should be at the top of the list, if you ask me.

By Brendan

June 10, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

I think J. Bernier has a bright future in front of him. Wasn’t he a top 10, or thereabouts, pick? But what did he play last year? Three to four (3-4) games? Hardly enough to fire Crawford over. If Bernier played 10 games, I’d be surprised. The point I was making is they didn’t have a high quality goaltender in net for last season, which contributed to their 29th place finish. Although, I do think Labarbara has a chance to be starting goalie for the whole year.

Jonathan Bernier should be given the opportunity, during this Fall’s training camp, to earn a roster spot. If the Kings continued to falter with Labarbera and Bernier, then it might have been time to fire Crawford. I find this Crawford firing a bit premature. That’s my opinion. I could be wrong. Maybe he’s not the coach he used to be.

By mike

June 10, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Can you say worst team in NHL history. Ho Hum, another year of under performance and brain dead trades and the same ownership and GM. Season ticket sales will be way down.

By JSS

June 10, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Dear New Thrashers Beat Writer:

Do you have either the Dish Network or DirectTV? The game is both of those outlets tonight on the NHL Network…

Shalom

By Jason

June 10, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Thanks for asking DW about the “upstairs” move. I knew the AS were too clueless to do something else with him. I just don’t get why all this talk and rumor were suggested by DW and his bosses since the All Star game about getting our GM some help, ala a Scotty Bowman consultant type or Waddell promotion with a new GM. What’s the point of the Spirit in fueling the rumor mill if they don’t even have their own plan decided yet?

What a joke of a franchise right now.

By R. Stroz

June 10, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Wolves Win

Hat Trick for Krog

By Mike Knobler

June 10, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Mark

Who says Tortorella isn’t on Waddell’s list? I wouldn’t be surprised if he is.

I watched the game at the Brewhouse Cafe, which is three blocks from my house and filled with soccer fans. I was the only one watching the Wolves beat the Penguins 5-2, Sound was down, so I don’t know if they asked Anderson afterward about the Thrashers opening.

Krog scored a hat trick and looked like the former NHL player he is. Other goals by Oystrick and Sterling. Pavelec made a couple of good saves. I didn’t notice much from Little. Crabb showed some skill.

By R. Stroz

June 10, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Welcome Mike

The real reason Craig left for The Sporting News gig was so he could interview Alyssa Milano at each year’s NHL All Star Game. Craig said he was “frozen in the headlights” while interviewing Milano. So, he wants another shot at the headlights, if you know what I mean.

On another note, if DW remains the GM as noted earlier, the ticket discounting should begin soon. For the first time in Thrasher history, the 13 and 7 game plans have gone on sale before the schedule is announced. Sounds like season and half-season ticket sales are suffering from poor team performance and last year’s ticket discounting.

By ranallo10

June 10, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Knobler — Little created that final goal, pressing the puck at the net and then being checked into the goalie. Sterling picked up the puck as it lay waiting in the crease, for the last goal of the game.

And of course, Levin has great things to say about Atlanta and Waddell…take that how you will.

By Robert

June 10, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Jason “Butterfield” Krog.

By R. Stroz

June 10, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Mike - As part of the welcoming process, the new Thrasher beat writer is required to buy all of the regular bloggers drinks at the beat writer’s first NHL draft. Please be prepared to put the bill on the AJC expense report. I’ll take a Coca Cola.

By ranallo10

June 11, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Understood regarding Bernier, I misunderstood your point about the “high-pedigree goalie”.

Bernier was given a shot last season to take the starting job, and if I’m not mistaken actually made the NHL club due to his stellar training camp (I got to see him play briefly in Salzburg, and I liked what I saw)…so perhaps Crawford or Lombardi felt it was better served allowing Labarbera the full time spot, and developing Bernier for one more season?

Re: Krog — He had a natural hat-trick that elevated the Wolves to the Calder Cup (his second being the eventual game winning goal)…good choice as Calder Cup and AHL MVP, I hope he and Kwiatkowski enjoy their time in Russia next season.

By R. Stroz

June 11, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

ranallo10 - Here’s hoping Zhitnik takes the same plane to Russia as Krog and Kiwi.

By Brendan

June 11, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Krog and Haydar had a great game. Pavelec stole the series. And the owner of the Wolves said, “If John Anderson and Keven Chevaldayoff don’t get jobs in the NHL next season, then there’s something wrong with the NHL.”

Interesting quote. He also said, “Don Waddell knows how to build it good, down here (in the AHL). He deserves a lot of credit. Atlanta’s future is bright.”

Now, he also said that … in the heat of the celebration, dripping with champagne and beer.

By Brendan

June 11, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

NHL TV stayed with the locker celebration for a good 20-25 minutes. I was surprised at all the additional coverage. Interviews with Krog, Valabik, Pavelec, Haydar, Kwiatowski, John Anderson, etc. It was quite a party they threw!

By LAC

June 11, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Right Brenden it was really nice to watch !!!!!!!

Who on the Wolves this season figures to be HERE next season ??

Would be refreshing to have some young fresh faces and no more of the retreads waddell is famous for.

Really impressed with this young goalie, he is a keeper, always in the game and really follows the puck well, could he turn this mess around next season ?

Finally ranallo, no… don waddell is sad to see kapenan not available, I’m sure he was on his shopping list.

Also those arrogant waddell answers were disgusting to say the least…

By NASCAR Dave

June 11, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this

Here’s hoping Zhitnik takes the same plane to Russia as Krog and Kiwi.

Right on, brother! I agree 100%. Hell, i’d even take the cap hit to buy him out. That’s how much he hamstrings us…

Despite what you might have read or heard elsewhere, Waddell said, he isn’t going to be kicked upstairs. He’s not “giving up the general manager title or responsibilities.”

Never giving up, is, silly old Donnie. Sad part is, he’s never LEARNING from his mistakes EITHER!!!

“I’m free to hire whoever I want to hire,” he said, and “the term of the contract is wide open.” The length will be whatever is appropriate for the coach being hired and won’t be limited because of any upcoming changes in the GM position, he said.

Typical ignorant, cocky statement from bumbling Donnie… Blabbing to the sheep about his “Job Security”…

Well Donnie, based upon the NUMEROUS vocal complaints from the many TRUE Thrashers fans, who CARE about WINNING… Your job PERFORMANCE does NOT merit such an ignorant remark to come out of your mouth…

The TRUE Thrasher fans know what a joke you are Waddell… you gotta be the “joke” around the NHL by now, TOO!!! Well, either YOU or the IDIOT OWNERS!!! I’d say it’s a TIE!!!

NUFF SAID.

By Jason

June 11, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Wolves for capturing the Calder Cup. I think the majority of that roster is still “fools gold” when it comes to legit NHL/Thrashers talent, but winning championships at any level, and what you have to go through to get it never hurts.

To anyone that watched and listened to the post game interviews last night: Does this run by the Wolves and the win last night change your opinion at all on whether John Anderson is the best choice to coach the Thrashers next season? Did anything you heard from him, management, or the players make you feel better or worse about him or player development.

Watching this series, I would say maybe Kulda was the biggest suprise with his solid/mature play IMHO. In other words, he was probably the one everyone expected the least out of, but performed beyond expectations.

By Bob

June 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Thanks for getting the poop out of Waddell, Knobler. That seals our decision and I can make some other plans with for my season ticket money. This will be the first year since day 1 that we haven’t owned season ticket. Mind boggling that they are retaining Waddell as GM.

To anyone that watched and listened to the post game interviews last night: Does this run by the Wolves and the win last night change your opinion at all on whether John Anderson is the best choice to coach the Thrashers next season? Did anything you heard from him, management, or the players make you feel better or worse about him or player development

Nope, doesn’t change my mind as I don’t think he’s the right guy for us. I also heard the Wolves owner in the post game say “the Atlanta way is the right way”. Well, yeah, I guess for Chicago it is. See, most other AHL clubs are controlled by their NHL overlords, and are required to develop talent. The Wolves just go and get (actually Waddell goes and gets for them) overaged AHL vets like Krog and Haydar and Kiwi who were their best players, but are not prospects for us, will not help us, but helped them win a championship. So yeah, I can see why the Chicago owner feels that the “Atlanta way is the right way”…for him.

I see no system out of Anderson other than pushing the puck up ice and forwards creating a lot of offense and the d jumping into the flow to help out. That’s the same “system” or lack thereof that we play (uptempo push the puck up ice, but no responsibility in our own zone and no puck possession).

Little does not impress me, that’s a key guy that needs to be developed as we’re so weak at center, but Krog got all the work up there. Krog is playing in the Russian league next year.

Valabik? I didn’t see anything different from him down there from what we saw up here. I don’t see him as more than a third liner for us next year. Kulda? Way too raw now, that’s a kid that needs to develop. Pavelec does look like the real deal, but is sitting on the bench backing up Kari next year going to help his development? No, this Calder Cup run certainly did help his development and another year down there may help him, or mabye they can trade Kari for some real top line help that we need and bring Pavelec in next year.

Long story short, Chicago wins because they are allowed to play AHL vets over our kids and I don’t see a great system out of Anderson. I actually was paying attention to the bench last night and each time they showed it, I never saw Anderson talking to any player, even during a key timeout. Wendell Clark was doing all the talking. Chicago’s got a sweet deal with Waddell over them, but we get the raw end of that deal.

Speaking of raw ends, it is severely depressing to know that Waddell will once again be making the draft choices, free agent signings, trades, and picking our next coach. Hey, why not, look at his record over the past 9 years, what’s not to like?

By Hot Air

June 11, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Bob, You embarrrass yourself on several points.

If you saw Wendell Clark doing talking on the bench, you must have been seeing some kind of mirage. Wendell Clark has nothing to do with the Wolves, you must mean Wendell Young.

As for systems, you must be quite a genius, even more so than Anderson who has won multiple championships with his “non systems”. Give it a break Hockey Genius!

As for the development policy, ugh. Truth is most teams have a max of 4-6 players who will go on to make a substantial contribution to the NHL team as some point. The rest are draft mistakes or longshots or cheap fill-ins. Bravo to Chicago for spending money to have a quality product. What city would not love to have an owner like Levin? It is hard to believe that players like Krog and Haydar cannot play at least 4th line for the Thrashers but most certainly are tremendous emergency call ups if the young guys are not ready. Stop the whining about things you have no clue about, PLEASE. Go find another team to cheer for.

By GaVaHokie

June 11, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Bravo to Chicago for spending money to have a quality product. What city would not love to have an owner like Levin?

Futhermore, what other AHL team can brag that they outdraw the NHL team in their city?

By Bob

June 11, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hot Air, you’re obviously a Chicago fan and I don’t want to rain on your parade. Congrats to your team, your coach, and your owners. They did a great job. My only concern however, is the Thrashers.

Wendell Clark, Wendell Young, whatever, you got the point. My point is that Anderson has the benefit of having players in his lineup such as Krog, Haydar, and Kiwi who are the top vets in the AHL. My only concern for Atlanta is that Chicago develop our prospects, not win. You probably have watched Anderson coached teams for years, right? Would you mind filling me in on what his system is? I’d really like to know, and I don’t know from watching this series.

Your concern (and rightly so) is to watch the Wolves win, not develop our prospects.

So, congrats to your boys, enjoy your win, but please understand where I’m coming from. I do not begrudge you that trophy, that’s great for you guys. There’s only one piece of hardware I’m interested in, however, and it’s not the Calder or the old Turner.

By Bob

June 11, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

With Bill Wirtz dead and with Toews and Kane in town, the Wolves don’t and won’t outdraw the Blackhawks anymore.

The feed was kind of scratchy last night, was the upper deck at the game pretty empty last night? Lower bowl looked packed with tons of happy fans.

By ranallo10

June 11, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Bob — I’d imagine that when a team can lead their league in scoring for the entire season, and produce back-to-back league MVPs and individual scoring title winners…I’d imagine they have a “system” of some sort.

But I do agree with you on one aspect of his (Anderson’s) coaching, which was their inability to clear the puck. Numerous times the defenseman would have the puck at their stick, and would be frozen, looking for “the play”, but often would be pressured and either lose the puck, or make a poor pass to nobody in particular. It’s possible that was a product of good forechecking, playoff nerves, or a poor sample of defensive situations. Or it’s possible that it’s a defensive coaching style that confuses players when the outlet pass is not immediately available…so after option A is gone, they don’t know where to go for option B.

Kulda’s feed to Krog was beautiful.

Also, what do you want out of Little? He continues to get glowing reviews from his coaches, the homer announcers, his teammates (Sterling gave him tons of credit for the final goal), etc. He’s still young, he’s a very fast skater, he’s shown play creativity and a tenacity not many current Thrashers have in their offensive zone, plus he CAN score…maybe we’re watching different players, but I see the kid to be a solid potential #2 center.

By Mike Knobler

June 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz

Sorry to break it to you, but the AJC won’t pay for me to buy myself a Coke during this year’s draft, let alone buy one for anyone else.

By R. Stroz

June 11, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mike - Well, it was worth a try. If you are at the draft party, I’ll tell you how to get one free Coke per game.

By R. Stroz

June 11, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Bob - I’ll take Little at center over Charmin. At least Little plays like he has a pair.

By Tony C.

June 11, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m not sure I’vr been watching the same Little you guys who’re throwing him under the bus are….he definitely has worrld-class speed (maybe nt the fastest skater in the world but he’d stay on the lead lap), shows some nice hands (and some good vision), but more importantly (to me) the kid likes to get his nose dirty-I see him go into corners and come away with the puck (how many Thrashers pivots can you say that about), I see him taking hits to make plays, and I see a little bit of finish in his game.

Not to say this guy belongs in the breath as a Spezza, Datsyuk etc. But I think as he grows and gains experience and confidence he will be a very productive NHLer for a good long time.

By Bob

June 11, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

I’ll take Little at center over Charmin

Heck, I’ll take you at center over Charmin.

Little reminds me of Slater in many ways. Fast as lightning up and down the ice, but gets little done (at our level, in the AHL his skill lets him). Ya know, looks great, but the #s just aren’t there. But hey, if you guys like him, I have hope then. Lord knows we’re not getting anyone else, so let’s hope he can be the answer to center Kovy. Anyone think that’ll be the key to keeping Kovy happy and getting him to re-sign with us next summer for a long contract? Didn’t think so…

By ranallo10

June 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Knobler — Was that your first ever interview with Waddell? Were you able to converse with the man, or simply ask him a few questions then go your own way?

I’m curious what your impression is of him, based on meeting him and hearing him speak about his job and this team.

By R. Stroz

June 11, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Bob - I get your point with Little and Slater. Hopefully, Little will show a little (pun intended) better touch with the puck given a few years. Answer for Kovy, doubtful.