By GaVaHokie

August 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

First!

By Sara

August 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Yeah I think it’s about that time of summer for players to be doing something that involves an ice surface. It’s about 6 weeks out from training camp which seems like a lot to us but probably not so much to guys who maybe haven’t skated in at least two months if not three.

BTW, which wing does Selanne play on? Tell Kari to put in a few good words about how nice a city we have down here - he can at least attest to the quality of the nightlife. ;)

sigh so Knobler, what’s the schedule look like ahead? There should be a prospect tourney in Traverse City plus training camp - which I heard is actually starting later than usual this year (not sure who’s bright idea that was but whatever). Any date confirmations from the club that I can highlight on my calendar would be much appreciated.

By Jason

August 5, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Mike-Do you know, or get the impression, that Lehtonen has switched his offseason workout regimate/routine? Is the new coaching staff gonna put more accoutability on his shoulders in respects to being in top form at the START of training camp? With this upcoming season being only a one year deal(big contract payoff year if you will), is he finally taking the necessary conditioning steps to avoid self-induced time on the DL during the regular season(groin and other crap)? IMHO, that, and his maturity, have been his two biggest obsticles in becoming an elite goalie in the NHL.

I would love to see him make the next step to becoming the most important cog on this team, next to Kovy of course.

By Mike Knobler

August 5, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Jason I definitely get the feeling from speaking with him that Lehtonen is aware of his situation and plans to work hard to make the best of it. He wants to shake the negatives and emerge as the kind of player who can command a big multi-year contract next summer. Yes, there’s a difference between saying you will do something, meaning to do something and actually doing something. I think he knows that, too.

Sara This is from a July 9 news release:

The Atlanta Thrashers announced today a six-game preseason schedule that features three games at Philips Arena against the Detroit Red Wings (Oct. 1), Nashville Predators (Oct. 3) and St. Louis Blues (Oct. 4). The Thrashers will visit Nashville, St. Louis and Detroit for preseason match-ups against the Predators (Sept. 25), Blues (Sept. 26) and Red Wings (Sept. 28).

In addition to its preseason schedule, the team will travel to Nashville and compete in two prospect games against the Predators on Sept. 22 (7 p.m.) and Sept. 23 (Noon). More information on the games will be provided at a future date.

The Thrashers will also participate in the annual Traverse City Prospect Evaluation Tournament, hosted by the Red Wings at the Center I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City, Mich., from Sept. 11-17. Details will be supplied in August.

By Brendan

August 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

I think Kari Lehtonen is aware of his situation. If he suffers another serious groin setback, Ondrej Pavelec will no doubt take his place while he recuperates. Imagine how difficult it would be for Kari to wake up, every day, reading the box scores? Particularly if young Pavelec is stellar in the nets? Imagine how hard it will be for Waddell? He’d, no doubt, catch and earful, and might even get pressured to make some kind of move, if Pavelec particularly shines. I would hope he’d resist that urge and pressure. I don’t care if Pavelec is #1 and Lehtonen is #2, that’s the future of the Thrashers goaltending. And there’s ample money to lock up both of them for the future. Hedberg is a career backup, who is only too happy to help the team in whatever way he can. If he gets 12 starts this year, then that’s what it is. If he’s up in the pressbox most of the year, then that’s what happens. Hedberg is a total team player. He really tossed us a bone by re-signing here. Waddell and Anderson have lots of options because of it.

By B. Thenet

August 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Has Nikulin officially told the Thrashers he is staying in Russia. There are news reports out of Russia that he is staying at Ak Bars Kazan for the season.

Our D is going to really struggle next year as is.

By Tim

August 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

In other Thrasher news.

Nikulin decided to stay in the KHL.

By Tony C.

August 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Shocker

The guy has never been particularly interested in playing in the NHL (at least from what we’ve seen). I wonder if he’s just waiting for Le Thrash’s option to run out??? Wouldn’t surprise me.

By NASCAR Dave

August 5, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

There are news reports out of Russia that he is staying at Ak Bars Kazan for the season.

LOL… I tried to tell you people!!!

By Brendan

August 5, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

If true, this will only serve to add fuel to the anti-Waddell movement. Well, until Nikulin plays for the Thrashers, it was a wasted draft pick. Bygones.

We can’t change the past. Maybe this opens a spot for an Oystrick, a Grant Lewis, a Valabik, or even return of Popovic. Ya know, I’ve totally lost track of him. Where is he? Did he sign somewhere?

Segue, have the Thrashers signed Bogosian yet?

By paul

August 5, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

SARA these guys are on the ice skating within a week of getting home. Could be June or early July depending on how deep they went into the playofffs. They work hard at conditioning in the off season because thre is a lot of competition for jobs and ice time.

By paul

August 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Groin injuries can be career killers especially for a goal tender. Hope he is recovered from injury before he tries to test it. A groin injury put Williams on the shelf for most of last year but he looks to be recovered and ready to roll.

By Jason

August 5, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info and opinion Mike.

OK, so Nikulin isn’t coming, bummer. I wonder if DW has felt this would be the case for the past few weeks, since the team has been linked to some dmen rumors. Does that have any of you reconsidering the idea of getting a Mathieu Schneider type for a resonable price? I think he is in the final year of his contract? Or do any other veteran dmen(not necessarily old guys) who may be avalible stand out to anyone?

By stendec

August 5, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Well, I guess I am outvoted on this blog. Many sadly deluded souls here must truly believe Sori Letemin, uh, Kari whoever, of the paper mache groin, is the next Patrick Roy. Stellar season indeed! I will remember all the apologists when 1) A soft goal slips in after a furious but futile rally 2) The puck enters the net when the goalie is in another postal zone 3) A dreaded monkey puck prompts a red light to flash (personal favorite). Stellar indeed! Offense will have to net four or five goals with Mr Blue Hair between the pipes. Gonna happen? Yeah! Just like Falcons are bound for Super Bowl as particpants NOT spectators! GO DAWGS!

By David

August 5, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

stendec…no offense, but you’re an idiot.

Lehtonen’s stats last year were 2.90 GAA and .916 save %.

Compare that to say…Marty Turco who is considered a top 5 goaltender in the league, easy. 2.31 GAA .909 save %

Numbers simply don’t lie bro. .6 difference in GAA, i’ll take that and simply chalk it up to them having better D last season, which they did. And he had a better Save percentage, which really is the important stat for most goaltenders.

So, as I said. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

By LAC

August 6, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

No David we DO NOT have enough offense to win plain & simple.

Where is this #1 center ?

Where are all these great promises from asg ?

Where is this Hockey guy who is going to oversee things ?

Can ANYONE honestly believe ANYTHING asg says, NO.

They are all a bunch of collective LIARS nothing more, Where is pro sports have you ever seen people lie time after time to their fans… In Atlanta of course !

By David

August 6, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

LAC …i now will add your name to Standec’s for that of idiocy. Your post is just a waste of time.

Anybody here going to be at the Wings game? I know i’m pretty excited that they are coming to town in the preseason

By DSan

August 6, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

David your the idiot. LAC is right! we don’t have offense and the defense is mediocre at best. kari can barely stay health for half a season. meanwhile the ASG and Waddell claimed earlier this summer that they were actually going to spend some money, yet there biggest signings have been a oft-injured jason william, a center who has only scored more than 30 points once in his 10 year NHL career, and a no-name defenseman? and we’re still roughly 10 million under the salary cap.

I’ll still cheer hard for the team but they’ll be out of it by December.

the only thing keeping me alive in this sport wasteland called atlanta is fantasy football and the Dawgs!

By David

August 6, 2008 3:26 AM | Link to this

DSan…you’re argument is about as flawed as your grammar. Our biggest offensive production pitfall last season was our Power Play. Where do Hainsey and Williams both excel? On the man advantage. Our PP numbers were horrendous last season, especially after Hossa left. These signings were, at least I think, to fix that.

Our defense is average for the leage. Probably above average considering the amount of upside it has. I’d take our current D-Corps over half the league’s.

Who cares if we spend money? Are you equating the amount of money spent to success? Would you rather be the NY Rangers of the NHL? Where you spend a ton of money and really do put a mediocre product out on the ice? Sorry, that’s not the goal. It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about how many games you win. Last season was a bust. Get over it.

And it’s sad if the “Dawgs” keep you alive. That makes me laugh. Talk about overrated teams. Ha! I don’t see UGA making it through without at least 3 losses.

By Alan

August 6, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

Anybody here going to be at the Wings game? I know i’m pretty excited that they are coming to town in the preseason

Tentatively speaking, I’m planning to attend. Though I might attend the game later in the month instead. It depends on how my finances look as 1 October approaches. You know how unplanned expenses can rear their ugly little heads at you…

One game I will definitely be at is opening night, though. I missed last years due to illness, and there’s no way I’m going to miss this years.

By TableHockey

August 6, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

I was hopeful that we could get Ilya II here - I think Bogo is a great pick up but we really need at least 1 more strong guy to bolster the D corp.

David - I am planning on going to the Wings game. Actually would like to get some autographs - wonder what hotel they’ll stay at. LOL - I actually never got Hossa to sign my All-Star program.

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

BTW, which wing does Selanne play on? Tell Kari to put in a few good words about how nice a city we have down here - he can at least attest to the quality of the nightlife.

We almost had Selanne a few years back. His wife was pretty convinced as well telling the press “it looks like we’ll be playing on the East Coast this year” And then he signed with Anaheim.

… then we signed Bondra.

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

LOL… I tried to tell you people!!!

Thanks NostradamusDAVE…

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

The latest I see on Nikulin is from two days ago, and it sounds speculative to me. Take a look under the “Player Notes”.

Are you guys going by this June 28th article or was there something more recent?

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Nevermind, I see the August 5th article now… oh well, screw him. Have fun with the Roach Motels in the KHL.

By Tony

August 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie, are you going to translate that for us or just leave us guessing. What exactly does it say and which line do you read that in?

By Russian

August 6, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Решение Счет в противостоянии между НХЛ и КХЛ увеличился в пользу российской лиги. Защитник Илья Никулин решил остаться в «Ак Барсе» еще на один сезон, хотя у него было реальное предложение из «Атланты». Мы-то, безусловно, рады – хороший хоккеист остался дома. Но вот если посмотреть на это с другой стороны. У Ильи были прекрасные шансы заиграть в клубе Ильи Ковальчука. Он мог бы выступать в лучшей лиге мира и получать бесценный опыт. А если и не получилось бы, то, вернувшись в Россию, Никулин все равно не остался бы без работы. Но решение он принял вот такое. Dission: KHL just beat NHL one more time. Illia Nikulin decided to stay in AK-Bars for one more season, he had real offer from Atlanta. Ak-Bars Management were happy that good hockey player stays home. But if you see for other side Nikulin had perfect chances to play together with Kovalchuk. He could play in Best League in the world (NHL) and get excellent experience. After all he took his chance to play in Kazan.

Now I will give you my comments. It is kind of sad. I think he will coming here and play for us. I am not really believed to newspaper. But nobody knows what in his head. I was waiting until end of August and see what he will say.

By stendec

August 6, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Statistics are nice but true champions are never judged solely by numbers. Intangibles such as heart, grit, inner toughness, desire and pride define true champions. Crybabies with boundless talent are still crybaby losers. Less talented teams with desire spring upsets. More talented uninspired teams are upset victims. Get my drift? I support Kari Lehtonen for emotional displays when they are warranted. I would applaud if he knocked one of his lazy defensemen out with his hockey stick after a goal. Only he is close enough to do so. Glass prevents fans from appropriate vigilante justice. What I cannot forgive are mental lapses. Skating around out of position when goal is scored. Losing focus on long shot which winds up in net. Blue hair. Monkey pucks. Excuses. A true champion who allows one goal in a defeat knows if that goal is on him on not. Shots saved do not wind up in goal column. Who feels better 1) Goalie following 1-0 defeat or 2) Goalie after 10-9 shootout win. Bottom line in sports is always winning. Always has been. Always will be. No one will cheer any louder for KL or Thrashers than I. No one will be quicker to bring KL or Thrashers to task when they tank it than I. Drop the puck. I am ready. Best to all.

By Tony

August 6, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Mike K, this explanation has left me even more confused. He’s not coming but don’t believe it. Wait until end of August but he said it yesterday. Can you PLEASE find out what’s going on!

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I’ll wait to hear a quote from Scott Liles, Ilya Nikulin or Waddell that the discussions are over… the article certainly lacks direct quotes.

By Danielle

August 6, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Glass prevents fans from appropriate vigilante justice.

Stendec – that statement you made points out so many problems that I don’t even know where to begin. Contrary to popular belief, just because you turn on a television or buy a ticket to a game, that does not give you ownership to a player’s entire life. It is obvious that you have many personal issues but taking them out on athletes, general managers and bloggers is not how to deal with them.

I am well aware that it is natural to experience anger. But real men work it out in a gym, on a heavy bag, or playing sports themselves. As much as I disapprove of your thinking you can take it out on an NHL player, I would actually pay to see you try to do that. If you are the type of man who works out his anger by yelling on a blog I am sure you are no match for a professional athlete.

Until then, I would recommend that you find another outlet for your anger issues and perhaps try to deal with it like a real man.

By TRON

August 6, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

DID LETEMIN START STRETCHING HIS GROIN YET????????……….MONKEY PUCKS….BLUE HAIR………IMMATURE OUTBURSTS…….CALLING OUT TEAMMATES…….YES, DEFINITELY NO ROY…………

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Now I will give you my comments. It is kind of sad. I think he will coming here and play for us. I am not really believed to newspaper. But nobody knows what in his head. I was waiting until end of August and see what he will say.

Russia… I’m not familiar with the overall feel of Russian media. Is this a reliable newspaper? Is the Russian media trustworthy in general?

By Hip Czech

August 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

decent blog post here about buyouts and salary caps…two particularly interesting things:

• Anaheim will almost certainly deal a player; while popular sentiment is that Mathieu Schneider is the guy leaving, Chris Kunitz is another possibility given his salary

and

• Atlanta could be [will probably be] a destination for any player shipped off by one of the above teams, especially on defense [where the Thrashers are very thin at the moment].

By Sara

August 6, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

especially on defense [where the Thrashers are very thin at the moment].

See, I hate reading blogs like that where people think they know it all but in reality don’t know jack squat. Very thin he says. BS says I. Bogosian, Valabik, Enstrom, Hainsey, Havelid does not = very thin. It doesn’t necessarily equal Stanley Cup either, but we aren’t as screwed on D as I’ve seen pundits write. Our D is YOUNG, not completely talentless. sheesh.

I don’t really want another D-man here next season unless it’s one of our own prospects (ie a Nikulin or Oystrick or Kulda - although I’ve gathered only Ilya II would be ready for this season). A guy like Schneider is going to eat up minutes from the Bogosians and Valabiks etc etc that need the playing time to work on their development. Complete waste.

If Waddell is still worried about the salary floor (which he should be), then he needs to go find a RW to trade for and/or overpay. We need RWs - nothing else. Anyone else we pick up will take up minutes that our young players need for development and evaluation purposes.

By Bob

August 6, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Dave was right, props to you on that, I’m an idiot for believing that he’d actually come over here.

So, is it back to the waiver wire to fill out the lineup, or is this it that we have today?

Our defense is average for the leage. Probably above average considering the amount of upside it has. I’d take our current D-Corps over half the league’s

Ya gotta be kiddin me? Is this April Fool’s Day? Our D is the worst in league, has been since Day 1, it’s the only constant on this club.

Last season was a bust. Get over it.

What have the last 9 years been?

By Hip Czech

August 6, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Sara…I agree, I was more interested in the Kunitz reference. Now that would be a good deal, although we have to lose face in the fact we waived him….but he is signed through ‘11-‘12 at a reasonable price.

By Russian

August 6, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

to Hokie Oh Man, I do not know. I am kind of trust couple newspapers: Sovsport.ru and sport-express.ru Those two news are old and have good reputation. But as I said I do not know if it is true aboput Nikulin. He got very good money in Russia, but he did not paly in NHL yet. May be he is waiting when he will be out from Thrasher and get some spot in Detroit, or Ranger or somewhere in NHL. It is hard to say now. We have to wait and see what happend.

By William

August 6, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

sara and hip czech i agree with both of you that our defense is not the bad unit people make it out to be. this year we are switching out zhitnik and popovic and putting in hainsey with either bogo or valabik. we may even have both bogo and valabik up here and have the other one take klee or exelby’s spot. i am still waiting too on official word of nikulin, not some tabloid that said he is dating anna kournikova. too bad there is all this hysteria that the sky is falling on our defense.

By Mark

August 6, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’d take our current D-Corps over half the league’s.

I hope that sentence was not written with a straight face. If so, please pass whatever you are smoking becuase it must be really good stuff.

Just in case you are serious, please name those teams that have a worse d-corps with the Thrashers. With a lot of hard work, I don’t think you could come up with 5 teams.

By William

August 6, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

mark i’ll let sara do the official bit and i am not even looking at rosters, but is it that hard to throw out the usual suspects of the islanders, leafs and panthers. now throw in the lightning, coyotes and the kings and i really don’t see us being worse than any of those 6 teams. again i am not looking at rosters at the moment but right off the top of my head i just can’t see an argument that we are worse than them. back me up here sara with the stats.

By Sara

August 6, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

HipCzech actually we got him off waivers from Anaheim first and then they took him back from us. So what does that say about them?

Russian and Hokie it may well be true about Nikulin but that little snippet just reeked of propaganda. The Russians are getting very sensitive to the fact most of their best players bolt for the NHL so I think any chance they feel they have of making themselves look better, they’ll take.

Our D is the worst in league,

It is? Wow, must be nice for you and Dave to be blessed with such foresight. Because short of having ESP, you can’t say it’s the worst in the League. This D as it is currently assembled under a new coach has never played a single NHL game, never been tested at all. It’s like the whining about Christensen - no one here knows exactly what he’s capable of. He’s never really had an opportunity like the one he’s going to get this season. Or the whining about Todd White, for whom you have only one season to judge by and it was a crappy season for 90% of the roster and featured him in a role to which he was poorly suited. Who knows how he might perform under a different system, with better attitudes in the lockerroom, and in a role more suited to his talents.

What is wrong with you people? You hide behind your arguments of not putting up with/supporting incompetence when in reality you all are determined that this team will (and apparently should) fail - I guess because if it didn’t you wouldn’t have anything to complain about anymore and your life would lack meaning?

No one, and I mean no one, knows how the team is going to perform next season. There have been too many changes from last season to be certain of anything. And assuming the worst is pathetic out of people that call themselves “fans.” Welcome to the reality of sports - sometimes teams suck….for years. I can rattle off plenty of franchises that have gone decades without so much as sniffing the playoffs (Red Wings come to mind as a matter of fact) - the Thrashers have at least been there once in eight seasons (brief though the appearance was).

Yeah, last season stunk. And no, we probably won’t be winning any Stanley Cups next season - but if you can’t handle that, you probably need to find a new hobby. Why you people cling to something that makes you so unhappy is beyond good sense.

By Sara

August 6, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

William I can’t back you up on stats because there aren’t any. See above post. Now I’d say last season we arguably did have the worst defense in the league - lord knows we gave up enough shots on goal. But our D is different this season and the only two guys who will likely play lots of minutes and carry over from last year’s squad were our two best players so who can complain about that? Hainsey will likely end up paired with Bogosian and XLB with Valabik, Klee as 7th man. Those roles fit perfectly with what the latter three are capable of. I think Valabik needs a bit more development to be really ready to take on top opponents, but third pairing won’t kill him while still giving him good development time. It also won’t over-extend XLB and his capabilities. And as for Klee - well, he’ll mostly be sitting during games and around to help out at practices - another good fit. Will it work out the way I hope it will? Maybe not - but I at least can see where the positives to this situation are and I’m pleased by them. Not the least of which is the spiffy new suits we get behind the bench.

As for other teams, same story different verse. It’s hard to know how some of them will perform. I anticipate seeing problems south of our border - Tampa tossed out their best d-man and Florida’s best d-man has one foot out the door. Doesn’t look good for either club. LA is a lot like us with a lot of young guys so they are a crapshoot IMO. Isles don’t even have a coach at this point. shrugs that’s what makes the season so interesting…that’s when we’ll all find out what this team and everyone else is capable of - well except Detroit. I mean any equation that = Stanley Cup Championship roster - Dallas Drake + Marian Hossa - I think we can all guess how they will perform next season. But lots of teams have had significant roster turn-over and coaching changes so it’s (to me at least) relatively unpredictable how many things will go next season.

By B. Thenet

August 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

I am interested to see what Anderson does to cut SOG against and increase SOG for.

I think our D was better than it performed last season, part of the problem was the pathetic inability of the offense to get a shot on goal.

On paper is our D good, no and I don’t even think it is average. However, lesser defensive corps have done more in a good system. We will see what Anderson can do with this crew.

By GaVaHokie

August 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

HipCzech actually we got him off waivers from Anaheim first and then they took him back from us. So what does that say about them?

Yep… we tried to send him to the Wolves, he had to pass waivers first… Anaheim grabbed him back.

By Bob

August 6, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Now I’d say last season we arguably did have the worst defense in the league - lord knows we gave up enough shots on goal. But our D is different this season and the only two guys who will likely play lots of minutes and carry over from last year’s squad were our two best players so who can complain about that?

Sara, our defense has been the worst year in and year out. And this year we have the same top 2 defenders, the only ones that make a material difference, as they’re the ones tasked with shutting down the other team’s scoring line.

So, you agree that our defense last year was the worst, you recognize that we’ll have the same top 2 dmen, yet, you can’t see that we’ll stink again. That don’t take foresight, that just takes some common sense.

Or the whining about Todd White, for whom you have only one season to judge by

Uh, no I don’t. He’s been in the league for years, under different systems. I watched him in Ottawa, same game. I have a very good friend in Minnesota who clued me in the day we signed him on his game, same game he played for us last year. He’s been around long enough for me to know that Todd White as our top center means we’re gonna stink this year. That don’t take foresight, just some common sense.

See, it ain’t that hard.

By Bob

August 6, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Just in case you are serious, please name those teams that have a worse d-corps with the Thrashers. With a lot of hard work, I don’t think you could come up with 5 teams

I think one would be hard pressed to come up with one d corp worse than ours.

It’s all very incrimating for him as Waddell was a dman in his playing days, you’d think he’d know how to build a d corp, yet year after year we get signings of Adam Burts, Todd Reardons, Richard Smehliks, Ken Klee and allow the most SOG in the league and our goalies need shrinks from seeing constant rubber in the shooting gallery he builds on our ice. Now we get Hainsey who apparently can shoot a puck but may make us yearn for the return of Tremblay when he has to defend in his own zone. This year is set up to be same old same old in terms of defending in our zone, I’d feel better about coach’s system making a difference if we had forwards to carry the play once the d moves the puck up ice, but we got Hoss, Williams, and uh, uh, uh, Kozlov?

Bogosian and Enstrom I keep but neither is a #1 dman this year, yet Tobys going to have to play 25 minutes plus again this year. Can Bogosian turn into one by next year? Phaeneuf did it awful quick, hopefully our boy can as well.

By Dave

August 6, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

And this year we have the same top 2 defenders, the only ones that make a material difference

But what about KLEE???

Why has he not been WAIVED yet???

NUFF SAID

By Hip Czech

August 6, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the reality of sports - sometimes teams suck….for years.

It could be worse…we could be Leafs fans for cryin’ out loud, or Islanders, or Blues, or Blue Jackets, etc. etc..

Toronto is beginning their 8th five year plan…shoot, Ottawa is in their 16th five year plan (who will ever forget Cy Denneny’s Cup winning goal)…St. Louis has never won the Cup, etc. etc..

Those are ‘hockey markets. Atlanta is not (as all the naysayers continually point out). You guys gripe here, how much more should they be griping in Toronto and Ottawa, St. Louis and LA, Washington and Long Island, Columbus and Nashville?

By Sara

August 6, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Bob sometimes you miss the point. White isn’t our top center anymore. By all accounts, Christensen will be. Yet some here still want White waived because he’s apparently worthless. Based on what? The above issues? Not guaranteed to be the same.

As for the D - last year we had two good defenders and then the talent level didn’t just tail off, it completely nose-dived. Our support D is better than it was last season - at the very least it certainly has more potential. It’s also a better system (as opposed to the W-A-M[TM] system employed in our own zone last season - it helps when a team knows how to clear it’s own zone on a regular basis) - at least, I hope it is. But that’s the whole point - I choose to be optimistic, instead of pessimistic. I like being happy, not depressed. And until it can be proven they suck, I see no reason to think it.

By William

August 6, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

you know dave actually makes a good point this time bob. you can’t on one hand state that only the top 2 defenders matter yet on the other hand complain about 2nd and 3rd pairing players like adam burt, todd reardon, richard smehlik, and ken klee. if klee isn’t a top 2 guy then don’t complain about him as he isn’t material as you say.

By Jimmy

August 6, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I find it impossible to believe that if Waddell went out and got Phanuef and Lidstrom and 4 guys off the waiver wire that everyone here wouldn’t be calling him incompetent because he couldn’t build depth.

I would also find it hard to believe that the 2, 3 and 4 lines of every team we face wouldn’t be putting 30-40 shots and 4-5 goals a night against Kari. If all that matters is shutting down the other team’s top line we would never use the term “secondary scoring” so much.

By Public Service Announcement

August 6, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

White’s name is Charmin.

By Sara

August 6, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

HAHA Custance made a funny

Well, I think it’s funny anyways. :)

By Tony

August 6, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

You need more than just 2 defenders to shut a team down. Ottawa is probably the only team in the league in which their best 3 offensive players all play on the same line. And even after that line you still need good defensemen to shut down Fishcer, Kelly and Vermette (who everyone here wants). Everyone else has them broken up somehow except on the power play.

Even when Kovy and Hoss (who for the most part played with Kozzy) had their best years here, they didn’t play together. So which one does the other team’s top defenders play against, it can’t be done.

Remember when Kariya and Selanne (and yes Ruchin) were at their peak with no one behind them. Yeah they’d get at least 1 on you every night, but very easy to shut down as a team.

By Sara

August 6, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Oh, and be sure you check out the byline at the end of the article - priceless stuff.

By William

August 6, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

sara i like the fact that we have todd white right now. not because of what he might do, but because of insurance. you are right that christensen is going to get his chance. but i think little will get his chance too. reasoner is the 3rd line center. so that makes todd white nice insurance in case little or christensen struggle out of the gate.

By Russ

August 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

I like Havelid and Enstrom, but on a lot of teams they are no better than the second pairing having to play 18-20 minutes per game. Because of the Thrashers continually abysmal blueline they are mis-cast into 25 minute per game top line players. Bogosian will hopefully develop into a true #1 defender, but d-men are usually slower to develop than forwards. Maybe he is the exception (like Phaneuf as Bob pointed out), but there is a good chance that he is 3 or 4 years away from being ready for top minutes and also a good chance that he will struggle mightily this season as he develops (if he makes the roster). I think Exelby will bounce back this season and be what he was before, a decent last pairing d-man. Klee can be OK if his minutes are kept down. I have no confidence in Valabik.

All-in-all, the Thrashers gave up more goals than anyone last season and I don’t see any immediate changes that won’t allow them to challenge for that dubious distinction again this season. When your big off-season signing is an offensive d-man from Columbus that the Blue Jackets didn’t seem to mind letting go, it speaks volumes.

By Tony

August 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

William, I must say I like the scenario you presented with Todd White. But let’s say my optimistic dreams do come true and both Little and Christensen do take off. What do you do with Todd White then?

I have a hard team thinking that he would be a HS at that point. You could say he can shift outside but that’s why we have Perrin. It can get awfully crowded quick but I guess that’s a good problem to have.

By Bob

August 6, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

White isn’t our top center anymore. By all accounts, Christensen will be

I’d love to believe this, but what proof do you have that this is true? All I’ve heard regarding this is that Coach called up Todd White and told him he expects 30 goals out of him this year. Coach may be in his first year in the NHL, but he ain’t dumb enough to think Charmin’s going to do that between Kozlov and whoever our 2nd line RW is. That direct quote from Coach tells me he has White in as his #1 center, as he should be, he at least showed me more than Christensen did in his play here, so that’s the best we got. Little potted 5 goals in 50 games, I don’t think we can count on him as our #1 center, eh?

I like being happy, not depressed

You must not be a longtime fan of the Thrashers’ then, lol. But you’re a Wings’ fan, probably still riding that high, good for you, wish we were experiencing that same joy here!

By William

August 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

tony i will take the easy way out here and simply say let’s see if your optimistic dreams come true first and then as you say it’s a good problem to have. seriously though, i have no problem with white being a hs if little and christensen do take off. white can’t do anything at that point anyway.

By Public Service Announcement

August 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

In order to assist the Thrasher’s defense, the Thrashers should hire Erin Andrews. Andrews would be employed to jump up and down behind the goal where the goal judge used to be whenever the other team enters the Thrashers zone.

Custance would beg the Sporting News to cover Thrasher’s games again.

By R. Stroz

August 6, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about the rest of you, but, if the Thrashers are going young finally, I’m all for letting Espo have a shot at the show.

By Alan

August 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Stroz - I’m of the opinion that he’s one of those high risk, high reward type players, and he needs more time to develop (another year in Jrs, probably AHL time too; we may see him in 2010-2011 at the earliest)… but I see absolutely no problem with him coming here to camp and attempting to snag a roster spot.

By lordstan57

August 6, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe there’s any way in hell to compare this yrs D w/ last. Despite the fact that this yrs IS more talented.

I actually heard DW say that we allowed shots from the perimeter!!!!! or high faceoff circle area, that we really only defended the high % shots down low. Don’t ask for a link, or where I heard it. I think it may have been one of those post game press conferences. NO matter. I just about went ballistic when I heard it!!! Another of what I consider to be indictments of the man, just how stoopid can you be??? That was our SYSTEM for Gawd’s sake! That would explain inactive sticks, and not just from D-men but everybody on the ice. No blocked shots to speak of, or at least not consistently, blind and hurried clearing attempts. The almost complete lack of a fore/ or backcheck by our forwards, and the surrender of the neutral zone, and you have 20 SOG in a period, 56 SOG for the game ETC,ETC. NO NETMINDER COULD EXCEL OR THRIVE IN THAT ENVIRONMENT!

What’s changed???? EVERYTHING!!!!!! Added skill, and speed, toughness, and most importantly A NEW SYSTEM!!!!! You know, where they actually employ established hockey fundamentals. Active sticks, BY EVERYBODY, contest EVERY SHOT AND THE NEUTRAL ZONE!!! Movement on the Pp, guys crashing the net! An aggressive forecheck( remember the games VS Tbay, THAT’S how they beat us! Remember those gawdawfull Plyoff games VS the Rags. We came unglued, same thing) Forwards backchecking to aid in the clearing of the zone!(think about those times when the puck was in our zone for 3-4 min at a time, no line change, guys sucking wind, and the inevitable flashing red light).

Nah, this IS NOT THE SAME BUNCH O’ STIFFS!! The league is in for a surprise. My guess is we struggle early as things come together, as we ‘jell’ as it were. The first mo or so, w/ no extended losing streaks. They’ll still be fun to watch, and WILL COMPETE!!!! I don’t believe a playoff berth is impossible. Injuries concern me more than anything.

GO THRASHERS!!!!!!

By Tony

August 6, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz, if you are going to be fantasy gm (which we all enjoy playing) who do you have as your 4 centers on this team counting 1 of them as Esposito? I say absolutely not this year for Esposito.

By Bob

August 6, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I’m all for letting Espo have a shot at the show

I would go for that. Most likely, none of White, Christensen, or Little would do substantially better, and the upside is that Espo might click with Kovy and really take off. Worst case, he gets a year experience and we further the inside track to Tavares.

By R. Stroz

August 6, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Alan - This is my logic, a liberal use of the word of course, on Espo.

From my years of coaching, I always found players with an axe to grind, when given the opportunity, perform at a higher level. They usually want to prove their worthiness and will work harder.

I’d rather watch Espo develop at the NHL level than an OTH 30+ player taking up space. This is code for I’d rather see Espo develop than White flounder.

So, I’m in favor of taking the risk.

By R. Stroz

August 6, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Tony

Four Centers = Little, Christensen, Morrison, Espo

Move Slater and Perrin to wings.

Bench White.

I’d rather develop youth than watch OTH vets take up space.

By Tony

August 6, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Bob, Espo hasn’t shown he can make the “quick jump” like Kane or some of the others. He struggled in the Pens camp last year. Little and Christensen both are in better position to actually do something NOW although Espo might be better than both LATER.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

August 6, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Stroz — I agree, but unfortunately they’re up against the cap when it comes to a true youth movement. If it down where the decisions was between Esposito and Little (with neither blowing the other out of the water), I’d say let Esposito develop more and give Little the NHL ice time this season.

By R. Stroz

August 6, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Excuse the brainfart, the four centers should be

Four Centers = Little, Christensen, Reasoner, Espo

By stendec

August 6, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Build a team with a host of above average athletes but no superstars. One or two players can be shut down. A whole team cannot. Look at Thrashers when Kovy gets frustrated. No one else can (or will) step forward. Falcons put all eggs in one basket. Eggs broke. Team in toilet until next millenium. Kovy all set to jump ship. Just matter of time. Management needs to begin making preparations. Sorry, that is truth. Been in sports long enough to see obvious signs. All team players make championship squads. Joe Namath had help. Wayne Gretzky had help. Michael Jordan had help. All those fine Braves pitchers had help. Think about that Danielle! Then go back to your needlepoint.

By Tony

August 6, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz, the third and fourth line is not where you put Little, Christensen or Esposito when they are on the way up in their development. And we just signed Reasoner btw.

By NASCAR Dave

August 6, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

you know dave actually makes a good point this time bob.

Nope. Because I did not make that post @ 2:24…

Somebody must really like my style, to mock me and all… LOL

By Corey

August 6, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Did you guys even see espo at the prospect camp… he wasn’t even shining around prospects, what makes you so sure he is ready for Chicago much less NHL…

By R. Stroz

August 6, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Tony - With our current roster of forwards and in keeping with Brendan’s idea, this team should roll four lines, thus allowing the development of the young centers.

By Tony C.

August 6, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Espo is going to be invited to big-boy camp and from what he says, Esposito has every intention of making the big-league team.

I think it’s a bit much to assume he’ll make it, but I also think he has nothing to learn in Juniors-however, he’s not old enouh for AHL duty right now.

Also, say what you want, but White is one of the better “killers” in the league. He’s got the speed, and perhaps more importantly, he knows where to be on the ice during the PK. Given the fact that we’re going to have a lot of rookies don’t think we’re not going to be getting a lot of penalties…just think back to Stuart’s remark concerning a bad penalty he took (paraphrasing here):

“Yeah, it’s one of those things you don’t really think about-the rulebook is a little bit different and there’s TWO refs on the ice, so it’s harder to get away with stuff away from the play”

So guys who are good on the kill are going to be pretty valuable to keep around.

Not to mention that when he did score last season, they were generally “clutch” type goals.

GO BLUE !!!

By Mike Knobler

August 6, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Tony C What I saw and heard at the prospect camp suggested the Thrashers don’t expect Esposito to be playing in Atlanta this season. Now, some of that could be management wisely choosing to take as much pressure as possible off a guy who was once viewed as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick and has done little to match those reviews since. OTOH, the suggestion is that he needs to get physical on the ice. It’s hard to just flip a switch and make that happen. A year playing for the Montreal team in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League could help.

By Brendan

August 6, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

My “roll four lines strategy” is predicated on the assumption that all four lines are about equally capable, and that the goaltender is of a very high pedigree.

If you have a team with 11 forwards who each score 20 goals, you’ve achieved balance. But so much more than that. You’ve now forced the opposing team to re-think its strategy. When the fourth line is just as apt to score as the first line, how does the opposing Coach utilize his checking line? He can’t play them for 60-minutes straight. He’s got to devise a system, like a trap, a left-wing lock, maybe even a 1-4, like we’ve seen in the Olympics. When it’s just “the Kovy show,” there’s no mystery what the other team will do. This is why I harp so much about depth. Todd White will never win the Art Ross Trophy. Sorry, but there it is. But he does reflect good value for the money and depth. I’d put him on the 4th line, if the Thrashers had a better roster. And if I only get 15 goals out of a Todd White-like player, so be it. He fills a role. He’s never been a 1st line Center and we shouldn’t try to make him one.

By R. Stroz

August 6, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Brendan - With the exception of Kovy (I know big exception), aren’t the Thrashers in a “roll four lines” situation?

By Tony C.

August 6, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Stroz-

I think you’re right. As much as people bemoan the calibre of our current players, one thing I remember when playing any sport is that when you played against one of those “hustle” teams, even if we won, we hated playing those guys.

Now, I never really played ice hockey. When I did get the opportunity, I sucked. But I think that the goal of out-hustling out-working the other guys is one that carries over in darn near every team sport. I’m ok with rolling four lines of “slop” provided those are four lines of “slop” that make the other team sweat a lot.

After the debacle that was the 2K7-2K8 season, I’d think that even for the most jaundiced naysayers would agree that watching a team that never quits will be more entertaining and dare I say easier to root for, than a team that turns it on and off, or just quits (which we’ve seen the past few years).

By Alan

August 6, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

watching a team that never quits will be more entertaining and dare I say easier to root for, than a team that turns it on and off, or just quits (which we’ve seen the past few years).

Indeed. I remember actually turning off a few games last season, because the team just didn’t play like they gave a damn. Even if we were losing 8-2, I would still watch the game so long as the team actually played hard, physical, and like they cared. Atlanta can’t just be “The Ilya Kovalchuk Show.”

That said, I don’t think Anderson will allow these guys to quit. And with a much younger team overall this year, I don’t think we’ll see nearly as much of that this coming season.

By David

August 6, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Really find it amusing how many people rag on our D. I’d take Bogosian, Enstrom, Hainsey, Havelid, XLB, and Valabik over everybody else’s in our division. If for no other reason, the upside of that 6 is tremendous. Would i like to have one more top 4 D man? Absolutely, but so would every other team in the league. I think people will be surprised by how effective our D will be this season.

The problem with last season in regards to shots really wasn’t the D’s fault. They were to blame sometimes, but i’d look at the Centers. Centers play a vital role on defense to help get the puck out of the zone. Ours, minus White, in the defensive zone were horrendous.

By Sara

August 7, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

I’d love to believe this, but what proof do you have that this is true?

Plenty - Don and Coach said it at the breakfast at prospect camp. Someone asked about bringing in a top center for Kovy’s line and the response was that Christensen would be put there.

Let me ask you something - seriously. Why do you even bother? You hate almost everything associated with this franchise - the owners, the GM, most of the roster. You are fully expecting this team to suck worse than the worst teams ever. I rarely if ever see you post anything not negative about this franchise and/or its players. It’s got issues sure - everyone knows that. But it’s like you either can not or will not see anything positive in this team. I just can’t conceive of having that much negative energy going all the time and I don’t understand why you even want to associate with this team you express so much disdain for.

I realize that comes across as rather rude, but those are the vibes you put out and for all that you love to question my “fanhood,” I truly don’t fathom yours. I’ve never met fans before who hate their own teams so much like you and some others on here seem to. I mean - there has to be something you all like about this team right?

By Bob

August 7, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Let me ask you something - seriously. Why do you even bother? You hate almost everything associated with this franchise - the owners, the GM, most of the roster

Nope, you are totally off base, Wings Fan. Now, I don’t owe you one bit of explanation, but I’ll humor ya. I love NHL hockey. Love it, watched it for 35 years now. Thrashers are our NHL team. I love them and want them to succeed, have bought season tix every year since Year 1 at full price, until this current upcoming season in an effort to get the owners to wake the freak up and smell the losses.

If you also had our Thrashers as your first and only love, you’d want the best for them also, not be satisfied because your Wings just won the Cup and what the heck, the Thrashers are here also, cool dude, I get to go to games. That’s lame, in my opinion.

A real fan, in my opinion, would take this management to task. Because if you want the best for this team, you have to know you need a new GM in here. But, I could understand it if my true love was the Wings, I’d be more than happy with that and be satisfied to just go watch some Thrashers cause know what, come April through June, I get to cheer for my real team anyway, so who cares if the Thrashers’ stink?

BTW, you’re the owners’ hater, remember, I’m the one that had to clue you in that they spent max cap the first two years they owned the club. I recently became disgusted with them for 1)not settling their lawsuit yet and 2)For not firing Waddell in the face of all the facts of his incompetence (incompetence at building a competitive club I should say, I guess he’s pretty good at keeping to his budget)

You are fully expecting this team to suck worse than the worst teams ever.

Are you ok? You’re just making stuff up now. IIRC, our first year club put up 39 pts. My prediction for this year is 77 pts.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

August 7, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

there has to be something you all like about this team right?

Location, location,