Thrashers

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

First shot on net of the preseason for the Thrashers was from Marty Reasoner, at 17 seconds of the first period.

Your other combinations tonight:

Joey Crabb and Colin Stuart centered by Bryan Little.

Angelo Esposito centering Junior Lessard and Grant Stevenson.

Jim Slater centering Eric Boulton and Mike Hoffman, a 6-5, 240-pound mountain of a man who is the only one on the team who doesn’t look small compared with Boris Valabik.

Other defensive pairings: Nathan Oystrick and Jamie Rivers, Garnet Exelby and Grant Lewis.

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Thrashers up 2-0.

First goal: Garnet Exelby blasts one from the blue line straight out from the net. Assists to Thorburn and Sterling at 4:32.

Second goal: Power play, with Stevenson in front of the net, deflects home a shot from Lewis at the point, at 6:38.

Stevenson drew the penalty that created the power play, a mindless hold by J.P. Dumont deep in the Thrashers’ zone.

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Valabik takes a silly penalty for cross-checking. Patric Hornqvist, a 5-11, 194-pound guy, was standing there doing nothing in particular, and there goes Boris, with a shove that easily knocks Hornqvist to the ice.

The result: Nashville’s first goal. Kevin Klein blasts it from the center of the blue line, from Dan Hamhuis and Vernon Fiddler.

Slater picks up a quick penalty for interference at 19:23.

The period ends with the Thrashers up 2-1.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Knobler — Go knock some 104.5 The Zone heads and tell them to put the damn game on the radio.

Fricking website is playing Sportstalk…amateurs.

I see 2-1 at the end of the first period (realtime score courtesy of NHL.com). I think Valabik was in the box during the PP goal by Nashville.

By midtownrebecca

September 25, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Thanks Knobler and go Thrash!

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

3-1 Thrashers when Junior Lessard at the side of the net deflects the puck home off a Nashville player. Assist to Stevenson.

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

3-2, and the Predators’ second goal looked a lot like their first. This time, Ryan Jones deflected home Klein’s blast, at 14:50 of the second period.

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Early in the third period, the Thrashers just won the first fight of the exhibition season, and it wasn’t close. Hoffman landed some big punches against 6-1, 218-pound Kelsey Wilson, who got in nary a blow but still drew the same five-minute fighting penalty Hoffman got.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

A four inches and 30 pounds will give you a slight advantage in the fight department. Just ask Todd Fedoruk if he can even remember the Boogaard bout.

Valabik just took another penalty, he needs to cut that crap out.

By Mike Knobler

September 25, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Fight No. 2, and Valabik gets some shots in against Dumont. Both draw two-minute roughing penalties, but Boris gets a 10-minute misconduct, too, and he reacts with disbelief.

By R. Stroz

September 25, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

We finally have a bona fide goon.

By Tom

September 25, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Who is this Grant Lewis getting 3 assists as a defenseman. And X getting a goal. He is not supposed to do that until February, I have seen his contract.

5 points from the Blue line? If this is the Anderson offense I feel better about the world.

By B. Thenet

September 25, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Thrashers Win Thrashers Win

By Mike Knobler

September 26, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Sorry I didn’t blog the fourth goal. I was on deadline.

A good start for John Anderson, who was pleased with the play of Thorburn and Reasoner.

FWIW, alternate captains were Hainsey and Reasoner and Exelby.

No injuries that I could see.

By jeff odgers

September 26, 2008 5:16 AM | Link to this

i’m beyond pleased with the new toughness, i hope it sticks. that was lacking last year. i’d take toughness over the small speedy lineups that get man-handled any day. way to go Hoff and Boris !!

For once we might actually be difficult to play against. teams won’t come in and walk all over us, they’ll at least pay a price.

By Tom

September 26, 2008 6:37 AM | Link to this

Of course we were still outshot 38-28

If there is 1 thing to fix this season is the shots against.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

Knobler — I asked Ben Wright this same question, but I’m curious if anybody stood out in your eyes and might surprise us all by sticking around longer than expected?

Tom — The shots were mostly even (from what I read) until the middle of the 2nd. Nashville did seem to be putting in many flurries, and there was one point Atlanta was on the PP and only got one shot, but I think for the most part a game where Atlanta shoots 28 times is a fine game. True, they’re getting out shot, but at least they’re also not putting up shots in the single digits as we saw last season.

I agree though, I’d rather that number be closer to even.

By wristshot

September 26, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Sounds like the D was really moving the puck around last night. Ex needs to have that puck dipped in bronze!

Wish we could see a video of that Hoffman fight.

By Sara

September 26, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

wristshot well it’s not last night’s fight but still a nice compilation of work nonetheless

There are several videos of him on YouTube - he seems to hold his own overall although in one clip, our old pal Frankie Lessard made short work of him.

By Alan

September 26, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

wristshot - Keep an eye on hockeyfights.com. The fight from last night is listed, but there’s currently no video of it. Yet.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Hockeyfights.com usually doesn’t get much from the preseason for our team…I had this same issue last year with Valabik’s few bouts.

Unless it’s a user submission, I doubt we’ll see a clip.

By Nikita

September 26, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I hope Grant Lewis makes the team. He plays big and seems to have decent instincts. Plus, he’s cute.

I’m bummed I couldn’t get the game last night, though. WTF?

By HF Sux

September 26, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

hockeyfights.com - i wouldn’t even give them any ink. Chris Thorburn once joked about the scoring system there, because there isn’t one. it’s a popularity contest, always has been. they don’t show our club any respect. someone there actually said Valabik should pick on someone his own size…like there are hundreds of players who are 6 foot 7. only a few by my count and i doubt Valabik will dodge them when oush comes to shove. sorry for the rant..but if anyone has ever posted there you’ll know it’s a colton orr and riley cote love fest. they don’t give much respect to Boults or any of our guys. and it looks we’ll have zero luck on the vid.

I miss Francis Lessard..he made short work of Andre Roy the other night, knocked him down in a quick fight for the win. I keep tabs on all the old fighters we let go. Hoffman is pretty good to destroy Grenier and Josh Gratton. Both of which are noted cement heads. I hope the Hoff mankes our club! Take some of the pressure off of Boults who proved he is more than a pair of fists.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

HF Sux — I agree with you regarding the comments made and the declaration of “winners” on hockeyfights.com. I’ve spoken a few times with their webmaster about things like legitimate ranking systems, weight classifications, etc, but though he too wanted such things he admitted it’s not exactly possible because hockey fights aren’t really “organized” in such a manner that would make it possible. How one person sees a hockey fight as a “win” someone else sees as a clobbering against that fighter. Most posters there seem to think being the guy on his back at the end of the fight means he lost, even if that guy landed 90% of his punches to the opponents face before losing his balance.

My thought is the site is a great place to SEE a fight, then ignore all of the retarded comments people make, or voting trends. For instance, I’ve seen people comment and vote upon a fighter simply because they hate the opponent, even if said fighter (Todd Fedoruk) got his eye-socket knocked in, they still vote and comment for Fedoruk based on reputation.

The site is good for the video that is provided, but they’re not the ones recording it. If it’s not on television, they need user videos, and not many people there are Thrashers fans that record the games on their own.

By the way, what’s your username there, out of curiosity. Mine’s the same if you’d rather PM me on the HF site.

By Nikita

September 26, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

If it’s not on television, they need user videos, and not many people there are Thrashers fans that record the games on their own.

Sounds like we have our marching orders. Actually, I was thinking the other day about the paucity of Thrasher material out there — seems it’s an area ripe for fans to make a difference for the club.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Nikita — Not just the fans, the media too. I was watching a clip on TSN where they interviewed Hossa after practice, and during much of the interview and during voiceovers they were constantly showing him playing DURING practice (not old stock clips). Seriously, have you seen ANY video clips done by a professional showing Kovalchuk skating around during practice?

I haven’t.

The overall coverage of this team needs improvement, and that includes fan coverage. We’ve got plenty of opines out there, but not many people with cameras willing to press the record button.

By HF SUX

September 26, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

hey ranallo, i was smashing machine. i was a long time member since 01 till i got booted and rejoined in 03 i think. it was comical about how they viewed fights..as if you land on top you get the win. it was actually thorburns comments about it in an article i read that helped me to realize how little credibility is there . i stopped posting because i knew actual players who did read that garbage..so i didn’t wanna even be associated with it in any way. because it isn’t credible. i look at the vids but that’s about it. and even that is normally 30 seconds of the game and they can’t properly describe what they are seeing. a lot happens in a hockey game surrounding a scrap. they seem to miss that. especially anyone who feels that eric boulton doesn’t do his job. i’ll give them props for their posting of other people’s vids..but that’s about it. the fight descriptions are normally bias and incomprehensible. thankfully knobler gave us the details on the Hoff and Valabik bouts.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

I remember seeing your username before. Wasn’t there a FuzzyWombat or something similar from the ATL area too?

Anyways, I agree, I don’t bother voting or commenting because it’s simply p** in the wind. When you have 20 people hell bent against a person, sometimes it’s useless to be the sole dissenting opinion and attempt to voice it. I might dislike Phaneuf because he is a punk, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to vote against him when he wins a fight clearly.

As for Boulton and other fighters like him who don’t always “win” but do generate the requisite emotions from his team…that was one of my recommendations. Weight classes and points based on taking someone outside of your class. Ranking system based on your overall fight record (biased clearly).

To those people Georges Laraque is the greatest fighter currently, where as I see him as a jab-jab-wrestle-wrestle FALL type fighter. It’s not enjoyable, and all it shows us is he’s good at leverage, balance, and able to bring anyperson down due to his strength. I just don’t know if he can stand toe-to-toe with some of the hammerfists out there and stay standing, without resorting to the tornado method to take the fighter down.

Ahh, the art of hockey fighting…gotta love it.

Who’s your favorite CURRENT fighter?

By Thrasher_Ed

September 26, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Mike, What are you hearing on the rumors that the Thrashers are involved in the possible trade with the Ducks for Mathieu Schneider? At least 2 sources have us linked with the Ducks as trade partners.

By HF SUX

September 26, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

haha “fighting wombats” was the other thrasher fight fan. a poster named “lead” also followed our team but may not have been a die hard like us.

i agree 100% about laraque. i have never been a fan and never will be. bob probert defended the crown, big georges is too passive and doesn’t fight enough. he is perfect for montreal. he has never cared about being the champ. his style is pure strength and rarely opening up. i’d rather watch a smaller heavy like hordichuk throw bombs all night in a slug fest than a laraque sleeper hold match.

it’s hard to pick a favorite..i respect all the tough-guys. i root for them, because it’s not always about skill. and most of them have careers hanging on by a thread. these guys can change a game with a fight, but few people realize that.

i’m hoping brandon sugden gets a fair shot he has deserved for many years now. i’m glad his case was heard and he is allowed to “play” in the nhl ths preseason. i’m cheering the most for him this year as i have a feeling the isles do want him to protect their star players regardless of his “skill” level. so if he makes the roster.. he’ll allow the skill guys to skate and play the game without liberties being taken on them. he can contend for the imaginary heavyweight crown without question.

also..obviously i have to want big boris to do well for obvious reasons. this guy made those last remaining games from last year watchable. too bad he wasn’t called up earlier, i think the thrash could have used that big of a spark and passion type of player who will also help protect our teammates. boulton was banged up late last year, he can’t do it all himself again. if the thrashers have more bite, more players who aren’t fragile..and some actual SIZE. i think we might not be as bad as predicted by most so called experts. with hoff, boults and valabik.. we are not gonna lack in the grit department.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I’m a Boogaard fan myself, because his size and fighting talents are hard to comprehend. I love that he teaches a youth hockey fighting course in MSP during the offseason.

I also like Valabik for the obvious reason of being a giant, but I was a big fan of Desbiens recently too (and was heartbroken he wasn’t resigned, though for obvious reasons).

By Viking

September 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

In the 90’s, I went to some Knight’s game’s hoping to see some hockey.

But it got really “old” to have some folks in front of you more suited to attend wrestling, eagerly jumping up after the slightest confrontation on the ice in hope of the next glove drop.

I believe every game I attended had equal penalty minutes between the teams for fighting, no matter what took place, so it was obvious that the referees were in on the “wrestling spectacle”.

While think it is justified to have “enforcing” in place to discourage misbehaviour from opposing players, but please do not turn hockey into low life wrestling stupidity.

A web site dedicated to rating hockey fights? Go watch wrestling instead!

By el_hordi

September 26, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

viking, the same could be said for you to go watch euro hockey which seems better suited for your taste.

you have confused the wrestling crowd with fight fans, i assure you.

there is an actual goon league..it’s called the LNAH. it’s entertainment first and fights are encouraged.

but like most..i enjoy good physical old school nhl hockey. which includes fighting and hard hitting action. to each his own..but that’s an unfair stereotype to assume anyone who likes hockey fighting should go watch wrestling .

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I’m not going to hockey games to watch fights. I go to enjoy the sport. Fighting is part of the sport, like it or not. However, at the moment fighting is not guiding the sport, which is fine in my opinion. I watch the game because it’s the best showcase for all skills in hockey, including fighting. I’m not disappointed if a game doesn’t have a fight, but I know that if you look around at every arena when a hockey fight breaks out, there are far more people standing than sitting.

Anyways, I respect a person who has honed his game to be a well-rounded player, and have an appreciation for players like Iginla or Lecavalier who can score with the best of them but are more than willing to drop their gloves in order to stick up for themselves or teammates.

I agree, Viking, that many minor league hockey games are more focused on the fights than the hockey…but that’s why those are minor league teams. How many players from those Knights teams actually made it to the NHL, and stuck? I’d wager not many.

The point is that minor league hockey often makes up for their lack of skill by allowing more fighting to rile up the fans.

By Viking

September 26, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

My point is that a fight has to have a purpose for the game or happen to be the expression of a player who got genuinely furious or feel the need to “straighten up” someone (win or loose), and not some other stupid agenda satisfying scores deciding who “won” a fight.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Viking — The idea is no different than a rating system focused around who the best sniper is, or the best defender, etc. Many fans like to rank the best of whatever skill set they decide to focus on, this one is about fighting.

Every fight serves it’s purpose, win or lose. The point of that website is to enjoy the fights in an easy to view medium, and to comment on said fights and voice your opinion. Since there is not often a clear “winner” or “loser” in a fight, the fans take it upon themselves to decide. Sometimes the fans are clearly wrong…but that’s why it’s not an “official” vote or rank by any means.

Personally, I’d like to know that when the enforcer for my team of preference drops his mitts, what his ratio of success is in those moments. There are faceoff %’s, save percentages, even hits are counted, but there are no stats focused solely around fighting. I’d personally like to know that when Tampa Bay comes to town we have a player on the team that can handle his own when Koci decides to drop his gloves (and believe me, anyone in Atlanta will be able to see him fight aplenty).

You can dislike it all you want, but there is clearly a market for fight fans out there, beyond the theatrics of wrestling. For instance, UFC, PrideFC (no longer), K1, etc.

You can dislike the fights all you want, but as El_hordi said, it’s not fair to stereotype those who enjoy the fights as to being similar to wrestling fans.