By Brendan

October 7, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Hope Hoffman’s injury isn’t serious. Any plans on bring back Colin Stuart?

By the hoff

October 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

i’m glad the Thrashers are keeping Hoffman here, even though he hurt his hand donkey punching triston grant. thanks for the updates. get well soon hoff !

By Sara

October 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Interesting line combos. I’d say White is only up there because of Little’s absence but then why not just move him up to second line period? Now isn’t the time to monkey around with the first line IMO - get them together to work out the kinks. White might not be ideally suited for the second line, but I think last year proved he isn’t well-suited to that top line either. If it were Christensen that were out, it might be one thing to fill in with White since he and Kovy at least are familiar with each other, but outside of that occurrence, I don’t get the decision. Hopefully your forthcoming article will clarify it for me.

Sterling on the third line, huh? It makes the most sense although I might argue that Brett might be due a look on second line over Kozzie. But pairing Brett with Perrin and Reasoner is better than putting him on the fourth line. As for that fourth line, well, the Greek gods are back. They can cycle down low and forecheck well - that line was one of the team’s better lines last year for sustained puck possession in the offensive zone…not that that is saying much.

Whatever - I’m just ready to drop the darn puck for real. This week lay-off after the preseason/European opener teaser is driving me nuts.

By Bob

October 7, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

So, Todd White is our top line center. Gee, who could have seen that coming?

By Russian

October 7, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Hm. Interesting combinations. I am just wondering if JA will keep White on first line and Crush will be center with Army. I did not think about it, but it makes sence. Crush and Army played together in Pittsburgh. If White will not good as first center, Little will take his place.

By CHUCK

October 7, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Same crap. Different year. Basement dwellers. Nobody in Atlanta cares. Bwaahahhah!

By GaVaHokie

October 7, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

I’ll have more on the change in the first line in my story this afternoon.

Well then, there must be more to this story…

I have a feeling Kovy had something to do with White being on the first line… I think he actually prefers playing with White.

By polskidawg

October 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

White #1 center - ouch.

Third line with 2 munchkins, one of whom play little (pun intended) or no D - ouch.

By Nikita

October 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Yep, Kovy likes White. And they play well together as long as the other wing and D pairing are bruisers.

I’m not happy about the 4th, though obviously they play fine together.

By Barry

October 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Hmm. Interesting. Personally I think Christensen should be with Kovy and White with Kozlov. Christensen and Kovy seem to play a similar style game and Kozlov and White a more controlled tempo type game, but hey…I’m not the coach so oh well. :)

By LAC.

October 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Boy did Puck Daddy do a number on the Thrashers ! But again, Now listen sara… Facts about the awful ownership and THE WORST GM in pro sports don waddell.

I want to see the team win, boy do I, but I am damn sick and tired of little wannabes running this team in the ground.

The teams season tickets is DOWN 40% what does THAT tell you ? The fans are sick of a LOSER, and Sick of Stupid don waddell and man so far out of his league he has about singlehandedly killed NHL hockey here.

Just look at his BONEHEAD moves year after year… and this season a CRAP team yet again !!!! Because of HIM !

Atlanta has long been called losersville USA,and with good reason, I had hoped the Thrashers would be better after this long a time, but we are not much better than an expansion team…

We HAVE to get a committed OWNER, a NEW GM to change to mind set of the franchise and win back fans… But I have a sick feeling if not… this team will be sold and moved.

Of all the teams in the NHL,none are more ridiculed than Atlanta. The stupid Canada fans say move here move there, you never hear them say that about any other team except us.

It is time Mr.Potty Mouth, The Stupid Liar himself bruce levenson got his little band of boys, sell out before it gets any worse.

YOU LISTENING MR.POTTY MOUTH ?

By Adam

October 7, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

LAC, it’s worse than you even said. Renewals are not down 40%, they’re down 60%. The renewal rate is 40%.

By LAC.

October 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

WOW !!!!

Thanks Adam maybe Atlanta STUPID Group will finally see the need to sell out !

By Spud Webb

October 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Trying to be optomistic here but when I look at these 3rd and 4th lines and our Number one center - I get sick to my stomach. Hell, I’m worried about Williams on the first line. I’m ready for hockey but man I am scared this team won’t score. I was hoping that we could somehow land (maybe we still can) a legit #1 center before the season starts, hope! Sorry, I hate to be negative. Yes we have improved defensively on paper (key word). But that D is going to have to be stout with the four lines we will be running out there.

By Gregg49

October 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

I tried to tell everyone, Alan in particular, that we needed more offense. They scoffed at me. lol. Now I’m scoffing at them, saying “I told you so”. Peace.

By GaVaHokie

October 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Jason Krog is back on the waiver wire.

By Bob

October 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

I tried to tell everyone, Alan in particular, that we needed more offense

Did I read a quote from Waddell when asked about this saying something like “In Anderson’s system a lot of the offense comes from the defenseman”? I was WTF!? with that answer.

I do understand that Anderson’s system calls for our dmen to jump into the play, but surely Waddell doesn’t expect our dmen to start potting 20, 30 goals each? I assume that was just Waddell-speak, but really, that was kind of a weird answer, I thought.

Anyone have stats on the preseason goal scoring? Most importantly, I’m wondering how White, Christensen, Williams, and Kozlov were doing.

Think Waddell goes waiver wire shopping for a winger? I wouldn’t be suprised to see Dumpster Diver Don go to that well one more time here.

By Alan

October 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

I tried to tell everyone, Alan in particular

Unless there’s someone here using my name that I don’t know about, I have no idea who you are.

It’s obvious that we need a more offensive presence. I could have told you that last year, if I were on the blogs a year ago. It’s been not quite a year here for me yet (11 months), but I can’t recall ever seeing your name pop up here.

So… you’re an “alternate” of what user here?

By jared

October 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

well maybe we can be a new jerseyesque team and win every game 1-0 or 2-1………that can happen right……..anyone……..at least DW raised his hand

By Jim

October 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Story is that Hoffman broke a bone in a fight on Friday and will be out for a few weeks. Too bad, the guy is fun to eatch.

By Tony C.

October 7, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

wONDER IF ja GOES AFTER kROG???

By sisu

October 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

I like to see Krog being picked up personally, why not?

By Bob (other)

October 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Here we go again…… LAC….. Lack of Any Consciousness…what a negative diatribe…..next Gm surely of an NHL franchise….idiot (although entitled to your opinion)

By jonathan friedman

October 7, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

the atlanta thrashers need to get a big ole boner!

By LAC.

October 7, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Well Well the Other bob or blob shows his true colors.

Let me tell you other bob, when we start WINNING,having and keeping Quality players and make the required changes to become a WINNING franchise, something you know NOTHING ABOUT, then I will be on board without question, butwhen we field a cheap bad team,then NO I will not give into losers like youself who are happy with the status quo,No “other bob” Facts are Facts and youhavelittle tooffer except your normal attacks on people,Sage, Nascar,Me,Stroz and others who see this team for what it is.

When we are again NOT IN THE PLAYOFFS, What you going to do then ?

By bob (other)

October 7, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Playoffs or not, will still consider you a childish, uneducated idiot.You are in the minority. A few complainers do not tear down a franchise, supported by fan attendance greater than several other teams.We’ll see how things turn out. I renewed my STH investment and will continue to do so. ASG and Thrasher management knows more about the game and the business than any of the bloggers, that is why they are in the business.

I really dont care what you think, but think the continued verbal tearing down of our team is pathetic.

Awaiting your next, uninformed, childish rant.

By Gregg49

October 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Quit playing stupid Alan. You said “this team on paper is better than last years team”. I said it wasn’t, because we lost Hossa’s contributions. After a 1-5 Preseason, would you like to eat your words yet pal?

By Alan

October 7, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

You said “this team on paper is better than last years team”

So I did. But this has absolutely nothing to do with your line of I tried to tell everyone, Alan in particular, that we needed more offense. Yeah, we lost Hossa. Big deal. We never really had him to begin with.

After a 1-5 Preseason, would you like to eat your words yet pal?

Nope. Preseason is not the regular season.

And I’m not your “pal,” so you can check those bags at the door.

By Gregg49

October 7, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

How is this years team better than last years team Alan? We added Reasoner and Williams, which could give us maybe 15 more goals max total. Alan did you know that last year the Thrashers gave up the MOST goals in the league? Did you know we also scored the FEWEST goals in the league? And Alan, did you know our awesome Preseason this year was the WORST in the league? Help me better understand how we upgraded our offense, because you see something that I don’t. Please explain.

By Josh

October 7, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

First off, preaseason is hog squeeze. Second, we have Christensen and Armstrong as well as those you mentioned. Not to mention a more seasoned Little, and much better defense (at least on paper). While I dont expect big things from this team this season, I do believe we are better than we were last year (coach included). P.s. Hossa scored 26 goals in atlanta last season, I fully expect the two we received as compensation (playing at the NHL level) will easily eclipse that this year. Im not taking away from hossa, he was my favorite thrasher. Im also not saying this organIzation isnt without plenty of problems. Im just saying that we are fielding a better team than we did last year.

By Bob

October 7, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

You are in the minority. A few complainers do not tear down a franchise, supported by fan attendance greater than several other teams.We’ll see how things turn out. I renewed my STH investment and will continue to do so

Not to take up for him, but no, he is not in the minority. You are. 60% of last year’s season ticket holders did not renew. And we already had a small ticket holder base. I told you this last year, other bob, but no, you took a survey of your section (was it 116?) and told me that all around you were renewing. I knew that wasn’t true as I talk to a lot of people in my (prior) section, and most of them felt as I did, that we had enough of the incompetence out of Waddell and felt that withholding our funds would force the Spirit to do the right thing and get us a real GM.

Thems the facts, but I’m sure 100% renewals in your section, eh? lol.

By ben

October 7, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Everything Josh said at 7:40 PM. And I think next year the Cap will shrink. Also, and i mean last year the D was the worst other than Enstrom, but I think the D will be much improved. Also Sterling is a 50 goal man at the AHL level so perhaps JA can make that work. Don’t forget williams was on a crazy pace last year. I really feel the T-Birds will get better.

By Alan

October 7, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

How is this years team better than last years team Alan?

You can dig around enough to find the last quote, I’m sure you can waste more of your time and dig around about how I feel about the team.

Your questioning of my feelings on the team proves that you really don’t come around that often. It’s no wonder I didn’t remember you.

You can read previous blogs for my opinion on the team. I’ve done more than enough of repeating myself. Here’s a shovel - dig in, Columbo.

By Bob (other)

October 7, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Bob, first of all, this figure of 60% non-renewals is not a fact, it is based on one article in the media and the media is not always accurate. It is amazing how people distort such things.Although you seem skeptical,I can confirm that every STH in my section that has been there since day 1 RENEWED. That accounts for roughly $300,000,$15,000 from me, so I guess we all put our support and money in an entertainment product that can also win.

You guys that are so negative and cynical are certainly entitled to your opinion, however, I choose (as many others do) to support our team . The reason the games are played is because they are not predetermined. We have as good a chance as any other team in our division to win as well as our conference. I’m sure that our players would appreciate your support of them.

Our owners, management, players all are qualified in the business. Our core fans still support the franchise in sufficient numbers greater than several other franchises.Winning is importatnt, but the franchise does many things in the community as serves a useful purpose in other ways as well.We all want to win, no more so than those in the organization as they live it everyday and their livelihoods depend on it.Perhaps you might consider that . Don is an excellent GM and has done a good job with limited resources. I for one, expect us to surprise the pundits this season.

Perhaps you can re-name yourself as foregone conclusion, since you seem to be able to predict things so well.

By Hanson Brothers

October 7, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Spud Webb, there still is a legit number one center out there unsigned. Wonder if DW is talking to him.

By LAC.

October 7, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

other bob, If we had a winner it would be a lot different… Believe me pal I have education, therefore I can see the pronlem for what it is not wishing like you do, you offer nothing to the discussion. Next ?

By Bob (other)

October 7, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

LAC- what is offered is a non-emotional fact based view. Anyone can always throw others under the bus as you seem to often.

Your senseless comments continue to frankly be offensive. You should exhibit more character, which you must not have a concept of. Seems you like to tear down others , including our team,and I choose to call you on it. Since it doesn’t concur with your view, you then deflect to the mindless rhetoric.

By Mike Knobler

October 7, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure why they haven’t posted the story yet, but I have filed a Pavelec update. He hasn’t reported. His agent said Tuesday night, “We’re in discussion with the Thrashers and with Ondrej about his future.” Don Waddell said he is confident Pavelec will report to Chicago, though he didn’t specify when. Waddell said the Thrashers routinely give players three or four days to report after being sent down.

By Brendan

October 8, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Let’s just see how our October turns out. If this is going to be a playoff year, we’ll need a strong October. “If” is the operative word. I’m not going to cry if we don’t make the playoffs this season. I don’t expect to make the playoffs. But I am hopeful that the JA’s system will take root, the team will finally have an identity, and we’ll all be able to answer the question, “What is Thrashers hockey?” definitively.

While I don’t think there’s ever really a “wrong time” to fire Waddell, I’m at a total loss as to who would have come in to take his place? Kevin Chevaldayoff? Some other team’s Assistant GM? A Scott Howson-type? Don’t say Scotty Bowman. While I was surprised, a bit, that he left Detroit, Atlanta was never on his radar, even if he does have a daughter who lives in Augusta, GA.

The truth I believe about this offseason is … Waddell didn’t screw things up. My biggest “shrug” is the Hainsey contract, 5-years at $4.5 million per season. But that could turn out to be okay. Reasoner didn’t fill a vacancy, but I like what I saw of him in Edmonton, on Center Ice. I don’t know much of Williams. I look forward to seeing more of him to make an evaluation of him.

But mostly, I am eager to see how much progress Oystrick, Hoffman, Little, Sterling, Slater and Bogosian might make this year. I hope guys like C. Stuart, J. LaVallee, and O. Pavelec might be call ups who stick around, at least for a little while. I view this season as an EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY to develop talent in a year where the consequences for failure are something close to nothing.

Well, it’s true. There are no “Playoffs, OR ELSE! ultimatums” on the table, as far as I know. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if we finish last, which we won’t, we’re going to be positioned nicely to add a player whose rights we’ll control for probably eight (8) years. Well, assuming he signs that capped rookie contract and/or doesn’t bolt for Russia at some point.

Think about it. Anything can happen in a lottery draft. Even the 5th place team has some shot at 1st overall. I think Chicago pulled that one off in 2007. What if our “surge” happens in October/November, and we falter badly after the trade deadline in February. We wind up with the #2 or #3 overall pick. We make a GOOD SELECTION and we SIGN THAT SELECTION to the 3-year deal. When the contract expires, the Thrashers will have the right to match any RFA offersheet that arrives. The offersheet will probably be in the viscinity of 5-years. And if we do things correctly, like we did with Tobias Enstrom, we’ll lock the player up on a 4-5 year deal after completing his second season, PROACTIVELY.

Isn’t that a whole lot better than … pouring it on in mid-March, early April, in a failed attempt to make the playoffs? A few weeks of pleasure? Or 8-years of John Tavares. Which is better, hypothetically?

But I digress. Let’s play some games. Let’s make adjustments. Let’s develop talent. Let’s implement our system. Let’s take that “NEXT STEP” towards righting the SS Thrashers back to Port Playoffs. Don did okay this Summer. For real. It’s a build year. We’re building more correctly than we did the first time around. Our average age isn’t 34 anymore. Our head Coach isn’t going to play mind games with Kari Lehtonen. He’s going to establish a workable goaltender rotation. And the purpose of preseason is not to win, it’s to evaluate talent. I’m not 100% sure all the right roster decisions were made, but time will tell. And Waddell can always assign certain players back to the AHL and recall others. Some will be subject to waiver claims, and others won’t. But Waddell can also do some damage on the waiver wire, himself. If he really wanted.

By Bo

October 8, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this

By Gregg49

October 7, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

How is this years team better than last years team Alan? We added Reasoner and Williams, which could give us maybe 15 more goals max total. Alan did you know that last year the Thrashers gave up the MOST goals in the league? Did you know we also scored the FEWEST goals in the league? And Alan, did you know our awesome Preseason this year was the WORST in the league? Help me better understand how we upgraded our offense, because you see something that I don’t. Please explain.

I would be glad to explain this to you Gregg49.

It all starts on defense. When you upgrade your defense the defense gets the puck out to the offense and you then play in the opposing zone. When your defense is bad you spend more team in your own end. By adding Schneider, Hainsey and Bogosian you add three quality defense that can pass the puck and move the puck out of the defensive zone and into the offensive zone. That helps the offense. They also are good on the PP with a solid shot from the point and that helps the pffense. When your D can get the puck to the forwards that translates to goals. Preseason means nothing teams are looking at rookies and working on new systems. Now a few more scoring forwards would help but this team is improved over last years. Schneider, Hainsey and Bogosian are a big improvement.

By LAC.

October 8, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this

Other bob listen, If we were a contending team I would lay the praise on thick, All you offer is the same old thing, post after post after post… Mindless thoughts that frankly are at a level of a second grader.

You… Think you are all knowing all seeing, but you are blind to the facts as laid out on the ice… But if you want to act like a child at my posts or Sages or NascarDave and a LOT of others, fine Like one blogger who emailed me, maybe he will grow up by the end of the season I hope you do “other bob” maybe you will learn something over the course of the season, but with a know it all attitude… I seriously doubt you will!

Cheers !

By Sara

October 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

PAVELEC UPDATE This is from the Sporting News online newsletter, so I don’t have a way to link to it or cut and paste, but apparently Waddell has now spoken to both Pavelec and Walsh. According to Waddell, Pavelec intends to report in Chicago within the next couple of days. The news clip posted by our old friend Craig of course.

Knobler have you heard any further confirmation of this or other details from Waddell?

By TableHockey

October 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

The third jersey will be revealed tonight at the STH event. Also the Captain and Alternate Captains.

Can’t wait to see it - rumors have it that it is a throwback to the Atlanta Flames jersey but I’ll believe that when I see it.

Here is the link

By Sara

October 8, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

And Mike get your blue name back please….you’re getting lost in all the hot air up there.

By The Other J.B.

October 8, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Mike,

Your story on Pavelec has been posted on the Print Edition section of ajc.com.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/printedition/2008/10/08/thrashersnews.html

Also noteworthy, Pavs is listed on the chicago wolves current roster they just posted on their website.

Sounds to me like the agent shot his mouth off. Can’t wait to hear something from Opie first hand.

TWO DAYS TO GO UNTIL THE PUCK DROPS, THE POINTS COUNT, AND I SPEND $40 ON 6 BEERS!!!!

By Toby

October 8, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

My friends and I have been debating this Pavelec situation. One of them brought up an interesting point. The one thing (other than DW) that didn’t change this off-season……Weeks. If Kari is on a short leash because of this one year deal (groin and confidence problems) maybe Weeks is to blame. Why is he still here?

By Alan

October 8, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

TableHockey - According to your link, it makes no mention of captain, just alternates will be introduced. I recall Anderson saying that the team captain will be selected from the alternates:

which will include the announcement of the team’s alternate captains.

I know logically speaking, we would also expect the captain to be named; alas, this year is going to be anything but logical.

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Weekes is still here for his preparation skills… he’s got a pretty good read on preparing for games based on certain offenses they’ll see, studying video, etc. I don’t have much problem with him.

Groin issues would go on Ray Bear (the conditioning coach) and Kari himself. It’s been all but labeled a “chronic” issue for the most part, so not a lot can be done.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Alan and TableHockey — Anderson stated he’d let the players earn the C at the beginning of the season, so there is only going to be announced the Alternates who will all be in the pool for the Captaincy, to be announced at a later time. Play and leadership should dictate captaincy, which to me means Kovalchuk has a few games to prove he can carry this team in the locker room and on the ice.

I think he, unlike Ovechkin, wants the Captains C.

By Alan

October 8, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Anderson stated he’d let the players earn the C at the beginning of the season, so there is only going to be announced the Alternates

I was going to mention that too, but thought everyone here knew that already.

KISS rule, and all that. :)

By Mike Knobler

October 8, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Alan Anderson is on record saying he’s in no rush to choose a captain. There have been cases in which teams just had alternates. What he doesn’t want to do is make the wrong choice, and there may be no obvious choice with this team.

Everyone My apologies for our failure to post my stories on Tuesday when I wrote them. In the meantime, thanks to The Other JB for posting the Pavelec link. Here’s the link to the other story they didn’t post.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I renewed my STH investment and will continue to do so.

bob (other) - Once again tickets are an expense, a discretionary expenditure to be exact, not an investment.

Your tickets would only be an investment if you purchased the tickets with the intent to sale them at a later point in time for a profit.

Until you learn the difference between an investment and an expense, you may want to lay off the education and business acumen of the other bloggers.

By TableHockey

October 8, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the correction Alan - I misread the headline.

Has anyone heard any other rumors on the third jersey?

I also noticed the Thrasher’s website doesn’t have the practice schedule posted like they have in previous years. Does anyone know where I can find the practice schedule? I was going to try to go out one day next week.

Thanks!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Alan — Nothing’s simple here. Until I can patent my sarcasm button (c-circle, all rights reserved, patent pending) that is.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

That accounts for roughly $300,000,$15,000 from me, so I guess we all put our support and money in an entertainment product that can also win.

In the words of P.T. Barnum, there is a sucker born every minute. The owners are brillant because they continue to suck money out of these plebeians. Why don’t you put some of your investment money in Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual, Fannie Mae, or AIG. In eight months your ticket investment will have the same value.

By The Other J.B.

October 8, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

No problem, Mike. Just glad I got to read it; I do wish there was a little more resolution to the situation though…

If the third jersey does in fact look like the image leaked yesterday on the icethetics blogspot, I like it alot. The numbers on the front could be a bit smaller but that’s my only complaint. I especially like the Thrasher head seperate from the swirlybird shield.

Good Call, Tablehockey… If anyone has the goods on practice next week, let us know. The schedule on the thrashers site still hasn’t been updated.

By Gregg49

October 8, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Alan, there’s no need to get so defensive. I was only asking for your opinion. I guess you won’t answer my question, then? Josh makes a point about scoring from others though. However, I don’t think Armstrong and Christansen are as big scoring threats as Josh would like to imagine. But it’s good to be optimistic, I guess, and i’ll chalk up your comments to blind optimism, meaning you think the team this year is better than last year, without proof that they are better than last year, and you didn’t really mean what you said. Who knows?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Stroz — Come on, that’s his money to spend and you know it. What you see as a bad expense, others see as the cost for entertainment.

Just because spending money on the Thrashers is not your prerogative, doesn’t mean he’s wrong for doing so.

By Tim

October 8, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Also Sterling is a 50 goal man at the AHL level so perhaps JA can make that work.

lol, Thanks for the laugh Ben!

By Alan

October 8, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Anderson is on record saying he’s in no rush to choose a captain.

Yes, I believe I’ve read it both here and in Custance’s writing in The Sporting News. Good on him for wanting to make the correct decision instead of a decision that would be popular with the fans.

Sure, we all believe Kovalchuk deserves the captaincy, but Anderson has also stated that Kovalchuk needs to be more open with the team.

Kovalchuk feels like he’s ready to lead, so here’s his chance to prove it to the man who can make the decision to put Kovalchuk in the driver’s seat.

By Alan

October 8, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

I guess you won’t answer my question, then?

I gave you the shovel. Go digging. You’ll find your answers. I believe I’ve stated a lot of my feelings on the team to NASCAR Dave, so you might want to ask him. :)

By Gregg49

October 8, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

It all starts on defense. When you upgrade your defense the defense gets the puck out to the offense and you then play in the opposing zone. When your defense is bad you spend more team in your own end. By adding Schneider, Hainsey and Bogosian you add three quality defense that can pass the puck and move the puck out of the defensive zone and into the offensive zone. That helps the offense. They also are good on the PP with a solid shot from the point and that helps the pffense. When your D can get the puck to the forwards that translates to goals. Preseason means nothing teams are looking at rookies and working on new systems. Now a few more scoring forwards would help but this team is improved over last years. Schneider, Hainsey and Bogosian are a big improvement.

Bo, I know we upgraded on Defense, but my question was about offense. Is upgrading our defense going to help us take more shots? Did you know Bo, that last year the Thrashers took the fewest shots in the league? While at the same time they gave up the most shots? From your post, it appears you are expecting A LOT of offense out of our defensemen. I just worry that we will have another year of no offense (minus Kolvachuk), and we will see more of Jim Slater (and others) skating around and conrtibuting nothing, clogging up roster spots for Prospects who Anderson could properly develop, you know?

By Bob

October 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

He ended the experiment of Erik Christensen centering the first line and replaced him, for Tuesday at least, with veteran Todd White. Christensen moved to the second line

Knobler, thanks for the info. It’s been a foregone conclusion to me that White will be our first line center for quite some time now. It was either Custance or you that interviewed Coach right after he was hired and he said the first thing he did was call up White and tell him he was counting on him for 30 goals. That told me, despite what the usual clueless suspects around here told me was wrong, that White was his #1 center.

Stroz, did other Bob make a Freudian slip again? Remember last year when we pegged him as a Spirit employee, if he is, then it’s an investment to him. A true fan knows it’s an expense.

By Gregg49

October 8, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Alan I don’t know who that person is, and why should I ask him about you, anyways? I was asking you for your opinion. There is no right or wrong answer. At least Josh and Bo can back up their statements with their opinions. I guess you have no basis for what you spout off then. You must still be a teen or something. I really don’t have the time to dig through these blogs for comments, so we’ll leave it at that. Grow up pal, and GO THRASHERS!

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Just noticed Enstrom’s salary numbers posted on NHLNUMBERS.com

$3.75 million per year for 4 years… that’s a pretty good deal.

By Alan

October 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I really don’t have the time to dig through these blogs for comments

Oh, but you did have time to “dig through these blogs” yesterday. What’s changed?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Gregg49 — The defense in Anderson’s system is expected to take more shots and generate more offense than in the systems of past Atlanta teams. So to answer a question you posed to another poster, “yes, the defense will help make up some of the points lost by Hossa’s departure”.

Hainsey had 8 goals. Schneider 12.

Last season Enstrom led Atlanta defensemen with 5 goals. Second place was Zhitnik, with 3.

I think the added offense from our defense is expected to help cover some of the lost goals from the departure of Hossa. I expect Enstrom, Hainsey and Schneider to support the team offensively, with Bogosian chipping in some points as well.

Of course there’s no replacing Hossa, but signing a scoring winger for Kovalchuk’s line (Williams), offensive minded defensemen to play in Anderson’s system, and opening the reigns on Kovalchuk to play quality minutes offensively (instead of the quantity of minutes he played on both ends of the ice in an effort to make him into a two-way player)…I think all of those factors will help replace the void left by Hossa.

Sure, I would’ve loved to see someone like Ryder, Afinogenov, Gaborik, or even Hossa brought in to replace that void…but for now the incremental improvements will have to be enough.

By Gregg49

October 8, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Alan, this is my final response to you. I am new to these blogs. I first posted here recently (within the past month or so). I made a statement about our need for more offense, and you replied back to me about how this team is better on paper than last years. Because of my job, I travel a lot, and don’t always have time to check up with the blogs. But I remembered you being the person that commented back to me. That being said, I apologize for waiting so long to get back to you. Keep in mind, I made that comment BEFORE any of the Preseason games, and from what we ALL saw in the Preseason, our offense is stagnant. I like the Thrashers just as much as you and the next guy. I’m just worried a little bit, and you are not. Differing opinions I guess. Have a good day.

By Gregg49

October 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Second place was Zhitnik, with 3.

Easy there ranallo10! I don’t need any bad flashbacks right now! I agree, Anderson’s system allows the Defense to get into the offensive action more. Let’s hope it works. I wouldn’t worry so much if some of these youngsters could contribute, but we all saw what Sterling and Stuart brought last year - not much. I will be cautiously optimistic I guess.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Come on, that’s his money to spend and you know it. What you see as a bad expense, others see as the cost for entertainment.

ranallo10 - I’m not saying it’s a bad expense, I’m saying it is a discretionary expense and not an investment.

And yes, it is his money to blow, if he is truely an ASG customer and not a ASG employeee.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Stroz, did other Bob make a Freudian slip again? Remember last year when we pegged him as a Spirit employee, if he is, then it’s an investment to him. A true fan knows it’s an expense.

Bob - He could have really screwed up and called it revenue. Bruce and his employees should really focus on their product and less on rationalizations.