Thrashers

By Ed

October 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Moose tonight?

By Alan

October 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Since we’ll be employing the dump-and-chase as an overall strategy tonight, I can only hope our guys have success getting the puck out of the corners and along the boards, or this is going to be a nightmare to watch.

It’ll be interesting to see Oystrick play. I’d like to see what he can bring to the game tonight in terms of defense, offense, and toughness.

By Mike Knobler

October 14, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Ed Not unless Kari loses a contact lens.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 14, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

It’ll be interesting to see Oystrick play. I’d like to see what he can bring to the game tonight in terms of defense, offense, and toughness.

I agree, although I think X should sit and not Zach.

Not unless Kari loses a contact lens.

Yeah, I would stick with KL for now, there’s no reason to change goalies yet.

By GaVaHokie

October 14, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I agree, although I think X should sit and not Zach.

Nah, I think it’s the right call… rookie for rookie. Keep the veterans on the ice.

Mike, how does this effect Bogosian’s 8-game clause? Does he have to play eight games or just be on the team for eight games to void his Junior status?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I’m curious of the same thing, how does it affect his 8 game extended tryout?

By Russian

October 14, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Bogus needs to sit and watch a game. He made a lot of mistakes. I know he is young D-man, that a reason he is going to look game from press box. Good Call JA!

By Sara

October 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

I guess the question is, what impact would a solid game by Oystrick have on the decision to send Bogosian down? Cause the problem from my view is that we don’t really have anyone to replace Bogosian on the roster except other rookies. And if you are going to play a rookie, might as well be Bogey IMO unless one of the others can make a case for stealing his spot.

By Zach

October 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Mike,

what do you think the thrasher need to do to get Ilya more involved in the offense. I feel like our best player has kinda taken a back seat to less talented guys,and I was wondering how Coach Anderson want to incorporate Ilya.

Also, how do you think we can limit the shot totals on kari/moose if he plays?

By Jarndyce

October 14, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I think everyone should stop worrying about Bogosian’s junior eligibility. He’s not going back.

Good for him to get a game off. Watch and learn, especially after having played a couple of games. I’d think that about 60 games for Bogosian would be about right for the season…

By GaVaHokie

October 14, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve been thinking the first 8 games is a chance for Bogo to see what he needs to work on IF he returns to Juniors. I’d say, if Oystrick plays a decent game tonight, Bogo might be headed back to Juniors soon.

And, naturally, they need to play Oystrick during these 8 games to see if the team is any better off making that decision.

By Toby

October 14, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I would guess Sterling and Moose on Thursday? I think another key to tonights success would be taking the defense by surprise (example: Hainsey’s goal in the Washington game. Skating in from the point to receive the pass and catching the D off gaurd).

By Smoothie

October 14, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

If I recall correctly, Bogey only loses his junior status if he PLAYS nine games at the NHL level. For that reason I think this is a smart move by JA to let Oystrick play every few games so we can extend the length of Bogosian’s “try-out” in the NHL.

This way Bogey can continue to practice and develop with the big boys over the course of 15 games as opposed to only 9. I’m hopeful that he will be a permanent fixture at the NHL level and think this is more a way to get Nathan a look or two before deciding if he will get sent back to the Wolves for extended playing time.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Jarndyce — We’re not “worrying”, we’re simply curious. I for one would like to know the options available to the team instead of considering Bogosian up for the long haul simply because he’s played two games.

By Bob

October 14, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I think everyone should stop worrying about Bogosian’s junior eligibility. He’s not going back

Yep. The sole reason we got Schneider was to mentor Bogosian all year, he is not going back to juniors. This is a good move as Bogosian can watch from up in the press box and learn more from there what he needs to improve before coming back into the fray. Smart move by Coach.

By kracker

October 14, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

If possible, have Nelson in the press box for in-game discussion/instruction with Z-Bo (I saw he signed a sweater with ‘Z-Bo’ so that’s good enough for me).

How much neutral zone trap has he carried or passed the puck into in jrs.? Anybody?

By Smoothie

October 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

what do you think the thrasher need to do to get Ilya more involved in the offense. I feel like our best player has kinda taken a back seat to less talented guys

I’m not sure if you watched both games, but my guess is that you probably did not. Because you should have noticed that while Ilya may not be peppering the net with pucks, he is instead letting the flow of the game — as well as the overloaded defensive schemes — dictate his decisions.

Rather than force the play by taking an ill-advised shot that caroms recklessly off the boards leading to a break-away in the other direction, Kovy has been making some very wise, not to mention, extremely adept passes to teammates who for the most part have not converted into goals.

Also, please don’t forget that he nearly gave the Thrashers the lead against Fla in the 3rd period when he rang a wrister off the pipe; it was pretty much the only offense for the T-Birds during a 10 min stretch.

Instead of worrying yourself to death about when Kovy is going to erupt for a bounty of goals I think you should delight in the fact he is making good decisions, precision-type passes and playing a responsible two-way game in which he is making a concerted effort to back-check.

The goals will take care of themselves, but I think it’s more likely that you will see Ilya net 40 + goals rather than 50, but an Ilya that also doles out 40-50 assists to teammates streaking to the net for passes and put-back rebounds. We are witnessing the evolution of an offensive star into a more complete two-way presence and leader right before our eyes.

As TO would say, grab your popcorn and sit back and enjoy the show!!

By Sara

October 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Smoothie it probably doesn’t help that he’s been getting double-covered to boot.

One thing I really liked in the FL game was when Boults was in the box for fighting, coach snuck Kovy out with Slater and Thorburn on the fourth line. It didn’t ultimately turn into a goal, but it makes for good variety in using him. Especially if his PP minutes go down some, we can afford for him to pick up a bit more in double-shifting on occasion for “surprise attacks.” I wouldn’t want to see that every game, but it’s an option I’d like to see coach put in the playbook.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - In your analysis of Kovalchuk, I don’t think I could have put it any better. He is most certainly becoming a better two-way type of player. If what we’re seeing on the ice is also transitioning to the locker room, Kovalchuk is a shoe-in for the captaincy sooner, rather than later.

I love that he’s passing more to teammates that may have a better opportunity instead of firing away at the goalie — or anyone who might be in the way. He’s playing far more strategic this year than I’ve ever seen him.

By Smoothie

October 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

One thing I really liked in the FL game was when Boults was in the box for fighting, coach snuck Kovy out with Slater and Thorburn on the fourth line. It didn’t ultimately turn into a goal, but it makes for good variety in using him

Sara — I noticed this shrewd tactic by JA as well. I thought it really worked well and it led to one of the better forechecking / cycling shifts we’ve seen from the Thrashers in 120 min. You know Slates and Thorby are going to work THAT much harder in trying to not only impress the coaches, but also in trying to become the beneficiary of a brilliant needle-eye pass threaded thru the D by a double-teamed Kovy.

Alan — I figured someone with such an acute eye for detail would appreciate my analysis of Kovy’s here-to-fore manifested transformation. Let’s hope he continues to play this way (taking more pride in the new team concept) and that his efforts begin yielding even more “tangible” results on the scoresheet. I think “strategic” is the perfect word to use in describing his play thus far. He is still reactionary when the situation warrants, but otherwise he seems to be a more calculated and almost deliberate tactitian on the ice.

By Tony C.

October 14, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

They don’t trap much in the OMJHL.

You generally don’t see anything close to the complexity of Lemaire’s system until you get to AHL.

Not to say they don’t trap in Juniors, just they don’t go to the lengths that Lemaire teams do.

Also, Knobes; how much insight into Lemaire’s system has Todd White been able to provide??? I know he was there for awhile and played a pretty key role at times.

Granted, it’s not like Coach Anderson is unfamiliar with it-I think everybody remembers Lemaire’s time as the boss for NJD.

Another ? I have is what are our boys gonna do if lemaire sicks the Boogeyman on Ilya? Is Hoffman healthy? Does anybody really feel like they could go with Boogard?

Oh, and if yall want, I believe that the game will be part of the CentRe Ice preview week…channel 779 on your Comcast digital cable-these are the last few days to order it and still get the “early bird” discount.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - “calculated and almost deliberate tactician” is a perfect description thus far. It’s almost as if he’s realized that hockey is more than just shooting goals, but it’s more like a quick-paced chess match. For this to be a year that we surprise everyone, we need him to keep doing what he’s doing. If he can help some of the other players on the team buy into the tactical and strategic side, we will be a dangerous team to contend with in the future, regardless of how we look on paper.

By Smoothie

October 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Alan — I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. Any success we hope to have this year hinges upon Kovy’s acceptance of the new system as well as his ability to “transition” his understanding and acceptance into a more vocal and effective leadership role in the lockerroom. If Kovy buys in, and demonstrates his willingness to make those around him better, then the team as a whole will be better off for it.

By the way, did anyone notice that JWilliams was taking a lot of the 3rd period face-offs for TW in the 3rd period of the Fla game?? My initial reaction was that of agreement thinking White was a bit “soft” in the face-off circle, but so far the stats show that Todd has won 70% of his draws thus far.

Perhaps we will see Williams take some of the draws for the 2nd line unit as EC’s draw percentage is unusually low for him (I think it’d down around 42%). I hope that TW’s percentage remains high and that the chemistry continues to be strong with Little achoring the RW for months to come. I think the Kozzy - EC - Williams line could develop into a lethal 2nd scoring line now that Slava seems to be healthy. If we could get 55 - 75 goals from our 2nd line, just think how potent our team would be as a whole??

By GaVaHokie

October 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I hope the guys watched the Chicago Blackhawks game last night during their night off… that was some impressive puck-work.

By waffleboy

October 14, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Tonight will be a true test of how much the Thrashers are buying into JA’s system. The Wild are a team that thrive on the opposition’s mistake. They have little ability to create oportunities but are excellent at capitalizeing on the opposition’s missteps.

While we are all hoping for a win, what I reaaly want to see tonight is a Thrashers’ team that sticks with JA’s system, regardless of the score. I think we would all like to see the SOG go down, but if they stick with system, that should follow.

Minnesota has always played well against us and we have usually played an undiscipline and unbalanced game against them. Here’s hoping JA is beginning to change that.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

If anybody wants something to dream about while watching the game, imagine Gaborik in a Thrashers uniform (but not the hideous third uniform).

Maybe one day…very doubtful, but maybe. Cross your fingers.

By Mike Knobler

October 14, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Guys, I don’t know where you got the eight games figure (I hope it wasn’t anything I wrote), but Bogosian can play as many as nine and still go back to juniors. Ain’t happening, in my opinion, but them’s the rules.

Specifically, “In the event that an 18 year old or 19 year old Player signs an SPC [standard player contract] with a Club but does not play at least 10 NHL Games in the first season under that SPC, the term of his SPC and his number of years in the Entry Level System shall be extended for a period of one year, except that this automatic extension will not apply to a Player who is 19 according to Section 9.2 by virtue of turning 20 between September 16 and December 31 in the year in which he first signs an SPC.” From the CBA, page 23.

By Mike Knobler

October 14, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Zach Like some of the other posters on this blog, I think Kovalchuk has been involved in the offense. It’s a good sign for the Thrashers that they have gotten at least a point in each game despite him not scoring a goal. He is an excellent passer. OTOH, I think it would be good for him and the team if he scores soon. The guy is a scorer, and no matter how good a team player a scorer is, he needs to score to feel positive about his game.

By Mike Knobler

October 14, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Tony C. Good point about Todd White. Didn’t ask him about it. I think, though, that Anderson can tell the players what they need to know. The question is: Can they do it, and will they do it?

As far as Mike Hoffman, I’ve seen him in the locker room squeezing those hand-muscle strengtheners. I’ve talked with him, too. He’s still several days from playing.

By Nate

October 14, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Ranallo - You’re not the only one who’s thought about that. We will be one of the few teams with plenty of money to spend under the cap even with a new Kovy contract (that he hopefully signs)… and signing Gaborik may convince Kovy to stay. hmmmm…

By Tony C.

October 14, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Knobes-

Good look on the Hoffman update!

By Tony C.

October 14, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

uMMM

Way I heard the rumor-mill’s take is that hossa has pretty much poisoned our water vis-a-vis Gaborik (his fellow Slovak & teammate).

But I’d love to see him in Thrasherbleu-maybe taking over from Williams when he bolts at the end of the year (which I’m pretty much expecting).

By Thrasher Paul

October 14, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

I’m watching the game on Fox Sports North and NO ONE IS THERE!

Whats the deal

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Tony C. — That’s the rumor. There’s also one out there that has Demitra and Gaborik hooking up in Vancouver. Edmonton is rumored to be the favored destination for Hossa.

I’d be happy settling with a Gionta or Afinogenov opposite Kovalchuk. Or Antropov alongside Kovalchuk…but I don’t think we’ll see any Cs signed in the offseason.

Sorry, I’m getting way ahead of myself right now, but those are some of the players I’m watching the renegotiation developments on. Oh yeah, Mattias Ohlund and the Sedins too.

Wish lists get pretty long, and in the end none end up coming this way…that’s why video game hockey was invented.

By kracker

October 14, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Paul Why aren’t you there? lol

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Paul — It’s a Tuesday night game, which are notoriously low in attendance. There’d be even less fans in attendance if it was against a team like Florida, Carolina, or even Phoenix. Such is the way of Atlanta fans.

And like kracker said…why aren’t YOU there?

By Scotty

October 14, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Hey there,

Im wondering if you are interested in being a guest on a talkcast. It would be a 15-20 minute interview composed by our own Dewey. The talkcast is put on by the website hockey-bums.ca. We would be interested in having you on to talk some Hockey and of course the Atlanta Thrashers.

Any Interest? contact me hockeybums@yahoo.ca Scotty

By kracker

October 14, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

We got a chance!….Little w/ 4:40 left!

By stendec

October 14, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

The goaltender was in midseason form tonight! Gave up early goal but team bailed him out. Third period collapse could not be salvaged. Completely clueless, worthless, brainless and gutless. Those are his good attributes. Know apologists will again sing his praises. Sing on! He made 1.000 saves? Good for him. He lost game? That is only stat which counts. This goaltender again proves he does not belong at this level. Maybe a major college squad. I said maybe!

By stendec

October 14, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Goaltenders worth a damn tough it up at crunch time. What do Thrasher fans get? Three goals in 20 or so minutes. Talk about sucking with a capital “S”! Defend this columnists! There is no defense for this kind of ineptitude! Oh well. All of you wanted this goaltender. Well, you have him! All of you deserve the years of utter ineptitude to come! What ARE those stats again?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

stendec — You realize this is a team sport, right? It is very rare that a loss in a team sport can be solely blamed on an individual.

Until you realize this, you’ll be one of two people (one who uses different screennames) that continually blames Lehtonen for every Thrashers loss.

By TRON

October 14, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

REGARDLESS……OF WHAT THE APOLOGISTS WILL SAY……DECIDING 2 GOALS……ALL ON LETEMIN…….FACE THE FACTS…….ANOTHER MONUMENTAL COLLAPSE……..SHODDY REBOUND CONTROL…….BRAIN FARTS……MONKEY PUCKS…….WHATEVER……….ALL ON WONDERBOY………LMAO…..LMAO……LMAO……..

By Darryl

October 14, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Wow, this Oystrick seems very slow ! Lets see what Sterling can do and sit Erik Perrin ?

By stendec

October 14, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Since all apologists of the goaltender worship statistics here are a few sobering ones:

First Minnesota goal with 4:29 left in first period. That one not too bad time-wise.

First Thrasher goal with 12:31 left in second period. Congratulations Illya Kovalchuk. Glad that first one finally in books. Not enough for goaltender-less unit!

Second Minnesota goal only 2:44 into third period. Completely deflated Thrashers. They were done at this point!

Third Minnesota goal with 10:19 left. Adding salt to wounds.

Second Thrasher goal with 4:40 left. Good for window dressing only (like UGA second half points against Bama). Team was toast at this juncture thanks to the porous unfocused goaltender!

Final Minnesota goal with 2:40 left. Keeps untalented cur in net on his horrible season average.

How many of four goals were monkey pucks? Know NONE of them were his fault (ask the apologists). What a prideless loser!

Hope new coach enjoyed the show! True fans certainly did not!

By Plenty Of Empty Seats!

October 14, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

There was nobody there tonite. At least the Wild announcers didn’t bash us for it, saying this is why hockey does not belong in the south. That was sad to watch, seriously.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Speak of the Devil.

By stendec

October 14, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Hello friends. The goaltender only faced 26 total shots. 26! Four pucks wound up in the net. Only 22 other shots did not. That averages out to a goal on every six or so shots. What is THAT save percentage?

By Bob

October 14, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

I’m watching the game on Fox Sports North and NO ONE IS THERE! Whats the deal

Season ticket renewals were down 60%. I knew that but that was shockingly empty tonight, I think I’ve seen bigger preseason crowds in prior years. I especially was amazed with all the season ticket holders in 116 (snort)

Little is off to a good start, he is looking like an NHLer and that is great news in this build year and a big plus to build on. I’d like to see him at center, but I guess we’re light at RW as well.

Looks like Enstrom is hitting that soph slump, I still think he’s better suited as a #3 guy. Schneider had an awful night, and Hainsey got burned, was that Gaborik who deked him out so badly?

By stendec

October 14, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Wins will fill arena! Watch what happens for Falcons. Falcons have Matt Ryan! Thrashers have that what’s-his-name goaltender plus one true playmaker. Goaltender an untalented fraud. Defenses can control only playmaker. Get my drift?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Looks like Enstrom is hitting that soph slump, I still think he’s better suited as a #3 guy.

Agreed. Hopefully he snaps out of it, and this is a product of the second new system thrown at him in the same amount of years.

By Brendan

October 14, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Schneider picked up an assist. How many points for the defense so far this year? IIRC, last year’s blueliner total was 78.

By MB

October 14, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Darryl, not sure if he looked different on TV, but I thought Oystrick had a solid game. True, he botched the play that led to the winning goal (and yes, I realize how stupid that sounds following my previous statement) because he was playing too aggressively. But for a junior leaguer playing his first NHL game of the season, I was pleasantly surprised.

I can not say the same for his veteran teammate and fan favorite, Nic Havelid. He stunk up the ice. Rarely would I rather have the puck on the stick of Exelby as opposed to Havelid, but that was the case tonight. His head just was not in the game.

Schneider had two good periods, then seemed to struggle in the third.

I thought we put Kari in some untenable situations with those last two goals, but again, those watching at home might have seen something different with the slo-mo replays. I will say that Backstrom was sharper than I expected.

On the good side, we seemed to have some jump early, and overall I thought we outplayed them a little. Doesn’t matter, they got the points. Speaking of Little, another good game…liking what I see of him. And Hainsey continues to play well, minus one gaffe in the second (I believe) that fortunately didn’t end up costing us.

Oh, and Bob…as bad as the attendance looked at home, I think it looked even worse in person. Possibly the worst attendance I’ve seen at a Thrashers game, but kudos to those who were there for keeping in the game.

By HoobkyBob

October 14, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Folks,..did anyone else notice that Enstrom and Havelid started on a couple power plays? Did both Schnieder and Hansey just finish a shift (don’t think so)? Any thoughts on what coach is up to? Havelid played well on the PP though, especially for a defensive d-man.

I’m liking what I see in the new players. How many are there, if you consider Armstrong and Christianson new? Also, like what the play of Slava, Thorburn, Perrin and X so far. That’s encouraging. Young guys contributing, Little and Z-Bo,…yes.

On the other hand…Toby is not off to a good start,…but I think his style of play (more a mental game than physical) will allow him to avoid the sophmore slump. I’m hopeful.

Lets go Blue.

By Mike Knobler

October 14, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Very empty arena tonight. Not a very good night for the Thrashers in any way other than Kovalchuk scoring his first goal and Little scoring his third.

By Mike Knobler

October 15, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

HoobkyBob If you consider Armstrong and Christensen new, there are 10 new players:

Free agents: Hainsey, Williams, Reasoner, Hoffman.

Draft pick: Bogosian.

Trade acquisitions: Schneider, Armstrong, Christensen.

Former Wolves: Oystrick, Sterling.

By HookyBob

October 15, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Anyone else notice Enstrom and Havelid starting on a couple of powerplays? Did both Hainsey and Schnieder just finish a shift? (I doubt it.) Wonder what coach is up to? Havelid did play well on the PP though, especially considering he is such a defensive d-man.

I’m really liking the new players, (especially if you include Christianson, Armstrong and Little as new.). Also, gotta say I like this year’s play of Slava, Perrin, Thorburn and X. Not forgetting Kovy, (he gets his own sentence) as others noted, he is playing very much more tactful this year. This is all good. Give us a couple of months to gel and there is real potential here.

Go Blue.

By Mike Knobler

October 15, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Defensemen have nine points through three games. That’s a 246-point pace. Last season, defensemen had 91 points.

By NASCAR Dave

October 15, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

“We look all discombobulated.”

Yep. 100% correct. Same TRASH as last year. Crapped out halfway through. Or gave up. No pride. No spirit. Nothing. KOVALCHUK looks as disinterested as ever… Very telling.

OUTHIT, OUTHUSSLED, OUTSKATED… ALL damn night!!!

4th line is a joke… NOTHING from BOULTS/SLATES/THOR aka “Greek Gods”, LMAO… Pathetic.

I told you LITTLE belongs on 1st Line… Where was CRUSHED??? I didn’t see SQUAT!!!

STENDEC is right… LETEMIN doesn’t have the skills or mental toughness to be an elite netminder in the NHL… PAVELEC can’t get here soon enough… MOOSE??? Uh, yeah I’ll pass - No thanks!!! LOL

ENSTROM is ready to sit… Bring back BOGOSIAN and pair that OYSTRICK kid with HAINSEY or HAVELID…

Season ticket renewals were down 60%. I knew that but that was shockingly empty tonight, I think I’ve seen bigger preseason crowds in prior years. I especially was amazed with all the season ticket holders in 116 (snort)

Yep. Right on BOB… 116 was EMPTY… This guy BLOB (OTHER) is a total LIAR… LOL! But seriously, we had that guy pegged out last year, I don’t know why he keeps coming on here making an a$$ of himself… What a joke/fool!!!

In all seriousness, why is SLATER here still??? He contributes NOTHING!!! He whiffed on more shots than JEFF FRANCOUER whiffing on piches high and tight in his face!!! LOL

Saw KLEE play for ANA tonight… Thank god DONNIE sent him packing… That’s the only positive I take out of tonight!!!

NUFF SAID.

By LAC.

October 15, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Again stopped playing in the third…

Empty seats, YES lots of them, looked real bad. But when you have owners who will not put a good product on the ice, well.

Last season tuesday & thursday games had decent crowds… Then this economy Hummm..

But renewals down 60% and an IDIOT owner bashing the fans, plus a very soft team in most regards, well that says it all.

By dennis peppers

October 15, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

remember the old saying that you get what you pay for? well that’s what the thrashers owners are getting—-one legit hockey player with a supporting cast of wannabees.

By Thomas

October 15, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

I agree Daryl. What is the point of Brett sitting out every game? He will never progress this way. Might as well send him back to Wolves where he can get action. We have several wingers doing nothing right now. Bolton, Slater, Perrin, Thornburn to name a few. What gives?

By Sara

October 15, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

Few random response thoughts.

Knobler and others - IMO this game was lost in the second period, not the third. The team was flat, lacked energy, and ultimately took way too many penalties that killed any flow. If they had kept it up instead, the outcome of the game potentially could have been very different.

ranallo regarding the Sedin twins…here’s my take. I think any team that would be willing and able to sign both twins will have the best shot at doing so. Now, while I ultimately expect them to remain in Vancouver, if something should break down there and they hit the open market, I think the Thrashers are in a very good position to make a bid on both - we certainly have the cap room available. Perhaps if Anderson could sell them on his system (it would also help if that system was proving effective by the end of the season) and the opportunity to be the top line with Kovy, it’s not an insane scenario. Probable - maybe not, but certainly possible. And I’d rather make that move than attempt to sign Gaborik - he’s rumored to be asking for as much money as Kovy and I’m not comfortable with that for a few reasons.

MB Kari wasn’t in good position on the third goal and it was something it took replay to catch. I had wondered when the goal went in how he played it. I don’t know if he lost his balance or what exactly, but he was back in the crease in the butterfly and was hunched forward with both hands down on the ice (hence why I think he lost balance somehow). If he was upright, that puck most likely doesn’t make it in the net. I just wonder how much longer the team is going to leave him out to dry too much. He saved their rears through that second period and the successive penalty kills. The rules of statistics eventually bite them in the rear - they can only go to that well so many times. You’d expect a goalie to bail his team out some of the time, but it is rare when it happens for an entire game. And in our case, it can’t happen game after game after game - no goalie can pull that off.

HookyBob I noticed that as well - and in fact it was the entire second PP unit that started. The first unit with Hainsey, Schneider, and Kovy’s line was the second one out. Very odd - wonder what coach’s strategy was there.

By sisu

October 15, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

It was too bad the team lost but look at the bright side! The team has earned 3 out of 6 possible points. Last season 0 out of 12 so I take that any day. New system, new players, new coach. Give them time.

By Nikita

October 15, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

After my comments about special teams, and watching the first two games again on the DVR…I think Anderson is cross-training most of the team. Which is a very good thing if it ultimately results in more of the team being competent on the PK or PP, results in slightly less ice time for our most heavily used players, and so on.

With all due respect, Thomas, I don’t agree with you at all. Boulton fulfills his role of enforcing checker, and is making a decent stab at adjusting to the Anderson system despite being unable to hit the broad side of a barn with his slapshot. Slater looks great right now. He’s playing a good physical two-way game. Thorburn isn’t as good as I’d like him to be right now, but he’s technically fine — he’s playing a competent third-line two-way game, putting some SOG, and enforcing. He looks good, actually — I’m just not ideally thrilled with his conditioning. And Perrin looks quieter this year, but so do all of the people who held down the fort last year. I assume that he, Enstrom, and Kovy will adjust and make a huge contribution. But he’s already doing well with regard to facilitating Reasoner and Armstrong.

By Bob

October 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

I told you LITTLE belongs on 1st Line… Where was CRUSHED??? I didn’t see SQUAT!!!

Yes, Little is a bright spot, offsets the disappointment with Enstrom so far.

But what about Christiansen? He looks bad, he does not look like a top line center, didn’t last year either. I think we can clearly see now why Coach has White on the top line. I think he should move Little to center the 2nd line and see how that goes, and move Christensen to winger.