Thrashers

By The Other J.B.

October 20, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

What happened to Colby? Is he out for a long time?

By Tony C.

October 20, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

No doubt! While some folks might be dissing Army because of his lack of (statistical) production, don’t think this guy is just chopped liver.

Take a look at his opponents lack of (statistical) production!

Best shooter in the league (A/K/A #8 Ovechkin-apologies to #17, but he’ll have to step it up to get where Ovechkin is)= nine total shots, 6 SOG, 23:02 TOI, 0PTS

or mabye you’d prefer NJD’s Zach Parise 15:13 TOI, 0PTS, 5SOG,

I think that when you review Army’s TOI & hits {HTS}, you’ll notice he’s “invisibly” shutting down the premier scorers for most of the teams we face, not to mention the guy doesn’t seem to understand this word that’s often been associated with Le Thrash “quit”.

After a season like last year, where we saw “professionals” play for themselves and not for the team, mailing it in so obviously that fans and teammates alike were caustic, having a guy like Armstrong can only be a positive. You look at management that adheres to a plan of fiscal success over product-success, that they’re keeping the guy around and even making noises like they’ll extend him so long as he doesn’t screw the pooch-this is something we’ve lacked for years!

Hope he’s not hurt too bad-notice the league only makes you say “upper body” or “lower body” injury(ies) this year, makes it more mysterious. Knobes, anyway to gauge the seriousness of his injury? Will it need testing?

Also, how is Christensen’s head/confidence? Do you feel like he’s pressing?

Keep up the great work-and tell SlavaMatic that he’s the man (love this guy in the S/O).

By Jason

October 20, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Sterling is a natural left winger. So if they put him on the second line with Kozlov, he’ll be forced to play on the right wing. Same thing happened last year when he got a chance, and he was not able to make that adjustment and produce well enough to stay up here. I know his size and other factors were at play there too.

My gripe with the whole thing is put the kid in a situation to succeed at his best position. So if he is able to put up some of his AHL stats, he’ll produce well enough to be useful here, or raise his trade value back up to where we can get more value in return for another position. I guess that would require moving Kozlov to center or the other wing.

But a chance is a chance for him I guess.

By kracker

October 20, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

On Sterling, a guy that is trying to make the team as last forward, ideally he needs to be able to play whenever and wherever he is needed. If he can only play LW scorer, he needs to either be traded or be in Chicago. Unfortunately, every NHL team already has their top 2 LWs in place and may have more developing. It’s a tough spot to be in. Even with knowing JA’s system, he still has to have a position to play. He basically needs this team or another team to get real thin at LW scorer.

Anyone know if Sterling worked on playing RW over the summer?

By Tony C.

October 20, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

If I was Sterling, I would have.

By Russian

October 20, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

to kracker I agreed for 100% with you about Sterling. He must do something imazing on ice at Tuesday. The man only 5’7” and want s to play in NHL must be Perfect player. Who is 5’7” in any team??? I thought it is St.Loue from Tampa, but he is 5’9”. Brier from Philadelfia is 5’10”. I do not know anybody. If Sterling will play on Tuesday he has to bust his a* to make double goals. Let’s what happend.

By Brendan

October 20, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

I hope Lightning owner Oren Koules shows up. I can’t wait for the Lightning broadcast crew to zoom in on his sour puss when the Bolts fail to win, yet again. Tampa is 0-5. Ohh, I guess they’re technically 0-2-3, for .300 points percentage. If anyone can hog attention and “face time” like Arthur Blank, it’s Oren Koules, whose offseason moves resulted in the resignation of his GM, Jay Feaster, and soured relations with mainstay defenseman Dan Boyle. Boyle was “strongarmed” into waiving his “no trade clause” to accept a deal Koules wanted to make with San Jose.

Karma has a funny way of catching up to certain people. May the “winless” streak continue in Tampa Bay!

By Jason

October 20, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Brendan-Unfourtunately, the game tomorrow night is not being televised by either team(no Center Ice). So we may have to settle for some old fashion photos of Koules drowning in his fruity cocktail.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 20, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Russian — How tall is Gionta, or Scott Sullivan? I think they’re both pushing the announced 5’9 stat, which is likely measured while they’re standing on a phonebook in skates with 6 inch blades.

I agree on the Sterling bit…though if the coach knows he can’t play RW he shouldn’t put him there. The onus to improve is on Sterling if he plans to ever make an NHL team. But, if he’s unable to transition to the LW, it’s the coach’s job to put him in the best position to succeed. In other words, Anderson should move around a more versatile player (like Kozlov) instead of putting a square peg (Sterling) into a round hole (RW).

Kozlov taking faceoffs is not a good bet, based on what I saw in the replays from the Buffalo game. I don’t know the stats, so perhaps he was better than 0-1.

Tony C. — Couldn’t agree more regarding Armstrong. I think in a year or two’s time Armstrong and Slater paired with Stuart or Lavallee would be a killer shut down line. Armstrong has the offensive ability to play a top line (he played alongside Crosby in Pittsburgh, that was no accident)…so he has that potential to play higher with offensive minded players or on a third line pairing with defensive minded players. Either way, I feel his contributions on the ice is above serviceable, and off the ice or in the locker room is invaluable. Armstrong’s a keeper, from everything I know or have seen from him. If he stays in Atlanta, he’s a shoe-in for Alternate Captain status every season.

In three year’s time it’d be Kovalchuk-Bogosian-Armstrong as this team’s character leaders, and I’d be happy with that.

Re: Injuries — The league relaxed the rules this season regarding the disclosure of injury specifics. Lower or upper body injuries are going to be the key phrases this year, as opposed to the detail they gave last season. Sucks for us the fans, but it allows for teams to mask injuries so opponents can not plan accordingly. Probably saves some careers when you have players like Hollweg patrolling the ice…I wouldn’t put it past him to peruse the injury reports looking for the “concussion like symptoms” and deciding to throw an elbow at that player for good measure.

P.S. — Hollweg’s a thug.

By Bob

October 20, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

No TV tomorrow? That’s just no good. I agree re. Sterling, he floundered last year at RW, but then again White floundered in last year’s system. Mabye Coach knows how to work him into spots to succeed.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 20, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Mabye Coach knows how to work him into spots to succeed.

Good point.

To my recollection Sterling played with Lavallee’s line, does anyone remember specifically? Depending on the makeup of his Chicago lines could give us an indication of the type of linemates he requires in order to churn out points at his AHL level the last two seasons. I could see him playing well alongside Christensen and Armstrong, but on a line with anyone lacking in size would be worse for Sterling.

By kracker

October 20, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Well just knowing Oren Koules will look sour when/if TB loses is ok by me.

I want to win this one for a host of reasons. Showing the [don’t-]know-it-alls to be wrong ranks pretty high on the list. I can’t help but think the team noticed all those dismal Atlanta predictiions as well. And those rather glowing columns about TB’s off season moves.

By Brendan

October 20, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

What? Not on TV!! I’m writing to the Center Ice folks to remedy that one! I demand to see the tears of disappointment streaming down Oren’s face when his “I know BETTER than my GM” offseason moves backfire to the tune of “winless, through six” arrives.

‘Cuz I’m thinking that’d be a Kodak moment. Thanksfor the “heads up,” Jason.

By Jameson

October 20, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

ranallo- I can’t say for sure who Sterling played with this past season, but in his rookie season in the AHL when he broke the record for most goals scored by a rookie, he as on a line with Krog and Haydar, and I wouldn’t exactly call them big physical guys.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 20, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Jameson — Good point.

By Bob (other)

October 20, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Bob, you can get the game if you purchase Center Ice. There is a satellite, cable and online version.

Oooops…I forgot you don’t buy tickets, etc, but rather complain all the time. It’s about 5 to 10 regular negative posters on these blogs, which is a pretty small percentage of the arena crowds, which are smaller but nothing to be alarmed over. In fact the last game was greater than the 4th game last year vs. the NYR. (guess folks are just staying away as supporting your claimed and senseless, so called boycott….what an idiot)

Pony up pal. If you choose to miss out on Thrasher and other NHL hockey entertainment that’s your prerogative.

Nothing is free.

By Mike Knobler

October 20, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Guys, sorry not to have better info on Colby Armstrong. Will try to find out something at the skate Tuesday a.m.

Started my day by changing a flat tire, which made me late to practice.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 20, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Bob (other) — While I understand why you’re doing it, I don’t see the point in prolonging this disagreement with Bob or NASCARDave (by way of him latching on to the argument as he’s been doing). You both disagree, it’s obvious. I know you wont convince him to change his mind, and he wont you…so perhaps it’s better that you leave it be and ignore the veiled insults (or direct ones) that they both will hurl your way until they decide to pick someone else to disagree with vehemently.

For this issue I tend to agree with both you and Stroz, to some extent. I think attendance, while down, always has mitigating factors beyond the crowds dislike for the owners. The claim that supporters are 50% for the opponents has not been any different in successful years (the home playoff games were 20-25% Rangers fan in my guesstimation), and will be even more glaringly obvious in years where the attendance is down (like what this year seems to be thus far). The Atlanta Thrashers have never lead the league in attendance, nor will they ever. They’ve never been top 5, nor will they. I’d even argue this franchise will never be in the top 10 attendance wise, consistently.

As Brendan always says “it is what it is”, and that goes for attendance too. Economic issues, fan displeasure (which is obvious and of an impact, but I disagree with the extent to which one newspaper and a few posters like to claim it is), a historically sub-par product, poor ownership, a fickle market…all of these factors plus countless others will create less attendance in years where the team is not a shoe-in for the playoffs. When they are, the arena will boast sell-outs on consecutive nights, yet have hundreds to thousands of seats empty during the middle of the second period (think two seasons back, for those that attend games somewhat regularly).

Winning will put more butts in the seat, winning consistently will put the most, but no matter what this team does they will lag behind the average franchise in terms of attendance numbers. It’s the nature of Atlanta’s sports market, in my opinion.

I still disagree that Waddell will be fired due to attendance numbers (I don’t care what Nostradamus thinks). If last season is an indication of anything regarding Waddell’s employment, it’s that he will not be fired until after the ownership dispute is settled. The ASG so much as stated they wanted to get Waddell into a higher position (and thereby out of the GM slot), but couldn’t even live up to their word on that “promotion”. I feel they realize his job is not sought after, and he’s the best they can do under their current limitations. He also seems to please them with his management style, and since I look at them as a bottom line ownership group I think it’s understandably so.

Just a few thoughts, sorry for the length of the post.

By Tony C.

October 20, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

as the fat Coach guy from NHLTV commercials

Ok let’s hit the showers!

seriously, sometimes the twists and turns these blogs take are about as confusing as listening to that guy explain “offense & defenCe”

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 20, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Knobler — First you break a PC, now you rough up a tire…what or who is next in your warpath known as “the beat”?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 20, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Russian — How could you not know that Sergei Samsonov is 5’8? I expect more from you as a Russian…

As for the other NHL players listed at or around 5’7”…I counted two at 5’7 while perusing the TSN rosters (I looked at forwards only), and noticed about 4-5 5’8 players and 10+ 5’9 players. The skill sets ranged from injury prone scorers (Sullivan), gritty snipers (St. Louis, Samsonov, arguably Gionta), and Tootoo was the anomaly “enforcer”.

For the most part I noticed the players listed below 5’9 were skill players (like Sterling). So, my assumption that while he may need an above average scoring/playmaking ability to stick in the NHL (along with thick pads), it’s not unheard of or unfathomable for him to serve a role on any NHL club due to his size alone.

By Bob

October 20, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Bob, you can get the game if you purchase Center Ice. There is a satellite, cable and online version

I’ve had CenterIce for many years, Sparky and let it automatically renew every year, I don’t even look at the charge anymore since it’s so cheap, is it still $129 when you renew early? I use it to watch our club on the night’s we don’t have coverage, but mostly I watch other clubs, I’d recommend you try that part of it, Festus, and have yourself a little education on how hockey clubs are built.

I was told that neither Tampa nor Atlanta has a feed tomorrow as it’s the VS national game, and my CenterIce schedule shows the game on 215 on DirecTV which is the NHL channel, and they won’t be showing it.

And for goodness sake, why do persist in saying that the crowds at Philips aren’t down well over 1/2?! You actually believe announced attendance (which includes their giveaways, reported 2 yrs ago to be at 3,000 tix per game, I’d guess that # is up to 5,000 per game now)?

We all have eyes, we all see the empty seats (and complete empty sections up top). Knobler and Iceman both write on it, every poster has talked about how empty it is, we’ve read reports of season tix sales down 60%, the club has sent me a package begging me to come back and throwing in a couple free tix to boot. Yet you come on here and try to act like our fans haven’t left in droves? This after you claimed last year that all of your neighbors in 116 renewed when I told you that 1/2 the guys in my section were bailing? You do realize that we all know where Section 116 is and it’s on camera all game and we all see how empty it is? 114, 115, and 116 all used to be full with the long time season tix holders, 114 was where I started the first year. those were the diest of the die hards. Wait, those investors are just on business trips, eh?

And I’m the idiot? Okie Dokie. Carry on, Sparky, carry on, it’s quite amusing.

By Bob (other)

October 20, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Bob, your mindless rants and so predictable. I think you act like an immature child. Let me correct my opinion of your comments…STUPID IDIOT. Can it be any more clear. Do everyone a favor and go blog somewhere else. I do not think you are a fan, but rather a full time antagonist.

Attendance is attendance for example. It’s listed each game for every team regardless as official attendance..Thank goodness you are not in the business. You would crater a team. You couldn’t carry DW’s bag.What a moron.Our team is playing much better. Last year there was no effort. Kind of like you, just stick to you uninformed, non fact based set of innuendos. Give us all a break.

By Bob (other)

October 20, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Bob (brainless), why don’t you go hug your hero Hossa and kiss his butt. He’s a selfish 1st line forward, not a franchise guy. Good riddance. Hopefully we’ll have the same result with your nonsense.

As for recent games, the STHs from 1999 in my area have all renewed and have been showing up sporadically so far. You are just uninformed.

By The Joker

October 20, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Bob (other), otherwise known as a bother, should invest in some anger management classes or AA.

By Brendan

October 21, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, excellent post above. Especially the length. Chock full of good points, justifying its size. I like it like that.

I also feel that Waddell is here to stay. And if they fire Waddell, they’ve got to find a GM candidate who’d be willing to come to Atlanta, with the ownership situation still unsettled. This hypothetical GM may not even get to choose a Head Coach for quite a while. Generally speaking, naming a Head Coach is the most important thing a GM does, and is often his #1 priority. Although, having a glorious Head Coach may not help a GM, if the team has salary cap issues or cashflow issues. That’s why I think Waddell is staying. That’s why there’s no “playoff ultimatums” hanging over Waddell’s head this year. It’s a calculated, “slow-build” path back to the playoffs. If Waddell does it correctly this time, the 2011 Thrashers ought to be loaded for bear, with lots of lottery draft picks. By then, most of the roster should be “home grown” players, who are young, fast, and extremely skilled, given their draft position. Not only that, they’ll be EAGER to prove they are the new, bonafide “stars” of the NHL.

By 2011, the GM should only have to “tweak” the roster in free agency, rather than contemplating a total overhaul, while paying through the nose, at the price the market will bear. (Not really a good idea.)

In the very unlikely event Waddell actually got fired this season, the GM “candidate” is going to inquire about his budget before he EVER AGREES to come here. Well, at least if this prospective GM is a well-established, “household name.” If the ownership cannot commit to being within $3 million of whatever any given year’s cap limit might be, the top names will simply “pass” on the job. And the result will be that some NHL team’s Assistant GM will be hired, or possibly an AHL GM, like Chevaldayoff in Chicago, who just wants a chance at a full-time GM position. I’m sure there are those who’d prefer that we take our chances with ANYONE not named Waddell and let whatever come what may. But what’s the new GM supposed to do?, if not what Waddell is presently undertaking. Build through the draft, develop a core nucleus of players, make intelligent waiver claim acquisitions, and dish disposable assets at the trade deadline for future picks.

By Vick Supporter

October 21, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Dear Sections 319 and 320:

┏┫　　　　｜｜｜┣┓　　 ┏┓ ┗┫━━　┃　━━┣┛　　 ┣┫ 　┃　━━━━━　┃　 ┏┳┫┣┳┓ 　┗━━━┳━━━┛　 ┃　　　　┃

By Bob

October 21, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Bob (other), otherwise known as a bother, should invest in some anger management classes or AA

lol. We should probably leave the poor guy alone, but it’s understandable why he’s lashing out. He backed himself into a corner with his ludicrous claims last year that everyone in Section 116 renewed, when I knew that to be a complete lie. Now he’s changed that to the STHs from 1999 in my area have all renewed and have been showing up sporadically so far and that “attendance is barely down” when our own eyes show the truth.

Pretty soon he’ll have to admit the truth “well, Susie 3 rows down from me bought a half season ticket package again”. But no, that would take a man to admit that he’s wrong, much better to lash out with insults. lol.

By Helena

October 21, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

I think Bob means that the true fans have renewed. As with Atlanta fans, there are many fair-weather fans in town. If you have a problem, just stop complaining. Support our team! The Thrashers look much better this year, with a much better effort set forth. The attendance is not a problem. If you had heard anything, you would know that our franchise is not moving since there is a 99 year lease on the building and we also have the Hawks here. So, Bob is right. I always go to the games, and sit in the area behind the team benches, and everyone I know has renewed. Some people have not come to games yet with football going on. But, you are ridiculous to say most people did not renew. There are some that didn’t, but most true fans did because we just love hockey and want the Thrashers to succeed!