AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USArmstrong checked for concussion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong took the ice about 20 minutes into practice today after getting tested to see if there were any lingering effects from the hit he took from Zdeno Chara in Saturday night’s loss to the Boston Bruins.
The test involved Armstrong reacting to words, shapes and patterns on a computer.
“I feel really good right now,” Armstrong said. He felt woozy after the hit, got up and made a beautiful centering pass that Slava Kozlov converted into a goal. Then Armstrong felt woozy again. He played the rest of the game. He said he didn’t feel very good on Sunday but didn’t know if that was from the hit or from a lack of sleep.
“He’s fine,” Thrashers coach John Anderson said.
When Armstrong wasn’t on the ice, Brett Sterling practiced in his place alongside Kozlov and Erik Christensen. Once Armstrong was able to skate, Sterling worked in with the Eric Boulton-Jim Slater-Chris Thorburn line.
Something to look for: When Marty Reasoner was out for much of the game at Detroit, Anderson used Jason Williams at center. Anderson liked what he saw. “That’s an experiment that’s not over with yet,” Anderson said.
Anderson also is considering making some changes to the defensive pairings. The even-strength pairings have been Ron Hainsey-Garnet Exelby, Tobias Enstrom-Niclas Havelid and Mathieu Schneider-Zach Bogosian. One possible move: Hainsey-Bogosian.
Comments
By Brendan
October 27, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Armstrong is a hockey player. They’re tough. They can hack it.
By Smoothie
October 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Time to break up the Swedes!! We need to distribute the talent to help even things out. Although I disagree mightily with the idea of splitting up Ex and Ron. That’s the one unit that seems to have been consistently good. I like these:
Hainsey & Ex (24 & 18 mins)
Enstrom & Bogey (24 & 16 mins)
Schneids & Havy (20 & 18 mins)
A blend of offense and stay-at-home defense on all pairings. Plus, you “protect” Toby by giving him a partner with imposing physical attributes. I think Havelid would lessen Schneider’s exposure to mistakes through over-aggressive play. Having Toby play with Bogey will force Enstrom to elevate his game back to 2007-08 levels.
By Russian
October 27, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
I hope Armi will be ready to play tomorrow. We need to win a Game.
By Sara
October 27, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Smoothie you hope putting Toby and Bogey together would help Enstrom elevate his game…I’m not sure if it would though. Maybe experiment with it against a mediocre opponent but those two strike me as a dangerous combination.
By MB
October 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Couldn’t agree more with you, Sara…if I’m on the other team, I’m praying for a Toby/Bogey line. In two or three years that’ll be a different story, but right now they’re both struggling and making costly mistakes.
Hainsey-Bogosian is intriguing, no doubt, but I’m with Smoothie on not wanting to split Hainsey and X. X has found his game for the moment, and we all know what it looks like when he loses it. Don’t want to tempt fate on that one.
I’d probably keep them, then try Havelid-Bogo and Schneider-Toby. I also wouldn’t be averse to mixing in the Ostrich here and there.
By Smoothie
October 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I’m not as worried as some when it comes to Bogey. Since his very shaky first game, he has been no worse than any of our other D-men. Havelid has probably been the best consistent defensive force while Hainsey has been the best overall defenseman for the Thrashers.
I think Toby would benefit from playing with Bogey because he would a) play fewer full-strength mins against top line offense and b) could still garner extra mins playing on the PK and PP where he excelled in particular last year. I certainly don’t expect Toby and Bogey to shut down the likes of Ovechkin, Crosby and Koivu any time soon.
By jared
October 27, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
enstrom and bogey sounds like a terrible idea. Maybe once bogey has some exp under his belt but for the moment id say most veteran lines would exploit their age and experience
By truehockyfan
October 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
SI reports that bogosian is not ready for the big itme and should be sent down. what do you think. would like to see valabik up to give us that true enforcer on the blue line. just a thought
By Bob
October 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I’m not as worried as some when it comes to Bogey. Since his very shaky first game, he has been no worse than any of our other D-men
Yep, he is just fine. But I’d like to keep him with a vet mentor, until Schneider settles into Coach’s system, mabye Hainsey would be a good on ice mentor for Bogosian. That’s all we need out of Bogo this year, get one good year under his belt of learning from someone that’s been around for a while.
By Mike Knobler
October 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
I’d like to talk with someone who is taking a wait-and-see approach to coming to Thrashers games this season. Please send your phone number to me at mknobler@ajc.com if that describes you.
By Midfield
October 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Anderson tries to distribute the skills - or the lack thereof - more evenly. Bogosian seems to pass well, but he tends to be out of position way too often. Perhaps, Schneider is not fast enough to compensate for that. XLB seems to be more disciplined position-wise this year, but he still is a lousy puck handler (re that horrible give away at Boston).
By h
October 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Bogo and Toby together would be a DISASTER…..that would be a very bad pairing…..I like Bogo with either Schneider, Hainsey or Havelid…..heneeds to be with real experience…..
By Smoothie
October 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t agree that Bogosian is out of position all that often. His mistakes, at least in the games I have seen, are more of the mis-handled puck variety. I think he’s made some bad decisions on when to pass or where to pass out of his own zone, but I think I recall more instances in which Schneider has been out of position and then failing miserably to recover. And why didn’t he put a body on Hossa rather than try to outsmart him with his stick poke…that worked out well didn’t it?
By matt
October 27, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
how many more losses before they fire DW?
By Midfield
October 27, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Smoothie,
the first Hossa goal in Detroit was a straight up turn over by Bogosian, which I only commend Schneider to even be close enough to Hossa to take all the sh*t from people like you. Now tell me what position was Bogosian in when Hossa scored the second. Wasn’t he the one who was supposed to skate with Hossa all along? This is a simple test for you. Did you play any game at all - like ever? Think hard before you answer. I would really hate for you to embarrass yourself.
By Fred
October 27, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it like a few more games played and then Bogo can’t be sent back to Juniors? Because they’ll probably send himn back to Juniors,and bring back Boris for his grit. Wouldn’t surprise me.
By Robbie
October 27, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
I have been impressed with Sterling’s play so far. He looks better than Boults/Perrin and Thor out there.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 28, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Fred — Based on everything that has been said by Waddell, I would be surprised if he was sent back to Juniors.
By Sara
October 28, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Fred he has two more games I believe before he hits the threshold, cause he’s played in seven of the eight games thus far.
Like ranallo I find it unlikely Bogosian will be sent down. Rookie mistakes or not, the key here is to get Bogosian developed, likely as fast as possible. In the end, he will learn more in the NHL than the OHL and especially with Schneider (or Hainsey) as a partner.
By Russian
October 28, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
I hope Bogus will stay all season here. At least Don will make his big mistake again. Bogus is plaing OK and he will be develope more if he has a playing time on NHL.
By Alan
October 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Bogosian has nothing more to learn in Juniors. He’s best served spending this season with the Thrashers in the NHL.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 28, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I’ve heard twice now during radio broadcasts of the Thrashers games that it isn’t 9 games played by the player, it’s 9 games on the roster.
So, I believe he only has 1 game left.
By NASCAR Dave
October 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I think I agree with FRED… DONNIE will send the kid back down… Watch and see… Looks like HOFFMAN is on Re-Entry waivers, also…
By GAThrash
October 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Mike, If Williams plays the center spot, how does that change the lines. Where will he play and who gets knocked out. I thought that Reasoner-Williams-Perrin was a pretty good line.
By GaVaHokie
October 28, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Looks like HOFFMAN is on Re-Entry waivers, also…
I think he’s being sent DOWN to Chicago on waivers, probably to get a couple games in.
By Sara
October 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Yep - Hoffman’s on his way down to the Wolves. Has to be because he hasn’t played in any games for them yet so therefore it wouldn’t make sense to bring him back up.
By GaVaHokie
October 28, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
We probably could have used Hoffman tonight, now that Philly is playing a rougher style game again.
By pierre chalifoux
October 28, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Il n’a pas d’importance combien se plaindre qu’ils font. Vous serez privé de votre franchise et transféré à Canada centrale, où le public se soucie réellement la partie. Vous inbreeds constamment se lamenter et se plaindre de ces questions non triviales comme vous le faites, et il prouve également juste à la Ligue des États arabes et le reste du monde que vous ne connaissez pas le jeu, vous ne vous souciez pas de la partie, et votre franchise est en ruine à cause de l’incompétence de la gestion du haut vers le bas. Votre franchise montant ne sera jamais à rien, jusqu’à ce qu’il soit juste et juste transféré à Canada central !
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Aww, how precious…someone got a hold of a computer while Mommy wasn’t looking.
Thank you Pierre, for reaffirming the belief that many Canadian hockey fans are arrogant elitists who do not have a clear understanding of globalization and capitalism.
By Alan
October 28, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I think he’s being sent DOWN to Chicago on waivers
I’m no CBA expert, but I recall reading that a player does not have to be waived if he’s being sent to the minors for conditioning, nor is he on re-entry when returning from injury.
I could be wrong, though.
By dhj_1962
October 28, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
leave boris v. where hi is. i watched him last year, he was terrible in Atl. ZB has the skills to overcome some of his inexperience. he is faster and can move the puck. on another subject, ASG will not fire DW, even they know no one else wants the job.
By Brendan
October 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I believe Alan is correct on the injury/conditioning stint. He’s safe from a waiver claim in that instance. Which is only right and fair. A guy got hurt. He’s rehabing the injury. And he needs a game or two in the AHL before returning. Losing the player in this fashion would be pretty unjust. It’s a good rule.
By stendec
October 28, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Fans will not shell out big bucks for complete ineptitude? Good for them! There may be one roster player with NHL caliber talent. Maybe one. However, I believe Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk is ready to bolt to a winner the first chance he gets. I certainly do not blame him! I will never forgive the Thrashers for their inaction after the direct insult from Maryann Hossa. Are ALL the Thrashers totally gutless and prideless wimps? Appears so. No goaltenders worth a damn. I know, the truth hurts. Display all the statistics you can get your hands on. Only one which means a damn thing is W-L. How are netminders doing in THAT area? Thrasher defense almost good enough to be termed poor. ALMOST! Offense sucks out loud! Oh well, enjoy the game. Guess the goaltender will be back between pipes. Of course! Sigh. BRING BACK OUR FLAMES!
By h
October 28, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
stendec, you must have a seriously sad life…..don’t go away mad, just go away…….we all get it…..you’re mad….you’re life stinks……you hate this team, you hate our goalie, you hate our GM…..seriously dude……go find a hobby……or at least bring intelligent conversation and some new arguments…..good lord…..enough already……you are truly a bore……Go Thrashers!
By Mike Knobler
October 28, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
About Bogosian, here are two key facts: 1) He isn’t being sent anywhere. 2) It’s 10 games played, not 10 games on the roster, according to the CBA, which I have quoted on here before.
“A player aged 18 or 19 earns a year of professional experience by PLAYING ten or more NHL Games in a season.” — Page 52
And
“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 ten 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 …” — Page 23
So Bogosian does not hit the decisive game tonight, which will be the eighth game he has played.
By dhj_1962
October 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
mike, can you block stendec? please?
By shaker
October 31, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Sitting Christensen for a game or two wouldn’t be a bad idea. Maybe he would get the idea that someone is trying to send him a message, produce or sit. After Eric Boulton sits for a few games he seems to come out and play with a little passion. There’s a few more guys on this team that needs to know what the “pines” feel like for a few games. It’s time to start giving wake up calls by sitting a few butts on the bench. If they are true professionals they will get the message loud and clear.
By shaker
October 31, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
I just read in today ajc that the Thrashers are going to keep Bogosian in Atlanta so he can be monitored for psychological reasons. He is going to stay with teammates’ families and maybe even fly in his parents to be with him. Is he suicidal, on his death bed or what? I know he is only 18 years old but the kid is playing profession hockey in the NHL no less. Do the trainers change his diapers or wipe his butt when it needs it. If he can’t this injury like any other player would have to is he ready for the rough and tough NHL? Don’t treat him like a little kid. treat him like any other player with a bad injury. What kind of message is he receiving by being treated this way? I joined the army at 18 and got homeskck, had by bad times and had a few cuts, scratches and bruises along the way but the army didn’t call my parents to come a babysit me. Let the kid grow up a little. If he wants to go home for a couple of weeks fine but flying in his parents for psychological reasons, you gotta be kidding me.
By shaker
October 31, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
I just read in today ajc that the Thrashers are going to keep Bogosian in Atlanta so he can be monitored for psychological reasons. He is going to stay with teammates’ families and maybe even fly in his parents to be with him. Is he suicidal, on his death bed or what? I know he is only 18 years old but the kid is playing profession hockey in the NHL no less. Do the trainers change his diapers or wipe his butt when it needs it. If he can’t this injury like any other player would have to is he ready for the rough and tough NHL? Don’t treat him like a little kid. treat him like any other player with a bad injury. What kind of message is he receiving by being treated this way? I joined the army at 18 and got homeskck, had by bad times and had a few cuts, scratches and bruises along the way but the army didn’t call my parents to come a babysit me. Let the kid grow up a little. If he wants to go home for a couple of weeks fine but flying in his parents for psychological reasons, you gotta be kidding me.