Thrashers

By Tall

November 6, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

I just turned the game off. The power play is abysmal. Sadly, this is the first game of the season I have had the chance to watch. I suggest management trade what they have for future draft choices. They can’t afford to resign Kovalchuk…nor would he want to. If this economic downturn is as severe as I think it will be, the NHL just might have to put some teams out of their misery. Sorry Thrasher fans…

By Mike Knobler

November 6, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

You should turn the game on again. Thrashers lead 4-3.

By kracker

November 6, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

10 seconds to go - WIN WIN WIN!!! 4-3

By kracker

November 6, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

I just love how people watch a part of a game (their first game to see all year) and then make a doomsday, the sky is falling kind of post (trade everybody!!!) just before the team earns a big win LOLOL!

Are all sports blogs full of loons or is it just the hockey blogs?

By Russian

November 6, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

WINNER! Slava was just simple Bueatiful. 2 Goals. Toby got goal. Kovy was almost get a goal. Well we are 2 in road. Come on Thrasher push little bit more. Pavs needs to stay.

By kracker

November 6, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Hey, sorry, Tall, your post just made me laugh. But do come on back and post about the games, maybe the team will win your respect.

By stendec

November 6, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Some hockey guru said we should sink or swim with What’s-His-Name. I would damn rather float or swim with a 2-0 Pavs! I am not a fan of drowning. You-Know-Who has too many damn issues! Let some other team deal with them! Miracle win? Damn right! Thrashers have only one way to go. UP! That happens when the absolute bottom is reached.

By stendec

November 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Not about game but something I feel compelled to say:

Please humor me.

Ilya Kovalchuk a real stretch as All-Star this season. Still no gripe. I like the guy. Even though his aim and productivity are terrible!

What’s-His-Name on All-Star ballot? Someone is on damn crack cocaine. What a F+++++G travesty! This untalented Finn is a fraud. Issues and all! To Hell with him AND his issues. I would not vote for this B+++++D if he were the only goaltender on the ballot!

Sheesh.

Keep winning guys!

By Empty Seats

November 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Just returned from the game. Lots of fun tonight. Other than a win and a fine third period effort, the best part was sitting in a $98 seat for $25. Thanks ASG.

I believe there was a junior high school football game in Valdosta and a chess tournament in Dalton that kept folks away. (Don neglected to mention their impact in his earlier comments.)

PS The event summary posts attendance of 14,122. What a joke. The place holds about 18,500 - I’m guessing there were 8,000 people in the building.

By Pucking Idiot

November 6, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

What’s-His-Name on All-Star ballot? Someone is on damn crack cocaine.

stendec, isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?

stendec has rabies, someone buy him a muzzle.

By stendec

November 6, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

The plan for now is to play (What’s-His-Name) in goal on Sunday at Carolina(?). (WHY?) That raises the question of what to do when (untalented Finn), (Moose) and (Pavs) are all healthy. The guess here is that (Pavs) goes back to Chicago. (WTF?)

Hell yeah! Send the only Thrasher goaltender worth a damn (2-0 by the F+++++G way) to some other city. Sure as Hell makes sense to me! What is that about the inmates running the asylum? If that comes to pass I will wish nothing but ill for the team! I will cheer every rival goal especially those (multitudes) scored with What’s-His-Name between the pipes. Banish the only netminder on the roster with anything close to NHL caliber talent? Smart damn move! Are these the same geniuses that applauded the Brett Favre departure? Makes as much sense!

By Brendan

November 6, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers gave us an exciting 3rd period. As the period began, I thought, if not for those 2 lightning quick Islanders goals in the 2nd, this might be a tie or 1-goal game. But the Icebirds came up with three (3) third period goals. Wins feel good. We’ll take ‘em when we get ‘em in a “build year,” especially against the caliber of opposition like the Isles and Panthers.

By LL

November 6, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

stendec

SHUTUP!

By kracker

November 6, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Btw, the new poll question asks if it’s too early for DW to think about roster moves. I voted that it’s not too early because for a non-established team such as the Thrashers, the GM should always be looking to upgrade the team.

But actively pushing a deal now? Probably not unless a team gets in a bind and has to offer a good deal. Such as the recent speculation about the Devils possibly needing to explore a goalie acquisition now that Weekes is their top guy and also because Brodeur can’t be 100% counted on to come back in top form this season.

By R. Stroz

November 6, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

In the post game interview with Slava Kozlov, when asked about the new system, Slava responded “this system is similar to the system we used to run in Detroit.”

For what it’s worth, I found Slava’s comment interesting. Could Slava’s improved performance this season be the result of a system he is actually accustomed to?

By Mikeyy

November 6, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

yay we beat the worst team in the league, and then florida on sunday, another MONSTER team haha. yall are wothless who gives a damn this team blows and is only competitive against the worst. trade lehts, keep pavs.. i guess

By Pucking Idiot

November 6, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Can we have a new poll question?

Are you tired of stendec’s incessant diatribes?

By LAC

November 6, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Good third for a change… Kinda glad Boris is here, HE will keep other teams honest for sure.

This team is not Stanley Cup material by any means, but close winable games are important…

We still need more offense for sure, and the defense is holding it’s own the past couple games.

Lastly, stendec, good grief this is getting so old, Give it a rest Please…

I agree a lot with you, Stroz, Nascar and Bob, but calm down, I cannot stand waddell, but every game, come on…

By Nikita

November 7, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

IMO, Kozlov plays a cyclical game — every other year is a good one. So I expected this to be better, but I’m not at all shocked that a system he likes and has succeeded in would make the traditional good year an even better one.

By Alleganhc

November 7, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Pavs from my view as an experienced goalie

Good… He has good body positioning, when your a big guy like he is this is one of the things you would put off a finger to have.

Bad!! rebound control… he has rebounds off his leg pads that make tiger woods tee offs look like putts, and he tends to not get the whole glove on the puck.

Rebounds are bad, but if the thrashers could manage to be dominate in front of their net and move traffic out, there less of a problem.

anyone notice that even after pavs let in 2 quick goals, he snapped right back, this is a def. sign of maturity… the apparent lord voldermort of Atlanta, (Lets) would have gone off in a big fit and given up.

The goalies should be Pavs and Let splitting a 50-50 spread of the games, whoever is most effective will be the future…

By sisu

November 7, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

stendec, you sir are an idiot! But anyway, nice to see the coach light a fire under the players! Pavs gets second win, sort of reminds me of Kari going 4 - 0 when he first came in. A great come back by the team, Toby finally shoots the puck rather than make the extra pass for the game winner. One thing that really irked me tonight was the fact that the team was off just by a hair, rather than getting the pass on the tape it would be slightly off…rather than taking one timers the team was trying to get the puck on their stick.

I think next season Moose could be the odd guy out if not by trade deadline due to Pavs pushing for playing time. The main worry I have is who is left in the system as a prospect goalie? There is no depth beyond Pavs so this needs to be addressed.

Great come back by the team.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 7, 2008 4:35 AM | Link to this

lord voldermort of Atlanta

Huh?

sisu — I believe Carozzi shined in training camp.

By LAC

November 7, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this

Earning consecutive wins for the first time since last Feb. 15 at New Jersey, Atlanta has just 24 points in its last 35 games.

Boy this is telling isn’t it folks ?!

But remember WE ARE MOVING FORWARD, from one abyiss to another… waddell has to go.

By Tony C.

November 7, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this

anybody check the shot from#17 at the end of the period from like in between the dots in our zone-McaDonald had to make a save, easy one to be sure but still….the zip it had from that far is just nasty.

By dhj_1962

November 7, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this

great game, who cares if islanders stink, a win is a win, EC had lots of chances last nite, i heard he was streaky in pittsburgh, he should of had at least 2 goals last nite. oh well, when he starts putting the puck in the net….look out. hopefully, KL will shut down the sabres, again.

By Nouah

November 7, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Short statement!!

Lehts #1 Pav #2

Hedberg waivers, even if he is a great guy in the locker room, we have to look fwd with our future. GO Pav Go!!!

By harleyman

November 7, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Stendic. Give it a rest or please find another team blog to carry on your diatribe. You sir, need to get laid!

By David

November 7, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

The only worthless pieces we have related to goaltending is Hedburg and the GM who hired him

By David

November 7, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Waddell is the george bush of gm’s

By Russian

November 7, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Good game last night. Win is a Win. Today will different story. Buffalo is not easy as Florida or NYI. We need to take one point today at least. I want to see Pavs in net again. He can do it. He played very well all two game. No, do not waiver Moose, just send him to Chicago. He is back up and he need time to play. He needs to game time. Injuries can happend every day and we can call him back to Atlanta. We have to keep Pavs here and play him until he wins. One more thing, Valabik is not ready to NHL yet. He made lot of mistakes last night. Let’s go Thrashers.

By Toby

November 7, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Great game.

The Highs: -Slava looked great. Hope this continues. -The top 2 lines shouldn’t be touched. They are coming together. -The crowd was way more into this one than any other home game I’ve seen this year. -Toby finally looked like the best D on the ice, like he should.

The Lows: -EC couldn’t hit the side of a house. -Valabik needs to go. Send up Kulda. -The Thrashers passing was awful. Most got turned over. -The bottom 2 lines are bad. It may be time to look to Chicago for a couple others…

The Lowest: -Will someone PLEASE tell me why our 2nd period is so bad?? This was a major problem last year too. It happens EVERY game. I’m lost.

Overall…Big win at home. I think we can put together a streak and get back to .500. Need to.

Go Thrash!!

By dhj_1962

November 7, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

oh yeah, doris valabik looked horrible, he looked bad last year in ATL. even JA noticed it, thats why he was benched most of the third, i don’t believe he played the last 10 minutes. i agree with letting Moose go, sad, but true. not in last place anymore!!!!! huuuuurrrrayyyyy

By GaVaHokie

November 7, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

It looks like the new strategy is to put the puck on net instead of playing it behind the net or around the boards… gee what a concept!

Seriously, I noticed this a lot with Little/Kozy/White and Slater/Thorburn/Boulton… they made every effort to float passes across center.

A lot of our goals were fluky last night, but it goes to show what can happen if you just get pucks in front of the net… not every goal has to be highlight reel material… cough Kovy cough.

By Hotrod

November 7, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

We can compete with lower ranked teams, which is good.

Now lets take one from an upper ranked team and build on that.

Keep rocking Kozy Line.

By BlueSpark

November 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Was that Valabik in front of the net for the SIm goal in the first? Someone was swatting at the puck instead of taking out Sim.

PLAY THE MAN, NOT THE PUCK!

By dhj_1962

November 7, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

doris was standing around on the first two goals

By Jarndyce

November 7, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

BlueSpark: Valabik was looking at the puck at his feet on two of those three goals (obviously not Hunter’s rip from the crease). That’s just a sign of a kid playing nervous hockey.

It’s not good for the team, mind you, but I think it’s more reflective of nerves than it is of poor habits.

By Bob

November 7, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

As I write this, in the second period of Thursday night’s game at Philips Arena, the Thrashers rank last in the NHL standings. Their general manager suggests the best way to get the team out of last place is to leave the roster the way it is

lol. We should inscribe this on his headstone one day.

Valabik was awful, simply awful. He looks the exact same as he did for us last year up here, he needs at least one if not a couple more years down in the AHL.

Last night said it all. We needed a huge rally in the 3rd aided by lucky goals to pull out a win at home against the worst team in the league (what was the Isles goalie looking at on the Enstrom goal, I think stendec could have stopped that one).

Oof, that was some bad hockey on both sides last night. I feel bad for Guerin being stuck on that squad.

By Adam

November 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

All of these posts, even Brendan and LAC, and no one called DW out on this quote!!!!

“Other than those two games, every night we’ve given ourselves a chance. We’ve got to find ways, especially on the road, to get in overtime. “

WTF When the GM has standards this low it has to filter dowm to the players. The goal shouldn’t to get to overtime it should be to win the game before then!!!

Damn, the things that have been coming out of these idiots mouths lately just never ceases to amaze.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 7, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Alan — I saw that statement as more of an implied “if we can’t win it in regulation, at the very least [w]e’ve got to find ways, especially on the road, to get in[to] overtime.”

At least he didn’t blame it on the wind patterns or the jet stream…this time.

By dhj_1962

November 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

TE’s goal went off a defenseman. bout time ATL gets a little luck. ATL has had goals scored against them by going off their skates, the other teams skates, deflections off bodies, legs, and arms. these type goals tend to even out over the course of a year.

By Jarndyce

November 7, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Can someone please do a quick lookup for the league standings on missed shots? I hate McConnell or whatever his name. He’s a rotten announcer. But I felt sorry for him last night.

“Christensian shot! Misses the net.” “Kovalchuk! Misses the net.” “Exelby! Wide of the net.” “Armstrong! Misses the net.”

On and on and on and on. I bet at breakfast the morning, he just kept mumbling “misses the net, misses the net” as he poured milk over his cereal…

By Jarndyce

November 7, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the crappy typing in my last post…

By dhj_1962

November 7, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

good point Jarndyce, i watch every thrasher game that comes on tv, i also watch every flyer game, no team ever misses the net like the thrashers do, i wonder if their is a stat kept for that. if so, i’d like to see it.

By Tony C.

November 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I actually find McConnel waaaaaaay more bearabl than DeLaCamera (please can’t he just say “around the borads” as opposed to”he sends it around THOSE borads”-ugh).

Guy has some excitement in his voice, and doesn’t just blindly agree w/ Elliott. Actually sets him up the way you’re supposed to interact with the “colour” guy.

BTW-anybody else get the sense that Tobias scared the mess out of DE last night?

By kracker

November 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

If the Thrashers don’t have players going to the net, and they generally don’t, the shooters will try to pick the corners & sides of the net so a lot of shots will miss. Soooo…crash the net, shoot bullets at the goalie and get rebounds or deflection goals.

By Jarndyce

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

My problem with McConnell is that he uses words and doesn’t understand their meanings. “Recoil” is not the same as “reset.” “Sideswipe” is not the same as “sidestep.” Etc., etc., etc.

I just grabbed some quick stats from the NHL site, and apparently the Thrashers are about middle of the pack (16th) for percentage of shots attempted that are missed shots. Huh.

So, apparently, as fans we’re all so starved for shots on goal that every miss seems huge. Some form of availability heuristic, I suppose.

By dhj_1962

November 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

i’m with putting the puck at the net no matter what, i’d fire it at any d-man that was close to net, i’d fire it at their shins. i never really pay attention to what delacamera or mcconnell say, i tune them out, or any other so called play by play. some of them make every goal seem like the cup winning goal. what if other sport commentators hollered like the NHL commentators when every bucket thats scored, or every run that crossed the plate….it be hilarious!!!! or a loud horn sounded for every point in a tennis match..hahaha you gotta love hockey

By Jarndyce

November 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

DHJ: I’m with you. I typically end up watching most hockey games at 1am or so anyway, with the sound turned down. It’s about the only free time I have to watch a game. So the announcers don’t bother me too much.

That said, I’ll listen to Doc Emmrich call a game any day of the week. He’s great.