Thrashers

By Michael Shapiro

November 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Go Moose, Go Thrash. Could really use to grab two points from the ‘canes.

Saw the Sterling was sent back down to the Wolves. While I agree that he should be on the ice, I can’t help but feel we never give him a fair shake on the “big” club. He adds energy and the ability to score. Why not play him with Slates and Perrin, leaving Bolts to watch? I know that we’re carrying 3 goalies, but we could’ve kept Sterling up until Monday at least.

By Honkytonkhockey

November 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I agree…..Bolton should sit and Sterling should stay. Bolts hasn’t done anything except rack up useless penalty mins. He looks clunky and slow.

Go Moose!!!!! Keep the canes off the board…..we got a glimpse of your greatness in the 3rd against buffalo. Keep it coming!!!

By Jim

November 9, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

What in the world do Boulton and Thorburn offer to this team? Perrin isn’t showing much but he does have some penalty kill play. I agree, Sterling has not gotten a fair shake in two years. He’ll come back to haunt us a year or two from now.

By stendec

November 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Team needed this one! Needed to keep momentum! Hope offense can muster at least five goals today! Moose appears to be off his game once again. Where in Hell is Pavs? Do not give a damn where untalented Finn with issues is! On a bus to anywhere but Atlanta will be fine.

By stendec

November 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Do four (or more) goals equate to four-game winning streak? Certainly hope! Come on Moose. Shut them down!

By Michael Shapiro

November 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Amazing what we can do if we stay out of the box. Four goals in a period. Balanced scoring. Williams continues to stay on a tear and some little kid from Russia finds the back of the net. Nice to see Hainsey on the board too and Reasoner with his first since opening night. Only wish we’d get even more scoring from the blue line.

Other interesting fact is that (for the moment) Rod Brind’amour has now eclipsed Schneider (who I really like but who is having an AWFUL season) as the worst in the NHL for +/- (despite Brind’Amour’s 5th goal of the season).

Still trying to figure out if Boris will make it in the NHL. Not sure that I’d mind giving him up for a late 20s seasoned veteran d-man who can score as I don’t think he offers much offensively, wonder if he’ll ever get his positioning right defensively and that only leaves his bulk which isn’t a good enough reason to keep him.

GO THRASH. Hang on for one more period and bring home 2 points!

By Smoothie

November 9, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

OMG, cannot believe what I am hearing!! Keep the pressure on boys! Let’s go T-birds, crush the candy Canes!!

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!!!!!!

By stendec

November 9, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Unless Moose goes on a LaLa Land excursion (like What’s-His-Name) the Thrashers are going to stretch winning streak to four games! **WOW! Keep up the great work ice guys. Four or five goals per game can do wonders for team spirit. Makes fans happy and enthusiastic too!

By Michael Shapiro

November 9, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Out shot, out face offed, but all that matters is we WON 5-2 and gained 2 points on the division leading ‘canes. OUT-standing!

By stendec

November 9, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Thrashers! Winning streak now at four games. Moose did his job with two goals surrendered. None in final two periods. Offense went above and beyond the call of duty (again) with five goals. FIVE! Kudos to ice guys, Falcons and Dawgs this weekend. Raspberries to Bumbles. MEMO TO COACH: Please. PLEASE! Keep goaltender with issues on bench. Chemistry too good now to screw things up! Things are finally starting to look up for team and fans.

By GSU-Lee

November 9, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Nice win today, as long as we keep spreading the scoring around we might be surprised with how well this team does. But this is reminiscent of former teams…lose six in a row and then win four in a row…hmm

By Alan

November 9, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

We only had three SOG in the final period. That’s not good at all.

Yes, we got the win, and that’s exceptional… but being outshot 11-3 in the final period is very dangerous. Had this been a better Carolina team, our boat would have been sunk.

By J.D.

November 9, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what game stendec was watching (stendec writes like Moose had a bad 1st and incorrectly states “None in final two periods”), because Moose was actually great all game long (no soft goals and some great saves). Moose shut them out in the 1st on 15 shots, and again in the 3rd as we were outshot 11-3 (37-22 overall for the game).

Of course, it certainly helps Moose (or any Thrasher goalie for that matter) to put up good numbers when when your own players are not putting pucks past you or allowing the other team to run you over to score.

To sum it up, Moose was only able to do what he did today because the team played well enough to give him a chance. His first two starts they were awful in front him (and most horrible in the NJ game). But in the last two games they’ve at least given him a chance. In fact, they’ve did so the last four games for both Moose and Pavs.

Lastly, if they keep improving defensively, and keep scoring at the current rate, then we should turn this thing around and be a playoff calibre team again.

By J.D.

November 9, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

On another note, Valabik had a solid game (and he should stick around if he keeps it up).

PS: Valabik brings more to the team than Oystrick does. Oystrick is a lesser version of Popovic at this point.

By Mike Knobler

November 9, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Alan The shots numbers from the third period are misleading. Look instead at the number of good chances Carolina had. Very, very few. The Thrashers actually did an excellent job in that period of playing a conservative, defensive style (which is why they had so few shots themselves). When you’re up two goals, and then three, in the third, you shouldn’t need more offense.

Moose had a very, very good first period and an excellent game overall.

J.D. I can’t agree with you about Oystrick and Valabik. Oystrick has exceeded expectations since Zach Bogosian’s injury. He plays with energy, and he plays well. There’s a reason he was on the ice for 19:07 today, almost four minutes more than Valabik. I’m not knocking Boris here, just saying Nathan is playing pretty well.

By J.D.

November 9, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Mike:

Firstly, I wasn’t saying Oystrick is a bad player by comparing him to Popovic. I’m a fan of Mark Popovic. I feel he could’ve become a good number four d-man had he gotten a real chance with us. Popovic by the way was having a great season in Russia the last time I checked.

Secondly, Oystrick, like the whole team, has played better defensively lately. But he’s still -2 on the season and has yet to register a point offensively. Further, Oystrick and Valabik are different types of d-men. I believe that the Thrashers will need what Valabik brings more than what Oystrick brings once Schneider returns.

BTW, I’ve followed the careers of both Oystrick and Valabik for a while now. I don’t dislike either player (and have been cheering for both of them for years now).

By Jim

November 9, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

WAY TO GO THRASH! Hainsey is a real plus and the move of Williams to center is paying off big time. When Schneider comes back, I see Valabik headed back to the Wolves. He’s got two left feet. Oystrick is a good solid D-man. Good skater, shooter and seems to have a good feel for the game.

By jake

November 9, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Great outcome. Maybe the pieces are finally fitting together.

One concern: 37 is still too many shots to give up, quality chances or not.

By MB

November 9, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Would’ve loved to have seen this one…good day all around for Atlanta sports teams as all the various birds win. I was listening to the Thrashers online while watching the Falcons. Sounded like a good all-around effort from the Thrash.

Glad to see the Hedberg followed up his nice effort in the third against Buffalo with a strong outing today. Both he and the team needed that.

Mike, I agree with you about Oystrick, though I give some props to Valabik, too, for playing solidly against two tough squads following his rough start against the Isles. I agree that he needs more seasoning in Chicago, but give the kid a break…he’s held his own despite being thrown into the fray with three games in four days.

As for Oystrick, I think he’s looked as good if not better than Bogo did when he was playing. And I wouldn’t worry too much about points coming from him. First off, my guess is he’s paying more attention to his defensive assignments. Secondly, he’s shown some pretty good offensive skills, IMHO, not only on the occasional rush, but also with some good passes in the offensive zone and some timely shots.

Finally, good to see the new guys starting to play well, and some of the returnees (White, Little, Kozzy) rounding into form as well.

By Alan

November 9, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

The shots numbers from the third period are misleading. Look instead at the number of good chances Carolina had. Very, very few

While this is indeed true, the number of shots Hedberg was even allowed to see compared to the number we managed to put on goal at the other end is just a little alarming.

I do suppose, however, had the game been televised (ahem, SportSouth, you suck), it would be different.

By J.D.

November 9, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Oystrick may stay again over Valabik due to Oystrick needing to clear waivers. But I’d personally keep them both as long as there’s room to do so.

By Brendan

November 9, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

What is the longest winning streak in Thrashers history? Is it five games?

By MB

November 9, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Yep, five games at the end of February - beginning of March in 2007.

By MB

November 9, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

And, apparently, twice before then.

By dhj_1962

November 10, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

still early..but…whats teflon don thinking…trade KL and let moose show OP what is takes to be a professional goalie? or how to be a professional back up? how many good years has moose had as a # one? yalls thoughts?

By Sara

November 10, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

dhj I haven’t seen anything to suggest the goalie plan has changed this season. One thing I would point out is that the article Mike did the other day on Moose was about Moose playing for his job, not about Kari at all. They still intend for Kari to be the guy this season, which follows through on the pre-season concept that this is the make-or-break year for Kari and you can’t make-or-break from the bench. The issue was whether or not Pavs might replace Moose as back-up. I think Pavs playing well while Moose struggled badly potentially was forcing that issue. However we’ve all talked before that it doesn’t do Pavs any good to be the back-up - that’s an issue upon which we can all agree IMO. Thus, with Moose now in the zone as it were, Pavs will go back down for more development and we’ll see.

Also to be considered is whether a trade is even viable. I’m not convinced there’s a solid market for goalies right now. Sure some teams might be interested in Kari, but interested enough to give us something good I’m not so certain. Plus, what do we need right now anyway? I think it’s awfully early to be deciding we need to make major moves at this point. Waddell indicated he’s not looking right now. And while some do not consider that an expert opinion as it were, I’d keep in mind that the decision is also Anderson’s as well, if not primarily. He’s still tinkering with the roster and the systems. Anderson may not have come to a definitive conclusion about every player on the roster yet. I firmly believe Anderson has a good grasp of what he needs and that he won’t hesitate to let Don know if he thinks a roster change needs to be addressed.

For right now, however, our top two lines are performing very well. The D is developing and getting more solid. (And I realize that shots-against is still a concern but I think that is something we are going to see continue mostly based on Anderson’s system.) If there is a need/call to improve the bottom two lines, I think they would perhaps look within to make those changes first. We have viable options in Chicago.

Without a glaring problem, and so early into the “rebuild” as it were, I don’t feel it’s in the best interests of the team to move one of the few expendable pieces of value we have until we are sure the return will be optimal for the needs of the team. And it doesn’t all have to be done this season either. We’ve got some players who aren’t exactly spring chickens. They will need to be replaced, either from within or from without. So it wouldn’t hurt, IMO, to hold on to both Kari and Pavs for at least one more year after this one. Let’s get into 2009-2010, see how the team fares this season overall, figure out what will happen with Kovy, look at which older players may be hanging up the skates, and then decide what to do with our goalies.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 10, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Can someone link to that Hedberg story, please? I can’t seem to find it.

By Sara

November 10, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

ranallo this one? It was disguised as the write-up on the Sabres game.

Hey Knobler can you remind the rest of the AJC that we have a hockey team here in ATL? It’s absolutely ridiculous that they can have a four-game win streak and not one blessed word about it on the main web page … not even under the Sports heading. C’mon, they can spare one little line can’t they?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 10, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Ahhh, that would be it. I skipped over it assuming it was an AP summary of the game.

Thanks.

By dhj_1962

November 10, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

wow sara, you put alot of thought into that answer. appreciate it. NJ Devils will need a goalie soon. Weeks might be playing well, but the Devils aint winning. lost 3 of 4. didn’t see yestersday game, did MS play? does he play when he gets healthy? don’t want to mess with chemistry, Kl healthy? Moose stays in goal when he is?

By kracker

November 10, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

My opinion: Does Schneider play when he gets healthy? Yes. How long/much depends on his play. The same pretty much goes for Lehts. I don’t think Moose can handle every day starting and Pavs would be a gamble that he is seasoned and ready.

By BlueSpark

November 10, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

With Brodeur out for a while, won’t the Devils be in the market for a solid back-up who can be a #1 for a while? Does that sound like anyone we know?

Or maybe they want a younger potential #1 for when Marty is gone (I’m not sure if they have one in their system already).

By Russian

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

Very intersting situation we have right now with our Goalies. We have three on the Roster. All three were kind of succsefull past few games.

Kari record - 9 Games 2W 5L 2OT

Moose record - 4 Games 2W 2L

Pavs record - 2 Games 2W

I think we need to see what happend on this month. I like to keep Kari and Moose together for end of November and send Pavs to Chickago. I heard some rumors that Kari will be trade to somewhere. I do not think it is good idea for right now. He is good number one goalie and he can keep this team alive.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 10, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

With Brodeur out for a while, won’t the Devils be in the market for a solid back-up who can be a #1 for a while?

They already have one, Kevin Weekes. He’s served as a number one goalie in the NHL longer than Hedberg has.

As for young potential goalies, I’m not sure. I don’t think they’re willing to sell the farm for a temporary goalie. If they need someone more experienced than Weekes, Khabibulan will be available ALL season. if they need a youthful goalie for the future, I don’t think they’re in any more of a rush now than they were during the offseason.

By NASCAR Dave

November 10, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

This has been an impressive stretch of games the guys have put together here recently, however, I am still Un-Impressed with the following players who need to be traded…

SLATER/ CRISTEN/ PERRIN/ HEDBERG

Go THRASHERS!!!

By Smoothie

November 10, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Not that I really think it will happen (although I wouldn’t be surprised if DWad did pull a trade involving Kari), but assuming we could pull the trigger on the following deal with the Sens, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Thrash get: Spezza & Auld

Sens get: Lehts, Christensen, Schneider & a 2nd or 3rd rounder

Move Williams back to RW alongside Spezza and keep Oystrick up permanently. Valabik will continue to get better as he gets more comfortable with the speed of the NHL. It’s obvious from watching him he is familiar with JA’s system and he seems to be finding his stride the more he plays. I kind of like him playing with Havelid because Nic is such a smart player with the puck. I would have no problem with the following D-pairings until Bogey returns:

Ron & Ex \ Toby & Nate \ Havs & Boris

By Mike Knobler

November 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Sara Your analysis of the situation is spot-on, IMO.

Smoothie Why would you want to move Williams out of the center position when he is doing nothing but score, score, score at center?

BTW, I spoke with Kari on Sunday during one of the intermissions. He skated in the morning and said he is ready to play.

By dhj_1962

November 10, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

SLATER/ CRISTEN/ PERRIN/ HEDBERG… EC is playing better, do not trade him, and you wont get much for the other 3, they are better now than they were first 11 games, see how much everyone improves when your on a winning streak…i’m still thinking they will get better, the better the thrashers get, the more of a chance they will relocate next year….haha. i like the trade smoothie, even if sens wanted to do that very thing. teflon don would screw it up.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 10, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Knobler — I think anyone would move Williams to the wing if the center replacing him was Spezza caliber. I think Spezza’s proven scoring ability greatly outweighs the hot streak Williams is having at the moment.

Smoothie — Marginal improvement for Ottawa in goal, and two steps back in forward. The draft pick means little to them (it’s a wasted round for giving up Spezza), so losing their best center boils down to a slight goaltending upgrade (who is less experienced in big games than their current number 1), and a veteran defender who has yet to hit his stride this season. Christensen would be a number 2 center at most, behind Mike Fisher.

If I were in Bryan Murray’s position, I wouldn’t even contemplate that trade offer unless Enstrom or Bogosian was attached to it (which you would politely decline, ending our conversation).

By Smoothie

November 10, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I hear ya Knobs, but Spezza is a perennial all-star center who knows how to set up his linemates. Williams is a goal scorer and he’ll keep finding the net as long as he’s healthy. I’d be more than happy to take my chances moving him back to the wing. If he can’t continue to produce with the likes of Kovy and Spezza, that’s when I simply move him down to 2nd line center with Little joining Kovy and Spezza as the RW.

We know how well B-Lits seems to be thriving at the RW position and I don’t see how teams would stop Kovy \ Spezza \ Little. I realize things seem to be gelling nicely right now and you don’t mess with chemistry, but when it’s a matter of adding a player like Spezza (who is a career +86!!!), then you take your chances. But now that I think about it, we’d probably have to give up Williams and not Christensen in such a deal to land Spezza.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 10, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

But now that I think about it, we’d probably have to give up Williams and not Christensen in such a deal to land Spezza.

I don’t mean to sound rude or anything like that, but that offer still wouldn’t wow Ottawa in my opinion. They’re not pressed to trade him, so they’re going to receive much better options than what you’re coming up with.

Seriously, if they need a goalie improvement Khabibulan is available (and will be for much of the season), and can be had for less than Spezza in return. That goes for ANY team needing a goalie.

There hasn’t been a strong market for goalies since, who knows when. Luongo was the exception (he’s a stud goalie), but how many goalies have brought back a decent sized return for what they’re worth to their new team? Huet, 2nd round pick. Fernandez, a bag of pucks (3rd round pick I think). Bryzgalov, a piece of paper with a different team’s watermark (waiver acquisition).

Lehtonen would not bring Spezza in return, even if Schneider and change were included. At least, not in my opinion. I’m not a desperate GM though. Hell, I wouldn’t have traded Coburn, so what do I know?

By Smoothie

November 10, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

ranallo — I understand that this is a trade that would probably never happen, but I also wonder why we always hear so much talk of Spezza getting moved out of town…perhaps it’s just the nature of the media up there to always stir the pot when nothing is there to really substantiate such rumour.

Alas, you are probably right about the Sens wanting a younger D-man, but I’m thinking they would ask for Enstrom over Bogey since the latter is still a relatively unknown quantity. Having said that though, I would be inclined to consider moving Bogey if it landed us a 25 y/o proven center, which would in turn convince Ilya to stay put.

Under no circumstances would I trade Enstrom, but since we seem to have plenty of depth at D-man (Oystrick, Kulda, Valabik and Lewis), it would be easier to part ways with Zach than Toby. But please don’t take that to mean I want Z-Bo out of town already. Of course, if the Sens aren’t willing to take the $5.75 M salary of Schneider off our hands, then no deal. We need the deal to be pretty even to keep us under $48-49 M in P/R.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 10, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I also wonder why we always hear so much talk of Spezza getting moved out of town

It’s Canada, their team isn’t winning, Spezza is too much of a one-way player so thus an easy target. They can’t complain about Alfredsson due to his newly signed “Senator for life” contract. Heatley has already been a scape goat, but is more rounded of a player than Spezza…the next logical superstar to focus on is Spezza.

I just don’t see Spezza being moved. Not yet at least.

By LAC

November 10, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Mike, Why in the World will ajc NOT give the Thrashers some front page coverage ?

I cannot believe something as MEANINGLESS as high school football is covered more than the Thrashers, I’d rather watch my grass grow than spend one second reading about worthless high schools sports !!!!

Same with all this georgia bulldog coverage, it is WAY too much…Can The Big dawg READ Yet ?

The Thrashers deserve equal coverage, just as the other pro sports teams here do !

What is the reason ajc does not give PROPER coverage ? You cover them you should be in a position to inform us all.

It really stinks to not see one bit of anything on the front page about The Thrashers, nothing… I wish ajc would become a PROFESSIONAL paper with FAIR & EQUAL coverage of ALL pro teams in Atlanta, not just three !!!!!!!!

By Sara

November 10, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

re: New Jersey. This got brought up a blog or two back. Jersey has a very good prospect in the system - Jeff Frazee. He spent the last three seasons with the University of Minnesota and has now moved up to the Devils-lite farm team. So I think in their minds they likely have their goalie of the future. Nor is Big Lou gonna blow his long-term grand plans for a temp-fix issue.

Besides, do you really want to help out either Jersey or the Sens?? At least go for a Western Conference solution. :)

By Bob

November 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Alright, I’ve figured out the problem here. I’m the jinx. I don’t watch, they win!

Oystrick has exceeded expectations since Zach Bogosian’s injury. He plays with energy, and he plays well. There’s a reason he was on the ice for 19:07 today, almost four minutes more than Valabik. I’m not knocking Boris here, just saying Nathan is playing pretty well

Good to hear about Oystrick. I liked a lot what I saw out of him during last year’s Wolves’ playoff run. Valabik, not so much. Has he still stunk the last couple of games?

Ok, is there a coincidence that they’ve won with Lehtonen and Schneider out? Guess we’ll see now on one count with Kari ready to go again.

By Tom

November 10, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I remember the last deal of the century with the Senators. Since we can not re-sign talent it does not work out very well for us.

By Brendan

November 10, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Spezza is under contract until 2012, with a cap hit of $7.0 million. I have never thought, and still don’t now, that Jason Spezza is on the trading block. They NEED him. And they’re going to keep him. The Sens have roughly $4.5 million in cap space. I think Khabibulin is $7.0 million in cap hit or salary. So, if the Sens went after the Bulin Wall … they’d have to toss in some sweetener.