Thrashers

By bn

November 19, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

He is Russian and Russians are very sensitive. If you won’t give him “C” he will leave for sure.

By R. Stroz

November 19, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Knobler - Do you attend the NHL All Star game last season?

Kovy really showed some personality. For the first time, I actually saw Kovy have fun and enjoy the limelight.

I get the idea that Kovy isn’t going to accept the superstar title until the TEAM makes a deep playoff run and/or the league starts to recognize him as one of the top talents.

For some reason, the NHL doesn’t promote Kovy as one of the young stars of the league; however, the NHL does promote AO and Crosby. Had Kovy not had his knee taken out by Ruutu last season, he may have led the league in goals scored.

Anyway, I truely believe that Kovy isn’t sure he deserves Captain status until the team goes deep in the playoffs with him carrying the team on his shoulders in the clutch.

In other words, Kovy isn’t sure he has earned the level of respect to be Captain yet.

Coach Anderson may have to give Kovy a little nudge.

By LLTM

November 19, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

I think Kovy is the only one who can truly lead this team. He leads by example; last year he carried the team until his knee injury. He deserves the position, and honestly, it would be an insult to him if he were’nt voted captain. And unfortunately, that would be the begining of his departure from Atlanta if that happened.

By Brendan

November 19, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

I think Rawhide presented an excellent case for Slava Kozlov to be Captain. And Sara presented an excellent defense of her position why Kozlov shouldn’t be Captain. And Ranallo presented a good case for why it isn’t absolutely necessary to have a Captain, as opposed to 5 assistant Captains. Roberto Luongo, a goaltender, is actually the Captain of his team, in a rare and largely symbolic move out West.

If someone put a gun to my head and said, Made a DECISION, right now, on the Thrashers Captaincy, I would say, almost without hesitation, Kovalchuk.

Aside from the fact that he is the face of the franchise, all you have to do is look at the Thrashers brief history and know that one player has stood out moreso than all the others. It’s Kovy. Even in the 0-6-0 start last season, Kovy was the leader. And go back to the playoff series with the Rangers, Kovalchuk was a leader, along with Keith Tkachuk.

In the end, my feeling about Kovalchuk’s willingness to re-sign in Atlanta will be moreso about the direction of the team, more specifically, about the GM position and the STATUS of the ownership than it will be about who is Captain. In other words, Captain or not, if the AS, LLC won’t spend money to field a Stanley Cup-winning roster … ANNNND … they refuse to acknowledge the missteps related to the GM position, and act accordingly, then I think Kovalchuk will be gone.

By Mike Knobler

November 19, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz You make a very interesting point, that Kovalchuk is so concerned with the team winning that he measures himself against that. Unfortunately, by that standard he isn’t likely to judge himself a success anytime soon.

By Adam

November 19, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

I guess I’m in the minority here. If I was coach, I would’ve given the C to Armstrong, not Kovy. He’s not the offensive star of the team by any stretch, but he’s definitely a lead-by-example player. I’ve yet to see him coast through a single shift while in an Atlanta uniform.

By Sara

November 19, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

When I made my case against Slava being Captain, as Brendan mentioned, the whole case was predicated on the opinion that Slava doesn’t necessarily want the “C” and that he would be uncomfortable with all of the non-hockey parts of being a Captain - talking with the media regularly, being that face of the franchise. It’s funny but I never thought about Kovy along those same lines. Yet again it appears we have a case where it may simply be he doesn’t want it.

The irony is that more and more, as each day goes by, Kovy acts more and more like THE leader of this team. He doesn’t want to talk about himself at all beyond his role as one of the team. He is focused on figuring out all the ways he can be of benefit to his team and help them succeed beyond just his ability to put the puck in the net. Very Yzerman-esque. Stroz IMO really nailed it.

In the end, the “C” is nothing more than one more thing sewn onto a sweater. Wearing it doesn’t really change who a person is or what they bring to the table. Kovy should just keep on doing what he’s doing in the way that works best for him.

I also think Coach is handling this in the perfect way. He’s challenging Kovy in the right ways and sees beyond the stereotypes that Kovy is selfish or greedy. And while I thought it weird at first to not have a Captain, it makes more sense now that I’ve read through the article and quotes in the blog. The most important objective for this team coming into this season was to, in fact, become a team. And perhaps that works best when everyone is basically on equal standing. You build the group as a whole, without setting one particular person above it.

I was happy with Don’s choice of Anderson but as time is going on, I’m getting even happier. I truly believe we are seeing the beginning of something very special here. It is a shame it has taken us eight seasons to get here, but I think it’s something we are all going to enjoy and be very proud of for even more seasons to come.

By wristshot

November 19, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Kovy will feel alienated if he doesn’t receive the “C”. Actually, I think he’ll be relieved when this whole thing is done and he’s still wearing the “A”. Let him play hockey and hand the C over to somebody who really enjoys talking to the media or who doesn’t mind giving speeches. Kovy’s shyness is palatable and shyness does not a good captain make.

I like that Anderson isn’t forcing the captaincy on him. He’s not trying to bribe Kovy with the C to get him to stay here. That would upset the delicate balance of this team’s psyche. That being said I’m really not sure who should be given the captaincy this year. I do see a future captain in the making in Bryan Little.

By BAF

November 19, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

No. I’m not in favor with Kovy being the “C” at this point in his career.

The players that I believe would be the best captains, haven’t been here long enough. That being Schneider and Colby.

If you had to pick a “C” this year, my choice would be Slava. But I see nothing wrong keeping things status quo or have a rotating captaincy among all 5 “A’s”.

By Get tThe Puck Out

November 19, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Leave it like it is for now. I think the captain will step up and coach will know who that leader is. Kovy and Slava are leaders, but i think they would rather be winners than leaders. Give it time….

By Nikita

November 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

No. No. No. Not Kovalchuk. He’s not patient enough, he lacks the media-handling skills, and he’s not a playmaker.

Slava would probably be the most appropriate with regard to everything but media-handling. Armstrong is probably the best, personalitywise.

By NASCAR Dave

November 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Should Kovalchuk be captain?

YES. It’s the last good thing we can do for him before he leaves…

NUFF SAID.

By Sam

November 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

From what I have seen, Colby Armstrong has by far the best personality with the media and the fans. Since none of us are in the locker room, we don’t know for sure about his leadership skills. Armstrong was taught well by Crosby.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 19, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

and he’s not a playmaker

Please clarify this statement. Where does it say a captain must be a playmaker?

I understand Kovalchuk isn’t of the same playmaking ilk of Lemieux or Gretzky, but he’s substantially matured to the point that this season and last he would pass up shooting opportunities in favor of feeding his teammates. There was one instance early this season where instead of taking the empty net goal himself, he passed to White for the goal.

He may be a sniper at heart, but Kovalchuk is a fine playmaker. He may not be the top setup man in the league compared to Thornton or Crosby, but he’s not just a hot shot with the sole intent of scoring every time the puck is on his stick. Maybe two seasons back he was…but he’s matured since then, and it’s evident in nearly every game he plays.

By Shannon

November 19, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

John Anderson did not hestitate one moment to put an A on Colby Armstrong’s jersey. From what I have read, Colby is a blast in the locker room. If that translates to leadership, I would vote for him.

By Hotrod

November 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I think Kovalchuk will rise wearing the “C”.

Its obvious he is gifted and anyone who plays with him will certainly listen when he speaks.

The quiet gifted players “usually” turn out to be fantastic leaders even though they are initially least expected to.

But…. all of these fan opinions are from the outside looking in. The team really only knows the locker room personality.

Kovy is still my first pick.

By EA

November 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Kovy is the best player. If he wants captain, he will do what is necessary to acheive it. If not, let someone else have it. John Anderson knows what he is looking for in a captain. Russian or not, Alex O knows how to play like a star as well as court the media and fans.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 19, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

And even with the personality Ovechkin possesses and the leadership skills he displays on the ice, he still declined the Captain’s role.

Not everybody covets that C on their uniform…some play the game for more reasons than the recognition a sewn on letter gives them.

By Russian

November 19, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I like Kovy. I hope he will stay with Atlanta. It will be a MIRACLE. My vote as Kovy Captain is NO. He is a leader, he is a best player on the team, but He will not be a good Captain. Someone said he is Russian. This is ONE Biggest Problem. I am living here almost 15 years and sometimes I could not understand your mentality. We are different. Captain should be very carefull with other players, coaches and Media. You have to think what you should say. It is not easy. I think best candidat to Captain will be Ron Hainsey. He is a leader and great D-man. He has 4 years contract with team and he can make listen to him. Army is good player also, but he is not stay here long. He is RFA next year. If it is very important to make Captain put “C” to Hainsey.

By itsme

November 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Not sure putting the “C” on Kovy’s sweater just so he doesn’t leave is reason enough to do it. He’s shown some level of maturity over the past seasons to merit it, yes. He’s even playing with some sore of unselfishness this season, embracing the system. This team needs a leader. That Anderson fails to recognize speaks more volume to me than Kovy’s “shyness.” Stick it on Slava then. But don’t through your young star under the bus.

By dhj_1962

November 19, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

hainsey is the choice for the “C”. list to long for reasons not to give it to Kovy, Slava, MS, Colby, etc etc

By WW5

November 19, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

kovy will lead the way out the door at the end of the season

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 19, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I am living here almost 15 years and sometimes I could not understand your mentality. We are different.

That’s an excellent point. There are a ton of cultural differences that are exposed when a player is put into the captaincy position. Jagr didn’t work out too well in the captain’s position, though he is a leader on the ice (and even possibly off of it).

By Nikita

November 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Please clarify this statement. Where does it say a captain must be a playmaker?

Where does it say what a captain must be at all? My wish list would include: good numbers, seniority or durability, leadership among their teammates, media-handling ability, and a focus on the comprehensive (which I shortened to playmaking, but really it could be someone who is not playmaking but acts for the team. Plamking, two-way play, etc.). I don’t think Kovalchuk has at least two of five. Numbers and seniority, yes. Media and perspective, no. Possibly not leadership among teammates. The day I see some backchecking, I’ll rethink my analysis. And when a month goes by with his line stable and happy, and no hissy fits, I’ll consider him a great fit to it.

(I’m going off career numbers and trends, since I don’t think we’ll know how anyone will perform long term this season yet.)

I think of our existing captains, Schneider lacks duration, and Koz and Havs lack media. The best choice is probably Hainsey — who appears to have all five qualities.

But if I were picking, I’d pick someone like Perrin or Amstrong. Someone who works hard, whose numbers are good and consistent (career here — obviously those two are relatively slow out the gate, though also playing gofer), who leads his teammates and acts for them as well as for himself. Someone who can maintain a good relationship with the media. Not the star — someone who is the meat of the team.

By MB

November 19, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season, I was very disappointed that Kovy was not named captain for the way he played last year (and for his general standing in the organization).

I was also worried that John Anderson would be in over his head. Though it’s still early in the season, I’ve liked how Coach has handled the team, and how the boys seem to be responding to him.

So at this point, I support him taking his time on this decision, giving him the opportunity to see how the guys respond in a variety of situations, and how they express their different leadership styles.

Coming off of what was by some accounts a turbulent captaincy, and with so many new faces in the room, I think it’s best to give some time for Coach to assess what he has and who he thinks would make the best C.

By B. Thenet

November 19, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

No.

Simply put, he does not have the maturity or poise on ice to handle the specific duties of a captain.

I think his temper tantrum at the end of the 2nd period of the last home game vs. the Flyers is evidence enough.

He took 2 unsportmanlike penalties in a row, which led to Philly going from a 2 goal lead to a 4 goal lead in a matter of minutes.

I love Ilya, and I love his passion for the game. However I do not think he is ready for the C right now, and I don’t think you want to just throw it at him in the hopes that it makes him want to re-sign here. That sends a poor message to the rest of the team.

By Mike Knobler

November 19, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

You guys are very perceptive about Ron Hainsey and Colby Armstrong, both of whom are leaders in that room.

Some news from practice and afterward:

Kari Lehtonen is getting a second MRI. He has been getting treatment on his back. They didn’t expect it to take this long. One piece of good news: When I asked if there was a chance of surgery, John Anderson reacted as if I had suggested using a nuclear bomb to mow the lawn.

Mathieu Schneider said he expects to play Thursday night against Pittsburgh. I think his words to me were “I’m as healthy as I’ll ever be.” Anderson said there would be a discussion after the Thursday morning skate.

I spoke with Erik Christensen about playing against his old team, and he had some interesting thoughts, but I’ll wait until tomorrow to post them so as not to cut short this great discussion about the captaincy.

By Kaat

November 19, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Kozlov was quoted in a Russian paper this summer saying he didn’t think any non-Russian should be a captain in the KHL. He said he basically believed the same thing about the NHL, but, obviously, the captain for an NHL squad, in his opinion, should be a native English speaker. (Kozzie said: It seems like nobody but Kovalchuk is worthy for this position. But I believe that captain of American team should have been born in USA or Canada and his English must be impeccable. — Sovetsky Sport)

In that article he assessed the Thrashers’ options for captain and concluded that nobody was a perfect match for the job. Not himself, not Kovalchuk. (Again from Kozlov: *Captain should not be just communicating with teammates and coaches. He has to be perfect in PR, give media proper answers. He is speaking for the entire team. So, Atlanta doesn’t have such a person. There is no one who is really worthy. * - Again, Sovetsky Sport)

I’m, obviously not an insider, but it seems to me that Kozlov’s view on the captaincy might just be the reason he has not gotten it (yet).

I’d just like to see them select someone and be done with it.

The great Phil Esposito has said that the main job of the captain in his day was to plan the parties and make sure there was enough beer. He dismisses the captaincy as this ultra important position that people seem to make it out to be.

I think he is right on one thing, though, and that is: it really doesn’t matter if you have a letter stitched on your sweater, leadership comes by example. And by those standards, I’d say Slava Kozlov is already the captain of the Thrashers.

By Mike Knobler

November 19, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Forgot to write in my previous post that Kari won’t be playing Thursday or Saturday.

By Mike Knobler

November 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

One more thing about Ilya. He is expecting to get his green card soon, as a Russian newspaper first reported. But he told me he doesn’t view permanent resident status in the United States as a step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. It’s simply a convenience to spare him the hassle of renewing his visa, he said.

By stendec

November 19, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

I like Ilya Kovalchuk. I do not believe he should be the captain. I truly believe he will depart the Thrashers for whiter ice sooner than later. That is not said with hate or malice. I truly like him. I wish him well elsewhere. It is evident in is mannerisms and play that he has lost his focus in Atlanta. What’s-His-Name may become an elite goaltender elsewhere. Not in Atlanta. Brett Favre was a bust in Atlanta. His history once he escaped is well documented. No, the captain thus far is Slava Kozlov. He is playing the way Kovalchuk used to play. With heart, fire and utter in-your-face abandon. Oh well. Crucify me if you must. Those are my feelings. GO THRASHERS!

By dhj_1962

November 20, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Farve a bust in ATL??? they really gave him a good chance to succeed didn’t thay??? 2 games in ATL. yes, i know 0 for 4 with 2 ints is terrible. Slava as a Captain? he can’t speak no good engwish. all he can say is ” i like bluulan” “fans are great in bluulan”

By Sean Grace

November 20, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

If you put together a video package of all-time Thrasher highlights it could be named the Kovy show. His skills are unquestioned and underrated in the case of passing and hitting. He is an electric athlete and a special player. From a performance standpoint - this is Kovy’s team.

But is he a leader? To answer that question you first have to ask, are leaders born or made? IIya is not a born leader from the prospective of clubhouse motivatior. The language barrier is a major factor but so is ego. Most people who are considered to have a big ego also also have equal or greater than issues in the area of self esteem.

Can he become a leader? This is the chicken or egg question. If you put a “C” on Kovalchuk does he step up? I think he will. If I were in a position to make this decision I would make it part of the contract negotiation. Coach would have to tell Kovy what is expected of him as Captain and what areas need improvement. It’s management 101. If a boss wants someone to step up they have to clearly explain what is expected from them in order to do so.

From a selfish prospective, I can’t imagine this team without #17. I’ve been in attendance for about 99% of his home games. It would very painful to see him go.

So my opinion - take a chance, sew a “C” on Kovy if he can commit to a long-term relationship. I believe these formal conversation can not start until summer but some informal discussions are in order now.

We’ve watched him mature leaps and bounds since he arrived. IIya has paid his dues in Atlanta under some pretty dismal circumstances. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. He deserves this honor.

By Sean Grace

November 20, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

If you put together a video package of all-time Thrasher highlights it could be named the Kovy show. His skills are unquestioned and underrated in the case of passing and hitting. He is an electric athlete and a special player. From a performance standpoint - this is Kovy’s team.

But is he a leader? To answer that question you first have to ask, are leaders born or made? IIya is not a born leader from the prospective of clubhouse motivatior. The language barrier is a major factor but so is ego. Most people who are considered to have a big ego also also have equal or greater than issues in the area of self esteem.

Can he become a leader? This is the chicken or egg question. If you put a “C” on Kovalchuk does he step up? I think he will. If I were in a position to make this decision I would make it part of the contract negotiation. Coach would have to tell Kovy what is expected of him as Captain and what areas need improvement. It’s management 101. If a boss wants someone to step up they have to clearly explain what is expected from them in order to do so.

From a selfish prospective, I can’t imagine this team without #17. I’ve been in attendance for about 99% of his home games. It would very painful to see him go.

So my opinion - take a chance, sew a “C” on Kovy if he can commit to a long-term relationship. I believe these formal conversation can not start until summer but some informal discussions are in order now.

We’ve watched him mature leaps and bounds since he arrived. IIya has paid his dues in Atlanta under some pretty dismal circumstances. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. He deserves this honor.l

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 20, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

You’re going to break the 8 key one day. I can’t wait until that day arrives.

By dhj_1962

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

kovy does not want the “C”, give up on it. he leaves the dressing room before the media is let in. not what a “C” would do. he is not consistant with what a “C” would/should do on the ice…remember the 7-0 loss to the flyers, not all his fault, but he made a terrible cross ice pass on the power play, which lead to a short handed goal for flyers, then threw his stick and cryed to the ref. leave the “A” on all 5 of the players that currently have them. then, when the Thrashers make the playoffs, we can say we did it without a “C”.

By Steely Dan

November 20, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

stenDICK you are as big a fool regarding the Falcons as you are the Thrashers. Brett Farve was NOT a bust in Atlanta, he was traded away before he became a starter you moron!

At least you are consistent. Consistenty a total uninformed fool regardless what sport you discuss.