AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow to beat the Pens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Erik Christensen knows Pittsburgh. Here’s his analysis of tonight’s game between the Thrashers and his former team, the Penguins.
“Obviously their keys are Sidney [Crosby] and Evgeni Malkin. The key to success is to be on those guys and hit those guys all the time, finish your checks on Sid and Malkin and try to contain them as much as possible. They’re going to get their chances. They’re just too good.
“It’s always a little nerve-wracking, I think, [going against your old team]. I was nervous the third game after I was traded, we went into Pittsburgh and lost in a shootout. But after those first couple of shifts are out of the way, it’s just like any other game.
“Army [Colby Armstrong] and me, we just know their breakouts and everything that Michel Therrien did. We both played for him for three-plus, four-plus years, everything forwards and backwards that he likes to do. Anytime during a game, when we see something they’re doing, we can make an adjustment. We know where they’re going to be on the ice. We just have to figure out how to get around them.
“What John [Anderson] is doing with us is very different from what they do. We’ll see how the two systems are going to clash and who’s going to come out on top. If they play their system and we play ours and try to keep Sid and Malkin in check, I think we have a good chance. The way we’ve been playing of late other than in Philly, we’ve been playing pretty well. You’ve got to be feeling confident.”
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Comments
By The Other J.B.
November 20, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Very happy to read such a positive analysis of the game tonight from Christensen. This quote is exactly what I want to hear…
“Army [Colby Armstrong] and me, we just know their breakouts and everything that Michel Therrien did. We both played for him for three-plus, four-plus years, everything forwards and backwards that he likes to do. Anytime during a game, when we see something they’re doing, we can make an adjustment. We know where they’re going to be on the ice. We just have to figure out how to get around them.
That confidence combined with the mood and play I saw yesterday in Duluth makes me feel great about our chances tonight.
Go Thrash. The last streak ended with Philly. Only means it’s time to start a new one!
By The Other J.B.
November 20, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Forgot something…
In contrast, it’s highley unlikely they have anyone who knows our coach and style of play, like we do theirs as stated above, so that’s a plus too.
By The Joker
November 20, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
How to beat the Pens
Solution: Score More Goals
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 20, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
It’s good that Christensen is so confidence considering the caliber of the opponent he’s speaking about. Beating Pittsburgh wont be easy, so it’s good to see he thinks it could happen with the team as it’s currently built.
Of course, I don’t expect him to say otherwise, but I wouldn’t think he would bother mentioning confidence if in fact he had none.
By Jeff
November 20, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Eric and Colby where great contributors here, and the fans still really miss Colby. But knowing the system and stopping it are two different things. Everyone knew New Jersey’s system for years but they still won championships. A lot of good young players - should be a good game. Both coming off tough losses.
By Jason
November 20, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
They really don’t know Pavs either. Time to start him in goal? He’s been back up here for over a week without playing a game.
On another note….great work on the captain articles/blogs about Kovy the past few days Mike. If you revisit this topic again anytime soon, it would be interesting to hear what other friends and fellow Russians of Kovy think about him being/not being the right choice for captain. Maybe Malkin and Ovechkin for example.
By jeff
November 20, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Not seeing Kovy play except four times a year it’s hard for me to comment on whether he should or should not be the Thrashers Captain. I think the big difference between Ovechkin and Kovy and Malkin and most Russian players for that matter is that they tend to be introverted, even those who speak english well. Ovechkin is the exception though I believe he gets too far over the top with his goal celebrations…I mean every goal reaction from him is as if the Caps just won the Stanley Cup.
By Mike Knobler
November 20, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Jason Thanks for the kind words. Good suggestion.
Everyone As expected, it’s Pavelec tonight in net. Kari Lehtonen watched the skate from the bench. They’re still hoping he might be back skating next week. John Anderson was asked if given the long time since Lehtonen has played, the Thrashers might send him to Chicago for a game or two to get back in playing shape. He said that idea hadn’t come up for discussion but it might.
Mathieu Schneider is playing tonight. Boris Valabik isn’t. The Thrashers return to the pairings they were using before Schneider’s injury, with the Swedes, Hainsey and Exelby and Schneider and Oystrick. The first power play pairing is Hainsey and Enstrom. Schneider and Oystrick is the second.
By Sara
November 20, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Mike I haven’t checked but is Fleury still out for the Pens?
Crush makes some valid points but thinking that beating Pittsburgh is all about shutting down Crosby and Malkin is going to lead to some trouble…just ask the Wings. Crosby had just the one goal, Malkin none, and they still lost thanks to one hat trick from Mr. Staal. That team is deep and it’s going to require diligent defensive play from all four of our lines to keep them in check. That said I think this club is perfectly capable of doing that.
jeff I LOVE Ovy’s goal celebrations, just like I’ve always loved Kovy’s. That’s pure passion for the game and I want players to have that.
By jcwhitingjr
November 20, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Quick check on the Pens boards suggests that they are expecting Sabourin to go tonight instead of Fleury.
By jeff
November 20, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Fluery is out, didn’t make the trip. As per NHL standards unspecified lower body injury. Apparently got hurt late in the game against Buffalo last Saturday. I was there, he looked fine leaving the ice. Sabourin has played well…gave up a fluky goal to Minnesota the other night but that happens. Sabourin is like a different goalie this year, we all shudderd when he played last year but this year he has been exceptional.
By Larry
November 20, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Sara why do you call him Crush? He seems kinda soft to me.
By WW5
November 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
the key to defeating the pens is to score 4+ goals because atl always gives up 3+ goals.
By GaVaHokie
November 20, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Anyone else see this? Red Wings to release $9 tickets for January… their STHers must be p**. ;)
By Tony C.
November 20, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
If Therrien keeps playing Staal as his Shutdown/#3/whatever you wanna call the top defensive line centRe, then I’ll be fine betting on The LittleWhiteSlava line to equal or surpass his line’s production (my thought being that it will be Staal’s line vs. #17’s line as far as matchups go).
But yeah, if Army can shutdown Malkin (he’s too close to Cindy to put him on #87), we’ll have a shot at a regulation win.
BTW, did anybody see Dupuis’ GW last night? Wow
By Sara
November 20, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Larry I didn’t pick it - the nickname came with him from Pitt as far as I know.
Hokie nobody is taking the brunt of the crappy economy like Detroit is. They might be lucky to get a true sell-out even with the $9 seats.
Thanks for the updates on Fleury also.
By DigitalGypsy66
November 20, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
The nickname “crusher” comes from Erik’s taste in music — metal. He likes his music loud!
By waffleboy
November 20, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Atlanta did not get a shot on goal in the final 3:31 of the game. Pathetic.
By stendec
November 20, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
The losing streak lives on! Send Pavs back to F+++++G Chicago. I guess What’s-His-Name is not the only Thrasher netminder adept at allowing marshmallow game-losing goals. Thanks for nothing Pavs! I thought you were F+++++G something special. Wrong again! Not a damn Thrasher can close the deal. Missed breakaways. Missed wide open nets. Power play from Hell. Penalty killing which belongs in commode! Foes push them around physically at will. No damn fear of retribution at all! Total losers. Worse than F+++++G Hawks! Heartless quitters may not win again. To Hell with them all! John Petrino and his talentless gaggers. Playoffs anyone?
By Steely Dan
November 20, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
stenDICK, everytime we think you can not make a bigger a$$ out of yourself, you go and prove us all wrong. You moron! “Worse than Hawks”, uh, last I checked they were, what, 7-4? That’s a winning record you fool.
So now you have proven that you are a ingnorant dumba$$ when discussing the Thrashers, Falcons and Hawks.
You are a waste of white space on this blog, you idiot!
By LAC
November 20, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
I would have say Mr.Thorburn should sit a few games…
By stendec
November 20, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Some ignorant yahoo said to keep a one-two punch of Pavs and What’s-His-Name this season. Hell yeah! The most porous duo ever to masquerade as professional netminders. The no-score offense of brainless John “Endless Excuses” Petrino damn sure better punch in five or more goals per night! Not F+++++G likely. There is no Thrasher with a trace of NHL caliber talent, as I have noted before. Nothing has changed that viewpoint! Saw Pavs comments. Never thought anyone would be more of a brainf++k than What’s-His-Name. I was wrong! The guy has as many excuses as, oh, what the Hell is the use? Keep the streak alive guys! Hockey is finished (FOR GOOD) in this town. Can someone PLEASE bring up ALL the Wolves? GO FALCONS!
By Get tThe Puck Out
November 20, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
I think stendik needs to find a new sport-like horseshoes. And please take your meds before you bust a blood vessel in you head. I thought Pavs played a great game. The goals scored were breakdowns in front. The PK on the three on five in the second period was excellent. The effort was there, just wasn’t a win. If they give that much effort in future games they will win.
By stendec
November 20, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
To all fans who embrace and celebrate defeats (I do not!):
Hawks 7-4 - 6-0 start = 1-4. NOT A WINNING MARK!
Thrashers 0-2 in last two games. Another triumph unlikely anytime soon. POLISH UP THAT STANLEY CUP!
At least Tech IS getting the job done tonight. Finally, a team with home pride!
Thrashers equal opportunity group. They play like S++T everywhere! Home, away, neutral ice. Makes no difference! Defenseless scum. White deserves MUCH better teammates! Thrashers take punishment and abuse like b++ch dogs in heat. Complete embarrassment! Thanks Cindy Crosby.
By Brendan
November 20, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Lots of good things to take out of this game. The T-birds played a Stanley Cup contender and hung with them all the way. Slater had a goal. It was nifty. Kozlov had a goal. But what ultimately cost us the game were Christensen and Reasoner missing glorious chances late in the 3rd period. I credit Sabourin for great saves and tremendous awareness. We had our chances in this game.
It’s easy to complain about the officiating, especially when it’s a late penalty that alters the outcome of the game. I’m sure Thorburn feels terrible about it. But the Penguins took advantage. To quote John Anderson, “It was what it was.”
It’s my opinion that the Penguins are one of the league’s elite teams. I didn’t expect a win or even a point in tonight’s game. That the Thrashers came as close as they did is a very encouraging sign, especially in a “build year (TM, poster Bob, all rights reserved.)” And Pavelec did not play badly. Crosby, one of the best players in the world, isn’t lucky when it comes to his successes. He had a goal and two assists. Did anyone really expect anything different out of Crosby? Playing the Penguins to a 3-2 loss is a pretty good outcome when you print out our roster and compare it to theirs.
By Steely Dan
November 20, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
If they are so embarassing, stop watch and go away you duma$$. And no one “embraces” defeats. It’s just that the rest of us don’t go off half-c** like a moronic, stupid, unintelligent, foolish, childish, clueless, know-nothing, empty-headed, infantile, stark-raving mad lunatic like you do you idiot!
By stendec
November 20, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Tech just notched another TD on Miami! Pavs just allowed another goal to Pens. Quite a trick since the Pens were all in the lockerroom at the time! Can anyone say 0-2 going on 0-3 and counting? Just wondering.
By stendec
November 20, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
A 3-2 loss is a pretty good outcome.
What can I possibly add to that?
Sigh!
By stendec
November 20, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Who is raving Steely old girl?
By 12345
November 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Mike… Please BAN standec and steelty dan from the board, we have heard enough of their childish rants !
By Thrashy Thrashy
November 20, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
stendec,
You’re a put-on. You have to be. You’re too damn consistent. Congrats on the gimmick, buddy.
By thrashersfan
November 20, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Guys, I’m not saying I agree or disagree with Stendec, but if you’re tired of all the negative crap he keeps spewing, stop responding to his posts! Maybe by ignoring him the ranting will end. And besides, doesn’t he sound like a 15 yr old zit faced kid posting in-between surfing porn sites? He’s getting one hell of a kick out of all this. Give it rest!
By Steely Dan
November 20, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Hey, stenDICK, why don’t you bring out your imaginary friend “tommysteele” to agree with you and tell everyone just how right you are?
That’s always entertaining!
By Steely Dan
November 20, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
“doesn’t he sound like a 15 yr old zit faced kid posting in-between surfing porn sites”?
Yes he does “thrashersfan”. And it is amazing how he can type his crap using just his “free” hand.
By PensFan
November 20, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Can someone explain to me why Perrin was the third star and not Sykora who netted the game winner?? Pav deserved to be a star considering the amount of saves he made and he played a great game overall. It was nice to see Kovy show some emotion after the big hit on White and after some missed chances (like taking a swing at the boards after an offsides call). The Thrashers are coming of age but still have some missing pieces (i.e. a CAPTAIN!!) I’ll be glad to see hockey make a come back in Atlanta soon!
By B. Thenet
November 20, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
I was proud of the Thrashers performance tonight, if it wasn’t for the turds in stripes I think they get at least 1 point…if not more.
I have to admit, the Penguins seem to attract the biggest group of wimps as fans I have ever seen. It was all skinny dudes with pony tails, or wimpy little nerds with brand new Malkin or Crosby jerseys. Maybe it was because the Steelers were playing tonight, but I doubt it.
I am not sure what it would take to develop a marketing campaign “fancy lad” enough to attract these pencil necked geeks to come to Thrashers games on a regular basis…..or even more importantly…if I would rather have slew of empty seats instead of these dorks lousing up our arena on a nightly basis.
By stendec
November 20, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Saw Thrasher post loss comments. Whining crybabies! If they bury opportunities (hear me Ilya Kovalchuk?) they can beat any team. As it is they cannot whip anybody! Physically or otherwise. The apathy after the cheap near-fatal crunch job on White made be physically ill. Where are the damn Hanson brothers when you need them? As long as Thrashers respond like c++ts they will be treated like c++ts! End of story. No anger after defeat. Displays total lack of concern! Sort of like sinking Hawks. Tech romped. Worried for Dawgs!
By Nikita
November 20, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
stendec, I’m starting to think you might be Darren Elliott, posting drunk late into the night after a game. I can’t recall seeing anyone else who obviously adores Moose so much.
As for everybody else…horrible officiating tonight. I was surprised at how many almost-shots there were Kovalchuk and Reasoner, in particular, had some nice breakaways. Kudos to Armstrong for agitating. Beautiful goal by Slater.
Also, as an aside, HORRIBLE timing on the Todd White “Does Life Begin at 33?” profile.
By kaat
November 21, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
Can’t we all just ignore stendac? He gets off on our derision.
By stendec's mother
November 21, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this
If they bury opportunities
I knew I should have hit that kid with the frying pan the first time he spoke back.
By dhj_1962
November 21, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
18 games in, not refs fault, EC had a wide open net, missed the whole damn thing, Williams, right down the middle, point blank, hit the post, people, they have to bury those chances…period. stop making excuses. what was TE doing on the Penguins first goal?? he had his arse pointing at the man with the puck. yes i know. it was a good game…kovy played good, Slava played good….blah, blah blah…they have to win.period.
By Keith Brooking
November 21, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
As long as Thrashers respond like c++ts they will be treated like c++ts!
Do you speak to your wife with that kind of language?
By Alan
November 21, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Is it just me, or did it look like we didn’t play with as much intensity as we should have? Nevermind the bad and missed calls, we just looked flat, I thought.
I hated the Crosby goal in the second period, because it (a) looked like Hainsey was tripped (from both angles) behind the net, and (b) Pavelec just sat there and watched the puck go in. He didn’t even try to stop it.
By kevin
November 21, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
In regards to the article on the penalty kill, get Exelby off of the 2nd unit.