Thrashers

By anonthrashers

December 3, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can get atleast a point tonight.

By Russ

December 3, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

In the book does Dominant Dany act irresponsibly and kill his friend, then turn his back on everyone who supported him through the traumatic event?

Just wondering.

By Sara

December 3, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

I saw the comment on Crusher in your write-up. Man say what you want about the guy’s skills but I don’t ever ever want to hear/see someone refer to him as soft or a wuss again. Any guy that can pop his own shoulder back in place and then go back on the ice is not soft. UGH.

It’s kind of interesting what teams are hanging out in the standings basement - Ottawa, Dallas. Even Tampa is a bit shocking given all that offensive firepower they have (in theory). Some of that is definitely kharma at work. Which makes me wonder who’s bad kharma we’re all suffering for.

By Sara

December 3, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

BTW, what’s up with Carolina firing Laviolette and bringing Maurice back in? I tells ya there’s some odd goings-on in the SE division this year.

By stendec

December 3, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

“…a bumper crop of young talent coming soon.”

Huh?

Are you privvy to some inside information none of us have access to?

I would go watch and support the Wolves if a straight-up swap with Thrashers were enacted even if they lost 90 percent of remaining games!**

Why?

Because they would try! That is something the worthless quitters on this team have not done over the past season plus.

I will not cut Moose Lehtonen any more slack than I do What’s-his-Name! He allowed four goals against a terrible team. To me, there is no excuse for that b+llshit! Sorry apologists.

I was crucified when I predicted that Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk was looking to escape from Atlanta. Called everything from an idiot to worse. Who is the idiot now?

Attempted to alert everyone to the worthlessness and inconsistency of Finn netminder! Was told the team had to sink or swim with the untalented LaLa Land inhabitant. Lungs now completely filled with water! Is he injured? I do not believe so. I think he used the easy out as an excuse to bail on his teammates and deluded fans who continue to support him. Bad back? Glass groin? More like Tinman ailment. No f+cking heart! Does he have issues? Hell, who doesn’t?

Falcons have a new coach. In running for highly unlikely playoff berth! Toiletlids have a new coach. Dead last in entire league!

What the Hell is wrong with this picture?

No, Matt Ryan could not help the Thrashers although he would be a more accurate goal scorer than KL with cleats *OR skates!* He would at least get damn angry when he misfires. When was the last time KL acted like he gave a damn? Know why? Because he does not!

By stendec

December 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Sara. I do agree on the physical guttiness of hockey players. They compete with serious injuries without complaint. Except for Finns like, oh, what the Hell is the use? Football players struggle through minor injuries on the gridiron. Baseball and basketball players use a broken fingernail as an excuse to get out of the lineup. Have tremendous amount of respect for MOST hockey competitors. None for quitters! Guess what I consider Toiletlids? Right on!

By Mike Knobler

December 3, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to Thrashers prospect Angelo Esposito, one of the 38 players selected to the Canada selection camp for the World Juniors.

By Mike Knobler

December 3, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

By the way, in looking at the U.S. and Canadian World Juniors rosters, I noticed St. Louis has three players on each. Good sign for the Blues, I guess.

Of course, the way the Thrashers have been playing lately, maybe we should count likely 2009 No. 1 overall draft pick John Tavares in the Atlanta list.

By Kevin

December 3, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Apparently Stendec has come off his meds again. Yeah watching the Wolves get beat 6-1 every night by an NHL team would be great fun. I am sure that the increased speed and talent level of the NHL’ers would not be too noticeable against a farm team designed to develop talent. Did you say 4 goals against a terrible team? Montreal? Terrible? They are 14-6 and 2nd in their division behind Boston. As for “they quit,” not a chance last night. If you call that quit then you need new glasses or maybe even lasic. Was it frustrating yes, did they give up a crappy 4th goal, yes, did they come back after the empty netter, yes. Stop hating,…there are enough negative idiots in the world. Would we like them to be better, of course, but the talent isnt there yet and the system is questionable at this level. In the mean time, I suggest you start watching soccer. I am sure there is an MSL team you can start tearing apart with your unmatched sports venom/wisdom.

By Jim

December 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Donnie Boy called it correctly a week ago “We’re close”. What he meant was close to the bottom. He was right, we are right there now- the worst team in the NHL. Do we need some changes? You bet, starting at the top.

By TrueBlue

December 3, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Stendec………STFU….

Mr. Know it all, go toot your horn somewhere else. Why even watch the Thrashers if you are going to be such a deushe about it?

Thank you for wasting so much space on this comment section. Jeez.

By Andy S

December 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Sara: I saw an episode of Dirty Jobs where one guy working with Mike Rowe dislocated his shoulder twice and popped it back in and kept going. He wasn’t particularly a trooper, and I don’t envy him having to do it, but if he doesn’t then he doesn’t get paid. I imagine a similar scenario for Crusher: he knows he’s on the bubble.

By dhj_1962

December 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

STENDEC,

By dhj_1962

December 3, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

“I was crucified when I predicted that Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk was looking to escape from Atlanta. Called everything from an idiot to worse. Who is the idiot now?” stendec, who was Kovy traded to and what did we get in return???

By Bob

December 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

The feeling in the room after the skate was more serious than usual. These guys know they need to get points in a hurry, and they weren’t at all happy about what happened last night

I think tonight is a pivotal game, of sorts. They win and I think they salvage some respect and can manage to work their way through this year and get to 70 to 75 pts or so. Lose this one and I think the wheels come completely off and the guys in the room just break down. I think there’s already a bit of break down in the room, but lose this one tonight and all the wheels come off.

I predict Pavelec stands up tonight and has a good game, Kovy pots a couple and we win a 4-3 game and they keep on heading down the road.

On a personal note, I highly recommend a trip to Montreal to see a hockey game. I’d rate last night at the Bell Centre as the top hockey atmosphere I’ve witnessed this season, even ahead of the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Smoked meat at Swartz’s and poutine at La Banquise Resto, a 24-hour place near the Parc Lafontaine, have joined my list of hockey road food highlights, up there with the beef on weck at Schwabl’s.

You have a great job, good for you. I think traveling around visiting different arenas and watching and reporting on games would be a great gig for a while, might be hard to be away from the family at times, you have kids?

By Brick Tamland

December 3, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

stendec - (insert tons of bold writing here)

LOUD NOISES!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 3, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE’RE YELLING ABOUT!!!

By Eileen

December 3, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Canes fired Peter Laviolette. Can we fire anybody?

By FIREWADDELL(please?)

December 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Can ASG just get this over and get rid of don. We need someone in here who will be able to handle to Kovy trade.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 3, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Eileen — Well the owners can, but I doubt they will any time soon.

By Tom

December 3, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell. You have to be kidding. He is doing a great job. We are right there, a couple of bounces and we would be leading the Division.

How can anyone doubt the team Waddell has put together? Didn’t you see how close Campbell was to coming to Atlanta.? Didn’t you see how close we were to signing Hossa? Didn’t you see how Savard hated leaving here? Didn’t you see how much respect past captains such as Scott Mellanby and Bobby Holik have for the organization?

Oh, wait. Or is it that the folks who leave have that half grin of knowing the got out of a train wreck.

God I want to support this team. But ownership and Waddell make it hard. The absolute acceptance of mediocrity or worse is tough to deal with.

By dhj_1962

December 3, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Tom, all you can do is thupport the pwayers who give it thew wall evewy nite. wadell is the anti-cwist, (said with a lisp)

By Brendan

December 3, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Is it true that Eric Perrin’s agent requested a trade? As of right now, I’ve dismissed that as “hearsay, one might expect coming out of the Montreal venue.” We were just discussing Eric Perrin’s outlooking a few days ago, since he didn’t get re-signed over the offseason. Truthfully, I shouldn’t read too much into that. But if Eric Perrin wants out, I think the Thrashers should honor his request, provided that they get “equal value” back for him. Or, at least a draft position where a 2nd or 3rd line center can be found. Perrin is a pending unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2009.

By Nikita

December 3, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if Perrin is signalling his discontent, because he’s being screwed over right now. See Knobler’s comments from him, which are completely appropriate to his situation. He’s what, the third-highest-scoring player remaining from last year’s roster? Who did pretty well on the PK despite a dismal year and finished out the end of last year on the second and most consistently scoring line?

I imagine JA assumed Perrin was both versatile and a team player, and therefore he’s been pretty cavalier about sliding him around. But what this means, now, 1/4th of the way through the season, is that Perrin has not been consistently on any particular line or in any particular position. Except he does not play with linemates he already has chemistry with. He gets moved to the top line, where he does fine, and then is demoted back to the checking line in favor of a guy he’s better than. I’d be angry, too. The move from 1st to 4th feels like a slap in the face. Especially to someone whose work ethic and personal integrity are as high as his are.

I won’t go into lines here, but the third line should be composed of Jason Williams, Colby Armstrong, and Eric Perrin. And then leave the man alone to build on the chemistry he already has with Armstrong and make those units work.

Sell Jimmy Slater and Eric Christensen, and bring in Wolves to check. We know where our weaknesses are — let’s address them.

By sisu

December 3, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

For those who do not the inside details Kari has been hurt and is working on returning. The game last night showed one thing, once again the team only showed up for 20 minutes or so…hope for better result tonight.

By Mike Knobler

December 3, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Bob I’m single and childless, which makes this gig doable. I wonder how Craig and John dealt with it. Then again, there are a lot of people away from their families even more, such as people in the military.

Everyone The way this game started, it looks like Dany Heatley will have to add a chapter to his autobiography.

By stendec

December 3, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Another totally gutless effort by a completely heartless team! Kari Pavs was in superior form with goals galore on the scoreboard! Way to choke Pavs! The losing streak rocks on unabated. I am so far beyond disgusted with these damn quitters it is pathetic! Ship the whole damn kit and kaboodle of them to Poukeepsie. As if that place would have them! Would trade all of the worthless a+sholes but nobody wants the ball-less curs. Complete oxygen wastes! Still think straight-up swap of Thrashers for Wolves best option. Get some fu+kers on the ice who will try! Effort is one thing none of these untalented b+stards are ever going to ever put forth! I am so damned digusted and disillusioned I can hardly type. Damn sons of b+tches! Do not want another verse of damn apologist melody. Know what all that bullsh+t gets you? Another damn embarrassing loss! Toilet residue now and forevermore. Right John Petrino, yes, Petrino!

I predict Pavs stands up tonight and has a good game, Kovy pots a couple and we win a 4-3 game and they keep on heading down the road. You from damn LaLa Land too?

Apologist Kevin. These are not the son of a b+tch Habs kicking out a+ses tonight!

Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk gave up tonight or was that only obvious to me? Going at quarter speed if that. Now in full Maryann Hossa mode! Send the b+stard back to Siberia! He has broken his last sweat in Atlanta.

Whole team needs to be shot! At the very least imprisoned for accepting paychecks on false pretenses. Not a blue collar guy in the whole f+ckibg bunch! Anyone that says otherwise is a damn liar!

Do not let the curs back in the United States. Enough trash in this country already!

By stendec

December 3, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Toiletlids trail 4-1 with a period to play. Could Wolves defeat Thrashers straight up! Hell no. The Wolves would not defeat but destroy these quitters by a half dozen or more goals! If a school for the blind fielded an ice hockey team the Toiletlids would still lose to it! Love America? Avoid Loseland like the f+cking plague!

By stendec

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

MF! CS! CD! SOB! Add plurals to all of these. All Toiletlids - every f+cking one of them - fit into these categories!

By Tony C.

December 3, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Dude.

Seriously. You’re going to have to stop with this type of post stendec. Or at least get a new schtick.

Is DE still gushing about how Pavelec has got “it” ?

I wonder, because if he’s playing anything like he did Sunday, he’s leaving WAAAAAAY too much net exposed weakside.

By Tony C.

December 3, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

But I do applaud the passion you bring to the blog stendec.

By Bob

December 3, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

I’m single and childless, which makes this gig doable

That’s awesome, I am officially jealous of you now, great job!

Oh, and keep your eyes around the arena for Elisha, ifyouknowwhatimean!

Re. this game? This club is pitiful, just plain pitiful. Kovy keeps rolling his eyes at Thorburn, I don’t think he enjoys his presence out there too much.

This is going to be one long season, I think I predicted 73 pts, they might be lucky to get more than 65 at this rate.

By Brick Tamland

December 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Hi, I’m stendec. People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late. I like to eat ice cream and I really enjoy a nice pair of slacks. Years later, a doctor will tell me that I have an I.Q. of 48 and am what some people call mentally retarded.

By Hotrod

December 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

With this play and the coming schedule, its possible to see an 0 for December.

They really can look bad. Coach, please dont let them dump the puck on a power play.

Nice guys and well wishes aside, this team is in trouble…..again.

By stendec

December 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Another one for Kari Pavs lowlight reel! Gutless scum now trail 5-1. Maybe Sens will have pity and not score again. Their choice. Toiletlids powerless to do a damn thing about it. F+CK ALL OF THE QUITTERS! Cannot wait for post game whining or apologist defenses for completely undefendable debacle. Guess that 4-3 Toiletlid win prediction went by the f+cking boards.

By BG33Brown

December 3, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Brick, I think you killed a man with a trident. You should probably lay low for a while.

By B. Thenet

December 3, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Knobes Do you know how long DW’s current contract is?

In this sad economy when even smart and successful people are being fired, it is hard to believe that the mastermind behind this organization that is in utter shambles still draws a paycheck.

By Hotrod

December 3, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

I certainly won’t pay to watch this at Phillips and I am getting close to not watching it on TV anymore.It looks like a team of journeyman spinning their wheels trying their best to make a pass.

At this rate SPSO will have just 1 game a month on.

The curtain is beginning to close on the DW chapter.

By Brendan

December 3, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

This is not the 2003 Ottawa Senators, who lost Game Seven of the CF to Jersey. It’s not the 2006 Senators, who were the #1 seed in the East. And it sure isn’t the 2007 Senators, who won the CF and lost the Cup to Anaheim.

This is a fairly pedestrian Ottawa team. Last year, the Sens squeaked into the postseason and barely showed up, once there. Tonight, they played a bad team and used it to build momentum. Any time a team wins a game by four (4) goals, it was a good, fun, and productive night. Dany Heatley was filled with rue this evening. He deeply regretted requesting a trade out of Atlanta. And when he interacted with Kovalchuk, his parting words were, “Your sentence is not ETERNAL, Ilya. There is life, in hockey, AFTER the Atlanta Thrashers. I’m telling you … the air smells fresher … the water tastes sweeter … clouds seem even puffier. And in the bedroom, you’ll think it’s the 4th of July, all over again. Ahh, sweet freedom.”

By Alan

December 3, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

You mean Levenson, B. Thenet? Waddell isn’t blameless, but seriously, it all starts at the top.

Think bigger.

By Mike

December 3, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

The Rumor is that JA will go before Don Waddell. The defense is no better than last season and a center has not been found for Kovy but Anderson’s head is on the chopping block not Waddell’s.

By Sage of Bluesland

December 3, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Another pitiful display by this pathetic team and the organization it represents.

When will Don Waddell—the lone architect of this mess—be finally fired?

That buffoon making the money he makes should OFFEND the few remaining folks of Blueland. It is simply offensive and insulting.

Stop putting money into their undeserving pockets. That is the ONLY way things will change.

Otherwise, bend over and enjoy it again and again…

By Brendan

December 3, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

B.Thenet, I believe Forbes Magazine indicated Waddell is under contract through the conclusion of the 2010 season. But, other internet reporting, of questionable reliability, says Waddell got a 3-year deal, in November 2008. Which would mean Waddell is here through 2011, or paid for at least that long, if he gets fired.

By Sara

December 3, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Alan they don’t care or if they do they are too broke to do another flipping thing. Otherwise we wouldn’t have started the season at rock-bottom payroll range after last season’s debacle.

I triple-dog-dare any reporter to corner one of the sober Six Yahoos and ask them what the deal is.

By stendec

December 3, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Okay apologists. Enlighten me. My mind is open. Provide me with any positives from embarrassing debacle in Ottawa. Early goal allowed by Kari “Sieve” Pavs (just over a minute in)? Power play unit (could not convert on 5-on-0)? Penalty killing unit (statues on ice)? Defense (see penalty killing unit)? Offense (from three goals in a minute to one in 60 minutes)? Coaching (John Petrino no-score strategy)? Talk to me.

By The Joker

December 3, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers are working on a new marketing slogan:

Become None In Blueland

By Brendan

December 3, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Okay, raise your hand if you think the ownership will fire itself? Put … your hand … down. Nothing will happen with the ownership until 2011, when the appeals process exhausts itself. That’s, per the AJC’s Tim Tucker, who is the lead writer about the Spirit Group’s inner turmoil.

Okay, let’s talk about firing. How does it look … to the civilized world when a GM gets to hire 4 Head Coaches? Doesn’t something like that set off all kinds of alarm bells and whistles? The answer here, is “yes.” So, that’s not going to happen. John Anderson will not, and should not, be fired. Nor should he resign. He didn’t create this. He inherited it. So, who should get fired? That’s right, whoever just screamed, “The equipment manager and conditioning coach. And maybe an usher or two.” D’oh!

:)

Firing Waddell?? Firing Waddell? That’d be downright Nutty! How ELSE would we finish in the bottom third of the Eastern Conference for seven out of eight (7/8) completed seasons? Doesn’t 8/9 sound a lot more convincing? If we start winning playoff games, the sports agents who represent Tier I players … would start to take our market seriously, instead of treating it like a joke, or NHL Purgatory. And their LAST RESORT for an NHL paycheck. At 41 years of age, it’s either Atlanta or trying to find a gig in Europe, for a washed up player.

Who’d want to break that trend? No, we got it goin’ on here! To quote Bruce Levenson, “I think we know how to sign Free Agents,” April 2008, in an AJC interview with Craig Custance. Let’s see … uhh … Williams on a 1-year deal … Reasoner on a 1-year deal. Boulton on a 1-year deal. RFA Kari Lehtonen on a 1-year deal. Yeah, I’d say that’s gearin’ up for the future, affording a long and sustained window of opportunity. I just can’t see how anyone would think Waddell needs to be removed? Help me out, will ya? I think he’s done a nothing but MAJESTIC job taking us from Expansion team to Stanley Cup contender in the past decade. Discuss.

By The Joker

December 3, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

I triple-dog-dare any reporter to corner one of the sober Six Yahoos and ask them what the deal is.

The sober ones have their tongues stuck on a telephone pole. The first one off the pole has to make the next capital contribution.

By R. Stroz

December 3, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

At this pace, I can attend a game with my BULLHORN and no one will be there to hear me scream FI-RE WAD-DELL.

By Brendan

December 3, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Stendec, I got one for ya. Joey Crabb got his 1st-ever NHL point. Our former 1st round draft pick, Jim Slater, got on the scoresheet. And our HUUUUGE offseason FREE AGENT signing, Eric Boulton, got the goal, baby!

Ya know why, Stendec? Because Don Waddell is an EXCELLENT GM who knows what he’s doing. However long he’s under contract, it’s not nearly long enough. Are there any sort of rules for how soon into a new contract a GM can be offered YET ANOTHER extension? A lot of people don’t know this, but Atlanta’s owners taught the Ilitches everything they know about running a hockey club.

By LAC

December 3, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Mike, In the past Custance would not even acknowledge my question, I put it to you.

WILL you ask waddell is he plans on resigning ? Ask him for the FANS, theones who pay the bills… We DO deserve an answer.

Ijust hope I get a response fromyou rather than the NOTHING response from that tool custance.

By Brendan

December 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

The Joker, many people don’t know this, but the Atlanta Spirit owners were out in L.A. for a Kings game once, and got caught in the La Brea tar pits. They tried to escape by pulling their arms out with their faces.

Their archaic and fossilized remains can still be found in the manner which they run the Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Club.

By Jason

December 3, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell, the Pete Babcock of the NHL. Please put us fans out of our misery Levenson!!!!! If you do one thing for Thrashers fans for the holidays, just one nice jesture, find a better GM now!!! That person can come in and evaluate the roster and minors, prepare for the trade deadline, prepare for the draft, and have enough time to decide if Anderson is the right coach for the job after this season(which I still think he is at this point).

By Mike Knobler

December 3, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

LAC Craig is not a tool.

By Get The Puck Out

December 3, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

This team stinks all over, plain and simple. Stendec is right about one thing. You can’t make any excuses for the way these paid professionals are playing. SELL, SELL, SELL.

By sick of lousy hockey

December 3, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Bruce Levinson—The team is doing great and I’m sure you are happy with the results of your investment. Don W is awesome. Keep up the good work and don’t change a thing ‘cause last place is a great place. With a boss like you, is it any wonder that Hossa left, Kovy may and no other player of quality wants to come to Atlanta? Thanks for screwing up hockey in Atlanta.

By Mike Knobler

December 3, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Bob No Elisha sightings, unfortunately. I got reaction from Chris Thorburn and Garnet Exelby to the Sean Avery soap opera. It is in the Thrashers Report.

B. Thenet I don’t think we’ve ever gotten a good enough source on the length of Don Waddell’s contract to publish it.

Mike I’d be curious to know the source of your rumor. Firing the coach in this situation seems bizarre, given the team fired a coach a year ago and just hired this one over the summer. Yes, I know the old saying about how you can’t fire all the players, but it’s not only hard to blame Anderson for what’s happening but difficult to believe someone else stepping in would do much better.

By stendec

December 3, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk:

Eight of the untalented Russian’s 11 shots were either wide of the net or blocked (they do not count as a shot on goal UNLESS they are on net do they?).

“I’ve had a lot of chances every game but I can’t get behind the goalie. We’re all struggling right now (Ya think? F+cking moron!). It is tough, really tough (to stay positive,” the Maryann Hossa convert said before his latest bank deposit.

This is the worthless untalented quitter many want to be named team captain?

Uh huh!

By Alan

December 3, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Mike Knobler - At least you acknowledged LAC. Custance wouldn’t even respond to posts of his.

By Don Waddell

December 4, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Yes, we are heading in the right direction. At the current time, we are just a few players away from being real contenders. We are still in the thick of things and I guarantee a playoff berth this season. We are ahead of Philadelphia in the rebuilding process. I have the green light to get any free agent available and Zhitnik is a big part of our plans this season.

Now, who sounds crazier, me or stendec?

By Don Waddell

December 4, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the team is making incremental progress each season, in some direction.

By Brendan

December 4, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

LAC, I think you know that a reporter can’t ask a question like that. If a reporter asked, “Don’t you think you should resign?,” Waddell would refrain from having future discussions with the reporter. That’s not really good for the beat blog to have a GM who is incommunicado.

LAC, the closest question I think you can come to asking Waddell is, “Do you ever have days when you feel like you want to quit?” And even then, Waddell’s willingness to answer would depend on the tone and inflection of your voice as you deliver that question. Waddell is apt to answer that question like this, if his 2nd period intermission interview with Darren Eliot, from the Nashville Predators game, is any indication:

“Well, uhh. Yeah. It’s definitely frustrating, at times. Especially when we’re so close and the guys just aren’t giving 100% determination, on a nightly basis. We’ve got so much skill on this roster. We really should be winning a lot more games.”

Well LAC, is that the answer you really want to hear? (No, it isn’t.) So, it’s not REALLY even worth attempting to ask this GM that question. Waddell is never going to say, “Ya know, LAC, I have to tell you, I stink as a GM. I’m a weak evaluator of talent. I don’t have any more excuses left. I’m, uhh. I’m not good. I feel shame. I don’t sleep well at night. And, frankly, I’m contemplating returning every nickel of my salary, dating back to 1999.”

If anyone is waiting on an answer like that … it’s NOT FORTHCOMING!

By LAC

December 4, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Well Mike, then ASK HIM ? Will you do that.

It is a damn tough question, but in light of this failure and the posts here, It needs tobe asked… So please acknowledge that, neither of you will ask the question WHY ?

Let Me Know OK ?

By LAC

December 4, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Come on Brenden… I just wish we were not asking these questions,I wish we were WINNING… But facts are facts.

By Sage of Bluesland

December 4, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

I think a very fair question is, “What ‘year’ plan are you on now, Don?” (seeing that the original “Five-Year Plan” was nothing but bluster as absolutely nothing was built).

“When can the fans, who PAY THE BILLS, expect to see playoff hockey with the Thrashers as participants?”

This fraud of a GM has stopped communicating. It’s time to return the favor and STOP GOING TO THE GAMES AND STOPPING THE SUBSIDIZATION OF THE INCOMPETENCE.

In no other NHL city would this literal circus be allowed to continue. Instead, I’ve had to listen to excuse after pitiful excuse from the sheep on how good ol’ Don is a nice guy, etc. ad nauseam.

Where are you foolish sheep now? Hiding. That’s what you do best—well, except when you bluster like that idiot of a GM you defend…

You know the old saying (and there’s a reason it’s an old saying), “You get what you deserve”.

Indeed. Yes, you do…

By Brendan

December 4, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

LAC, I completely and 100% agree with you on that. I wish we were winning, too. But the facts are … we’re not. In fact, Dave Reid, of “On the Fly” said the Thrashers have lost their last five games while surrending 23 goals. He continued, “Well then, if you’re the Atlanta Thrashers, you’ve got to score at least five (5) goals a game to give yourself a chance to win. You’re not going to win many games like that. And the Thrashers only have eight wins on the season. And looky here, five of those games they scored five or more goals. It’s case of players (in Atlanta) having to learn the system.”

Dave Reid said nothing of Lehtonen or Pavelec, or even Moose, being horrendous goaltenders. Reid, who never really watches Thrashers games, to be honest, put the blame on the skaters in front of the goalies. And he didn’t blame John Anderson. Dave Reid, about a week or so ago, said, “You really have to feel for Coach Anderson. This is his 1st NHL season. He’s trying to prove himself. But I don’t truthfully think anyone could make this team win with the roster they’ve got.”

As wholly Thrashers-ignorant as Dave Reid is, it sure sounds, from those comments, that Reid blames Don Waddell, the “architect” of the roster, for the Thrashers woes. Well, shoot, folks. Even Dave Reid can see it.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 4, 2008 4:46 AM | Link to this

Knobler — Above you said the following: Firing the coach in this situation seems bizarre, given the team fired a coach a year ago and just hired this one over the summer.

To be the Devil’s advocate, the Tampa Bay Lightning have done just that and fired a newly hired coach before hitting the December holiday of his first season.

Tampa Bay also fired their GM, removed half of their players via trade or waivers, and attempted to start anew.

The main difference between their situation and Atlanta’s, in my opinion, is the ownership. Tampa Bay has two passionate yet seemingly inept owners, while Atlanta has 6 passionless seemingly inept owners.

To Tampa Bay’s credit, at least management and/or ownership are trying to do something.

By hockeyman3944

December 4, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Lets see…our feckless GM, old Donny “Teflon” Waddell has managed to single handidly screw this franchise into the ground. C’mon guys, we should have a very solid perrenial playoff contender here. Lets take a look at who he’s traded and the poor returns he’s received. We had: Andrew Brunette, Dany Heatley, Marc Savard, Marian Hossa, Shane Donovan, Braydon Coburn, Keith Tkachuk, Mark Recchi among others in a Thrashers uniform. Sounds like a pretty talented, playoff bound team to me. We received little in return, with the exception of Kovy, who we received for being so inept and now it’s time to move him…for what? A used puck bag and three rolls of tape? That’s about the extent of it, given Fraudell’s peerless NHL horsetrading abilities. I fear for this franchise and Donny boys running it right out of town as the ownwers bleed “Blue” ink.

By Former season ticket holder

December 4, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

Waddell is STILL the GM? You’re kidding me, right? I thought that buffoon got whacked years ago!

By R. Stroz

December 4, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this

Lets have some fun:

Everyone submit a list of Don Waddell excuses, broken promises, and general BS and lets see who remembers the most.

For Example:

1) We are heading in the right direction

2) The team is making incremental progress

3) No, John Anderson hasn’t been offered the coaching job, we are still doing the due diligence.

4) Zhitnik is a big part of the plans next season.

5) The team still has a chance of making the playoffs (think last season after the trade deadline).

6) We are only a couple of players away from being a real playoff contender.

7) I guarantee the team will make the playoffs.

8) We have a five year plan for building the franchise.

9) We are ahead of the Flyers in the rebuilding process.

10) The ASG has never turned down a request to get a player.

Anyway, that’s a start. Everyone add to the list and lets see how many BS lines we can remember.

By Tony C.

December 4, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

I like the pink post-its idea…

By Sage of Bluesland

December 4, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

“We are going to build through the draft.”

Great sentiment, but in the hands and mind of that bumbling joke of a GM we have, it means absolutely nothing.

Waddell has failed at everything he has stated or done with this franchise in the past near-decade.

As Ranallo stated above, at least Tampa has done ‘something’ to address the failings of that team…We change the coach every few years. I respect Tampa more than this franchise—completely.

It’s offensive to me to see this blustering clown still collect a very large paycheck for running a team completely into the ground…I would trust several of the posters here more than that idiot when it comes to hockey…

Please stop subsidizing the incompetence—it only prolongs the agony…

By Hotrod

December 4, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I think Kovy is catching what ever bug that the GM and above have. Its giving him a bad case of the dont give a craps. I mean he has been here for 7 or 8 years of this. Its bound to rub off on him eventually.

Its cruel and unusual punishment to keep him here under these conditions.

By Krust

December 4, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

one more Donism

I think we got the best deal for Hossa.

Future Donism

I think we got the best deal for Kovy

By Brick Tamland

December 4, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

stendec: I hate… Kovalchuk stendec: I hate… Pavelec Rational Observers: stendec, are you just looking at the roster and saying that you hate them? stendec: I hate Lehtonen. Rational Observers: Do you really hate Lehtonen, or are you just saying it because you saw his name on the roster? stendec: I hate Lehtonen! I hate Lehtonen.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I love lamp.

By Bob

December 4, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Here’s the one that clued me in very early that Waddell had no eye for talent as an NHL GM:

We feel that (insert players name here, could be Audette, Brunette, Staios, Kaberle, Savard et al) isn’t worth the kind of money that he’s asking for and he’s free to see if he can get that money on the open market

And each time the player got what he wanted, elsewhere, and each time it worked out for the other club (I think Audette had his hand almost amputated and that cut his career short).

My second favorite is the We feel this free agent signing bolsters our blue line as we build from the back out after he’s made his annual summer signing of Adam Burt, Uwe Krupp, Richard Smehlik, Ken Klee, et al

We are the laughing stock of the league for the sole reason that all the other clubs GMs and players know that Waddell is completely incompetent, yet he’s still our GM. That’s why no one takes us seriously and why players now avoid us like the plague. It’s why there’s a malaise up and down the organization, a malaise that manifests itself on the ice in the players’ efforts. They know it’s not going to get better until they get a GM who can bring them teammates who can play.

By Alan

December 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Hockey sense. It all comes down to hockey sense. I don’t think anyone in our front office or ownership group has an ounce of it.

By LAC

December 4, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

I give up MIKE, I thought you were better, someone who WOULD ask the TOUGH questions. Can YOU even read ?

Look at the discontent with waddell, you say you are a reporter, OK then ask the TOUGH question, people want waddell gone, ask him if he will resign ?

Can you do that or are you yourself just a tool of asg ? Quit avoiding the issue “Mike”.

By Bob

December 4, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

ask him if he will resign

He can’t ask him that. A better idea would be to go to the owners and ask them if Waddell job is at stake here after yet another disaster (season over before it even started).

By Alan

December 4, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Bob - Spot on. Indeed, our beat writer can’t just waltz up to the GM, no matter what his opinion of the GM might be, and ask him when he plans on resigning. That’s a sure fire way to sever the lines of communication between the beat writer and the front office.

Asking the ownership an open-ended question like the one in your example makes more sense. It’s not going to eventually cost you your job (what good is a beat writer if he can’t get the full story from everyone?), and it gives you an idea of what the ownership is thinking.

Whether the owners are sober enough to answer the question without slurring their words is another story entirely, and probably one that won’t be covered by a beat writer.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 4, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

LAC — What’s with being an a* to the beat writer, no matter who it is?

Ask Schultz to ask the question you want answered that will never be answered sincerely. Schultz would probably do it, if given the opportunity. The problem is he’s no longer given the opportunity because he asks questions along the lines of yours…inflammatory and irrelevant to the person being interviewed.

Why would any person in their right mind volunteer to reply to a question such as “why don’t you resign”?

Would you reply sincerely and truthfully if asked the question, then resign immediately afterwards because you have realized other people don’t like what you’re doing (though, your boss has never intimated as much)? I highly doubt you would…so what makes you think Waddell would? And therefore, what makes you think a person whose paycheck is cut due in part to his access to the team, who relies on interviews with just the people you want him to scorn, to pepper said person with ridiculous question to the point that he’s no longer granted interviews?

I understand your point of accountability, I really do, but perhaps the name calling of your local beat writer is crossing the line simply because you’re frustrated with Waddell. Bob and Alan have highlighted a better route to venting your frustration through your beat writer…but if I were in Knobler’s or Custance’s position, I’d keep ignoring your requests too.

By Brendan

December 4, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Hmmn, this is quite the challenge, isn’t it R.Stroz. “We’re close, real close” to putting together a good winning streak,” comes to mind as Waddell bluster. Here’s another, “I think Jaroslav Modry is a big addition to our blueline. He’s a big presence out there with a powerful shot.” Hey, what’d we trade Modry for, anyway? Was that the Stefan and Modry for Niko Kapanen and Dallas’ 7th pick deal? Ahh, yes it was. And Atlanta selected Will O’Neill with that 2006 draft selection. Where is Will O’Neill now? I only ask … because he’s the last traceable remnant of our 1999 First Overall Draft Pick.

The blog pauses a moment to shudder. That moment of silence was to honor the hope and wish that a new GM might be forthcoming.

Ranallo, you had me in stitches with this gem, “Tampa Bay has two passionate yet seemingly inept owners, while Atlanta has 6 passionless seemingly inept owners.*” Now, that’s good stuff!

By Brendan

December 4, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

It’s times like these when fans break out the Metallica and put on “My Friend of Misery,” … on a continuous loop.

By Alan

December 4, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I slipped out of my Metallica phase after their “Black album” came out. I have far better songs to convey my misery.

:P

Yeah, I went there. Metallica sucks. :D

By Brendan

December 4, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

That was actually my last Metallica album, too. I try not to keep too much depressing music in my collection. When I want to be depressed, I’ll download some Cure music. Those guys really must have gone through some hard times in life.

By Alan

December 4, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Here’s a good one. It’s modern rock, so it might not be to the liking of everyone here, but the chorus clearly describes both Waddell and the ownership.

Clicky linky

By Mike Knobler

December 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 The difference between Tampa Bay and Atlanta coaching situations is the difference between Barry Melrose and John Anderson. Melrose had open rebellion on his hands. I’m not saying the Thrashers have a love-fest going on, but the atmosphere isn’t anything like what I read was happening in Tampa.

By Bob

December 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

When I want to be depressed, I’ll download some Cure music

Hey, believe it or not, that’s probably the best live show I ever saw. Early 90s at Lakewood, 2nd row center. They were awesome and I had no expectations going into that show, mabye it was that pill my buddy gave me before the show started … hmm.

We don’t need depressing music, we need motivational tuneage. We need some hockey music. We need to rise up, join forces with stroz, and bang the drum steadily to save this club. Apathy sets in at times, yes. But I still love this game and the team, we deserve better. I am telling you, we cannot fire the owners. I don’t like them either, but that is a completely fruitless pursuit in b*** about them. They ain’t going anywhere, it’s not like they’re going to hand the keys to Arthur Blank because we don’t like them. But they can fire Waddell and a new GM can work miracles. I have seen it happen in this league, I have a pretty good idea that the Cap will contract next year, the Canadian dollar is down 25% or so from last year. The Cap shrinks, the high spenders come down to earth, we have lots of cap room to absorb some of the guys they’ll have to ditch next summer, we get Tavares.

It can be done. It can be turned around. We can do it. A new GM can turn this thing around? Who’s with me? Arrgghhh!!

By Alan

December 4, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

We don’t need depressing music, we need motivational tuneage.

I can definitely provide some of that. When I get around to it, I’ll throw together a compilation of music that could get us fired up.

But first, we need another sort of firing, if you catch my drift.

By Nikita

December 4, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Did you guys notice the common denominator in last night’s goals against? Trivia question — what defensive player was on the ice for EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE FIVE GOALS SCORED BY OTTAWA LAST NIGHT?

By Alan

December 4, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Nikita - Exelby

(I figured I’d crosspost my answer, too… though seriously, I’m sure everyone tends to read both blogs)

By English Teacher

December 4, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

This team needs to change its mascot to the tin-man. He didn’t have a heart, either.

By Bob

December 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

and the GM is Scarecrow (although he fancies himself as The Wizard of Oz, but we’ve all seen behind the curtain), the owners are the Cowardly Lion, I guess we’re Dorothy and her little dog Toto just skipping along for the ride.

You know, that whole story is about early 20th century economics? Tinman = the Steel industry who didn’t care about their workers, etc, but I digress.

The flying monkeys are our 4th line, wicked witch of the West is Avery I think … Glenda the good witch is our next GM, right?

By LAC

December 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

rannallo, Schultz in NOT the hockey beat writer.

It is a worthy question to ask in light of the dismal product on the ice almost since inception.

So why can a FAN not ask to get they guy who covers the team to ask the question, which is obvious he will not, because it may not be proper.

Just love how they avoid the issue, What isthe problem there ?

So rannallo, go practice your a$$ name calling somewhere else… OK ?

By Alan

December 4, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

rannallo, Schultz in NOT the hockey beat writer.

There’s a very good reason for that too, isn’t there? Can anyone guess why that is?

So why can a FAN not ask to get they guy who covers the team to ask the question, which is obvious he will not, because it may not be proper.

You can ask him all you want to ask Waddell the question, but it only makes you and your request look less than relevant. You do understand why Craig didn’t and Mike won’t ask the question, don’t you?

So rannallo, go practice your a$$ name calling somewhere else… OK ?

Grow up. Just because you don’t like what someone says doesn’t give you the right or reason to act this way. But in saying that, I can only expect your childish ire to be directed towards me. It’s like taunting a bull. Fortunately for me, there’s no chance of you trampling me in the streets of Spain.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 4, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

LAC — Schultz is not the beat writer, you’re absolutely correct. Jeff Schultz is an AJC employed sports columnist. He’s paid to give his opinion about sports, no matter what the sport is. I’m sure there are guidelines around which particular sports he should primarily focus on, but for the most part he writes his opinion based on any interviews conducted, stats researched, or rumors he might hear or read about elsewhere.

His job is not dependent upon access to the teams, but rather the ability to astutely write his opinion. He is able to ask the “tough” questions because quite frankly, he’s got nothing to lose by doing it. If he loses one interview from a team he writes about twice a season, it’s not a big loss to him. He can still write his opinion regardless of the lack of direct quotes.

Alternatively, Mike Knobler is an AJC employed Atlanta Thrashers beat writer. His job is to write solely about…wait for it…the Atlanta Thrashers. He’s supposed to report about the sport, follow the team from city to city, and give his audience an accurate depiction of what goes on within the team. He’s granted interviews with players, with ownership, with the manager, and for the most part they’re inclined to give him such access due to his role in the media. They are the lifeline to his role as a beat writer.

What’s the difference?

One employee is paid for his opinion, the other is paid for writing what is spoken to him and/or seen by him.

Knobler, Custance, etc…they are not in a job that expects them to prod for answers, ask the tough questions, and get on the bad side of anybody their audience wants them to. They report the facts, give some insights on the team based on what they’ve seen, but generally stay away from being an opinion driven columnist.

This link might help you understand what his role is.

If Knobler were to go to Waddell and point blank insult him with your “question” (I use that term loosely, because clearly it’s an opinionated accusation, not a legitimate impartial question), Waddell would simply say “this conversation is over”, and Knobler would have all lines of communication cut between him and the GM…the person who is supposed to speak on behalf of the one team Knobler is reporting on.

It’s ludicrous of you to believe that because you’re a reader of Knobler’s blog you’re entitled to placing blame on him simply because he’s not doing something that could ultimately cost him his job.

Would you appreciate it if someone came to you once a week and told you to directly insult your primary vendor, then called you names like “tool” or mocked your ability to do your job simply because you didn’t give in to their idiotic demand? No, you wouldn’t put up with that s**…you’d tell the person they’re an a* for expecting you to do such a thing, then promptly ignore any requests from them in the future.

Well, Knobler is paid to be polite to everyone here, and it’s a encroachment on freedom of speech to tell you to stop asking the question, so he instead is ignoring you. It’s not avoiding anything, it’s simply ignoring the “Free Bird!” requests from the audience and paying attention to the legitimate questions/requests.

By Bill

December 4, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

stendec -

go hang out with plaxico burress. maybe he’ll shoot you by accident.

By Sage of Bluesland

December 4, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Hey R.Stroz, I just thought of another classic buffoon Waddellism:

“We drafted the player we wanted all along”

I’ve heard him say that a couple of times: 1. when he took Lehtonen (and I wanted to force Florida to stay put and take Bouwmeester, where I would have drafted Rick Nash). 2. When he kept trading down in 2005 (?) and took that fat kid (instead of types like Kopitar, etc.).

Waddell is a damn joke. Anyone who keeps defending him and his pitiful RECORD has no damn clue and should be removed from the gene pool (ok, kidding on that last bit…)

Stop subsidizing the incompetence…

By Brendan

December 4, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Sage, you made me remember that, during the All-Star game, Waddell looked into a camera and said, “If I controlled the top pick in the 2000 draft, I would have taken Rick DiPietro.” For years, I speculated that DiPietro was Waddell’s intended target in 2000, but lucked into Dany Heatley at #2. Pro-Waddell bloggers at AJC.com opined, INCESSANTLY, that Waddell was great at drafting! And cited Dany Heatley as “Exhibit A” for weeks and months on END.

I counter-argued that Waddell didn’t even want Heatley, he wanted DiPietro, but I always couched the remarks by saying, “But I’ll never be able to prove that.” Then, BANG! Out of the CLEAR BLUE … during the 2008 All-Star Weekend, Waddell admits it. Live. On Camera. I stared at my TV and screamed, “I KNEW IT!! And I’ve got you now!!”

Look, I realize an argument can be made here over whether DiPietro was a solid pick, especially now, after so much time has passed. But Dany Heatley won the “Rookie of the Year,” when he first became eligible for it. And if we turned the clock back to 2002 or 2003 and asked an Islanders fan if they’d like to have a second crack at making that 1st overall pick, I’d bet the overwhelming response would be “Yes, and this time, we want Heatley.”

By Jason

December 4, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

For all who are growing increasingly tired and frustrated with the DW show, here is a link to three of the ASG owners companies, UCG. Bruce Levenson, Ed Peskowitz, and Todd Foreman appear to still be involved on daily operations at UCG(as far as I can tell). There are a few different news releases that might irritate you, interest you, and cause you to chulkle when comparing that company to the Thrashers front office. The second to last news release from a Tim Tucker AJC article in April 2004 paints an optimistic outlook on buying the teams and rights to Phillips Arena, and these three guys sounding so excited. Not sure how pumped they are these days regarding the Thrashers.

Looks like to email anyone there, it’s just first initial and last name @ucg.com. If that doesn’t work, get creative with you frustrations and call them direct or something.

This is at least an attempt for everyone on these blogs to turn away from venting to each other for a moment, and try to directly ask some of the owners about DW and the franchise, just in case they don’t know how the majority fanbase really feels about the current state of the GM and other related items.

If these emails even work, I would think the only ones read and responded to, if any, by the owners, will be the respectful ones. You can still be angry as hell, but present it in a diplamatic tone.

Let us know if anyone gets a response(LAC, Sage Of Bluesland, and so on…). I will do the same.

http://www.ucg.com/DisplayPage.aspx#1

By Bob

December 5, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Yep, between storz and co. chanting Fire Waddell at games and a letter writing campaign, the owners will get the message (as if all the empty seats and former season tix holder weren’t enough). A petition was drafted at the end of last season, many of us signed it, I guess it wasn’t enough yet.

Keep the heat up, except for a couple on here that have wasted novels of words trying to defend Waddell and blame it all on the owners, that vast majority of our fans know where the real problem lies. At Waddell’s feet.

Keep up the drumbeat and they will get rid of him eventually, then we can finally get on with the business of building a real hockey club.

By italiano807

December 5, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

The NHL is getting put back on the map because of the Avery deal. This sports site actually thinks the nhl should thank avery.

sportsclimax .com front page article on the site

By GaVaHokie

December 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

The NHL is getting put back on the map because of the Avery deal. This sports site actually thinks the nhl should thank avery.

Elisha Cuthbert was the most searched person on Yahoo yesterday.

By wh

December 5, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

It has been a long time since I have posted here. Well, things were pretty poor then. Now? WTF? As much as I usually think Stendec is a mutant, I have to agree that it is time to let Kovalchuk go. Better now with him still under a deal through next year. Much better assets will be available. I know this is sacrilege, I also would not usually believe letting a top tier player go for “prospects” but this team is a disaster. It is fairly startling that they are regressing considering the peak wasn’t much and there has been years of futility. Tavares would be nice but I think the choice should be Hedman (assuming top 2 pick) despite the fact that young dmen take longer to make impact. Hopefully Espo is going to be a top 2 line center. At this rate anything and everyone of value - except the rookie D and the young GK should be available. Should DW survive the full slate then I don’t know what can reasonably said of this inept organization. Sad state of affairs.

By Bob

December 5, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

It is fairly startling that they are regressing considering the peak wasn’t much and there has been years of futility

Re-printed, without authority, to say uh-huh

By Brendan

December 6, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

Bob, I’ll tell ya … I never thought the crowning jewel of all those early “building years” would begin and end with Game Two of the Opening Round of the 2007 Playoffs. I still have my “Unleash the Fury” towelette. It’s now a lasting tribute to Don Waddell’s acumen.