Thrashers

By stendec

January 2, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks go heads up Mike. Happy New Year pal. GO CANUCKS! A 10-spot would be nice.

By stendec

January 2, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

I have resided in Georgia all my life. I have followed all state professional sports teams. Losing has become accepted way of life. Not winning is not a major issue. Quitting is! Professional athletes are paid very generously to compete every second in their chosen sport. That is why they are not paid minimum wage rates! Losing brings out rage in me because I care. Quitting triggers outrage! I see in these Thrashers the same attitude of the handful of pre-Ryan Falcon seasons. It was obvious to everyone with eyes to see those teams quit. It has been obvious to me that the Thrashers quit last season and have shown no indication of reversing that trend this one. Fans who make excuses for quitters are not true fans. I have truly hated only a few professional Atlanta athletes over the years. Ones that come to mind are Mike Vick, Jeff George, Chris Miller, DeAngelo Hall and Kari Lehtonen. No, I do not hate Keith Brooking. I understand John Anderson was handed a spoon by Don Waddell then told to go drain the Flint River. Not going to happen. I have a deep love for ice hockey. Wonderful game! My first live game was a loss by Flames at The Omni. Will last appearance in Atlanta area be loss by Thrashers? It is heartbreaking that it has reached point that I want Thrashers out of town. It has reached that point. Losing I can take. Hardened to losing. The lack of effort and uncaring attitude I cannot, nor will I ever, accept, embrace or condone! A last sad note. I had never before wanted an Atlanta team to lose no matter how angry I was at the time. I now actively support the other team when Kari Lehtonen is in net. Do now. Always will. Kudos for info that he is back between pipes tonight. Thanks for listening my friend. Later posts will probably, likely, not be this coherent or nice. Unless Thrashers do the unthinkable and win. God bless.

By Brendan

January 2, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

I like Jason LaBarbara. I thought he would have fetched better than a 7th round pick. Yikes. I guess Bernier is coming right along for the Kings?

By Whaler88

January 2, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

What is really difficult for me this year in following the Thrashers is that for the first time ever I simply can not get excited about the team from any perspective.

It’s not a team that is going to win now and worse it is not a team that is in anyway building for the future. I say that because rebuilding teams have players with upsides. My observation is that very few of our players fit into the “upside” category. I would place Little,Enstrom, Bogosian as the only players who have a very strong NHL future better than they are today. A few other players like Crabb, Ostrick, Valibik might get a little better with more NHL experience but not good enough to fill top spots on the roster.

Kovy, Kosy, Hainsey, White, pieces you want but will they be better than they are today.

Kari - I just can no longer get excited about his potential vs his performance and injury history.

A few guys in the minors that might develop but I don’t see any real standouts in Chicago.

This is a team with fill-ins which is OK if you have replacements in the system. I don’t believe we do and I do have to blame Don Waddell for that fact.

I would enjoy the remainder of the season a whole lot more if we unloaded the fill-ins ASAP and played the youth. At least it would be more fun and I would guess more entertaining.

It is a real void to not even care that there is a Thrashers game tonight.

By Darren

January 2, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

I wish I could get paid to suck at my job the way Eric Christensen does.

By Joshgekko

January 2, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Stendec You are quite uneducated on local sports. Actually, the more likely answer is that you are picking and choosing what to remember. The braves up to last year were the winningest MLB franchise since 1991. The Falcons (drama included) have been in the playoffs 3 times now in the last 10 years (there are plenty of franchises that cant say that). And while the hawks had a horrible run in the 2000’s they were perennial contenders throughout the 90’s going to the playoffs 8 times in the decade. I won’t even get into college since I’ve pretty much already proven my point.

By R. Stroz

January 2, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

New year, fresh start

Fresh start = FIRE WADDELL

By Bob

January 2, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

New year, Fire Waddell

By Sage of Bluesland

January 2, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

The 90s Hawks were “perennial contenders”???

Answer me this, chief, how many SERIES did they win in the playoffs in the 90s?

Thus, your ignorance is exposed. Thanks and try again.

Oh, and back to the Thrashers: FIRE DON WADDELL…Even the utter buffoon Pete Babcock could get a team into the playoffs (only to completely and laughably fold)—but that is more than our bumbling, blustering Donny can do…

Wow. When even Pete Babcock looks ‘good’ in comparison to you—that is bad…

Cheers to more of the same in 2009! (i.e. losing and additional bluster from Donny)

By Sage of Bluesland

January 2, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

I meant to ask you Mike Knobler, what did you do at the AJC to be assigned to such a Siberian wasteland (i.e. beat-writer for the Thrashers)???

You must have made someone at the head of the Sports department mad…I’m sorry to hear it…

By Alan

January 2, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

More news on the Gaborik saga:

Marian Gaborik is scheduled to have surgery on his left hip on Monday in Vail, Colo.

The surgery will address a deficiency in his hip that has caused chronic left groin pain. The surgeon has apprised the team that a return to play from this surgery is as soon as ten weeks, with the player able to begin skating after six weeks.

That’ll take it past the March 4 trade deadline obviously.

Looks like the Wild are now stuck with an unmovable asset that is turning out to be more of a liability, at this point.

Meanwhile, FIRE WADDELL.

By MB

January 2, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

Joshgekko, you might want to take your history lesson a little further back than 1990. While it’s easy to pile on Stendec, for the most part he’s correct about the history of professional sports in Atlanta (though I disagree about Chris Miller). There’s a reason the city was dubbed “Loserville USA” by Sports Illustrated in the ’80s. Things weren’t much better in the ’70s.

And though you’re right that there was some improvement in the ’90s, even that success was somewhat sullied…great run by the Braves tarnished by only one WS title; Falcons amazing Super Bowl run fouled by those buck-toothed Broncos and a horny defensive back.

And Sage, try this one on for size…not only is Waddell overmatched by the Babcock legacy (sad), the ASG may claim the worst ownership mantle from the inglorious Rankin Smith family (shudder).

By Mike Knobler

January 2, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

Sage You might have meant that question rhetorically, but I asked for this gig. Really. And I don’t regret it.

Everyone I’m told it’s Jim Slater and Nathan Oystrick in tonight and Eric Perrin and Zach Bogosian scratched. Perrin was a bit behind Sergei Samsonov on one of the Carolina goals the other night.

By sisu

January 2, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

Stendec was born and raised in Sweden without a doubt, how else can one explain his hatred of Finland?;)

When are people going to learn that giving up 40+ shots on net will rarely win. So the dmen are slightly improved but the forwards do little or no support for the overall defense…

By Thrashy Thrashy

January 2, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks weren’t any good right now, ASG would have surpassed Rankin Smith.

The Thrashers just need to be owned by someone who cares. ASG cares more about basketball than hockey. They figure they can make more money off an NBA team. If this damn lawsuit ever gets settled, my guess is that the Thrashers will be put up for sale.

By Jeff

January 2, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Stendec, I agree with you on several of you points, it’s nice to hear you make your points without anything being profane. Although, I wouldn’t put Kari in the same sentence with the likes of the others. If you have proof of his thuggish and or pre-madonna behavior please divuldge this information.

By Alan

January 2, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

If you have proof of his thuggish and or pre-madonna behavior please divuldge this information.

He’s referring to Kari getting emotional after giving up a goal he thought his defense should have been there for. He’s broken quite a few sticks over the goalposts/crossbars over the years. Especially last year.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with that.

Then, there was the other time where Kari dyed his hair Thrashers Blue to celebrate their 2007 playoff berth.

I didn’t see anything wrong with that, either. Team spirit and all that.

Others obviously disagree with me, but I’m almost certain that is what is being referenced.

On another note, I absolutely loathe Natalie Taylor. I wish there was some way you could knock the stupid out of her.

By Jeff

January 2, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

Alan, I agree. I dont see anything wrong with those actions, being the heat of the battle or showing team pride. But none of these actions deserve a comparison to the behavior and disrespect shown by the others.

By Rancid Peter

January 2, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

Great win tonight!

But I haven’t heard from stendec and his tiny pecker.

Coincidence?

By joshgekko

January 2, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this

Sage My ignorance has been exposed? The hawks won 4 series’ of 8 trips in 10 years. Surely not stunning, but not contending?

By Smoothie

January 2, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

Does anyone on here know where I can procure a foam puckhead hat on-line? My GF and I have been scouring the internet, but the only site we found with foam hats requires you to buy 100 or more at a time. I figured one of you real die-hard rabid hockey fans would know where to go or shop for something like that other than Philips Arena. Thanks!

And Go Thrashers!!

By stendec

January 3, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this

Losing streak is over! Shootout win nets two points. Visitors left hostile building with a point. Home unit failed to hold a 3-2 lead late in third period. Premiere player had one goal but misfired on at least two sure fire others. A win is a win. Congratulations. Oh, to the damn Canucks: I see why my Flames kick your sorry a*******es all the time. All of you stink. Your stench is overpowering! Sorry for delay. I was watching Bama do its best impression of Toiletlids in Orange Bowl. Now there are some real gutless quitters!

By Alex

January 3, 2009 12:52 AM | Link to this

Who the eff cares if the Canucks got a point. They’re in the Western Conference. It doesn’t matter as far as the Thrash are concerned

By sisu

January 3, 2009 1:22 AM | Link to this

Nothing new with Stendick talking out of his butt! ;) His meds wore off after a few hours! LOL

By Kaat

January 3, 2009 1:58 AM | Link to this

Just want to say: GO SLAVA KOZLOV!

Because it isn’t said enough in my opinion. Such a classy, quiet leader.

By PUTTING ON THE FOIL

January 3, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By Rancid Peter

January 3, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, stendec’s back!

I thought I heard someone fapping in the corner!

By Thrashers27

January 3, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

TSN.ca is reporting that Bogosian has been sent to Chicago for conditioning.

By Brendan

January 3, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

I’m happy for Christensen to be able to contribute in a win. Good for Kovalchuk to start scoring with some better consistency. What a goal by Joey Crabb. That one has entered my “Top 10 Thrashers Goals” for the season. What a blast. And, it’s our first “shorty” of the year.

By stendec

January 3, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

Keith Brooking is to the Falcons what Kari Letemin is to the Loseland Toiletlids (Thrashers). A big fat liability! I hate both the untalented sons of betches.

By sisu

January 4, 2009 12:58 AM | Link to this

ZBo has two goals for the Wolves:) And Stendick is off his meds, I was under the impression he is from Norway???? LOL

By Alan

January 4, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

sisu - Aw, come on! Don’t insult Norway like that!

By sisu

January 4, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this

Little looks like he injured his leg, not good…Mike Smith is stealing a game. Williams does not = Little:(

By Brendan

January 4, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

I turned it off at 3-0. I guess Christensen broke the shutout. Nice.

By stendec

January 4, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

All you apologists go take a flying (X) and shut the Hell up. There was no damn excuse for that shet! Damn mother (X) Finn Kari Letemin was in net on home ice against against a junior high school team. **How did the mother (X) fraud do? Glad you asked! Before fans were in their seats he let one in. Let in another early in third period. Want insult to (X) injury? You got it! The damn son of a betch kicked the fourth goal into his own net! Yes, kicked it into his own damn net. The untalented piece of shet needs to take a slow boat back to Finland or any other damn country besides this one! There is no excuse for that kind of pathetic play from a wanna be but never will be professional athlete. I hated like Hell that Toiletlids were not shut out in front of zombie home fans. They damn sure deserved to be! The LaLa Land bestard added four more goals to the worst goals against total in history of hockey. Anyone that defends him or the Toiletlids after this debacle are stupid morons who do not know a flying (X) about this great sport! Team has not quit? Only deluded fools believe that shet. Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk was up to his usual uncaring unproductive self. Sit his a$$ on the bench. We already have a roster of uncaring non-performers. Worthless Russian oxygen waste! Announcers made it sound like team lost on a goal in closing seconds. What damn jackasses! No matter who the Hell signs their paychecks! To Hell with all these quitters. Resurrect the Flames. Bring up the Wolves. Do some damn thing John Petrino!

By B. Thenet

January 4, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this

That was one of the worst efforts the Thrashers have put on home ice in a very long time….not just weeks or months but in several years.

A complete lack of effort in all facets of the team.

It is hard to believe that we are in January and Don Waddell has not made one single move to improve this team which is once again the worst team in the entire NHL.

Not one single waiver wire pick up, not one attempt to waive one of our own players, nothing……

In addition, we still do not have a captain almost half way through the season….which speaks to the players, coaching staff, and management team that has put together this team.

By B. Thenet

January 4, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

Anderson’s quote after the game really concerns me.

Does he really think the Thrashers were “average” tonight?

If he thinks that turd the Thrashers laid in Philips Arena tonight against what WAS the worst team in the NHL was “average”…..perhaps he is part of the problem as well.

By stendec

January 4, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

Here is how damn Finn son of a betch b******* Kari Letemin summed up his Hall Of Fame four goal choke job against a Florida junior high school team on home ice:

That kind of sums up today (ya thnl you dumb bestard). We did some good things another outright lie), but it always ended up being bad like you).

Thanks for quote Mike.

Toiletlids are #1! Toiletlids are #1!

From the bottom up they are. I know that all apologists are so damn proud!

By Rick

January 4, 2009 9:14 PM | Link to this

I agree that has to be one of the worst games I’ve seen the Thrashers play in years. How can a group of professional hockey players consistently fail to get the puck out of their zone and remain employed in the NHL? How can they consistently fail to mount any kind of attack even with a man advantage and remain employed in the NHL? Why do they almost never put a lick on anyone? Disgraceful.

By stendec

January 4, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Usually when a professional team simply goes through the motions until a season is over it is not too blatantly obvious. Detroit Lions are a good case in point. That is not the case with these insufferable Toiletlids! They have quit. Ended season. Starting making post season plans. Trouble is there are still games left on that pesky schedule. League will not allow forfeitures (bad for image) so teams are compelled to go through motions. What is there to play for? Coach? Players apparently hate him! Fans? Please! Management? Nah. Pride? Have to have a tiny bit to play for it. Paychecks? Bingo. Want to shell out big bucks in these stressed economic times to see Toiletlids go through the motions for a few more games? I did not think so. Make Loseland Emptyland. Immediately!

By Fred

January 4, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Burn the house down. Start totally over. None of these players care 1 damn bit. Kovy has no playmakers to connect with, trade him now when you can get the most.

I’m still wondering why I paid good money to see these losers today. If my kid didn’t get free Thrash birthday cake, it would have been a total waste of time. Maybe that’s the problem, management thinks all the fans are 9 year old Thrash fans who don’t really care how bad they are!

By Fred

January 4, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

sendec - I appreciate constructive critisism, but I’d be interested, just how many games do you go to? I’m doubting hardly ever - so that makes your rant totally meaningless. There is a distinct difference between a disgruntled fan and a loud mouth that could care less about the team. If you are such a hockey loyal fan - take your BS to Detroit and try to find a job up to support your crying.

I’m sure you’ll lie out of your a$$ and say you go all the time, which would be a total croc, but really, why don’t you go stick your head in one of your own toiletlids and give the world a present!

By MB

January 4, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

B.Thenet, it might make you feel slightly better about Anderson to know that he also said the following:

“Our give-a-crap level is at zero. After a big win against Vancouver, against a real good hockey team, we throw that game. I gotta question whether anybody cares in that locker room right now. It’s a joke.”

Now the big question is, what does he do about it?

By B. Thenet

January 4, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

Perhaps coach should not have given the boys a day off after they had put a nice 1 game winning streak together.

By stendec

January 4, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Hi Fred (Flintstone)? Happy New Year! When I see alleged professional athletes intentionally tank I will call them out. I have done so for years! Will continue to do so. Sorry that offends you. Happy you think Toiletlids are going all out for fans. Therapy is available. Just a suggestion. Are you really Don Waddell?

By Alan

January 4, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

Now the big question is, what does he do about it?

Something. Anything. Sit some guys or something. There’s not much else he can do as the coach, aside from possibly asking from “The Wad” for AHL callups.

And really, we’re pretty much out of contention. what could those hurt?

By fred

January 5, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this

sednec - the Thrashers should hire you in their PR department. Your reply answered abolutely NOTHING I asked. Great job at totally sidestepping the point at hand - you are a blowhard that uses their TV instead of witnessing in person for their opinions.

You’ll be happy soon enough - with enough losers like yourself that never actually go to a game but still pi$$ and moan - the team will be out of town in a few short years and you’ll have to shift your negative pathetic thoughts on to something else. How sad - why don’t you move to LA where critisizing the Clippers are right down your alley - like shooting fish in a barrell.

By Brendan

January 5, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this

All the bloggers keep dancing around the subject. Wait. Sometimes, an example helps. Visual ones, work the best. Imagine that Waddell meanders down to ice level for the next practice. Still with me?

At this practice he addresses the team. He states, “No one here will hold it against you, but if you don’t want to be here anymore, skate off the ice now, and I promise I’ll try to find somewhere else for you to be that is more to your liking.”

The Thrashers players stare blankly, anxiously at each other … and then a third of them of skates unapologetically towards the zamboni doors. The remaining players stare at each other, fidgeting. Then half of them leave, too.

At that moment, Don Waddell realizes he’s not helping the team; he’s hurting them. He’s the most obvious symptom of the bad ownership. Privately, I’d wager that most, if not ALL of the Thrashers, are surprised he hasn’t been fired. And when they learn the truth, that he won’t be fired no matter WHAT, they become more demoralized than ever before. The players are thinking, “If this is the Titanic, I’d like to get off at South Hampton. Or at some point before we approach the icebergs.”

Okay. Maybe that wasn’t the best example. Try this one, instead. You’re in a relationship. It’s old and stale. You dred every upcoming weekend. You quickly realize that you no longer love the other person. Well, it’s difficult NOT TO KNOW THAT and darned near IMPOSSIBLE to IGNORE it. Denial’s not just a River in Egypt.

The first thing that the owners have to do show the players and the fans, and the sports world in general, that they CARE … is to fire Waddell.