Thrashers

By Brendan

January 5, 2009 1:58 AM | Link to this

Aren’t they openly rebelling against GM accountability? GM’s are fired for MUCH, MUCH LESS than what has transpired in Atlanta. The players realize there isn’t any accountability here. Why “sugarcoat” that?

What are the consequences for poor play or losses? As best I can tell, it’s “free tickets.”

Seriously.

By Barry

January 5, 2009 2:41 AM | Link to this

I don’t quite understand it either Mike. It’s almost like the players are conceeding the season and not believing they can win and be competitive. It just seems there isn’t a winning attitude with this team and it’s more of ownership and GM being at fault for that. I was discussing this team last week with a buddy. He talked about how there doesn’t seem to be much accountability. He referenced the Red Wings. You sign with Detroit or try to make their roster…you know you better do what the coach asks…you know you better give it your all every game or you will be benched or sent somewhere. Teams like Detroit have a winning attitude. Where is that attitude at here in Atlanta? We got some great coaches that want to turn things around, so what is going to take for the players to want to really turn things around? Sometimes it seems like the players are just content receiving their paycheck.

I can understand sometimes Thrashers just don’t have it that night or the other team just wants it more and beats you fair and square. It happens. Unfortunately it happens to this team WAY to much. Tonight the Thrashers didn’t have anything and they allowed Tampa to just come in here and walk all over them. There was really bad and weak plays all around. Chip passes to nobody, no net presence at all, hesitating not knowing what to do with the puck, and having no real game plan. That’s what tonights game looked like to me. PATHETIC.

By tbone

January 5, 2009 5:59 AM | Link to this

Can we not bring up all of the Wolves and send this bunch down? Might not win any more games but they would at least hustle more than these clowns.

By Jim

January 5, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this

* JA was quoted in the paper this morning saying that the team’s attitude is a joke. Wrong, John, this team is a joke. A cruel joke being played on those of us shelling out bucks to endure it.* I can see JA once again confronting Donnie Boy who will assure him that “real change” is coming. Grant Stevenson will replace the injured Bryan Little. REAL CHANGE would be your resignation Donnie Boy.

By rick

January 5, 2009 7:26 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers are generally small and slow, they don’t check, they don’t know how to clear the puck, and they have no power play. Although size and skating ability can’t be coached, the other stuff can.

Bob Hartley had a little more to work with when he was here, but his teams were also fundamentally better in every way than this bunch. So are the 2008-2009 Thrashers not being coached, or are they tuning out the coach?

I don’t know anything about Anderson except what I read in the papers. Maybe the players don’t agree with what he wants them to do. But that still doesn’t explain why they can’t clear the puck or even get into position on the power play.

How many times yesterday did a Thrasher send the puck along the boards to a Tampa Bay player waiting patiently just inside the Blue Line? It happened at least a dozen times in the second period alone. I began to wonder if the Thrashers were shorthanded. That’s how they looked — like Tampa Bay always had an extra guy on the ice.

By Hotrod

January 5, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

I like the coach calling it as he ( and everyone else) sees it. Now if ASG and DW would see it that way , they could make some changes to shake it up. But they don’t care , and that same flu like sympton rolls down hill and fully reveals itself on the ice.

Its really time for the coach to go old school on this team to build their character, and the will and want to win. I would skate their butts after every loss in front of the fans miracle on ice style. Every player would be throwing up.

This may be a painful final 3 months of the season , or , they can write an incredible story of comeback. As a team , they have to decide for themselves.

By Luckydog

January 5, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

You need ferocious, skilled D to compete and Anderson has never been about that. So it’s not all that surprising that he hasn’t been able to overachieve the way Hartley did with Waddle’s trademark b-list of has-beens and never-weres.

Rick is right on about small and slow, but add SOFT to that list. I have never seen a Thrashers team that is so reluctant to make a hit on the boards. Most of the time we just nudge the guy politely. And if anyone has seen a single open-ice takedown this year, please let us know. It’s not about being dirty or chippy, it’s about slowing down the other team and making them think twice.

By T-Bone

January 5, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

Going back for years now, you get maybe one solid effort out of five from this organization. It matters not whether you change players or coaches the pattern remains the same. The one constant is the GM and his owner-enablers. As Brendan mentioned accountability (or lack thereof) is the key and it’s an intangible concept that is perceived subtly by all in the organization despite words to the contrary. We’ve all heard the cliche “actions speak louder than words” and that is what we are witnessing. Until heads roll for the incompetence, expert more of the same.

By Billsen

January 5, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

While I won’t suggest that we don’t need to consider a change at the GM spot, the first questions to ask is who would replace DW, what do you think he could do differently, and of course, the big one - If ASG fires DW, what makes you sure they will actually hire a GM?

They haven’t replaced Bernie Mullen as of yet, and I get the feeling that the ASG thinks they could do the job themselves… That, to me, is much scarier than keeping DW.

That said, I would give Jay Feaster a call, if the axe is coming…

Billsen

By Ron Mexico

January 5, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m willing to put up with a few more months of this crap if it means we end up with the magic ping pong ball this spring and end up with the number one pick. Watching the world junior championships, I’m psyched about the notion of John Tavares playing with Angelo Esposito in Thrasher blue next season. If anyone has seen Tavares play, he is everything the experts say he is and more!! Having a duo like that can help bring back some much needed energy and buzz to this franchise since Heatley and Kovy broke into the league together. It might be wishful thinking, but I think that if it does happen, they can have a Kane and Toews type impact on this team and we’ll be on our way.

As for this season, I’m not willing to blame the coaching just yet. Its way too early for that. All I have to say is that when you have your most dynamic player playing with the likes of Williams, Thorburn, Christensen, etc., something is really wrong there. DW must be made responsible for his years of incompetency and overall bufoonery and be given the ax already. This city and fan base deserves much better than this. Lets hope the ASG wises up and does something about this before we lose this team for good!

By Sam

January 5, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

Suicide skates, players benched. Whatever it takes to wake these guys up, do it! I am sure it is not very motivating to play before 6,000 instead of 18,000. What a vicious cycle. It starts at the top. If the ownership and DW send the message that the lack of effort is acceptable, why would the players care. Very seldom are the fans (what is left of them) recognized. Boycott Casino night. A night for fans to fawn over this bunch of losers who don’t seem to care.

By Eileen

January 5, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

Mike, is there any player “off the record” if necessary that can answer your own questions. Is there a rebellion going on? In addition, is there a captain in that room? THANKS.

By Bob

January 5, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

Yes, Tavares is the real deal, but comparing Esposito to Heatley, Kovy, Kane, or Toews is like comparing Christensen to Crosby. Watch the game gold medal game tonight and check it out, as I don’t think you’ve seen Espo play (hint, he’s getting 3rd/4th line minutes and is on the PK, no PP time although Quinn did send him out with Tavares in OT on the 4 on 4).

By GaVaHokie

January 5, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with Billsen… this is the ownership that put Waddell behind the bench because they were still paying Hartley to sit on the couch. I would like to know what the length of Waddell’s contract is… that would tell me if Bruce Levenson is our next GM… however I don’t know if Bruce even cares enough to be that involved.

… but yes, Jay Feaster or Cheveldayoff would seem the likely candidates… I don’t see why either of those guys would be any better than Waddell.

By ThrashersFan

January 5, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

I am willing to give Anderson a pass this season as it WAS NOT him who iced this team. If you remember, Anderson had NO say in this team as Waddell was putting it together.

I have watched or gone to every single thrashers game I could since the beginning and the past 3 games I couldn’t even be bothered to watch. That is how far this team has sunk for me and my family who also supports the team.

Kick out the GM already, give Anderson HIS team who will fight for him like the Wolves who have come up have and see what happens next year.

And… say goodbye to Kovy next year as well.

By dhj_1962

January 5, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

let them all lay down, let them get to last place in the NHL and stay there. pick Tavares, resign Kovy. and wait for wadell to tell us about his new 5 year plan. Rick, pp not bad at 9th. thrashers were horrible yesterday, what happened to team that beat the cunuckleheads?

By h

January 5, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

I hate to take away from the fire Waddell and kill the owners comments but let me briefly brign up the game yesterday. Itwas certainly very ugly to say the least, but what killed me was that I thought that Brois was exceptionally horrible….and that says alot when the whole team was stinky…..Boris was just brutal….to me, if you are 10 feet tall and 240 pounds and don’t move the puck real well, you MUST do 2 things, you MUST punish people when they come in your defensive zone and you MUST use that big a$$ body to block shots……this guy refuses to give his body up 95% of the time. The first 2 goals IMHO are all on him….he screens the goalie and doesn’t give his body up on the first, and then he fails to play ANY defense on the 2nd….he needs to either man up or be sent down for a long time…..what is the point of keeping him up here? He can’t fight, can’t hit and can’t block shots…..uuummmm….I give up.

By brian

January 5, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

Sounds like the Boston Bruins of 3-4 years ago. Fire the GM….spend the $$$ for the best GM availlable and let him pick a new coach. Bruins turned it around in a hurry !!

By Russian

January 5, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

to Mike Knobler Mike, Could you give us update on Little? How is he doing? Will he fly to Pittsburgh?

By limited hockey knowledge

January 5, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t know a lot about the frozen puck, but I do know a few things:

1. Getting smoked at home by a terrible team like TB can’t be good.
2. Triple A hockey at NHL prices can’t be good either.
3. Kovalchuk & Josh Smith are the same type players. For every great play they make, there is 10 really bone-head stupid plays. That works on a good team, but not on a bad team.

That’s it. (what? i told you in the title, “limited” hockey knowledge.)

By Vitamin Z

January 5, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

I would have to agree with h…I’m less than impressed with Boris. All he is doing is taking penalties for cross-checking. He needs another year to develop if this is possible. And maybe a boxing class or two.

By rick

January 5, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

dhj_1962 — you’re right about the PP number. Right now the Thrashers are ranked 10th in the league which is pretty good. I’m surprised, though. Maybe I’m lumping their PP together with their penalty kill, which is pretty bad at 72.5%. No team in the league has given up so many goals (46), and Edmonton is the only other team with more than forty (42).

By The Unknown Fan

January 5, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

Last night’s performance was so rock-bottom bringing back the mascots that played at intermission might have offered a more entertaining 3rd period. Wearing a costume at least provides some explanation for being completely lost on the ice.

Remember the bag-wearing unknown New Orleans Saints fans? Expect to see them in Atlanta soon.

By Peter

January 5, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

I have a little coaching experience, though not at the pro level, but I think the same theories apply…you have to adapt your system to accomodate the players and talent that you have on your team. I think JA is being foolish and stubborn by expecting these players to play in the system that he has. I think this has caused the players to become extremely frustrated, thus the effort and results of yesterday. It is the coach’s job to motivate and teach and I just don’t see that happening. I believe the players have thrown in the towel and this season has ended for most of them.

By Alan

January 5, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

We’ll see what they look like Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

I’ll be happy so long as they don’t look as bad as the ice did yesterday… which was arguably worse than the team on the ice looked.

By Nikita

January 5, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t agree, Peter. For starters, they didn’t do well in the old system, either. And to play the old system well, you have to play it like NJ does — with a nearly inpenetrable defense.

I’m very frustrated by the team. I am glad to see Erik Christensen back out, though — he’s doing better than I would have guessed these last few games, and may be essential while stuff gets worked out with Eric Perrin and Bryan Little.

By Sam

January 5, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

I wondered why, too.

Bottom line here is : No consequences.

No significant trade will be made. No one’s getting fired because the owners don’t want to pay 2 GM’s and 3 head coaches. The players read the paper. Complacency because there’s no consequences. We don’t even ahe a captain to call guys out in the locker room.

What’s Anderson’s recourse? Bench someone? He’s done that. Threaten to bring in new players? Yeah, right. Last night was a group shrug that says, “So, whatcha gonna do? I still get my paycheck.”

Its the lowest of low on the cynical scale, but its the best…and saddest…I can come up with.

I tell ya…we need to go to the Herb Brooks form of practice…after the game..on the ice…in public.. SKATE DRILLS til dawn. I mean, if you’re not going to show up anyway, who cares if you’re tired for the next game…or miss the plane.

By JBD

January 5, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

I admit that have supported this team throuhgout the years wearing rose colored glasses, but this is a new low for another reason besides our GM. I could be wrong, but have we heard anything from Levinson and the boys from the ATL Spirit? Their silence on the personal matter is deafening. The players know that night in and night out, that they do not stack up from a talent prespective, but worse than that they must believe that management does not have their backs. It is incredibly disheartening to know that we are doing absolutely nothing from a personal standpoint to get better. Yet another high draft pick is not going to solve the problems. Sid Crosby is not walking through our door in 2009. It is just getting tough to support a team both personally and financially knowing that management is silent on the matter, even at this low point.

By jeff

January 5, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Bob, Esposito is on the same line as Tavares.

By Old Time Hockey

January 5, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this

It is the effort, or lack of effort, that keeps this team down. People may scoff at this, but this team is much more talented than their record. I’m not saying this is a cup contender, but there should be more to show. It just makes me livid to see players gliding. If they can’t find the inner strength to skate hard for the 30-45 second they are on the ice, then keep them off the ice! No hustle and rarely finishing off checks are recipes for failure in this league. Don’t know why JA can’t get through to these guys. Don’t stop moving your feet and finish off all checks and this team will improve markedly.

By Brett

January 5, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of JA skating their A$$ off after the game. But do you think the NHLPA is going to allow that? Right! WHen are we going to see a trade, someone on waivers, etc? This team needs a wake up call. If playing in front of 8K fans isn’t embarrasing enough then what is? This team is horrible! Have some pride Thrashers!

By polskidawg

January 5, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this

I truly feel badly for these players and coaches.

The coaches have, essentially, nothing to work with. B & C level talent on the blue line, old and unhealthy (mentally and physically) in goal, 3 legit top 6 forwards and a plethora of limited bit players.

The players?? Most are being asked to be what they aren’t. Too many minutes, the wrong responsibilities, wrong lines/pairings.

This situation is quite depressing - in many ways, far more depressing than the circumstances when the Flames left town.

By Kevin

January 5, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

I love the hillbillies that are trashing Esposito. His play in the World Juniors has been a lot more than anyone expected. For those of you who dont watch, just comment, he played very well in the semi game against Russia. He scored the go ahead gaol at 4-3 and probably should have scored at the end of the game. He made good passes and hustled. Not ready to compare him to anyone yet, but for playing against the top players in his age group and on a line with next year’s Sid the Kid in John Tavares, we certainly have some hope because we own this kid, and should be able to own Tavares too.

PS, yesterday was the biggest stinkbomb I have seen in that arena, and I have seen some beauts! Time for a rsoter shakeup and a big time call up. Lets get the kids more kids on NHL ice and get ready for Tavares and Kovy now that we lead the race.

By SQUAD

January 5, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

I was only able to listen to game against Tampa Bay but it was evident that there was no effort on the Trashers part. It is time that JA tell the team it’s my way or the highway. However the bonehead of a GM and the totally lost ownership won’t allow this to happen. Apparently Waddell wasn’t playing any attention while he spent time in Detroit’s front office, that’s probably why they were so happy to see him go. This team needs a big!! change Waddell pull the trigger already. Tell the ownership to “Man Up” and spend some money provide the City with a NHL team not the AHL we are witnessing. I have season tickets and attended all but a few games, most of the time I leave the games depressed and pi—ed. My seats are in 311 and I have already decided that I will not spend that kind of money next year for the product that is being put on the ice. At best I will commit to a half-season ticket next year. My wife is so disgusted that she won’t even entertain purchasing a half season ticket for next year. Also I can’t believe that the ownership has indicated that they will raise ticket prices for next year, for what, a possibly improved AHL team. In spite of my ranting the Thrashers are my team and will continue to support and cheer(when they deserve it) for the rest of the year. But with the present lack of leadership they will continue to lose STH and there is a possibility that the team will be bought and moved to a different city. It is time for JA to step forward and at least make the players responsible, accountable, and committed.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 5, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

I know this is probably to good to be true, but I saw some interesting rumors today involving LeTrashers! Lehtum all In to LA for O’Sullivin and possibly moving Schneider to LeCanadians. It is time to trade off all the older pieces and rebuild with youth. I love Slava, but i hope we trade him, he deserves another shot at a deep playoff run. Maybe even Todd White might fetch something decent in return. Exelby should be traded too.

By Russian

January 5, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

I fill very sorry for any Ticket Holders. You spent lot of money for nothing. I am following Thrasher since first year 1999 and I saw 20-25 Home games every season (not this one). I just do not understand WHY DID YOU SPEND Money???? Are you afraid to did not get tickets if you come on the Home Game?
But Atlanta is not Detroit or Montreal and Toronto, we always have an empty space. I remember when Thrashers went to Play-Offs I got the ticket to see Home game. It is not big deal to buy tickets here.

By TableHockey

January 5, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Practice was interesting today. JA worked the team hard including running some suicides.

Schneider skated for about the first 5 minutes and then left the ice. Channel 5 was out there filming as well. made me wonder if there was some credibility to the trade rumors.

Kari got ticked after one of the drills and threw his stick against the boards behind his goal.

Little is making the road trip and says he is day-to-day.

By Nate

January 5, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I don’t know why anyone would complain about the team’s play. In the long term, it’s better that the team loses instead of accumulating just enough points to miss out on the best players in the draft. Anybody that has watched the World Juniors can see Tavares is a stud and Esposito has looked alright as well. Even DW (if he still has a job) can’t f-up the #1 pick if the Thrash get it. Manage to throw enough money at Hossa or Gaborik to have him come here and Atlanta has a competitive team again next year.

By Alan

January 5, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Kari got ticked after one of the drills and threw his stick against the boards behind his goal.

I wonder what set him off like that? Got any ideas?

By Thrashers27

January 5, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

Tablehockey,

What trade rumours are you referring to?

By Brendan

January 5, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

Nobody who wants to win will come to Atlanta. Players who only play for $$ might sign with Atlanta. But is that the “right kind” of player to bring into the fold? Or would that just reinforce the lack of heart that this team has had since inception?

Got you thinking now, don’t I? I apologize for that. When push comes to shove, a team with no heart always manages to lose, even to a lesser skilled team. Think about it. Think HARDER.

There is only one season that matters: The playoffs. The 82-games that preceed it … are “warm up.” If, after 82-games, your team is not ready, has no heart, and is only marginally-skilled, you get the 2007 Atlanta Thrashers, swept out of the playoffs, as a division champion, in the 1st round. Playoffs are your measuring stick. That’s where you find out what you’re made of, and how far you still have to go to be a REAL contender.

This team has not yet BEGUN to address its deficiencies. This team has had no real “concept” from the onset. It has no identity. Its purpose for existence, thus far, has been to be schedule fodder for other teams during the regular season. It is a hodge-podge of bargain-barrel found players and promising prospects. It has barely served to be the NHL’s “farm system.” If Kovalchuk leaves, we produced Heatley, Coburn, and Kovalchuk for the Senators, Flyers and ??? organizations. Not good.

Part of “player retention” is competent management. Management comes from the ownership group. The ownership group is unwilling to provide assistance to the hockey side of operations. Why sugarcoat it?

By TableHockey

January 5, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Alan - I think he was mad at himself. It was a drill where they split the ice in half length-wise and run end-to-end passing and shooting drills. Kari was letting quite a few shots get past him.

Thrashers27 - the only rumor about Schneider that i’ve heard of is the deal with Ottawa for Vermette.

I agree with Nate - so what if the season tanks? It “might” be enough to finally get DW ousted AND gives us a great shot at Tavares. I figure at this rate he will either be wearing a Thrasher’s uniform next season or an Islander’s jersey.

By Ward

January 5, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

Basically accountability is only going to work if there are consequences. Trades, sent down to Chicago, and/or benching. In the Thrashers scheme Chicago is already here, no trades will be there because there is no talent to trade and benching isn’t going to work since there is no talent waiting on the bench!Long season folks. 21 wins/54 losses/ 7 losses in OT.

By Get The Puck Out

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

I just read that Kari was to be traded for a forward similar to Pat O’Sullivan in the Hockey Herald. Anybody think this is a good idea? Right now i don’t think anything could make it much worse.

By Hill319

January 5, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

With this season over, the ASG should clean house now and let the new GM and coach assess the talent. Most of the guys in the locker room aren’t dummies. All hockey publications assessed our talent at the beginning of the year and picked us a lottery team. The guys in the locker room know that as well. JA might be a good guy, but he is a Waddell clone. He looks at the camera, shakes is head, gives the same speech, but only moves the pieces around with no plan. New GM and coach would send the message that everyone is being interviewed for next years team, and would help the new leadership team know what they need to do starting in June.

By Alan

January 5, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t think there’s anything to that rumor. However, here’s the page I found it on.

By jerry

January 5, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers seem to have a lot of trouble just getting the puck out of their end. I guess they just don’t have the ability or just don’t want to bad enough. Either way they are not worth paying for.

By Mike Knobler

January 5, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

I had today off, so I wasn’t at practice. We sent a reporter, who writes that Little has bruised ribs but no fracture.

Are any of you watching Pittsburgh, which is stinking it up against the Rangers? Tomorrow’s game will be the third in a row for the Thrashers when their opponent was playing the second night of a back-to-back and the Thrash weren’t.

By dhj_1962

January 5, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

kl falling out of favor?? haha..if thats the case 3/4 of the team is available. Nikita, EC does look a little better, he was told he was being shopped around, thats why he is skating harder. and who ever stated that Boris was playing like a girl was right, i’ve never noticed it tho, then after reading his/her blog, they are right, he don’t block shots, he wont hit anyone, and he let cindy crotchby hit him in the nads with no response!!!! i wonder if doris, sorry, i mean boris is gonna let cindy crotchby do it again tomorrow night.

By phil

January 5, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

espo is the real deal tonight…..he can fly…playing with passion…..imagine that……

By dhj_1962

January 5, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

he sure is Phil, but he won’t once he sees the crowds at Phillips

By fatboy jr

January 5, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

FIRE DON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By John

January 5, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

With $40M a year for payroll and 11 years to put something together I think I could put a .500+ team together in any sport. The Thrashers suck. No heart. Fire Waddell, trade Kovy, Kozlov and Kari. John Ferguson and about 100 other GM candidates are available.

By Dr Phil

January 5, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

Dhj

Fatboy jr has the answer to your swipe at an empty philips…what it could be

By fatboy jr

January 5, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this

john its not kovy who we need to get rid of we have espo and a shot at teveras thnx to don for tht one so we could have a decent nxt year and y would we get rid of kari

By dhj_1962

January 5, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

fire don

By IlliniDawg

January 5, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Can someone please explain to me why this city even has a hockey team? Especially since this team has always sucked - and often really really sucked, why does anyone go to the games? I’ve been to three games over he past few years and it’s almost a complete waste of time and money. Tickets are overpriced and they can’t even serve decent food and beer. And if there isn’t even a good fight, since the Trashers are such pu$$ies, then why go?

By phil

January 5, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

illdawg

take your loser comments somewhere else..you are clueless and should quit drinking..are you the one that asked me the other night how many periods in the game…please go somewhere with your crap

By dhj_1962

January 5, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

hey illinidawg, why did you go? i’ve went to a few games over the past 5 years…to see Martin Broduer, Eric Lindros, Wayne Gretzky coaching, since i never had the chance to see him play in person, Rod Brind’more, Vinnie Lacavalier, Martin St. Loius, Marion Hossa, Ovechkin ….and of course Kovy, i could care less about the rest of the hacks. if i mispelled a name or two its because i aint spending the time too look up the correct spelling.

By dhj_1962

January 5, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

fatboy got it right, does John Schurholze know anything about hockey? maybe Tom Glavine???haha altho illinidawg is a little insensitive, he got a small point. they aint all wimps. only had one winning season? i think, i know they only made the playoffs once…1 and done.

By larry

January 5, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

we still have a hockey team? they are unwatchable and therefore i have stopped watching. even if the team i root for isn’t on, i’ll watch another team so as to avoid watching the dreck they’re trotting out there every night.

what does it take to get fired? apparently running a team incompetently for almost a decade isn’t enough to get ya fired.

better hope for that first overall pick if there is to be any hope for the future.

By Alan

January 6, 2009 6:29 AM | Link to this

Actually, Tom Glavine knows a bit about the game. He’s a former draft pick of the LA Kings.

By dhj_1962

January 6, 2009 6:46 AM | Link to this

i know that Alan

By Toby

January 6, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

I know this is a conspiracy theory, but I believe that DW isn’t going anywhere until the ownership dispute is over. The current owners want a LOW appraisal while Belkin wants a high one. Why would you fire the worst GM in the NHL if you want a low value placed on the team?

By dhj_1962

January 6, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

your right Toby, its all about the dollar. I’m gonna ask this question again, do yall think cindy crotchby is going for Boris’s gonads again tonite?? is anyone gonna go after cindy tonite? even if they do, the league will come down hard on them for hitting the sissy girl? yeah, yeah yeah, i know, he is great, the poster child and all that, and if he were a thrasher, we all would love him, but he aint, i hate him, and i hope someone knocks the crap out of him.

By Denny

January 6, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Esposito got some “love” on NHL.com for his play at the WJC. See this article:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=402312&navid=DL|NHL|home

By Bob

January 6, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

espo is the real deal tonight…..he can fly…playing with passion…..imagine that……

Yes, yes he was. He was a different player, going to the net, digging for the puck. Please let us get Tavares, but Hedman looks awful good as well. As long as we finish in dead last place this year, we’ll be assured to get one of them. Who would you rather have? I’d rather have Tavares, as I hope Bogosian can grow into our #1 guy, and I assume we’ll be losing Kovy.

By h

January 6, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

Although I would take a trade of losing Boris vs. losing Cindy Crosby on any night, I am sure that Boris will wuss away from any fight….although Cindy only sucker punches guys….I’d like to see Thorburn clobber him from behind to teach him a lesson……

By Alan

January 6, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

One of the most important lines from that article, Denny, is this one:

he ended up playing with John Tavares and Chris DiDomenico on Canada’s top line and being a strong penalty killer.

He started on the fourth line, and worked his way to the top. He definitely didn’t back down after being cut three times, and he didn’t just sit back, satisfied with being a fourth liner on the national team. That’s not to say the fourth liners weren’t just as important, but that he didn’t give up, even when the odds were stacked against him. The goal he scored last night was a beauty, too.

I doubt he’ll make the Thrashers out of camp next year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a mid-season call-up from Chicago.

By dhj_1962

January 6, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this

you have to take Tavares if your picking first, its a no brainer. you have to convince Kovy to stay, don’t make the mistake that melrose made when he was given Stamkos limited TOI. Tavares would have been #1 last year had he not missed the age limit to be drafted by 5 days. I hope Kovy watched Tavares play. If Atl. picks anywhere else but first. Kovy should go.

By Horse Hockey

January 6, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

How did we beat Vancouver, but lose to the Bolts?

Our third jersey make me nauseous, by the way!!

By fatboy jr

January 6, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

horse to answer ur question thts how we always play we do good against good teams but for some reason we stink up the joint against the average teams and the third jerseys are awesome

By Richft

January 6, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers’ players are human, and as such they are simply a reflection of the organization. Nobody wants to work in an environment without leadership or direction, and the Thrashers have neither. Anderson looks miserable. The organization is out of control, and ASG is either too dumb to realize it or just doesn’t care.

By Top_Shelf

January 7, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

Maybe we are expecting too much from this team. Ownership hasn’t put $$$ into it like the Hawks. Players are either young or third line types. The head coach is a rookie NHL coach, Kari has always been borderline above average, and with the “D” in front of him he is very average.

You can also see quit in them on many nights.

By Top_Shelf

January 7, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

This from The Hockey News Website:

“• As the Atlanta Thrashers continue to struggle there’s talk they may consider moving veteran blueliner Mathieu Schneider and the remainder of his $5.625 million salary for this season.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun suggested a possible destination could be the Ottawa Senators, who’ve been seeking an experienced, puck-moving defenseman all season and are reportedly shopping forward Antoine Vermette to get one.

While it remains to be seen if Schneider is a fit for the Senators, there are bound to be teams looking for a veteran defenseman who’ll certainly have keen interest in him over the next couple of months. Don’t expect him to finish the season as a Thrasher. ” http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/22024-Rumor-Roundup-Hip-to-be-square.html

By mitch

January 7, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

It is evident that we do not have the talent to compete night in and night out in the National Hockey league. this was echoed by many Hockey publications early on. Illya is our only proven scorer and now his frustration with the situation has led to him not shooting. Bryan Little and Ron Hainsey have been bright spots but not enough to make up for our mediocre talent, mix in a new coach and scheme which is challenging for any team and that equals our results.The losing has sunk into the mindset of this team it is painful to watch and even worse is watching them exit the ice after a loss like it is another day at the office.

By Tix no More

January 7, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

10 years, 2 home playoff games, 0 playoff victories. I have said this before, but this time I am fianlly sincere, I am giving up my season tickets. If somehow they put together a decent team I will come back, but until then, I’ll use my money on a product that is worth my money. And that’s what the team is, a product, a very lousy product.

By john

January 7, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Another year, more of the same complaints as years before. Teflon Don continues to make a hefty salary for being the worst judge of talent in the NHL. The ASG can’t afford to do anything to improve things so the poor fans pay top dollar for tix to see awful hockey. How long before they look for another city to put up with this?

By JimG

January 7, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

Hard to be inspired when night after night their only shot at earning even a point is to absolutely work their butts off for 60 - or more - minutes. They simply don’t have the talent to compete under any other scenario. And no team is capable of sustaining 100% effort night after night. You have to be able to rely on skill and talent with some regularity. And these team is extremely short on both.

By Michael Guillemette

January 7, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

Two words: John Tavares

By Mikeal

January 7, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

I have followed this team since they came into the league. What kept me going is they seem to always have a future. Now it is completely different.

I see nothing in the minors to be excited about. Ilya is going to be traded or walk after his contract is up. DW is a joke of a GM. He panic and traded away our entire farm system. No one want to play here. Even our draft pick this year had that look on his face of disgust.

It is tough me to get excited about this team when there is no future and no one want to play here. I just hope ASG sells the team and just put all of their money into the Hawks. No need wasting anytime with this team. Let David McDavid have this team since he wanted them so badly last time. Perhaps he could change the culture of this team.

By s j

January 7, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

I agree with tbone, send every player down and bring up the Wolves. At least then we would get to see players who want to play!!!