Thrashers

By Bob

January 30, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

Good move pairing Little with Kovy. Far past due, should have been done since game 1. This is a build year, that means you are building for the future.

The core to build on going forward is Little, Bogosian, Kovy, and now mabye Peverly. So, good move putting Little, Kovy, and Peverly together.

Coach should also get Bogosian some quality minutes in every game from here on out, get him as much game experience as possible for the rest of the year.

Then this offseason you settle the ownership deal, fire Waddell, bring in Tavares or Hedman, and get this show on the road.

Overall I am very pleased with this year. It’s right on schedule for a build year. My only concern right now is about Pavelec, is he back healthy and playing in Chicago? We need him to get as much experience as possible so he’s ready to go next year. Lehtonen has shown flashes of brilliance for 5 game stretches throughout his career, but he has proven once and for all that he does not have the mental makeup of a #1 goalie, we need Pavelec ready to go for next year.

By Toby

January 30, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

Demand a call-up of more Wolves. All the other call-ups have worked well, with the exception of Sterling. Why not? Let’s get younger.

This season is a waste, but the future may hold

Tavaras(or Hedman)/Bogo/Esposito/Little/Enstrom/Kovy/Kulda/Nikulin (wishful thinking)

Not too bad. Lets trade for prospects and picks. Hopefully our waste-of-space ownership group can straighten out their problems and move forward.

By LAC

January 30, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this

Bob is 100% correct on the goalie issues. Kari hashad long enough to step up to the bar, but every time the stool breaks.

He is just not cutting it. Maybe a change of secnery would do him wonders… But I for one really don’t really want to see him here after this season… Sorry Kari, you’re a nice kid, but that I think IS the problem, you will never grow up into a #1 NHL goalie.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

I’d say put some smelling salts under Lehtonen’s nose before he goes out on the ice.

Second, I’d get the guys “hitting” more in the first… if you’re going to get off to a slow start, like last night, then be physical to at least limit the chances for the other team until you wake up.

By Timmy

January 30, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

Kovy - Little - Peverley Kozlov - White - Armstrong (remember how well they played together?) Christensen - Reasoner - Thorburn (great for D-zone faceoffs) Boulton - Perrin - Crabb

By Mike Knobler

January 30, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

Crabb has been sent down to Chicago. No announcement yet, but I would expect him to be replaced by Colin Stuart.

Bob Pavelec is back playing for the Wolves. He missed some games after getting hit on the knee by a puck during a morning skate. It was just a bad bruise.

By GaVaHokie

January 30, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Expanding on Bob’s comments… I think it’s time to partner up Bogo, Toby, Valabik and Hainsey… see what kind of long-term combo’s we might have.

Playing Toby with Havelid and Bogo with Schneider is helping those guys right now… but it doesn’t help establish long-term chemistry.

Let’s try this…

Havelid Schneider

Bogo Toby

Valabik Hainsey

By Russian

January 30, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

Mike, First of all it is Brilliant (That takes any discussion of the general manager’s role off the table. I know what you guys think on that subject.) Now let’s talk about line combination. I like this line Kovalchuk-Peverley-Little and want to keep them together of rest of season. Line number two wiil be good if Slava - White - Perrin play together for just few games. Thorburn can not do nothing even fight. Third line will be Throburn-Reasoner-Armstrong. and Four line all rest of shiit. Please do not mess with D-men Keep 2 Sweden together and Bogus with Shnider. alabik needs to sit couple games. Bring back Oistrick

By h

January 30, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

It is obviosu that the lines don’t really matter. We’ve tried about every possible combination. But I’ll play along for argument sake:

Kovalchuk-Peverley-Little

Kozlov-White-Armstrong

Perrin-Reasoner-Christensen

last line? who cares. Any 3 guys not currently in a Thrashers uniform, maybe the best line in Chicago instead.

I like Havelid playing with Bogo a little. Boris was ugly last night, so maybe let Oystrick play a little.

By Russian

January 30, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

to Hokie Intersting pair. I was thinking same combination. If we will not keep Havelid, which I really hate, it might be works in future.

Speak about FUTURE. I see two scenarious. Good and Bad. Let me start with Good thing. Thrashers change MANAGMENT completely (including Scouts) and get Expirience and Trust GM (Pat Quine, Steve Yezrman, Patrick Roy, Brett Hull, Mark Mesier and etc.) After that we will see good players coming here. I mean players calibr like Hossa, Gabornik, Drury, Brier and etc, Player class #1. That will be miraclein Atlanta. My opinion that might happend, but I give you only 20% that Managment will change. Worst or Bad scenario-80%. Everybody stays on their positions. We need to trade Sheinder, Chrush, Perrin, Thorburn, Slater for Draft pick. Bring someone from Chicago. Hoffman can replase Thorburn and Boulton. Espo will be bettre than Slater and Chrush. Nikulin will come if we will keep Kovy for one year. My idea for next season will be like this:

Kovy - Pever - Little

Slava - Tavares - Espo

Armi - Reasoner - Hoffman

Boulton - White - anyone from Chicago

Bogus - Valabik (one offense and home stay)

Hainsy - Nikulin

Toby - Havelid

By dhj_1962

January 30, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

I know we are trying to say what JA should do. But I have a question for him, WHY, ON GODS WHITE ICE, DID HE MESS WITH THE D-PAIRINGS FOR LAST NIGHTS GAME? I COULD’NT BELEIVE IT WHEN I SAW THE PAIRINGS. Kovy, since he is the Captain, should of be asking too. (maybe he did, we will never know). I liked the Kovy-Pevs-Little line too, but you wonder if it will be like the Sens heatly-spezza-alfredson line. you know, only line that scores. Anyway, might as well experiment with the O-ffense, but leave the d-pairings alone. Someone said that KL can play pretty good for a 5 game stretch, then he stinks up the 6th start. answer to that?? play Moose on that 6th day.

By My2Cents

January 30, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Lines? Lines? Its like moving the deck chairs on the Titanic !! Look at GF / GA. NOBODY is playing “D” We need a whole new cast of players but Anderson can’t dump million $ multi-year contracts ….. so… we have years of tinkering… Just my 2 cents…….

By BlueSpark

January 30, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

Kovy - Pev - Armstrong Kozlov - White - Little Perrin - Reasoner - TBD/Christensen Boulton - Christensen/Slater - Thorburn

Need to get Kozlov - White - Little going again, but I don’t think breaking them up is the right answer.

By UpperDeck4Life

January 30, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

While I like the Kovy-Pev-Little line long term, I hope it works out short term (this season) for the team in terms of producing offense and not making this a one line team. Not sure I would have split up the AK-47 line after one bad game in Dallas and relagated Army back to a checking line, but whatever. I would rather see Army on the Kozy-White line than Thorburn. I want to see some trades made and some kids brought up from Chicago and let’s see what we have from down there. If I am trading, here is who I trade:

Schneider, Perrin, Havelid, XLB, Christensen, Slater, Bolts, Thorburn, Lehts.

Kovy-Pev-Little Kozy-White-Army Stuart-Reasoner-Warm Body received in trade Hoffman-Kaip-LaVallee

Bogo-Enstrom Hainsey-Valabik Oystrick-Lewis/Kulda

Moose Pavs

Yeah, this tanks Chicago’s chances of repeating last year’s run, but I think if we are really going to tank, let’s do it right and get some of the guys who are going to be playing here next year some experience.

By Alan

January 30, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

I think we’d have a lot more GA if we actually defended our blue line. Had the blue line been defended in the first, a good portion of those goals and chances the Islanders had wouldn’t have happened.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda. I know. But I know I’m not the only one who sat in awe at the television as the Islanders made the Thrashers look like a junior team in the first period.

By Andy S

January 30, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this

Youth youth youth. Start dishing the expendable veterans. Goal: Call up Pavs and have him split starts with Lehtonen. Hire Moose out of his contract, and into the front office as a goalie coach or player liaison or something. He’s too valuable as the heart of the team, according to the players. Defense: Schneider and Havelid have been important but their time is up. Exelby should be let go as well. Call up Denny and Kulda and make them fight with Oystrick for last pair minutes. Offense: Same story, call up Stuart, Lavallee, and Sterling. Try and play them in positions where they belong. Which forwards to send packing, I don’t know. Boulton, Perrin, Christensen, I’d say see what they fetch at the deadline or over the summer.

Obviously they can’t do all that at once, but it would be nice if the team finally just officially threw in the towel and said “building year” out loud.

By WW5

January 30, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

LETEMIN HAS BEEN CONSISTANT FROM DAY ONE - GIVING UP 3 GOALS A GAME. TOO BAD THE OFFENSE CAN NOT SCORE AT LEAST 4 GOALS A GAME.

By Smoothie

January 30, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Send down Crabb!! WTF?? Why send down one of your most consistent players? A guy who brings aggression and hustle on every shift!? His role is not to score a lot of goals (although I think he could given better linemates) and he generally does a good job of creating a spark on the 3rd or 4th line. And I thought he had really good chemistry with Slater.

Mike, please, for the love of all that is holy, please ask JA or DumbWadd why he would move Crabb…even if there is a trade brewing, it doesn’t make sense. Unless Slater is ready to go and they are going to showcase EC on the 1st line with Pevs & Kovy in hopes of unloading him to some other sucker GM at the deadline. Then Crabb would get bumped in favor of the Greek Gods. Still, I hope this is simply a move to take a look at first Stuart and then perhaps later LaVallee, to see if these guys are ready to play the last month of the season after we unload some veterans.

By h

January 30, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

It kinda sounded like Crabbs got into JA’s doghouse the last 4-5 games for some reason, but I am all for trying someone new. I really think they need to re-sign Havs….I know he is getting older,but his numbers are just too good, and he is just too consistent to let him go. If he stays, then I think you look for the best stay at home d-man you can get on the market this summer (they tend to be cheaper than the big scoring d-men) and then you have 3 good puck movers (Bogo, Toby, Ronsy) and 2 good stay at home guys, with hopefully Valabik developing into that third pairing stay at home guy.

By Spud Webb

January 30, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

First thing I’d do is go into DW’s office and punch him in the nose. Then demand we trade, Slava, White, Christianson, White, Havelid, Schneids, Slater, Reasoner, Armstrong & Kari and get everything and everything we can for them. Then we play every young, HUNGRY, player we can. At least they would bust their humps losing. I can watch that kind of hockey, where our effort is 110% every single shift. No liberties taken with our team, we compete HARD each and every game. Teams would at least respect us at that point. The lack of effort right now is unbelievable. It’s time to blow this up. Draft Tavaras with the 1st pick (hopefully) and lets go from there. This is a disgrace, FIRE DON.

By trlblzr

January 30, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

I say dust off and nuke the franchise from orbit… it’s the only way to be sure.

By Toby

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

Spudd…I agree. I can only think of 5-7 names that are on the “no trade list”. The rest can go.

I think the priorities are backwards. Instead of sending Crabb down, send off EC, Perrin, Boulton, Thor, Slater, and Schneider for prospects and lets get younger.

By McArty

January 30, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

What I freaking love about everyone’s comments. You bash the wrong people - AGAIN! Who got scored on last night - it was your Kovy-Pevy line. Not Peverly’s fault - but Kovy was his old self (not even backchecking or skating into our zone on one goal). But, how can you not see that Peverly is succeeding because he is being given a chance? If you look at his Nashville experience (playing out of position - not at center - on the 3rd line), he wasn’t producing any more than say, Perrin. But, he comes here and is handed the world and he is running with it. Great for him. But, shouldn’t it be that you give our player a chance before bringing someone in from the outside (or up from Chicago?) No, you would rather dump our player who had proven he was successful in the past - IN THE NHL, even for your time for god’s sake - and go with some other player. Do you really STILL think after all this time that it’s the players? You know, I point more to the coaching of said players.

You talk about the accountability of the GM/players. What about the accountability of the coach. Bob Hartley, the ONLY coach ever to get us to the playoffs, fired after 6 games. How much lower do we sink before this coach gets the ax? At some point, when losses are blamed square at the players, and they know they are not entirely at fault, the don’t respond.

I only hope that if some of our players get out off this sinking ship - by whatever means necessary - that they get “Peverly like” chances with a new team.

And, if the GM waits until summer to see what he can get for some of the players mentioned, he will get laughed at. Why not wait until July 1st and get a UFA for nothing.

By stendec

January 30, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

There is only one short term effort worth attempting. Swap out the Wolves for the Thrashers. Do not cherry pick! A total exchange without exceptions. That means Kari Letemin and Ilya Kovalchuk too! I have been advocating this all season. Let the fine folks in Chicago enjoy these wonders for awhile. Apologists seeking losses for a high draft pick will probably be appeased. The win total will probably not be much different. It is not the losses alone we have been griping about all season. It is the total lack of effort! The Wolves will have fire in their guts and give 110 percent on the big stage. They will be proud to play at this high level. Evidently Thrasher players feel like they deserve to be at this level for some reason so any effort (or lack thereof) is fine and dandy. It is not! I will pay to watch the Wolves lose by a goal in a competitive contest. My days of shelling out a dime to watch prima donnas with chickens, uh, Thrashers, on their jerseys are long gone. That is just my opinion. All fans truly expect is the best effort possible win or lose. We have not gotten that from the Thrashers. We would from the Wolves!

By Eileen

January 30, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this

I continue to be amazed at the opportunity given EC. Nothing personal, but the guy was on the ice for 10 minutes last night with a -3. He continues to freeze every time he receives a pass. Even the very positive Daren Elliot said the other night (after EC missed the shot on a perfect pass from Kovy), “it has been a half a season, he should be expecting that pass by now”. Kovy looked really bad on defense last night. His inconsistences there are still a concern.

By BlueSpark

January 30, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

Most of the “trade so-and-so” comments are not so well-thought out. You trade a guy that has value. XLB, Slater, Christensen, Thorburn, etc. have little trade value. Schneider and Havelid have much more, and should be dealt by the deadline. Not because they suck (they don’t), but because they can both bring in younger, cheaper players and help rebuild.

Maybe Perrin could be moved for one player of similar value (a “lateral” move), but barring some miracle it won’t change much. And our dear GM probably spent all his mojo on Peverly anyway.

By Bob

January 30, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

Schneider and Havelid have much more, and should be dealt by the deadline. Not because they suck (they don’t), but because they can both bring in younger, cheaper players and help rebuild

Yep, I expect both of them to be deadline deals, along with Reasoner, he’s a decent checking center that some club making a run might want.

By Mike Knobler

January 30, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers called up Colin Stuart and Joe Motzko. Motzko was leading the Wolves in scoring, with 43 points in 47 games. He’s also physical, with 46 penalty minutes. Stuart has nine goals and six assists.

By Mike Knobler

January 30, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this

Motzko is an interesting story. His name is on the Stanley Cup. Here’s what I wrote about him in September:

Motzko has played in parts of five NHL seasons, but they have been very small parts: Two games with Columbus in 2003-04, two more in 2005-06, three with Anaheim in the 2006-07 Stanley Cup playoffs, eight with Washington last season. When the Capitals traded him to the Thrashers last February, the news rated a single sentence at the end of an article about the Marian Hossa deal between Atlanta and Pittsburgh. …

“I’ve got to come in and prove myself and prove I can play at this level,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of chances here and there, but you’re looking for something a little more long-term. I’ve just got to go out and do whatever I can on the ice in whatever role they put me in, whether it’s chipping in points here or there or bringing a little energy, whatever it may be. I’ve got to find that niche and try to run with it.”

He’s 28.

Stuart already has played one game with the Thrashers this season and 19 games with them overall. He’s 26.

By Tom Lysiak

January 30, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

I was at the arena last night watching that debacle in person. Watching the Islanders score four goals in the first period was sickening. Here is what I don’t understand….if I was JA I would have called a timeout and all 500 of us in the arena would have heard every single word as he went down the bench player by player. They played with zero personal pride or the Islanders would never have gotten the third goal that period. I might have to kill someone, but they wouldn’t score on my shift. Where is that mentality?

What is wrong here?

The GM hasn’t done his job because the overall talent level is poor compared to other teams.

The scouting and player eval/development people have done a bad job overall. There are some good selections, but way too many bombs and ‘tweeners.

I just want to believe that it can’t be all JA’s fault. His system worked in the minors, to the point that championships were won. I know the NHL is a big jump, but wouldn’t a championship system work one level up if the players had NHL ability? He has coaches with excellent reps. Why are they not getting through to them? Are they not on the same page? Have they not bought in? Has he lost the team already?

That leaves us with the players. If I were JA I would try something different. I would find out who wants to play. I would follow through on the earlier threats and send down huge numbers to Chicago and bring up the kids. Or, trade lots of guys. Either way, shake this thing up. If my tickets had not been free, I might have gone over the glass myself.

By Brendan

January 30, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Oooh, goody. I like it when we’re being blunt. I find Mike Knobler’s “bluntness” to be quite refreshing! I hope it stays!

Okayy, putting on my John Anderson “thinking tuque,” (Canadian, for “hat,”) … this is what I’d do. Nothing.

Huh? What? Can’t be!!

Yeah, I’d do nothing with the lineups. Leave ‘em just the way they are. Instead, I’d have a chat with my boys. Individually. And in the “spirit” of the blog topic, I’d be blunt. “Look son,” I’d say, “There’s virtually no chance you’re getting another contract with the Thrashers. You know it. And I know it. And quite possibly, Bob Dole knows it. But you can make yourself more attractive to a playoff-bound team before the trade deadline. I think you know what to do. Play better, and you’ll get more minutes. And “good luck.”

By Sage of Bluesland

January 30, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this

‘Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.’

So simple—and so true.

Why the futile waste of time and money? That’s all this franchise is with the ownership and Don Waddell’s stench.

Maybe we need a spreadsheet to chart our progress as we get ready to embark on our third “Five-Year Plan”…

Wake and Grow up, folks—stop lying to yourselves on what this franchise is.

By McArty

January 30, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

I really don’t think our talent pool is shallow at all. If you look at some of the teams that are struggling mightly this season (two examples - Ottawa and Tampa Bay). They are talented and have the same talent as other seasons (Heatly-Spezza-Alfredsson; St. Louis, Prospal, Lecaliver). The difference - new coaches.

Here’s the thing. The coach is supposedly steering the ship. If it’s out of control, it should be blamed on the coach. And, as it was stated - JA won in the MINORS. He has lost his players. But, time will tell (and post season comments by all those players not coming back).

I don’t understand why JA didn’t push for players that he played to death in Chicago. Krog broke all the records in Chicago (actually in the AHL he set records) and then couldn’t get a contract here? That makes no sense at all. Haydar? Same story. Krog ended up signing in Vancouver for the minimum and then getting sent to the minors (having to clear waivers first). But, JA pushes for a guy whose numbers were not Krog’s numbers for sure. So, I’m not psychic - but I don’t trust JA at all.

And, some may point to DW and he didn’t want them, but JA is the first to say that he through out Peverly’s name and how well he thought he played in the AHL.

By Wayne

January 30, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

The poll on the Thrashers page of this website asks, “What do the Thrashers need most to change the course of the season?”, with the majority of the respondents (70.7%) saying “a change in management”. Don Waddell could be fired tonight and the team would still suck for the short run.

This team’s problems are the same as they’ve been for the past 8 seasons: an atrocious D, and that’s not going to change by the time this franchise moves to Canada.

But, all that being said: FIRE WADDELL!!! FIRE WADDELL!!! FIRE WADDELL!!!

Now, I feel better.

By ]effadams#2

January 31, 2009 12:49 AM | Link to this

Really, 34 people!

By Ron Mexico

January 31, 2009 1:15 AM | Link to this

I haven’t been able to go to a game since early November. Has anyone ever tried any Fire Waddell chants or at least make up some signs? If we as fans come together and most importantly be consistent with vocalizing our frustrations, maybe somebody up there will get the message.

By jerry

January 31, 2009 6:28 AM | Link to this

McArty: You are a f* idiot! Talent?????????

By truebluefan

January 31, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this

thrashers are the greatest!!! their effort is better than any other team bar none!!! JA for the Jack Adams Trophy and Kovy for the Hart Trophy. Props to Don “executive of the year” Waddell!!! Now pass me the bong and get me a clean needle.

By Brendan

January 31, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

Ummn. Okay. Let’s settle down a bit. It might have been a turbulent start to the weekend. The uhh, moon and all. But I digress.

Imagine that you’re on the Titanic. (Yes, this again??!) Stay with me, though. You’ve already hit the iceberg. The Captain of the boat elects to jump overboard and drown or put a bullet in his head. And YOU … are the 2nd in Command. In other words, You’re now steering the boat, as Captain of the Titanic.

How much of the “blame” does THAT GUY take? It’s essentially his job to get the women and children into the lifeboats while summoning help to nearby ships for rescue efforts. Raise your hand if you STILL THINK the objective of the “new” skipper of the Titanic … is the guide the boat safely into New York Harbor? Ummn, with the Stanley Cup adorning its stern, to be the first passenger let off.

Alllriiiight. I see your hand up, smirking. Very clever. Verrry clever. Are there are any SERIOUS hands up in the air? John Anderson will not be fired. At least, not by this GM. If another GM walks through the door, that’s another ballgame. Jeff Schultz once opined, “We’ll never know if John Anderson is an NHL-worthy Coach.” He’s right.

Now tell me why, class. Why is Jeff Schultz correct? The answer is: “White Starline Property.” They own the Titanic. They (Atlanta Spirit, LLC) kept Mr. Ismay (Don Waddell) in charge of concept and design. And Bruce Ismay hired Mr. Andrews (Dan Marr, Head of scouting) to build it. Did Mr. Andrews build a good ship? Massive in size, with a tiny rudder, and not enough life boats. Any of this ring a bell? Mr. Ismay put E.J. (Curt Fraser, Bob Hartley, and now John Anderson, and a 4th coach???) in charge of steering the ship Mr. Andrew’s built.

C’mon now. Really think about it. John Anderson was just happy to get his foot in the door of an NHL team. But he has never really, truly been given a “fair shot” at it. His “system” requires a specific breed of horses to achieve. At the AHL level, he had those high pedigree stallions. At the NHL level, not so much. Anderson has had input on ONE (1) draft. One! As in, the number just above zero. If I recall correctly, Anderson’s hiring wasn’t OFFICIALLY announced until the morning of the draft. Articles appeared prior to that, indicating Anderson’s hiring at the Thrashers new Head Coach, but Don Waddell squelched them as “unconfirmed.” When asked if he were still interviewing or considering coaches sought by the L.A. Kings or New York Islanders, Don Waddell replied, “No, we are not interviewing from the same pool of candidates.”

Anyone else recall that?

By Glovesave29

January 31, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

C’mon McArty….you gotta be kiddling. There is a serious lack of talent here. Anderson won in the minors because the Chicago Wolves are the AHL’s version of the NHL Red Wings. They have a loose affiliation with the Thrashers and they fill their roster with the cream of the minor league crop. Those career minor leaguers who are great in the AHL but just never had enough to make it with the big boys.

You want a stat that really hurts? On November 28th, The San Jose Sharks played their 23rd game…a 6-2 win over the Stars and earned their 39th point of the season. Here is is today, over two months later and the Thrashers just played game FIFTY - yup, more than double what the Sharks needed to earn those same 39 points.

THAT is sad.

By Brendan

January 31, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

Glovesave29, your example (of the San Jose Sharks) serves to show just how far the Thrashers have to go to be a Stanley Cup contender. But we all know it’s a “build year.” In that regard, I’ve been pleased with Bryan Little, Nathan Oystrick, and even Jim Slater has shown some measure of improvement. Boris Valabik and Joey Crabb have shown “sparks.” I guess Colin Stuart is coming up. I’ve always liked him, and hoped he’d be able to further develop. It would have been nice to try to develop Brett Sterling some this season, too. Pavelec got in some games. He needs more time in the minors. Keep in mind, folks, Pavelec is only 21. If he’s this good at 21, imagine him at 25. In other words, he’s not ready now, but GOOD LORD, we should keep him. (And hire a goaltender coach, dedicated exclusively to Pavelec’s development, etc.)

If Don Waddell trades away either Pavelec or Little, without a TREMENDOUS return, then it’s time to assemble at 1 CNN Center, adorned with picket signs and placards.

By Jim

January 31, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

The old saying goes “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken s__” Given the mediocre talent that we have I’m not sure that JA’s system has a chance at the NHL level. While the D-Men have the freedom to rush, it takes tough responsive forwards to back them up. We don’t have the talent to do it. I’d like to see him show some versatility and try a more defensive style- clog the neutral zone and lock down the wings at the blue line. Show us some ability to adjust based on the reality of what we have. Good to see Stuart back. He is aggressive on the PK where Perrin is not. Again, JA has shown no adapability on the PK. We’ve still got a passive sliding box that does not challenge the point. Switch it up for heaven’s sake. What you’ve set up has produced the poorest results in the NHL. And while we’ve been asked to avoid referring to Donnie Brilliance, how in the world can he justify sending down the only guy who consistently hustles- Joey Crabb. Ovbiously his hustle cast too strong a spotlight on the deadwood that Donnie Brilliance has chosen “to age” at our expense. Fortunately, a bunch of teams have been hit with injuries to D-men. I hope that someone will be duped into taking some of our deadwood- namely Schneider and Exelby. C’mon Johnnie Boy, show us some flexibility. As Brendan reminds us “we’re on our way to more ping pong balls”

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 31, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

Crabb being sent down is more likely due to the nature of the contracts on the NHL roster, and not his performance.

Any other player would get placed on to waiver, and possibly lost for nothing. When they can simply send down a player without risking a claim being made, they do it.

Sucks that Crabb got sent down, but maybe now Stuart and Motzko can show us their worth in the NHL (in a 3rd or 4th line role, Stuart should be fine, but Motzko I’m not so sure about).

By Glovesave29

January 31, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I used the Sharks (the best team in the league) on purpose. Right now i’d settle for a team fighting for the 8th spot, but the numbers were not so dramatic…but showing that a team took over HALF as many games to accomplish what the Thrashers currently have is horendous. In the days of a salary cap and free agency such a disparity between the top and the bottom cannot be justified. I know it’s a build year…but building toward what? Yeah, we have some pieces, but the chemistry is terrible and the hustle is lacking. If we are going to come in at the bottom, at least let the other team leave with bumps and bruises, and the knowledge that although the Thrash may be down now, we are on our way to soething good. I just don’t see that happening without some major changes.

By hunterj6

January 31, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this

Can’t believe they sent down Crabb. If JA wants consistencey, he just contradicted himself with that move. Keep fightin’ Crabbs, you’ll be back up soon.

By Alan

January 31, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

What I can’t believe is why people keep criticizing the Crabb move. There’s a little something called “trade deadline day” coming up, and we will undoubtedly be selling.

I don’t believe Crabb is being moved, but I do believe one of Stuart or Motzko will. They had to make room to showcase these guys for the number of scouts that will undoubtedly attend games in search of players to buy up.

The one most likely to be moved is Motzko. He signed a two year contract with Washington in July 2007, and was traded to us. That makes Motzko UFA at the end of this season.

Ron Mexico - That has been done at a few games this year. There was one instance where some people actually heard the chant on television. I made (well, “improvised” is a better word) signs at the Leafs game recently, which were well received by both Thrashers and Leafs fans.

By Barry

January 31, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

If I was John Anderson I would not hold private meetings with players under performing. I would talk to the players together in the locker room and if someone isn’t giving 100% or not playing properly I would point it out to them. I would put them down and try to embarass them, but I would hold them accountable in front of the rest of the team. That’s what this team needs…accountability. If you don’t perform or not playing like I want you to…you get benched for a few shifts or maybe a period. Sure these players are collecting paychecks, but you know they want to play right? Remember what Hartley did to Kovy the other year? Sat him out for an entire period and I think put him on the PP towards the end of a game in the 3rd period. The next game it was against Carolina and Kovy streaks down and scores on one of his very first shifts. Message sent…message received. There really needs to be a team concept throughout this whole team. You don’t play as individuals…you play as a team. You work together as a 5 man unit out on the ice. If you don’t then the whole team hears you get in trouble. It’s not about making you look bad but it’s about revealing something they are doing wrong so hopefully they don’t want to look bad in front of the rest of the teammates and also helps others know what not to do before they make those mistakes.

By My2Cents

January 31, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

GO BERRY……Look at the GF/GA..We score enough goals to be an 8th place team (Would that be great to be fighting for a playoff spot?) How do you motivate a kid who makes $300,000/500,000? Remind him of the farm near Moscow. …Then again I could be wrong….

By McArty

January 31, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

Knobler - Why do you allow people to just spew hatred? Jerry - I will put my hockey knowledge up against anything you have. I have stopped reading and writing on this blog because of stupid comments that mean nothing but to insult a person. That is so immature.

I am stating my opinions, and I have other sites to quote my same opinions, from people who have more knowledge than you.

So, once again, F* you Jerry! And you have given me a reason to cancel my AJC subscription. It is blantently obvious that a true hockey discussion cannont be found here in GA.

By Mike Knobler

January 31, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

McArty Sorry you’re disappointed. I am a reporter, not a blog content moderator. I try to be civil and encourage other posters to be civil, too. Most posters are.

By jerry

February 2, 2009 7:33 AM | Link to this

McArty: When you come on here posting an opinion you are opening yourself up to criticism-of the lowest kind. Don’t you know that? Was I vulgar and crude? Of course. I intend to use the vernacular of a sports blog whenever I choose. I certainly don’t hate you but I do feel that maybe you are a little bit stuck on yourself. Otherwise you would not have taken my comments so personally. Personally, I don’t give a rat’s a** what some insignificent blogger says to me.

By Thrashers Recaps

February 2, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

1. Leave the lines that are working alone. I appreciate trying to mix up the lines, but leave the Kozlov-White-Little line alone because they’ve been performing all season. Also keep the Kovy-Peverley team together, I think it has long-lasting potential. What Anderson CAN do is try different right wingers for Kovy-Peverley and keep mixing up the 3rd and 4th lines until something hits.

2. Get a goalie coach. And talk to Kari, try to figure out together with him why he has been inconsistent. Fixing that problem alone could turn this team around. We also have the whole Kari-Hedberg-Pavelec thing to sort out, and a goalie coach will be a good investment in that department.

3. Bring back Crabb. That man is amazing for a rookie, and could end up being a top six player for us in a season or two. Develop him here, and drop other players if we need room.