Thrashers

By Brendan

February 15, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Good point about the practice time, Mike Knobler. This evening, the Thrashers are going to be facing a very physical team. It would be ‘nice’ to see the Thrashers elevate their game to meet it. Perhaps, it would be best to tell the Thrashers that they will be facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, instead of the Ducks, since that seems to bring out the savage beasts in them.

By dhj_1962

February 15, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

cant wait till they drop the puck!!

By Brendan

February 15, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

Ya know, rubbin’ my chin, whenever I look at whatever our ‘prospective lineup’ might be for a game, my thoughts turn, immediately, towards printing out the other team’s roster to see how they chose to build THEIR team. Ducks are going to potentially have a bit of a roster overhaul. Anaheim’s 2009 UFA’s are Brendan Morrison, Todd Marchant, Rob Neidermayer, Sammy Pahlsson, Travis Moen, George Parros, Scott Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin, Brett Hedican, Steve Montador, and Kent Huskins. In 2010, Anaheim’s UFA’s are Teemu Selanne, Chris Pronger, and netminder Jonas Hiller. Also, in 2010, up and coming star Bobby Ryan can become a restricted free agent, if he isn’t PROACTIVELY re-signed on July 1, 2009.

So?

Well, believe it or not, some of that talent could come our way, if our organization would get a clue. Anaheim can’t and won’t be able to re-sign all these players. Francois Beauchemin, 28-years old, $1.65 million, might be worth pursuing. LW Travis Moen only makes $925,000. 28-year old defenseman Steve Montador is a paltry $800,000, and won’t cost much more than that to acquire, for some toughness. Obviously, Thrashers fans would rather have Pronger and Niedermayer, and would probably argue that we have the cap room to sign one of them, too.

It’s fun to hallucinate. :)

By Barry

February 15, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

Well was hoping to get to see LaVallee play up here again tonight, but guess we gotta wait. I think it’s a bad move to not dress Valabik tonight. Ducks have always been a very physical team with marginal legal hits. Thrashers really need Boris in there tonight. Just my 2cents.

By sisu

February 15, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

So the team starts to shuffle the deck once again…I am not sure if using Pevs on a wing is the best option. Sad to see the young defenders sitting, trade deadline can’t get here soon enough! I think the revolving door between Chicago and Atlanta will be a busy one for the rest of the season…not sure why you would bring up a player to just have him sit on a bench. Maybe the worst part is that Chicago is struggling this season as well….

By dhj_1962

February 15, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

maybe the thrashers wanna see Pevs play with less d-responsibities. i think Pevs will have a big night. Kari will have to stop 40 + shots if the Thrashers are gonna have a chance.

By Darren

February 15, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

Angelo Esposito out for season with knee injury:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=266979&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl

Just for kicks, I’m going back and watching how he well played with Tavares in the IIHF finals.

Of course, it looks like the damn Islanders are determined to screw that up, too.

By RedDevilDawg

February 15, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Wow, unbelievable period and a half. Let’s hope the boys can keep this up. Glad to see Kovy with a hat trick.

By Mike Knobler

February 15, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Almost forgot to post our regular “Who’s here?” feature.

A bunch.

Blues, Blackhawks, Bruins, Canadiens, Flyers, Hurricanes, Kings, Lightning, Penguins, Stars, Wild are all on the seating chart, and I don’t see empty seats.

By smoothie

February 15, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

Crazy nite in Cali as the Thrashers look like the playoff team. Nice to see the Thrashers skate this hard and look like the superior team in the process. Ducks 2nd goal was an obvious hi-stick, dont know how it wasnt over turned in Toronto.

By Mike Knobler

February 15, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this

Add the Ottawa Senators to that list. Yes, it’s 12 teams.

By Brendan

February 15, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

A Kovy Trick, and a shorty, has led to a 7-3 score, in favor of Atlanta, in the 3rd period. Aren’t the Ducks in the playoff hunt?

Okay, did Anaheim take the night off? Or did Atlanta get the word that a great performance tonight might lead to them playing some place “good” before the trade deadline? The prospect of being traded might be a bigger motivator right now. Anaheim has just scored to make it, 7-4.

By Brendan

February 15, 2009 10:50 PM | Link to this

Nice to see Colin Stuart pick up a goal, as well as Bryan Little. I think Anaheim thought they’d jam Atlanta out of the rink. But it led to penalties. And the special teams, two PPG’s, kicked in. It’s a great strategy, UNLESS the other team’s PP unit is strong. Tonight, ours was “decent.” I think it went 2/6.

By B. Thenet

February 15, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

Fun fun fun in Cali.

Great win, now let’s get ready for the Kings tomorrow night.

By Hotrod

February 16, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

I wish I knew how to make that Thrasher team show up on a regular basis.

They took plenty of shots and showed some serious dicipline. Props Birds.

I wonder if the players are aware of the scouts in the house and …… Oh I dont want to say it, forget it.

By ex STH

February 16, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

They are definately playing for the scouts. Remember the ONLY game Hossa played last year (while on the Thrashers) was to show the Red Wings what he could do! He even stepped it up in the Finals last year FOR the Red Wings to take notice! That’s disgustingly selfish but that’s Hossa. Now I’m wondering if Kovy has that extra bit of motivation…isn’t CA a lot closer to his mother country??? The whole team will do anything to be noticed, so they can try to get out of here!

By dhj_1962

February 16, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this

Def. a high stick goal. how many of yall said 0 points on this road trip?? Atl. win with KL not playing his best, that does not happen often. you would think a paycheck was motivating enough. cant wait to see the Kovy piece before the game tonite. Question for those who go to the games. If the Thrashers play well between now and March 6, will the fire Don signs and chants still be a go? i will be there for my first Thrasher game this year.

By Mike

February 16, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this

dhj_1962

If they win every game between now and March 6, I’m still bringing my Fire Don signs. HE NEEDS TO GO! He’s had 9 years. Look at what he’s done. Pathetic.

FIRE WADDELL

By dhj_1962

February 16, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

i’ll be there, are they discounting single game tickets???

By Jason

February 16, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

Just want to give props to the guy in 108 with the Little jersey who has been wearing a bag over his head the last few home games.

Keep up the growing discontent. The media is catching on.

By Thrasherville

February 16, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

OK folks, here’s the deal… Yeah yeah, I know who the “grump” was that was alluded to in the Steve Hummer article… I’ve been called worse. Anyway, there will be another Thrashers article prior to the trade-deadline (which is March 4th). The AJC is going to talk to a few others as well, and NEEDS to get a group picture of fans 25+ with bags on their heads… This will be done on 2/28 prior to the Carolina game (get your tickets from Screamin Jen!!!). Your bag should be as close as possible as this

Though I plan to cut several inches off of the bottom of my bag. Not only will this NOT block the people sitting behind me, but that way it won’t fit like a dress… (Zing!)

Synopisis…

It’s been suggested to me several times that the folks at the Nasty Nest have the numbers to make this work. I’m sure that I am not a fan favorite there, and I can live with that, but hope that somebody on their site would work with me to get the word out and at the same time do everything possible to keep the message focused on the owners. Specifically Levinson, I’ve heard basically the same thing about him from anyone who has dealt with him, egotistical and insecure…

I was repeatedly referred to past examples (Lions, Saints, Bucks) and how best to work this… A. Have a point. 2. Stay on point. If the message is diluted, the message will be lost.

As for A, bouncing around ideas with people and settled on bags that say “ATLANTA SPIRIT STINKS.” Bags because of the attention that ONE bag got at the Philly game (ALL of the players were aware of it, and it made the TSN national highlights all over Canada). ATLANTA SPIRIT STINKS, because it was also pointed out that the signs, banners, chants, etc need to be ‘media friendly’. No cussing, not even in French, and nothing overly insulting - but poignant instead. While I know “Sucks” is a favorite of some, THAT was the specific example given of something that could be ignored because it ‘wouldn’t make it on TV or in print’. So, I took the suggestion to go with ‘stinks’ on the bags…

“The fans are here, where are the owners?” “Love the Thrashers, not the owners.” “Thrashers Ownership: Millions of dollars & no sense.” …things of that nature.

Sooooo… Besides all of that mentioned above (which you are welcome to post, blog, or pass around via email), back to the fact that not only do I want people doing this at the March 6th game versus the Habs (get your tickets from the Nasty Nesters that will be playing hockey that night), but that we need to get a decent group together on Saturday February 28th prior to the Canes game (in the Gulch) for a picture to go along with the article that will lead into the Habs game…

By Bob

February 16, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

T’ville, again I ask the question. What is your point here? Do you want the owners to fire themselves? Do you want them to sell out of embarrassment?

Your aim is misplaced, my friend. There have been 3 different ownership groups of the Thrashers. The constant has been the root of the problem, Waddell.

I’ll show up for this game and wear the bag, but everyone needs to get on board with the right message: Fire Waddell

By Bob

February 16, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

Let’s see if the Schneider trade is the first of a couple more quick ones, Havelid next? Reasoner?

By Billsen

February 16, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

TSN is reporting that we just traded Schneider to Montreal for a 2nd round pick this year and a 3rd in 2010. So who skates with Bogo?

By GSU-Lee

February 16, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Mike? Anyone? You know the team did make a trade

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=267394&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

By Mike

February 16, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this

Fourth period is reporting Schneider dealt to Montreal.

Schnieder dealt to Montreal

Two draft picks is all we got for Schnieder?

By GSU-Lee

February 16, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

Bob

I would really like for them to keep Havelid. I think he does a lot for the younger defenseman. At the same time, I am ok if they trade him. And Reasoner for sure has gotta go. Not because he sucks or anything but what are we going to use him for?

By Thrasherville

February 16, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

Bob

The owners are not going to fire somebody who is doing exactly what they want him to do. In the past the team may have stunk because of DW, this season is on the owners. There’s no question that he is handcuffed by Levenson et al. All of his mandates this year from ownership were about budget… payroll… etc. It’s all financially related to saving money and lowering the value of the franchise in case they lose the court case to Belkin! They are running this club like the owner of the Indians in Major League. There was nothing about wins/playoffs, etc. He is hitting all of the goals that the owners have set for him. Have you ever fired somebody who is doing meeting your goals?

The point is to show a national TV audience (NHL Network in US & CA, as well as RDS) that the Thrashers, and hockey in general has support in Atlanta, and people would come to the game if they owners were concerned with putting a winner on the ice. That’s why I am focusing negativity on the owners and positivity on the team.

By Tony C.

February 16, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah I’m going to have to agree, I don’t see ASG being in a position to sell anytime soon, and I am afraid it will be to Basille or some other frostbacker that will take my hometown hockey club away AGAIN.

FIRE WADDELL should be the message. I don’t buy the budget handcuffs DW theory. You look at LAK, NSH, THEY HAVE HAD MORE SUCCESS WITH WORSE DRAFT POSITIONS AND LESS $$$

Fi-rE Waa-ddELL >clap-clap< >clap-clap-clap<

By Jim

February 16, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

With Schneider gone, either Valabik or Oystrick will get more ice time. I suspect that both are on the West Coast swing because DW is also trying to unload X on anyone who will take him. Now is we can more Christensen, Lavallee will get to play. Stuart has shown that he belongs and so have Oystrick and Valabik.

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea:

Those of you that want to point your furor toward the Atlanta Spirit, do so.

Those of us that want to point our furor toward Waddell, do so.

Just show up and protest.

Some can do ASG*3 followed by you suck.

I’ll continue to chant FIRE WADDELL

Frankly, both ends of the equation are to fault, even though I believe Waddell is the larger problem.

Just bring the brown bags.

By Tony C.

February 16, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

“Two draft picks is all we got for Schneider?”

Honestly, given his play this season would YOU give up anything more than picks? Especially given how DW jilted Gainey last year with Hossa (to refresh; we had Hossa and Hedberg going for MTL’s 1st rounder, one of the Kostitsyns and Halak if the rumors were to be believed), I think that’s not a bad deal; I would’ve liked to have gotten a 2nd and 3rd THIS year, but I think given the way DW snatched the rug out from under them last year, that’s about as good as you could expect-Schneider’s +/- this year is atrocious and he’s been hurt.

Overall, a fair trade I would say I give it a B-

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Idea Number 2:

For those of us that think WADDELL is the main problem: put FIRE WADDELL on the front of your bags and the ATLANTA SPIRIT STINKS on the back of the bag.

For those that think the ATLANTA SPIRIT are the main problem: put ATLANTA SPIRIT STINKS on the front of your bags and FIRE WADDELL on the back of the bag.

Just bring the brown bags,

By Tony C.

February 16, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this

I dunno Jim. I think DW feels some loyalty to X, he’s quoted as saying “X has been a good soldier for us, he’s been put in some positions that were tough and hasn’t complained-we made an offer, they countered and we met in the middle with a deal we’re all happy with.”

I just don’t see him dealing X, given the above sentiment as well as the fact that his (Exelby’s) stock has dropped preciptously over the past few seasons.

By dhj_1962

February 16, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

i think they let MS go because they see good things from Zach, i cant see them getting rid of x or havilid, but who knows what don “the dud” waddell will do. as far as the 2 picks, doesn’t matter what rounds they are, the above mention GM will probably blow the picks. what was MS’s cap hit? does doris paly tonight???

By Nikita

February 16, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

I think the Schneider trade is a decent one. I guess we could do better, but I think Schneider’s value this year is pretty low, and we don’t need anything in return right now.

Let’s see if the Schneider trade is the first of a couple more quick ones, Havelid next? Reasoner?

Why would we lose Reasoner? Unless the argument is that we should lose everyone whose rights will expire in exchange for picks — we don’t really need anything in our current position. IMO, Reasoner is among the few we need to re-sign — he’s been gold.

I think Havelid, however, should go — he wants to be here, but he’s been flukey with regard to adjusting to Anderson’s system.

I’d love to see X go, but he’s not going to. I think he has naked photos of Don Waddell, and he’s the union rep. He’s as they say a team guy. I think he, Jimmy Slater, and Chris Thorburn will be here till they want to go, as long as their performances aren’t too rough.

My suspicion for who gets dealt: Christensen, Perrin. And I hope Anderson deals Boulton eventually.

By Bob

February 16, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Ah, I see we only got a 2010 3rd rounder for Schneider, that’s kind of disappointing (and we move a round or two this summer based on how the Habs do).

Frankly, both ends of the equation are to fault, even though I believe Waddell is the larger problem.

Yep, Waddell is the root of the problem and the Spirit is now culpable as they didn’t fire him and are morons for extending his contract after that little run he had after canning Hartley. I like your idea of putting things on both sides of the bag, depending on who you blame most.

T’ville, of course they are keeping costs down this year, whether they win or lose the lawsuit, there’s a buyout here and they want to keep Belkin’s award to the minimum. This year has been a build year from day 1. I contend that their plan has been to keep Waddell until the lawsuit is settled, and then he’s gone and they get on with the business of building this club.

If you will remember, the very first year out of the gate, the Spirit boys gave Waddell max cap to work with, what more do you want? They only pulled in the reins on him when he shat the bed, again. Now they are completely mis-managing this buyout which has caused them to flounder until it’s settled, but to focus your ire on them when Don Waddell has been the problem since Day 1 of this franchise is well, just misguided. But it is good to voice it, but they know it already, all the empty seats from we former season tix holders have hit them where they hear it the loudest, in their wallets.

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Those were some pretty expensive draft picks, we’ve probably paid Schneider close to $3.5 million up to this point… I hope Waddell turns around and gets a player with those picks.

We’re about $2 million under the cap I would guess.

By Russ

February 16, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Not bad value coming back for Schneider considering how he’s played this season. Unfortunately, with DW making the draft picks, the value is greatly diminished.

By Thrashy Thrashy

February 16, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

“The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenceman Mathieu Schneider to his former team, the Montreal Canadiens.

In exchange, the Thrashers receive a second round draft pick in 2009 and a third round selection in 2010. In addition to Schneider, the Canadiens will receive a conditional draft pick from the Thrashers.

If Montreal loses in the first round or doesn’t make the playoffs, the Canadiens get a third-round pick from Atlanta.

If Montreal wins one rounds, it becomes a fourth round pick.

If Montreal wins two rounds or more, it becomes a fifth-round pick.

So it is a second round pick and a third round pick in exchange for Schneider and a conditional (3rd-5th) draft pick based on playoff performance.

In other words if the Habs miss the playoffs or crash and burn in the first round, their price on Scheider (sic) is a second round pick.”

That’s from TSN.ca.

The story doesn’t say that the conditional pick would be sent to the Habs this year or not, but my guess is that it will be. With any luck, Waddell won’t be making those picks. All in all, not a bad trade.

Havelid and Reasoner should both be moved. If we want Marty back (or, more accurately, if he wants to come back to this unholy vortex of suck), we can sign him in the offseason. As for now, why not get some value for him?

By ex STH

February 16, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this

According to hockeybuzz.com/cap-central the Thrashers new salary cap payroll is about $1.6 BELOW the floor. Doesn’t that mean somebody else has to be picked up before tonight’s game to fill that void?? Note: just adding Valabik to the salary cap payroll would still leave us about $750K short.

By Smoothie

February 16, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

Good value for schneidy in my opinion. Did we really expect to get more than this considering how underwhelming MS’s play has been this year? This is just the beginning as I suspect Havy and Marty will be next. Both have value to somebody and we will get more picks. Hopefully we will re-sign marty this summer. He is the ideal 3rd line C in my estimation cuz he does not make stupid mistakes. Who here thinks we should try to re-up Havy for two more years?

By ex STH

February 16, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

I think Havelid is worth a couple more years at his $2.5 - 2.7M range. He and Enstrom work great together but E has to get back to his shooting ways of last season. It seems all year when he ever was on the PP he always and only looked to pass to Kovy. I would love to keep Reasoner. But , I’m afraid if we trade him for draft picks or anything, he might not want to come back here for another year. We’re better off to just plain cut ties with Christensen, Perrin and Thorburn and hope to get anything we can for them.

By dhj_1962

February 16, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

i like Havs and Marty, i hope we keep them, am i missing something here, The Thrashers are 2 n 2 in the last 4, they have changed there style from the run and gun style, leave the goalie out to dry O-fense, for the common, send one guy in and look for to create turnovers in the nuetral zone and counter punch. Why did it take JA so long to figure his O-fense wasn’t working? …by the way, Dan Kamal is on nhl center ice at 7:30 tonite, feature called voices.

By dhj_1962

February 16, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

kamal is on now, sorry

By Whiny Fan

February 16, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

I love how fans don’t think the ASG read these blogs. Good luck getting into the arena on the Montreal game with your ASG sucks paper bags, Thrasherville.