Thrashers

By Smoothies

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

I agree Mike, I dont think we could have asked for more besides more consistent play from MS. But that may have been more a byproduct of poor chemistry, playing along side a rookie and getting hurt for awhile. We need picks to build for the future. Expect Havy and Marty to go next as they have good value. I just hope we can get marty back as a UFA but im undecided on Havelid coming back.

By Jason

February 16, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

Mike, Can you clarify if the pick we owe Montreal is based on each round they make it out of? If they lose in the first round of the playoffs, do they get our third this year, or lose in the second round and get our fourth?

I’m not disappointed with what we got back for MS, I just thought it would have been closer to the March 4th deadline when he went. I thought there might be a better chance at a bidding war with a few teams for his services.

Mike, would you mind asking Waddell to explain why he did this deal with Montreal now, and not wait another week or so to see if a better deal would have been offered?

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

A couple of things about tonight’s game:

—It looked from the morning skate that Johan Hedberg will be the goalie against the Kings.

—If you’re in the LA area and planning to go to the game, you can arrive early and meet Thrash, the Thrashers mascot, in the Staples Center concourse area. Thrash is out here as one of eight NHL mascots the Kings invited to take part in a kids program today.

By Jason

February 16, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

I just read your story about the deal Mike, so only respond to my questions above if you have any other tidbits to add. The only thing Waddell said as a reason for trading MS now rather than later I thought was stupid was the the first one about him possibly getting hurt. Well jeez, every team and their tradeble commodities could say that.

Great job so far Mike, did Waddell have anything else to say about other trade deadline deals he’s pursuing?

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 7:23 PM | Link to this

Jason Your question about other deals is a good one. I didn’t have time to ask as I was in a hurry to get the story on our site and to get interviews with Mathieu and Zach.

I will say this: Expect more to come. This was clearly the most urgent one, though.

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

Jason About the injury thing being stupid, I will say only this: Marian Gaborik. Bet the Wild wishes it had dealt him.

By LAC

February 16, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

I see Perrin next to go. Esp since Stuart has helped the PK and Perrin is another UFA after the season… Hope we get a decent prospect for him.

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this

Third-round pick if the Canadiens don’t win a playoff series. Fourth-round pick if the Canadiens win a playoff series. Fifth-round pick if they win two.

By sisu

February 16, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

I think this was a good move, building up draft picks is a good thing. You can either use them or trade them at the draft for a roster player.

Mike, I heard earlier in the season from a friend of mine in Sweden that Havelid was considering retirement after this season, have you asked him about this?

Thanks for the great write up the other day by the way!

By Jason

February 16, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

Mike, I understand your point on the injury metaphor with Gaborik, but……

Bet the Wild wishes it had dealt him I bet the Wild are glad he turned down their rumored 10 mil a season multi-year deal offered this past offseason.

I don’t mind the logic of “trade a guy before he gets hurt” if the deal is good. I just don’t believe that’s a primary reason to do a deal. I get the vibe the ASG told Waddell to save them cash anywhere he could. Trading MS now saves them around 500,000 off salary owed as opposed to dealing him on deadline day. Just a hunch on my part though.

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

Jason Yes, it does save them some salary by trading Schneider now. Good point.

By Brendan

February 16, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

I actually like this Schneider trade. I don’t mind draft picks, as opposed to players who’d be plotting their ‘exit strategies’ during the flight into Hartsfield. The two 3rd round picks are something of a wash, so we net a 2nd rounder. When the 3rd round of the draft arrives … whose pick would you rather have? Montreal’s (somewhere between #75 to #85) or Atlanta’s (somewhere between #61 to #63). In short, “Go Habs!”

Expectations were high in Montreal last season, being the #1 seed. They struggled mightily against Boston in a seven game series in the opening round, then got eliminated by Philadelphia in what was nearly a “sweep.” Montreal “stole” Game 1, with some late heroics.

I respect Bob Gainey. He was a Selke like player. Multiple Stanley Cup winner, etc. But when he moved Cristobal Huet for only a 2nd round draft pick from Washington, leaving the rookie Carey Price, and Jaro Halak in net, I questioned that move. Right now, Carey Price’s confidence is suffering. He’s been giving up 5 goals a game, lately. Softies. I tell you, I’m not filled with confidence that the Habs are moving out of the 1st round of the playoffs. Their “would-be” 1st round opponents include New Jersey, Philadelphia, and the NY Rangers. If the Florida Panthers keep on winning, they’ve got some shot at the #5 slot. If the Habs fall far enough back, I guess they could face Washington. But beeee honest, do you think this year’s Habs are better than last year’s, that was eliminated so handily in the Conference Semi-Finals?

By KRUST

February 16, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

Mathew is a world class player regardless to what has been said on this blog.of how he sucks. He is the best player on the thrashers excepth of kovy. GO habs

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Our “Who’s here?” feature of the day:

Chicago, Vancouver, New York Rangers, Dallas, Boston, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Florida, Carolina, Montreal. A guy from Ottawa is likely to be here, too, though he isn’t on the list.

sisu You are very welcome. I think I asked Havelid about the retirement stuff earlier in the season and he said no. I will check again, though I won’t have the chance for a few days because I’m not going to Phoenix with the team. (I will be in San Jose but might not have the opportunity to ask him there.)

By macdaddy

February 16, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this

To bad we cant trade DW for a draft pick or a bucket of pucks.

By hairyheckler

February 16, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

Does this trade take us under the salary floor?

By Brendan

February 16, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

A goal by Little, then two PPG’s by Kovalchuk and Todd White, and Atlanta is up, 3-0, on the Kings. We’re not HALF WAY through the 1st period. What a start!

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this

Hairyheckler No. The Thrashers are not under the floor.

By Mike Knobler

February 16, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if you could hear it on the broadcasts of the game, but there was a huge cheer here when they announced Zach Bogosian’s assist on the first goal. It’s Armenian Heritage Night at Staples Center, and there are thousands of people of Armenian extraction here, with flags. Zach, as you may know, is the first NHL player with an Armenian family background.

By Stevo

February 16, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this

Nice job so far (trade wise and game wise). I was wondering if the Thrashers are under the cap minimum and if so, how long they have to correct the situation?

By Zach

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

Mike,

what kind of worth are we getting out of the second round this year? Also, assuming that we’re in the top 5 of draft picks who are we looking at in the draft?

By B. Thenet

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

Up 4-2 after 1, I hope the Thrashers have at least 1 more point in the standings when I wake up tomorrow.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this

Whoops, he did it again. He’s William Hung. Tonight, during the 1st period intermission, Darren Eliot interviewed Don Waddell.

Okay, let’s start at the beginning. First thing Waddell did was breakdown the Schneider trade. After that, Darren Eliot asked him if he had been taking calls on other trades. Waddell admitted that he had been taking lots of calls, but that he wasn’t in any great rush to make any deals, “since the team is playing so well right now.” In other words, Waddell didn’t want to interrupt the “chemistry” of this great squad and how it’s performing. He specifically said that he wanted to get more ice time in for Bogosian, Valabik and Oystrick. Then, Waddell added, “We really do want to win as many games as possible.”

Hey, at least he stopped short of saying that we’re still gunning for the playoffs. Darren Eliot said, “The team may be a little behind the learning curve, with a new coach and a new system, but things are starting to come around.” Waddell agreed. I know. Shocker there!! Waddell said that in his 29 years as a player, coach and manager, he’s never been more frustrated than this season at the downward spiral that the team took this year. Then he said, “as quickly as it spiraled down, it could spiral right back up.”

Then Waddell said that he was very disappointed in the losses in the close games earlier this year. But there’s just no way to get them back. Darren Eliot prodded him further, “I don’t think you’re as far away as the record may indicate. You were just scouting in Sweden, is that the sense you get? That you’re pretty darned close?” Waddell repeated, “I think we’re real close. Our best players are our young players. Little, Bogosian, Kovalchuk’s only 25, our goaltending. We’ve got a lot of great pieces here. We’ve got to try to win every game. And try to learn from each and every game as we move forward. I truly believe that we are a lot closer than what our record is right now.” Darren, straight faced, said, “And the way the team’s playing right now, certainly indicates that. Thanks for your time, Don.” Waddell replied, “The pleasure would be mine.”

Well, folks. I promise you. I promise you. I promise you. I didn’t fabricate any of this. For those of you who are recording the game, chime in!! If I’m lying, the INTERNET and BLOGOSPHERE will take all of 25 seconds to refute my post. That’s the power of the Web. False claims are disputed INSTANTLY. Unless SportSouth is beaming a unique transmission to my cable box that the rest of you aren’t receiving, then I have been truthful about the comments of the Executive Vice President and General Manager of your Atlanta Thrashers. As well as the comments by Darren Eliot.

By the way, the 3-0 lead that Atlanta enjoyed has now dwindled to a 4-3 advantage. Boulton missed on a short-handed breakaway. The Kings are back on the PP now, with 4:00 left in the 2nd period.

By Mike Knobler

February 17, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

Zach You’ve got three picks in the first two rounds, but you might trade one or both of the second-rounders. Second-rounders don’t come right into the league and play, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Thrashers tried to get another piece that would help them in 2009-10.

Stevo I know there’s a delay on when your comments post, but if you haven’t seen it look at my post at 11:03 p.m.

By Pinball34

February 17, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

Brendan… What do you want, an award.. It’s 5-3.

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this

Reasoner, Stewie and ENSTROM!!! Atta boy Toby! What a great play by the tiny Swede…keeps the play alive on the SH bid and feeds Stuart for the redirect deflection GOAL!! 5 to 3 Thrash into the 2nd intermission!! PHEW.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 12:19 AM | Link to this

Colin Stuart, just scored a short-handed goal from Toby Enstrom and Marty Reasoner, at 19:17. And that’s it! The end of the 2nd period. Atlanta 5, Los Angeles 3.

That’s back-to-back games for short-handed goals by Colin Stuart, an original Thrashers draft pick, in the 5th round, selected 135th overall, in 2001. He is a product of Colorado College, just like Brett Sterling.

By Wayne from AL

February 17, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this

BRENDAN:

I heard the same comments from Waddell that you did and I was stunned…I didn’t know the NHL had turned into the NFL, where, because of “parity”, you can go from last (4-12) to first (12-4) in the course of a year…

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this

Brendan, you’re right. DWad is a charlatan and a fraud…a mere pawn in this ridiculous charade being played by the Atlanta De-spiriting Group. But you need not remind everyone on this blog incessantly what the root of the problem is. Just about 85% of the people who follow the Thrashers know what the deal is. Can we just enjoy this brief departure from reality without being beaten over the head with the cruel, sad reality that is Donny Wa-nocchio, the master puppet of the ASG’s pathetic, desperate attempt to play the role of owners of an NHL hockey team??

By Wayne from AL

February 17, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

BTW: Was it just me, or did the Thrashers spend the entire second period down a man?

By Mike Knobler

February 17, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

Colin has three goals this season, all shorthanded.

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this

Just about Wayne-O, the three blind mice have not been kind to Le Thrash in the most recent 20 mins of play. Huge SH goal killed the Kings momentum at the end of the period…let’s hope that takes the wind out of their sails for good. One more goal would be nice…PPG variety would be nice as the refs owe us one for the elbow to Enstrom’s nose.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 12:40 AM | Link to this

It has been a fun game to watch, Smoothie. The Thrashers have to watch all these penalties they’ve been taking. Twice now, the Thrashers have missed on short-handed breakaways, though. It could be 7-3, Thrashers, right now. The Kings do have some offensive weaponry. Hopefully, Moose can hold the fort. If the Thrashers get the win, that’d already be 4-points on this Western road swing. And I’ll admit it, that’s at least one-point more than I thought they’d get.

Kovalchuk just scored his 30th!! With a 3rd assist for Bogosian. What a shot by Kovy.

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 12:41 AM | Link to this

KOVY!!!! 6 TO 3 THRASHERS. BOGEY WITH HIS 3RD ASSIST…END TO END RUSH WAS A THING OF BEAUTY.

HOPEFULLY A LETHAL COMBO FOR YEARS TO COME!!

By Jared

February 17, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

Wow. Bogo is having a helluva night so far ^_^

By Hanson Brothers

February 17, 2009 12:45 AM | Link to this

Pop quiz: Who is the highest ranked Thrasher in any NHL offensive category? Colin Stuart, now 5th in the league with 3 shorthanded goals…in nine games no less…although Kovy looks like he is rocketing toward the top 5 in goals before too much longer

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this

Brendan, you’re absolutely right about the penalties. Perhaps it’s a by-product of fatigue. We seemingly could use Valabik’s size right now instead of Oystrick…Bogey could use some help in clearing the crease. The Kings are relentless. Thrashers just need to keep skating and making smart plays. Puck isn’t bouncing their way right now, but I think they can outlast the onslaught.

EDIT: Oooops, wait, maybe not…the Swedes get torched again at the goal mouth…well, Toby and Erik Christensen…Damn. Kovy, please get the hat-trick and give us reason to cheer again!

By Jared

February 17, 2009 1:13 AM | Link to this

Oh god, this one’s going down to the wire….

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this

Oh dear God, delay of game penalty (AGAIN) on Ron Hainsey with 1:27 left. Thrashers will need to kill off a 6 on 4 to seal the deal. Crap.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this

Kopitar has tied it, 6-6. Ron Hainsey was in the box for a high flip over the glass, “Delay of Game” penalty. Atlanta had an empty-net at which to shoot. No shot came. Reasoner had a glorious chance to clear the zone, but credit the L.A. defensemen for some good vertical leap, to pull that high clearing attempt down. L.A. won the faceoff, and took several shots, until a rebound wound up on Kopitar’s stick, with Moose sprawled out on the ice.

Still a chance for a bonus point here. Letting L.A. get a point isn’t hurting our “ping pong balls” in the lottery draft. Atlanta is NOT playing some upper echelon team in the NHL. And Anaheim, whom the Thrashers just defeated, is barely holding on to the 8th and final playoff berth in the Western Conference.

No matter the outcome of this game, Atlanta will have 3-points, at a minimum, for this extended Western Road Trip. That’s not bad. Not really.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 1:28 AM | Link to this

Shootout. Wouldn’t it be something if Ron Hainsey won it, for Atlanta? To redeem himself.

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this

Ron Hainsey with a chance at redemption at the doorstep thanks to Colin Stuart’s yeoman work deep in the LA zone aaaaaannnnnndddddd….he can’t get the puck up over Ersberg’s shoulder from 5 feet!

ROOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNN, where’s the elevation now???!! The opening between the shoulder and the pipe was begging for you to pierce it! DAMN.

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 1:36 AM | Link to this

Erik Christensen doing the one thing that he does better than most…SCORE THE GAME WINNER IN THE SHOOTOUT WITH A BEAUT OF A DOUBLE-DEKE, BACKHAND, FOREHAND ESPECIALE!! THRASHERS WIN, THRASHERS WIN, THRASHERS WIN!!!!!!!! PASS ME ANOTHER BEER. WOW.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 1:37 AM | Link to this

Erik Christensen wins it for Atlanta, 7-6. Nice to see John Anderson keeping Moose in for the shootout, and not pulling a Bob Hartley, by putting in a cold Kari Lehtonen. This was a fun and exciting game. I’ll list it as one of the 10 more enjoyable Thrashers games all year.

By Jared

February 17, 2009 1:39 AM | Link to this

Oh my what a crazy game! Glad to get the W. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go have a heart attack…

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 1:43 AM | Link to this

I think everyone who stayed up to watch this one … has lost weight. “Tremble your way to fitness by watching Thrashers Hockey!” Anyone got any fingernails left? Or are they all chewed off now?

15 goals in the past two games. By Atlanta. Can it be true? I’m truly happy for Moose. He deserved a “W.”

By Smoothie

February 17, 2009 1:44 AM | Link to this

No doubt Jared and Brendan, it’s been fun, but I reckon I better hit the rack so I have a prayer of 6 hours of sleep before work. Peace, Moose and CLEAR THE CREASE!!! G’ night.

By Jarndyce

February 17, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this

To say that Hedberg deserved a W in that game is like saying the geese deserved a key to NYC for allowing Sully to make a miracle landing.

Hedberg looked lost for most of that game.

By Jim

February 17, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

Brendan- good, accurate reporting of the William Hung and Thrash Shill, Elliot. Now if we can get rid of Exelby, the D will start to look almost NHL calibre. Boy was Hedberg shaky tonight. Stuart once again highlights William Hung”s ability to judge talent. The only decent PK forward in the system spends the entire year in Chicago. William Hung *aka Donnie Brilliance.

By The Real Fan

February 17, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

45 shots on goal. No defense still! Wake up! If anyone believes that the Thrashers will keep this up look at the shot defense of winning teams. Giving Waddell more draft picks to blow is like giving banks more money.

By five_hole

February 17, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

I like the deal for 2 reasons; we got draft picks which will help the team, and we can now get Valabik/Oystrick more playing time. After all, they are the future.

Mike, why is your blog in the “old” format, and Bill’s blog in the “new” format?

By Sara

February 17, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

Brendan nice verbatim recap, but you did leave out the part where Waddell indicated the team will likely attempt to turn this newly acquired 2nd rounder into a roster player in the off-season/at the draft.

I heard the same comments from Waddell that you did and I was stunned…I didn’t know the NHL had turned into the NFL, where, because of “parity”, you can go from last (4-12) to first (12-4) in the course of a year…

Philly did it a couple seasons ago. Waddell talked about that last year, though I’m pretty sure this season was supposed to have been the redeeming one for the Thrashers. While most would not expect Waddell to be able to pull off such a feat, it is, theoretically, quite possible in the NHL to do so.

By Ryan C

February 17, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

It astounds me how many people will put up with a performance from MOOSE like this, but will be quick to crucify Kari. Moose is not good, and his style sucks… block a shot flop to the ice and hope my defense saves me is not a good thing. I know people will argue with me, because for some reason you hold Hedberg in high regard, however go to his stats and other than his little run with Pittsburgh, show me why you think he’s so good. 6 GOALS and he deserves the win, cmon! I know that not all were his fault, but there was a couple of softies. I don’t understand at this point why you wouldn’t bring back Pav’s and gauge if he’s a keeper or if we need to get Kari to re-sign - Hedberg is done, stick a fork in him, get an idea on the possible future goaltending for this team.

By Spud Webb

February 17, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Brendon, this is CLASSIC. You think Waddell knows his wife is sleeping with someone else? I mean does this guy have ANY SENSE of reality? He’s disappointed with this team this year? Did he really think that without a number 1 or 2 center, no stud D man, much less 2 that we’d be worth a flip? REALLY DON you and and Darren Elliot are hopeless. Unbelievable, I’m dumbfounded at what they look at or what they see? Drunks? I don’t know how else to explain it. Don do us a favor, dont do anything with the 2nd rounders. Just quit, let it be. Wow oh wow. I mean us “common” fans can see what is going on here, but you actually spwweeeeeh this crap to us? Doesn’t court start today?? PLEASE FIRE DW.

By Jarndyce

February 17, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

RyanC: People love Hedberg for two reasons:

1) He’s a good guy and hard worker and a fighter.

2) It’s fun to say “Moose.”

Anyone who likes him for his ability, at least for the last couple of years, is suffering from confirmation bias.

By R. Stroz

February 17, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed Cammalleri is UFA this summer? And, Calgary doesn’t have much cap space.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

What I meant, Jarndyce, is that Moose deserved “the opportunity” to get the W. But your Geese comments were an interesting reference. It took me a bit, but then I got it.

Sara, thank you for pointing out that oversight on my part. See, this is the POWER of the Web. Timeliness and accuracy. It was an important omission, and I’m glad you caught it. If DWad intends to move that 2nd rounder for a player, then I wish him the best of luck. Last year, Philadelphia, due to cap contraints, had to choose between Jeff Carter and RJ Umberger. So, they moved Umberger to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Columbus’ 2nd round pick. If something like that happens for Atlanta, that’d be great. So long as the player has a lot of years left on his contract, and can’t be plotting an ‘exit strategy’ during the flight into Hartsfield.

By Ryan C

February 17, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Jarndyce: Agreed on both your points, and I know he brings a lot to the locker room, but at this point, wouldn’t it be better if he was wearing a suit and working with guys that should be getting molded for the future (possibly replacing Weekes). I was actually suprised by his shootout effort, it looked 1000 times better than the game (I would have pulled a Hartley, sorry Brenden), even though I said to myself, oh boy, here we go, when Kopitar scored on him in the SO. I mean I’m agreeing with the fact we need to get Oystrick and Valabik more time on the ice, so the Schneids move needed to happen. Should we not be asking the same for the Goalie position? Also Moose wasn’t the only person who looked lost on the ice, XLB, if you could’nt hit you’d be a speed bump for scoring forwards, you need to be the next to go. Bogo/Enstrom are a beautiful thing to watch when they carry the puck out of our zone into the opposing end. Need to ask a question of this crew - Did anyone see a better replay of the late Hainsey “Delay of Game” it was late and I was watching on my smaller TV, so I couldn’t really see if LA touched it or not. Anyway, I’d be interested in hearing your points of view. Also, and I know I’m not alone here, but don’t you wish the boys could win at home!!!!

By Hockey Biltong

February 17, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Ryan C. I did not see a good replay of Hainseys’ penalty. I looked for one because both announcers were strongly speculating that the puck was in fact tipped.

By NASCAR Dave

February 17, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

SCHNEIDS is gone… Good!!!

Now it’s time to move PERRIN/CHRISTENSEN/HAVELID/BOULTON/MOOSE/SLATER/MOTZKO/CRABB/STUART…

Go do it and get some MORE picks for your REPLACEMENT, DONNIE BOY!!!

LMAO at your pathetic interview last night…Glad to see you have such high self esteem of yourself, you career BUM!!!

NUFF SAID.

By Bob

February 17, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

The case is in Maryland because the owners previously agreed to litigate there. Each side has the right to appeal the judge’s decision, which could drag the already protracted legal process on for another nine months to a year, leaving the ownership of the teams in limbo yet again.

Oh dear Lord. Did everyone catch that from the article aboiut the lawsuit. “Each side has the right to appeal . .. . drag on another nine months to a year”. We’re poly-screwed.

By Drew

February 20, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

I see the Schneider trade as a positive….just as long as Don Waddell doesnt make the draft picks