Thrashers

By Buzilla in CT

February 17, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

first

By Scottbravesfan

February 17, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

That was cool all of those people at Staples cheering for Bogasian and the Thrashers. It would be cool if the people of Atlanta supported their hockey team the way LA does. People always rip on LA as a sports town but they always draw well for the Dodgers, Angels, Kings, Lakers, and Ducks. And they are more into college football than the NFL so USC is essentially their pro team.

By Brendan

February 17, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Hedberg got the win. He’s a team player. And everyone in that lockerroom wants him to succeed. He’s won the “Teammate’s Teammate Award” for several years running. Hedberg gets so few starts, so I’m glad he was permitted to participate in the shootout and get the decision (one for the win column). Would Bob Hartley have let Moose participate in the shootout, after allowing six goals?

Hey, that’s a question for John Anderson. “Do you believe that baseball analogies hold true in hockey? That is, that you have a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher or closer?” Anderson might do a double-take and say, “What???”

Glovesave, chime-in. If you played 65-minutes and were told, “Take a seat, son. We’re playing the backup in the shootout.” How would you feel about it? Robbed? Disappointed? Angry? Would you feel slighted? Or, would you say, “Coach knows best. I’m glad I got to play 65-minutes.”

I agree with Mike Knobler on Pavelec’s development in Chicago. I see no point in rushing him into the NHL, to be fed to lions, with 42 shots a night, with pourous defense and limited backchecking. He’s TWENTY-ONE (21). Let’s not try to RUIN our goaltender draft picks. When Pavelec is ready, that’s when he should be playing at the NHL-level.

For what it’s worth, I think Waddell must give himself something of a safety net with Kari’s next contract. Three-years, at a respectable salary, really won’t hurt the team. They have to get OVER the floor of the cap, too! That’s one way to do it. Three years from now, the Thrashers can decide if they no longer want Kari, or if he can be packaged for a “decent” return, for a former 2nd overall pick.

Pavelec is eligible for a PROACTIVE contract on July 1, 2009. Of course, that would require the team to have some sort of “vision” for the future, beyond that of the immediate nose on its face.

By Jarndyce

February 17, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

As one of those that tends to point out Hedberg’s flaws, let me say that I understand he is the best we have for the backup role at this time. And I really do like the guy and admire his work ethic and battling nature.

It just makes me crazy that for some reason people believe him to be an effective netminder when the truth is that he lingers near the bottom of the league in every category. His wins are ugly and his losses are uglier.

By sisu

February 17, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this

I could not agree more about Pavs, he has an excellent opportunity to be the #1 goalie and he was average at best. Wonder if the preseason griping by his agent had something to do with his play?

The team has won two games by out scoring the opposition by scoring 6 + goals. Brings back memories of the old NHL when it was wide open and there was no trap!

Bogo is looking solid, he is going to be a force for years to come. Now that the young d men can get experience it will only help the team next season.

By dhj_1962

February 17, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

um…Moose looks bad because the defense is bad too. come on, 45 shots against…he battled all night, he had too. i would say he would want 2 of those goals back. oh yeah, one of those goals were kicked in…idiot a*******e$ in Toronto missed another one.

By Mike Knobler

February 17, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this

dhj_1962 That “kicked-in” goal was a very long review, too. There appeared to be “a distinct kicking motion,” but maybe my idea of “distinct” and the NHL’s are different.

By dhj_1962

February 17, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

There has been a few goals allowed against Atlanta that were “a distinct kicking motion” i remember one that was heeled in, plain as day, goal. then Temmu’s high stick goal being allowed. I know we are a down team now, but to they have to keep kicking us in the head???

By LAC

February 17, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

There was a poll question in the L.A.Times today, asking LA/Southland fans what are you watching more now in the sports field.

I was SHOCKED to see The NHL beat the nba… In LA… What must Jack Nicholson be thinking ?

Poll was like 20% NHL and 13% nba, nba is all hype and nothing else, I’d rather relax on the lawn chair and watch my grass grow than EVER watch anything nba related, NHL First !

By dhj_1962

February 17, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this

too many punks in the nba, no class, they are 8 feet tall and get hyped up because the can dunk…its a joke, lets see one of them put the ball in the net sliding across the floor on their back, nfl..to many t.o.’s,(terrell owens), pacmans, focus on one player (farve), vick the dog lover??? and baseball?? steroids, manny ramirez, over paid wussies who wont play with turf toe?? haha now, i say all this knowing that i will watch all the above sports when my beloved Thrashers aren’t on. i’m a junkie, i admit it, i’m in a 12 step program.

By ant banks

February 17, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this

lac be careful about polls. maybe more nhl fans answer polls or read the paper for that matter. i am sure that there is a large contingent that watch the nba, specifically lakers, that did not respond to that poll. as far as watchin’ grass grow rather than watchin’ an nba game… to each his own, i would much rather watch paint dry than watch soccer, but in europe, soccer rules.

By ant banks

February 17, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this

dhj 1962

please let’s not start analyzin’ the fans of any particular sport. jus’ enjoy whatever sport you enjoy and not discuss whose fans are “saner”. i am sure that their is some Westminster junkie who loves watchin’ dog shows and is slammin’ guys who watch hockey, go figure.

enjoy your sport, analyze your team, break down the other team, don’t worry about the fans or players of the various sports

By dhj_1962

February 18, 2009 7:01 AM | Link to this

thanks for the retort ant banks, but i wasn’t commenting on the fans, but i can comment on the players that i pay to watch.

By BAF

February 18, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

Outstanding perspective.

By Jim

February 18, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this

I like the idea of a Lehtonen-Pavelec duo in goal next year. Many teams have had good success using two young goalies who seem to compete with one another. The old adage of using a seasoned pro to teach the ropes to a youngster is passe. Young goalies start as kids, go to summer camps and have goalie coaches in college and juniors. They need ice time not the notions of someone not as skilled as themselves. Anderson has been quoted as saying that he has the team more focused on defense and in stopping the “free passage” through the neutral zone. Can you imagine how many shots the Kings would have fired without this “focus on defense”?

By Just Sayin'

February 18, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Why oh WHY won’t the AJC give the Thrashers decent coverage? Why do I have to dig deep into the sports section to find anything on this team? Okay, fine, they’re not doing so well right now, but damn it, the AJC treats hockey like a stinky sock. We win two in a row on the road… and that doesn’t merit at least a link in the sports section on the front page? I love our team, win or lose. The AJC acts like they barely exist. Pffffffttt.

By Snoman

February 18, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

Just Sayin’ - it has always been that way with the AJC!! Just like the ASG, they don’t know there is a hockey team in this town……….it is ridiculous the lack of attention afforded to hockey. These blogs are about the best coverage you can expect from the AJC. Thanks Mike!!

By R. Stroz

February 18, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

Let’s play you’re the GM:

If this trade is put on the table, do you take it?

If Pittsburgh is willing to trade Malkin to the Thrashers for our first round draft pick this season plus Colby Armstrong, do you take the deal?

What’s in it for Pittsburgh? They could pick up Tavares and team him with Crotchby, add some grit back with Armstrong, and avoid salary cap issues next season. Currently, Pittsburgh has 46 million of cap space tied up next season with only 13 players under contract.

What’s in it for Atlanta? A number one Russian center for Kovy.

Thoughts?

By Russ

February 18, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

Stroz - From the Thrashers standpoint I would do that trade for sure. I don’t think Pittsburgh would even consider it unless there was some assurance that the Thrashers pick could be turned into Tavares. Right now the Thrashers pick could about just as easily be #4 or #5 overall as #1. They would be getting robbed IMO if they end up with something like the #4 pick and Armstrong for Malkin. This sounds more like a trade that would be a possibility at the draft (when you know if the Thrashers have #1) than at the deadline. Even then, I think Pittsburgh would be looking for more than Tavares and Armstrong for Malkin just becasue of the fact that Malkin has already proven himself at the NHL level and Tavares hasn’t. That’s my two cents.

By R. Stroz

February 18, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Russ - Good two cents.

Pittsburgh, assuming they don’t make the playoffs, would have a second low first round pick. If Pittsburgh packaged both picks, they could move up the pecking order to get the desired prize.

By Smoothie

February 18, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Stroz, we could “throw-in” Whitey to even up the deal right now since they will need “gap” insurance for a year or so until Tavares is completely ready. However, that would be a huge risk for the Pens unless we finish in the basement “ahead” of the Turds. We might have to give up one of our 2nd round picks too (like the one we just got from MTL by way of AHM).

The other problem is the cap issues we’ll face when it’s time to re-up Kovy. But something tells me Kovy would be willing to take a hometown discount if we provided him a Russian brother to play along side for many, many years. One last thing though, is Malkin the right center even? He doesn’t crash the net, but he’s a great play-maker and passer. If we could add a Knuble to the right side of that line, just think how lethal Kovy and Malkin would be! I hope we get to see them play together in the Olympics with AO on the right side.

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

Uh, hate to burst your bubble but… Eklund is reporting that it would be Kovalchuk plus a player for JUST Malkin

Now, you can talk about wither that is worth it or not. :)

By Alan

February 18, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Eklund is “reporting?” Surely you jest. Eklund is actually “speculating” … perhaps even making a withdrawal from the First Arse of Eklund.

Why would we give up a winger who has been without a truly competent center since Savard left, in return for that very tier one center? It doesn’t make sense for Atlanta to do that. It’s illogical.

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

Illogical… Is it?

Malkin is signed until 2013… how you going to lure free agents here this summer with Kovalchuk’s free agency looming? You can trade Kovy right now for a long-term player without the media-butchering that will come if/when Kovy rejects an extension.

Then you’ll have a question for the history books… “would” Kovy have signed an extension? We’ll never know… we have Malkin now.

Waiting until this summer could mean the difference between “Heatley for Hossa” or “Hossa for Armstrong and Christensen”.

By h

February 18, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Kovy AND A PLAYER? That is a straight up trade…..one for one….unless the other player is Perrin, Thorburn or Boulton…..I’d love to have Malkin, but only if we have concerns about signing Kovy….I hate making a guy captain and then trading him away…..unless we work out a deal with Kovy to pull a “Tkachuk” and come back in 2010-2011….I hope this is just another annoying Ek rumor with no legs…..

By GaVaHokie

February 18, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

Waddell’s job gets a lot easier this summer with Malkin under contract until 2013… much easier than the potential nightmare if Kovalchuk pulls a Hossa and says, “we’ll wait and see how the team does this year, I’m not opposed to resigning in Atlanta”.

By Jim

February 18, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this

What are you guys chewing- tainted pumpkin seeds. Pittsburgh has smartly built its next few years around Crosby, Malkin and Staal. They need a little stronger defense and a patch job, but they’re not about to unload Malkin.

By Alan

February 18, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

Yes, and then all we have to worry about is what happens if Malkin pulls a Hossa in 2013.

I can’t believe this is even being discussed.

By Toby

February 18, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

I’d be open to sending Pitt Kovy + Army for Malkin.

By dhj_1962

February 18, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Malkin for Kovy straight up is good. but knowing the “dud” waddell, he will throw in Colby and that # 2 pick. But i do not believe Kovy is leaving, seen that big house he has? If he is buying it, with the market the way it is, it might be hard for him to sell. But, if your making 8 mill a year, he could afford 2 house payments. Another thought is Kovy won’t do any more in Pittsburgh that Malkin is doing. i agree with “h”, go ahead Kovy, for now, but rent a house in Pitts. for a couple years and come back home after the 2011 season.

By Alan

February 18, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

You’re all forgetting:

a. Kovalchuk likes it here. He’s said as much. He said he wants to win here.

b. He was just made captain of this team. The Thrashers is his team to lead.

c. Relating to a, I imagine Malkin likes it in Pittsburgh. Especially since he re-signed through 2013.

Malkin is a good player, but he can come here of his own volition instead of being forced to come here. Hossa was forced to come here, too, so I can’t say that I blame him for not wanting to stay.

By Brendan

February 18, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

C’mon now, folks. Speculation makes a blog more “fun.” It’s a blog. Ya know, where Thrasher fans come to mingle and share ideas, and their love for the team, such as it is right now. I commend R.Stroz for the speculation. Beeee honest, it made you think.

For my $0.02, I don’t want to trade Kovy unless it’s absolutely the last resort. Or, unless the “legitimate” king’s ransom is ponied up. And that’s not going to happen, for a “rental” situation.

For people who simply don’t want to hear Kovy trade speculation, good luck with that. Just how on Earth do you think it’s going to stop, until such time as Kovy is re-signed? Somewhere, by someone.

On the Malkin front, what I have to say is controversial. Bluntly, I don’t want him. Let me tell you why. Malkin “played around” with several teams in several leagues, vis-a-vis his rookie contract. What’s Malkin’s “word” really worth? That is, if you stop to really examine it. He signs a contract, then scoots. What’s that all about? “Ooops,” seemed to be his camp’s response. I honestly wouldn’t put it past Malkin to void his NHL contract and play in Russia for the rest of his life, making tax free money, if he got traded to Atlanta. No transfer agreement. What stops him? Especially, if he doesn’t want to play in Atlanta. Or the NHL anymore. Hey, there are rumors of a shrinking cap, in the future.

Last, I’m not aware if the Malkin contract has a “no movement” or “no trade” clause in it. If it has an NTC, and Malkin “waives it,” then I’d be encouraged about Malkin’s desire to play here, in Atlanta. From my perspective, I always prefer to draft my own players, cultivate my own players, and proactively lock up my own players. That’s called, “handling your business.” Take care of your own house, and forget about how clean or dirty someone ELSE’s house may be.

R.Stroz, thanks for the topic. Good job.

By ea

February 18, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with dhj, Kovy’s “new” house, as he called it, looks like a home he intends to live in for a while. I really do believe he would like to stay in Atlanta. He just wants to win.

By dhj_1962

February 18, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this

EVIL don “the dud”, make Kovy Captain, tell everyone scouts are in the house, so play hard, light up the scoreboard in Cali, trade Kovy and Colby for Malkin, lose Malkin to a trade at the end of 2011, that leaves us with Eric Chistensen, wobbly leg Espo and who was that 4rth diamond in the rough Pitt gave us for Hossa?? Man this SUX!!! or are we just getting our Thrasher feathers ruffled for what that goober eklund is spewing?? he is probably making crap up for the fun of it.

By h

February 18, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this

I’m not forgetting that Kovy likes it here. I’m sure he does. The question will be whether he will sign a long term contract and stay. If he is still here in early July and he doesn’t sign a new contract very quickly, we have problems. The issue isn’t whether Malkin likes Pitt or Kovy likes Atlanta. For Pitt, it is whether they can win win their guys or they need to make some changes. They habe alot of money tied up right now and alot of young guys to dangle for a trade….if they want to win now and next 2 years then they need ot make a couple of moves. For Atlanta it ALL rides on Kovy signing. If they gamble on him staying and he doesn’t sign in July, then we are screwed because EVERYONE knows he will be a free agent after next season and his value in a trade goes way down. It is a big gamble. Malkin is an amazing 2 way player, but if he comes here, you sure as heck better get some guys who can put the biscuit in the basket for him. Anyway, way too much talk about an EK exclusive…..I’ll believe it when I see it…..

By Tony C.

February 18, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this

Why on Earth would you do that? Please don’t start with the “well, Malkin’s signed for 4 more seasons” crapola. Don’t think that UFA’s are going to look at ATL as suddenly favorable because Malkin is here for four more years!-Why would a UFA sign with a team that TRADED IT’S CAPTAIN AWAY because management was worried they might not be able to keep said Captain around??? I mean, it would be better for DW to overspend for a UFA top-6 forward (and by that I mean a real top-6 guy, not somebody DW thinks has the ptential to be a top-6 guy) this summer, or make a deal to bring in a top-6 guy. Knuble or Lupul could be had from Philly according to the rumor rags.

Anyway, that’s a crap rumor.

By Alan

February 18, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

“or are we just getting our Thrasher feathers ruffled for what that goober eklund is spewing?? he is probably making crap up for the fun of it.”

Bingo. It encourages readership of his tabloid when he makes crap up. It’s no better than those “Bat Boy sightings” from the covers of Weekly World News.

By dhj_1962

February 18, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

i vote Brendan for GM!!!!! i’ll bring my sign March 6th, fire waddell, hire Brendan.

By Tony C.

February 18, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

KNobes-If you get a chance could you ask DW why he also didn’t make Gainey throw in the rights Perzhogin(spl?) or another of their (MTL’s) other unsigned Euros?

Also, ask Kovalchuk if he has thoughts on any of the available Russians in the league coming on down to the Big A to play? Guys like an Antropov, Afeneginov, heck maybe even Arthyukin.

By R. Stroz

February 18, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this

In my earlier scenario, Kovy is NOT part of any trade.

The only goofball discussing Kovy in a trade is Eklund. Eklund is reliable like a broken clock. He is right .000138 of the time, or 2 minutes out of every 1440 minutes each day.

By Brendan

February 19, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

I’d nix the deal. I want Tavares, not Malkin. And if I can’t get Tavares, I’d take Hedman, not Malkin. Can we really “trust” Malkin? Where does he heart lie? I’d bet it’s anywhere but here. It’d be one thing, if Malkin expressed an interest in playing here. But “trapping” a player here, against his will, (Think Dan Boyle, and the strong arm ‘waiver claim’ tactics T.Bay allegedly threatened him with,) because his agent forgot, or wasn’t able, to put in an NTC in the RFA contract, just doesn’t seem like the right way to go about doing things. Malkin is a proven star. It’s not like he wouldn’t recoup the money lost from his NHL contract playing in Russia, tax-free. Shoot, he might make MORE. Whereas with Tavares and Hedman, they’re not proven stars. They want and need to establish themselves at the NHL, and Atlanta would control their rights for many years, especially as it relates to matching any RFA offersheets. Of course, there is the possibility that, like Blake Wheeler, the player would just refuse to sign with Atlanta, and re-enter the draft the following year.

By Jameson

February 19, 2009 1:52 AM | Link to this

Mike- Any chance you could get the scoop on what the rules to Shnarples is? I’ve looked around a bit, but can’t seem to find them.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

Brendan… I had the same discussion with fans on the Hockeybuzz site… while Eklund can be a hack, there are very knowledgeable fans on his site… many who follow Junior hockey in Canada think Tavares is overrated and will NEVER be as good as Crosby, Ovechkin or Malkin.

Tony… Malkin is easily the 3rd best player in the world right now… not to say Kovalchuk couldn’t have that moniker with decent linemates. I think Malkin brings in much more free agency interest than Kovalchuk… Kovalchuk goes through linemates like a roll of toilet paper, I think most of the players in the league are well aware of that.

I’ll put this out there… the only consistent part of this team besides Waddell over the past 9-10 years is Kovalchuk.

Just like the Falcons going from Michael Vick to Matt Ryan, aren’t you a little bit curious what could happen if you went from Kovalchuk to Malkin?

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

And before anyone argues with me that Malkin is easily the 3rd best player in the world right now, take a look at this first.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this

Wow… according to TSN, there’s a chance Atlanta could trade Lehtonen to Philly for James Van Reimsdyk… where do I sign?

By Alan

February 19, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

Stroz - According to this site, Eklund is correct only about 3.4% of the time. Must be nice to have the capability to just pull things from a rear orifice in an attempt to spark discussion. Especially if he’s getting paid for it.

I wonder how much of that “season ticket” money actually ends up in his pocket?

By Russian

February 19, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this

to Hokie It is interesting rumor. Why is Philly need Kari? They have two solid golies? Did Kari ask to move to Philly? To be closer to your Finn friend? Any way If we can get this Prospect from Philly it will be OK. He is young (19), big (6’3” 205) and second pick on 2007. Let’s see what happend. :-)

By Sara

February 19, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

I only make that Philly trade if Holmgren signs a legal and binding document to never ever ever start Nittymaki against the Thrashers again. Then trade for Biron. :P

By JAmes_kovyboy

February 19, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

I just saw the Tradecenter 09 preview on TSN

Woow Kari for Van Riemsdyk

The guys said that Philly was interestedin Kari ( i dont know why cause they alreay have Nittymaki and Biron)

But getting Van Riemsdykl and maybe one other player from the Flyers would be freakin awesome!

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the final deal include Upshall as well.

Lehtonen and a 3rd for Upshall and Van Riemsdyk… that would give us a pretty darn good foundation for next year.

There are more than enough serviceable goalies to choose from this summer if Atlanta’s not ready to start Pavelec… we can even claim Legace off re-entry waivers to finish THIS year.

By GaVaHokie

February 19, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

My only concern would be if Van Riemsdyk is willing to come out of college early for us. I don’t want to see him pull a Blake Wheeler or Jack Johnson on us.

By Brendan

February 19, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Hokie, to be clear, I think Malkin is a very skilled, Tier I player. My point is … if he doesn’t want to play in Atlanta, then he doesn’t. He signed a contract to play in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And I assume that’s where his heart’s ambition lies. Or wouldn’t have agreed to sign there.

Malkin can still make a ton of money playing in Russia. If traded to Atlanta, he could opt out of the NHL to play in his motherland. It would reflect rather poorly on him, but it wouldn’t even be unprecented. He signed a lengthy contract with a Russian club, then skipped to the NHL, without so much as an apology. The case wound up in court, I believe. In my view of things, when a player signs on a contract, it’s binding. It’s unbreakable. He’s duty-bound to oblige his “word.” Unless Malkin expressed an interest in playing here, I’m not sure he’d be a better route than drafting someone who is happy to sign here, of his own free will, and whom our coaching staff could mold and shape, right from the beginning.

I don’t want to trap any player into our market who doesn’t want to be here. There’s enough talent out there in the NHL, and in the upcoming, future drafts, that Atlanta can still find and field a highly competitive team. Tavares very well may never become Malkin, Crosby, Staal or Ovechkin. But at least he’d be “our guy,” who AGREED to sign with us, hypothetically, without a loaded gun buried in his short ribs. Few players ever do become elite, marquee players. But I’d wager Tavares becomes …. “good enough.” As in, most teams would rather have him, than not have him. Would Malkin play as well as he has … while “demoralized?” And without help on his lines, because the organization is too “cash strapped” to fill out a roster, much beyond the floor of the cap? Hey, if Malkin wanted to come here, great! That’d be great news. Really. But if he doesn’t, and got traded here, there is the chance that the opposition’s strategy just shifts from “Shut down Kovy,” to “Shut down Malkin,” if Kovalchuk walks in 2010. Now, I hear ya. The theory goes that if Malkin were here, then Kovy would be more inclined to stay, and re-sign. Well, how does Malkin’s arrival improve how the ownership chooses to run hockey operations? And more specifically, how does it make the Thrashers organization start making an annual cap limit roster, committed to winning the Cup? That’s the sort of thing that would make a Tier I player become attracted to our market. Are the Thrashers going to suddenly start spending to the cap limit, in an ANNUAL pursuit of the Cup?

I’d certainly welcome that. But I’m not holding my breath.

By Tony C.

February 19, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this

If I deal KL to “those people”….then I get Nitty and Van Riemsdyk in return-hey, if nothing else, we can rest assured we beat them if they’re dumb enough to run KL out against us.

This would be a done deal if Van Riemsdyk went to a Michigan school instead of UofNH.

By sisu

February 19, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this

The only way the team should consider trading Lehtonen is if they can get Backstrom from MN or at least someone close to his talent. To trade him and rely on Pavs, no thanks! As to the other “rumors” from a website that wants you to pay to not have the see pop up and video ads….please! The web site is a joke.

Other thing, why would we trade a goalie to Philly? Unless this was Niittymaki or Biron in return?

As to Malkin for Kovy, why would the team do that when the this whole rebuilding is based around Kovy? If Pitt would even consider this trade then maybe they have lost their mid. Keep in mind that Crosby gets hurt each season, Malkin has been healthy…

By Tony C.

February 19, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

sISu- Yeah, but could Malkin get away with nut-shotting a guy, being called out for it by pretty much all media outlets not based in PGH? Also, you’re guaranteed to get invited to all the cool marquee events (Winter Classic) as long as Cindy is on your roster.

By Smoothie

February 19, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now but the Thrashers steal another point on the west coast!! Thanks to a beautiful tick-tack-dough play by Whitey to Little to Kovy for the stuff and a 3-3 tie with roughly :50 left on the clock. Survived OT and it’s S/O time!

Little Kozlov Kovy

By Smoothie

February 19, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this

Little - NO

Kari — what a save!!

Slava — automatic, top shelf!

By Smoothie

February 19, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

Kari — glove save and a BEAUTY!!

Kovy with the chance to win it….

…………………………….

…..he skates, snaps the wrister AAAAANNNNDDDD…..

DENIED!!!!!

By Smoothie

February 19, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

Going to extra innings now with Pever…shot, save.

By Smoothie

February 19, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

Round Seven:

Eric Perrin — will he use the patented move??

Yes, and DENIED by the poke-checking Tellqvist.

Boeddeker for PHX — blocker save and a beauty by Let-NONE-IN!!

By Smoothie

February 19, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

Army screws the pooch and then the resident thug Carcillo looks like Cindy Crotchby on the double-deke beauty to beat Let-EM-IN!!!

Sorry Lehts, had to do it.

By Jared

February 20, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this

I’m honestly not that upset that we lost it in the longest shootout I’ve ever seen. The effort was there all night.

By Toby

February 20, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

Knobs

Heard anything on this JVR/Kari rumor??

By Brendan

February 20, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Once again, Kovalchuk had the winning shootout goal on his stick, did not attempt to deviate from his “standard approach” and was stopped. I adore Kovalchuk. But he should be shooting behind Christensen, at this point. Now, Christensen did shoot 4th and was stopped, too. But I liked our odds a little bit better with Christensen shooting in third spot. Eric Perrin has got to try a different move.

Heyyy, cheer up Thrasher fans. The Western road trip record is 2-0-1, for five of a possible six (5/6) points. How many of you though THAT would happen when the team left Georgia?

By GaVaHokie

February 20, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

Toby… Eklund says there is no interest from the Philly side… for what it’s worth.

I would tend to agree. Don’t know why Philly, in real Cup contention, would want to switch to Kari for the playoff run.

By FormerIslesFan

February 20, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hey trade watchers, just a quick note here. TSN.com confirms that the Isles have traded Comrie and Campoli to the Senators for McAmmond and a 1st round pick.

Not sure if anyone is clear winner on this one.

By that thorburn hit should be reviewed

February 20, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

The Phoenix goalie looked incredible. And, he is 20 years old. Pavelec’s age has nothing to do with his ability to play in the NHL. The number of NHL games under his belt makes sense. But, not his age.

By Tony C.

February 20, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

No Pavelec’s age has nothing to do with his viability as a #1 in the NHL. His penchant for over-playing the angle does.

By Jameson

February 20, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this

Brendan- To be fair, if you’re gonna knock on having Kovy in the top 3 shooters in a shoot out, shouldn’t you also complain about Little starting the thing off? He’s tied with Kovy with 1 goal in 4 tries.

By Nikita

February 20, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

It’s not Kovy’s choice who goes in, is it?

For my money, the first three should have been Christensen, Kozlov, and either Peverly or Perrin. I can’t recall Kovy ever being particularly successful in the shootout, nor Little.

By Brendan

February 21, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this

Jameson, I’d want to give Bryan Little a little bit more time. How long have we been seeing Kovalchuk take these? Kovalchuk once said, in response to taking shootout attempts, “I just can’t score.” But then, he improved. But this year, he’s not had a high level of sucess in the “skills competition.”

Heyy, it’s not easy. Slava Kozlov just makes it look easy. Once Shane Doan, who won the shootout competition in the All-Star Weekend, got the chance to shoot. Man, you just knew it was going in. Kari Lehtonen was amazing in the shootout. He made a lot of quality stops, to extend the shootout.

By Brendan

February 21, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe it. But I think the Islanders ‘may’ have won a trade. Now look, I like Chris Campoli. And Ottawa is getting what they need. Comrie is a decent player, too. But I’ve had an eye out for McAmmond for a while now. He brings toughness and skill, and playoff experience. Plus, there’s a 1st round pick in it, too. Ottawa might not make the playoffs. So, that 1st rounder could land in fertile ground for finding someone good.

But if I know the Islanders, they’ll take that Senators pick and trade down, to collect a 2nd rounder. Stupid is … as stupid does.

By sisu

February 21, 2009 1:12 AM | Link to this

I wonder why Bogo did not get to try in the shootout? Or for that matter

By ranallo10

February 21, 2009 2:57 AM | Link to this

Campoli is a 23 year old defender with NHL experience, who will be an RFA this offseason. McAmmond and Comrie are impending UFAs. The first round pick is San Jose’s, which will likely be near the bottom of the first round.

The trade works out to Ottawa dealing a low first round pick for the opportunity to have exclusive negotiating rights with Comrie and the ability to match or extend a young but experienced NHL defender. It also gives Ottawa a better chance at making the playoffs, which are still a long shot. McAmmond is just a roster filler for this situation, and even if re-signed does not serve in the long term rebuilding plans for the Islanders (he’s 35).

So, in my opinion this is a deal leaning towards New York due to the pick being included, but if Comrie is re-signed it’s a win by Ottawa. Late first rounders can sometimes shine, but a proven top 2 center would be much more valuable to them immediately (and Comrie is young) than a project player in the late first round. Campoli (a former 7th round pick) isn’t worth a first rounder alone though, so if Comrie doesn’t re-sign the Islanders win big on this deal, in my opinion.