AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTwo points in the bank
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That’s the kind of routine win over a lower-echelon team you like to see. Two points in the bank, everybody’s happy.
I, for one, was just happy to see some hockey again. Boulton had the game of his life, stepping in front of two passes and showing those soft hand we heard about when we acquired him. Serious teams get games like that out of bit players.
Holik’s goal was amazing. I mean, there are two really fun things in life: scoring a goal and sliding on ice on your stomach. He got to do both at the same time.
Tkachuk’s goal was equally cool. I loved his Brett Hull-like stance while lining up the angle. He didn’t quite go all the way down on one knee, but there were shades of Hully on that play, for sure.
At 3-2, I have to admit I sat a little more upright. Ovechkin (kid’s good, yo) is banking in goals every which way and just threatening to tie the game up by himself. And no sooner does Darren Eliot say, “Ilya Kovalchuk’s been kinda quiet tonight … usually he likes to get into a throwing match with his countryman Ovechkin,” and, boom, Ilya rips one. Yes, DE said “throwing match,” gotta watch what you say on TV.
Glad to see Mellanby back on the bench and then grinding in the final two minutes after being dumped in a heap ….
A lot of suggestions for line names …. let’s get into that tomorrow. Everybody think overnight and I’ll start a blog tomorrow and we’ll name the top line. Till then … keep on truckin’ on …
Comments
By 1st and 6
March 13, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Thrashers look’s good… if they win the Stanley cup. I believe that will break all the ATL professional teams’ inability to win championships…go Thrashers…
By Hanson Brothers
March 13, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Keep Chuk’n on.
By Scott
March 13, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
Hey people in Atlanta how about you actually go out and support your team?
I’m glad the Thrash are back in first place now maybe people will actually support them.
By Jeff S
March 13, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
Very solid win tonight. Games against teams like the Caps (who have nothing to play for) are the ones that worry me the most. But not tonight, our boys focused in, and beat an inferior team. Great job! Hossa has quietly broke a team record for most consecutive games with a point (11). And, Kovy seems to be revving himself up for a strong playoff run. If we can get Hossa and Kovy playing at the top of their games at the same time, there are very few teams that will be able to skate with us. Go Thrashers!
By Bob
March 13, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Thrashers are playing well and had a solid game, but that Caps team is just plain bad. They have Ovechkin and, well, Ovechkin.
It was interesting hearing the VS guys comment on the Thrashers. I liked in the postgame how they said “everyone thinks Lehtonen can be an elite goalie, one day”. And went on to say let’s see how he does in the playoffs. That sums it up, we go as far as his play allows.
They get a nice little rest here before 3 games in 4 days.
So, if we’re naming the top line, does that mean we’re sticking with Chuk Wagon for the 2nd line?
I can’t stand the Buds, but we could use them knocking off Tampa tonight. This could all come down to the last game of the season on 4/7.
By wristshot
March 13, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Man, Ovechkin is scary good. I was with you Iceman, everytime that guy touched the puck at 3-2 I was on the edge of my seat. He has a serious knack of turning guys inside out.
Kari had another solid game. Even his few bad rebounds were gobbled up by our D. Quick scoresheet line for Boulton last night in case you missed it: 6:42 of high energy TOI, +2, 4 takeaways (He and Hossa led team last night with 4 each, two assists, and star of the game. It might be hard for Slater to get back into the lineup with Boulton playing like that.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 13, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
I said it yesterday but it is worth repeating since I REFUSE to call a dominating, hard hitting, clutch scoring, punch you in the face line….Chuk Wagon. That is as gay as the rainbow triangle that adorns the headquarters of our beloved team (Centennial Tower). The Chuk Norris line to me is 100 times better. How could you not win the Stanley Cup with Chuck Norris on your team. His roundhouse kick can send Chris Simon into another dimension. Perhaps the movie set of 1979 cult classic “The Warriors” where he can be an extra for the Baseball Furies. Where hitting dudes in the mug is socially acceptable.
Nor-ris Nor-ris Nor-ris
on another note, while at the game last night there was a group of college guys that came up with a few funny songs during the game. The best was set to the tune of Lollobrigida.
He’s Ilya Kovalchuk He’s got a hockey puck He makes your goalie suck He’s Ilya Kovalchuk
if you are not familiar with the song it makes it harder. The song was in a lot of Looney Tunes cartoons from when I was a kid.
I am not 100% on the lyrics.
By Rawhide
March 13, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Nice effort last night. 2 points against a team that a true playoff contender SHOULD get 2 points from.
I loved Holik’s goal last night. FSS’s sports report made it their play of the night!!!
If I may inroduce one topic change,….above, Scott referenced Atlanta sports fans coming out to support the Thrashers. I am all for that, of course. However, inevitably, we true die-hard Thrashers fans are going to have to put up with the typical band-wagon jumpers. You know, those who show up simply because it is now the “chic” thing to do. Like with the Braves in the early ’90s and the Falcons after they signed Vick.
They’ll show up with their high-maintance dates, yak on their cell phones, stand up during play to leave….only to stop for 2 minutes and look back at their dates to see if they want anything,…talk to their buddies through the whole game about everything EXCEPT the hockey game…….you know the type.
We need to come up with some sort of “hockey-etiquit-for-dummies” manual to pass out.
If we could come up with something, and YOU had one thing to put in it, what would that be?
Me,….? My entry would be the following:
“At a hockey game, one does NOT use a cell phone to call a friend up during the action to simply wave your arms in attempt to be seen on TV and to brag about what great seats you are in. This is stupid. Leave that type of stuff for Turner Field where the action is SO much slower and there is WAY too much time in between plays. It is easier to get away with their”.
By Tony C.
March 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Howabout
Chuk You !!! ??? Seriously.
Imagine that during the playoffs-
17 Shoots-rebound!-Walt smacks that trash home-crowd of 17K (hopefully) screamsChuk You!!!
It may not be too family-friendly….but it would be kinda fun I think.
Howabout your man Slava-Matic…very quietly gets his 300th NHL goal and not too much celebration…a fist pump and then asks for the puck. What a classy guy. I love how Coach describes him
“This game holds no secrets for him” or words to that effect.
And then Boulton goes all “playmaker”. It was nice seeing Le Thrash being the team that had the other squad’s system down cold.
Notice that Boulton was in the same place jumping the same outlet pass? sweet
ICE yeah Walt did have seem to be channeling Hull on the 2nd Boulton takeaway play huh? All turned in with his shoulder lined up with the near post…that play was great. If not for Big Bob’s “EightBall corner pocket” goal, it would’ve been my play of the game. But the Holik goal was too cool…
…what other play did I like??? Oh yeah, the part where X did not take Brashear up on his offer…despite his best efforts to get X to drop ‘em. Very heady reaction from a young guy who just a few years ago would’ve gone for it.
X and “Bolts” were definitely bringing the lumber, and getting to the Caps…like hiBob said:
“Yep. Looks Like A Rivalry.”
Can’t wait for next year-both teams will probably square off as near-equals. Should be good.
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By Ryan
March 13, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
It’s like seeing a concert at Chastain Amp. Talking …Talking….and more Talking.
By AtlantaGatorLee
March 13, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, we need the bandwagon fans to fill up the arena. Hopefully, if we have a good run, some of the new fans will stick around as real fans. By the way, the puck in play rule is the greatest thing in sports!
By JayBird
March 13, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, I agree with you 100% about the bandwagon fans. We don’t need them. These are the same a-holes who are showing up at games now and trying to start the wave. I say we start booing everytime these a-holes try to do that. On a similar not, the bandwagon fans have ruined UGA football for me. I used to enjoy going to Athens for games, have had season tickets since 1989. The redneck bandwagoners ruin everything and I don’t even like going to Athens anymore. There are only so many Busch Light drinking, “Sweet Home Alabama” singing, 4x4 driving rednecks you can put up with. I’m seeing more and more of this element at Thrasher’s games and it makes me sick.
By Rawhide
March 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Jay Bird,….I’m not saying we do, or don’t need ‘em. I know the Atlanta Spirit want just as many paying customers as they can get.
But I do understand your point, (even as a Tech fan, I completely feel ya about the ‘grabbers on’ in Athens….there is a BIG difference between true UGa fans and those who show up simply for the party).
That’s why I suggest the manual. Bring them into the fold, as it were.
I agree about the wave….first of all, that’s done a sporting event where there is 45 seconds or so between plays and it does not require your undivided attention. Secondly, well,…it’s just so 1980’s,….completely yesterday’s tabloids.
So, we have for the manual:
No “cell phone waves” to friends watch on TV.
Explanation of puck in play rule
No waves,…EVER!
If I may indruduce a 4th,……if you are attending with a female who is NOT your wife or girlfriend,…and your wife or girlfriend does not KNOW you are there with this female, (wink-wink-nod-nod)…..it might be a good idea to go get a beer when the kiss-cam comes on. Murphy’s Law, you know.
By kracker
March 13, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Line name: ChukaPuk line
By Fuskie
March 13, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
For the record, the IHL Knights brought the first professional hockey championship to Atlanta.
Fuskie, who turns up his nose at all the posers who shout “night” instead of “Knights” during the National Anthem…
By Brian
March 13, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Fuskie - do you have a roster of that Knights team? Next time I get a look at the Stanley Cup I’ll see if I can find any of their names.
In an unrelated story, the Georgia Force might win the Arena League so we can all stop b*tching about Vick and the Falcons now…
By Rawhide
March 13, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I’m already on record as saying that if the Georgia Force do win a championship,…it will be one MORE then Vick combined with the Falcons EVER will win.
By Brian
March 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - would you rather have the Georgia Force win the Arena League or the Falcons a Super Bowl? Fuskie seems to put the Turner Cup (or is it Calder Cup?) on the same level as the Stanley Cup.
By Bob
March 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
In the spirit of Man Law this is a good idea to bring some HockeyHead Law to the newbies. We’ve got to welcome the newbies with open arms, more fans = more stable franchise. But, I agree with the above from Rawhide and add:
1.No “cell phone waves” to friends watching on TV.
2.Explanation of puck in play rule (this also means no getting up from your seat during play, wait for the whistle, then move it quick!)
3.No waves,…EVER!
4.No yelling “shoot the puck” 38 times a period
5.JayBird the AJC blogger is the cool JayBird of the manicured do, is the douche
6.It’s pronounced “Car - E”, not Carrie. “Kovy” not Kolvy, “Ka - Chuk” not what the f*** is that guys name? When in doubt, “Let’s go, 8!”
7.The ref always suck eggs big time. He’s always out to get us. He must be pregnant, he missed the last period. Boo them early and often.
8.We think Hartley has Tourette’s, he’s not acknowledging your presence at your first ever hockey game by nodding his head at you (what the f*** is up with that head twitch/nod that he does 314 times a period, especially after yelling at the ref who just screwed us over again , see #7).
9.If you don’t understand what icing/offsides/power play, etc. are, ask the HockeyHead next to/behind/in front of you, we’re pleased to help as long as you’re following all the guidelines above
10.Understand that if you don’t follow the aforementioned rules, you will be abused, deal with it.
By JayBird
March 13, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks Bob, that cracks me up. I hate the people who yell “shoot” as soon as someone gets the puck. Yes, we need more shots on the powerplay but we don’t need to just sling it towards net with rhyme or reason. I love the Hartley with Tourette’s comment, that is great. Keep up the good work!
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 13, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Chuk Norris!!!
By Russ
March 13, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Brendan, on the previous post you asked about the magic number. I have been thinking about it and I don’t think you can officially come up with one until there is only one team outside of the top eight that has a chance to catch you. I remember a while back someone came up with a magic number based on Motreal becasue they were in ninth place at the time…but the problem with that is that if Montreal and Atlanta both lost every game the rest of the season the magic number would be met, but about four or five other teams would pass you and knock you out of the playoffs. All a magic number ensures is that one particular team can’t catch you, so therefore a magic number to get into the playoffs can only be established when there is only one non-playoff team that has a chance to catch you. Hopefully this makes sense and is correct.
For now all you can do is set the target at 93..94…95 or whatever you think it is going to take to get in and see how close you are getting…or if you look at the standings right now you can look at it like this: If the Thrashers can just average a point per game the rest of the way they would end up with 95. Carolina is currently in ninth place and would need to get 19 points in their last 12 games to reach 95.
Bottom Line - the Thrashers look to be in real good shape to at least reach the playoffs barring a major collapse.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 13, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
or a post about injur…
almost said it
By Brian
March 13, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Russ - I am looking at it that if we got 94 points, Carolina would have to go 9-3 in their remaining games to get 94, Toronto would have to go 9-3-1 to get 94 and Montreal would have to go 10-2 in their remaining games to get 94 points.
We on the other hand have to go 6-6 in our remaining games to get 94 points. Hello playoffs.
By Brian
March 13, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Actually, I meant to say we have to go 6-6 to beat 94 points. And really, that would give us 96, we really only have to go 5-6-1 to beat 94 points.
By Rawhide
March 13, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Actually, Russ, the number is 19 right now….and it’s bases off the 9th place team,…because if the 8th place team catches up to you, your still in.
Calculate it like this. Carolina and the Rangers are tied for 8th and 9th with 76 points. carolina has 12 games left, NY 13. So, the most NY could get, if the won every game is 102 points, Carolina 100.
The Thrashers have 84 with 11 remaining,…..so if we gained 17 points we would have 101 and could finish no lower then 8th.
So, any combination of Thrashers points gained and carolina points lost, (loss or OT loss) equaling 19 and we are in.
I mean, if the Thrashers go to, say 96 points, just 12 more then we have now, Carolina would need to go 10-2-0 just to TIE us.
NY would have to go 10-3-0.
But, really, I say, screw that,…just win the division!
By Brian
March 13, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I’m with you, forget calculating for 8th place, let’s beat the Lightning.
By Russ
March 13, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I still think you can’t figure it right now when there are still so many teams that have a chance to catch you. You say the magic # is 19 pts. gained by the Thrashers or missed by the Canes automatically puts the Thrashers in. Say (in theory) the Canes get only 5 out of a possible 24 points in their last 12 games and the Thrashers get no more points in their last 11 games. In this scenario the Canes missed 19 points so the Thrashers (according to your magic number would be in), but Buffalo, New Jersey and Ottawa already have more than the Thrashers…Pittsburgh would need 1 point in their last 14 games to pass the Thrashers…Tampa 3 pts. in 12…Isles 7 in 14…Rangers 9 in 13…Leafs 10 in 13…Habs 11 in 12…Bruins…14 in 13…Panthers 14 in 13. That is a total of 11 teams that could fairly easily end up ahead of the Thrashes even though your “magic number” has been met. See what I mean?
Anyway, the Thrashers are in great shape and hopefully will clinch a spot sooner rather than later.
By Brendan
March 13, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Rawhide & Russ, thank you. And I agree with you guys. Let’s just focus on winning the division. That’s the important thing. Has anyone noticed how close New Jersey has become to taking over the top seed in the East? Who would have ever even thought this possible back in January or early February?
Welcome bangwagon fans. If even 10% of you stay, I shall consider it an unmitigated success.
By stor stark
March 13, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t call myself a “bandwagon” hockey fan. I was more concerned with the Swedish league up until a couple of years ago. I grew up in Atlanta but did not live here from 98 to 2002 so I didn’t really get into the Thrash until the year before the lockout.
I spent the second half of last season in Tokyo and still managed to attend more than a dozen games before leaving and watched the final playoff push by staying up until ridiculous hours.
I will say, however, that I am far more interested in reading blogs and sharing fan opinions when this team is doing this well than I ever have been before, so maybe that makes me a bandwagoner.
In any event, thanks for the welcome.
By stor stark
March 13, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
I will also express my complete relief that Burnside did not put us on the list of cities that deserve to have their franchise moved. I think the base here is just as crazy as any good hockey town and growing steadily.
By Brendan
March 13, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
Well you’re welcome, Stor Stark. And all the readers, but “non-posters,” are welcome, too. You “silent” readers know who you are. Sometimes I am mystified by those who finally post some 18-24 months after discovering this message board. No need to be shy. Step right up. If you’re a Thrasher fan, or just a hockey enthusiast, chime in. Go ahead and tell us your “Bobby Orr” story. Or the time some player tossed you a puck after a practice. It doesn’t matter if you’re “new” to hockey, either. Asking questions is how you will learn.
By Jeff S
March 14, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
Bob, great job posting those laws. Just a couple points here. First is THE WORST thing you can do is leave your seat during play. In most NHL arenas, you are not even allowed to. An usher will tell you to sit back down…and Philips Arena ushers need to not let people walk back to their seat during play. Make them wait in the breezeway of their section until there is a stoppage.
The one thing I really don’t agree on is booing the refs….just for the sake of booing them. Don’t get me wrong, if the refs get a call wrong or miss a slash against us, I’m all for booing them. But to boo the refs once they hit the ice before the game…I’ve never seen that before (and I’ve been to games at a number of different NHL arenas). But to each his own I guess.
By Bob
March 14, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Jeff, that’s strange, booing the refs from the moment they hit the ice before intros is something I’ve always seen done. It’s done tongue in cheek and the refs know it. I think if you ask the refs, they’d think it was funny.
I personally don’t boo them, unless they make a bad call on us, but it’s part of hockey lore.
By sodapants
March 14, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Hassan Chop!!