Ice Man

By wristshot

March 18, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Get your butt down to the game today Iceman! It’s going to be wild in there and Thrash fans need all they help they can get to quiet down those crazy Sarbres fans..

By wristshot

March 18, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Or Sabres fans…

By Bob

March 18, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Today we get a look at how good this club is going to be in the playoffs. This is a good test against a top team who’ve righted themselves after stumbling there for a few games.

If we win, I’m going out and getting Hossa tatooed across the back of my shoulders, yeah baby.

By LAC

March 18, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Bob…Come on now… I want to win too, but that…???

Everyone notice how that snot thing never says much when we win… How about those deadwings losers again in Vancouver, a FIRST ROUND exit awaits them AS USUAL…

Atlanta 5 Buffalo 1.

RELEASE sutton !!!!!!!

By Ryan

March 18, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Keep it goin’ boys

By Tom

March 18, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Listening to the Buffalo intermission show and they were ripping Sutton and DeVries. Calling them slow of foot and have bad reactions.

I wish Hartley would listen to the Buffalo announcers.

By Ryan

March 18, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Caps have the Bolts 5-1 after 2! Gotta take advantage.

By Ryan

March 18, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Bolts fall 7-1 VS. Caps, come on Atlanta get some momentum.

By LAThrasherfan

March 18, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Big Goal by Zhitnik, with tkachuk screening in front. Where would our PP be without those two. Getting really filled with playoff fever now. Can you say 6 point lead with 8 to play?

By LAThrasherfan

March 18, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk overtime winner! Atlanta radio announcers were commenting on how big he was playing. Was really worried we would miss out on a point after that freak play where Lehtonen got hit in the head with a puck and taken out of the play. Wasn’t watching but it seems if a goalie gets a head injury and cant get up, you should stop play instead of letting the other team take free shots at the net… But again hard to tell what exactly happened on the radio. Announcers didn’t seem too upset over it. Still great game again from our new guys again. 6 points up on Tampa! Go Thrashers!

By harleyman1903

March 18, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

The Chuk and Duk line sure was at it again today. Great win for the Thrash. When Kovy and Tkachuk are out there, they are chucking pucks, crashing nets, and throwing bodies and fists so you better duck. Definately playoff hockey today.

By LAC

March 18, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

GREAT GAME - SUPER CROWD - JUST GREAT !

Poor Rick Jennerett about had a stroke when we scored… Just OUTSTANDING… See what having a QUALITY center does for the team rather than the retreads waddell signed over the summer…

Let’s HOPE History does not repeat itself this summer… And we DO have three good young defensemen coming…

Gee sure hope sutton can find a taker at $4 Million… Sure as hell WILL NOT be Atlanta !!!

By Tom

March 18, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Harley

Good observation. It looks like Keith is teaching Ilya to be a more rounded player.

Great win and a 6 point cushion over Tampa. Both goalies got pulled which is not a good omen for the team. Is Torterella panicing now that they are 3 points from being out of the playoffs?

By thefan

March 18, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

guys really get rid of sutton .he suck big time .great game .lot of sabres fans at philips today .

By Brian

March 18, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

I loved this game because it is exactly the type of game that we will need to win in the playoffs. Just like the NYR game on Fri. Tight game, closely played and we win it in the end. 8-2 since the big trades and going with a full head of steam into the playoffs.

By Rawhide

March 18, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Awesome game, awsome-er win!!!! TK comes up HUGER and Belanger and Zhitnik continue to produce with the big lights ON!!!!!

Thanks to the Caps for pounding the Bolz!!!!

BTW, thrasherfan,….I did indeed listen to it on the way to/back from Hartsfield. My two boys’ bantam squad had a playoff game today, then we shot the mom-in-law down to sunny Fla.

Now, to you point from the other blog, the sons’ playoff game took priority over my attending today,…but I did suggest to Mrs. Rawhide that we all go down to Philips after, me and the boys take in the 2nd & 3rd period, (and OT as it turns out),….she and mumsie take Marta to the airport and she returns to Philips and we meet her at the truck in the parking deck.

You know that cold-as-ice, eat-$hit-and-die look??????????? That’s what I got.

See everyone Thurday!!!!!

GO THRASHERS - HOOK THE SHARKS!!!

By Bob

March 18, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

We learned a lot about this club today, and I like what I see.

No voice left, but Woohoo! PK was strong, the PP was even better, this is fun, fellas.

By thrashersfan

March 18, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Great stuff Rawhide! Glad to know there were “good” reasons to not be there today. Just don’t understand why the wife had a problem with what sounded like a very reasonable suggested schedule. What’s her problem?!

What an impressive game today, specifically on the PK & PP and of course, Lehtonen’s play. 5 on 5 wasn’t great, but the Thrashers really stepped up when they needed to. Their PK in OT was beyond belief. Sweeeeeet justice in the end too, because we should have been on the PP two other times for obvious uncalled penalties.

And how do the refs allow play to continue after Lehtenon appeared to be knocked out?? Come on!!

By R. Stroz

March 18, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

New name for Tkachuk is Ka-Ching, or we could give the line that name.

By LAThrasherfan

March 18, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Magic number for the division is 13, and for the playoffs all together is 12. I know its weird, but games in hand play a role. Weird to calculate magic numbers for anybody but the braves….

Oh and we finally get a column about the thrashers from the big 4. Not that they know anymore about hockey than the bloggers. But it would be nice to see more about the only playoff team we are likely to have in atlanta this year. Can’t wait for the playoffs.

By Brendan

March 18, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Wow, that’s big win. While it will be true from this point forward, it’s arguably the biggest win in franchise history. It’s now a 6-point cushion over Tampa Bay. And Atlanta’s six (6) points away from 94, the point of demarcation where no team has failed to make the playoffs in Eastern Conference history.

I sat a new section today, and it was sure filled with Sabres fans. Today looked like a sellout. Between the Sabres “blue” and the Thrashers “blue,” it was almost a “blueout.” I got my wish! I got my “blueout.”

I hope Kari Lehtonen is okay. On that 3rd Sabre goal, he appeared to be in considerable pain. But he remained in the game. I thought we’d be headed to a shootout. I’m glad it wasn’t needed.

I’m watching the game on Center Ice. It’s interesting to hear Buffalo’s intermission crew. Especially Mike Robitaille. I’m glad I taped the game. I might watch this one a few times.

By Rawhide

March 18, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah,…magic number to clinch division is 13,…I’m looking at clinching an eastern playoff spot simply by ticking off those who cannot mathematically finish higher the the Thrashers, that’d be Phil. & Wash right now,…..Boston and FLA soon,….then Montreal and NY….etc.

Another interesting number is how we have faired vs. the teams in the east who seem to have a “lock” on the playoffs.

Of the 4 other teams with the highest point totals, the Thrashers are 2-1-1 vs. Buffalo, 3-1-0 vs. both NJ and Ottawa and 2-1-0 vs. Pittsburgh with one left to play.

That is a collective 7-3-1 vs. the best the east has to offer.

Great numbers to take into spring hockey!

By Hanson Brothers

March 18, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Brendan, you must have been in 112 today. I think the Buffalo fans in that section outnumbered the Thrashers fans, but unlike Philly fans, they are always just good fans. What an awesome weekend. Two wins in a row for sellouts. Thats more like it. For most of the season our home record was not great for a playoff team but now it is taking shape with a franchise record for most consecutive home wins. Hope it full for the last few games.

By j nes

March 19, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

After that game winner it was music to my ears to hear Thrashers fans chanting GO HOME BUFFALO as the Banana logos headed for the exits with their tails between their legs.

I dont know how so many of these Sabers fans got tix to the game. Credit to them I guess for supporting their team when they are in first place. There was not as many of them last year in Phillips. If you are a Thrashers ticket holder and you gave up your seat to one of these frontrunners, shame on you. I will personally be bringing extra people with me to next year’s games vs Buf to keep Blueland true blue. Same goes for the Toronto games.

To all the Sabers fans that sat behind me in 120: Ha Ha, I hope we get to knock your squad out of the conference finals too…miller time….

By CM

March 19, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this

Great game yesterday. Huge win over Buffalo. The PP was perfect and the PK was very strong (2 minutes in OT!!) Folks, our team is fired up. It seemed to me that the Thrashers played an entire game, not juse 2 periods, or so. There were most definitely some disappointed fans leaving Blueland yesterday, but they were all wearing the bananna logo. Oh yeah! Go Blue!!!

By Ice Man

March 19, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

HUGE win … with a capital U.

I couldn’t blog yesterday, as you guys know Sunday is a kind of family day around the Ice Palace and a day off from work for me …. but I’m glad you found this little mini-blog from the day before to latch onto. ….

Did I mention the huge win? I caught the entire second period and some of the third in the car. Managed to get the radio back on just after the g-w goal. Awesome stuff.

Seven long years of suffering through growing pains are finally paying off, as this team is a bona fide NHL club. KT has changed the whole face of the team in a matter of weeks, and now we really have to think about the HERE and NOW, because by all accounts he will not be back next year. He’s played his way back into the $6-7M range.

By Christy

March 19, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Brendan,

since you got to see the tape version - was the x-check call on Kovy legit? I didn’t get a good look. Thanks!

I was surrounded by buffalo fans but they are a class act. I’ll take them any day over any kind of Chicago sports fan.

By Chris

March 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Ever since the deals this team has done nothing but make enormous strides.

Lehtonen was extremely sharp. And the recovery after getting his bell rung shows the toughness that some have questioned.

There also seems to be a subtle change to Kovy’s game as mentioned above. More well-rounded.

I would hesitate to move Dupuis to the Kovy line full-time. His presence alongside Holik and Larsen/Boulton gives that 3rd line some jump. Sim seems a little lost on the Kovy line now but I think his style suits them better once he figures out how to stay out of KT’s way.

Props to both Boulton and Hnidy for not taking Peters’ bait in the 2nd period.

Don’t give Sabres fans too much credit, about 4 years ago they weren’t drawing flies and damn near lost that team due to ownership problems. Think back - do you remember so many Sabres fans showing up here then? Neither do I. Hmmm, what could have changed between then and now?

By Bob

March 19, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

This is a bona fide NHL club, as long as Lehtonen holds up, we can go deep in the playoffs. Kudos to Waddell for the moves, they all are clicking perfectly.

This is the time of year to get hot. We were rocking at Philips both Friday night and again yesterday, kudos to all of my fellow fans for making Blueland a true home ice advantage. This is gonna be fun. Playoff hockey, there is nothing like it.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Any word on DeVo?

He knocked himself stupid in the boards

By CM

March 19, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

According to the paper (and Hartley) DeVo cut his face up pretty good, but he’s alright. That looked bad from my seat…

By Ryan

March 19, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

It’s nice to see a team getting hot at the right time as apposed to slowing way down like we’ve been used to for so long. Yesterday was a great day for me as a fan. Sabres got a point to continue their small lead over NJ and the Thrashers get two to extend their lead over Tampa. I cannot complain about anything. Kudos to all who attended, had to listen to the game via XM(prior engagement) and the place was going crazy. Sounds like playoff hockey in this town for once. Thanks!

By Matt H

March 19, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Highlights from yesterday:

-Hnidy waving to the penalty box after refusing to drop the gloves. -Kovy’s 1/3rd ice-long goal celebration after the opening goal. -Kovy stealing a defender’s own stick after having his held, kicking the puck forward, and getting a shot on net (that should shut any Kovy haters the hell up) in OT. -Tkachuck’s OT winner. -Bobby Holik (!) and JPVJ’s “bunny hop” as they left the ice after the win. -Tkachuk gettin’ blasted with silly string during the on-ice postgame interview.

That’s the kind of s** they don’t show on TV. There was even one point in the game where a Thrasher (can’t remember who) gave a Sabre a lil’ “good try” pat on the back on the way to the bench after stuffing him on a scoring attempt.

There were quite a few Buffalo fans, but anytime a “Let’s go Buffalo” chant got started, it got immediately shouted down by a Thrashers chant. On the whole, the Sabres fans seemed pretty classy.

Anyone who thinks hockey doesn’t have a chance in Atlanta just hasn’t been to a game here, and doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Just electric. I think I was in section 215… Thank God for friends who work at Turner…

My voice is very, very hoarse today.

LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Brendan

March 19, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Matt H., my voice is still raspy from screaming, too. Great game. Great PLAYOFF ATMOSPHERE at Blueland.

Sabres fans in my section were classy, for the most part. I’d take them over Rangers, Devils, Bruins, Flyers and Red Wing fans any day of the week, or twice on Sunday.

Christy, all calls are “discretionary,” of course. But the refs were within their jurisdiction for the cross-checking call on Kovalchuk. There’s, uhh, always room debate, however. And I do have a Blueland bias. :)

I noticed Sabres announcer Rick Jeannerette commented, “Kovalchuk has been escorted by his teammates to the lockerroom so as to not make matters worse.” And Sabres color man, Jim Lorentz, said, “Kovalchuk cannot expect to get away with multiple infractions without both being called. The officials did right.”

Off topic, I was watching an Anaheim Ducks game over the weekend on Center Ice, and the announcers made a BIG DEAL to comment that Andy McDonald can be goaded and suckered into retaliatory penalties. He said, “Ya think word doesn’t get around this league?? Think again. People will have copies of this game, and the way Andy McDonald gets over agitated. When word of this reaches other Western Conference teams, they’ll all come after Andy McDonald in key situations, knowing they can remove him from the ice or snooker him into a penalty, leading to a power play situation. Especially late in games.”

I am hoping that folks won’t view Kovalchuk in this fashion. I don’t think it’s particularly applicable. For Marc Savard, it certainly was. He’s way too emotional, late in games. Even Bruins fans have, no doubt, noticed it. I guess Boston is still mathematically alive.

By thrashersfan

March 19, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but there were a few Buffalo fans in 120 that were pretty obnoxious, almost taunting the crowd. The pleasure I derived though, watching one guy four rows from the top slump in his seat after the GW goal, was icing on the cake. Sweet!

By Brendan

March 19, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Thrashersfan, I agree that it feels good to beat a good team. Who knows? Was this a “preview” of the Conference Finals? Shrugs. That’s why they play the games.

By Midfield

March 19, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah, those Buffalo fans are a class act alright - when they get beat. When they came away with the win at Philips last month, they were in everybody’s face all the way to a parking lot.

By CM

March 19, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Hnidy waving to the penalty box was absolutely priceless. He basically said “I’m not buying what you’re selling, the time out box is that way”. Not only was it hilarious, it was smart, too. Love it!

By grotus

March 20, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

By R. Stroz

March 18, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

New name for Tkachuk is Ka-Ching, or we could give the line that name.

Hey Stroz,

More like King Tkachuk! Get the man a crown, he rules this city!