AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLand Sharks deliver a Candygram
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was a long, hard walk up the stairs to write this blog.
“Is the game over, Daddy?” asked my half-asleep 5-year-old, rubbing her little eyes, her hair reminiscent of Nick Nolte’s mug shot.
“Yes, the game’s over.”
“Who won?”
“The Sharks. The team in white.”
“How many goals did they score?”
“Five.”
“How many goals did the Frashers score?”
“One.”
“How come they only scored one goal?”
“I don’t know, kid, I don’t know.”
And so we went our separate ways. Ice Man to the office, Ice Kid to her room, one of us weeping like a little girl.
I mean, here’s what we know about the Thrashers. We have one of the brightest young goal-scoring talents in the league. We have a big, tough top-line center. And we have a sensational young Finnish goalie.
Unfortunately, what we learned about the San Jose Sharks is that so do they. And then some. Every one of our strengths was countered and topped tonight by a very fine-looking hockey team, a team that played the night before in a different city and then blew into town and blew away team that had been off for three days and sleeping their own beds.
Unfortunately, too, what we’ve learned is that these Western Conference teams are playing at a whole different level. Think back a few weeks when we got run out of Alberta and British Columbia. They done us but good, treated us like we ordered Budweiser at a roadhouse in Porcupine Plains.
The only consolation being this: Somehow, teams from the Southeast Division have summoned up the strength to beat those rough and tough teams from the Northwest corner of the continent in the past two Stanley Cup finals. Their magic powers melt in the Southeastern sun in June.
It’s best not to dwell on a game like this. This team will just have to get back on the horse next time out and take care of business. Short memories, boys, are what win championships in this league. Take my kid, for example. She’s gonna wake up tomorrow morning and not remember a single thing about this game, not the score, not the hideous officiating, not the slack-jawed awe with which we watched Jonathon Cheechoo (bless you) rush the net. Hell, she won’t even remember she was watching a hockey game.
If only the rest of us could be so lucky.
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Comments
By Thrashers27
March 22, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Ouch!
By George
March 22, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
My kid had a little league baseball game….I caught the end part of the game….What was wrong with the officiating tonight? And do you think Sim is lost for the year?
By Ryan
March 22, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Rough estimates here ICE MAN but the Thrash are 16-27-2-2 all time, when having 4 or more days off between games. I’ve said it before they tend to be flat when having that many days off. Granted, the refs in the first were not in the building yet. And I truly give credit to Sim, mind you he had a slight disadvantage, for trying to start a fire. Look to next game.
By Brian
March 22, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Before anyone slits their wrist, remember, even those Oilers teams in the ’80s failed to go 82-0. Ditto for the Canadiens teams of the ’70s.
It was one game, let’s see how we do against Pit before we even think about the panic button. Oh yeah, that West Coast road trip was BEFORE the trades.
By russian
March 22, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Pit is going to win at Saturday. We are going to take 6 points from Florida, Boston and Washington. We are going to lose Toronto, Carolina and Tampa. If we will take 6 points we will be in, any other combinations we are Out, like a last year.
By Bob
March 22, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
I realized tonight that I haven’t seen the Sharks play all year.
If that’s not the best team in hockey, I don’t know what. Big, strong, fast, big, strong, 2 top goalies. WTF. They should be illegal.
Yeah, we played like crap, but there’s no way we could beat that club in a 7 game. The West just totally outclasses the East this year. Buffablow is probably the only team that could give them trouble with the speed they bring.
By R. Stroz
March 22, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
I want a REFUND! They played like a bunch of drunks hungover from the previous night’s activities.
By Rawhide
March 22, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Kiss the little angel good-night Dave,…I bet she’s sweet.
That was the most lethargic looking group of guys I’ve ever seen. Could have sworn WE were the ones resting for 3 days and THEY played in Chi-town last night, right?
Yeah, looked like the refs blew that offsided no-call that led to their first goal, and it looked like our guys were getting abused in the first with nothing getting called….but the sharks ate us alive, (sorry….)….I TOLD YOU WE WERE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT!!!!
Anyway,…San Jose LIVED in our zone so much in the second that The Atlanta Spirit, LLC should charge them RENT,…we took, what?,…3 shots in the middle frame? Just aweful.
Oh well,….I give the Sharks credit, they worked harder then we for the win…(somewhere in the distance I can hear Chief Brodie’s deputy blowing his whistle as he falls to his knees,…sick,….after his grusome discovery)….
NJ let us down too,….I almost tried to get a “Let’s go Devils” chant going in the third….(sigh).
“Fare well and ado, my fair Spanish ladies,…fare well and ado fair ladies of Spain,…for time has come to sail back to Boston,…never to see fair ladies again…………….”
(there, I now officially put to rest all Jaws references for the season).
(whispering)…Good night, Ice kid.
By R. Stroz
March 22, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Is it just my opinion or are the following players just too slow:
1) Holik
2) Sutton
3) DEVO
4) Rat, even though I like the guy
By Braves fan 202
March 22, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
woah! Guys whats with the negativity? come on ice man it was one game.I mean damn bob you say buffalo is the only team that can handle? Ok the thrash are 2-1-1 against buffalo, not too bad if you ask me. These guys can beat ne1 they just had an off night. Lets pack it up and kick some a* saturday!
By Ron
March 22, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
WOW! That Shark team is very impressive. They seemed to have 3 or 4 guys in their end on every Thrasher advance and the Thrashers only had 2 players defending against 3 and 4 attacking Sharks over and over again. They frustrated the Thrashers at every turn.
But, it’s just one game in 82.
By Ice Man
March 22, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Braves fan and others,
Wasn’t that kind of what I said? That is was just one game? I think that’s what my whole ‘short memories’ theme was about.
I have no shortage of confidence in this Thrashers team, believe me. I love what they’re doing out there. But if we can’t admit that we got our hams handed to us tonight, then we might as well just live our lives in denial. (You’re doing a heckuva job, Brownie!)
I totally agree with you guys, even you, Brian … it’s just one game. …. One awful, one-sided, disheartening game. But nobody here suggested slitting wrists or hitting panic buttons … just expressing a little admiration for a very good Sharks team.
Next time out, it’s all Thrash, baby!
BTW, how good is the NHL commercial with Ovechkin ordering about $800 in room service to Crosby’s room … complete with Crosby doing the Seinfeld-esque gritted-teeth “Ovechkin!” Great commercial.
Oh, and Rawhide, thanks … she is a sweet kid. Tonight during the game she asked me how come I’m not playing hockey anymore, I had to explain how I work at night and most of the rec leagues play at night …. Her answer: Well, you could play for the Thrashers on Sundays and Mondays (my days off). All I could tell her was that I thought the Thrashers had enough players for this season.
And, Rawhide, remember: It’s farewell and ADIEU … to you ladies of Spain.
By Jeff
March 22, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Bar none, this was the worst performance the Thrashers have shown us this season. We couldn’t put together a string of more than two passes together all night. We gave VERY little effort after the first period. Sure San Jose is a better team than we are (that much is damn certain)…but what upset me tonight is the lack of effort we showed after the first period. We got taken to school tonight…plain and simple.
Hopefully this will serve as a wake up call to us. That is what happened after Tampa Bay tanked it in a 7-1 drubbing against the Caps. That is what needs to happen with us.
By Brendan
March 22, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Short memories, indeed ICEMAN. This is what’ll happen in the playoffs, too. If ya lose a game, you move on right away to the next one. They’re seven games series. If you win 2/4 at home and 2/3 on the road, you move on. Feel free to finagle the stats to your personal desired favorite combination. So long as it adds up to four (4) wins.
The nicest thing about not playing in the Western Conference is someone else will do our “dirty work” for us. If Atlanta makes the playoffs, and wins the East, they will not have to play Dallas, Detroit, SJ, Anaheim, Calgary, Vancouver, Minnesota, AND Nashville. Just one of those teams. And hopefully, they’ll be so depleted and worn down, that taking them in the Finals seems quite realistic.
That hallucination was brought to you by Coca-Cola! Enjoy a smooth, refreshing Coca-Cola. Try it now.
By R. Stroz
March 22, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
The Sharks must have had a great scouting report. Their players were in the passing lanes, on what seemed like, every clearing pass. Also, they ran a great trap on Kovy as well as having him shadowed on wherever he went.
By stendec
March 23, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Sori Letemin had plenty of non-help in the latest embarrassing debacle. I can truly only fault him on one of the four goals when he failed to control a rebound. Hedberg is responsible for his goal but performed admirably. The Thrashers, as a whole, stunk out loud. The ice needs to be fumigated after such an odorous non-effort. Not worthy of a first place team. Hopefully this is the exception not the norm as playoffs loom. Disappointing all the way around! Only one team came to play. Not the one in blue. That was painfully obvious!
By Brendan
March 23, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
I’m not saying that if McCarthy had played, the Thrashers would have won. But dang, the Thrashers needed a little more offensive spark.
What did you think of Sutton and DeVries performances tonight?
By LAC
March 23, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
Well… I fear the beginning of the end is very very near.
Teams on TOP do not lose games at home like this… Atlanta looked like CRAP all night.
TB won, two point lead, ALL the teams we needed to LOSE… WON.
We will get BLOWN out in Pittsburgh, lose in FL, and sprial down into the non-playoff abiss… I just have that SINKING feeling in my gut, this team is JUST not good enough to make it and tonight was simply AWFUL.
Why… Why do most teams get the opening faceoff, controled by their defense and attack,then we start this STANDING around crap, we do not go after the puck carrier, we do not press, we allow EVERY team to escape their zone unscathed night after night… Then they score,just like tonight…We looked like CRAP.
Why is Havilid out there ? This guy is getting WORST not better, his play is falling off worse than anyone except sutton, who has already tanked, he looks AWFUL !
Then JPV/Slater/Larsen seems to do little or nothing anymore and even Hossa dissappeared tonight.
If… If… If we make the playoffs,it will be hard to believe, this team mailed it in tonight and it showed.
Bring Boulton back, sit sutton PLEASE… McCarthy would help us, Another game like tonight and that’s it until NEXT season… Hope we will have a NEW GM then too !
I expect Pittsburgh 8 Atlanta 2 on saturday night, another BAD effort coming up in less than 48 hours.
By R. Stroz
March 23, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
LAC - The team brainfart tonight was disgusting. However, I’m not ready to jump off the cliff yet. Lets see which Thrasher team shows up against the Pens first. If they do lose by a six goal margin as you predict, I’ll be alot more concerned. Otherwise, I’ll withhold judgement until the Panthers game. A loss to the Pens and Pans, and I’ll start to anticipate a playoff ticket refund.
By Brendan
March 23, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
This team is 8-3 since the trade deadline. It just happened to run into one of the favorites to hoist the silver chalice. We got it handed to us, but good. But ONE (1) game is all that was. No need to panic like that.
Atlanta is off nine of the sixteen (9/16) remaining days of the season. But there are still two (2) back-to-back games. Unfortunately, if the Thrashers should falter in Pittsburgh, they won’t play again until the 28th vs. Florida. Thankfully, we’ve OWNED Florida all year. And I strongly suspect that will be a Thrashers’ win. But if the win gives us 90-points at that juncture, will Tampa Bay have caught or surpassed us?
That’s why Saturday’s game at Pittsburgh is so critical. At least one point must come out of that game. Look, folks. San Jose and Pittsburgh are two of the best teams in the league. It’s no shame to lose to them. But the Icebirds can’t afford to blow the games at Florida, home vs. Toronto, at Boston, who is all but eliminated now, and then home again, versus Washington. If seven of the possible eight (7/8) come our way, that’s 95-points right there. That’ll be good enough for a playoff spot.
By Jeff
March 23, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
All I can say is yikes…And by the way for those of you that don’t know, after living in Denver for 8 years and watching the battles between the Avs and the Sharks, this is how the Sharks play night in and night when they are in playoff mode. They were in it tonite, the Thrash were somewhere else. Icing on the cake, I took my son to the game, the first one he has ever been to live, but he loves seeing hockey live now instead of on the TV, so it wasn’t a total loss. I am not sure if this was a case of Buffalo-itis or too many days off and losing their edge…
By Sara
March 23, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this
Well…
That would have been a fantastic game to watch if the Thrash hadn’t been on the wrong side of that beat-down. The Sharks are an amazing team playing some fantastic hockey this year. Lots of props to them. Thrashers - looked flat and played like complete crap but even playing well and with some better officiating, they likely still lose this one, albeit maybe 3-2 or 4-2.
The lack of penalties in the game is also an interesting situation. How often does that happen? In some ways, the lack of Thrasher penalties may be an indicator that they weren’t getting in there enough. Couldn’t get close enough to a Shark to grab hold of something? But on the flip-side I’m really impressed with the team for not clutching and grabbing while they were getting out-played.
It’s one game, so I’m not freaked. I’m not happy about it, or about the TB win, though. Let this be a reminder to the guys that nothing is secure yet. Still lots of hard work left.
By luckydog
March 23, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this
Bob is right. The Sharks are BY FAR the best team the Thrashers have played this year. How they have lost 25 games and are not in first place is a mystery. They look like a bunch of NFL free safety’s on skates — huge AND fast. I have never seen a team so totally brick-walled at the blue line as we were by those guys. That was awesome hockey.
By CM
March 23, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this
SHOOT THE PUCK!! I just don’t get it.
Thank goodness it is just one game b/c many more like it and the Thrash are staring the LAST 7 games of the YEAR right smack in Sims cracked orbital bone. I don’t know if it had anything to do with it or not, but it scared me when I heard that instead of the scheduled one day off, they had “earned” an extra day off. Why send ‘em off to do who knows what for 2 days and expect them to be sharp when they return? But I could be off…
The game was very difficult to watch, painful actually (and I was in my best seat ever..go figure). Our guys appeared slow, sluggish…just plain lost against a team who marched into Atlanta determined to play THEIR game and in my opinion, flat schooled our team, West Coast Style. I wonder if the Thrashers believe in Blueland?
Frustrating, yes, but thankfully today is in fact, a new day. Let’s hope this embarrassment lit a fire beneath our team as they head out on the road and that they’ll be ready to skate and take care of business with the Pens and the rest of the way down the stretch.
Now, I’m going to get back to forgetting about this game, just like sweet little Ice Kid.
By Christy
March 23, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Just to ask - why is it that X seems to be getting a pass for last night? I stopped counting his giveaways after the first. he didn’t wake up until the 3rd when the Sharks dialed it back to cruise mode. I’m not saying he was the only one who was horrible, I’m saying everyone mentions Devo, Sutton and Havelid, but X wasn’t there either and AZ wasn’t exactly sharp.
Also - okay, maybe I had rose-colored glasses on or something, but I thought Dupuis and Slater had pretty good games over all. They were the only ones that seemed to be able to get to the net at all last night and give San Jose at least something to worry about since they were able to shut everybody else down…
By Bob
March 23, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
One game, move on. We’re back to the safety of the East where we don’t have to face those big meanies out West anymore.
The boys need 2 pts in Pittsburgh tomorrow night, must bounce back quickly.
By Rawhide
March 23, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
(yawn)…….g’morning Bluelanders,….who made the coffee this morning???
Yes, an ugly beat-down last night,…but we have to keep things in perspective. With 7 games left we still lead the SE and have our own destiny in our hands. Don’t like the way we played last night, but I don’t subscribe to the doom-and-gloom theory that the end is nigh.
Case in point,…there was an ugly 5-2 loss to Carolina on Nov. 1…it was followed by a 4-0 run. A 6-0 drubbing to NYI was followed by a 5-0 stretch….and of course, on Feb. 24th, there was that nasty 4-1 thumping by the Hurricans that was followed up by the recent 5-0 run, 8-2 in ten games after it.
So, this team can bounce back,…they need it in Steel Town against a really dynamic Penguins squad.
The hard part of last night was, of course, the jersey. He is taking it real hard. I had to pull it out of the bar in Jocks-n-Jills in CNN Center at a quarter of midnight,…it was just tanked,…staring down into his 6th J&T! But the good news is he got the number of a real cute ladies pink Thrashers jersey, (you know, one of those form-fitting jobs…size petite).
He’ll be OK.
GO THRASHERS - POUND PITTSBURGH!!!
By where's Steve MC?
March 23, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Last night’s performance was LAME. Start Hedberg in Pittsburgh. Jim Slater is a bust. Bench Sutton for the rest of the season. McCarthy needs to be in there. Bring back Boulton and bench Slater the rest of the way. Sounds harsh, but this long time Thrasher fan is extremely worried… These guys need to step it up NOW.
By Ice Man
March 23, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Christy,
I can’t say I noticed anything particularly wrong with X last night, but he has not been sharp for a few weeks. The best analogy I can make is that he looks like a batter in baseball who’s trying to hit a 5-run homer instead of getting on base to keep a rally going. In other words, he looks like he’s trying to solve every problem on the ice instead of focusing on the one right in front of him.
As for Slater and Dupuis, I agree. I thought Slater actually played a really strong game. He was knocking people over and forechecking very aggresively. His lack of offensive production this year, however, has been very disappointing. Dupuis was fired up after his goal; he seems like he’s really into things here.
By Ilya k
March 23, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
WALT SAID IT BEST……….they are more talented, bigger and faster. In hockey this means you lose almost always. I think I am going to the betting futures and taking SJ for the cup. How can you stop that hockey machine. I thought there was something wrong with my tv that made all the white players look bigger and faster…..then I noticed they were also more talented….good thing it was not in hd.
By Dave
March 23, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Circle the final game of the year on your calendars vs the Lightning. Not only will the #3 seed be at stake, but maybe a slot in the playoffs. Can you imagine playing for a #3 seed and if you lose find yourself in 9th?? It could happen.
By yellowjax
March 23, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Hartley said that he gave the team an extra day off because his teams always return more focused after a two day break. Hmmmmmmmmm.
By RedandBlackAttack
March 23, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers just looked soft and small last night. The finesse game was blocked out by the bigger, quicker, and smarter players of San Jose. Very poor adjustments, if any, to correct action during the game by the Thrashers.
The Thrashers will learn from this game. They will learn that they better make hay while the sun is shining. They have to win four out of the next seven to advance to the playoffs. That is a playoff series right there. They win those four, then they/we are in. Go Blue!
We need to pull for two teams now, the Thrashers and who ever is playing tampa. Blitz Pittsburgh early and often. Go Thrashers!!!
By Thrashers27
March 23, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
I had a front row seat to that debacle. Right behind the SJ bench. Yeesh! I have to agree with many of you that those guys are big. I’m a big guy @ 6’3”/230 and the majority of SJ’s players made me feel average at best. Although, there was a little pencil necked, dork of a trainer that parked his body right in front of me the whole night and every time I pounded on the glass he’d jump and shoot me a dirty look and I’d give him an honary grin. About half way through the first period the usher asked me to “take it easy on the glass behind the players.” What’s up with that? I toned it down a bit from there on, but it was more because our boys in blue started sucking it up. I did tell the usher on my way out that “this is a hockey game and he’d better get used to people beating on the glass. That’s what the fans do.” Especially, come playoff time.
I also have to agree with Stroz that Sutton, Devo, Holik and Mel are too slow. If Sutton would use his size more and not fumble around with the puck while trying to clear he would be much better off. As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think Mel has much to offer. He started off well this season, but I think his body is just too old.
I have to say that Hossa looked a little off last night as well. Walt wasn’t much of a factor either. He’s probably still sick. Hopefully, we can just chalk this one up to the boys having a bad night. Let’s see if they can bounce back against the Pens this weekend.
Oh yeah…I gotta praise Sim for dropping the gloves, but he didn’t stand a chance. Keep on being a pest Simmer!!!
GO BLUE!!!
By Brian
March 23, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Ice Man - where’s the love? I mean I’m not trying to steal goodnight kisses away that were meant for Ice Kid, but it’s like you fell off your chair when you said you agreed with me.
Oh and, don’t ever play Lady of Spain again! I know you’ll remember that quote. If you and rawhide keep bidding adieu I’ll keep trying to add quotes from one of my fav’s…
By Wayne
March 23, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Last night on FSN Final Score, it was reported that Sim would be out for the year…
By KJ
March 23, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
I’m a Sharks fan living in ATL now and was at the game last night. The Thrashers just got blitzed by a hotter team last night. I think the Thrashers will still win the Southeast and they won’t face any teams as big, strong and fast as the Sharks in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Fret not, Blueland!
By Wayne
March 23, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Last night on FSN Final Score, it was reported that Sim would be out for the year…
By Wayne
March 23, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Last night on FSN Final Score, it was reported that Sim would be out for the year…
By Ryan
March 23, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Since the rules change, many have said that the Thrash are not fast enough to compete with certain teams. But I don’t think that speed was the issue last night. The poor officiating turned the Thrash off and it seemed they completely stopped playing. No grit, sort of let SJ do whatever they wanted.
By Timmay
March 23, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I am writing this from “Sharks Territory” (think Blueland) aka San Jose where I live.
First off, props to Jon Sim. I know I speak for all Sharks fans in wishing him a speedy recovery and continued success in the NHL. Jon took on the toughest guy on the roster in Mark Bell, in an effort to spark his team to play the way they are capable of playing. He deserves some credit.
Secondly, it’s over. Move on and use it as motivation to beat Crosby and Co. and then win your division. The Sharks were beat 8-0 in Phoenix (not a typo) several weeks back and they used it to take their game to the next level.
How did we lose 25 games? Try playing Anaheim and Dallas 8 times each, and then throw in 4 games each with Nashville, Detroit, Vancouver and Minnesota…ouch! Atlanta’s 88 points would have them tied with Calgary for the last playoff spot in the West.
You guys helped yourselves big time at the trade deadline and with earlier trades. Your management seems to know what they are doing. You’re only one or two players away from having the complete package. The Thrashers are an excellent team regardless of last night’s result. Good luck in the East.
By Ice Man
March 23, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
So, Ned, you went to Harvard?
That’s what it says in the media guide, Jim.
By JAR
March 23, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Iceman - I am as dissapointed as everyone else about last night, but I have to thank you - I just read your blog and was laughing out loud - ..one of us weeping like a little girl - ordering a Bud in Porcupine Plains - Cheechoo (bless you) Great stuff man! Now let’s go school Sid and the boys.
By JayBird
March 23, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Timmay, great post, nice to hear from classy fans of another team. The Sharks are by far the best team I have seen in person this year and that includes, Buffalo, Dallas, and Anaheim. The west is definitely better than the east but you never know what can happen in the Stanley Cup finals. I agree about Sim, hopefully he is okay. Good luck to you guys the rest of the year!
By Bill
March 23, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
JayBird, why are you sucking up to the enemy. The Sharks came into our house and humiliated this team. You can’t be friends with the enemy, shouldn’t even be posting on our blog. Go back to the left coast, Timmay………….we’ll see you in the finals. Then we’ll see about the best team. We had a bad night JayBird, don’t lose focus, and don’t wish luck to your opponent. Go Thrashers!!!
By Tony C.
March 23, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Seriously let’s hear it for Simmer!!!
Everyone seems to have just now discovered that SJ is arguably the best TEAM in the league n any given day…I have watched them on TV when they took on the Ducks (didn’t get pushed around, about the only team that can stand up to them), was impressed-ditto with Vancouver (Skated with them just fine, cmmpletely took away the Sedin line) and I kind of payed attention to an SJ vs. Colorado game (not the same as the epic battles of the late 90’s-Avs just couldn’t match up)….so was I surprised at how well coached they were, how big-fast-strong-disciplined they were?
No.
Was I surprised that Le Thrash seemed to think that they would be able to “take it easy” against their non-conference competition?
Yes.
When the game started I made a comment “The Thrashers win this one, and you really have to consider them a serious contender for The Cup”
Well.
The team that showed up in Blueland Blue is not a serious contender…that team made me think that they were from Blewland…I’m sure however, that this game can be actually very beneficial…the kind of gut-check measuring stick that can be used to fire up the players and (hopefully) frce the coaching staff to revise plays and system responses (seriously, hiBob’s system was picked apart by Wilson last night, think about how many transition plays that Le Thrash usually have success with that just weren’t there last night-Coach couldn’t seem to come up with an answer in-game)…
But back to my original point:
Jon Sim is a man’s man. He was giving up what 4-5 inches of reach? Seemed like it at least. Bell is a rough customer and Simmer stuck his nose in there and did his best to spark this team up-he’s no pugilist, but he has some serious cojones if you ask me-tough loss of our best pest for the remainder of the season, but I think he just went a long way to being re-signed by taking on Bell last night. That’s the sort of courage and tenacity every team can use. Kudos to him. Now we get to take out any fustrations on Sid & Co. -18 chicken corndogs ready to be fried up!
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By DWTOO
March 23, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
They brought their f’ing toys!
Remember you guys started it.
Love, Ogelthorpe
By Brian
March 23, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Timmay - thanks for the post, but do you really mean that people weren’t jumping off the Golden Gate bridge saying the Sharks won’t make the playoffs because you lost one game 8-0?
Ice Man - Remember that great Peterborough game in… Nevermind.
By JayBird
March 23, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Bill, it’s not “sucking up”. I was just acknowledging that his post was right on and he had some good things to say about our team. So I am supposed to tell the guy to f=ck off? Thats just stupid. We should welcome someone like him, who isn’t trying to flame things like that t** Snots. Its interesting hearing an honest take from another team’s fans. I haven’t lost focus at all, I think last night was a bump in the road, not reason to jump ship. I’m counting down the days until we clinch the division and my investment in playoff tickets pays off.
By where's Steve MC?
March 23, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
So if Simmer is gone for the season, who do you think we will call up? Krog? Sterling? Haydar? I was fairly impressed with what I saw out of Haydar when he came here the first time. Good hustler, creates opportunities. Haven’t seen enough of Krog to make a judgement on him. And I only hear good things about Sterling’s progress in the system. What do you guys think?
By Rawhide
March 23, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
TIMMAY - First off, welcome,…thanks for the kind words about Sim. And your right, 82 games seasons don’t go by without a stinker or two. San Jose was the better squad out there 100% last night. Sometimes you just gota accept it and move on. We’d be in the same position had we lost 4-2 rather then 5-1,….so, on to Pittsburgh.
Any good movies regarding Pittsburgh we can drop lines from??? The only one that comes to mind is “The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh” circa 1980…….one of the greatest wastes of film ever captured,….Anytime the tax-exemptions are misbehaving, I threaten to tie ‘em to a chair and force them to watch 20 minutes of it. That straightens them out.
BRIAN - “Shut up! I’m trying to listen to the F-ing SONG!!!
By Ryan
March 23, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
where’s Steve MC?, great question, I too like Haydar. Krog may get a chance. But you have brought up an interesting question. Hopefully the faithful here will analyze this.
By Ryan
March 23, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, the only one that comes to mind is “The Deer Hunter”
By Brian
March 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - great one on the song, where was that for the whole “knights during the anthem” debate, a wav would’ve been perfect!
By Tony C.
March 23, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Whatabout “all the right moves” ??? wasn’t that in west PA???
Featuring the “Good” Tom Cruise-before the Thetans burned his mind up….I dunno there’s not a realy quotable movie featuring western PA
By georage
March 23, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
The reality check delivered last night is that the Thrashers are a really good team, but San Jose is a great team.
They are bigger, faster and much younger. And much deeper.
Our d-men simply are no match for their top 2 lines. The entire second period was spent in our zone, and there were several times when instead of clearing the puck, our d attempted cross-ice passes that were picked off and immediately fired at Lehtonen.
Our top line (tkachuk, kovy) was completely dominated by the thornton, cheechoo, mihalek line.
We are good enough to compete in the east, but the west is far more talented. Unless Buffalo gets healthy, no east team stands a chance.
By Ice Man
March 23, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
YES, All the right moves was in steel country outside of P’burgh … and great Lea Thompson footage, by the way.
Isn’t there a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie where he ends up on the ice at a Penguins game diffusing a bomb or something?
By Ilya k
March 23, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
IF…….we tie TB in the end what is the tiebraker?? Head to head? Anyone”?
By Ice Man
March 23, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Wins, I believe. Which is bad for us.
By Ice Man
March 23, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Overall Wins, I believe. Which is bad for us.
By Rawhide
March 23, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Ilya K,…..first tie-breaker is total wins,…(I believe),…TB would win that. We have a lot more OTLs then they do.
We gotta beat ‘em out-right.
By michael
March 23, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
it goes by wins first, and then by the season series if same amount of wins.
By CM
March 23, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT PAIN IS! - Buffalo Bill from Silence of The Lambs, 1991
Oh and then there’s Flashdance, 1982
Take your pick :)
hmm..I wonder what the next 24 hours holds…besides surgery for Sim.
By FabHckyBbe
March 23, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Another fan from San Jose chiming in with her two cents.
Wow. Never have I seen such effusive praise from an opposing team’s fans. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
1, as I said on my local Sharks board, I hope that Sim recovers quickly. Poor man. All he was trying to do was spark his team by getting in a scrap with Bell. I’m sure he didn’t think he wind up breaking his face. Ouch. Best wishes to him, it was a gutsy move. 2, Brian, people in SJ weren’t freaking out as badly over the 0-8 loss to Phoenix on 12/30 as they were when the Sharks went 0-3-1 at the end of February and dropped to 6th in the West. At that point some premature panicking was launched in Silicon Valley for sure. We had a lot of Chicken Littles running around moaning about the sky falling and missing the playoffs entirely. Utter poppycock. Since then, the Sharks have gone 10 games in a row with a point, 8-0-2 in March and are currently 2 points out of 2nd place in the Division.The point I’m making is that good teams (of which I count the Thrashers) find ways to win when it counts most. One not so good game against the Sharks does not a playoff run derail. I have high hopes for the Thrashers this year – they are a fun team to watch. There is nothing quite like playoff hockey and I hope your city will go nuts for your Thrashers. Good luck in the East – It’s good to see new blood in the playoff picture.
3, The Jean-Claude Van Damme movie was called “Sudden Death” and it was a kidnap the Vice President action-drama set at the Igloo during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals between Chicago (!) and the Pens (!) in 1996 (two teams who had no chance of being in that game at the time the film was made). Great cameo appearance by Luc Robitaille who speaks French with Jean-Claude in a dressing-room scene. Iceburgh the mascot is murdered in a bathroom & Van Damme gets to play goal.A quote from the movie: the Vice President makes a locker room visit to the Pens prior to the start of the game and says “I want to wish you all the best of luck, and, uh, are you Democrats or Republicans?” A random Pens player replies, “Neither, sir, Canadians.”
More “Sudden Death” quotes can be found here.
Great stuff.
By ranallo10
March 23, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
FabHckyBbe — Around the trade deadline, how many “fire Greg Wilson!” posters did your board have? Following the trades for Rivet, Guerin, etc, how many of those “fire Greg Wilson!” people made an about-face and started posting “great moves by Greg Wilson!”.
Just curious, it’d be nice to see how fickle other teams and their fans can be compared to the Thrashers.
By Brian
March 23, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Ice Man & FabHckyBbe - yeah, it was Sudden Death. Even though the movie was in ‘96 and it was the Pens/B’Hawks, in ‘92 those two teams played in the Stanley Cup finals so figure when the script was written, then production, editing, etc it was 4 years later in ‘96 that it was released…
By Rawhide
March 23, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
FabHckyBbe - Nice post! Thanks!!!
It’s really good to hear from some classy, hockey-wise fans from another team. I sat next to a couple guys wearing Sharks inis last night in 118. Nice guys,..they rooted for their team,…traded some light hearted barbs with some of us Bluelanders,…..everyone had a good time.
I put a motion of the table to make San Jose, and their fans, our official “sister-team/fans”.
Oh and, “I want to wish you all the best of luck, and, uh, are you Democrats or Republicans?” A random Pens player replies, “Neither, sir, Canadians.” - Simply beautiful!
By SkateRdie
March 23, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
The only movie I can think of that takes place in Pittsburgh is “Striking Distance” with Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker …..(in bed together)”We shouldn’t be doing this - we’re partners.”“We should be shot”“Nah, Too much paperwork”
By SkateRdie
March 23, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Probably could use the name of the serial killer in Striking Distance….”The Pittsburgh Strangler”
By FabHckyBbe
March 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
At ranallo10, did you mean Doug Wilson? He’s the Sharks’ GM. Ron Wilson (no relation) is the coach.
To tell you the truth – no one on our board has been calling for GM Doug Wilson’s head this season – I think after he pulled off the highway robbery that was the Thornton trade last year he get a bye from us for a few years of iffy trades. :o) Plus, the consensus of the hockey world was that the Sharks won the trade deadline with the pickups of Rivet and Guerin.
Prior to the trade deadline, the only thing Sharks fans had been complaining about this year was our relatively young and inexperienced blueline. We felt a veteran presence was needed on the backend for a good playoff run. Therefore, we were well pleased to pick up Rivet just before the trade deadline.
Once we picked up Rivet, I think most people felt that the Sharks were done with trades. Imagine our shock and delight when we were able to pick up Billy Guerin, too.
Both Rivet and Guerin have fit in well (especially Rivet’s steadying influence cannot be understated). Rivet’s first game with the Sharks was a loss at Anaheim on 3/2/07. Since that game the Sharks have gone 8-0-2. Coincidence? I think not.
I think most Sharks fans are pretty darn happy with GM Doug Wilson at this moment.
Coach Ron Wilson is a whole ‘nother kettle of fish, however. People have been clamoring for his head all season long and many still are despite the Sharks recent surge. Mostly, Ron Wilson has had this goalie rotation plan that people either love or hate. Me, I’m not all that fond of it. How can a goalie go on a hot streak when he plays every other game like clockwork? Pick a number one guy and let him play.
Also, many feel that Ron Wilson can’t seem to get the most out of the talent he has. They think he has lost his ability to connect with the players and they subsequently tune him out and play lackadaisically. Many seem to think that if Ron Wilson doesn’t get this team at least as far as the Stanley Cup Finals that he should be fired at year’s end.
Is this fair? Probably not. But that’s the way the wind seems to be blowing in the South Bay.
By ranallo10
March 23, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Clearly a brain fart on my part, FabHckyBbe.
I meant Doug Wilson but got distracted by my work. Greg was the name listed next to “President & CEO” on sjsharks.com, where I honestly had to go to remind myself of who the GM for SJ is. I couldn’t remember for the life of me. But, it was a simple typo while trying to multi-task, thanks for the correction.
By ranallo10
March 23, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
So you’re saying, when the team was in a rut and clearly on a decline relative to their early season success, the fans didn’t call for the GMs head, but in fact placed blame towards the head coach??
If you’re not understanding why I’m trying to clarify this, allow me to explain:
Many people on this board decided to go after Don Waddell (our GM) when the team began to falter before the trade deadline. Instead of admitting that the team (as the roster stood then) had been playing first place hockey until the rut in January, many fans decided it was Waddell’s lack of transactions that directly correlated to the teams downward spiral. Fans seemed to give the head coach a free pass on the failings of the team, and chose to use the GM as the scapegoat for the many downsides of the Thrashers style of play and results of games. Many Chicken Little types came out, and many people predicted the end of the playoff hopes for the Thrashers. In fact, my friend (bless his heart) decided to claim that a mid February loss to Ottawa was “the biggest game of the year, and possibly franchise history” and that because the team lost the Thrashers would not make the playoffs. Kinda harsh statement for a pre-trade deadline game, but his opinion was that it would set a standard for games to come.
My point is this — a true playoff caliber team, can go into ruts but still make the playoffs. Ruts do NOT directly correspond to a lack of quality personnel on the team roster, but can often be attributed to a lack of motivation from the head coach, OR from the overuse of a offensive and defensive system that seems to have obvious and abundant flaws. My point continues — if a system works, then begins to be countered by opposing teams, the system MUST change. If the personnel is good enough to claim a foothold in the division, tweaks in the system could be enough to right the proverbial ship, and get the team out of said rut. And who controls the system?? THE HEAD COACH, NOT THE GM.
So basically, it’s comforting to me to know that fans of a perennial playoff caliber team (the Sharks) are somewhat more understanding of where to place blame than some of the fans here. But hey, we’re all new to this whole “playoff” idea, so they’ll learn in time.
By Timmay
March 23, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
I think we, the Sharks, have the best goalie tandem in the league. In fact, at the start of the season I assumed one of them would be traded to fill any gaps that became apparant during the season. Tosk or Nabby would be number ones on most other teams. If you want to raise your trade value, you have to display the product. Playing both goalies is the only way to do that. As it turns out, having depth in net is just as valuable as having depth at other positions. When Tosk got hurt, Nabby got hot. Who knows what will happen over the summer.
Re: Doug Wilson. I agree with FabHckyBbe. When you acquire the league MVP without giving away the franchise, you get a free pass for a couple of years, especially when everything starts to click. But, Doug has consistently proven to be a very astute judge of talent and a terrific negotiator with a very clear vision of the pieces necessary to build a Cup contender. The Sharks scouting, drafting and development system has delivered, trades have delivered and free-agency to a lesser degree has delivered.
Ron Wilson has the toughest job in the organinzation. For the most part, he coaches brilliantly. If you play for Wilson, you get a legitimate shot to show your talent, guaranteed. I have never seen a coach better at creating situations for individual players to be successful. But, this is a team sport. At some point the invidiuals need to become something bigger than the sum of the parts. It’s in the chemistry department where a coach needs some luck.
Winning the Stanley Cup is the most difficult thing to accomplish in team sports and consistency wins it. Not over 82 games, but over 7. In the playoffs, you have got to bring your “A” game every night. The good news for you is that you don’t have to beat Anaheim, Dallas, Nashville or Detroit to get there.
It’s going to be bloody hell out here on the left coast. I can’t wait.
By Bob
March 23, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Gotta love the revisonist history.
Pre-trades, this club had something like 5 regulation wins in 29 games.
That ain’t a rut, that’s a deep problem and that’s why Waddell made not one or two, but four moves (that all clicked).
By Brendan
March 23, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
I have always kinda like San Jose. People said “hockey will never work in San Jose. It’s a small, northern California team. You won’t attract die-hard fans.” San Jose’s fans showed a lot of enthusiasm for their club. In 15 seasons, the Sharks have only missed the playoffs five (5) times. Five. By contrast, the Thrashers have missed all six seasons of their existence. That’s why folks were calling for Don Waddell’s head on a platter. Though, since the lockout, I think Waddell has been markedly improved. He made only one GLARING mistake: Holik’s contract. I think Modry’s contract was a hold over from 2004. Waddell did “okay” in the offseason moves. The team he assembled was good enough for 1st place from October to January, if a bit long in the tooth. If you found someone living in a cave for the past 10 years, and asked them to identify which four teams were the last to enter the league, I doubt the cave dweller would positively I.D. the Thrashers as one of the teams, at an average age over 30. Contract signings of Mellanby, Rucchin, Holik and others aged 30+ left several scratching their heads, in a league that emphasizes youth and speed.
I think Hartley failed to make strategy corrections around the Holidays. Hartley seems to do certain things well, like use of timeouts. But that PP was just utterly predictable for entirely too long. His goalie rotation has left a lot to be desired. And sometimes, he just doesn’t get the line combinations or line matchups right. (What coach isn’t guilty of this, however?) He continues to sit 26-year old McCarthy and play 33-year old DeVries and 32-year old Sutton. Zhitnik is 34 and Havelid is 33. Hnidy is 31-32. Exelby and McCarthy are our only two blueliners in their 20’s. Unless you want to throw in Mark Popovic (playing in Chicago of the AHL).
By Brendan
March 23, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
By the way, the Sharks made the playoffs in their third (3rd) season, winning their 1st ever playoff series. They made the playoffs again the next season, also advancing into the second (2nd) round.
By ranallo10
March 24, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this
Of the 29 games before the Trade Deadline (February 27) the Thrashers were 12-13-4 (8 regulation wins, 2 OT Wins, 2 SO Wins, 3 OT Losses, and 1 SO Loss) for 28pts.
Before Belanger’s acquisition, the team was 10-8-3 in that same 29 game span (he was acquired February 10).
That’s a slump, yes, but that’s not the end of the world. How did they do in comparison to their division??
Carolina, in a 28 game span from that same date range: 14-11-3 (3 OT Wins, 1 OT Loss, 2 SO Losses) for 29pts
Tampa Bay: 20-8-1 (1 OT Win, 7 SO Wins, 1 OT Loss) for 41pts
That’s clearly (note the sarcasm) an indication that Atlanta’s personnel was lacking, and had no connection with Tampa being the hottest team in the NHL.
Since the trade deadline…
ATL: 7-3-0 (14 pts)
TB: 5-5-1 (11 pts)
CAR: 5-4-1 (11 pts)
Looks to me like Atlanta got cold exactly when Tampa got hot. Atlanta made some moves (necessary or not is quite irrelevant, all we can base our opinions on NOW is that the moves were made) and played some hot hockey.
On the other hand, Tampa filled small needs and relatively stood pat. They traded for an enforcing defenseman (Shane O’Brien), and some spare parts (Kyle Wanvig, Karl Stewart, Jason Ward, et ali). This season, O’Brien has 10 times more minutes in the penalty box than points (15pts, 163PIM)…so I’ll classify this trade as another parts trade. In all, Tampa didn’t do anything major.
YES, I see they went .500 after the deadline, but did that have a correlation to them not picking up a glaring need to fill their deficiencies (goaltending)? Of course not. They cooled off from an amazing 29 game stretch of being the best team in hockey.
There are more things to hockey than personnel moves…everybody on this board understands this. So don’t try to assume that a team going cold over a 29 game span (Atlanta had two 5 game losing streaks separated by a 5 game winning streak…a 4 game losing streak…a 3 game losing streak) has everything to do with the personnel. Tampa didn’t change much during a hot streak, and lost their steam. Atlanta did the opposite during a cold streak, and gained ground. Carolina made two trades (Carter, Vasicek) and got slightly colder.
Seems to have been good moves by Waddell (which people are now giving him credit for)…but it doesn’t signify that it would’ve happened differently had he NOT made those moves.
By ranallo10
March 24, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Carolina had 31pts over their 28 games.