AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYe olde switcheroo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seems like everybody’s thrown their two cents in on this issue already today, enough money to buy myself a gray guitar and play ….
I just engaged three co-workers in a Kari-vs-Moose debate, trying to iron out exactly what I might say in written form. Because this is, after all, a complex argument.
So it went something like this:
Me: Say, what do you dudes make of the goalie switch?
Co-worker 1: Well, doesn’t it basically ….
Me: Whatever, dude! Next!
Co-worker 2: Who’s got the better goals-against average?
Me: What’s that got to do with it, you f-in idiot?
Co-worker 3: Are you really interested in our opinions?
Me: I guess not. Thanks for your help.
So, it wasn’t quite as productive as it could have been. But here’s the best way I can sum up my opinion of this move:
I like it. I think we all wanted Kari to be the next Patrick Roy so badly that we overlooked flaws in his game because of the moments of greatness he displays. He is a very, very, very good young goalie. He can be a franchise goalie someday. But he is not yet. If he had played as good this season as we all wanted him to, this lingering sense of a goalie controversy would have died months ago.
Instead, Kari had so many letdowns over the course of the season that he almost became unreliable. He never took this team by the scruff of the neck and made it his. His grooming as the franchise goalie should have been completed by, say, February. Instead, it got to be April and we were still saying, “We think Kari can rise to the occasion.”
The time for Wishing and Hoping and Thinking is done. And Bob Hartley knows it. He made the kind of decision a serious NHL coach makes. It wasn’t on a whim. It wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction to the bad goal in Game 1. It was the culmination of a season-long wait for Lehtonen to emerge as an uncontested No. 1. If anything, Kari’s Game 1 performance helped Hartley shake off his blinders, helped him snap out of the “Kari’s the franchise goalie” trance … to where he could finally say, “If we’re going to beat the Rangers in four of six games, who’s the goalie I trust more?”
The answer for a coach who historically loves veterans was easy. I support it. I think the players support it. If you read between the lines of the player quotes, they all say things like, “Well, Moose is older and has been around” and “Kari will bounce back from this.” In player-speak, those translate to: Kid’s not ready. We’re gonna live and die with experience. And I’ll repeat what I said yesterday: Dying his hair blue did NOTHING to instill confidence in his teammates. If anything, it made them question where his mind was at, and it gave Hartley the ammunition to make this move.
A common question that came up today was: Don’t the Thrashers run the risk of alienating their young goalie and ruining his confidence?
To that I say: If getting benched is going to send the kid into a four- or five- or 15-year pouting funk, then so be it. Then that would be reason enough to make the move now instead of later. It would only prove that he’s not mentally ready.
I hope it doesn’t come to that, obviously.
OK, all that said, now the puck is in Hedberg’s rink. He can make Hartley look like a genius … or he can turn this into a total fiasco.
See you at 3.
Comments
By bartdunwoody
April 13, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
I agree with your line of thinking. If the kid is not quite ready, no problem. Go with Moose and Kari will get another chance later. You can’t massage egos in the playoffs it’s about winning now and it sounds like Bob will do whatever it takes to win. The coach is making the moves and the captain is putting it all out there on the ice. If the rest of the team follows the leadership theses birds can fly a long way.
By kreedham
April 13, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
If Moose can win the next two then Kari should get the 2nd start of the back to back.
My question is, Wby didn’t Hartley play Moose more during the season when Kari had those long stretches.
All in all,it’s a good move, as Moose was hot in his last 3 or 4 and the most important thing Moose is the veteran and has a better idea on how things go in the playoffs.
By Brendan
April 13, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
This is a compelling blog, ICEMAN. I agree with a lot of what you’ve advanced here. But I want to add something else. Hedberg was honored by his teammates as the best “teammate” on the squad. We saw that ceremony before the opening faceoff at Blueland vs. Tampa Bay, in the season finale. So, I’d say … he’s got the confidence and support of the room.
… Do you sense a “but statement” coming? Well, you’d be right.
Hedberg is 33. Maybe 34. While that’s hardly “ancient,” he’s not a Spring chicken anymore. I’m not entirely sure he can play six straight games, especially if any of them should be multiple overtime games, back-to-back, as our upcoming schedule appears to be. So, in a sense, I really do believe we’ll see Kari Lehtonen again in these playoffs.
And if there should happen to be a “rotation” used, fine! What is the harm in that? They’re both good goalies. And Kari can’t play better … sitting on the bench. Kari got the message. He’ll be ready whenever it is that he’s next called up to play. I am confident in the Moose. We’ll be okay if the team plays well in front of him.
By Ice Man
April 13, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
You know, Brendan, I’m sitting here watching the Brzygalov and the Ducks, and I’m reminded of the class with which J-S Giguere handled his benching in the playoffs. Because he handled it like a man, the team ended up having two quality goalies to use as situations warranted. We can only hope that Kari responds the same J-S did.
By stendec
April 14, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
I am surprised! I never expected to see Moose between the pipes in Game 2. I felt like KL would be allowed to float or sink on his own. Oh well. I guess the Thrasher brain trust knows best. This was a shock!
By hirsutedawg
April 14, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
Excellent call by Coach. Seemed like Lehtonen was trying to do alot more with the puck than he normally does and lost his focus. Finding the back of the net 3 times against Lundqvist should = a win. We’ll be fine.
Go Thrash!!!!!
By kracker
April 14, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Knock me over with a feather, ddin’t see this one coming. We all expected Kari (and the team) to bounce back in game 2.
My paper didn’t come this morning (late), killer busy day with deliverables going out, they were talking Braves on the Fan on the way home, collapsed after work for a semi-doze nap, then read the paper about the game, ate, watched hockey…so I didn’t get to the PC to check blogs & tomorrow’s articles until after 10.
After digesting the news a bit, it comes down to my poll choice: whoever will help get the win. I do suspect Hartley’s mouth tightened a bit upon seeing Kari’s blond/blue hair: If he had played lights out, no problem. Let in a softie late, then it’s a problem. It indicates the kid’s not into it, so now he sits.
By Jeff S
April 14, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this
Mooooooosssse!!! Hopefully we’ll all be yelling that all day long at Game 2. I am completely shocked by this move. But more than shocked; I am delighted to see that Hartley had the cojones to make such a bold move so early in the series. Hedberg is such a silent warrior who cares 110% about the team than he does himself. His play on the ice and his professionalism off it show that he is ready to take the reigns between the pipes. And if there is any question whatsoever as to if the players will rally around Moose starting goal…remember Hedberg was awarded this year with the “Players ‘Player’ Award”, which was voted on by the players themselves. That tells me all I need to know as to how everyone on this team feels about Moose!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!
By BGKAHUNA88
April 14, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
all well and good but what happens if you lose game 2. and it’s an ugly loss or hedberg gets hurt? then the series is over. because lehtonen’s confidence is shot.
if lehtonen had started game 2 and lost the series would not have been over. but now….. take it from a rangers fan the blueshirts did that just last year and then went back to henrik. like that was going to matter. it’s almost like harley is blaming kari for the loss without laying blame to that ugly defense that gave the rangers so many 2 on 1, 3 on 2 opportunities.
big hits do not mean clearing the puck or zone or playing good defense. good defense is making the thrashers pass and pass and pass the puck looking to get get 1 shot on goal in the final minute in game 1 with a 5 on 3. which never got there.
By wh
April 14, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Hedberg is not Bryzgalov and had 27 starts during the regular year. Peacefrog says Panic in the streets of Atlanta. Additional confidence for the Rangers having chased the starter - After Game 1!. Moose doesn’t play beyond his abilities you now have your #1 goalie on pins and needles - not that there is not enough pressure today staring down the barrel of 0-2 at home. Some will call it looking for a spark - I thank Hartley unexpectedly dropped his pants.
By wh
April 14, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Also Iceman - The JS sitting goes beyond the game - Free Agent they can’t afford and need to see what they have in Brygalov. Even if he is not as godd as JS - which he is not - this is mitigated by TWO Norris winners in front of him.
By ZAvalanche
April 14, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
I am a transplant from Colorado. I had the pleasure of watching some very good hockey teams, of which Hartley coached several of them. I saw some great coaching from him and some poor coaching from him. Fact of the matter is Waddell has placed all the cards to win in BH’s hand and after Kari’s shaky performance and questionable off-ice antics (hair), BH is taking his most reliable cards and going all in.
Waddell has done a great job in puting together a good team that can be very productive. Hartley’s job is on the line if he goes in timidly and doesn’t take advantage of very reliable back-up in Moose. To quote BH, “We are in the business of winning..” Well, business isnt good right now. Take it to ‘em Thrashers!
By Dumbing Down
April 14, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Hartley is the master of using psychology to win! Whether benching superstars or in this case, maybe an “attention getting” move… I love it!
P.S. The other Birds (Hawks) need to learn from this man!
By Jimmy
April 14, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Not crazy about this move. Yeah, Hedberg had a great end of the season run. But if he was the better goalie overall surely that would have been proven over the course of the year. KL had one bad (okay, inexcusable) goal Thur night. He also saw 38 shots, which is just as inexcusable. The move just seems a bit desperate after only one loss. Hope I’m proven wrong.
By Old School
April 14, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
The playoffs require a whole new level of game. What makes successful playoff runs is which teams have more players step up to that level. Exelby, Dupuis, Holik, and Kovalchuck clearly elevated their games. Physicality is so important this time of year. I was so impressed with Ilya’s desire. He was only credited with 2 hits but was throwing his body around like a fourth liner. That’s what it takes from everyone. If Tkachuck could stay on the ice for more than 25 seconds a shift that line could develop some rhythm. If Tkachuk can’t step it up you can’t have him and Mellanby on ice together with Ilya. It’s like he’s out there alone sometimes. Get Sim back on that line. Hossa’s got to start using his power and speed to the net and either get some chances or draw some penalties like he was doing early this year and dominating games. He’s gotten into the habit of dumping and chasing and doesn’t get around the defenseman. Zhitnik was a total non-factor. Jim Slater, start to show some of your potential and step up. Kapanen was more productive that you have been. I was last at a playoff game in 1983 (Long Island) and have waited a long time to experience the excitement of NHL playoffs in Atlanta. The fans stepped up and rocked Blueland, lets hope the rest of the team follows suit.
By Hockeynumb
April 14, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Not a shock at all IMO. The team needs a brand new focus for game 2 and a little playoff experience goes a long way so Hedberg get’s the nod over Kari. I feel the team will rally around Hedberg and get this game today.
We have to win game 2. I can’t wait for it to start.
We will win this game.
By BuzzEng
April 14, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
I think this move isn NOT a big surprise. We have seen Coach do similar things all year long. We probably would have seen it more with KL, but for most of the season, the Thrashers were crusing with a fairly comfortable lead in the division race. Coach let KL keep playing in a move to develop his big game confidence. To Iceman`s point - it never really developed and forced Coach to do more of it as the season came to a close and more teams got better faster than we did. Both are quality goalies and we can win with either. GO THRASHERS!
By Bob
April 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Iceman, you nailed it, as usual. It’s bigger than just the one goal, Kari isn’t ready. Now I do see Hedberg starting Game 3, assuming he gets today’s win. Then it’s Kari’s net again in the 2nd of the back to backer in Game 4. He performs, then the net is his, otherwise it’s back to Moose.
By Brendan
April 14, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
I’ve leaving in a few minutes for Blueland, but I wanted to chime in quickly. ICEMAN, I have another idea about this goaltender switch. And truthfully, I think it’s more of a “byproduct” than anything intentional, but LOOK AT ALL THE PRESS WE GOT last night on Vesus?
That’s good!! Atlanta is the type of city that’s apt to fly under the NHL’s radar. I don’t know that there are many fans outside of Southeast division and, perhaps, Nashville that even notice us! So, in a way, Hartley just bought us some national press. We can debate whether that press is good press or bad press.
See ya at Blueland! Let’s bring some noise!! UNLEASH THE FURY!!
By yellowjax
April 14, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Wow NBC’s pregame show just saved me about 3 hours. According to Hull the Hedberg switch will backfire so we may as well not even take the ice. I never realized what a great team the Rangers were until Clement filled me in. And Ferraro, Ray, Ray, I had hoped for more from you. What a bunch of pompus a*******es. Oh well, I guess I can go out and do that yard work I need to do. Or maybe I’ll listen to the streaming audio on 680 the Fan.
By CM
April 14, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
So, if (I’m just saying “if”) the game gets away from Moose, does he get yanked for Kari? And then what?
I hope the whole switcheroo does turn out to be good press, but that depends on how this game goes..
Marian, please don’t let Marcel steal the show today!! WE BELIEVE!!!
LET’S GO BLUE!!!
By CM
April 14, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Anyone can you please help me out with Holik’s contract status? I love that guy and I think he should be here for a long time.
By R. Stroz
April 14, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Slutton is the Rangers b!tch.
By R. Stroz
April 14, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
CM - Holik is signed thru the next season at 4.25 million/year.
By Matthew at the SLC
April 14, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers are frauds. This team has no heart! How can you lose the first two games and call yourself a playoff team. Typical Atlanta playoff results.
Thanks for stinking up the joint Thrashers!
By stendec
April 14, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Have cheered on Thrashers all season. NO LONGER! Division champion with guts DOES not turtle in first two home playoff games. Against a markedly inferior team! Change color scheme from blue to yellow. Gutless wonders. No heart! No fire! No CHANCE! Neither goalie worth a damn. Scorers could not put puck in empty net from a foot away. Complete embarrassment. World will learn truth when Rangers get swept in second round. Thashers may not get swept but they deserve to. Crap crap crap! Against the tutu-wearing Rangers? Please! Better luck next season. With players unafraid to SHOOT the damn puck!
By ZAvalanche
April 14, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Thrasher fans, worry not. What you are seeing is merely a maturation. True, we have lost two home games, two very big games. HOWEVER, put your emotion aside and notice the facts. We are gaining more confidence and momentum. Had it not been for the unfortunate bounce off the boards, we would be watching overtime right now! We come on strong late in games and we are just this far (inches) from puting it away. Worry not, we played well and were victims of chance.
I see a lot of you bashing the thrashers after two loses. This is exactly what the rangers and their fans want to see, that is, us give up. Do not give up! Show some fortitude and prove that you are not fair-weather fans. Anything can happen, belive in it and don’t sotp until the clock ends on the fourth victory for the other team. Buck up camper! It surely isn’t over and I guarantee the players don’t think it is over. Continue to root and cheer until the last drop. Prove those ranger posters wrong. If you jump off now, you have only given them what they want. Belive me, I watched my beloved Avs fall 3 games to 2 to the Devils in ‘01. We didn’t give up hope. Ended up stoning the Devils in games 5 and 6 and won the cup at home in game 7. It isn’t over until it is over, and it ain’t over YET…………THRASH ‘EM!!!!!!!
By stendec
April 14, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
To the Avalanche guy from Never Never Land. Atlanta teams have a rich playoff history. The Thrashers will continue that losing choke-it-up tradition. Again, division champs do not get embarrassed on home ice by chumps. Twice to boot! Wimps from the Big Apple. PLEASE. Maturation by A++!
By stendec
April 14, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
By the way, these guys ARE NOT the Avalanche. They are the no-score Thrashers. Is a penalty imposed if a player takes a shot? Sure seems like ir!
By TK
April 14, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
i’m a ranger fan and admit we were obviously lucky on the avery goal…that said…77-52 shots in two games on YOUR ICE in your inaugural playoff, hartley and the whole organization should be embarassed…nice class move by “tough-guy” sutton at the end going after cullen (someone who knows what winning is about). avery just a modern day linsman, but he beat the crap out of tucker a few weeks ago….i doubt thrasher goalies will handle heat at the garden. thanks for the sweep…we’ll need the rest for the sabres
By Brendan
April 14, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Yellowjax, Ray Ferraro was asked if the Penguins should stick with Thibault in Game Two, after Fleury’s shaky playoff debut. Ferraro’s reply, “They have to! He’s their guy!
While he wasn’t mentioning the Thrashers in those comments, it’s certainly in league with what you posted above, YellowJax. Namely, that you don’t deviate from the goaltender that got you here. Well, that’s Ray Ferraro’s opinon.
I don’t pin this loss on Hedberg. I didn’t pin game one’s loss on Lehtonen. Both goalies gave up one bad goal. Hedberg was a victim of circumstance. That’s just a fluky bounce. Lehtonen muffed the 4th goal in Game One.
I think the Thrashers will do well to stick with Moose for Game Three. For what it’s worth, I think we’ll be at Blueland for Game Five.
By Brendan
April 14, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
I didn’t post what I was thinking properly. What Ferraro said was … the Penguins have to go back to Fleury, since he’s their guy. The way it reads above, it sounded like Ferraro said that Thibault is their guy.
Anywho … What did I tell you about your “faith” being tested? You have to believe. I’ve been down this road enough times in the past to know that no 2-0 series lead is safe. They play the games. It’s still about producing for the Rangers. It’s not like the Broadway Blueshirts can just take Games Three and Four off, and the Thrashers will go quietly.
I’ve seen teams win Games 3, 4, 5, and 7 to win. I’ve seen teams win 3, 4, 6 and 7. It is possible. Now, I’m not gonna lie to you and say that things are looking good. Down 2-0, every play is magnified. There’s not much room for error. The Thrashers aren’t done.
And neither is Coach Hartley. I suspect the incentives in his contract kicked in, giving him another year, as Coach.