Ice Man

By Golden Lion

April 17, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I am still believing in blueland no matter what, rebound starts tomorrow night

By russian

April 17, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

I am Craying Here. :-( Oh no I am laughing ;-)

By andysutton

April 17, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

The night started as badly as it ended….. get rid of Andy Sutton for forever, he’s worthless

By Paul

April 17, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

I said it before the series that i thought the Rangers were the better team. They have proven it every minute of the series. I am proud of the Thrashers for making the playoffs and winning the division. We just have to build on it. No crying here. This season is a first step toward respectability. Kari will be fine. He is young and will bounce back no problem.

By Rone

April 17, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

I just saw Sutton’s post game interview. I was hoping XLB would jump him in the middle of it and knock him out.

By silverpork

April 17, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Thrashers fans have been through some pretty tough times with this franchise, but I have never felt so low or let-down as a fan as I do right now.

By Russ

April 17, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Brutal. Game 4 prediction: Rangers win 13-1.

Ice Man, you hit the nail on the head regarding Hartley’s “unpredictability”. Making goofy decisions that defy all logic and reason doesn’t necessarily equate to good coaching.

You started to talk about all the future prospects and picks the Thrashers have given up…I’m not even going to touch that until the season is officially over…so I’ll get back to that in 24 hours.

GO THRASHERS!!!!!!!!!! (Please???)

By Ben

April 17, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

I am now convinced that Atlanta made a deal with the devil to get that 1995 World Series title. We are cursed forever.

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Ideas for Game 4 -

1)Stop changing the lines, with one exception. For the sake of keeping Kovy off Avery, put Sim in for Rat. Let Sim go play games with Avery, instead of Kovy. As far as the other lines, put them back in place. No one knew where anyone was suppossed to be or who was suppossed to change lines for who.

2) Put Moose in goal. Lehtonen is too immature to handle the stress.

3) Bench Sutton! Sutton is too slow, and quite frankly, stupid to read a play or pass.

4) The coach needs to quit playing mind games. At this point, Hartley is just playing with himself.

By Dave

April 17, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Gee, I don’t know. I thought the Thrashers deserved to win. LOL!!!!!

By Ice Man

April 17, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Not tonight, Dave. Not even I could go there again.

By South Side Freddy

April 17, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

this just in. Rangers scored again. 8 - 0. Next time play with a goalie.

By Wreckin' & Thrashin'

April 17, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Frickin bleepity bleepin ridiculous… goodbye Monsieur Hartley. Bye Walt… we hardly knew ya. To semi-quote Denny Green, Marian Hossa is who the Senator fans thought he was.

I’m going to defend Kovy on this one though. At least he was p** and was scrapping. By the time he fought Avery, the game was over and there was nothing to lose. And Kovy got in a some really good shots… that was at least satisfying to watch.

By Dolie

April 17, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

As I said to Vecsey during the game (one of my few printable and unprofane IMs): What time is the Bob Hartley fired press conference on Thursday? The whole team just quit tonight — you could tell they spent the second intermission making tee times for Thursday morning at Sugarloaf.

By sensfan

April 17, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately you Thrasher fans are living the disappointment Ottawa fans had watching Hossa. Agreed, he is not the only reason for the tough times you are having right now. Sens fans have had there share… just see how much Mr Yashin has been playing in NY. However, if you haven’t figured it out yet Hossa is a brilliant regular season player with absolutely no finish or success in the playoffs. He would completely disappear when the playoffs came and from what I’ve seen it’s happening all over again. Believe me, this will go on and on, year after year. He has the tools, but at this time of year he has packed it in. I’m waiting for him to prove me wrong.

By Russ

April 17, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Is it possible to lose a best-of-seven series 3 games to 0? I kind of wish it was, so I didn’t feel obligated to still watch the train wreck tomorrow night.

By silverpork

April 17, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Hoss, Kari and Sutton will take a lot of crap, but this was a total team-wide collapse. Nothing about this loss was the result of one or two guys. This was a disaster from top to bottom.

By Scott

April 17, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Hartley is FIRED. No chance he comes back next year. He has lost his mind. You don’t bench Lehtonen after game 1 and then bring him back and let him get shelled. He should have pulled him after it was 3-0. Hartley is gone.

By Trashers

April 17, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Even Damien Rhodes would have stopped a few of those… Hell, could have used him tonight, he’s one of the few goalies to ever score a goal.

By Rambler

April 17, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Tonight was an absolutely pathetic embarrassment to the city and loyal fans in the highest order. Can we swap teams with Calgary and bring the Flames back?

Funny how the news of increased ticket prices for 2007-08 hasn’t gotten out. Open wound, apply salt. Thanks for all the useless Blueland hype, glitz and videos Bernie. Next time spend the bucks on guys that have a little heart, pride and intensity!

By joe719

April 17, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

You know, I’ve seen young players crumble in the playoffs before, but I have to admit, your boy “Kovy” is in a league all by himself. How can he come up so small every game. His immaturity is embarrassing to watch; even for us Ranger fans. And what about Hossa? I hear the NYPD has issued an APB regarding his whereabouts. Nice disappearing job by Holik, after the second Ranger goal. You guys are seeing the Holik, Ranger fans put up with during his brief stint here. The Rangers dominated the game from the national anthem to the final buzzer! No doubt! But really, it would have been nice if any of your guys showed up. Please, don’t let them off the hook!!!

By Tom

April 17, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

We waited seven season for this?

Let’s see…just trying to figure up the possible records that could be set here:

Has a team ever lost a series in which they never lead a single minute of any game?

What’s the fewest goals ever scored by a team in a series? right now we have a grand total of 4 in three games

What’s the highest GAA by a goaltender in a series? Lehtonen’s at what?…5.5?

What’s the worst PP percentage ever in a series? What are we…like 1 for 18?

Somebody call the Elias Sports Bureau and get ‘em on the case

By David

April 17, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Well, Waddell mortgaged the future to make a run in 2007 and try to save his job. Hopefully, he and Hartley will be gone now. I met one of the Thrashers recently who said he was “not a Hartley fan.” We do not have one single Top 50 prospect in our system now. We have no draft picks worth having except maybe a 2008 first rounder. We have a soft goalie with talent buy no guts. We have a star who disappears in April. We have NO blue line whatsoever. We are the 2nd oldest team in the league. This franchise is going nowhere fast. So much for building a hockey base in Atlanta.

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - Can you please get the Rangers to sign Sutton in the off season.

By Rangers Fan

April 17, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Like I said after Game 2….welcome to the Garden. It was bad on your home ice, but you knew it’d be worse at MSG….

Although…I gotta admit…..even as a Rangers fan….watching the Thrashers was just painful.

Get your brooms out…..

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - Don’t worry, we will not let anyone off the hook for that clusterflop tonight. I’ll be on the phone with my rep tomorrow asking when I’ll get my playoff money reimbursed. He’ll ask if I would like to roll the money over to next year, at which point, I’ll laugh out loud.

By joe719

April 17, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Sorry Stroz, even Sather isn’t that stupid! Then again….. Just got in from the Garden. The place was electric!! It was like 94 all over again!! I saw a Fat Lady on 23rd Street warming up her voice. I think its all over but the shouting!! Really what a pathetic display! Hartley has a lot to answer for, and I’m not just talking about his goalie decisions. Does he have any kind of a game plan that doesn’t involve slashing and high sticking the Rangers after the game has already been decided. Totally out-coached and out-classed!!!

By thrashersfan

April 17, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

How disgusting was that! I’ll stand by my post that the Thrashers would win tonight, but I will also stand by the same post stating Hartley was insane to make that goalie change. Made absolutely no sense even if it worked out. And, doing this after Moose’s “outstanding” play Sat night? No comment. Hartley played one too many games this time. Nice job, Bob.

Regardless as to how pathetic our D was, which really lost the game for the Thrashers, we have to give NY credit. From the first drop of the puck Thurs night, they were the better team. Grant it, the puck bounced their way at times, but regardless, they owned every piece of that rink, including our bench.

Sure, Hoss, Kozzy, & Tkchuck, disappeared, but I say the Rangers made them disappear. They were on Hoss like flies on sh*t.

We’ve waited seven seasons to make it to the playoffs and this is what it comes down to. There’s obviously plenty of blame to go around, but clearly it’s time for “insane” Hartley to go, and probably Don Waddell. His overall track record is nothing to be proud of, particularly his drafting ability. And, with all of our UFA’s this summer, we’ll already have a brand new team, might as well start fresh with a new front office too.

Great yr, and I was truly proud of them for winning the division. But finishing like this is downright embarrassing. Shame on them.

By barry

April 17, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

This serves all you Thrashers fans right! Remember, KARMA IS A BI@$H… You disrespect the other Atlanta sports teams, especially the Hawks. Well, look at your team now, down 3 to ZERO and you just got SPANKED like there is no tomorrow. Remember this, you have to give respect to get respect!

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Baryy - Go inflate a Hawk!

By Don

April 17, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

Please, don’t do us any more favors like making the playoffs. Enjoy the offseason!

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - Yes, Hartley has a game plan. His plan is to switch all player pairings so no one knows who is where at any time, in this way, the goalie will have an excuse to allow the other team to score a touchdown and convert the extra point.

Next, Hartley will be working on a who’s on first and what’s on second routine for hockey in the off season.

By joe719

April 17, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Stroz, you sound so bitter!! Hey, the Braves won tonight, didn’t they?

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Newsflash - Hartley has called up three brothers from Chicago. The brothers will be wearing foil around their fingers and playing with cars and beating the crap out of vending machines before the game. Also, he will instruct all players to tell King Henry that they procreated with his wife, sister, and mother. Hopefully, these tactics will work better than switching all the lines.

By Barry

April 17, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Hartley sucks. It’s evident now. With all the talent we have and the star offensive players and can’t get them to produce and even show the hell up? I’m sorry but kick Hartley outta here and hope the door and every Thrashers player hits him on the way out. This is unacceptable especially in the playoffs. At least all the other teams show the hell up win or lose….at least they show up and try…TRY! That’s all I expect from this team now. Is to fracking try and act like you want to win a game…at least one game. You are not going to make it past this series, but at least win a playoff game just to regain some dignity!!

By bringbacknormmaracle

April 17, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hnlicka!

Hnlicka? Norm MAracle could helped the team tonight. LOL!

If seems to me that the Thrashers have picked up on the spirit of the Atlanta Flames playoff failures.

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - Yes, the Braves won; but, they weren’t playing the Mets.

All joking aside, have you ever seen a worse performance from a visiting team? I don’t ever remember the Flames stinking up a joint that bad.

By luckydog

April 17, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Just fyi, Bob will be back next year, because this owners group is too preoccupied with its own problems to fire him with a year left on his deal. Get used to it.

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

luckydog - My dog’s name is Lucky. By the end of the game, I was able to teach her to howl everytime she heard the goal siren.

By bringbacknormmaracle

April 17, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

The NYPD is asking the lady who left her 20 children at Madison Square Garden to come and get her children….they’re beating the Thrashers 10-0. LOL!

By B. Thenet

April 17, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Havelid was all the Rangers needed tonight. He gave them their first three goals through dreadful play and insanely bad clearing attempts.

Lehtonen also with a poor performance tonight.

I am more than willing to forget about everything that happened from the 2nd period on, as the team pretty much knew the game was over at that point.

It is too bad the Thrashers had to wait until the playoff started to have one of their typical slumps. This has been their real achilles heel all season. When the team plays bad…Hartley is helpless…they just play poorly until they just snap out of it.

The streaky play, more than anything, is why Hartley must go at the end of the season.

By joe719

April 17, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Stroz, maybe not the Flames, but I can remember some hideous performances by my blueshirts against the Isles in the 70’s. It just looks like, to me ,that no one wants to be the guy to run the ship. After the first goal, it looked like the whole team was in shock. Very surprising for a team with such veteran leadership! I mean, I know Avery can be a punk, but the way some of your guys are reacting to him on the ice is ridiculous. He is not the reason your guys on on the verge of summer vacation. Hartley’s total lack of an answer to Jagr and his linemates is!! There were times tonight when it looked like Jagr was on a perpetual power-play!! To be honest, looking at this game, I’m surprised you guys even got this far. And team speed seems to be an issue too, which is a total shock to me.

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Bring up the prospects from Chicago. Jail the rest of team for impersonating a hockey team, with the exceptions of Moose, Dupuis, Larsen, and XLB. At least the prospects will hustle.

By IKS

April 17, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

WHAT KIND OF BLUELAND CITIZEN CRITICIZES AND BLAMES EVERYONE FOR THE LACK OF PASSION, SKILLS AND FOCUS IN TONIGHT’S GAME? YEAH, IT’S TRUE ALL OF THE ABOVE WERE MISSING TONIGHT BUT COME ON…WAKE UP AND STOP PRAISING THE RANGERS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GODS!!!! SO WHAT WE GOT BEAT??? IT’S PLAYOFF HOCKEY PEOPLE AND GUESS WHAT??? THE TABLE CAN TURN AT ANY TIME..SURE IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW LIKE THE RANGERS HAVE IT ALL..BUT WHO KNOWS…THEY MAY NOT HAVE IT ALL IN THE END!!!

By JeffBeuk

April 17, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

The Beat Down On Broadway How does it feel to be part of what could be considered one of top 10 most embarrasing losses in NHL playoff history? All you “nast nest” fanatics talking crap before game one…I was just leaving the game and Bob Hartley announced he’s starting himself in goal tomorrow. Thanks for showing up and giving us some intramural practice.

By luckydog

April 17, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

r.stroz: mine too. i guess you had a noisy night around the house. :)

When this nightmare ends, a lot of attention will be on hossa’s dreadful series, how kozlov suddenly looks like total deadwood, and how the tkachuk rental was a bust — all true. But the real story is our old and slow and not-all-that-skilled defense, which has been totally exposed in playoffs-level play. Havelid has become a liability. Sutton is an old rules player. Zhitnick seems solid but even he was awful tonight, standing around cluelessly while Callahan loitered in the slot before his uncontested tip-in for their 5th goal. Exelby gets the big hit now and then but is strictly average otherwise. Hnidy has been maybe our steadiest guy lately — which says a lot.

Don’s got his work cut out for him, as does the marketing department I’m afraid.

By embarrassed

April 17, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

after the strong performance in game 2 I thought that our boys would come out head hunting. Hossa’s playoff demons are still haunting him and kozlov forgot to show up tonight. I would not put the loss on kari’s shoulders because he had no defensive help. We’re so much better than that. I’m sure that dedicated fans, including myself, are going to have a hard time sleeping tonight. Let’s get after their a* tomorrow!

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - Most of us on the blog have been complaining abouth the lack of speed for awhile. I’ve seen logs move faster down a river than Sutton can skate. Devries is just about as bad. If I were coaching, I would put XLB on Jagr; but, I’m not the coach. XLB likes to hit players and Jagr doesn’t like to be hit. Seems simple to me.

As far as Avery, I would put Sim on him. Sim plays about the same style of hockey. The two would enjoy each other’s company. Once again, seems simple to me.

Next, put Moose in goal. Lehtonen is too immature to handle stress.

Last, most of us have been screaming for McCarthy over Sutton. McCarthy isn’t as big, but he can skate, shoot, and knows when to pinch and how far. Sutton is just big, stupid, and slow. Big is useless if you are stuck in the fish hole.

By Matthew At The SLC

April 17, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

To y’all who keep saying Hartley is gone, I only have to ask: are your freaking RETARDED?

You all calling for his head ARE retarded.

Do you think that the same ownership group that refuses to fire Billy Knight and Woodsen are going to fire Bob Hartley, a guy who’s actually won a Championship?

You people need to have your heads examined.

By joe719

April 17, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Hey IKS, you sound just like the stereo-typical Atlanta sports fan. Protecting your guys no matter how bad they were, and accepting mediocrity. Wake up!!

By Jay Bird

April 17, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

IKS, you are annoying turn off the caps first and guess what, we have every right to criticize our team because they have played like complete $hit. Secondly, what is wrong with giving some praise to the Rangers? Yes, I hate them but they have played very good hockey and they handed our a*******es to us tonight. I am as passionate a Thrashers fan as there is and try to be positive but tonight, there isn’t a single positive thing to say. Our star players continue to be abset. Maybe all the time they spent in the penalty box together allowed them to concoct a plan for saving the season tomorrow night. Otherwise, the off-season begins tomorrow night around 10pm.

By Jay Bird

April 17, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

That was supposed to be absent, sorry, I can’t type when I’m p** off!

By R. Stroz

April 17, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Jay Bird - I think our guys in the penalty box were deciding on who was buying the beer and pizza at the golf club on Friday. I think they were playing rock, paper, scissors to decide the loser.

By joe719

April 17, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Stroz, Sutton and Devries might be bad, but really, are they the reason for your problems? Hossa, Kovulchuck, Tkachuk and Mellanby: WHERE ARE THEY!!!!

By HockeyDawg

April 18, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Man, what an embarassment! Even though we were outplayed in the first 2 games, at least we competed and the games were close. No way I saw this coming. Considering the circumstances in which it happened, this game has to be maybe the most disappointing loss in the history of this franchise (along w/ the Game 81 loss to WAS last year). Mainly because our guys didn’t even bother to show up tonight. I’d say they quit during the game, but they never actually even started tonight. TOTALLY & COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!

We all better watch closely tomorrow night. Because I think the team we see in the fall will look drastically different from this one. We’re old, we’re slow (w/ a couple of exceptions), we have no high draft picks, our franchise goalie has to totally rebuild his psyche, our best players collapse like a cheap umbrella in the clutch, and our coach makes moves that only a lunatic could understand. I say we keep a small core group - X, Kovy, Lehts, Zhit, Belanger, & a few others - and then rebuild from there.

I’m really sad for my son because his best friend’s dad is one of the Thrasher coaches, and I have a feeling he’s gonna be looking for a job real soon. And what a shame for Mellanby’s career to end in this way! He’s a good guy - it’s too bad…

By Brendan

April 18, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Dolie, did Atlanta also give up a 2nd round pick in 2007 when it got Vishnevski from the Ducks? Tkachuk was a 1st and 3rd rounder this year, a 2nd rounder in ‘08, and a conditional 1st rounder in ‘08, if Atlanta re-signs him, right?

By Paulie

April 18, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Well well well. I get all this crap from the atlanta media in the past week. I get hung up on by that stupid redneck Kinkade from 680 Am after saying Rangers in 6. All i did wasa state my opinion. All these bias Atlanta networks seriously thought the Rangers were gunna get wiped out, not beat, wiped out. Im glad to see all these thrashers homos crying on this blog page. I am having a blast jumping up and down having a blast, this is too much fun.

If the Thrashers stoped worrying about smashing Avery and Jagr all series and thought about scoring once in a while they wouldnt be in this predicament right now. Too bad hicks, better luck next year, Ill see u guys in the semis…..with my Rangers while u guys worry about who has the lowest score on the 9 hole course, labeled Defeat.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Paulie - At least I know how to spell correctly. I’m sure your sixth grade teacher would be proud of you. By the way, I’m not a hick or a homo. Unless you are female, you’re the one with a homo name.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Joe719 - Before I was so rudely pulled off our discourse by the homo Paulie, I had hoped to respond promptly.

I didn’t expect much from Mellanby. He tries, but, is too slow.

As far as Hossa, Kovalchuk, Tkachuk, and Kozlov, we have put an APB out for them. At this point, we think they were abducted by aliens or zapped by Men In Black.

By Brendan

April 18, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

I know we’re all upset and frustrated right now. And when a team is down, 3-0, and embarrassed on a national stage, it’s the sort of chummed up waters that brings out the “Fire them all!” sharks for a feeding frenzy.

I don’t want to comment on that just yet. I do, however, reserve the right to talk about it later. As a general comment, I believe that Steve Belkin must approve all changes in management, as per the conditions of his suit against the Atlanta Spirit Group, LLC. So, technically, without Belkin’s consent, no one can be fired. Not Knight (thought, can you imagine Belkin putting up opposition to that one?), Not Waddell, not Woody, not Hartley.

And, at this point, someone will correctly point out that Waddell and Hartley aren’t the worst GM and Head Coach combination in the league. Believe me, there are worse, and have been worse.

In my next post … I wanna share some information I found on recent expansion teams.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Brendan - It’s hard to not be frustrated by a game like that. Hartley out thought himself this time with all of the different line pairings. I’m not calling for his head, just a little more common sense. You can alter a few things for a game but not change every pairing on offence and defense. Everyone looked confused and out of place.

By joe719

April 18, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Stroz—A Ranger beat writer’s blog says Hartley is going with Hedberg tomorrow night. At this point, I think it is irrelevent who’s in net. If the team has quit, its time for NASCAR. Here’s the web address for the blog if you’re interested: http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/ He has some quotes from Hartley and Holik also. Getting late!! I got an early wake-up tomorrow. Take it easy!

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Joe719 - I’m not a fan of NASCAR; but, I can start paying attention to the Braves. Aren’t the Braves ahead of the Mets so far this year? Just having some fun tonight.

By Jeff

April 18, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Let’s Go Braves!

By Rangeral

April 18, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Heard on a NY station”The Rangers did a pretty good job of beating the Thrashers and the Thrashers did a pretty good job of beating themselves!”Also alluding to a previous post,the Rangers are NOT Gods,…but they do appear to be the better hockey club…Have a good summer!!

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

Rangeral - See you Friday!

By Hanson Brothers

April 18, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz, thanks for giving us the call up for tomorrow. We’ve got the foil on and are ready to play old time hockey. Oh yeah, we’re bringing in Ogie Oglethorp with us. Get ready for lots of 5 on 3 hockey.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Hanson Brothers - Old Time Hockey! Eddie Shore!

Please take care of things before the National Anthem.

Did you bring your cars with you?

By Brendan

April 18, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Folks, I took a look at 7th year expansion teams since ‘91. I don’t if this will make you feel better or worse. But here’s what I found. I looked at Tampa Bay, Anaheim, Ottawa, Florida, San Jose, and Nashville. Minnesota and Columbus weren’t included, as they are only in their sixth season. I checked for the number of playoff berths through seven (7) seasons, number of division titles, 100-point seasons, and their highest achievements through Year Seven.

Aside from Ottawa, in 1999, the Thrashers are only other 7th year club to win a division title. Only two (2) of the aforementioned teams had 100-point seasons: The 1999 Senators and the 2006 Nashville Predators. Note: The 2000 Florida Panthers finished with 98-points. Our 2007 Thrashers finished with 97-points.

Here’s some bad news. Five of the six (5/6) clubs had two or more playoff berths by Year Seven. Only the Tampa Bay Lightning failed to reach two playoff appearances by their 7th year. Atlanta missed the playoffs last year by two-points. Three of the six (3/6) clubs, or HALF had three (3) playoff appearances by the 7th year. They were Ottawa, San Jose, and Florida.

The highest achievement by any of the six clubs was the Florida Panthers winning the Eastern Conference and losing the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.

Here are the highlights of the other five teams through their first seven seasons. Anaheim: Hosted the ‘97 series with Phoenix, which the Mighty Ducks won, 4-3. In the next round, they were swept, 4-0, by the Red Wings. But I’d have to say, it was the most respectable SWEEP I can recall, as three of the four (3/4) games ended in Overtime, including two multiple overtime games. Detroit swept the Ducks again in 1999.

Tampa Bay: 88-points was the best the Bolts did in their 1st seven years. The Lightning’s big highlight was a 1996 playoff series with the Flyers, in which they won two (2) games, both in overtime, to take a 2-1 series lead. They lost, 4-2. Tampa missed the playoffs six (6) times in their first seven years.

Ottawa: Their highest achievement was the 1998 upset of the NJ Devils, 4-2. It was either a #8 over #1 or a #7 over #2. I forgot which. In the second round, the Sens lost to Washington, 4-1. (This is how Damian Rhodes wound up in Atlanta, folks.) In their first four seasons, the Senators missed the playoffs, but by 1997, they were in, and lost Game Seven in overtime, to the Buffalo Sabres. I think Ron Tugnutt was in net and misplayed a shot, high to his glove side. But it was an exciting playoff debut for Ottawa.

Nashville: Probably their greatest achievement was making the playoffs as the #8 seed, and taking the Red Wings to six games in their playoff debut. Truthfully, the Preds should have won Game Two, then they won Games Three and Four on home ice. They would have been up, 3-1. Instead it was 2-2, and Detroit rolled from there. They hosted a playoff series in 2006 vs. San Jose, which they lost. The Preds are in their 8th year.

And finally, San Jose: The Sharks greatest success through Year Seven was winning their playoff debut series over Detroit in 1994, 4-3. In the next round, they lost to Toronto in seven games. It should be noted that Game Six went into overtime and Owen Nolan hit the crossbar in the extra session. That would have put the Sharks into the Conference Finals. In 1995, the Sharks won an opening round series with Calgary, 4-3. They were swept by Detroit in the 2nd round. The best the Sharks could muster, in terms of points, was 82 through the first seven years.

Okay, fire away! Did this make you feel better or worse about your Thrashers?

By Hanson Brothers

April 18, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz, I got the cars and the booster club bus is warming up. Brendan, thanks for the research but it does not make me feel any better. The effort was not there at all tonight, and that is more important than the score. The effort the first two games was better, though there were lapses in those games, but at least the opposition knew they were in a battle those games. Not tonight. The team embarassed KT right back to St. Louis, and I dont mean Martin. I know Hedberg will be ready tomorrow night. He is a pro and will not embarass us, so I give us a good chance to win and get us another home game. All of us true fans won’t quit on this team even if they quit on us, and we can talk all we want about personell changes after the season. Lets hope that is not in 24 hours.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I was trying not to think tonight. I’ll digest your dissertation later today after some sleep. Impressive piece of work!

By Frustrated, Inc.

April 18, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Waddell mortgaged the future for this? He and Hartley should be $hi+canned prior to face off tonight. I can’t believe I was duped into paying for tickets to game 1 and 2. I will never pay inflated NHL prices until the Thrashers get an NHL caliber GM, coaching staff and last but not least: ownership who gets their heads out of their a$$ long enough to stop litigating and realize that they are the biggest JOKE in professional sports!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Can anyone guess who was on the ice for 5 of the 7 Ranger goals? Yes, Andy Sutton! I want to know the team(s) that is interested in signing him after the season he hasn’t had.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

Frustrated sounds reallly frustrated.

By Rangeral

April 18, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz…Sorry you won’t see me Friday(win or lose)BUT you will see me tonight on TV(MSG-Sec.339-Row K)I’ll be the old guy(NYR fan,47 years)waving the broom!!:-)

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

Rangeral - Another night like this one and I’ll be the one in front of the television waving the white flag. I hope you’ll hear me on Friday on your television.

By Frustrated, Inc.

April 18, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

I hope game 4 goes like game 3. Quick surgical strikes by the Rangers. Like a bandaid. Tear that sucker off before you consider the pain that is about to rain down on you. Then I can switch over to the Braves - Cubs game.

FIRE THAT TURKEY NECK WADDELL & HARTLEY ASAP!

By Brendan

April 18, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this

So it’s back to Moose for Game Four? Shrugs. Why not? If Atlanta wins later today, (thank God there’s not time to really dwell on Game Three,) I suspect Hartley gives Lehtonen one last and final appearance for Game Five. It’d be very exciting if the Thrashers could push this series back to New York. Call it a “moral victory” if you want. At this point, I’d take it! I want to scream, Unleash the Fury! at least one more time, and wave my rally towel or whatever the handout might be at the door. But if tonight is it … then I thank the Thrashers for a good and memorable season. Franchise records for wins and points were set, along with a division title. So, we will have a banner raising ceremony at Blueland next season. Of course, I don’t think this season should be completed without another franchise first: A playoff win.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

Bob - Just for kicks, please provide us with your Hartley interview replay.

Like, ya know, we like, didn’t, like, come to play tunite, we had sum truble wid de uther teem.

You get the idea.

By Frustrated, Inc.

April 18, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

Who does Waddell have photos of? How does such an impotent hockey “executive” get to be head of USA Hockey?

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

Frustrated - If you think Waddell is bad, you should try the Hawks GM Billy Knightmare. He makes Forrest Gump look smart.

By NYR

April 18, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

It is definitely nice to win some hockey games again. We got swept out of the playoffs last year by the Devils, which was our first appearance in what felt like forever (but was 6 years i think.)

Teams have to go through series like this to build playoff experience together. But upgrade your D. Your goalie will be fine next year. He’ll learn from it.

By Brendan

April 18, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

NYR, the Blueshirts last playoff win was 1997, with Gretzky and Messier. They lost the Conference Finals to Lindros and the Flyers. Philly went on to get swept by the Red Wings in the Finals. The Rangers beat Florida, 4-1, in the opening round. Then the Devils, 4-1, in the second round.

Last season was the very first time ever that the New Jersey Devils won a playoff series against the Rangers.

By Blueshirt in Texas

April 18, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

What kinda pus** fights with his gloves on? You gotta be freaking kidding me! “Kovy” got a few shots in while Avery had his hands down dropping his mitts like a man. I hope your beloved wunderkind gets drilled all the way back to the motherland on Weds. He’s a freaking pus!

By porksword

April 18, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

Did the T[h]rash pack their road pink dresses to wear on the ice tomorrow? I hope so. It’s important to tie in wardrobe with performance.

By Nicholas Irwin

April 18, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

My favorite post of the evening, by far, was the one from Barry. I think it might be time to move on, dude. I didn’t witness the booing incident, and if it happened as you say, it was kind of classless, but sheesh…perhaps you should worry about the problems within your team (and they are plentiful and quite frankly, nearly impossible to fix) before you start worrying about what other people think about it. And I really doubt the Rangers said to themselves, “Did you see that? They just classlessly booed their incredibly sh!tty NBA team. How dare they? We were thinking about letting them win, but now we have to kick their a*.”

By Blueliner

April 18, 2007 4:02 AM | Link to this

Dear Team

Strap on a pair!

Thank you

The Blueliner

By Russ

April 18, 2007 6:51 AM | Link to this

Well, Calgary and Minnesota both won last night, which leaves the Thrashers as the only winless team in the playoffs. Can they at least show some pride and win one game when they are down 3-0 like the Wild did?

By Hockeynumb

April 18, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

I feel like crawling under a rock. Hockey in Atlanta IMO will take a long time to recover from this debacle, if it ever does.

What a disgrace to this the team has been. Last night was the last straw for me.

This Thrashers team has disappointed me too much.

Bye Bye Thrashers and I’ve withdwawn my ticket buying support for 2007-2008.

By Jeff

April 18, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this

The sad thing about losing this series is that the Rangers are an easily beatable team!

By FSSikes

April 18, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

Turn out the lights / The party’s over!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seems like I catch myself saying this every year about every sports team in Atlanta - maybe next year, maybe next year, maybe next year. I’m getting tired of saying that. I will continue to bleed Georgia sports, but I’ve bleed for a long time and only once in ‘95 did my wound heal only to re-open. I’m getting to old. What about soccer?????????????????????

By train

April 18, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

No disrespect to the Rangers, but it’s a little hard to give them credit for beating a group of zombies that are hardly going through the motions.

By stendec

April 18, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

Was not able to view game last time. God IS GOOD! One small bright spot. Ranger giddiness will only last until four games AFTER they oust Thrashers. Oh, Ice Man, Sori Letemin for president. What a star on a team of stars! Thrashers pulled a FALCON. Now THAT surprises, disappoints and disgusts me!

By Crunk

April 18, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

WOW!! That was horrible. I havent seen a beating like that since the last 80 Hawks games.

By stendec

April 18, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Just read KL comment. Do not compound incompetence with ignorance. Thrasher fans not COMPLETE morons. Only those who actually attend game tonight in person. FRAME PLAYOFF TICKET INSTEAD! Will be nice collectible as it may be YEARS before these quitters reach playoffs again.

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Epic, simply epic. I have seen some meltdowns in my day, but that one was epic. Nothing like having the distinction of one of the worst playoff losses in NHL history. Impossible to lay blame on one thing. Since when did we dress a bunch of Happy Gilmore clones an put them on the ice? Sure looks we did in game 3. Can’t skate, can shoot, but never on net, and damn we can brawl! Are we all ditching practice to attend boxing class?

I’m still positive about the team, still like ‘em, still going to watch the game tonight (of course). But man am i pi-issed!

Good to hang with some bluelanders last night!

By jerry

April 18, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

It all goes back to the owners. Never ever ever forget this.

By yzer man

April 18, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

A Transformation:

Letnonein Lehtonen Letonein Lettwoin Lettrein Letforin Letfivin Letsixin Letsvnin

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t blame the owners, they didn’t dress last night. They put the $$ together to put this team in this position, though a painful one right now. I think we can blame everyone but the owners. They spent more $$ on this team than the other one they own, and it got them to the playoffs. I am thankful, but disappointed, thought we would show better in MSG. Gotta hand it to the Rangers, they mowed us. Gotta hand it to Joe719, he could be bashing and hating, but instead (and almost worse) he sounds almost sympathetic!

I may be a masochist, but I am gonna watch tonights game with the same intensity as I did game one through three. Thrashers, head to triage and stop the pain.

By Atlsajoke

April 18, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Maybe management should spend more time building a team that can win in the playoffs and a lot less giving the arena some ridiculous nickname. (Blueland?) You cant create home ice advantage with some horrendous nickanme, and half the building rooting for the other team.

By Sutton is a fluffer

April 18, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

Stendec, I guess God gives you the guidance on your incredibly retarded goalie rants. How about you pray tonight and let us know what spewing nonsense he wants you to write about the goalies. And speaking of God, where was he on Monday when all those people were killed at Virginia Tech?

By Ernie

April 18, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Ranger Fan checking in here. Here is what I see, the Thrashers are constantly taking themselves out of the play to make a big hit. After game 1 I said to my buddy, I love the way Atlanta plays. They were able to send a message during that game, but they haven’t stopped trying. They need to stay home more and stop running around. THe coaching staff should have addressed it and if they did, the players are not responding. As a Ranger fan, I know the Rangers so I am sure they will give your team a chance to get back in the series!

By Dan

April 18, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

This just in - Sherman’s troops are massing outside Atlanta and getting ready to burn down the city - run! Don’t worry, Sherman’s a Ranger Fan and will delite in the beating the Thrashers will take tonight and spare the city. I can’t wait to watch the the lowlife Thrasher snakes slither out of town. Could they at least try to play hockey tonight instead of trying to cheapshot and headhunt every Ranger. The point is to put the puck (not a biscut) in the net and show some grit (not eat them) and grit has nothing to do with their shameful display of dirty play. The Thrashers deserve to be Thrashed and I for one will delite in all the long faces on the Thrashers faces as they shake the Rangers hands after the game. That is of course, assuming they somehow come up with a little more class than they have displayed so far.

By Bob

April 18, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

So now Hartley claims that his plan all along was to start Hedberg in Game 4 and that’s why he started Kari last night and didn’t pull him? What a freakin moron. You complete jackhole, it was obvious to anyone that understands hockey that watched Game 1 that Lehtonen was completely rattled all game and played like crap. The 4th goal was especially brutual, but he was a rebound machine and out of position all night.

Then you make the right move and start Hedberg in Game 2 and Hedberg played awesome, stoning several breakaways, very similar to first goal that Lehtonen let in last night to open the game 30 secs in (Moose would’ve had that one).

We needed the first goal last night. You let in a softie 30 seconds in and it breaks the back of the whole team. You could see it immediately, the Rangers were salivating looking at Lehtonen and our guys just went into shells.

If Hedberg started last night, we would have at least had a chance. Why start him tonight? The series is over. You might as well get Kari some experience in there tonight.

Bye bye, Bob. He’s fired immediately.

Kincade reported yesterday on 680 that the rumor is that the decision on the Spirit/Belkin lawsuit is imminent and the word is that if Belkin wins, he’ll put the Thrashers immediately up for sale.

What a debacle.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Welcome to NHL playoff hockey Atlanta fans. You’re learning what Ranger fans have experienced in their more recent playoff go arounds. It’s all about defense. Offense is what happens while you’re not playing defense during the playoffs. Offense gets you to the playoffs - defense keeps you there. Just look at the Devils blueprint over the last 10 years. Atlanta’s defense is old and slow and not conducive to the “New” NHL rules. The Rangers figured this out when they sent Kasparitis down and traded Aaron Ward away. They brought younger more mobile guys in and didn’t rely on tying guys up in front for defense. It doesn’t help that you have Mellanby who’s a dinosaur and Tkachuk who’s washed up as your veteran leaders.

By CM

April 18, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Ernie - did you even watch the game last night? That was the story in games 1 & 2, as previously discussed, but was not the case in last nights shellacking.

In my opinion we were taken out of that game 32 seconds in, after the first goal. I have to think that that is exactly what the Thrashers did not want to see happen. The worse it got, the more furious players became which ultimately led to the heinous number of penalty minutes. And Kari, whether he should have been in there or not, was defenseless and yet he’s the one taking it on the chin saying “I didn’t play good hockey”. Perhaps he’s right but at least he showed up. You sure can’t say that for the rest of his team. He still stopped 32 shots.

Let’s not get too caught up though, we did manage to get 21 shots off you know.

Hey RH, can I get some more aspirin? This one really hurts..

I did enjoy watching with some fellow Bluelanders, so there was a bright spot.

By CupComa

April 18, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

FIRE HARTLEY, he can’t motivate snow to melt. Mind games, Bob’s unarmed.

Was the drive for the playoffs so stressful that we can’t compete with a team we beat 3Xs during the season. BIG GUNS HA, how about pop guns.

GO THRASHERS, take the hawks with you..

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 18, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Hartley, one. Hnidy, gone. Sutton, should be taken out back and shot. DeVo, gone. Basically I want a whole new defence, just keep X, Hav, and Zhithead. Wally, gone. Sim, gone. Dad (aka. Mellanby) gone but behind the bench (assistant coach or front office) Keep the others. Hire the coach that the Devils fired and have him teach the team something about defence.

I have that pain in my stomach, like when one of your balls gets grazed. Doesn’t hurt at first….but then it KILLS…you even shed a tear.

I just want one more game in ATL. I want to be able to mourn with 15k people.

Somehow being the Southeast Division Champions doesn’t cut it without a least one playoff win….just one. I’m not asking for a comeback. This isn’t Boston. And we are not the Red Sox…and this isn’t baseball…

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 18, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

that first one was “Hartley, GONE!”

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 18, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

On the plus side…..

By Anders

April 18, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

BB Blues - The best comment I’ve read so far on this blog -Hire the coach the Devils fired - BTW his name is Claude Julien. He’s got the Montreal pedigree and absolutely stresses defense first. Plus these Canadian guys love to move to the southern states where they can play golf more than two weeks a year!

By rockey road

April 18, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

End the misery tonight Thrashers. Hedberg will be sharp and give up 2 or 3 goals however it wont matter cause the Thrashers will be outshot, outplayed, out coached and then outta NYC to a vacation in blue land or perhaps a warm sunny place to ponder their miserable playoff performance. Well watcha gonna do Mr. GM. It is clear the Thrashers are clearly out of their league in the playoffs and will need another offensive weapon as well as defensive overhaul. And it may be time to trade K.

By drew

April 18, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

in the words of joe mcgrath - we’re playing like a bunch of p—-ys! this team is a mess from the front office down. we have basically mortgaged our future for this crap. that may have been the most lifeless effort i have EVER seen from an atlanta sports. there looked as if they had never skated together. and how did an expansion team of seven years get to be the oldest team in the league. it sucks now, but we have bigger problems down the road because of that. as many early picks as we have had over the last seven years, you’d some of them would stick. how could you miss on kovy, heatley and lehtonen; but you have to build depth through the draft and we havent. now we the oldest team in the league, traded away two of our former 1st round picks and do not have a 1st round pick this year. blueland is about to get really blue. goodbye don and goodbye bob..

By Bob

April 18, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

zilla, I actually want them to lose tonight, series is over. I have no interest in going down there and watching another game on Friday. Save us some cash, and there’s probably other better games to watch that night.

We do need a whole new defense, but I have no hope that Waddell can get that done. That’s been his achilles heel since Year 1, inability to get good dmen. And goaltending.

The more things change, the more they stay the same

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

(Slowly slipping into the Blog Room,…..skanking over to the coffee pot,…pouring a cup of Joe,….)

Morning ‘Zilla,…CM, everyone…..

(Siiipppppppppp)

Oh, God,…who made this swill today…YECH!

(Sitting down with morning paper…)

You know, I had this odd dream last night. It is still a bit fuzzy, but goes something like,….I was at a restaurant,……eating, oh what was it,…hot wings I think. I was with a group of really cool people, we were watching a Thrashers game,…..against the Rangers. having a great time….

(starting to open up the paper…)

Anyway, like I said,..we were having a good time,…..but, and this is where the nightmare begins, the Thrashers were playing with cement skates. Yeah, I told you,…weird. They played like CRAP. And it just kept getting worse and worse….there was nothing they could do.

No offense,…..defence standing motionless like in a trance….the Rangers just kept getting faster and faster….

It was if there were 20 Andy Suttons out there in Thrasher jerseys.

(getting to the sports page….)

It was awful. I woke in a cold sweat…..breathing heavy….my heart racing.

But then I realized, it was all just a dream,……it never really happened,…..

(looking down at the headline of the sports page)…..

(‘Psycho’ music screaming in the background)…

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaagghhhh! NOOooooooooooo!!!!!!!

CM - tell me it didn’t happen,….Oh, dear sweet mother of Jesus!

By Project 16-W

April 18, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Dear Friends, The lesson we (and hopefully Mr. Waddell) are learning with this series is so difficult to truly understand unless you put skates on and play a few games. Our pretty-passing, goal-scoring division champions are a crew of European puffters. They can handle the “battle” as long as nothing goes wrong. As we saw with our tour of the West coast late in the season (remember getting smoked by Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary), our boys disappear when the game tightens up. There is so much intense, physical urgency on the ice during these playoff games that you can’t simply hit a switch and know how to react. There are obviously successful Europeans playing North American style hockey (and vice-versa), so spare me your Europhile garbage. Based on Hartley’s own behavior, I don’t think he’s mentally or physically tough enough - and unpredictably headgames cannot masquerade as toughness this time of year. We know Kovy is a very talented, ego-centric idiot. If someone could get past how great he is and forge him into a complete player, he has the tools to be truly great. Hossa is my personal heart-break because his high energy, physical play during the year made me think he has another gear. Apparently he isn’t tough enough. I have never understood the love affair Kozlov - he is the softest player in the room. He is simply not a game-maker (let’s not forget he was surrounded by an all-star cast when he had his successes in Detroit). At the game last Thursday, Bobby Holik was the only Thrasher I saw play playoff hockey, so our disappearing act is not surprising. JThe Rangers are nothing special. They’ll get beaten by whomever they face in the second round. But for now, our European lillies are wilting in the face of a real hockey team.

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Claude Julien might be a good idea. Seriously, no matter which goalie we have in there, hell even both of them at the same time, would have mattered last night. I am sitting here wondering if Hartley, in all of his arrogance, decided not to scout the Rangers play over the last 2 months because we took the regular season with them. Renney sure as hell looked at tape and talked to scouts. Out coached, out worked. Not gonna say out matched, cause we have studs on the team…….but they are out to pasture at the moment.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 18, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

I swear Sutton must play for other teams or is on the take from bookies or something…

NO ONE can be that bad by accident. You have to try to suck that bad.

By Wild Fan

April 18, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

To the guys that are posting “We need a new defense,” we need a lot more than that. Our play in the defensive zone is miserable and the blame for that is on all 5 skaters on the ice, not just the 2 defensive men. How many trailers have the forwards neglected to pick up. Also, when the D does get the puck back, the wingers don’t come back to help out with breakout. So all we do is chip the puck out only to have the other team regroup and bring it right back in.

The reason the Holik/Dupuis line works so well is because they are the only forwards that play responsible hockey when the puck is in our zone. That leads to good breakouts where we leave the zone with possession and momentum and can attach their zone with 3 forwards, not just one streaker. Good offense starts in our own zone.

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, i dont know if a win tonight stops the nightmare or continues it……..

By Anders

April 18, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Hey Project 16-W, thinking about changing your name to Reality 4-L? You’re showing your hockey ignorance writing off the Rangers automatically in the second round. The Rangers have the hottest and best goalie in hockey right now in case you haven’t been watching since January. They’ve climbed from the depths of 11th place in January to 6th in the playoffs. There is not an insurmountable team in the East. I’m not going to say the Rangers storm to the cup but at least have enough class to give the team that is crushing yours at least a chance in the next round.

By pblsn

April 18, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

SOG last nite - 3rd period: Zero for the following: Tkachuk, Kozlov, Sim, Holik, Kovy, Hossa, Belanger, Slater, Mellanby. Even with 1 goal against, we still lose.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 18, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

pblsn- Most of those guys got game misconducts. Can shoot if your not on the ice

By J

April 18, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I’m trying hard to not go with the Hartley must be fired attittude after last nights forfeit. But this team is obviously not gonna be the same next year. Just look at our free agents:

Kozlov (probably can’t afford) Tkachuk (have fun back in STL) Mellanby (retired) Slater (Restricted Free Agent) Sim Vigier Boulton Larsen Belanger (first ever Thrashers playoff goal, may as well resign him?) Dupuis (please resign him!!!! please!!!!) MacKenzie (RFA) De Vries!!!!!! wooohoooooo, don’t let the door hit you on the way out, never understand why Hartley loved you so much Sutton!!!!! (see De Vries) McCarthy (RFA) Exelby (RFA) Hnidy

We’re committed to spending $30mil on the other 10 players, leaving us just $15-$20 mil to sign 16 players!!! We’ve got problems, and we may as well dump Hartley and go bring Claude Julien in here ASAP!!!!

By Anders

April 18, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Wild Fan - Don’t fall into the its the forwards fault we can’t clear the puck trap. We used to scream that about Rangers european forwards too. They do have responsibilty to come back and help out when the other team has the puck in their zone, but once your defense has it they have to be able to make the first pass out on their own. Otherwise you have 4 guys in your own zone and you can’t get through center ice. Trust me the Rangers suffered from this for the last couple of years.That’s why when you hear scouts and GM’s talk about defenseman they always talk about their first pass ability. Perfect examle is a guy like Segei Zubov. That’s why he’s still playing all these years. He can move the puck out of his zone.

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

I like Julien, and i think he is a good coach but I would really hate to see this team turn into a group of grinders. At the same time I have a distinct displeasure for losing. I haven’t even looked into who will be available this summer, maybe we can get lucky. Gotta ditch some of this driftwood though (DeVries, im looking at you…)

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

ZAv - As far as continuing the nightmare,…I’m not really concerned about “the series” right now. I just want the Thrashers to man-up tonight. Just win a game.

Heck,…take a LEAD, for crying out loud.

After that, I’ll talk about the “series”.

CM - Here is your aspirin,…this one is gonna take a while to wear off, isn’t it.

To everyone at Taco Mac last night,….outside of the outcome of the game, it was really fun. Nice to put faces to names,….CM, let your friend know it was nice to meet her too and I hope she had a good time.

GO THRASHERS - JUST,…..JUST,…..JUST PLAY ALREADY!!

By faceoff

April 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I was strangely enough thinking about the future of the team and I realized that our “build through the draft” has produced only three current players, Kari, Kovy, Slater. That’s scary after seven years especially with our current loss of draft picks.

By Mo

April 18, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t realy matter, Rangers will get a BEATDOWN by a powerfull Ottawa team in the next round. And if I was Atlanta, I am not too sure I would like to face Heatley lite me up big-time and watch Hossa sulk and gerry pick on the premiter anyway.

Urrrggggg….this just sucks man. All those 1st round draft picks, Coburn +++ for a grandmaster playoff choker 35 year old Tkatchunk leading the way?

Who needs Keith Tkatchuk when you already have your team built around a prenial playoff choker Marian Hossa who already got banished by Ottawa??

Waddell has to pay for this because he ruined the future of the franchise knowing he would get fired anyway and went for it.

By smclem35

April 18, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Brendan - With all due respect, were it not for the ridiculous system of giving teams a point for a loss, the Thrashers would have finished with 86 points. I don’t think it’s fair to compare their point total with teams that did not have that benefit. Truth be told, the team finished four games over .500 and scored one more goal than they gave up - not much to be proud of in the eighth year of their existence. Waddell has succeeded in building a team of third and fourth liners and washed up veterans. Isn’t that exactly where we were in 1999? A review of Waddell’s drafts reveals a total of four players on the roster from those drafts - Kovalchuk, Exelby, Lehtonen, and Slater, who can’t make it on the ice under Hartley. I’m not sure I want Waddell building for the future.

By J

April 18, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

The Rangers are probably gonna be playing Buffalo next (unless Tampa actually beats New jersey)

I was thinking about this too, have we been trailing after all 9 periods? What a JOKE!

By TULRangerFan

April 18, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

The Devil’s GM/Coach would have fired Hartley right now and coached the rest of the series himself.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Ummm… Not sure how to tell you this J, but you haven’t led for 1 second the whole series. So not leading after any period actually doesn’t sound so bad. I understand the Thrashers want to count goals scored in warmups tonight - any truth to that?

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Anybody have thoughts on which Thrashers team shows tonight? They were pi-ssed after yesterdays debacle, as they should be. They gonna dress to play or are they gonna do like in games 1 and 2 and be content with puttin’ on the foil?

By J

April 18, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Anders - I never said anything about winning, trust me, I’ll all to aware of that. I said we’ve actually been LOSING after every single period. I’m talking - never even TIED after any period of this series!!!!

By WINGER

April 18, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Ranger Fans don’t get to big headed. Your party will crash to an end in the next round to either the Sabres or Sens!

By Eileen

April 18, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Thanks to luckdog for blaming ALL of the defensemen. Not just Sutton. Afterall, Hnidy scored a goal, it just happened to be for the Rangers. I feel pretty sick today that I have already purchased my season tickets for next year. I don’t know if I can take another season with such a HUGE let down at the end.

By randy

April 18, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

LET’S GO RANGERS!!!! Deal with it guys. Atlanta sucks as a sports town so why get too upset anyway.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Ummm.. J not leading after a period means losing. I understood what you said. Write back when you catch up.

By Fred

April 18, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

At least my refund for buying complete strips for all playoff games is enough to have a nice Summer Vacation.

By T-Bone

April 18, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

We’ve got problems, and we may as well dump Hartley and go bring Claude Julien in here ASAP!!!!

Agree 100% with that. We’ve tried the offense-only system for years now and have only this national embarrassment to show for it. Not having Kari face 35-40 shots/night will probably go a long way in having him fulfill his potential.

By CM

April 18, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Sorry RH can’t help you there, it DID happen. Can’t you tell by all the traffic on here today? Go figure, right?

I couldn’t even sleep through the night, my baby (a 4 month old black lab) kept waking me, clearly holding a grudge and unwilling to forgive me for neglecting him while I went off to watch yet another Thrashers game and arrive home completed dejected, again.

You know, I’m not one of the ones calling for Hartley’s head, but obviously there needs to be a shake up somewhere. How do you explain their talent vs their performance? Hartley’s a good coach, everyone knows that, but that doesn’t make him a fit for Atlanta going forward. I’m sticking to what I’ve said previously about this team not having any unity, they’re a team of individuals and that is a direct result of coaching. Sure, it was the best season in franchise history, but maybe only b/c Waddell made the moves he made in order to make the playoff push. I’m not sure anyone thought about it much further than that.

And yes ZAv - there is definitely some driftwood that has to go, as much as I don’t enjoy that part of the (or any) game.

By Project 16-W

April 18, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Anders, fair point. The Rangers are looking and acting like a cup contender (although Luongo in BC is the best goalie right now). But as humongous as Jagr is, I personally don’t see NY getting past Ottawa or Buffalo - both are playoff-style teams with many more weapons. I’m also mindful of how healthy confidence can slip into your own misplaced cockiness after beating up on a team comprising Panssa, Pansalchuk, and Panzlov. Seriously, be happy you’re up 3-0, but you haven’t really played anyone yet, and premature braggadocio is the surest way to jinx your club. Reality 4-L it is.

By J

April 18, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

jesus Anders, I’m in no mood to deal with this right now. not leading after a period means losing

Ever hear of a tie game?

By Russ

April 18, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Eileen, I suspect you won’t have to worry about a huge let down at the end of next season. Thanks to Waddell mortgaging the future to get swept in the first round and a minor league system almost completely devoid of promising NHL’ers on the horizon next season will look more like the first five than the last two. Being out of the playoff picture by Christmas may be a distinct possibility. The good news…a lot of UFA’s on this team so they will have to be completely rebuilt. The bad news…lots of money tied up in the few that are under contract for next season leaving little cap room to sign a lot of players. Also, the ones that are signed have proven to be vastly overpaid and/or disappear in the playoffs. Give DW an extension.

By Shannon

April 18, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Is is better for the Thrashers to lose tonight or wait and lose in front of the home town crowd on Friday? I believe in miracles, but coming back and winning 3 is beyond any faith I have.

By caveman22

April 18, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

whats uuuuupppppppppppppppppp

By Eileen

April 18, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Thanks Russ, I feel so much better. Just kidding. I am signing off and going to do some retail therapy. Maybe I will feel a little better. I wish the Thrashers the best tonight for the sake of Mellanby who may be playing his last NHL game.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Project 16-W. I don’t think I’ve been bragging. I just couldn’t sit here and listen to you guys just dismiss a team that has completely dominated a team that finished well above them in the standings. Now you’re claiming that we haven’t played anybody. Not sure if you’ve watched any of the Buffalo /Isle series but Buffalo is good but not awesome. Ottawa is an enigma. You never know what you’re going to get. Nor do they. Keep in mind, the Pens look like a deer in the head lights so I’m not sure how to measure Ottawa. Jagr has been playing dominant hockey for over a month now. When he plays like this the best you can hope for is to control him. What I will give you is the Rangers need to get their power play going and make sure they stay out of the penalty box. I can live with your comment concerning Luongo - but we don’t have to worry about him unless we’re lucky enough to get to the finals.

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

CM - Your comments make sense,…and your frustration is understandable. But let’s not allow the passions of the moment cloud our vision of the future.

I will not get into the the “Fire BH now” debate much more then reitterate what I said last night,…..every year with him as a coach has been better then the previous. That’s my attitude. If others are different, well,…reasonable minds can agree to disagree.

Anyway,…these are things that can be better addressed during the off-season.

I just hope that time doesn’t come 12 hours from now.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

J- fair enough. I actually didn’t consider a tie. Don’t set you goals to high. Just for you I’ll root for a tie after one period tonight!

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

CAVEMAN - Have you been successful in tracking down Jeromey?

By NY Freddy

April 18, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Have the Thrashers scored yet? The rangers pulled their goalie around 9:45 last night.

By caveman22

April 18, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

rawhide smooooooooooooooooooth last night?? When I walked outside of TMAC last night the girl from the Marta train was calling me already. I definitely gotta go out with Kimmie though. Nice girl, cute smile, what more can you ask for in life? well there was that hockey thing but …………..

Thanks for letting me hang with you guys cm,zav,brian,michael, but most importantly —- you know WHO:

JE-RE-MY .. JE-RE-MY.. JE-RE-MY..

say it with me people……………

Get your as$ on the blog big boy…….

P.S. — damm them marquarita’s where expensive as s##t!!!!!!!!!

By TD

April 18, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

This beatdown can almost all be attributed to lack of preparation and therefore a coaching issue. The trading deadline deals had to be done. Based on the Thrashers needs, the team traded for arguably the 2 best available players out there. Did they pay too much; probably. 2 other points. How could the fact that the veterans were concerned about Lehtonen’s preparedness be leaked to the press? This team was doomed from the get-go. Hossa and Kozlov have been horrendous. I hate to sound like Don Cherry, but this team has too many Europeans as their core players.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hey J - just thought of something. Maybe we can count the National Anthem as a period and then at least you’ll have your tie after period “A”. Just a thought.

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Did they pay too much; probably.

TD - While that arguement can be made, I think the price of doing NOTHING would have been higher.

Anyway,…..again, I bring it back to the basics. I just want to win tonight.

That’s all…….then we’ll go from there.

By Winger

April 18, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Woa!! Thrasher fans get a grip. The team accomplished alot good things this year and everybody wants to stick them under a bus. I bet three games ago all you whiners were saying we’ll win the cup. As bad as this seems now it will make the team stronger for next year. Kari is 23, of course he will bounce back, and at I least give Kovy cudos for showing some emotion. As much as Hoss means to the team during the regular season he has always been a disappointment in the playoffs, any knowledgable fan is not surprised. As a true hockey fan, I’m glad Atlanta even has a team so I can enjoy the NHL live. All you fair-weathered fans are the reason the Flames now play in Calgary. Stop the knee jerk reaction to one blowout game and continue to support the team, or would you rather see Atlanta be a two time losing NHL franchise city?

By Peter Lindström

April 18, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

There is one coach that the players really respect and look up to and that is Brad McCrimmon. He has been around for a long time as a player, as an assistant coach, as a head coach. He would be such a great head coach for the Thrashers. He has the experience needed and he is possitiv to the game, the players and the fans. He will never yell and cuss at the players. He will be great for the job.

By Kevin

April 18, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

It was over 32 seconds into the game. Bobby Holik skated around in a daze from that point on and was beaten to every loose puck. Marian Hossa shouldn’t have taken the penalties last night because it called attention to his invisibility. He almost made it through another playoff series without being noticed. Ilya Kovalchuk fighting Sean Avery, please. No chance tonight. Rangers and Thrashers are shaking hands at 9:35.

By Brendan

April 18, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

smclem35, you forgot to mention that we also got points by winning shootouts, that weren’t available to those clubs. I tend to think these things “even out” over the course of a season. Throwing my hands up in the air. Okay, I shouldn’t have compared point totals. Fine.

I agree with those who have said, “I don’t want to rebuild with Waddell making the draft picks.” There are a few other players, though, in the league that Don drafted. Off the top of my head, I’d say Darcy Hordichuk (Phoenix), Tommi Santala (Vancouver), Simon Gamache (Columbus), I think. There are others. Patrik Stefan, if he’s still on Dallas’ roster. None of them are setting the world on fire for their current clubs.

People talk about XLB as one of his best picks from the latter rounds. I was kinda partial to Pasi Nurminen. It is a shame about his career-ending injury back in 2005. Pasi might have salvaged the ‘05-‘06 season. But overall, Waddell is not the draft day General this team needs. But, he might be able to do a half-way decent job for a long-established team, with a strong pipeline from the minors. Truthfully, I thought Waddell’s trade deadline moves were excellent. Tkachuk, Dupuis, Belanger and Zhitnik salvaged the season into a playoff berth and division title.

Those who are saying, conceptually, that the team is too old … are right. This team needs to get younger and faster, and grittier. And I suspect that won’t happen in the Waddell Administration.

By chris

April 18, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

How’s that “war of attrition” strategy going for ya Thrasher fans??

I have a great way for the Thrashers to get under the salary cap. Get rid of Kolvachuk and Keith TkaSuck and sign a couple of goons. I mean, if all they are going to do is spend their time trying to pummel Sean Avery,why not use the money you save by trading them to pay for a few players who can concentrate on scoring goals.

By the way, I hear Hartley is going to put a German Shepard in net tonight to prove how unpredictible he is.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Now another small market team will find out how tough it is to rebuild under a salary cap environment. All I read here is get rid of this guy and that guy. Who do you think is going to take these cast offs? The league already picked your bones before the trading deadline suckers. What you have left is the turkey neck nobody wanted in the first place. By the way the if you ever make the playoffs again the Rangers will come back and beat you with the prospects you gave us for Dupuis.

By Russ

April 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Do you all realize if Kozlov would have been able to put the puck into the empty net off of that pass from Kovy last night Lehtonen would have more points in the series than Hossa?

If the Thrashers do get rid of Hartley I would like to see them give John Anderson from the Chicago Wolves a shot. I have seen him first-hand with two different minor league teams. His teams seem to respect him and play hard, but he isn’t afraid to chew their asses if they aren’t playing to the level they should. He has been very successful at every level he has coached at to this point. Just a thought.

By JERRY M

April 18, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

RED SOX DOWN 3-0. YANKS LOSE! THRASH DOWN 3-0….AS A YANKEEE/RANGER FAN, I’M STILL NERVOUS. THE FAT LADY IS TILL WARMIONG UP HER VOICE.

By chris

April 18, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Do the people who resort to the “it doesn’t make a difference they are only going to get killed in the next round” statements know how pathetic it sounds?

You used to hear Met fans saying that all the time when the Braves would beat them out. It sounds weak and pathetic in NY and it sounds weak and pathetic in Atlanta.

By Cam

April 18, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Anders, you gonna eat your words soon once Ottawa embarrases you and sends you golfing in 2 weeks time.

Penguins looking like Deer caught in headlights?? They would eliminate you in 5 or 6 max with that defence and Crosby would not be averaging 1 pts per game vs NYR…it would be more like 3 per.

Also Pitts was the hottest team in the NHL along with Vancouver and Ottawa, and if I am not mistaken Ottawa just came to Madison squere and humiliated you couple of times this year and swept teh season series skating circles around you.

It is one thing for a flash in the pan softy like Nylander making Sutton like a Pylon it is another think facing Phillips, Redden, Volcenkov and co.

Ottawa in 5, I even think they are better than Buffalo because I realy though Pitts was a team of destiny this year. Too bad they finished forth and we finished 3rd cuz they were far better team than us.

By FRENZY

April 18, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I am glad the team got the Banner and made the playoffs otherwise this year could be considered another bust.

I don’t think I have been this depressed since I finally realized that we were not going to have hockey the lock out season.

Defense and the power play are the biggest reasons we have not won a game in this series. I feel that Hartley is to blame for the lack of PP performance. I have questioned his goalie rotation (or lack of) all season.

The team has been streaky all year. Lets hope the losing streak is at an end and we go on a 4 game win streak.

BTW - it was nice meeting the bloggers at Taco Mac!!

By caveman22

April 18, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

rawhide,cm,Zav what time did ya’ll get home last night??

did cm and her friend over imbibe??

you see — good little boys like “me” go home early.

that’s why my mom still thinks I’m an ANGEL..

hehehehehehehehehe

By Chris is a fool

April 18, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

“Too bad Pitt finished 4th and Thrashers finished 3rd” You’re a fool look at the points. “Rangers are going golfing”. Yawn, Guess NYR should take this as a good sign since you and your like were so dead on in this series. I am sure it is a forgone conclusion that the Devils are done so your Senators statement is just more windbag nonsense. Try living in the present reality not your insulated fantasy of how you want the world to be.

By Bob

April 18, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Rangers are playing very well, they’re as much of a contender for the Finals as anyone in the East.

We still suck. Hartley is still a complete doofus.

But the Rangers are playing very well and can compete with anyone in the East in a 7 game series right now.

By Matt H

April 18, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

(ahem) What’s up guys?

I recommend catching the BUF/NYI, VAN/DAL and SJ/NSH series. I’ve been following them all, and they’ve been great. The PIT/OTT series has been pretty good too, but not nearly as much as the other three.

Oh yeah. The Thrashers played last night too.

Well. Sort of.

I haven’t seen a team sh*t the bed like that in a long time.

I grew up watching two of the worst teams in professional sports. I learned to laugh at them long before I could even cheer for them. When the Lightning finally made the playoffs back in ‘96, it was a very special time.

Several years and two owners later, they had the Cup. The Bucs had the Lombardi. It can happen anywhere, if it can happen there. It can happen here.

Just not now, it is evident. And probably not with Waddell, and prrrrobably not with Hartley, and not at all with a squabbling ownership. It’s not a bad time to give up on some of the players, coaches and management.

I don’t think it’s a bad time to take a step back, make some changes, start over.

It would be best if attendance dropped some next season. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better.

But don’t give up on “The Thrashers.” They’re our team, and even though I don’t live in Atlanta-proper, I’m proud to have an NHL team in my state that I can and will support.

I wore my Thrashers sweater yesterday, and I’m wearing it again today.

I will not try to rah-rah anyone. You simply can’t after last night. The Thrashers are obviously on the wrong track now. And if they continue unabated to reach Miami and Chicago proportions, I’ll simply pull my support altogether and go back to rooting for the Bolts (that’s developing into an interesting series too.)

But the fact is, we’re not there yet. And Thrashers fans deserve better than what happened last night. The best way to get retribution is to keep caring, even a little, and hold the management accountable for the terrible performance we all just witnessed.

By chris

April 18, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Unless there’s another Chris, I think you are attributing someone elses Jackass comments to me.

By Fork In It

April 18, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

“rookie Ryan Callahan scored his first two career playoff goals. He has more goals in the series than Kovalchuk, Hossa, Kozlov and Tkachuk combined”

That about says it all.

By tim

April 18, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

I just want us to make a series out of it..win one so I can at least go to the game Friday…i still believe even though there may not be any reason too. last night was an emberassment

By tim

April 18, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

I just want us to make a series out of it..win one so I can at least go to the game Friday…i still believe even though there may not be any reason too. last night was ugly

By Anders

April 18, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Hey Cam - not sure what words I have to eat because I haven’t predicted beating anybody. As for the Pens - not sure if you’re watching or not but even Gary Roberts has said they need to step up more in the playoffs. As for Ottawa humiliating us during the season - how’d we do against you guys this season? 1 -3 with two OT losses. I’m sure you would have thrown that in my face last week. You can see what those games meant in this series.

By Chris is not a fool

April 18, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Cam is a fool

By thrashermanfromtoccoa

April 18, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

it is time for the thrasher nation to pull together…win tonite and back home to take our chances…north georgia fandome BELIEVES…GO BLUE!!

By Anders

April 18, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

I understand that Hartley will start Richard Jewel in net tonight. Apparently he’s putting his scapegoat defense together.

By Cam

April 18, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Hey like I said you will play either one of Buffalo or Ottawa = NO CHANCE for the Rag$$$…might as well enjoy the next few days

Ottaw or Buffalo in 5….1 win for NY due to lunqvist stealing a game, but that s it. They aint in their ballpark. IMO Jersey is overrated, I was saying that ALL YEAR. Ottawa and Buff are the teams to beat in the East if not in the NHL.

By LAC

April 18, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

What can you even begin to say about last night, the whole series for that matter…

I am at a complete loss, really, cannot believe we have played so poorly.

We have to get better second line players for next season, tougher players, better defense and IF our goalie has another flop season & playoffs…good-bye as well.

Have to start thinking about the coach as well, this loyal to the veterans is stupid… Maybe a complete front office gutting is in order… then start as an expansion team again…

Will we wait another 7 years for a playoff FLOP… NO.

In three years Thrashers will likely be in Winnipeg/Kansas City or someplace else… But playing like this… Geee Whizzz What 2nite ? 10-0 ?

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

FRENZY - Wonderful to meet you and the lovely and vavacious Mrs. Frenzy last night!!!!!

CAVEMAN - I got home about 11:15,…CM and friend were wonderful!! We kinda sat around and chatted with BRIAN, ZAv, MICHAEL and our new blooger friend FRENZY and his wife.

We were bummed,…but a good time was had by all!!

By Cam is a Fool

April 18, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

NO chance for NYR… clearly. Love the $$ connotation - The Rangers are the only team in the league that doesn’t play under the rules of the cap. I only wish you hadn’t let our secret out. Also, try to not to misquote yourself. There was no previous mention of Buffalo in your comments. I will concede that if you keep naming opponents, the Rangers will eventually lose to someone, even if it takes until the next regular season. Also - I love how you have your back up teams in place, odd that their all upper etchelon? I am sure you were beating this drum for the Sabres, Senators,and Canucks all year, particularly since you highlight their records since the all-star break. You did get one thing right though, we will enjoy ourselves in the present.

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

As far as CM and Freind over imbibing…..

The two young lady’s intake of adult beverages never came close to approching the “over-indulgent” line.

They maintained their faculties the entire evening. Quite charming individuals at that.

However, my consuption of Ice Tea hit critical mass and the last 15 minutes of my ride home were most unbearable.

If anyone was travelling up 75 north through Cobb County at about 11:00 pm last night, my apologies for the “display” on the side of the highway!

By FlyersFan

April 18, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers just plain stink.

Criminy, the Flyers (the Flyers!) the worst team in the NHL … the worst team in the franchise’s 40-year history … beat the Thrashers four times during the regular season.

The Thrashers are exactly why Southern cities don’t deserve NHL franchises.

By Yearning for the Flames

April 18, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

You think the Rangers are good??? No, the Thrashers just suck. Watch the Rangers get killed in the next round against some real competition.

Cant believe how gutless the Thrashers organization is - from top to bottom - and to think that they mortgaged the future for this - Hockey - if you want to call it that - is going to suck in Atlanta for quite some time -

Is say bring Back Tom Lysiak, Eric Vail, Willie Plett and Dan Bouchard - even if they are 60 - they’re better than this group of pussies.

By Jeff

April 18, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

FlyersFan,

Southern cities have won two of the last 3 Cups… You’re a dufus, stay in Filthadelphia.

By be-a-tiger

April 18, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Rangers better team pure and simple, We had a great year, nothing to be ashamed of because we are still up and coming. Good luck to the Rangers.

well have to wait until next season guys,

Its been a very good year for the Thrashers.

By Coondawg69

April 18, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

To me it got so bad last night that during one of the television commercials, I turned it over to the Hawks game. My wife walks in and quips, “you’re watching the Hawks?!?!?” I said “Yes. It’s 100% better than what’s on FSN South right now.”

Never thought I would ever make a statement like that.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Jeff - Filthadelphia Classic! I plan to use that in the future.

By Paul

April 18, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Atlanta Thrashers fans go start watching your beloved Braves. Do you hear the FAT LADY singing. We do.

LET’S GO RANGERS

By caveman22

April 18, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Is Kari Let’em-IN going to be in goal for the next game??

AWW c’mon, it was right there—I couldn’t resist.

I’m such an AS$CLOWN

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Tonight, Coach Hartley will roll out a new strategy never seen before. He will start five forwards and tell Andy Sutton to lay across the goal crease and take it like a man. In this manner, Sutton will understand what he has exposed our goalies to all season.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Bob - Can you please provide a Hartley post game interview.

Like, we did not play well tunite, de udder teem did, you cant blame de goalie for me not teeching teem how to play defense.

You get the idea.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

As a Ranger fan I have to tell you guys I’ve never seen so much bashing as I have of one guy, Sutton, as I’ve seen here today. To tell you the truth I’ve never even heard of the guy and all you Thrasher fans are laying this series at his feet. Christ, this is as bad as what A-Rod hears - without the $252 mil and Hall of fame status of course.

By ZAvalanche

April 18, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, 4 hours till game time. Still cannot wait, haha, something wrong with me. Hopefully there won’t beer any tears in my beer tonight. I would at least like to get one game, just to save face. Common thrashers.

By Rawhide

April 18, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

ZAv - I’m starting to get jazzed now for tonight’s game.

I loves my Braves,..but I’m not ready to give ‘em 100% of my attention right now.

GO THRASHERS - RIP THE RUMP-RANGERS!!

By Yearning for the Flames

April 18, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

You think the Rangers are good??? No, the Thrashers just suck. Watch the Rangers get killed in the next round against some real competition.

Cant believe how gutless the Thrashers organization is - from top to bottom - and to think that they mortgaged the future for this - Hockey - if you want to call it that - is going to suck in Atlanta for quite some time -

I say bring Back Tom Lysiak, Eric Vail, Willie Plett and Dan Bouchard - even if they are 50 - they’re better than this group of pussies.

By joe719

April 18, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Just finished up work for the day. Gonna catch an early dinner with my guys, and head on down to the Garden. I heard there might be some sort of important goings on down there tonight. Seriously, Did anybody catch Holik’s interview after that debacle last night. He always acts like he has nothing to do with any loss. He was like that even with the Devils. Pretty soon he’ll blame the coach for mis-using him. What a great veteran leader. And look at Tkachuk, talking about being embarrassed, when all he did last night was slash Girardi on the hands after the rookie made a good play on him. PATHETIC!!!

By caveman22

April 18, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

yearning you forgot Jim Craig and the ghost of the great “BOOM BOOM” Geoffrione!!!!!

yeah I probably spelled it wrong!!

hell, Bring back the OMNI while your at it too.

Only Arena I ever went to that had a line for the every urinal in the bathroom and also one for the drain in the floor.

By Whitaker

April 18, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

I did not catch the post game show can someone tell me what Sutton said that got people going?

As for the game tonight. Being a transplant I HATE NY I do not care if it is NYY,NYM,NYR,NYI they all SUCK! and I would love nothing more than another of my teams coming back for 3-0 and shutting the New York Fans up. Can it be done YES!!

1 game at a time!

They need not to over think just basic. Pass puck! Shoot Puck!

See Puck! Stop Puck!

Win!

Eat! Sleep!

Meet with team!

Repeat 4 more times… then fight new team!

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - You better watch out. We’ve called up the Hanson Brothers for some old time hockey.

By joe719

April 18, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS: NYPD HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT THEY HAVE PICKED UP A YOUNG RUSSIAN MAN DRESSED IN AN ATLANTA THRASHERS UNIFORM, WANDERING AIMLESSLY ALONG THE FDR DRIVE. POLICE DID NOT DIVULGE ANY OTHER INFORMATION OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THE YOUNG MAN COULD BE HEARD MUMBLING THE FOLLOWING WORDS: “…A-V-E-R-Y…A-V-E-R-Y…A-V-E-R-Y!!!” THE POLICE ARE NOT SURE WHAT THESE WORDS MIGHT MEAN.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - Since the NYPD did such a good job finding Kovy, ask them to find Hossa, Tkachuk, and Kozlov and make Sutton disappear.

By joe719

April 18, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

THE HANSON BROTHERS???!!! How old are they now, 50 something? But your guys really don’t need them anyway. You got that ‘goon’ KOVY to fight your battles for you. As long as he keeps his gloves on when he starts throwing them, he’ll be fine!

By Yearning for the Flames

April 18, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

CAVEMAN Hey - Saw some real spirted hockey at the OMNI - unlike anything I’ve seen in the Thrashers first playoff series. I knew we were in trouble in Game 1 when they dominated during the first 19 minutes of the opening period.

When they played like that in the first period of the first game in their first playoff game, I knew it was going to a quick series.

Now we’ve got all the Ranger fans thinking they’re watching the Sabres.

By die hard Ranger fan

April 18, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

hehehehehehehehehehehehe

By Anders

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

Whitaker - Yeah, Sutton said he hates transplanted Atlanta fans who just root against NY teams for no apparent reason. Not sure who he was talking about? Any ideas? Nice come back strategy by the way. I’m pretty sure that’s about as extensive as Hartley’s was.

By joe719

April 18, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Stroz, The NYPD are so busy looking for the KNICKS, that they really don’t have much time for anything else.

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Joe719 - You should have known to never trust anyone from the Pistons to run a team.

By joe719

April 18, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Stroz, you’re exactly right! Now the writers up here are floating the idea of bringing in Jerry West to clean up this mess. As if he would soil his reputation with this disaster!!

By joe 719

April 18, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

There’s my ride. Gotta go. I’ll look out for those Hanson boys tonight “OLD TIME HOCKEY!!! EDDIE SHORE!! Make sure they bring their cars. I think your boys are gonna need them!!

By caveman22

April 18, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

at my school whenever we were in the mists of losing we had a slogan:

You won the game, WE WON THE FIGHT!!!

So c’mon Thrashers but some in the net and put some on their BUTTS!!!!

By Sutton is a fluffer

April 18, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Yeah Paul, I can hear the fat lady singing…tell your Mom to shut the f-ck up!

By LoneRanger

April 18, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

As a Ranger fan, I must say that this was a surprise. the Thrashers are a great and talented team (albeit overall a bit old) that simply did not have the experience and preparedness for the playoffs. They do, however, have a bright future.

By LoneRanger

April 18, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

As a Ranger fan, I must say that this was a surprise. the Thrashers are a great and talented team (albeit overall a bit old) that simply did not have the experience and preparedness for the playoffs. They do, however, have a bright future.

By Anders

April 18, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Caveman22 - You must make your school very proud with your literary eloquence. If the Thrashers come out fighting tonight we welcome it. Shanahan went toe to toe with Brashear earlier this year. Colton Orr knocked a Flyer out. Holweg took a stick across the chops and made his next shift. Get the idea? The Rangers are built to defend themselves too. Unfortunately for your boys you can’t risk taking instigator penalties and the like so drop your gloves at your own peril.

By Paul

April 18, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

The last time a NY team went up 3-0 and then lost was the Yankees which will never happen again. The Thrashers don’t have a chance to win this series. Go watch the loser Braves get beat by both NY teams.

LET’S GO RANGERS LET’S GO YANKEES

By R. Stroz

April 18, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Paul - Go watch the loser Knicks!

By Fierce Dawg

April 18, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

well guys…dont forget about the Gladiators! they consistently go 2nd round or further every year.

oh and paul…i believe we are up 2-1 and in front of the Mets in the standings. better record than the overpaid Yanks too.

By Fierce Dawg

April 18, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

well guys…dont forget about the Gladiators! they consistently go 2nd round or further every year.

oh and paul…i believe we are up 2-1 and in front of the Mets in the standings. better record than the overpaid Yanks too.

By Yearning for the Flames

April 18, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Get the brooms out