AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIn-game blog …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
END OF SECOND
Well, we had the mo’ and then we lost the mo’. This game could still go in any direction, but the Thrashers can never build on anything. Our goal was one of perseverence; Lundqvist made two great saves, but the puck popped out to de Vries, and I have no idea how he got it through all those players, but he did.
Moose should have had the Shanahan goal, but I’m not going to get down on him because he has played amazing again. A few stellar saves right before the goal kept the Thrash in it.
The Rangers do NOT want to lose this game, and I would watch for them getting a little tense if this stays close deep into the third. I know they’re in control of the series, but they DO NOT want to come back down here. It’s three days of work they’d rather not have.
I’ll say this for the Rangers, they do pass beautifully.
END OF FIRST
Well, we led for 1:19. That’s something. Friend of mine at the Garden said Thrash looked like they were standing still in the early going. The goal rejuvenated them, I think, but Lundqvist’s save on Mellanby was a bit of a deflater.
1-1 is better than 3-0. I’ll take it.
I predicted 5-2 Thrashers just to fire up my friend up there … and he responded with an IM I can’t even paraphrase here for fear of FCC violations. New Yorkers. Who needs ‘em, right?
Make sure you check out the Schultz story on Hartley.
PREGAME
Thought I’d open up a file for you guys to vent throughout the game ….Since we’re a few hours away yet, let me offer this one thought. Now, I’m not saying this is gonna happen, but sometimes … sometimes … this is what happens in a case like this: The team trailing 0-3 plays so loosely in Game 4 that it actually wins. Guys start playing for themselves, start taking some chances, play with a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude … and suddenly a few breaks go their way.
It’s happened before, that’s all I’m saying. And from the Rangers point of view, what’s the one thing they DON’T want? They don’t want to come back to Atlanta for a Game 5, so wouldn’t that be just the kind of thing that happens, the kind of ‘ugh’ moment most teams have to experience in the playoffs.
All I’m saying is: I would not be surprised to see the Thrashers win tonight.
Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these guys play in street clothes with plane tickets in their back pockets, either. …
So there you have it, my official prediction: The Thrashers may or may not win tonight.
And you can take that to the bank.
Comments
By Rawhide
April 18, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Way to take a stand there, Dave! LOL!
Of couse, I can’t blame you,…you never know what group of guys is coming out of the locker room.
They gotta show some pride out there,….don’t worry about the series per-say,…just wory about winning this ONE game.
By John
April 18, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
I’ll be at work tonight and will not be able to watch the game. So I hope you guys can keep me informed through this blog on how bad we’re doing….I mean…well, no, thats exactly what I mean, unfortunately.
By stendec
April 18, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Will game be on SportSouth? Not last night in South Georgia. Braves on. How about tonight? Any replay? Thanks.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
It was on FSN last night … SportSouth tonight
By stendec
April 18, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
Ice Man. Thanks. Be careful. Hope I have something upbeat to say later on tonight.
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Stendec, when was the last time you said something upbeat about this time?
On a different note. I think Hartley has to go and keep Waddell. Its Hartley who plays this awful defensive system (whatever it may be) not Waddell. Granted Waddell isn’t Lou-but I think he is a sold GM.
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
team….not time. Did I catch a niner in there?
By Legion of thrash
April 18, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
BG33Brown— will you please explain to me how you think Wadell is a solid GM?
By Oh...Canada
April 18, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
I’m still here on the Thrasher bandwagon. It is errily quiet and uncrowded now, while the road behind is littered with bodies. Those still hanging on are perilously close to the edge.
Don’t jump my friend! Believe in Blueland. However, if one Thrasher takes one milli-second of one shift off tonight. I’m jumping!
Play Thrashers hockey and you can be right up there with the 2005 (or was it 2004?) Red Sox. You can hang the ultimate “choke” sign on New York. Now there is something to play for.
With apologies to Robert Service:
You’re up against the Rangers and your’re getting knocked about—-Grin.
You’re feeling pretty groggy, and if you’ll come back is in doubt—-Grin.
Don’t let them see you’re funking, let them know with every clout,
Though you’re down 3 to none, your blooming heart is stout:
Just stand play Thrasher hockey until those beggars are down and out—-and Grin.
Life’s a bally battle, and the same advice holds true—-of grin.
If you’re up against it badly, then it’s only one on you,—-so grin.
There’s nothing gained by whining, and you’re not that kind of stuff;
You’re fighters from way back, and you won’t stand rebuff;
If fate should put you down, just get up and call their bluff.
My message is simple: PLAY THRASHER HOCKEY.. and you’ll do us proud. Don’t play their game. And don’t take a milli-second off,…I want to be here to celebrate.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
My prediction: Rangers 4, Thrashers …. 37
Of course, if Ditka is coaching da Trashers, dat would be da first-period score. Da final would be Rangers 6, Trashers 422
By Daniel
April 18, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
I love my thrashers. I love hockey. I’m just going to sit back and watch the team I love for one more game, it may be the last game before a long summer. I’m just gonna soak it up, come what may.
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
I think that he has done an adequate job. Lets start most recently. Bringing in KT/Dupuis/Belanger were great moves-period. Without those moves we wouldn’t of even made the playoffs. Don’t forget the sinking ship that was the Thrash before the trade deadline. Did we give up to much? I don’t think so. This franchise HAD to make the playoffs this year.
Secondly, last offseason he brings in Metro/Sim-2 good players (metro lead us in +/- before we shipped him off) and Sim has been great. We brought in Rucchin who was marginal at best(definitely overpaid for a 3rd/4th line center) and Kap (who stunk but at least we didn’t have “the original thrasher.”
Before that is drafting and I am going to defer to the Falconer and his draft analysis. Here is the link to his blog.
http://thrasherstalons.blogspot.com/
WADDELL isn’t the one who has instituted a horendous PP strategy. Hasn’t gotten us to charge the next without the puck to score playoff goals. and also isn’t responsible for this “god awful” defensive system where I guess no one is accountable.
Don’t forget he also got Hossa for Heatley when it was known heatley wanted out of ATL. I know no NFL GM would have been able to get such a deal.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
I’m scared to click on that link if it somehow supports DW as a draft guru.
BG, I’m on record as saying DW is a lovely man, and I’ll never call for his head … but when it comes to the draft, don’t go there. He’s abysmal. Beyond XLB and Nurminen, he hasn’t produced a single NHL regular beyond the first round.
And, in case you haven’t looked since those great deadline moves … the cupboard is bare.
By Bob
April 18, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
Waddell cannot draft, his UFA signings (especially at dman) is pretty poor as well. His strength are his trades. He did his job at the deadline, give him another year, Hartley needs to go.
The boys will play much more solid in front of Moose tonight, and could pull it out, making it all the more painful knowing how badly Hartley screwed the pooch last night not starting Moose.
I honestly prefer not to delay the inevitable, however, and let the Ranjerks close it out tonight on their ice.
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
I am certainly not calling him a brillant GM. What I said is that he is average. So Ice Man, in retrospect tell me you don’t think we should’ve made those deadline deals? And aren’t we always talking about the youth we have in Chicago? Where did that talent come from?
He is average.
By Legion of thrash
April 18, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
BG33Brown— you make no case for Wadell. The ship was sinking because Wadell didn’t get it right from the get go. What are these players doing in the playoffs, nothing! His drafting is crap! Look at the defense he has put together, pitiful! He didn’t get Hossa, Ottawa offered Hossa and DeVries, which he should have asked for someone else besides DeVries. He is at best a poor GM!
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
No, I think the trades were a necessary evil. DW did what he had to do, and got good pieces.
But the talent we have at Chicago is DW’s favorite kind, apparently: The tweener. Guys who look great in the AHL but can’t quite make an impact in the NHL.
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
Ice, you would know better than me about that. But when did they ever get a chance to show it with Hartley on the bench?
Great goal. even though we are down 3-0 it feels so good to have a lead. Of course that could change soon.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
HA. Nice call.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Schultz: Hartley will be back
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Then they both got to go. Ice Man, that is check mate by you as far as I am concerned….well played. Although I didn’t know you had a partner.
By Rawhide
April 18, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
Checkin’ in…
1-1 last few minutes of the first…
Better energy tonight. Of course, that’s not saying much after last night.
So far a better beginning.
GO THRASHERS!!
By BG33Brown
April 18, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Best thing about the first period. We are chrashing the net and throwing pucks in front. Good things can happen when we do that.
Worst thing. My god do our outlet passes suck. Wish we had a dman who could do that. Oh….thats right we do but he is a healthy scratch.
MORONS.
By Wreckin' & Thrashin'
April 18, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Better than before… still no Hossa sighting. And my man crush on Ilya only grows.
By russian
April 18, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Somebody Kill Scotty!!!! He is freak slow like hell. ;-(
By Nix
April 18, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
I hate not being able to watch the game. For those of you who can actually see the game, how are they playing? ESPN’s play-by-play isn’t really giving me a feel for how they’re working together. Impressions greatly appreciated.
By Bob
April 18, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Jagr falls down and we get 2. Nice.
Boys are playing much better in front of Moose. He stoned Jagr when he walked in alone on that power play, those are the kind of big saves that gives your team a chance.
Hossa more effective, he started that 2nd goal.
Dupuis is a keeper, even though he did fall down on that breakaway.
Kovy wants to win.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Their aggressivness is directed at the puck again and not at the blue jerseys.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
SON OF A
By Tony C.
April 18, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Nix
Le Thrash is playing better-but the zebras are still giving every marginal call to NYR…
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Where is the game?????
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Madison Square Garden.
;)
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
I thought they were playing in Tampa Bay?
Seriously though, tv??????
just broke free for the night.
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
3-2 nyr; about 10 mins left; nyr just killed off a pp (of course)
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
No, not OUR PP…
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
It really isn’t on TV??
Rawhide??
By Ice Man
April 18, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
SportSouth
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Why the heck does the Comcast Guide say college baseball??? Oh well, found it now. Thanks Ice.
By Nix
April 18, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
So apparently the question I should have asked back in the 1st period is “what channel is the game on?”
Come on Blue!!!!!
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
I could cry..DAMN!
By Tom
April 18, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
What a fitting end to the series…
Havlid unable to handle the puck and turning it over to Jagr for an empty net goal.
We are nothing if predictable.
By Nix
April 18, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
ouch.
By Kurt
April 18, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
The Rangers just happen to be a better team. 4-2 in the waning moments. Sweep Time !!!
By B. Thenet
April 18, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
The Rangers got every bounce in this series.
Of course it helped that Nic Havelid kept giving the puck to the Rangers. He cannot come back next season. I will boo that bum every time he touches the puck.
And in case Schultz doesn’t have a blog…if DW wants Hartley back the Atlanta Spirit should fire him too.
By legion of thrash
April 18, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Wadell saying Hartley will be back 100% next year is another reason Wadell has to go as well.
By russian
April 18, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Everybody be Happy! Season is over. We will see what happend on summer.
By yellowjax
April 18, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Well, NY played 4 solid games. At least we gave ‘em a game tonight. Thanks Mel, you’ve worn the C well.
By Wreckin' & Thrashin'
April 18, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
I feel like someone just did a 180 twist on one of my balls.
By R. Stroz
April 18, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Time to clean house! Get rid of
1) Sutton
2) Havelid, before anyone figures out he is going downhill fast
3) Devries
Everyone else who are your top three to get the gate.
By Bob
April 18, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Hartley’s back? Say it ain’t so.
Last one out, hit the lights. See ya next year, folks.
By CM
April 18, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Well f’in good job with the sound from the locker room f’in SPORTS SOUTH!!
By j nes
April 18, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
small steps fellas…learning lessons and small steps
By R. Stroz
April 18, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Bob - How about a post game impression of Hartley to lighten the mood!
By Tom
April 18, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
If we are to be a contender we need to revamp the defense. And then we need to change the power play. Did anyone notice that once Hossa was off the power play it looked better?
If Hartley is to return, he has to change the way we play fundamental hockey.
We have an offense predicated upon defenseman making strong outlet passes yet have defenseman on the team who can not pass.
We bring in a Keith T. who can take up space on the power play in front of the goal but we do not shoot.
We have an offense that is so predictable that other teams can sus it out in minutes, but have some of the best free style players out there.
This team has been a cunundrum all year and if the same management team comes back they better recognize that we need to change our approach or this time next year we will be having the same discussion.
By yellowjax
April 18, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Yeah, thanks for the Mellanby interview and the rest of the in depth post game show. Guess we had to rush to the tape delayed GA vs. GA Tech baseball game. A whole Thrasher season wrapped up in 5 minutes - sweet!
By Eileen and Shannon
April 18, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
We appreciate all of the great hockey moments the Thrashers gave us this year. Let’s hope for a great season next year and a longer playoff run.
By stendec
April 18, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Moose. Third goal softee worthy of Sori Letemin. Is an NHL goalie available anywhere? Cheap? Apply at Phillips Arena. ASAP!
By stendec
April 18, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Shanahan now on VS. Division joke swept by #6 seed. Thanks Thrashers. Choke job of epic proportions! Decent regular season forever tarnished. Maybe next year! Or the next, or the next or the…aw, forget it!