AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYou Thinking What I’m Thinking?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was shocked. Simply shocked. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. But there was Kari skating toward the goal to begin the game. I wondered, did Moose hurt himself during warm-ups? Was there an illness or death in his family? Surely, something wasn’t right. Were you not thinking Moose was starting tonight? I was.
Now, I’m not dumping on our Finish net-minder. It’s just that after 5 goals on 20 shots in 40 minutes Thursday night before being pulled, I don’t think I was alone in my feelings that #1 would start Saturday night. But apparently I was wro….uh, I was less-then-correct.
Then, 1:46 into the game New Jersey is up 1-0. (Just an aside here, but will somebody check to see if a law was enacted requiring that the Thrashers go down a goal before the first beer is consumed). Anyway, then I thought, OMG, same song-different verse. Was I the only one of the 15,606 in the arena thinking that? I doubt it.
But just 35 ticks of the clock later the youth movement led the charge. Haydar rips a blast that stunned Marty Brodeur. The assists coming from fellow rookies Little and Sterling. (Can one of my stats-wizards take a look-see at the record books and tell me the last time a goal was scored by a rookie with two assists from rookies. Not only THAT, but a rookie scoring his first goal from two rookies notching their first assists).
The “older” crowd took it from there. Ilya, XLB and The Captain crinkled the twine and in just 28 minutes and 28 seconds, we not only held our first lead of the year we had doubled our goal production for the season. And we all thought THIS was where it all would turn around. We saw speed and passing mixing together and we rejoiced. We saw our defense stone the Devils on a 4 minute PK, allowing just 2 shots in that span, and again we rejoiced. I know I wasn’t only one feeling it, I heard it from you all. It was LOUD!!!! From our youngsters then to our vets, this team started to bridge the generational gap and Blueland was a-rockin’.
But then, it happened.
Half a minute before the second intermission, Kari gives up a juicy rebound and Pandolfo pulled New Jersey back to a single goal and I began to get nervous, almost as if I knew this was going to wind up coming back to haunt us. Now, I will be honest with you all. I felt bad for allowing the doubt to creep in my mind. After all, the team played great overall and we still held a lead going into the third. But still, I had this ugly, nasty feeling in my gut. We were getting out shot 23-14 at that time and just let up one of those dreaded last minute goals. But was I the only one struggling with pessimism at this point?
Obviously not. Here is a post from Stendec Saturday evening, “Oh my God! Thrashers had an offensive explosion. FOUR GOALS! See (Kari) let two-goal edge dwindle to one before second intermission. Figures…… Look for (Kari) to allow two or more in third period! Hope I am off base. DOUBT IT!”
And, alas, unfortunately our friend Stendec was, indeed, on base. He put into print what we all were thinking. When we first saw Kari skate out to start, we all were suprised. However, the 3rd period played out in a fashion that justified our fears. Before we knew it, we were a goal down and we couldn’t get a shot on net in the first half of the final period.
Kovalchuk’s lazer blast with 3:20 left brought us to out feet in jubilation, (oh, and I would be remiss if I did not note his intense play of late. He has justified that “A” on his chest). At minimum, our first point of the season seemed surely at hand. Then….
Exelby holds at 18:15
Elias scores at 19:32
It seemed almost surreal.
It got even surreal-er-er.
As the clock ticked down,…..17, 16, 15,…..somehow the puck makes it past Broduer and slides slowly, S L O W L Y, toward the goal line. I thought it was going in, you did too, just before Marty covered it with his mit. The great Marty Brodeur made the most meaningful save of the night on a shot that was travelling at 0.00000031 m.p.h.
Done. 6-5 loss. 0-5-0 on the season.
Now what are we all thinking? Let me take a Stendecian type stab at it.
Kari must sit. Moose must start. Not just in Filth-adelphia, but Thursday when the Rangers pay us a call. He must start the vast majority of the road trip. Kari must sit, not because he is 0-4-0 against the Flyers with a 3.31 GAA and an .881 SV%., but because Lehtonen has allowed 11 goals in his last 5 peroids. That’s over two per period. That’s just bad,…period.
Now, Moose himself has a 4.50 GAA and an .857 SV% in 4 periods, so it’s not like he’s been standing on his head out there. And surely our defence must reduce the amount of shots our net-minders are facing. But Kari’s in a daze, a rut, a funk, call it what you will. And he has to figure it out. Only not on the ice.
Johan Hedberg must be our starter.
Period.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Hockeyfan
October 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I vividly remember in the pre-season some claims from Hartley that a goalie was going to have to earn their start. There were promises of not playing the same goalies in back to back games. I was more shocked to see that this wasnt the case in Buffalo than seeing Kari starting last night.
We need to quit taking stupid penalties. We also have to take more shots. 3 shots in the third last night is not going to protect a lead or expand one.
By FRENZY
October 14, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - I agree. When I saw Kari start the game I was in disbelieve. Giving up the first goal and the two at the end of the second and third period just brings back so many bad memories.
Moose needs to start until a back to back is reached and the rookies need to keep playing together on the same line. I enjoyed their play last night.
By Dave
October 14, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
That’s an outstanding review and I’m also at a loss. Where do you even begin to fix this club? I mentioned earlier how everyone improved their clubs over the past off-season but the Thrashers did not. Management did not really do their homework on the players they signed. I am familiar with Perrin in particular because he played with our rival Lightning. He couldn’t finish! Incredible passes from Richards went everywhere but in the net. Most of his scoring was done early last season and then zip. He is just one example of many that have similar tales. Those of you with NHL Center Ice know the players around the league well and know what I’m talking about. Atlanta did NOT improve for this season. I posted late yesterday about maybe looking into Nolan Pratt if he is still around at a fair price. He was only discarded by Tampa Bay, along with Sarich, because of salary problems with the big 3 they have. Defense must be addressed first and it better be done soon before the mountain gets too high to climb. The Panthers and Caps are not easy teams to climb over anymore, never mind the Canes and Lightning.
By Jenny
October 14, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
We need tons more shots on goals, right? I’m pretty bad with actual figures, but Kovy’s a fast guy, and he needs fast linemates. Bryan Little’s speed is RIDICULOUS. Why aren’t they on the same line? Little’s a rookie, and I understand a rookie needs to earn his place on one of the top lines, but pomp and circumstance need to be put aside for now. We need shots. We need goals. I know it seems to simple, but why not give it a shot?
Both sides of the game are shot right now, and I don’t know of a real fix for either, but can we at least make an effort? Seriously.
By Tom
October 14, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Informal Poll:
What should be done? Type a number
1 - Fire Hartley 2 - Fire Waddell 3 - Fire both 4 - Fire neither, wait it out
By B. Thenet
October 14, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
So now the trade rumors begin. DW looking for a C and D according to Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.
The only problem is that after “addressing our PP and PK issues” last year by adding Dupuis and Zhitnik, can we trust DW to make the moves needed to turn this team around?
It will be a long time before 17 shots on goal will almost win us a game.
I, for one, cannot wait until we get a lecture from the VS television crew how the Thrashers are just like last years Flyers team. You know, the one that was the worst team in the NHL(by 11 points no less) and then blew apart its roster to start all over again this year.
So within 10 years we will enter our second rebuilding project.
By Jenny
October 14, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Also, apparently I like the word shot a lot. Maybe because I had to take so many to numb the pain of last nights emotional rollercoaster.
By LAC
October 14, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
By R. Stroz
October 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Tom - The answer is 3
Here are my questions:
Are Kovy and Enstrom the only players that can bring the puck up ice?
Has Kozlov retired?
When will Lehtonen “grow a pair”?
When will someone realize we need to bring some players with beef up from Chicago?
Why is Thorburn sitting when we need some beef at forward?
When will Hartley change the PP and PK?
When will Hartley bench an underperforming vet to send a message?
Does Havelid even want to play hockey any more?
When will our centers win a key face-off?
When will the Thrashers win a game?
By R. Stroz
October 14, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
I forgot a few questions:
What happened to the goalie rotation?
How bad does Kari have to play to get benched?
When will Moose get to play again?
Is Moose not “one of Hartley’s boys”?
By R. Stroz
October 14, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Kari is a boy, this team needs a man in goal.
By Kozlov
October 14, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Well…It was a better lose. Sheesh…
By Brendan
October 14, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, even Darren Eliot got on Lehtonen’s case. He’s just not putting rebounds to a safe place. Of course, it’s not really good to be giving up rebounds in the first place.
Kovalchuk, not Holik, has looked like our leader this season. I have to say that. He must get credit for that. Anyone can see how hard he’s trying. Anyone can see the frustration and anger on his face. Kovalchuk is a not a “coach-killer,” like Jagr. If Hartley gets the “ax,” don’t blame Kovy among the players you might want to cite for getting Hartley fired.
As for trading Hossa, it comes down to this. Can the Thrashers organization really risk losing him to free agency? (No.) So, if they cannot re-ink Hossa to a contract soon, or if he still is without a contract in mid-February, he’s got to be moved for the best offer. It’s that, or watch him walk, FOR NOTHING. Well, nothing more than reclaimed “cap room.”
Well, if this team is tanking, it’s got think about rebuilding. Is Hossa “an asset” or not? If you said, “Yes, he is,” then you’ve got to move assets in order to rebuild. I’m not suggesting moving Kovalchuk, who is under contract until 2010. All Hossa is required to do … is play out this year’s contract. If Hossa would just tell Waddell where he wants to play, if it’s not Atlanta, at least Don would try to do some “sign-n-trade” with that team. Ya know?
I don’t like talking about a Hossa trade any more than you do. I wish Hossa were under contract for the next few years. But the truth is, he’s not. He’s not. GM’s make “difficult” choices. That’s why they get paid the big bucks.
By erock
October 14, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
trade one of our fsst midgets and get HORDICHUK to get some FIGHT in this team!!!!!!!
By Bob
October 14, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
3 is the answer, of course.
We got outshot 2-1, that’s not the goalie’s fault. Moose would’ve lost that game as well, the guys skating just aren’t that good, except Kovy.
So now Waddell is looking for a D and a C? Gee, what a grand idea. Thought he was content to wait 10 games.
can we trust DW to make the moves needed to turn this team around?
Gee, let me think about that one for a while, I’m not sure.
lol.
By dj
October 14, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Bob is right. Kari did not lose that game. Dont’ get me wrong bad rebounds are there but the greaty Marty gave up bad rebounds. The difference?? The two guys in front. I sit right behind Kari and trust me I couldn’t see the final goal so I doubt Kari saw it. Also, the play on which the NJ devils scored first go ahead goal in the third, it Kari in the mask and (I didn’t see it on TV) the puck was lost b/c the ref was searching and searching..but didn’t blow the whistle. If that was Marty that got hit in the mask there would have been a whistle. Finally, I’m tired of seeing ticky tack calls against us in the first two periods then other teams getting away with murder in the third. A hook is a hook in the 1,2,3rd. I give that game up to the officiating.
By Ciddly
October 14, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
I think #3 however, DW needs to go…now - he rescued hos job last year at the cost of moving some young kids who will play in the NHL and draft choices - he sold out - BH - stubborn and plays his way or no way - let the axe fall on DW first, then give Hartley 5-10 games and then assess. I don’t think he’s the right coach for this team and the way the league plays now anyways.
I can’t tell you how dissapointing the offseason moves were - I considered selling my season’s tix…but to who? If ownership (who are partyly to blame for not opening up the purse either)doesn’t sack up, they can kiss my $$$ goodbye.
Holik and Havelid were two on the list that needed to get launched - Holik is incredibly slow and has hands of stone - Havelid is just weak - his size stats is what keeps him around, nothing else. Unfortunately Sutton was ver dissapointing last year…thankfuly they ditched Devries but gimpy Klee as the answer or senior Zhitizen? Pass.
I think you hang on to Hossa, see if if he signs - if he doesn’t, in the Spring, get a good player that can help now and two good prospects for him - I have to question his heart especially after what I saw at the end of last year - I swear that it was going to come out at the end of last season that he was playing through a bad leg or foot injury that hampered his play…but nothing.
To go with Don Cherry’s philosophy, enough with those soft Euro’s - get some tough Canadian and American kids - looks what the Rangers did last year with players like that - we have NONE.
I like out kids and feel that the only good thing to come out of Waddell’s iabailities was that Hartley HAD to play those propsects even though he really didn’t want to - boy, I wish the Thrashers got Ted Nolan before the Isles did…wonder if there is someone else like that out there?
By erock
October 14, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
HORDICHUK HORDICHUK HORDICHUK
By UpperDeck4Life
October 14, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
The kid line was really good last night. 2 of them notching multipoint games. They had jump, energy and did something good almost everytime they were on the ice last night…then Hartley and his infinite wisdom started. After logging over 9 minutes of ice time each through 2 periods, Hartley must have forgoten where they were sitting on the bench in the 3rd period because I can’t see how you do this to the line that was playing the best hockey on the team last night.
Little: 3:09 TOI on 5 shifts Sterling: 1:13 TOI on 2 shifts Haydar: 1:24 YOI on 2 shifts
I can not believe that line didn’t get more ice time than that in the third. I also agree that Kari let in to many last night. I fault everyone for the goals…not just Kari though. The defense couldn’t clear a puck to save their lives, or their jobs. The forwards are doing a pretty poor job of back checking and of getting open to receive the outlet passes from the defensemen. Kari is giving up to many defenseman, but you can see how tight he is in there. He has no confidence in the defence right now and is affraid of letting in every shot that comes his way.
By Sage of Bluesland
October 14, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
I’m wondering when the ‘Usual Suspects’ of the Waddellites will make an appearance and make some more pitiful excuses for their lovably buffoonish hero?
You know who you are.
Here we go—A “Ten-Game Plan” in Year Eight of Donny’s original “Five-Year Plan”, all the while “building through the draft”…All that’s missing now is yet another playoff “guarantee”.
(You must excuse me as I simply love pointing out these facts)
Excuses, anyone?
By stendec
October 14, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
People. I WANTED to be wrong! No one wants Thrashers to succeed more than I. Still, have zilch confidence in proclaimed #1 netminder. Does not project winning attitude. That is something that cannot be taught or acquired! Lose close guys. Some Thrasher fans LOVE morale victories.
By LAC
October 14, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Sage I’m with you buddy, this waddell a— h—- has to go and go now.
I’m not going back till he is, his moves… or lack of, either way have KILLED a Division Champion…
I hate it, and what’s more… I bet we win maybe 10 games all year… with this bunch.
Sage you RULE, Exactly Correct !!!!!!
Wish these owners would WAKE up before it is TOO LATE !
By stendec
October 14, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
I AM NOT ONE OF THEM!
By Tom
October 14, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Salt in the wounds… Belanger is +5 with Minnesota. ugh…
By The Fish
October 14, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Can we fire the owners? Baring that, Wadell and his 8 year plan need to be canned. At least we know Hartely can coach as he has his name on the Cup in a couple of places.
By Brendan
October 14, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Tom, for those thinking that the best way to rebuild for the future is to own the 1st overall pick, wouldn’t the answer to your poll question be choice #4? Fire neither. Then clean house in February, so the new GM can make the trade deadline “firesale” moves to shape the team the way he thinks is best.
I’d like to ask … “When is the proper time to search for a new GM?” If you answered, “Right Now!!,” how much could a new GM really re-shape this roster, in terms of immediate needs? Shrugs. The only thought I can come up with is a “sign-n-trade” of Hossa for three players covering positional needs. But how likely is that? Other teams have set their rosters, too. I guess it’s not philosophically impossible. But I suspect other GM’s will still be evaluating their rosters through the first 15-20 games, also.
Even replacing a coach now … if you’re going to fire the GM later on, is going to hurt you in the longrun. That is, unless the new GM “likes” this particular coach. I’m the sort who says, “Ideally, a GM should hire his Head Coach.”
I’m at a total loss for candidates. But just for giggles, if Barry Melrose said he wanted to return to NHL coaching and expressed his desire to come to Atlanta, how would you feel about that? No frekkin way?! Or, “Cool! Why not give him a shot?!” In case anyone’s curious, the last time Melrose made a “splash” in coaching was 1993, when the Gretzky-led Kings, filled with “ex-Oilers,” lost the Cup Finals to Montreal.
As for GM’s, I’m not sure what Neil Smith is doing these days. He might be a broadcaster somewhere, or doing something behind the scenes in hockey. His tenure lasted 41-days with Islanders when erratic owner Charles Wang fired him. Neil Smith deserves a second chance somewhere. I’m not saying he’d be the best fit here, though. Neil Smith’s greatest success occurred in 1994, when he was GM of the NY Rangers, who won the Stanley Cup that year.
Fire away!
By JayBird
October 15, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
erock, what is with the crush on a guy named Darcy? Hordichuk would fit right in on this team since he averages 5:43 minutes a game, is -2 and has 10 penalty minutes in 3 games. Just what need, another defenseman who can’t defend and is always in the penalty box!
I didn’t see the game last night, thank goodness. Apparently I missed one hell of a performance by our defense. I glad I had George Carlin tickets because he sure didn’t let me down!
By R. Stroz
October 15, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
Bob Hartley’s coaching rules:
1) If something works well, change it quickly
2) If something works poorly, stick with it forever or until it works, in which case go back to rule number 1
By Thrashy Thrashy
October 15, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this
Belanger would be a -3 on this team. We just suck.
By Bob
October 15, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Not even an article in the AJC today? Waddell has succeeded in making this club irrelevant, 5 games into the season.
Well done, Don. Mabye he can write a book when he gets canned, How to kill hockey in Atlanta, Part II
We should be winning a game here shortly, even the year 1 and 2 teams would win every 5th game or so. We’re due, you can do it, boys!
By Sage of Bluesland
October 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Compare and contrast our state with that of the Minnesota Wild—yes, an expansion team that came into the league AFTER we did.
They’re 5-0. We’re the exact opposite.
Hmmm, I WONDER what some of the major differences between the two franchises are? The most obvious—as the Waddellsheep are a bit blunt and never admit to their errors—is that they do not have a complete buffoon leading their franchise and making decisions.
I don’t want to hear of the ownership excuse—they ponied up the money when bumbling Donny went to them…They have not turned down any such request (and that’s per Donny and Bernie Mullin’s own lips)…
Find another excuse, Waddellites—or, better yet, look at your hero for the real reason why we continue to wallow in sub-mediocrity…
By ranallo10
October 15, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
4 — Wait it out.
If we’re 0-10, option 1.
If we’re 2-18, option 2.
If we’re 4-36, option 5 (bring a screwdriver and wrench to the next home game, and take everything that isn’t bolted down…got to recoup those season ticket loses somehow).
NJ game — I agree with Bob and dj this time. Being outshot 35-17 (12-3 in the 3rd) is something most teams are not able to overcome. Sterling (+2), Little (+1), Haydar (+2)…how much ice time in the 3rd did they get? (see UD4L’s post)
Trade Rumors — They’re rumors. Who wouldn’t think that after 5 losses to start the season that Waddell MIGHT be looking around? I’m sure teams have being ringing him off the hook asking about the availability of every player on the roster, with the exception of Klee.
Quick fixes — I hope to see some sorts of fixes being made in attempt to right this ship. Short of a firesale or firing personnel, what can any of you recommend to fix this team NOW? Get some player names in your ideas (saying a playmaking center and a big defender is not an idea, it’s a statement of the obvious).
Sage — Did you enjoy the banner drop? I’m just curious. I want to know where you get any enjoyment out of this team, as it’ll help explain why you continue to come back. Please…”enlighten” me.
By luckydog
October 15, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
ok, Ranallo here’s a name: vitaly vishnevski. he was a big part of the fast start last year, then disappeared until dealt for belanger. now with the devils (did he even play saturday?)
anyway, i’d trade Skates Slater for him straight up, although the devils probably wouldn’t do it…heck, at this point i’d offer Slater to the ducks to get Shane Hnidy back…
anyway, we’re awash in small, ineffective wingers beyond kovy and hoss — every one of em should be trade bait, including Kozlov, who has become a nonfactor.
our biggest need is for an agile big man on D who can puck-handle and play with energy. get that guy, put moose in goal for a couple weeks and maybe the bleeding stops….then you can start worrying again about centers and Kari’s “development.”
By ranallo10
October 15, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
luckydog — Vishnevski and Hnidy BACK to the club. I think most here would agree more with Hnidy than with Vishnevski, but I understand your point. How about Ossi Vaananen then? He’s in the mold of a Vishnevski (hits hard, defensive defender, not nearly perfect though), plus he’s still unsigned to my knowledge. Perhaps offer him a one year contract and see how he helps the team?
In Saturday’s game, Vishnevski had 8:55 of ice time and was a -2.
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Kozlov cannot be traded, Luckydog. He has a “no trade clause” in the contract. If Kozlov would waive that, then something could be done. But that’s up to Kozlov, who has two more years on his contract, at a cap hit of $3.75 million per season.
Ranallo, Hossa to the L.A. Kings (1-5-0) for Center Mike Cammalleri, Alexander Frolov, and D-man, Jack Johnson.
By ranallo10
October 15, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Brendan, why would they do that?
The Kings would hang up on Waddell if he even muttered those three names in return for Hossa alone.
Let’s try to keep this quick fix idea into the realm of somewhat plausible.
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Well, I meant to say, throw in a 1st round pick and maybe Mark Popovic as a “sweetner.” But you’re right. They’d be stupid to part with young, promising players. On the other hand, Hossa is one of the best 10-20 power forwards in the World, guaranteed to deliver 40 goals and 90-points a season, from now ‘til retirement.
By Rawhide
October 15, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
While I can appreciate those coming to Kari’s defense by citing shots allowed on him, (30+ is indeed too many), but to me it is still clear that the change has to be made.
Case in point:
Kari has allowed 11 goals in 5 periods, as I stated. He faced 54 shots in those 5 periods which calculates to 79.63 SV% during that span. That’s a goal every 4.9 shots. We all know that needs to be closer to a 10-1 ratio. If he had given up 11 goals on 110 or even 90+ shots, I would understand.
Thursday night he only faced 20 shots in 2 periods giving up 5, (75% SV%). That’s hardly being overworked in today’s NHL. Saturday night he had allowed 4 goals on the first 25 he faced, (84.0%), or a goal every 6.25 shots.
But what distresses me more is the amount of goals he allows right out of the chute. Against Ottawa he let in the first shot he faced. In Buffalo it was the third shot he faced. Against NJ it was the second. Also, the first goal he gave up in the third Saturday was the first shot he faced coming out of the break. If memory does not fail, the same is true in the third period vs. Ottawa.
Couple this with the late period goals, (the second period in Buffalo and the second and third periods against New Jersey), and we see the biggest problem he has is the first minute or so after the drop of the puck and the last minute before the break.
This shows a tremendous lack of focus and concentration from the drop of the puck to the horn.
True, the D line can work harder, and it seems as though BH is splitting up the Hav-Zhit pairing, (good move),…….but sometimes you need a goalie that can keep you in it while other things are being worked out.
By luckydog
October 15, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for shaking me out of my dreams, Brendan. What about the rest — Perrin, Dupuis, Sterling, Slater. Are any pairable with a minor star or two to bring in a decent d-man?
Not that is matters, but does anyone have any theories about what has happened to ole Slava? He had a HIDEOUS playoffs last year and obviously is as awol as anyone this year.
The guy’s a seasoned vet with an A on his shirt. What gives?
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Luckydog, I wouldn’t trade Dupuis or Sterling. Dupuis is “bargained priced” at $880,000. Why not keep him? He was one of the better performing Thrashers during the playoffs vs. the Rangers. Dupuis is in his “contract year,” so any team seeking his services might ask for a contract extension “sign-n-trade” as part of any deal for him. Or maybe not. Maybe they just want to try him out for a year, and will assess re-signing him during the offseason.
Sterling has too much potential to trade away just yet, unless one is thinking that he’ll never live up to his potential, so trade him now in hopes of “hoodwinking” some GM out there. I don’t share that sentiment. Not to compare him to Martin St.Louis, but Marty was “dismissed” early on as too small, and look what he’s done.
Slater and Perrin are moveable as “sweeteners” in any sort of trade. They are not “cost prohibitive.” Off the top of my head, I think Perrin has two-year deal worth $1.5 million and Slater has a two-year deal for about the same. Slater is a former 1st round draft pick, selected 30th overall.
In my trade example earlier, I don’t really think the L.A. Kings would give us the time of day. They need a goaltender. Whether they want Lehtonen, Pavelec or Brathwaite is their call. But if they want Lehtonen, he is a former 2nd overall pick. Perhaps their biggest star is Anze Kopitar, taken 11th overall. Probably, that’s what Waddell would “insist” upon as the return for Lehtonen. But the Kings do have Frolov, Brown, Camalleri, J. Jackson as substitutes to Kopitar. Cammalleri was selecter 49th overall in his draft year, I think. That’s about where Pavelec was drafted. I wouldn’t trade Pavelec for Cammalleri. Goaltending is too important in the “big scheme of things” to deal for a capable center. Who knows what Kari’s future is with the Thrashers. Pavelec is the insurance policy.
By luckydog
October 15, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info/education, Brendan.
Boy, I would do Kopitar for Lehtonen in a heartbeat (even though I still think the pressing need is for a true top-line d-man, of which we have none.)
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Who would have thought that losing Hnidy, Sutton, DeVries, Mellanby, Sim, Tkachuk, Belanger and Vigier would result in this?
In case anyone forgot, keeping Tkachuk would have cost the Thrashers their 1st round pick in 2008. And Tkachuk re-signed for two-years with St. Louis at $4.0 million per season. Belanger got three-years at $1.75 cap hit, per season, with Minnesota. Jon Sim got three-years at $1.0 million apiece with the Islanders. Hnidy got … I’m not sure. I think it was 2-years at $1.2 million per season from the Ducks?? Vigier is off in Switzerland, as Ranallo cheers. DeVries, I think, got two-years with Nashville?? Sutton got, I think, 3-years from the Islanders, at $9 million total value.
So, if you totaled up what the ex-Thrashers made elsewhere, to keep them here, what would your conclusions be? That we were right to let them walk? Or that we should have kept them? Or “none of the above.” We just should have replaced them with better players?
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
My pleasure, Luckydog. Right after a “bad outing,” many Thrashers fans would want to trade Lehtonen for a bag of hockey pucks. But the truth is no GM can afford to simply “throw away” a 2nd overall pick, unless it’s a complete “bust.” Lehtonen is not a “complete bust.” But he does have some “focus” issues, I believe. Some of which are his fault. Some of which could stem from Hartley overplaying him, taxing him mentally.
By Bob
October 15, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
There’s quite an array of opinions here on what to fix. And that is completely understandable.
What I think most are beginning to understand, is the true underlying consistent reason why there are so many problems. The guy making the personnel decisions is and has been incompetent.
As Rawhide points out, our franchise goalie drafted at #2 overall is a head case and not an elite goalie in this league, we have no effective #1 or #2 centers, we have no #1 or 2 dman. Those are a ton of holes. We have a coach who’s shown in the past an inability to grow young players, yet our GM stuck with him for a youth movement. Goalie, #1 center, #2 center, #1 dman, #2 dman, coach. All holes that need fixed. But hey, we do have the 3rd and 4th lines filled pretty well. Don is an excellent judge of middling talent, AHL/NHL tweeners.
So Rawhide, you’re on the right path there and I understand what you’re concentrating your ire at Kari, and you’re right, the early, and late goals, are atrocious and consistent with him. He’s just not getting it done.
My point is dropping Moose in isn’t going to fix much, there’s too many problems in front of him. But yes, do it anyway, he can steal us a game or two perhaps.
The only solution is to get a competent GM in here to get things turned around, and it’ll take him some time, but it can be done more quickly than you think. With so many contracts up next summer, it can be rebuilt quick. With Hoss guaranteed to bring a good return, it can be done. But we need the right guy to do it.
By Mehoff
October 15, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I think we need to sit Larsen and Slater. Put Boulton and Thorburn out there between Holik, especially against Philly and New York. They provide alot of energy, and it may be something that can spark the team. Leave the kids together, I think that could be a real dangerous line. (If given ice time)…And stop the Dump and Chase…we’re not big enough! Also, sit Klee, and put in Popovic…if not, call up Big Boris, we need some muscle out there…
By Buzilla Baby Blues
October 15, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
The book on Kari is simple. Shot from a distance.
Do it often. And you will score often.
Since that is the case I believe our shot against total is a tad inflated. Every team knows this. That, and our defense is as soft as a wetzel pretzel.
Kari is a big guy that plays small.
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Bob, what do you think of Neil Smith for a possible GM?
By Bob
October 15, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
I think Neil Smith was an abomination and will never be a GM in this league again. How could one guy be given such a huge advantage in terms of the amount of money he could spend over 90% of his peers, yet consistently fail? While he’s probably not as bad as Waddell, I still wouldn’t want Neil Smith.
We’ve missed a few good GM’s that were available in the past few years, since the time it was clear to me that Waddell was incompetent. Two that come to mind are Brian Burke and Lombardi.
By ranallo10
October 15, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
I’d have to agree with Bob, Smith might be the nearest thing to a step back for this organization.
Brendan — Smith’s currently playing hockey in an adult league (in New York I believe), and I think he’s still employed as a Pro Scout by either Boston or another NHL team. Can’t recall specifics, but I learned this in a recent Podcast that had him as the guest.
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Bob, you’re holding back on me. Tell me what you REALLY feel.
By Brendan
October 15, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
I think Pat Quinn would equally be step backwards.
By ranallo10
October 15, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
With all of the small players on this roster, Quinn would have plenty of room on the bench for that big ol’ belly of his. Just plant him behind Perrin and Enstrom and he could eat and coach AT THE SAME TIME!
P.S. — Pat Quinn sucks.
By Bob
October 15, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Smith wouldn’t be a step back, but he’d be darn close. Quinn wouldn’t be a step back as a GM, he would be as a Coach though.
By Tony C.
October 15, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Neil Smith isn’t a bad idea…or perhaps we can steal a top GM’s assistant…riiiiiight…I still say call up LaVallee and/or put Thorburn in regularly.
GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
October 15, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
I mean, I think that atleast getting Smith would serve to shake the “status quo”…honestly, while I laughed a bit about the deciscion at the time, Garth Snow hasn’t done a bad job as GM…which makes DW’s performance even more suspect.
I mean why not hire Ray Ferraro? He couldn’t do worse right? Oh, and why not hire Ron Francis as coach…or vice-versa…(only halfway joking about Chicken Parm-at least you know he’d get a decent pivot for #17).
By Sage of Bluesland
October 15, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Oh, I’m sorry—you asked a question? Oh, I see it’s a completely juvenile one and, thus, irrelevant…
That enough, ‘bud’?
(The Waddell-sheep will do anything…really kind-of sad and pathetic…)
By R. Stroz
October 16, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
Observation Time:
Mike Comrie is paid 3.375 million.
Eric Belanger is paid 1.75 million.
Total for these centers = 5.125 million.
Todd White is paid 2.1 million.
Eric Perrin is paid .75 million.
Total for these centers = 2.85 million.
The difference is 2.275 million.
At $58/seat, the 2.275 million would be cost neutral on seat sales alone (forget about the extra merchandise and concession sales) at 39,224 tickets for the entire season. Now just for kicks, divide 39,224 ticket sales into 41 home games and the result is 957 tickets per game.
Now, wouldn’t a winning team add an average of 957 tickets per game. You bet your a$$ it would.
The next question is how much will a losing team decrease tickets sales per game. We will soon find out. I bet the result will exceed 957 tickets per game.
That’s a double whammy!
Penny Wise and Dollar Foolish!
By ranallo10
October 16, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
I was completely serious…what is it about this club that gives you pleasure to the point of unmercifully bashing the GM? Do you still enjoy going to games, or do you revel in the fact that the team is now 0-5?
See, I don’t understand your type of logic of pedantically viewing the GMs misquotes, but yet I try to understand by asking you questions. I ask you a civil question and I’m the juvenile one??
Stroz — Look at NJ and Nashville as an example of how that idea does not cover all examples of NHL franchises. Some markets, despite the successes of the team, do not make the club money in attendance alone. However, thanks for the interesting way of viewing a player’s salary. I can’t say I’ve thought of it that way before.
By R. Stroz
October 16, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Ranallo10 - I’m glad you enjoyed the numbers analysis.
Weren’t you also in the “lets get Comrie camp” this summer?
By ranallo10
October 16, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Stroz — Yes, I still would rather Comrie than White, but I’m content with having White. He has skills (though most here overlook them). For all the knocks he gets for being soft from this board, Comrie or Belanger are not much tougher. Belanger would mix it up on the forecheck occasionally, but that was more tenacity (think Slater) than toughness (think Tkachuk).
Anyways, I like Comrie’s scoring ability, just like I liked Savard’s in Calgary. Savard did well coming here, so I hoped Comrie could as well.