AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHe might not BE the captain, but…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Shortly after Ilya Kovalchuk scored a shorthanded goal to bring Atlanta to within two goals of the Tampa Bay Lightning, sparking an amazing come-from-behind victory, color analyst Darren Eliot said, “He might not BE the captain, but he sure IS the leader”. Truer words have not been spoken. The Atlanta forward set in motion with that goal the same type of furious comeback that fell just short two nights prior. Maybe the difference this time was that they did not wait until halfway through the third period to begin the mission. Kovy notched his second hat trick in as many games and threw in an assist for good measure as he all but single-handedly is turning this team into contenders once again.
I’m beginning to think that Superman wears Ilya Kovalchuk pajamas to bed at night.
The game began well as Tobias, (excuse me, To-BEE-us as they call him in CAH-nu-duh), Enstrom nailed a power play goal half way into the opening period to give the Thrashers a lead. For the record, I also thought it was a good sign when the first commercial break of the game came before the Thrashers gave up a goal. But that was followed by four unanswered Lightning goals that left the team down by three. To be honest, one could feel sorry for Ondrej Pavelec who was making his first ever NHL start. Two goals came as Garnet Exelby was lying on or around him and another was scored as it deflected off of Eric Perrin’s stick. (To be fair to XLB, on one of those goals he was doing all he could to help kill a penalty with no stick). Said the team’s leader about the young net minder, “ The first two [goals] they got a couple lucky bounces. They had a couple great chances, and it was just amazing. His glove is unbelievable. I tried to beat him in practice, it’s really tough”.
Oh? Fortunately, he didn’t find Johan Holmqvist quite so tough.
Kovy’s second goal tied it in the third and Pascal You-Me-And Dupuis gave the Thrashers the game winner at 17:52 on a nifty pass from Bryan Little. Ilya’s hat trick then came on an empty netter to seal the deal. Marion Hossa, (you remember him, don’t you), followed up Kovalchuck’s first goal 61 seconds later with one of his own.
The win ends the seven game trip on a winning note as the Thrashers picked up eight of the possible fourteen points. It also began the next important series of games for the Thrashers on an up tic. Including Saturday night’s game, the team will play eight straight against division foes. As important as the road trip record was, this series of games are even more critical. Doing well will bring the team right back into the thick of things as we will play Carolina, Washington and Florida all twice as well as Tampa Bay once again.
So, there is much to be happy about as we make our plans to return to Blueland Tuesday. The team has found a pride in their play not seen in many moons and the future looks brighter then it did when the team last exited the confines of the St. Pete Times Forum. It all started with #17’s brilliant individual play and now it seems to be spreading throughout the entire team. He has taken flight and right now is carrying the whole team on his back.
Now some quick shots, then I’m off to surf EBAY to see if I can find me some Kovy PJs.
Hossa Sighting: Marion Hossa was a +2 with a goal and an assist. If he is waking up, as Kozy has of late, then things are definitely on the ups.
Reverse Production: The Thrasher’s shot production per period was 9-8-5 while their goal production per period was 1-2-3.
Say Again: Yes, they scored 3 goals on just 5 shots on goal in the third. So, maybe if they take LESS shots………….???
Stay Right There Don: The Thrashers are now 5-3-0 since The Don stepped behind the bench. Continuing at that pace would land Atlanta at 95 points.
Nobody Wake Up Ilya: Kovy has 7 points in the last 2 games. If he keeps up that pace, he’ll end up with 257 points. (I was just seeing if you were paying attention).
One Un-Good Thing: The Thrashers were out shot again, this time by a 22-34 margin. Unless you count only regulation in Montreal, Atlanta has not out shot an opponent all season.
Power Increase: The Thrashers power play came to life on the road. When they began the trip, it was floundering around the bottom of the league at 9%. Now it is 23rd best at 14.8%.
Passing Out Pluses: Kovalchuk was a +3 Saturday night. The following players were all a +2, Enstrom, XLB, Havelid, Hossa, Holik, Little and Perrin. White a +1.
Who Da Man?: Enstrom normally leads games with Total Ice Time, and deservedly so. However, Saturday night it was Kovy with 26:17. Looks like The Don knows who The Man is.
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Comments
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By Jay Bird
November 4, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Kovy is amazing!!!
By Jay Bird
November 4, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Wow, I was the first comment? Did everyone else die overnight?
Anyway, I have a question for you guys. Am I the only one who is completely annoyed with ESPN and their coverage of hockey highlights? They show very few highlights on Sportscenter and if they do, it’s usually the Rangers or Cindy Crosby. Do these a-holes think hockey revolves around on these people? I guess it really hit me this morning while watching ESPNEWS and the only hockey highlights they showed was a lame 2-1 Rangers shootout win and Crosby’s Penguins. Kovalchuk has a hat trick in two straight games and it doesn’t get a mention. That is messed up! If Cindy Crosby or one of the rectal Rangers did that, it would be a top highlight. Hell, they would probably devote a 30 minute special to cover it. It absolutely makes me sick!
By Brian
November 4, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Jay Bird - the ESPN coverage would change a little if they carried the sport, but that’s an argument for another day. What I am irritated with is our own coverage. When you watch other games from other channels (outside of Thrashers games on SportSouth), they give things like lineups, who’s playing with who, etc. Other info on the team. We have regurgitated info or something that is plainly obvious (for tonight’s game, Pavelec will be in goal. We will not provide any information however on who is sitting tonight or who will be playing on the 2nd line tonight…). Watch another game on CenterIce and see a real home team’s channel cover a game…
By Buzilla Baby Blues
November 4, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Anyone know what the record is for consecutive games with hat tricks is?
By Sara
November 4, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
The ESPN coverage wasn’t much worse than the NHL coverage. I was watching On the Fly after the game and the Thrash/Ning game was buried in the highlights and recaps even though it was easily the most exciting game last night - lots of scoring on both sides, a hat trick, some incredible saves. I can understand a big brouhaha over Arbour being back on the Isle - that is something special, but come on.
As for our own crew…DE is obviously knowledgeable about the sport and its nuances. Honestly though, I think he would be MUCH better suited to a gig on an independent network. He always gives a very balanced report on both teams, which is great on Vs. and is ok sometimes on SportsSouth. Nobody wants to watch a complete homer but sometimes I feel like DE goes too far the other way. It just really irks the crap out of me to hear the announcer for my team say something like “They made that look easy” when the opposition scores a PP goal. It might be an accurate reflection but I’m a Thrasher fan first - I don’t need the obvious shoved down my throat at that point. Several years ago, we beat the Blues 5-2 - Thrashers absolutely dominated that game at a time when they were first finding their legs. I think it was the first year of Kovy/Heater. DE’s analysis of the game? The Blues brought their B-game that night. Excuse me? Why can’t it just be that the Thrashers brought their A+ game and just plain-old out-played the opposition? It’s a fine line, I know this.
I like JP and the radio guys are great. And I do like DE - I just tend to appreciate him more on Vs. than I do on the Thrashers broadcast team.
By Matt H
November 4, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
KOVALCHUK ENSTROM PERRIN DUPUIS LITTLE PAVELEC
Once again, the email address of the Canadian journo who called Ilya Kovalchuk a “huge disappointment this season”:
eduhatschek@globeandmail.ca
:)
By Tony C.
November 4, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
good work on putting up douchebagguy’s email addy.
GO BLUE !!!
By kracker
November 5, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Being a part of the 30+ Thrashers fans there in one group (and probably more throughout the arena) that somehow didn’t get tossed out (security was called on us), I take great pride that our beer-fueled mania somehow surely aided the Thrash in completing the comeback Saturday night.
(Note to Philips Arena: Never install a large sheet metal sign in a location where insanely excited fans of the other team can pound on it. “LETS GO THRASHERS!” BANG-BANG BANG-BANG-BANG)
It had to be great fun at home as well. There must be some beer-stained carpets in Blueland today.
Kovy for Captain! (sorry Bobby)
By ranallo10
November 5, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
kracker — would your group be the reason that those of us watching on television could here a muffled “inaudible goalie name, inaudible goalie name, YOU SUCK!!”??
By kracker
November 5, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Ranallo That indeed was our group. We got informed during the game we were sounding off on TV and that they were showing us pretty often. I joined in after a bit, as I was getting the dirty looks anyway.
The goalie in question is named Holmqvist, Johan. He was roasted in the next day’s Tampa newspapers for allowing 2 goals on 4 third period shots to surrender the lead. It is good to see the other team be the guys blowing a 4-1 lead.
The last two games we scored 10 goals and allowed 10 goals on scores of 4-6 and 6-4. Each game ended with an EN goal. At this point, .500 is a minimum acceptable level of play for your improving Thrashers. Let us strive to raise that minimum acceptable level of play to two wins each three games.
By Tony C.
November 5, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
That’s gotta be one of the few instances where the “GoalieName X3 YOU SUCK” taunt was appropriately used by Thrasher fans.
By Rawhide
November 5, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Yes Kracker - You all were on the tube a few time, especially during your goal celebrations!!!
Great job!
By tim
November 5, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
i can’t wait until tomorrow’s game. we plan on getting even roudier than kracker(if possible)
By ranallo10
November 5, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
kracker — makes sense, I couldn’t hear it often and I didn’t know if it was after a TB goal or an Atlanta goal, so hence I put “inaudible goalie name” instead of Pavelec or Holmqvist. Good for you guys, glad you got some props, but I still don’t like the cheer (I see it as a highschool form of “support”, but that’s just me).
By Buzilla Baby Blues
November 5, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Kracker - you the guy with the Jim “The Anvil” Nightheart chin whiskers
By kracker
November 5, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Ranallo Well, I’m not a big fan of the you suck cheer but I’ll join in sometimes, especially this time since they provided the RV to haul me down and back. Buzilla I am the normal looking guy (haha) on the right wearing the Thrash cap. pictures at St. Pete Times Forum
Maybe I will post some pics at photobucket or somewhere.
By Mr. Heat Miser
November 5, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
The “YOU SUCK” taunt is meant to rattle the opposing goalkeeper. Coming from one of the loudest voices executing said taunt in Tampa.
By Tony C.
November 5, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I just find that the “you suck” taunt is often used at completely inappropriate times (by my feloow Thrasher fans)…like after the opposing goalie just stonewalled Hoss 1-on-1.
GO BLUE !!! #17 OWNS YOU
By Brian
November 5, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Tony C. - I agree with you completely on this. Then again, I think a number of these same folks have stated that they find it completely appropriate to yell during the national anthem…
By Scott
November 5, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Kovy is on fire. I hope he spends his whole career in Atlanta and then gets number 17 retired.
By Tony C.
November 5, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
It didn’t post the whole thing…anyway, I should’ve just said “good job kracker!”
Anyone who DVR’d the Sat. game, give me a shout
hispeedtest@hotmail.com
I’d like to rip it from your DVR.
By Jeff walls
November 6, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
Thinking of taking my seven-year old to Thrashers game Saturday. Question is, should I buy ticket ahead of time or take my chances from the scalpers out front. I curently live in Alabama and I have nerver seen the Thrashers play. However, I used to attend alot of the Flames games. Saw Jim Craig play his first NHL game. I also saw Willie Plett and Dave “Tiger” Williams square off a few times. Anyway, your opinions would be greatly apprediated.
By storstark
November 6, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Jeff, you will absolutely be able to get tickets either at the window or from scalpers. I wouldn’t recommend paying full face value for the tickets if you get it from a scalper because they are almost always willing to compromise. One option that can provide both a discount and a reasonable measure of certainty that you will have the tickets you want is to look on Atlanta Craigslist. We usually get a good discount and that way we can be sure we have seats and have some control over where the seats are…
By Brian
November 6, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Jeff walls - see if there are any specials for the game first. Either way, definitely go as it will be exciting in Philips this week.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
November 6, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
This game won’t even be close to sold out. Tickets will not be an issue for you
You going tonight Hokie?
By puckjunque
November 6, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
I need some AMENS!!!!!
Bow your heads, hands joined on keyboards
Oh Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon the Thrashers, please help guide them to victory tonight. Please help them play smart, monopolize our opponents weaknesses, crush their strengths and kick some capitals a$$! AMEN!
By Brian
November 6, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
puckjunque - ok, let’s see if the ajc will allow this response to work
By puckjunque
November 6, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Brian It’s a keeper, Amen to you brother.
By GaVaHokie
November 6, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Buzz… not looking good for tonight. Can’t get anyone to go. I’d have to sit by my lonesome.
By Brian
November 6, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Hokie - we had an extra, you should’ve let us know earlier…
By Jay Bird
November 6, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
This is an interesting stat I found about Kovalchuk. He has scored more goals than any player in the NHL since 2001-02 with 214.
By Rawhide
November 6, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
PJ - A-FREAKIN”-MEN!!!!
Now let’s go Cream the Crapitols!!!
By Buzilla Baby Blues
November 6, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Sweet Hokie!
Everyone keep an eye out for the VIDEO TONIGHT!!!!!
By Tony C.
November 6, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
amen
By R. Stroz
November 6, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
CHARMIN, CHARMIN, CHARMAN
By Brian
November 6, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
puckjunque - after another prayer we were victorious again tonight
By R. Stroz
November 7, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
Brendan - Are you out there lurking or on vacation?
By puckjunque
November 8, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Brian the audio attachment dude. Thanks, don’t know why I missed your comment yesterday. Keep the faith. The prayer ritual continues even though it didn’t work for my server for most of the day.
By Brendan
November 8, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
I’m here!!!