AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThrashers First Quarter Report Card
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Thrashers prepare to rake some Leafs at Philips tonight after a four-day reprieve from the schedule. They will host a Toronto team that is 2-5-3 in its last ten games and whose GM and coach’s tenure may be circling the drain. The Toronto sports media is reportedly traveling en-mass with the team awaiting the loss that will bring forth their demise. If tonight’s game proves to be just such a defeat for Toronto, the Thrashers could start getting the label of “Coach Killer” given the firing of Glen Hanlon after Atlanta’s 5-1 win over the Capitals last week.
The team will also be moving into the second quarter of the season, so it’s report card time for the Thrashers…
OFFENSE
The Good: Ilya Kovalchuk. His 19 goals lead the NHL and he has played all year justifying the “A” on his jersey. He has been nothing short of dynamic. Marian Hossa got off to a sluggish start but has improved in November, currently with 9 goals and 10 assists in the 20 games he has played. Todd White and Eric Perrin have stepped it up as well after slow starts.
The Un-Good: The Thrashers 2.56 goals per game ranks 20th in the league, (tied with San Jose), and their 25.7 shots per game is 24th best. They have been shut out a league high five times and have been held to two goals or less in 10 of their 23 games. Their power play is 19th best in the NHL at 16.0%, (tied with Columbus). Bobby Holik has looked slow and Jim Slater is still seeking his first goal.
The Summary: In November the team has a 3.09 goals for average, so it’s getting better. But there is still much room for improvement. This grade would be a lot worse if not for #17.
The Grade: C-
DEFENSE
The Good: Tobias Enstrom leads the team with 23:17 TOI as well as his +6 rating. He has thrown in 2 goals and 11 assists as well. We were all looking for big things out of the kid, but what he is delivering is HUGE! Overall Nic Havelid and Garnet Exelby have been solid of late.
The Un-Good: The 3.39 GA/G is only better then Toronto’s and only the Flyers give up more then the Thrashers 32.2 SA/G. Penalty killing is a league worst 72.6%. Too many times the defense has looked flat-footed and slow. Alexi Zhitnik’s -10 speaks for it’s self and Steve McCarthy was really fighting it with a -13 hanging around his neck before he was sat down.
The Summary: The team defense was awful in October. And even though it seems to have stabilized some once the pairings were given time to gel together, this aspect of the Thrashers still has a ways to go. They have to cut down the shots on net.
The Grade: D
GOALKEEPING
The Good: Rookie Ondrej Pavelec gave the team a much-needed boost winning his first three starts. His .905 SV% is still the better of the three net minders. Johan Hedberg is 8-5 with a 2.96 GAA, both lead the trio.
The Un-Good: Kari Lehtonen’s injury trouble reared its ugly head again. Before going down he was 0-4 with a 4.49 GAA and .879 SV%. His rehab assignment started well and he could be ready in a soon as a week.
The Summary: Moose is a great #2 guy to have around, but Kari needs to return strong and take over. Pavelec gave us a great effort but for this season it’s up to Kari and Moose. Given the number of shots they face it’s amazing the GAA isn’t even higher then it is.
The Grade: C+
ROOKIES
The Good: Actually, The Very Good. Enstrom by far stand out, but Bryan Little, (3g, 5a, +2), Darren Haydar, (1g, 5a, +3), and Mark Popovic have played very well also. When called upon Opie was more then adequate. This area has been the most pleasant surprise of the season with the possible exception of Kovy’s play.
The Un-Good: Brett Sterling’s 3 points in 12 games was a disappointment.
The Summary: Outside of Kovy’s play, the play of our youngsters has been the brightest part of the first 21 games. The future sure looks good in Blueland, that the present looks good as well is a bonus.
The Grade: A
Overall grade: C
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By puckjunque
November 29, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this
Winner!!!
By Sara
November 29, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
You know the scary thing about that Shots Against number is the number of shots blocked - where this team ranks high in the league. Imagine how bad it would be if we weren’t even blocking those shots? Bottom line? The other team is spending too much time playing with the puck, an even more glaring problem on a team whose strength is supposed to be skating and puck possession.
The truly amazing thing is that even though there are some significant weaknesses in terms of overall team D, specialty teams, and lack of scoring depth, we’re still in the thick of the playoff run.
By Jsmooth
November 29, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Bill,
You forgot to give the Special Teams a big fat D- for the 1st Qtr. If they don’t get this grade up to at least a C by mid-year, you can forget about any playoff run!
Can’t disagree with you on any of your grades however. Although I may not give the rookies an overall A since Sterling was here for 9 games or so. Perhaps a B+ would be a fairer assessment considering how he was pegged by consensus as the most ready to contribute. Not sure if the play of Enstrom and Little is quite good enough to offset Sterls’ D to yield an overall A.
Keep up the great work on the blog…highly entertaining stuff!!
By kracker
November 29, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
The way this season started like a Thanksgiving oven-stuffer, it’s wonderful and just short of amazing that we have all these positive things to write about.
We just had four days off (two w/ no practice) and some turkey sandwiches for the guys to get them ready to resume battle. Hey, if the Sens can lose 4 straight as they just have, the last being a SOL, why should we worry?
Almost nothing makes me smile more than beating Toronto so let’s get 2 in regulation and maybe get another coach and/or GM fired.
By Alan
November 29, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
While the biggest problems I see are the lack of defense and lack of puck possession, I do have to echo kracker’s sentiments. To have so many good things to write about, despite how the Thrashers season started, is nothing short of amazing.
The rookies look awesome, for the most part. Netminders are doing the best they can. If we held on to the puck more, though, the other teams would have fewer chances to score.
By Rawhide
November 29, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
JSmooth - Your comment about the special teams is spot on! Much improvement is needed. I simply lumped them into the O and D grades…and thanks for the kind words.
Kracker & Alan - Yup,…to be able to have a lot of good things to chat about is great given where we were mid October.
Here is something from the Toronto Sun. DW and Bobby Holik have some interesting comments.
Kracker - Being able to edit posts IS a wonderful thing!
Lastly, for those of you looking for a good deal on tickets to the Toronto game on Friday December 14….here is a contact for you.
Theresa Boisvert
Theresa.Boisvert@atlantaspirit.com
(404) 878-3269
Tell her Rawide sent ya!
By Alan
November 29, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the article, Rawhide! I can definitely see how the aggressive game Hartley was preaching wouldn’t work with a smaller lineup. Waddell’s puck possession game ought to be far more successful, as soon as all the kinks are worked out and the players can coordinate better.
By Thrasher Ryan
November 29, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Rawhide—Let me tell you what I know. Maple Leafs have lost 4 in a row. 5 in a row would be it. People will get fired. Thrashers have won 4 in a row against the Leafs. Let’s make it 5, and get some fools fired. We have had plenty of time to rest; I look for the Thrash to come out with a lot of energy. They need to sustain this energy all 3 periods.
Thrashers 4, Leafs 2.
Our Mission—The Thrash need to win 5 out of the next 6 games. December is the time to make a move up the standings. If we want to keep pace with Carolina we must win 5 of 6. I know we can do it.
Brendan—I agree with you. I think Pavelec starts against the Devils. We do have a history of rookie goalies stepping up big in games vs. Devils. Weird stat, but very true. Check your media guides. Also, I think you are right about the Isles being a playoff contender. But, I think Thrashers win both games aginst Mandy and gang coming up.
On Kari Lehtonen—While I have stated my opinion on this guy numerous times in the past, I will leave him alone for now. But, this is it folks. This is the year to make a decision on him. We need him to prove to us he is the goalie we thought he would be. I honestly believe he needs to step it up this year or he will be gone. Mark my words. If he gets hurt one more time, all I am going to say is I tried to tell you…. If he stays healthy all season, shame on me, I was wrong.
Rawhide—I know 5 out of 6 is asking a lot, but it MUST be done. We need to secure a playoff spot now, not having to scramble in March to squeak into the 8th spot.
Thrashers win 4-2
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Wherever the heck Sage of Bluesland is, he’s got to be loving your “coach killer” comment, given his T-Shirt. (Sage made a T-shirt with the Thrashers logo that reads, “Coach Killers” on the front, and on the back, it reads, “The threat is real.” And it lists every coach during the ‘Curt Fraser years’ who got fired after losing a game to Atlanta.) When will the “Sage” make an appearance? For those of you who feel he only posts when things are going badly, the team is in the midst of a two-game losing streak. A loss to the Buds might actually bring him forth, if you subscribe to this belief.
But I don’t think there’s any way the Thrashers are losing tonight’s game to the Leafs. Well, unless Toskala or Raycroft stand on their head. RAWHIDE, do we know who’s starting in the Leaf net tonight?
By Rawhide
November 29, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan - So that we are sure what your trying to say….you think the Thrashers win…4-2, correct?
Keeping up and gaining on Carolina is important as well. 2 years ago they ran away and hid during this stretch in the season.
JSmooth - I forgot….welcome to the front of the class. Have you been lurking in the shadows for long?
Alan - I think I’ve seen you post before…if not, nice to see you as well.
Brendan - There will be a Moose sighting in Blueland tonight, but I do not know who will be in Toronto’s goal. Hopefully we will see them both because the starter was pulled in the second after letting up 6 or so.
By Jsmooth
November 29, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan, I agree that this stretch is crucial but I don’t think they need to win 5 of 6. Definitely 4 of 6 is important since we essentially need to win 67% of our games the rest of the way to be a serious playoff contender. But it sure would help to go on a run as we enter a very favorable home schedule stretch after the back to back road games this weekend.
By Alan
November 29, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - Thanks. The pleasure is all mine :)
I’ve made about a half-dozen or so posts in the past, but I lurk most of the time.
Jsmooth - I personally feel five of six would be best, as we head into December. It’s a critical time, because we can’t let Carolina run away with the lead, nor can we let Florida get too far ahead of us. Five of the next six would keep us in the thick of things, even if we don’t gain any major ground against CAR or FLA.
Besides, everyone thought Atlanta would go 6-2 in the recent eight game division matchups, and we ended up going 7-1. Atlanta is capable of going 5-1 in the next six, if not better.
By puckjunque
November 29, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Let’s have some AMEN’s people!!
Bow your heads, hands joined on keyboards
Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and for the many blessings you have bestowed upon the Thrashers. Please provide the Thrashers with the unrelenting energy, confidence and chemistry they need to win tonight and to kick some mapleleaf a$$! AMEN !!
By Nix
November 29, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Does anyone keep stats on the % of face off’s won per game? Based on my very unscientific observations, it seems as though in the games where we were winning face offs we were also clicking better as a team - good passes, sharing the puck, hustling, working together rather than hot-shotting (or trying to). I’m wondering if there’s a correlation btwn % of face offs won and games won.
By kracker
November 29, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Brendan Haha, a Moose sighting tonight means we get, well, Moose in net tnoight. Sally will probably at Philips with her Moose head. The Moose head is getting a lot of use this season.
2 pts in regulation = a Rolaids night for JFJ.
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Some good news from last night was that both Tampa Bay and Carolina lost in regulation time. But, unfortunately, the Panthers beat the Capitals in a lengthy shootout. As a result of that, Florida moved three (3) points ahead of us in the standings. But, Atlanta enjoys a game in hand on the entire division, but two games-in-hand over Florida. So, theoretically, if Atlanta won both those games, they’d lead the Panthers by a point. Which makes tonight’s game all the more important, in terms of keepin pace. I think the Bolts have now lost five (5) in a row (0-4-1) and slipped into 4th place. (The OTL was against Atlanta, thanks to Todd White’s OT winner.) The Caps’ loss was their first since firing Hanlon. You know, after Atlanta throttled them, 5-1.
One last thought … Toronto is not a good team. They’re a little old and their franchise is in disarray. They have the worst goals against in the NHL. If our Icebirds are as good as their recent record indicates, they will a find to beat this team. These are the “kinds of points” good team bank so that their stretch run isn’t as difficult. A loss, here, is unacceptable, people. Toronto’s entire media showed up in anticipation of a loss where the Coach or GM will get fired. A loss would be the Thrashers’ third (3rd) in a row. WE WILL WIN tonight.
By puckjunque
November 29, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Briiiiaaaannn Where are you????
By Jsmooth
November 29, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Rawhide,
Thanks for the welcome…nice to come out of the shadows once and a while! Indeed, I have been a steady lurker of the ajc.com Thrashers page since the middle of last season. The timing was perfect as it usurped my passion for NFL football before Mike Vick’s penchant for animal abuse came to light in April. By then, I was too busy living and dying with the Thrashers to give a hoot about the Falcons anymore.
I consider myself a born-again hockey fanatic. I grew up in upstate NY as a fan of the Sabres. Stopped watching hockey after the 99 Cup Finals (too painful to continue I suppose!), but the ugliness of the grab and clutch NHL turned me off. I started keeping track of the league again after the lockout holding out hope the rules changes would make the game fun again. So far, pretty good. Still room for even more improvement but there is no better game live and in person as the good ‘ol hockey game!!!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!
By R. Stroz
November 29, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
We need Hedberg to deliver a big Moose egg tonight.
By Thrasher Ryan
November 29, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Rawhide—Yes, Thrashers win 4-2 and tomorrow morning the Leafs will be the latest “victims” of the Thrash Coach Killer Machine.
By LUSTY TLUSTY
November 29, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
hey bloggers I was trying to mapquest “Swinging Richards” but I got lost. Can anyone help me?
By theratio
November 29, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
I agree with everyone here, I think a 3-1 or 4-2 game sounds about right.
I just really hope the D actually skates and puts pressure on the leafs. I hate to see us just sit back and watch the game.
By X
November 29, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Tlusty
darlin’ you don’t need to go there when your fan club is right here at slapshots.
By Rawhide
November 29, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Tlusty - Puckjunque will be more then happy to escort you to Swingin’ Richards…..
By Rawhide
November 29, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Oh…and…
A-FREAKIN’-MEN! Great job, PJ!
Now let’s go RAKE some LEAFS at Blueland!!!
By Bob
November 29, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Must beat the Buds. It’s time for someone besides Kovy to step up, I’d like to see some scoring out of the 3rd line. Speaking of, why sit Larsen? Is anyone else beyond fed up with Slater? He’s the guy that should sit, but I do agree with getting Haydar in there, Slater’s the guy that needs to do though.
Lusty Tlusty, ask your club’s PR guy for a map of Midtown and have a swell time, sweety.
By Bob McKinzie
November 29, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
OK,..so g’day, eh? Welcome to the blog. I just want…to say “Go Leafs”, eh. That and my brother, Doug….he’s a hoser. He’s a real big Ottawa fan, too.
By Doug McKinzie
November 29, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Oh…take OFF you hose-bag! I’d rather kiss Pucks-n-Snot before I’d be an Ottawa fan….
By Jsmooth
November 29, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — in the spirit of kissing up to the professor, let me know the next time you plan to be at a Friday night game in Blueland and I’ll treat you to an ice cold Gorin’s brew! A simple token to express my gratitude for your earnest efforts in maintaining not only a regular blog, but also a regularly engaging and entertaining blog. Who here think’s Gorin’s should change their name to the Blueland Brewhouse on game nights!?
By Thrasher Ryan
November 29, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Is anyone else beyond fed up with Slater? He’s the guy that should sit, but I do agree with getting Haydar in there, Slater’s the guy that needs to do though.
See, now thats what I like to hear. There is someone other than me that sees that this guy is just not any good.
LUSTY TLUSTY—Ask your boy Mats Sundin about Swingin Richards, I hear he likes to frolic there while in town.
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
JSmooth, I think Niagara played St. Bonaventure last night. Is that where you went to school, Bonaventure? Or were you an RIT or Syracuse University guy?
Your Sabres got “robbed” last night. They were about a minute away from at least a point in regulation time vs. St. Louis. The Sabres led 2-0 at one point. I think the final was 4-3, Blues. Buffalo could have won its sixth in a row.
By Jsmooth
November 29, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Brendan,
I’m actually from Albany, NY. It was my father who had the misfortune of being raised (just kidding!) in Western NY…Rochester and Buffalo. Hence the connection to the Sabes. I had the sense to go to college in the South and matriculated at Wake Forest…I was so wrapped up in ACC basketball in the mid-nineties that my hockey interest started to wane after graduation. But man I loved dominating some SEGA hockey with Team Teemu when he was a Winnipeg Jet…’dem wer the days!
I noticed the Sabres blew that lead last night, but unless they are competing long after Thrashers elimination in the playoffs, I don’t really pull for them. And my dad has given up hope of ever getting a championship for a team in Buffalo. Looks like last year was supposed to be their year, but they blew it against the Sens, a team they historically used to dominate in the playoffs….go figure!
Are you from the NE? Whereabouts?
By Rawhide
November 29, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
JS - Thanks…might just take you up on that…..if you see “The Jersey” meandering about “Blueland Brewhouse”…chances are I’m the guy filling it!
Brendan - I was watching that game last night! Always love it when a West Conference team steals points away from an “East Conferece” team, (other then the Thrashers, of course)…
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Jsmooth, from a little “all over.” I’ve even lived in Europe on multiple occasions. I went to Miami of Ohio. Ohio is a nice state. I enjoyed my time there, but not enough to be a Columbus Blue Jackets fan. I followed the Cincinnati Cyclones for a while. I was there when the Reds won a completely improbable World Series over the heavily favored Oakland A’s. When I moved to Norfolk, VA, I actually saw the Hampton Roads Admirals win the Kelly Cup (ECHL). As a child, I was in Athens, GA. I lived in Gwinnett County for a number of years. (Duluth).
I usually root for small market teams like Buffalo and Cincinnati. Sooner or later, they will win a Championship, especially under a “cap” system. Well, a true cap system, not one that lets luxury box revenues over inflate larger market cities financial capacities.
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
JSmooth, I really, truly thought the Sabres might go all the way in 2006. They even led Carolina going into the 3rd period of Game Seven of the Conference Finals. But, you know what happened. The ‘Canes rallied to win, then won the Cup over Edmonton. Had the Sabres won and drawn the Oilers, I can’t say definitively who would have won. But I would have leaned towards Buffalo, even with their depleted blueline that year. Miller was just so “en fuego.” Who knew Roloson would get hurt and that the Oilers would have to go the rest of the way with Jussi Markkanen? The next year, 2007, they had to spend to the cap limit just to get most of their team re-signed. But the Senators got ‘em in the rematch. There’s only so many times a team that has 100-point seasons (6 of 8 years) can be denied before they make an appearance in the Finals. So, it’s not like Buffalo lost to some “cruddy” Ottawa team. (They were the #4 seed, 105-pts, in 2007.) Ottawa has been a serious contender for many years now. They just kept running into a Leafs team that always seemed to have their number. Each time Toronto won, it was an upset. The Senators probably should have won the Cup in 2003. That looked like “the year,” if the Sens were ever going to do it. Of course, who’s betting against Ottawa this year?? I feel bad for Buffalo being the #1 seed, President’s Trophy winners, but not get that Cup. And then, they lost Drury over a contract foul-up (5-years, $25 million), where apparently someone didn’t fax back a “signed” copy. That error kept Drury available on the FREE AGENT market, and he signed with the Rangers. And Briere went to the Flyers. And Vanek nearly got “stolen” from an RFA offer sheet from Edmonton. They wound up having to “overpay” for him. So, those fans in WNY deserve better than that. Buffalo should still be a playoff team this year. But under a cap, you never know. I wouldn’t be all that shocked if the Sabres tried to move several players during the year to tweak their roster.
By Brian
November 29, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
sorry I’m late
Jsmooth & Brendan - I had a stake for the game last night, I am an Eagle…
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Niagara won, 75-70? Something like that. What’s the Eagles’ record this year? I see that school every so often in the NIT or March Madness tournament.
By puckjunque
November 29, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
Brian
Better late than never. Phew, That was close.
Now aren’t you forgeting something else????
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Russian, on the NHL channel, they have a commercial where Alex Ovechkin is saying, in Russian, “Is this the year?” It sounds something like “Etta golp?” Can you write out, phonetically, what he’s saying?
By ranallo10
November 30, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
I hate to say it, but I’m feeling a Schultz article is soon to come…and maybe a few uses of the word “obfuscate” or “Detroit” by some timely opines.
By Rawhide
November 30, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this
New Rawhide Blog in 5…4…3…2…1…
By Jsmooth
November 30, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this
Damn, for the love of everything that is holy, why can’t the Thrashers at least lose like winners? Where was the spark in the first period tonight?? Will anyone not named Ilya please volunteer their heart and passion??
I really shouldn’t post on message boards after drinking bourbon all night at a local pub!
Brendan — Hampton Roads eh? I lived in Richmond for a year. Pretty country but perhaps Ohio is just as pretty if you give it a chance. Firestone is my favorite golf course of all time (well, of the ones I’ve been fortunate to play) and that includes Pinehurst # 2 which is just too damn hard!!!
Rawhide — just tell me what the jersey number is and I’ll be sure to find you next Friday…I’ll be there wearing a Quebec Nordiques t-shirt and Blueland scarf. I hope we punish that little @%#& known as Sean Avery. But in the meantime, I will settle for an honest effort in which we control the puck more than the opponent!
By Brendan
November 30, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
Jsmooth, I drove through Richmond, VA many a time. I always saw some pretty, clock tower from the road. Virginia is one of my favorite states. Ever do those Lurray and Skyline Caverns? It’s more fun, if you have little kids in tow. There are train rides, etc. Kids love caverns. Maybe my favorite part of the Commonwealth is the Chesapeake Bay area, including Chincoteague on Assateague Island. Then, there’s Colonial Williamsburgh, Yorktown, and Jamestown. And a few hours away, the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Including Arlington, VA tourist attractions, like Artlington Cemetery (JFK and Lincoln graves), Iwo Jimo, those bells from the Netherlands, the Pentagon, Gravelley Point, Mt. Vernon Trail, Roosevelt Island, Georgetown nightlife, etc. Oldtowne Alexandria. Being in Richmond was a short hop to all those things. There’s also a very prestigious, fairly exclusive institution of higher learned called Hampden-Sydney College, about an hour SW of Richmond. And the College of William & Mary is right there in Williamsburgh. Even UVA, Charlottesville, isn’t too far away. Inner city Richmond was rough, though.
When I was in Oxford, OH, (CCHA country!!,) We’d make some trips around the state. I had a friend at Bowling Green, so I even made it to Toledo, OH! We saw “Mud Hens” game. Made over to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. We partied in Shaker Heights and the flats of Cleveland. Akron, OH was a nice little town. We decided to extend a weekend by going up through Pennsylvania. We had a friend to party with in Fredonia. I guess the Buffalo Bills sometimes practice there? Then, since we’d gone that far (cue Forest Gump,) we went straight up to Niagara Falls, US and Canadian side. I found a sweet park called “Whirlpool State Park.” Totally awesome. It went to a Power Vista, past Devil’s Hole. Saw Ft. Niagara, at the mouth of the Lake Ontario. Artpark, in Lewiston. Ate at place called “Amanda’s,” with the best chicken wings I ever had in my life. Shopped at Rainbow Mall. Saw the Winter Garden. Caught a concert at the Niagara Falls Convention Center. And stayed in Canada, at the Sheraton Brock Hotel. World’s most awesome view of the Falls, next to Skylon Tower, that is. Good times, Jsmooth. Had the best ice cream of my life, (Perry’s,) at a roadside stop called, “The Ice Bridge.” Better than Bruster’s, if you can believe it. Then we partied in Maple Leaf Village, at a bar called “Rumours.” Canadian money is so colorful! Great beer!! Not this FDA-approved stuff. The “real” Molson. The “real” Labatts. Not “imported” versions. We walked right across the bridge. It cost $0.50. No passport. No driver’s license. Nothing. It took 10 seconds to clear Canadian Customs.