Ice Man

By Baldheaded Thrasher

November 30, 2007 5:01 AM | Link to this

Call it a funk, lack of intensity, or whatever, we have obviously regressed to our first six games style of play. The Thrashers’s need to stop the bleeding now. It was really, really, really, butt ugly.

By KenJ

November 30, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this

I remember the comment following the Philadelphia game…

“I did not like the way we lost.”

Well Mr.Waddell, these last three games have been worse than the start of the season.

Losing 2 to really poor defensive teams is ugly.

What in the heck has happened, after going through the 7-1 streak, we stopped playing, we have nothing, we look slow, out of position, and frankly a number of players seem to have given up.

Bring KL back soon will not help, this badly constructed team is simply NOT A GOOD TEAM.

Mr.Waddell, took a championship team ripped it apart and replaced key players with players who are WORSE than the ones let go. Only EXCEPTION Enstrom, he is an excellent player, but Perrin/Klee/White ?????????????

Slater is terrible, and Bobby Holik how can this man honestly accept the $4.5 million he gets,He is the WORST player on the team.

This is going to get very ugly soon and I would doubt continued POOR play will make Hossa want to stay, and Koy can leave in 2 years too.

We need a GM who can make things work, like a TWO YEAR PLAN… That WORKS, no more of this on the cheap where we bring in lesser teir players. Look at Carolina… They want to win… We seem not too.

Mr. Waddell are you listening ???

By BuzzEng

November 30, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

In the month of November, by my count, Moose was 5-0 against SE teams and 0-4 against teams out of the SE (Pavelec was 2-1 in the SE). Is it as simple as letting Hedburg be the goalie in the SE and using Kari or Pavy for non-SE foes?

By BG33Brown

November 30, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

While I totally agree that this isn’t a great team. It is an adaquate team and that is a reality.

We win games where we “fly around” and make things happen. We lose games in which we play at a “normal” pace.

Those are the FACTS.

Hockey is a game of momentum-especially when you are an okay team. We aren’t as bad as we looked last night and we aren’t as good as we looked during the big run back.

Now what will provide us with a spark? KL

When he comes back, we should hopefully turn it around again b/c December is such a HUGE month for this franchise and for this season.

By GaVaHokie

November 30, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

The team had no jump in their step last night, which is no excuse after having 4 days off, and playing on home ice against a team that just went to overtime with Montreal two nights ago.

Do we have to change coaches every month because these guys can’t get motivated?

I don’t want to hear we need veteran defense, because from my vantage point, Zhitnik is completely asleep at the wheel. I’ll take young motivated Enstrom’s and Popovic’s anyday of the week.

By Russian

November 30, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Game was really bad. Kovy is only one person who played every second of the game. Hossa did not do what he has to do. Slava looks like quite already (f*** lazy idiot) He got Contract and that’s it. Russian f*** metality. Same way is Zhitnik. I do not know what DW got to do, but My idea to bring new Defence from Chicago Wolves, sit #77, sit Slava also, bring back Sterling, sit Slater, he is just Horrble (B***).

By Alan

November 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I’d say we need some players who will show up to the game, at least. I’m happy to see that Kovy and Enstrom both pinged in goals, but we need total control and excellent defense on the odd chance we don’t have control.

Maybe calling for the head of Waddell isn’t such a bad idea. He built this monstrosity. We have a few awesome players, but after that, it’s just a whole bunch of suck.

By R. Stroz

November 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Zhit Happens

By Jsmooth

November 30, 2007 10:46 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??

Russian — thanks for your perspective on our Russian players. I’m always intrigued by our European brethren’s point of view. It is quite disappointing that Slava seems to be coasting out there most of the time. Guess he can’t get fired up to play on the 2nd and 3rd lines.

REPOSTING (SHAMLESS I KNOW) FOR CONTINUITY AS 1/2 THE BEAT BLOG DISAPPEARED!

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 take the body consistently, control the puck for more than 30 seconds at a time and pepper the net with more than 25 freakin’ shots!!

By BiscuitsNBaskets

November 30, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry. We’re going back on the road, where this team doesn’t expect wins, plays desperate, and finds a way. Wait… what…? We’re 1-4 against Atlantic teams? We’re playing back to back games? The second of which is at 5:00 in the new digs of a team that owns us this year? Well, something’s gotta give… right? Have we hired a new coach yet? What? You say, the coaching search is off?

Well, who the hell’s running the team? What? …The guy behind the bench? Shouldn’t he be doing his real job up in the office? Like, getting a center? Or an intimidating d-man? Or perhaps a coach who can keep his guys motivated? Or giving the C to someone who deserves it instead of someone who takes bad penalties, buys nice meals for his visiting FORMER teammates, and screws us with his shoddy play?

I know, I know, the ironic whine is the worst kind. But you know what, when this team is winning, frankly, they’re overachieving. They’re fooling us. When you win, everything seems rosy. When they lose, the Thrashers show their true mettle. And boy, when they lose, it’s bad. This is still a VERY fragile team.

The tragedy of this is that Kovy is becoming the star and player the fans have craved. His supporting cast? Well, you find the adjective yourself.

Oh, and Don? Good luck signing Hossa if you drop 2 this weekend.

By Thrasher Ryan

November 30, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—Haydar looked very good. Did you guys notice Sterling had 2 goals last night for the Wolves? Why can’t we send Slater to Chicago and bring back Sterling? Slater just plain sucks. That is Don’s worst first round pick ever. Total bust. Why is he still here, starting every game? Is he a Waddell favorite because he is American from Michigan? Don needs to step up and get a clue. Slater sucks. Zhitnik sucks. I like Klee a little better now, knowing he is only D-Man other than X who will put a hit on somebody. Holik sucks. Larsen sucks. Kozlov was MIA in periods 2 & 3. I love the guy, but lately he sucks. Steve MC desreves a chance to play instead of Zhitnik. Pair Pops with Steve MC. Bring back Sterling and get wolfpack line back. There are too many players on this team that are not contributing. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I said it in October and i’ll say it again, Kovalchuk cannot continue to carry he entire team on his shoulders. Don Waddell I hope you read this. I’ve stuck with you every year, but you need to make some changes now. There is too much dead weight on your team.

By Fire Waddell

November 30, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I think it is time for MR. Don to get the AXE. He has done little to nothing to help this team this year. I know you cannot fire a GM during the season but why not. I think it is time.

By Brian

November 30, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s official. We are going back to the old schedules

By Hockeyfan

November 30, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan Slater is on a one way contract. Cant send him to Chicago

By ranallo10

November 30, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan — I’m not going to try to speak for Thrasher Ryan, but I can only assume he wouldn’t mind if Slater were put through the waiver process to go down to Chicago.

By GoThrashers

November 30, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

While everyone can worry about Hossa leaving due to the loosing, he’s part of the problem. He’s not exactly putting up year 1 and 2 numbers with the team either. Unfortunately in this cap age, he’ll get mega bucks still for an off season. Maybe they ought to move to a pay for current performance not one or two great seasons.

By ranallo10

November 30, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

GoThrashers — Hossa is currently on pace for 78 points this season. Compared to his past few seasons that is below average, but compared to his years with Ottawa that is about his average.

He’s a point per game player, and has 20 points in 21 games this season. He’s clearly playing below his normal level of play, but has still produced 20 points and a -1 (tied for worst in his career) on a team that is under .500. If a slumping Hossa is getting points at a 1 per game clip, I’ll take it. How many other players can claim they scored a point per game in a down season??

I wouldn’t claim Hossa is “part of the problem”, he’s just playing below the high level he set the past two seasons.

He’s worth his money.

By timmythebrave

November 30, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Over the last 2 years this team seams to let in cheap goals under 20 seconds. It’s like the Thrashers think the period is over with 30 seconds left. I think that stupid a* goal with 3 seconds left is what f*** up the team. I’m f*** p** at our lack of effort. The only time I saw the team play hard is after Kolvalchuk scored his goal. They skated hard for the next few minutes and then back to being lazy. The power play needs work bad. Does anyone on the Thrashers have heart and passion for the game besides Kovalchuk. I still believe but this team is not good enough to coast through games. The only way we beat anyone is by out working them. Go thrashers!

By Bob

November 30, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Maybe calling for the head of Waddell isn’t such a bad idea. He built this monstrosity. We have a few awesome players, but after that, it’s just a whole bunch of suck.

Can’t argue with that, just let it play out and Waddell will be gone if they miss the playoffs.

I think it is time for MR. Don to get the AXE. He has done little to nothing to help this team this year. I know you cannot fire a GM during the season but why not. I think it is time.

I agree, I never subscribed to nonsense that you can’t fire a GM mid-season. Dallas just did it and it worked for them. Sounds like the Buds may do it as well. The longer we wait, the harder it’ll be to get a quality GM in here, if that’s how it turns out. The only thing is that with the ownership struggle still ongoing with Belkin, I can’t see a GM worth his salt coming into this mess, so it’s probably Waddell as Coach/GM till the end of the year, then see what the situation is at that time in our own house and see who’s available out on the market.

There is too much dead weight on your team.

ThrasherRyan, I agree with a lot of your points. Slater has been obviously useless for a couple years now, but Waddell sticks with him. S**? Oof. Holik? Oof. Kozlov is almost invisible. Unfortunately, we have Kovy, Hoss and a bunch of question marks. Some of those question marks are young and learning, that’s good but we don’t want to trade them. The rest of the question marks are just middling to just plain bad players and untradeable, so it’s hard to make enough moves to improve now, too many holes to fill. Let’s just hope Lehtonen can come in (I know stendec, but pigs may fly) and finally be the guy we can rely on night in and night out, that could take this subpar lineup and make us somewhat competitive on a nightly basis.

By Rawhide

November 30, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Brian - I like going back to that schedule,…..I hate that certain teams only roll into town once every three years. If the players agree to the extra 2 games, that could mean playing every team at least once a year. That’s good.

JSmooth - I would love to see that punk Avery take a shot to the chops!!! I’ll look for ya the next 2 Fridays….as for “The Jersey”…it’s the lucky RAWHIDE jersey…#65.

By Brian

November 30, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - the article stated that there will be 18 games against the other conference. Since there are only 15 teams, the 3 wild card games must be included there. That would make sense because the big push was to have the wild card games set up so each Canadian team from 1 conference would play the 3 Canadian teams from the other conference as for those wild card games.

The reason I mention that is because you would have to think you would get your dream and that at least 1 of those wild card games against the other conference for Atlanta will be against Nashville every year…

By Rawhide

November 30, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

OK, kids…you guys gonna be alright in here for a couple o’ days????

I got a JROTC drill meet to attend all day tomorrow w/ the youngest tax exemption so the next post may be Sunday night after the Devils game or early Monday….

Puckjunque, I’m leaving you in charge.

By ranallo10

November 30, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Puckjunque, I’m leaving you in charge.

…(sigh)…

By Alan

November 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - you guys gonna be alright in here for a couple o’ days?

Not if we lose to the Isles.

By puckjunque

November 30, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Have fun Rawhide! Take your time coming back!!

Okay, is he gone yet???

Allright, I am feeling the holiday spirit move within me and with that I would like to make a special donation to the blog. I have a “Limited Edition Sean Avery” trading card that I will donate to the blogger who can come up with the MOST CREATIVE use for it. Rawhide can choose the winner when he gets back! Now remember Rawhide’s boss is probably watching so let’s not get him fired either, okay?

By Alan

November 30, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

puckjunque - We could use it on Avery, creating lots of tiny paper cuts.

By ranallo10

November 30, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Toilet Paper??

Nah, that’s giving him too much credit for being useful in life.

By puckjunque

November 30, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Alan Would there be any lemon juice or toxic chemicals involved??

By Alan

November 30, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

puckjunque - Lemon juice sounds like a fabulous idea. Just remember, it’s not torture, it’s aggressive interrogation.

By Brendan

November 30, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the sky is falling here, folks. We’re not a horrible team. We’re just not contenders. We’re as, well, “mediocre” as most of the rest of the Eastern Conference. I suspect that the difference between #5 spot and #11 spot might only be five or six points at season’s end. Which means what? Well, it means that most teams will be in the hunt, at least ‘til the final five games of the season, which is just what the NHL wants. It also means that Atlanta may be “buyers” at the trade deadline. If Waddell is a “seller,” I’d be surprised, since he’s signing his own termination.

I’m going to use Ranallo’s favorite word, “sweetener,” here. I now see Slater, moreso than Popovic, as “sweetener” in a trade situation. I also see Haydar in that capacity as well. And, McCarthy, too. None of these players particularly cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s easy to package them in a multi-player deal. So, don’t think we’re really shedding payroll by moving them. Whoever we get in exchange will cost more. And that’s the point. We want to get better players, and better players cost more.

I know this about Don Waddell after 10 years … HE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY OUT. ALLLLLWAYS. That’s why he’s the “Teflon Don.” Nothing ever sticks to him. And he’ll pull a “Houdini” again at the trade deadline, when the shackles of the self-imposed budget are removed. And it will work. The Thrashers will sneak into the playoffs. And they’ll win at least one game this time. And the streak of “incremental progress” will continue.

By Thrasher Ryan

November 30, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan — I’m not going to try to speak for Thrasher Ryan, but I can only assume he wouldn’t mind if Slater were put through the waiver process to go down to Chicago.

No, wouldn’t mind at all. But i’d settle for a healthy scratch for starters.

By five_hole

November 30, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - that was funny stuff. I really like the Pop-a-Zhit D-pairing.

The think about bringing Kari back is that goaltending has not been our problem. All-in-all, Moose and Ondrej (when he’s gotten a chance) have played well, for the most part. The problem really hasn’t been our “D” although we had “issues” last night.

The problem is that we need anyone not named Ilya or Marion to start scoring. Bring Sterling back; put him on the line with Little & Haydar and move Perrin to the 3rd line, and sit Holik. Try SOMETHING, but things are not going to fix themselves.

By Hanson Brothers

December 1, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

PJ - for the Avery card, how about like when we were kids we would put cards in the spokes of our bikes. That constant noise of Avery being “s”poked in the face would put a smile on the face.

By puckjunque

December 1, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Okay here goes and let’s have some AMENs!…

Bow your heads, hands joined on keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for the many blessing you have bestowed upon the Thrashers. They are listening and need your guidance tonight. Please help the Thrashers perform to their potential, score goals, demonstrate strong defense and kick some islanders a$$! AMEN!!

By Tony C.

December 1, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

HALLELUJAH

By Brian

December 1, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Let’s do an hallelujah after we win tonight…

By ToF

December 1, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

3 Goals in 3 Minutes = another epic call by Dan Kamal. “Oh, stop embellishing you facebook, the Thrashers are up 3-0”

By Brendan

December 1, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

That B******* Andy Sutton went after Kovalchuk at the end of the 1st period! 4-0, Atlanta. Goals by Kovalchuk, Boulton, Hossa, and Kozlov. That’s more than a few players getting off the schneid. That’s also six goals in the last four games, with two periods left yet to play. At least our games-per-game is up over 1.00 again.

Will Dubliewicz get the hook? DiPietro has started 18 straight games until tonight. He may not get to rest.

By Brendan

December 1, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Err, “goals-per-game” average.

By Brian

December 1, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Brendan - obviously I love our big 3 scoring (Kovy, Hoss & Kozzy), but my favorite goal of the night had to be Boulton because our 4th line guy just went right around Sutton (just standing there) and got the goal. I started screaming MOVE YOUR FEET YOU BIG LUG and then remembered he plays for the Isles now…

By Brendan

December 1, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Andy Sutton waited half the Summer for Waddell to call him or return his calls … before he finally figured out that Waddell didn’t want ‘im. Islander wayyy overpaid for him at $9 million over three years.

By Alan

December 1, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Brian - Let’s do an hallelujah after we win tonight

Hallelujah!

By Brian

December 1, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Alan - you got it!

By PJ

December 1, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brian

By Brendan

December 1, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Capitals did us a “favor” by defeating the Panthers in regulation time, 2-1. As a result, we trail them by just one-point. Unfortunately, Tampa won (over Boston). I “think” we have a game-in-hand on both the Bolts and the Cats.

JSmooth, your Sabres SPANKED the Southeast division-leading Carolina Hurricanes, 8-1. Didn’t look like you guys missed Drury and Briere in that one.

Congratulations to Kari Lehtonen for his 1st win of the season and first shutout on the season. Way to go, PK unit.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Anyone catch any of that Predators-Habs game tonight? I checked in on it, it was 3-0, Habs, almost mid-way through the 3rd period. I popped in again, it was 4-1, Montreal. Over, right? In Montreal? And Nashville had never won there, EVER.

I check the “Center Ice” scoreboard, and it says the game is in overtime. So, obviously, the Preds popped in two “late” ones. And now I see the NHL channel highlights from “On the Fly” and the Predators won in the SHOOTOUT!

Holy Schlamoly! Those fans in the Bell Centre must have been fuming as they departed the building. How do you blow two (2) three-goal leads in the 3rd period, in your own building?! Wild. (Leave Minnesota out of this, Brendan.) That’s a few losses in-a-row now for Montreal. Ottawa lost again—I think that’s six straight for them. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Ottawa’s still arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference and NHL.

By puckjunque

December 2, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Okay, we did GOOD last night, how bout’ more of the same.

Bow your heads, hands joined on the keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them so swiftly. The Thrashers need to demonstrate more of what we saw in the first period last night but carry it through to the end. Please guide them as a team to victory tonight and to kick some devils a$$!! AMEN !!!

By puckjunque

December 2, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Manley You got a mailing address???

By ToF

December 2, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

AMEN

Time to finally get us some payback. After that game last night, they have to be amped.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

puckjunque - I am going to follow last night’s tradition and give a hallelujah tonight after we win.

Brendan - I was flipping the channels last night and ended up just catching the shootout of that Preds game. I know not everyone likes it, but it was fun to watch that one. Especially when the team from the west beat a team we are chasing in the playoff hunt…

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I “enjoy” the shootouts. I just don’t think teams should get “wins” and “2-points” in the standings for them. They’re just an individual “skills competition,” something for which ALL-STAR games are normally reserved.

(OH MAN, the Rams just scored another touchdown; it’s 21-0 St. Louis. Falcons are clawing their way into a higher draft pick.)

Back on point though, I wish the league (NHL) would give zero points for an overtime loss and one-point for a shootout win. What about an overtime win? Yeah, I’d still give a “W” and “2-points” for that. The game was won in a “team setting,” as it should be. But the loser gets NOTHING and likes it.

But, but, but … then some nights not even two-points would be awarded? Yep, sometimes. The key to the game should be (1) win in regulation, (2) win in overtime, and (3) win the shootout to salvage one-point. But losers always get NOTHING.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I think the perfect compromise is the 3 points for a win in regulation, 2 points after that. That seems to at least appease all parties, although it is still not perfect.

I caught some of that Falcons score, but you have to know I am watching the Bills/Skins game right now. For a little while the score looked like a Sabres/Caps game…

By kracker

December 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Brian Yes, make them all 3-point games by rewarding the regulation winner. I think the biggest resistance by the league to doing that is that it complicates the scoring of the points tallies on the standings page. W-OW-L-OL or similar headings are sort of cumbersome.

But it would put so much more suspense into the last regulation minutes of the tied game, especially late in the year - do we play all out to try for the the 3-point win or do we play it safe for the sure point? Coaches would probably hate it.

By Rawhide

December 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN’-MEN!!! Well done, PJ!!!

Time to go put a “hit” on new Jersey!

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

A-MEN, PJ.

Brian, I would agree, also. Three points seems to make for equitable distribution of the events that took place in the game. Regulation-time win equals 3-pts., an OTW or SOW would be worth 2-pts., and any kind of loss beyond regulation-time would get one-point.

But all of a sudden, now you need to be a math major to figure out what’s going to happen down the stretch. And records like Montreal’s 137-points flies out the window when a team wins 50 games in regulation (150-points). The traditionalist would go into coronary thrombosis and cry “foul.”

My solution isn’t much better, from a purist-perspective. But to me, the clearest summary of the events that transpired were that one team won the game and the other team lost it. W-L, with games up and games back. That, at least, makes sense and is time-tested with the NBA and MLB.

And if it means that teams make the playoffs with 38-44 records, then so be it. It is what it is. The “value” of a game is … one game. And playing a divisional opponent, down the stretch, becomes a “playoff” game. That is, it takes on added importance because the game is either won or lost (just like a “playoff game” is either won or lost). There isn’t this “sharing” of points. Let’s say it’s Tampa Bay vs. Carolina for the SE Division. The ‘Canes are up by three (3) points with two games left to play. TB wins its game while the ‘Canes lose theirs in overtime. Now the Bolts are on two-points back with each team having one game left on the schedule. And let’s say, for the sake of argument, it’s against each other. And TB wins it in a shootout. Carolina still wins the division because it lost games in overtime down the stretch to add points to their totals. Whereas, under my format, TB would have been 1.5 games back and won two games while Carolina lost two, giving the Division to Tampa, rather than Carolina.

Pretty straight forward. It forces each and every team to keep winning every night or face the consequences of losing ground to the teams underneath them and to the teams ahead of them. In the end, it should be “about winning.” That’s the goal, after all. No point to “playing it safe” with 5:00 left in regulation. There’s no “safety net” waiting there for you.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

It could have easily been a loss. We’re still just one game under .500. And Moose “finally” loses a shootout. He’d never lost one before. A pretty good “road effort.” I’ll take it.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I am definitely with you that a loosing team should not make the playoffs because they had a bunch of “close losses”. But, I could care less about the 137 points that Montreal got because every major sport plays more games today than it did 5 decades ago, so you can’t compare season stats.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

I hear ya, Brian. But tell that to the “purists” who wants Montreal’s achievement to last longer than Maris’ HR record. And once broken, to discredit whichever team did it.

I’ve always wanted to see the league play fewer games. This way, the games actually played matter more. In essence, this is sort of what happened to the Thrashers. Their first 20 games they went 10-10-0, I believe. So, it was like they started 0-0, and played a 62-game schedule.

But in business, it’s about revenue. And 84 games means … even more revenue for the Sports owner(s). If the team makes the playoffs, games 83 and 84 very well could be sellouts.

There was a time when the NHL played 84 games; it occurred between 1992 an 1995. Of course, due to the lockout, they only played 48 games that year. I can’t remember if any longstanding NHL records were broken during that time due to adding those two additional games. The next year, 1996, I remember the Detroit Red Wings established a new NHL record for wins, at 62, but that was during an 82 game schedule.

Wait ‘til NHL Europe comes along, Brian. And they decided to play 10 more “inter-Continental” games. I tease. I kid. That was a joke. Although, Pierre McGuire is reading on with enthusiasm! Along with the rest of the Hockey Night in Canada crew.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

But guess what Brendan, if the Thrashers miss the playoffs, the division championship, or the President’s Trophy by 2 points, a game in Oct that they lost will mean just as much as any game in Mar or Apr, so you can’t always use the “0-0 with a 62 game schedule theory“…

By Brendan

December 3, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Obviously not. It wouldn’t apply. However many games are on a schedule, a team must bank points whenever possible.

I think the Thrashers will be playing meaningful games in March. Of course, they’ll have to make some moves at February’s trade deadline. Well, unless they go average 11-4-0 over every 15 game stretch, and really put themselvs solidly among the playoff field.

The team will have a lot more money to spend in February than they have right now.