AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRecchi, Oh Canada And Other Quick Shots
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So Far, So Good Mr. Recchi
It was speculated that the addition of Mark Recchi would be a boost to the sluggish Atlanta power play. Wednesday night it sure appeared that was the case, indeed. Trailing by two in the second, Recchi notched his first goal in a Thrasher uniform on the man advantage and then added another tally a minute later to tie the game. The team would score another power play goal on Ilya Kovalchuk’s rocket blast that gave them the lead. So, while one game is hardly enough time to declare any roster move a success or otherwise, it certainly was a good start to the Recchi experiment.
Same Song, Different Verse
Once again, the Thrashers were victimized by a late period goal. Boston’s Glenn Murray netted a game tier with a buck-seven left in the second period after Atlanta had rallied from a 2-0 hole to take the lead. To be honest, prior to the Boston goal, it was 8 minutes of some of the most outstanding hockey the hometown boys had played in quite a while. But it seemed like the late period let down bugaboo just won’t go away this year and it bit us in the butt again. Call it lack of focus on the goalie or the defense or just bad luck, but it keeps popping up and it’s aggravating as can be. Wednesday night’s version of the same ‘ol song seemed to suck all of the energy right out of the team and swung big Mo back to the Bruins.
Oh, Canada
So, good day, eh… and welcome to the next week’s hockey schedule, it looks like a real beauty, ya know. Four of the next five games are against teams from The Great White North including two this weekend. Toronto at home Friday night then up to Ottawa Saturday night. After a game against Tampa Bay next week, it’s Ottawa again and Montreal. Saturday’s game lands the Thrashers on Hockey Night in Canada, so it would be real nice to have a good showing in front of our friends up there….eh?
Kari Is So Very…
Kari Lehtonen is so very…good? Bad? Inconsistent? Spectacular? All of the above? I guess it depends on what night it is. Since coming back from his injury he is 2-1, giving up 0 goals, 3 goals and 6 goals respectively. Against the Islanders in New York he stopped all 33 shots, but just last weekend gave up 6 goals on only 27. He’ll surely get a start this weekend in back-to-back games so he’ll have a chance to get back on track. But would the real Kari please stand up….
Speaking of Back-To-Back
Our record in the second game of just such a series is 0-5-1. There are 10 such back-to-backers left on the schedule.
I Can’t Look
A quick glance at the standings finds Atlanta at 29 points. While that puts us only 3 points off the pace for the 8th and final playoff spot, it also puts us at 3 points ahead of last place Washington, (going into Thursday night’s action). If the team was looking for a good time to start putting 3 solid periods together, might I suggest…NOW!
Kaptain Kovy
Ilya Kovalchuk and his 24 goals and 17 assists put him on a pace for 66 goals and 112 points for the season. His career best in scoring was 98 in the ’05-’06 campaign when he also notched his career best 52 goals. Could you even imagine where the Thrashers might be if he were ONLY playing at that pace?
Triple Double
It was pointed out in these parts that the Thrashers have a triple-double going on, three players with a double digit minus rating, (Bobby Holik at -11, Alexei Zhitnik at -13 and Steve McCarthy at -16).
For What It’s Worth
The Thrashers are 3-2-0 on Friday nights and 3-6-0 on Saturdays. For that matter, they are 4-1-0 on Tuesdays, 2-2-0 on Wednesdays, 1-4-0 on Thursdays, 0-0-1 on Sunday and 1-0-0 on Monday.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Holik Sucks
By Alan
December 13, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
I would like to take this time to echo the sentiments of R. Stroz. Thank you.
By Rawhide
December 13, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
RStroz - You got an alarm that goes off in your house that buzzes everytime I put up a new post…or have you been sitting there all night ready to blast that out????
By R. Stroz
December 13, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Actually, I was watching Without a Trace, which seems like an appropriate show in light of last night’s ungood performance by Holik, Exelby, and Zhitnik.
By CM
December 13, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Great blog Rawhide, as always. What are we going to do with these Thrashers?? Sheez..
By Jsmooth
December 14, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Why am I still up? Couldn’t wait for the next Rawhide blog…like a kid on Christmas Eve! Not quite, but once again, you’ve made the UNentertaining Thrashers quite entertaining in your short, poignant synopsis above. I guess I’m hoping that eventually Brian Burke will send me an e-mail letting me know that Andy McDonald and Francois Beauchemin are the newest Thrashers in the not-so-nasty nest.
By Barry
December 14, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
Kari has not been the same since last years playoffs. He’s been all over the place and it’s concerning to say the least. Holik needs to have the C taken away from him. He’s supposed to be the one getting this team going and playing smart hockey when he can’t even play smart hockey himself. Hopefully Recchi can establish a little bit of quiet leadership in that locker room. He doesn’t need to be stepping on toes and trying to take command from the get go like Tkachuk did last year from what I read. If only the Thrashers could play 5 on 5 like they do while on the PK as of late we would be winning more games. “Consistency Thrashers consistency. LET’S GO or no playoffs for you.”
By Alan
December 14, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
Barry - I wonder if Hartley told him something last year that’s bothered him ever since, or if Kari just wants to be traded.
Either way, I just hope Kari makes it past whatever is bothering him, so he can get back to playing some good hockey.
By stendec
December 14, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. Only a few more hours until opportunity for redemption. Shudder to think of KL between pipes but Moose let in some soft goals last outing. Agree that one goalie HAS to catch fire. Championship teams possess high caliber netminding. Thrashers have been treated to aggravating inconsistent play at position. Feast or famine. In hockey jargon that means either shutout or six goals surrendered. Not absolving team for blame but goalie IS last line of defense. Watershed mark is four offensive goals with a maximum of three by opposition. Be nice to see a breakout game for offense with an explosion of six to nine netted. Tough to see that goals for and goals against in standings. OUCH! Oh well. Enjoy game fellow Thrasher watchers. Merry Christmas. GO BLUE!
By Bob
December 14, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Tough stretch of games coming up. Tonight is a must 2 pts. We need a big game out of Lehtonen and solid performances from both Holik and Zhitnik. I expect all three to happen tonight and a 5-2 Thrashers’ win. Let’s send these hosers packin’, eh?
By Brendan
December 14, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Last time out, we had the chance to get John Ferguson, Jr. and Paul Maurice fired. But we let the Leafs off the hook. They’ve had a bit of a rally since there up in Toronto. Beating them 9-1 sure would drum up the topic again.
Thrashers need a break out game. They’ve hadn’t played well lately, even in games that they won, like the Islanders game.
By Russian
December 14, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
As Rawhide said that we have 4 Home game and one game Away. What do you think we can do??? My scenario is: 1. Toronto tonight. I will say we can take 2 point if any players care about hockey in Thrasher team. If we are going to play same s** as Boston, we loose. Honestly, I think Toronto is goign to win today. 2. Ottawa. It will be 0 point period. Why??? Because we have back to back game against one of the best team on the NHL. 3. Tampa at home. I say we can get 2 points. We must do that 4. Ottawa again at home. 0 point, please see #2 for reason. 5. Montreal at home. Lose on OT or SO. Get one point. Well let see my result 1 - 3 - 1 It will be like that. :-(
By Brendan
December 14, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Err, make that, “they haven’t played well lately.” That’s what I get for multi-tasking.
By Alan
December 14, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I think we can pull out at least three wins, if we play like we did after Hartley got canned. If we continue playing the way we played Wed night, Russian’s scenario looks accurate.
By Brendan
December 14, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
I see 2-2-1. By the way, Atlanta’s 29-points is good for 14th in the Conference. And the Caps are closin’ fast. Unfortunately for the Icebirds, with a 0-6-0 start, they don’t get the luxury of any extended losing streaks. At some point, they have to get over .500 and stay there for the rest of the season.
Like I posted in a blog a few weeks ago, last year’s Ottawa Senators didn’t definitively get over .500 until December 27th. And they won the Eastern Conference from the #4 seed. That’s a fact. A hard to believe one, but nonetheless true.
Now, Atlanta is hardly the 2006-07 Ottawa Senators. Let’s be happy to make the playoffs, not disappointed that we didn’t reach the Cup Finals. By the way, Ottawa knocked off Sid Crosby and Pens in the opening round, “red hot” NJ in the second round, and the President’s Trophy winners, Buffalo, in the Conference Finals.
Assuming Atlanta makes the playoffs, what do you estimate the odds of us not drawing the Ottawa Senators as a 1st round opponent? I guess there’s some chance of getting New Jersey, the Rangers again, or even Pittsburgh.
By kracker
December 14, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
We are in a part of our schedule where we should and need to be piling up points or in our case catching up. We have played 4 games in a 7-home 2-away stretch of games, winning 2 at home (Isles & Rangers), losin at Caps and stubbing our toe at home vs Bruins yesterday. 4 gmaes for 4 points is just barely good enough to keep our nose above water.
So for Rawhide’s next 5 games we need 7 or 8 points, 6 minimum. 8 is very difficult but we are on home ice and it won’t get any easier as the season goes along and each loss makes the next game harder. Win now or we only will be dreaming of a playoff charge later.
By kracker
December 14, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I forgot to include the other why-we-must-win-now point: The last 23 games are 9-home and 14-away.
By kracker
December 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Well, there’s one thing about drawing the Senators in the playoffs Brendan. We can’t win less Round 1 games than we did against the Rangers. I will also dare to be bold and predict we will take a game(s) from the Sens.
By R. Stroz
December 14, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Who’s attending tonight?
By Rawhide
December 14, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Raising Hand - PRESENT!
By Thrasher Ryan
December 14, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Since we are now talking about the next 5 games, here we go. Rawhide—We MUST win 4 out of 5. No exceptions. It is put up or shut up time. This is our new mission. Win 4 of 5. This could all start tonight after DW explains to the team that they are now skating for their jobs. Therefore, after some DW scare tactics I think Thrash come out blazing. How does a 5-3 Thrashers win sound? Sounds good to me. Oh yeah, while we are on predictioons, I predict at least (2) maybe (3) Bobby Holik Dumb @ss penalties.
By Manley
December 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, what gives? I wrote a decent post with some good links to Sportsnet.ca giving kudos to Kovy and it disappeared? Oh well.
Anyway, Jennifer at SESO links to one of them in day 2 of “12 Days of Kovy” and the other is linked from Sportsnet’s hockey page. Two different Canadian media types compare Kovy favorably to Sid and Vinny in the MVP race. Worth checking out. Articles are, in chronological order, here and here
Won’t cause any Canadians to vote for him for the All Star Game, but certainly helps his bid for MVP.
LET”S GO THRASHERS!!!
By puckjunque
December 14, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Amen to your prediction Thrasher Ryan, a 5-3 win sounds really good to me.
By FormerIslesFan
December 14, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
R.Stroz I’m there tonight too raises hand just slightly higher than Rawhide because he’s just that much taller…
By R. Stroz
December 14, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
puckjunque - It’s about prayer time. Make sure you make reference to stripping the Leafs of their dignity. No pictures though!
By puckjunque
December 14, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
We need the AMENs more than ever!
Bow you heads, hands joined on keyboards
Oh Heavenly Father, we thank you for listening to our prayers and for the blessings you bestow upon the Thrashers. Please help them stay in the game, control the puck and play fired up for the whole game. Please lift their spirits and confidence tonight to kick some mapleleaf a$$! AMEN!!
By R. Stroz
December 14, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - You’re the fearless leader set up the meeting place and time for the bloggers.
By FormerIslesFan
December 14, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Amen, PJ!!
Okay, RH just name the where and when.
By Rawhide
December 14, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
A-FREAKIN’-MEN!!! Great job PJ!!
If you guys are looking to me for leadership, your all DOOMED!!!
I will be in “Blogland”, (the area just outside of Gorins), somewhere between 6 and 6:30…..
By puckjunque
December 14, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
You deserve a tongue-lashing for the comments YOU make RStroz! Perhaps there’s a Leaf equipted to provide it. No pictures PLEASE.
By Alan
December 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
PJ - Amen!
By kracker
December 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
AMEN!!
By R. Stroz
December 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
puckjunque - What do you think I have a wife for?
By Jsmooth
December 14, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Hope to see y’all down there!
I am surely praying for a more inspired effort…would be nice to get the blood pumping on account of a solid, hard-fought effort rather than the blood boiling because of lazy, bone-headed decision-making.
Go Blue!
By Lusty Tlusty
December 14, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Hi ice man. Can I meet you guys there, too? Mats told me there are some hot young men there, also.
Thanks,
Lusty Tlusty
By Jay
December 14, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there tonight too! Not sure I can make the pre-game festivities, but I’ll be a mad, cheering fool in 318.
Go Thrashers!
By Nix
December 14, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Amen!
I’ll be there too, but I’ve lost my voice, so ya’ll are gonna have to cheer extra hard for the Thrashers to make up for me!
By Brian
December 14, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there possibly sometime around 6:30pm…
By GoalieBrian
December 14, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
The boss gave us a half day off, so we broke out the keg at the office, played some 4-square, shot the puck a little bit at the net and generally got fired up. I’ll be there up in 319. Looking forward to watching the game tonight with beer in hand.
By GaVaHokie
December 14, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
I’ll be at Blogland at about 5:30p with Buzzilla.
I upgraded to Sec 113 tonight!
By Tony C.
December 14, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
<—IS SO JEALOUS OF PPL THAT WORK DAY SHIFT. Y’all have a sierra nevada for me.
GO BLUE !!!
By Russian
December 14, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
2:0 Toronto. Damn! When we are going to play????
By Russian
December 14, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
They are playing excatly follow in my F*** Scenario. Lose for Toronto and lose again to Ottawa. B***.
By Tom
December 14, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers need Kari to have another groin injury. Our record really is pitiful when he is even anywhere near the team.
UGH!!!
By Russian
December 14, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
4:0. No F*** Comments BOOOOOOOOO BOOOOOOOOOOO
By Thrasherbob
December 14, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Where are you Stendec? Surely my nite couldn’t be any worse without you telling us how Kari blew it, just like you said he would. And what about the return of the chuck and chase method of puck handling? This is EXACTLY what I don’t want to see tomorrow! The Thrashers are capable of so much better. Very disappointing but the fat lady hasn’t sung yet. Go Blue.
By stendec
December 14, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Was on other blog but…Truly BELIEVED team would WIN! Really. Early shorthanded goal took all air out of Thrashers. Was that as evident to other fans as well?
By stendec
December 14, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
A team can overcome a lot of errors with a high caliber goaltender. A defense is helpless when the net is mysteriously vacated by netminder or he turns back while in goal crease. KL did BOTH in defeat. Truly sad! My disdain of KL turning to pity. He truly DOES NOT belong at this level.
By Nix
December 14, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
That was painful. And as my mother - who’s been to a total of EIGHT hockey games in her entire life - said, they played like they’d never been on the ice together before.
And I’m joining the call to get rid of Holik. He might win face offs, but that really doesn’t count for much if he turns the puck over 3 seconds later.
By BG33Brown
December 14, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Wow….that was awful. Kari sucks. Anyone still want to debate the fact that Pavelec is better? And Holik is awful.
At least Zhit played better minus one play in the 1st that didn’t cost us a goal.
By Alan
December 14, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Bring back the Wolfpack line, bring up Pavelec, and bring up Valabik. We need a good, strong, hard-hitting defenseman, and we need a line of young guys who will score.
By stendec
December 15, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Sori Letemin on game-losing shorthanded goal: “I have three options of what I can do. Let it go to the corner, and their guy was coming so he’s basically going to get a breakaway from the corner(from the corner?). The other option, to go there in the corner and get a penalty (preferable to game-determining goal). Or I put all my chips in and try to get there before it goes to the corner (F+++++G genius). I just didn’t get a good shot at it (do you think? No!). It’s easy to say it was wrong now the way it turned out. That’s the way it is sometimes (he does not give a damn).” Truly sad. Straight from a*’ mouth itself. No additional comments are necessary.
By The Janitor
December 15, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
sweepin’ and moppin’ - OK ya’ll get on outa here so I can clean up…Rawhide’s got a new blog so get a move-on, woulda…
Hey, what’s this?…A picture of some scantily clad Maple Leaf signed, “To my dearest PJ, Love Lusty Tlusty”….my, my!