AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Line Changes?…I’m A Fan
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don Waddell did a little mix and matching of the forward lines for Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After the winning 6-2 performance, I’d say it was a smashing success. I’m sure the fire and chemistry shown from the match-ups were just what he was looking for when he placed Marian Hossa with Eric Perrin and Slava Kozlov as well as moving Mark Recchi up with Todd White and Ilya Kovalchuk.
But it was the third line that was on the ice for the first Thrasher goal of the night as Garnett Exelby scored his second goal of the season with assists from Bobby Holik and Steve McCarthy, (Mac earned 1st star honors and that’s great to see because the kid needed a break). The top line scored next when Atlanta got out their Recchi-gball as the newest Thrasher notched his third goal in 4 games with help from Kovy and, what’s this…Kari Lehtonen? You know things are going well when your net-minder gets onto the scoring sheet.
In fact, the first four goals the Thrashers scored came one from each line as Kozlov shoved in a goal under Lightning net minder Johan Holmqvist to finish out the scoring in the first and then Chris Thorburn notched one in the second. Talk about spreading it out!
The Thrasher scored 6 goals on 24 shots including 3 goals on 9 shots in the first and 2 goals on only 7 shots in the third. That’s making the most of your chances.
Now, as much as I love all the scoring, I would be remiss if I did discuss the performance Kari put in. 32 saves on 34 shots is very good and he looked as though his head was in it all night. Specifically when he was called upon to make a couple of stops in the closing seconds of the second period. Neither was exceptionally difficult, but given the team’s knack of giving up late period goals holding firm at that juncture and not allowing the opposition to gain any momentum entering the next stanza was note worthy, indeed!
The Thrashers were out shot 34 to 24. So, if you were like me and took the “under” from Russ’ over/under of TB +14, then you can send your people on over to his place to collect your winnings. Props to Brian for citing two hours before game time the following, “I think it is going to be at least +10, although I’m gunshy about taking the over”. In keeping with the over/under theme in regards to shots…allow me to take a stab at setting it for Thursdays game against Ottawa. Given the fact that Atlanta is a -7 or so on the season and that the Thrashers have been out shot by 7, 9, and 19 by the Senators in the three previous games, I’m setting the line at OTT +10.5.
Spotted in the stands during the game…Kovy’s mom, Luba. I thought she was gonna jump outa her skin when her boy scored on a breakaway mid way through the third. I don’t care how old your kids are, when they do well there is no other feeling that matches.
Holy Zhitnik Batman! Alexei finished the game a +2 and Steve McCarthy a +3 to go with a pair of assists, as both played much better on the blue line. Also, the Captain was a +1 with a helper. Ken Klee put in a solid game with 20:07 TOI and a +2. That’ll help put a dent in those negatives. The pairing of McCarthy and XLB looked pretty good as well.
Every skater was in the plus category with the exception of Hossa and Tobias Enstrom, (both at break-even).
Speaking of that slacker Enstrom, he only played 20:06 Tuesday night. What makes him think he can take the night off? Don should skate him hard next practice!
Logging the most time on ice for Atlanta last night: Zhitnik with 21:22. Now, while it was only one game, think of how much this team would benefit from #77 tossing in 20 minutes TOI and finishing positive regularly.
Jameson, we’ll meet ya at Blueland to dole out your birthday spankings!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Alan
December 18, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
The variance in SOG should still indicate to anyone paying attention that we still have a problem defensively. Thankfully, Kari showed up for a full game tonight.
I’m happy to see we won. I spent most of my time on MARTA and the bus this evening hitting refresh on my cellphone browser to see the score.
By Brendan
December 18, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Big four (4) point swing! On the season series, the Thrashers have six (6) points to the Bolts five (5).
By PJ
December 18, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
WOW!!! Go Thrashers!! I’m soooooo glad it’s being repeated in about 5 minutes. Craig’s blog was all about bringing back the wolfpack and who would you pick……he he he We’ll have to remember that if/when the “professionals” get out of line again. Thrasher Ryan I want a prediction for the next game, will you oblige?
By Brendan
December 18, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Exelby and McCarthy were a +3 while Zhitnik, Klee were a +2, and even Holik was a +1. Havelid was a +1, but Enstrom, because he was on the ice when Kovalchuk’s miscue resulted in a short-handed goal, was even for the game.
Former Thrasher Andreas Karlsson was a -3, as was Brad Richards ($7.8 million) and Paul Ranger for Tampa Bay.
Eric Perrin has two (2) assists, along with Steve McCarthy. If the Thrashers can find this kind of scoring balance on any sort of consistency, things will turn around rather quickly for them.
Great effort out of Kari Lehtonen, who made big saves when the game was still within striking distance for Tampa Bay, particularly at the close of the second period, where he faced 5-7 shots in the final 69 seconds of the period.
By Jsmooth
December 18, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
First off, congrats to Kari who had perhaps his most solid performance of the season. He looked sharp in all facets and seemed to be in position all night. And his anticipation was superlative. If we get THAT Kari, then we will jump right back into the mix.
In addition, the defensive pairing shake-up really seemed to make an impact as Alexi (I’ll use his first name since he played so well as opposed to the oft-used, all too easy @#Tnik) seemed much more comfortable getting 2nd line minutes. Perhaps being paired up with a more stay-at-home type of guy helped him with his confidence in moving the puck and making on target outlet passes. In fact, I think I can only recall one instance in which he didn’t make a flawless outlet. As Rawhide said, if we can get 20 minutes a night out of # 77, we’ll be just fine. And something tells me that if he is making a surge, you’ll start to see him on the scoresheet quite regularly!
Kudos to the defense all around! Mac got worked a couple of times one on one but Kari was there to save the day. But overall it seemed like he and X - L - Beeeeeeeeeeee!!!! were definitely on the same page.
Go Blue! Impeach the Sens!
By Alan
December 18, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
I was amused to see Lacavalier was shut down for the night.
By Will
December 19, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
I just hope we can get that kind of all-around game thursday against the Sens. Beating them would be HUGE and could hopefully spark an extended run to thick of the playoff race.
By DB
December 19, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
When looking at the shot disparity, also look towards the difference penalties. Last night, Tampa had 2-3 more power play opportunities. That resulted in more shot opportunities. I believe that has been consistent throughout the season. Defense was better last night and the forecheck was very evident.
Tampa did not look very interested in playing last night. Very similar to our first six games.
By Bob
December 19, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Kozlov looks so much better with Hossa on the other wing, he was so lost without him.
Now, the key is, can Kari do it the next game, and the next game, and the next game? Consistency is what we need out of him, he’s showed flashes all along, we need consistent steady play.
By Russian
December 19, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
It is going to be interesting to Thrasher at Thursday. Ottawa is not a Tampa, but if we are playing same level of hockey, they can break my scenario for 5 games (1-3-1). I really want to see 3-2. Come on Blue make present for us.
By Brian
December 19, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe how well Zhitnik played tonight. 1st period a Bolt was right behind the net with the puck and our d-man just pushed him of it and took over. I fell over when I saw it was Zhitnik. Then later he had a great hip-check to break up a play, we used to see him do that once a game back in Buffalo.
What really made that game is that Kari made some keys saves. The beautiful set up to Ranger for a point blank shot could’ve taken away all momentum early on, but Kari saved it. Not to mention, he didn’t let in a soft goal to kill momentum either early on.
I hate to be negative, but my only disappointment was watching Hossa, based on comments yesterday made by stroz. Driving down the right side with a clear path to the net with the puck, he just layed a soft shot while still in the edge of the faceoff circle. Then he did the same thing coming down the left side, only Kozzy was there to clean it up and get the goal. He is not driving hard at all.
Props too for whoever said a few days ago that Recchi will be good with Kovy because of the give-and-go effect that Kovy had with Tkachuk. That goal by Recchi showed a hint of that.
By Jsmooth
December 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Brian — tell me about it! I couldn’t believe how much better Alexi played last night. He looked 5 years younger out there and played with fire and determination. I was so excited to see it that I called the post-game show just to give him props! And w/r/t Mr. Recchi, not only can he work the give and go but he will scrap and drive the net like KT — something that a free-lancing genious like Kovy really needs to make him even more dangerous. Look for more and more shots to pass to the opposite pipe as # 8 drives hard to the goal. Something that Hossa just doesn’t seem real comfortable doing. But his finesse game is more suited to playing with the Proffessor
By J
December 19, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
By any chance was Kovy’s mom wearing a red Kovalchuk’s Army hoodie?
Great game last night, we needed it. +/- for Ottawa…put me down for +15. I’m just glad we don’t have to play them again this year after Thursday!
Does Thorbourn get suspended for that fight in the last minute? I thought there was some kind of rule where any fighting in the last 5 minutes results in a suspension and a fine by the coaches?
By Russ
December 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
J - I can’t remember for sure, but I believe a suspension would only be given to someone who instigates a fight in the last five minutes. Since there was no instigator penalty given there should be no suspensions.
By Brian
December 19, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Jsmooth - Russ has it, it would be a $10k fine for the coach, but the idea is that he “sent them out” to pick a fight. That wasn’t the case, especially given we were the victors, why would DW or any other coach in that position do it. It is designed to stop the fights as a momentum builder only…
By J
December 19, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Just J, I’m not smooth :) Thanks for the explanation. It seemed like the Tampa guy (Roy?) instigated that fight, surprised he didn’t get called for it.
By J
December 19, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
oops, Janik, not Roy
By Thrasher Ryan
December 19, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan I want a prediction for the next game, will you oblige?
PJ—I got you covered. Don’t worry. I’ll post it when it appears to me. Also, Kari took note of your Voltaire quote. He said thanks. Kari can only be dominant if he BELIEVES he can be dominant.
By stendec
December 19, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Well done KL. I am a major critic of KL due to his lack of focus, maturity, toughness and killer instinct. However, he was extremely sharp in win over TB. With experience, perhaps he would not have allowed that shorthanded tally. KL more than pulled his weight with two goals surrendered. PK still weak. PP still wandering in Twilight Zone. Shot-shy Thrashers must gun puck. Do not be afraid to shoot! Perfect goals are far rarer than slop or garbage goals. Take a chance! Win out in December. IT IS ON MY HOLIDAY GIFT LIST! Merry Christmas all.
By Tim
December 19, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
stendec Our PK has greatly improve in the past 10+ games. I believe the % of success is over 90% which would put us in the top tier of the league. In fact, even during the losing streak, our PK did an absolute fantastic job (only thing I could cheer on). Now if we can improve the PP the way we had improve our PK, this team will be tough to play against.
By Rawhide
December 19, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
PJ - yes, we’ll get ThrasherRyan’s prediction, but you get your prayer in early again….it’s seemed to work yesterday.
J - OTT +15? That’s a lot. So, your down for the “over” of my line of OTT +10.5
JSmooth - In addition, the defensive pairing shake-up really seemed to make an impact…Oh yes! A lot was made of the offensive line up change…but last night’s D-pairings work very well. Now, if Zhit and Klee and Mac can all duplicate the effort tomorrow night…
BRIAN - Your comments about Hossa….I agree. It’s not like he played God-aweful, but he certainly hasn’t been attacking the goal as he’s done in the past.
If it’s true he is waiting to sign a contract based upon what DW and the team is committed to do with the rest of the roster, maybe he should show for them what HE is committed to as well?
By Brendan
December 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Toby Enstrom is 2-pts out of 3rd place for team scoring. Todd White and Eric Perrin only trail Kozlov by one-point. Another stat, a sad one, is that Kari Lehtonen and Johan Hedberg only trail Alexei Zhitnik by one-point and Ken Klee by two-points.
By Rawhide
December 19, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Brendan - I’d laugh at that if it wasn’t so depressing. But, on the bright side, last night they played well and hopefully they can bring again tomorrow night.
God knows we’ll need it.
By Brendan
December 19, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, an often overlooked stat is the offensive contribution from a team’s blueline. Our Icebirds only total six (6) goals on the year, and Enstrom has half of them. Exelby was two. And Nic Havelid has one.
Speaking of Havelid, he is still TIED with Toby Enstrom for the +/- leadership of this team. That’s a very good thing, folks. Early on, Havelid was tanking.
By Rawhide
December 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Good point. Now compared to a team like…say, Ottawa….they have something like 22 goals from defenders. Led by Corvo and Meszaros with 5 each.
By Jsmooth
December 19, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — twas refreshing to see the blueliners play confidently and aggressively last night. I nearly dropped my beer in my lap at home when I saw Z pin a forward to the wall and take the puck from him. If they can at the very least duplicate the physical effort from Tues night AND clear rebounds effectively for transition, then we may actually have a shot at beating Ottawa.
Perhaps Hossa will finally flip it into 5th gear and finish a couple of chances at the paint. I do wonder if he is “pacing” himself so he doesn’t sustain an injury, but then again, why was he so quick to come to Kovy’s defense ready to drop gloves against Toronto the other night? I have a feeling he’d be signed by now if the ASG would have antied up last summer and signed the likes of a Brian Rafalski or Matty Schneider. I’m not sure I’d want to play for an org who isn’t willing to spend closer to the cap.
By Brian
December 19, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - stop shouting my name. I think Hossa is playing more awful versus being full of awe. Seriously though, his goals recently (that I recall) have been SHGs, breakaway style, that flukey one from the bad angle against Carolina. Still though, he is on pace for another 82 pts…
By five_hole
December 19, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
We need to get rid of … . , no that’s not right. Um, er, Did you see the sloppy play of … . , no, that’s not it either. I dunno; I don’t remember how to blog when the team actually plays well. ;-)
I kept watching the TV and seeing all the mintues Zhitnik was piling up and yelling at the TV “why is he PLAYING so much!?!?”. Then it occurred to me that he was actually doing well. Good for him.
By GaVaHokie
December 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
Zhitnik was sayinging last week that his diminished ice time was keeping him from getting in the grove, so to speak… it’s almost like his 20 minutes TOI was Waddell’s way of saying “prove it”.
By jimmy slater
December 19, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Hey guys I got some new contact lenses today. Now I’m gonna score. Or at least get close to the net with my shots. That is if I don’t overskate before I shoot.
By Beavis
December 19, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Butthead,…Slater said he was gonna score….hehehehe….I’m gonna score, too…hehehehehe….
By Butthead
December 19, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
hehehe…yeah, right….and wild monkeys are gonna fly outa my nose!
hehe…hehehehe…
Hey, Beavis, don’t look now but Rawhide’s got a new post….
By Butthead
December 19, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
Huh Huh Huh. Yeah. Lets score. And Stuart has the same haircut as Enstrom. Huh Huh Huh. That @sswipe.
By Beavis
December 19, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
heh-heh….you said…”post”!
By Stuart
December 19, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, Mullets are cool. So is my Winger T-shirt. Uh Oh, here comes that maid lady that can’t speak English….
By Rawhide
December 19, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
OK you two! Knock it off!
Hey, where is the maid???
Beavis…Butthead!?!?