AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThrashers “Out” Ottawa
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ottawa…consider yourself “outed”!
That’s right, out shot, out hit, out hustled, out skated, out checked, out intensified, out foxed, out maneuvered, out played and out scored. Now, out the door with you!
In essence, The Atlanta Thrashers out “Ottawa-ed” Ottawa.
Thursday night the Atlanta Thrashers played their finest game of the year against the best team in the Eastern Conference. The home team came out shooting the puck at a dizzying rate, out shooting the Sens 21-7 in the first period alone. To put that in it’s proper prospective, last Saturday the Thrashers took 25 shots all game against this same Ottawa team. Atlanta wound up with 45 shots on goal, (tying the franchise record), to Ottawa’s 30. Forty-Five shots…that’s normally week’s worth of shots for these Thrashers!
Hey, didn’t someone around here predict Ottawa +15 on the shots? Well, you had the 15 right. (To be fair and honest, I placed the line at OTT +10.5 as you will recall).
As well as the Boys of Blueland played, they still found themselves trailing 1-0 deep into the second even though they were out shooting Ottawa 26-7 seven minutes into the period. But that’s when the fourth liners gave the team a boost via Eric Boulton’s 3rd goal of the season. Then, after falling behind 2-1 with three minutes left in the middle frame, the MVP of the league, (yeah, I’m already declaring it), Ilya Kovalchuk got it even again just 46 seconds later with a back-handed flip into the goal, his 28th of the year.
Then, after Todd White’s go-ahead power play goal 47 seconds into the third….it was Kari Time! In his second straight quality start, the Finn stopped 28 of 30 shots including all 14 he faced in the final stanza. A few days ago I asked, “Would the real Kari please stand up”. Well, if this is truly he…he may remain standing!
Not to be overlooked is the solid play of the Thrasher blue liners. McCarthy looked good again, Ken Klee played well and Tobias Enstrom tossed in his normal workman-like effort with 28:46 TOI. And then there is Alexei Zhitnik…he has had his best week in a Thrasher uniform since just after arriving here just prior to last season’s trade deadline. His game has greatly improved ever since Craig Custance wrote that piece on him.
Hmmmmm…Hey Craig, can we get a piece on Slater still being goal-less so far?
Nine players got points Thursday night, but none had more then one. Very fitting as it was a total team effort.
But most importantly, for the first time all year, the Thrashers this game… this week …have come to the ice at Philips with an attitude. From the drop of the puck to the final horn, they played with purpose and resolve. They skated with a mind-set as if to say:
“This is OUR home ice, these are OUR fans. You will NOT have a good time tonight! We will pressure you. We will attack your net! We will pursue you, hunt you down and hit you so hard your parents will be sorry they even MET! We will chase down every puck. We will knock you down and laugh when we make you cry like little girls! We don’t care what your record may be or from where you came! When you play your next game, whether that is tomorrow…the next day…or the day following, you will still feel what we did to you tonight!
We do this because this is OUR ice!
Because THIS is Thrasher hockey!
These are OUR fans!
THIS is BLUELAND”!
This is how they need to play every team, every game from here on out!
Maintenant, provoquer les habitants de Montreal!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Wreckin & Thrashin
December 21, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
Hell ya, baby! Let’s go Thrashers!
By jason
December 21, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
How does Kari not get at least one star tonight? Did someone from the Canadian press corps pick tonight’s 3 stars? Or maybe Slater’s mom? Yeah the 4th line was just about the best out there tonight, but why reward two people from the line? Especially the one that got his butt kicked in the fight?
I did like seeing Thorburn out on the PP in the 3rd. I think he could end up being a great garbage goal scorer especially since he’s proving he’s not afraid to stand in front of the net.
Did the people in the press box NOT hear the Kari chants? Kamal said as much in post-game that Kari was the first star in his eyes.
By Nix
December 21, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
THIS is the team I’ve been wanting to see. Keep it up boys!
And Rawhide, sweet post. I think they all need to recite that creed in the locker room before each game.
By J
December 21, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
Yep I predicted the Ottawa +15, and I still can’t believe it. I don’t know who was out there playing against Ottawa but it didn’t look like the Thrashers I’ve been watching. Any chance we can keep this up? 45 shots!!!! Complete opposite of what I was expecting.
Totally agree about Kari being the #1 star. He deserved it and got nothing. Slater got his a$$ kicked in a fight that he probably had no business being in.
Did I mention I sat behind Tom Glavine? :)
By Will
December 21, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Oh Yeah! Hopefully the boys in blue can continue this kind of play for an extended period of time. 45 shots! 21 in the first, I can’t believe it.
Kari talked about gaining confidence after the game. Hopefully the Kari chants will be heard often from now on.
I loved Slater fighting Bass in the first. I think it showed the Sens that we aren’t just gonna sleep walk and hand them the game in the first period.
By Tony C.
December 21, 2007 2:35 AM | Link to this
So what if Slater got waxed? I like the grit (maybe next time?) I ain’t takin that good to see him not backing away…I thought he had a great game
GO BLUE !!!
By Brendan
December 21, 2007 2:45 AM | Link to this
Best game of the year. Todd White gets the PPG to win it. Mark Recchi now has five (5) points in five games for Atlanta. I think he’s been a tremendous acquisition for us, at doesn’t cost much above the league minimum.
Kari Lehtonen’s best game all year, beyond a shadow of a doubt. That’s two good ones in a row. Can KL stay “focused” enough for a 3rd straight start? If not, there’s a back-to-back coming up, so playing Hedberg may not be a bad option anyway.
By PJ
December 21, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Rawhide
Great Post! I agree with Nix, they need to post your last paragraph on the wall in the locker room and they should recite it before each game.
Rstroh Will you call my asset manager and convert my proctor & gamble shares to that company that makes Ritallin? I hear Kari is going to be the new spokesman for that product. I want to jump on that bandwagon early. And lets not forget, another game winner for Mr. White…..can we start calling him Tidy-Whitey?
By Rawhide
December 21, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Still pumped after last night’s game! God I hope they can continue what they have done this week!
Now, please let me extend to everyone a very Merry Christmas and, to those whom it applies, Good Yom Tov! I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season, indeed!
If your travelling, please be safe!, (and if you are, where ya going)?
Me? We will be in town next week, then we head to Florida for the week of New Years! I should be near a internet connction at most times, so I will continue to provide your forum for discussion!
Thank you all for your support and input over the past 3 months! You have all made this gig very enjoyable for me!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL!
By headedtodisneyworld
December 21, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Great blog and keep up the good work!
By Brian
December 21, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - yeah, I want Slater to get that first goal too, but if he gets a slew of assists on that 4th line, I’ll take that anyday.
Tony C - I’m with you, I would rather have a player who fights and loses than one that skates away after one of our own gets hit.
Brendan - I totally forgot about the fact that Recchi gets another point for us. Great pickup there.
PJ - that Tidy-Whitey reference can go a few different ways, can you explain your’s?
By Brian
December 21, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Actually, I do recall something now that I don’t like about last night (and the last few games). Do we really want Kovy on the point for the PP? I made the comment last night and those sitting with me agreed. I don’t mind the risk taking as much, but the number of times he can’t hold it in is climbing…
By stan drulia
December 21, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
The sweetest thing about the win last night is the fact that Ottawa has continued to have no respect for us at all… They are wayyy to cocky for their own good and must I remind them that they had a 7 game skid not too far back? Great, you are canadian. Good for you. Too bad you just got schooled by a team that you think should be demoted to minor league. Go Thrashers!
By PJ
December 21, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Brian - Well, he cleans up at the end of course…..Didn’t your Mom ever tell you to Tidy up your room??? Sheesh! Where is your mind at?
By LAC
December 21, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Total effort, even heatley was on his BUTT a couple times for good measure !!!
The Canadian press is referring to us a Bottom Feeders, Classless and their crappy fans even worst.
Just LOVE to hear them WHINE when we DUMP a Canadian team… Now Mtl… lates whine’em twice this week !!!
Solid goaltending the past two games KL making those saves that change the entire focus of the game. The save on Spezza was just GREAT !
45 shots ???? We were ALL over them
Four more points before Christmas to get, can we get them ? Let’s get’em..
Happy Holiday’s to ALL… Even YOU Brian !
By Brian
December 21, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
stan - I think a lot of fans like to beat the Leafs for the same reason.
By Brian
December 21, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
pj - I’m with ya, just wanted to hear from ya.
By Waffleboy
December 21, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Gotta agree with the negatives on Slater, he played a great game. How awesome would it have been for him to get his first goal to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick?
By Russian
December 21, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
It was a good game. 4-line were just bust. Finnaly my schedule for 5 games was broken. I am so happy. We got now 2-2. One more push and win to Montreal. We have to keep Kari on Montreal, look like he got his game and put Moose against Blues.
By erock
December 21, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
If Kari is truly going to be the # 1 goalie then he needs to play them all.Who cares if it is back to back games or not especially if he continues to play well.He is young and playing every game keeps him more focused and sharp. Brodeur plays most of his games.
By ThrasherNY
December 21, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
I really wish I could have been at that game last night. It sounded like the energy in the building was top notch.
I count Recchi as my first xmas gift of the season. He is exceeding exectations and is costing us nothing. Kudos to DW on that one.
Is there anything better than seeing Kovalchuk rack up the goals. The article about him accounting for 30% or our total production is scary in macro view but stellar as a big fan of #17.
I sent this chain of events to Santa first class mail today. If it doesnt get to him in time I hope he reads this blog.
Thrashers claw back into playoff spot giving the owners a much needed return on investment.
Ownership grants DW 46MM budget for next season in response to recent success.
DW signs Holik at a reasonable 2MM banking 2MM for Hossa raise.
Hossa signs because DW takes Rucchin’s 2.4MM + extra money from owners 2.5MM and signs him top line center.
I really see the Hossa signing as a condition of what Waddell does next off season. If ownership spends the money to improve a good thing he stays. If they hand DW another ‘just make the playoffs and hope to catch lightning in a bottle’ budget than he goes.
By thefan
December 21, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
i hope i’ll see you all down there on saturday against habs .Need to win this one .
By Jsmooth
December 21, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
hit you so hard your parents will be sorry they even MET!
Rawhide — that line made me laugh out loud! And the passion of your “fandom” is dripping off the computer screen. It’s got me so pumped that I cannot wait to get back to Blueland next week. Indeed, the equipment manager should tape the bottom half of your post to the bulletin board in the Ice Forum locker room…UNLEASH THE FURY!!!
By stendec
December 21, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Erock has a good point. When someone is hot go with them! Start KL until he either allows three goals less than halfway through the game or surrenders several obvious soft tallies. When he is on he is on. WHEN HE IS OFF HE IS OFF! Pointless to leave him in when he is struggling. True franchise (TRANSLATION:Stanley Cup quality) netminders tough enough to string together numerous consecutive starts. KL has physical ability but has not yet displayed mental toughness on consistent basis. I do not question his stellar saves. He makes them frequently. I do question bone-headed goals due to mental lapses (leaving net, going low at wrong time, losing sight of long-range blasts). A timely goal can quickly lift a team. An untimely goal can just as quickly drain the energy OUT of a team. Continue your solid play KL. I will be watching. CLOSELY! Body language punctuates Hossa unhappiness. Pity he does not like being on team. That is obvious. Oh well, I wish him well wherever he winds up. Merry Christmas fellow Thrasher watchers. GO BLUE!
By Thrasher Ryan
December 21, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Rawhide—If you have time to crunch some numbers, find out Thrashers record for games that we get a PJ prayer and a Thrasher Ryan win prediction. If I had to guess, I would say we are at least over .500. Dany Heatley is a wuss. He backed off everytime someone went after him. Also, with the amount of money he makes you would think he could at least get his grill fixed. Good job Thrashers, DOMINATING home ice.
By kracker
December 21, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
This last season series game with these guys will be remembered by both teams if we meet in the playoffs.
By Rawhide
December 21, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Kracker - If we do meet in the playoffs it would probably be as the #1 vs. #8 seed…unless we can catch the ‘Canes.
ThrasherRyan - Atlanta is 15-9-1 after pre-game prayers from Puckjunque. I’ll have to get back with you regarding your predictions, but I gather that you are indeed +.500.
As for staying with Kari….I am a proponent of staying with one starter. Right now that is Kari…if he contiunues to play as he has done this week, then he is the #1. Moose should start Sunday on the tail end of a back-to-back with travel involved and do so in that manner the rest of the way.
By kari lehtonen
December 21, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
By kari lehtonen
December 20, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, Slater’s gonna score tonight. I caught him stealing some of my ADD meds. I’m gonna do good tonight, too. I’m gonna make stendec proud of me. Just you guys wait and see, i’ll show you!
See, I told you guys I can do it. Slates didn’t score yet, but he did score some stitches. I am proud of my team.
By PJ
December 21, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan
I knew I saw 6-4 somewhere and I went back to find it on CC’s blog …..
By Alan
December 20, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
This has to be the best I’ve seen the Thrashers look in a long time. Great effort on everyone involved, even during that 6 on 4 in the final minute! And we were actually ahead on the shot count too (45-30). Unbelievable!
By JayBird
December 21, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Playoffs? You’re talking about playoffs? Sorry, couldn’t resist!
I was shocked at the shots on goal last night. I really expected another ridiculous SOG margin but got a pleasant surprise. It was an all around good effort for the guys, let’s hope it continues against the Frogs on Saturday.
Does anyone have a theory about the shot total last night? Does Gerber have a reputation of giving up a ton of rebounds? I am just thankful we put the puck on net and didn’t wait around for the perfect shot. Maybe this is a trend that will continue.
Rawhide, great job as usual. Thanks for everything!
By PJ
December 21, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Rawhide and your Flock
I will not be traveling but will however be bombarded with sleepover guests who watch Football, not Hockey, so please be kind to those who might have to miss a game and post details. Thanks!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone and Drive Safely
By PJ
December 21, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan and Rawhide
For the record……I am also 4-1-0 on games attended at Phillips this season. (hint hint Santa)
By Bob
December 21, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Does anyone have a theory about the shot total last night?
Our boys just simply skated their asses off last night and outplayed Ottawa end to end. They can’t keep that up every night, but man, it was great to see.
Now Kari can keep up that level of play last night every night. The big question is, will he? If he doesn, that goes a long way towards fixing many ills.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 21, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
PJ - Sounds to me like you are a good luck charm! Rawhide, this girl’s a keeper! (No pun intended) We gotta keep her around! If this keeps up, we all might have to throw in on season tickets for PJ.
Rawhide—Also, who are the “Jonas Brothers”? I got an email about the NHL all star game saying the Jonas Brothers are playing a concert while the teams practice. I’ve never heard of them, have you? Based on the picture of them it looks like some teeny bopper music. I would rather hear the band with Exelby and Popovic!!!
By Rawhide
December 21, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan - PJ? yeah, she’s OK, I guess. :o) I guess we can let her stay.
Here is the official site for The Jonas Brothers. Never heard of ‘em….then again, I left pop music in ‘89. Gimme Pink Floyd, U2, The Stones, Dire Straits, Areosmith, Led Zeplin, Janis Joplin, Rush, etc. This new stuff….it’s Crap!
By PJ
December 21, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan Teeny-Bopper? Right you are my man, and you can check out their music videos on the Disney Channel. I think I’d rather hear Brian and Rstroh sing a drunken duet of “Gime three steps” on Karaoke. Furthermore Any statement that involves me and season tickets is a winner in my book! Please make a prediction on that one!! Rawhide You Guess??
By Thrasher Ryan
December 21, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
RH—When are you gonna get your picture next to your name like ‘ole Vecsey? And some of us think you should use your powers to set up a post game concert with Exelby/Pops’ band. Good idea?
By Rawhide
December 21, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan - A photo was submitted and I’ve been told it’s just a matter of time. Of course, once they saw this old mug, they probably thought better of it…..
XLB/Pops band, great idea! I’ll get my people right on that…
Staff….STAFF…STAFF!!
%$#@!-IT! Gone for Christmas ALREADY!
By Rawhide
December 21, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
PJ - You know your the BEST!!! :o)
By Brian
December 21, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
PJ - it was Free Bird that stroz wanted to sing, not Gimme Three Steps.
Rawhide - not that you’d me surprised by this, but I have almost all of those on CD, 1 exception (although I may get one for the mp3 player of that exception).
By R. Stroz
December 21, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Freebird, Yea, Skynyrd Rules
By R. Stroz
December 21, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Who’s attending the game Saturday?
By Rawhide
December 21, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
raising hand…jumping up and down - OOOOoooh-OOOOOoooooh! ME! ME! ME! Mr. RStroz!!! ME!! ME!!
Brian - Lemme guess, you don’t have any Janis in your collection.
Everybody have a look-see. Santa Roarke is dishing out out some presents for the good players, including Recchi and Enstrom.
Here’s an interesting one for ya’ll. The Sports Forcaster of Canada posted this Hot and Not tid-bit. In it McCarthy is listed as “HOT”….OK, true given his play of late. But listed as “NOT” is Zhity-Zhity-Bang-Bang, who has also played well in the same time frame. “Ruts up Rid Dat Raggy”?
By The Other Bob
December 21, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
HOLY COW! After citing that Zhit’s play improved after CC’s article on him, Rawhide asked, Hmmmmm…Hey Craig, can we get a piece on Slater still being goal-less so far?
Well, ask and ye shall receive
By Brian
December 22, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - you guessed Janis? Actually, I do have 1 Joplin CD in the collection. Think harder, you know me…
JayBird - yes, I have all sorts of wavs and mp3s on the site…
I’ll definitely take the under on the goal differential tonight. They are going to come out hard. 4 point game as well.
By Rawhide
December 22, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Brian - My second guess is U2?
Anyway, new Rawhide blog in 5…4…3…2…1…