AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUnhappy Snowbirds and A Blues Christmas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sending The Snowbirds Home Unhappy
One would think that a fan of the Montreal Canadiens…someone who apparently is FROM the city of Montreal… would have a firm grasp on “hockey etiquette”. You know, like…if you have a “GO HABS GO” banner to wave about as you cheer for your team, you don’t hold it up high in the air so those behind you have the view of the ice blocked during play. You would THINK! It was a good thing that the gentleman sitting a few rows in front of me “gently” and “politely” clued her and her crowd in on how to behave at an ice hockey game!
Needless to say she and her friends skanked out of Philips Saturday night in very quiet fashion with her banner tucked neatly out of sight after the Thrasher’s 3-2 shootout win.
Kari Lehtonen was spectacular again for the third start in a row as he turned away 37 of 39 Montreal shots and both of the shoot out attempts that he faced. The box score will show that both goals he allowed were full strength, however Alexei Kovalev’s goal in the third came 1 second after Ilya Kovalchuk’s hooking penalty had expired…the shot fired before the door opened. Regardless, Kari’s play for the past three-plus games has been what we have been expecting from him all year.
Now, part of the improvement from the man between the pipes has a lot to do with the play of the defenders in from of him. Steve McCarthy was spot-on all night in his 15:08 on the ice and Alexei Zhitnik put in twenty and a half minutes of solid play. Honestly, I saw Zhit get beat once in the second…but all-in-all his play in the past week has contributed largely to Atlanta’s 3-0-0 home stand this week.
Also, it’s nice to have the team come away with two points in a game Kovy was held pointless. It’s gonna happen every now and then and the Thrashers need others to step up in those games. Marian Hossa chipped in two assists and Eric Perrin scored and threw in a helper himself. Slava Kozlov started the night out right with his goal 4:31 in and Mark Recchi had an assist giving him six points in six games with Atlanta.
The crowd at Philips was in this game all night…the joint was a-jumpin’ after Kari stuffed Siahei Kastsitsyn’s shoot out attempt to seal the victory.
Well, there were a few unhappy snowbirds…oh well, at least they now know how to conduct themselves at a hockey game.
Thank You, Sir
Saturday night as I was at Philips with the youngest tax exemption, a few people approached me and said hello, recognizing the RAWHIDE on the jersey, which is always very nice. One gentleman in particular tapped me on the shoulder as I waited in line at the concessions during the second intermission. As he did, the lady at the counter started shouting for my order and it may have seemed to him that I did not pay the necessary attention to him as he was speaking to me. I did not fully catch his name, but I wanted to say thank you so very much for your kind words to me and that I apologize if I seemed distracted. If you see me again, please come by again so I can chat more and give you the time and attention you deserve.
I’ll Have A Blues Christmas
Sunday night’s game in St. Louis was one of the best games I’ve watched since…well…the night before. The 3-2 OT win, (deja vous), marked the first time that the Thrashers had won the tail end of a back-to-backer all season. Atlanta bucked another trend doing so as they netted two power play goals against the best penalty killing team in the NHL.
The Thrashers got their Recchi-gball out again as Mark tallied another goal and an assist. He now has four goals and eight points in seven games. I tell you, if a Christmas card from Don Waddell doesn’t show up on the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Penguin’s front office, he should be scolded for not properly showing appreciation for such a wonderful gift.
Ilya Kovalchuk, after taking a whole game off from scoring, (slacker), tied the game at a goal apiece at 16:22 of the second after drawing a penalty against the boards and then drilling a laser blast on the ensuing power play. It was his 29th goal of the year and 47th point. He is on pace to net 66 goals and 107 overall points. Both would be career highs.
Marian Hossa, (1 goal and 1 assist), ended the well-played game 19 seconds into the overtime period when he scooped the puck away from a Blues defender’s skates and flipped it past Manny Legace.
Then there is Kari Lehtonen. Four straight starts, four straight wins, four straight games he allowed only two goals. I think he has gotten a grip on this “consistency” thingy. In front of Kari was another fine job by the defenders. To-BEE-us Enstrom finished a +1 and had two assists during his 25:34 TOI. Ken Klee played well, notably with the sliding block on Keith Tkachuk in the first period. Steve McCarthy, XLB both had strong showings as well.
The Thrashers out shot St. Louis 25-20. That’s right, they held a team to 20 shots in 60:19 worth of game. Who said there is no Santa Claus?
The win brings the Thrashers to 37 points in 36 games, places them in second place in the Southeast Division just four points behind Carolina, (who have played one game more then Atlanta). Keep in mind the two games against the Hurricanes just after New Years…could be very big! Coming away with two points Sunday also puts them in ninth place in the conference, a single point below the playoff line.
Playing Outside The Box
One of the reasons the Thrashers have been able to pull of four straight wins, the last three being of the one-goal variety, is the fact that they have cut down on the silly penalties. Sunday they only gave St. Louis 3 power play opportunities, Saturday night Montreal had two, Thursday night Ottawa also was limited to two. This tends to cut down on shots per games and makes life easier on the man ‘tween the pipes. Kari, in turn, has returned the favor by putting in four straight high-quality starts.
Merry Christmas To All
I hope that everyone out there in Blogland has a very Merry Christmas!! This is especially true for you, Manley, and all of our wonderful men and women who are serving our nation. Whether you’re in Iraq, Afghanistan or at any post around the globe, you have our thoughts, our love, our prayers and support. We hope you return home safe and victorious! May God keep His watch over you as you keep your watch over us.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Blueland!!!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Kaladonis
December 23, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Thrashers win!
Merry Christmas everyone. I know I’m having one.
Go Thrashers!
By Brendan
December 23, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas to one and all. Thank you to Manley and all that serve. Rawhide, great catch on that back-to-back stat. I think it’s been elevated to 1-6-1 for the year.
By J
December 23, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Good stuff! FYI - Carolina has actually played one more game than us. I think one of those Carolina games is on Versus, hopefully its the one in Carolina, gotta love hockey in HD!!!!!
4 straight wins, all against playoff caliber teams (it seems like everyone is a playoff caliber team right now). Hopefully we can take care of the somewhat lesser teams against the BJ’s and the Rats!
By Jim
December 23, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Another hustling effort by the boys and a well deserved “W”. Merry Christmas, Rawhide.
By kracker
December 23, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas RH (Bill) to you and yours! And to Thrashers and hockey fans everywhere.
I have to admit my spirits this season were drooping a bit. Time and games were getting away from us and the boys had sunk near the bottom of the conference. There was time yet for a move….and they have made it!
I got the present I wanted these last two games (four points) and will enjoy my Christmas holiday with friends and family just that much more.
GO THRASHERS!!
PS - I posted elsewhere that I will post a nice thread to the Penguins on Christmas Day for sending us Mr. Recchi for Christmas. It’s a nice story all around :)
By Jim
December 23, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Another hustling effort by the boys and a well deserved “W”. Merry Christmas, Rawhide.
By stendec
December 23, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
THRASHERS WIN! KL let in two goals on just over a dozen shots but mates bailed him out in overtime. Shootout not necessary. THIS TIME! Nice road victory. Keeps win streak intact. Two needed points. Kudos all around. As proud of Thrashers just as I am totally disgusted with those gutless losers who played in Arizona this afternoon. What ARE their names again? GO BLUE!
By The Other Bob
December 23, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Any truth to the rumor that Monica Lewinski will be singing the national anthem at the BJs game Wednesday?
By Brian
December 23, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
The way the Thrashers are playing right now and starting their streak, the best gift I can get is if they play about every other day for the next month (say until the All-Star game) after Christmas. That’s what I want Santa to bring me.
By Jsmooth
December 23, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — once again, thanks for your dedicated and engaging approach to this blog…you could miss every game and read nothing but your blog (no offense to Craig Custance who does a great job for the ajc) and never miss a beat when it comes to keeping up with the Atlanta Thrashers saga…luckily for us, their spirited turn-around this week makes your blog that much more enjoyable!!
Brendan — you devil, enjoy your Christmas vacation down on the west coast of Fla. When the sun glimmers off of the white sand just right, you may just think for a moment that you’re looking at the smooth, cold ice surface of Philips Arena. Don’t forget to wear your Icebird colors with pride!
By PJ
December 23, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Manley, I can’t come up with the right words to express my gratitude for the sacrifice you and your fellow soldiers are making. I’m glad the pkg arrived before Christmas. Thanks to everyone that contributed, Hockey fans are the Best!!
By Brendan
December 23, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Jsmooth. I always take a supply of Thrasher T-shirts with me to sunny FLA.
Okay, on the “On the Fly” segment, Analyst Dave Reid declared Marian Hossa to be the sparkplug of the offense and the “leader” of our team. No, that’d be Kovalchuk. Reid would then go on to say that the key the Thrashers success, powerplay or otherwise, was Mark Recchi. Look, I don’t want to “downplay” what Recchi has brought to our club. But without Tobias Enstrom and Ilya Kovalchuk, things would be very different.
At least Reid had nice things to say about the Thrashers.
By Monica L
December 23, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Other Bob No, I believe a brittish actress will be singing the National Anthem. She had a bit part in the second Austin Powers movie, the girl who wouldn’t die, the one on the dance floor in the black and white dress??….what was her name???
By Austin Powers
December 23, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Oh wait, baby…I know the answer to that one.
It was Spitz…no, Swallows….Oh damn…I can’t remember!
By Jsmooth
December 23, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Okay, it sounds like this Dave Reid character is nothing but an ignorant a$$ head. And by the by, can SportSouth do any worse than that McConnell guy on the Thrashers Live show? JJ is serviceable, but can we get a former NHL player with some “ice cred” to shed some light on an angle I missed or some analysis that consists of something other than “that was a really huge goal for the Thrashers” or “this is definitely a big move for the Thrashers”. No wonder their ratings suck…it’s supposed to be entertaining…not insulting.
By In midst of Idiots
December 23, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Another gritty effort by the boys tonite. All played well but i want to give a shout out to the Slater/Boulton/Thorburn line. I have been very impressed with them the last 3 games. They are flying around hitting, digging and generally making a nuiscence of themselves. Is really nice to see the strong effort they are giving. Overall the team is playing solid. I think the win over Ottawa gave us a load of confidence that could carry over the rest of the season.
By Midfield
December 24, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
I noticed a dirty little secret about Canadians: they don’t like Kovalchuk. He’s a threat. He just does not go away and let Sid-the whiner-kid be the uncontested league’s superstar. What’s worse, he does not whine. He also can beat the crap out of cheap-shot artists like Avery - all by himself. Bummer.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 24, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Hell Yeah, Baby! Thrashers are playing True Thrasher Hockey right now. Making ATLANTA proud! Playing tough, as one team, not quitting too early. Playing complete well-rounded games. KL is poised and focused. He HAS to continue on. DW must ride the hot goalie at this point. No time for experiments or rotations. KL must go the distance until next loss; Start Moose after that.
Rawhide—10 games left out of the 13. 3-0 thus far. 4-0 if you count 14 games. We were gunning for 9-4 out of 13 games. We can potentially do a heck of a lot better than that.
New Line Suggestions:
Kovalchuk-Perrin-Recchi
Kozlov-White-Hossa
Larsen-Holik-Dupuis
Boulton-Slater-Thorburn
By Tim
December 24, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan Why would you mess up with the lines lol. We win so dont break what is not broken ;)
I can see Moose on ice against Columbus on wednesday then having Kari face the Bruins on Thursday and Panthers on Saturday. 4 day rest after back to back win is well merited. The Thrashers will go as far as Lehtonen wants to bring them. He can’t do it alone, but if he do his share, I like our chance.
And Happy Holiday everyone ^^
By rockdr99
December 24, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this
to RAWHIDE — Merry Christmas, my friend — As I told you in the concession line Saturday night, I love your writing style — You add much to the enjoyment of hockey, Thrashers style — By the way, you were very gracious in person, even though our encounter was brief — GO THRASHERS
By Thrasher Ryan
December 24, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this
RH—Looking forward to the next 10 games. Several on home ice, in “our house”. MUST dominate on home ice. Defend “our house” with all of our hearts. In an ideal swing, you definitely want to go at least 5-5. However, Thrash can very easily go 7-3. That is what I am hoping for. 7-3 puts Thrash in much more respectable conference position. Be careful of Columbus game. Some would call it a “trap game”. Columbus has not been playing very well as of late… The boys of blueland better not get caught sleeping. That is why I stick with KL for Columbus game. 2 days rested, with confidence level at an all-season high. If he wins, I go with him the next night also. He has to become mentally and physically prepared for playoff push. Moose must always stay ready.
We have a couple open roster spots for call-ups. If any are brought up, I would go with Little and Sterling.
I know, I know, why mess with a good thing? Just suggestions, that’s all…
By Alan
December 24, 2007 5:51 AM | Link to this
I wonder if this story has legs:
Talk won’t go away that the Sharks are going to trade C Patrick Marleau, who has struggled this season. The Thrashers would love to bring him in as their No. 1 centre
By LAC
December 24, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this
What a GREAT Game in St.L !!!
Also a good number of Blueland Fans at game there last night too.
On Kovy’s goal, Ihave NEVER heard fans gasp, not boo but gasp on the slap shot… guess they do not see that in the Western Confrence !!!
Good all around effort and I got a kick out of watching waddell waving his fist as he left the bench.
The Slater hit on Johnson… was great, never saw it coming.
Let’s hope they keep it going in Columbus and beyond… For a team that at one time was I believe was 14 points behind Carolina and now only 4 Just Super !
By harleyman
December 24, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
From a rural Ga. Thrasher fan, just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all and thanks for the great blog I read everyday. I post very rarely, but I just had to throw in my two cents about the way our Thrashers have really stepped it up all the way around this week. Recci has been a godsend so far as he has allowed us to balance out the all the lines and improved the PP tremendously. Hopefully last nights game will get Hoss more excited about wanting to stay in Atlanta. Zhit, Thorburn, Larson, and Slater are playing their best hockey right now. Maybe Slates can even get break his goal curse soon. Even McCarthy has stepped it up with some great hitting along the boards this week. Kovy, Hoss, Slava, Toby continue doing what they have done all season. Good to see Slava taking more shots. I’m so pumped I could go on and on. And Kari, what can you say. Let’s keep it going Thrashers.
By Rawhide
December 24, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
LAC - On Kovy?s goal, Ihave NEVER heard fans gasp, not boo but gasp on the slap shot? guess they do not see that in the Western Confrence !!! - Yeah…you could heard the crowd just gasp collectively, and I could invision their eyes as big as silver dollars! Did Legece even as much as flinch on that shot?
Harleyman - Welcome and thanks for chiming in!!!
Alan - Depending on the price, I am interested in that! I stil think a true #1 center is the next piece to the puzzle. A good D-man too, but not as much right now given the play of our current blue liners. I hope they can keep it up!
Rockdr99 - Thank you…it was a pleasure meeting you!!
By Bob
December 24, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Bob’s Top 10 Santa Wish List
10 A new boss for Coach Waddell 9 A signed Kovalchuk sweater 8 A 5 year Marian Hossa contract extension 7 A #1 center to skate with Kovy 6 A #1 dman, if he could be 6’2”, that would be just dandy, but I’ll take any size, Santa! 5 5 Golden Rings! 4 A playoff berth for our Thrashers, #8 seed is just dandy, #3 is mo better 3 An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle 2 A playoff win! 1 Peace and Goodwill on Earth and a very Merry and Blessed Christmas to all of our Thrashers and their loyal Blueland followers everywhereBy Brendan
December 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Harleyman, don’t be a stranger. In the link Alan provided from the Toronto Sun, it also says that Pens GM Shero is allegedly targeting Marian Hossa to play on Sid Crosby’s line. Yeah, but what would they give up to get him? We’d need a little more than picks. The Pens won’t be headed towards the “draft lottery” this Summer.
I’d love to have Patrick Marleau. But honestly, I think the problem in San Jose is not the roster, it’s Head Coach Ron Wilson. And I’ve been saying so for a while now. There was much more serious talk of him being fired in the offseason and in the early portion of the season. The longer they wait … the more it seems that Wilson will stay. It might not be “fair,” but Ron Wilson is the Marty Schottenheimer of hockey. If you look at the quotes from the last three longterm San Jose Shark contract renewals, there’s one common thread to all of them. Paraphrasing, “We’re gonna win a lot of Cups.” I believe those quotes are predicated on keeping their core nucleus intact, and that mean retaining Patrik Marleau, a former 2nd overall pick.
I think it’d be a mistake for San Jose to move Marleau. Move Wilson, and watch Marleau flourish again. Ron Wilson singled out Marleau’s play in last year’s playoff exit. It didn’t go over well with the players or the fans. For the record, Ron Wilson is a very good regular season coach, just like Schottenheimer is (14-2 last year). But is he the guy to bring home the Cup?
By Brian
December 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - I would have to believe they are going to ask for Hossa.
Alan - nice link, but I was more interested in this tidbit: There’s plenty of talk the Penguins have intensified their search for someone to play with C Sidney Crosby. The options are limited, but the word is Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero has talked to the Thrashers about W Marian Hossa, who can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
I would take Malkin over Marleau…
By Brian
December 24, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Brendan - yeah, probably the reason a trade didn’t happen yet is because they are offering us Daryl Sydor for Hossa…
By Rawhide
December 24, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
On Nov. 10th, the Thrashers held a 2-1 lead over the Carolina Hurricanes early in the 2nd period.
They went on to loose 5-3….
Not to play “Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda” here, but had the Thrashers won that game in regulation, they would be tied with Carolina for the division lead, holding the tie-breaker for the edge.
That’s one game separating 9th place from 3rd place in the conference.
Every game matters!!!
By FormerIslesFan
December 24, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
RH First off, just wanted to wish you and yours (and everyone else on this blog) very Happy Holiday wishes. It was great of you to come down and spot my boys and I at the Canadiens game and to chat a bit. (BTW, my older “tax deduction” managed to snag Hossa’s stick that he broke in the second period: it is about to take its place on the wall in his bedroom with other assorted Thrashers’ memorabilia!).
On the Habs’ game: Wow. What can I say that has not already been said. Great D (even Zhit and Mac) and KL was the difference. I know it is getting mention, but I don’t think there is any amount of press that does justice to what Hossa’s presence on the “second” line does for Slava. They both look reinvigorated.
On the Blues’ game: I think Darren Ellott had it right on Kovy’s goal, “it looked like the net was going to explode.” I read an interview this morning (not sure with whom…) where reference was made to St. Louis fans not having seen anything like that since Iafrate. Nice company with whom to be compared!
Brendan, yes, I think your 1-6-1 notation of the Thrashers’ record in the second leg of BTB games is correct (with the last number being the SO loss to NJ). Tell you what, I’ll wear my Thrasher Blue on the East Coast of FLA next week since you’ve got the West Coast covered!
Hard to believe where we stand after the start this season. But, it makes the second half look that much more exciting!
By Rawhide
December 24, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
FIF - It was great to see you guys there…he has to be THRILLED with getting that!
Yes, to see that the Thrashers are 4 points shy of Carolina….1 point shy of the 8 spot in the conference…..3 points shy of the FOUR spot in the conference after what happened in October…just amazing!
OK, Brendan’s got the west coast of Florida, you got the east coast…I know someone in here has Disney World covered… and I will have north Florida covered…..PJ, you get down to the keys and we’ll have the entire state!!!!
By Thrasher Ryan
December 24, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Re: Hossa—If it absolutely HAS to be done, I could settle for moving Hossa to St. Louis for Tkachuk and Barrett Jackman and possibly a pick. If we are going to move Hossa, we HAVE to get value for him. Marleau would be good too, but, San Jose needs to add a sweetener or two to spice up that deal.
By PJ
December 24, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Rawhide I need to take a rain check on the Keys, I think my family might notice and report me missing, this would be UN-good. Maybe Brian can go in my place, maybe a little sunshine could do him some good.
By Brian
December 24, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
PJ - I am not a fan of the Keys…
By Thrasher Ryan
December 24, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Jimmy Slater just can’t buy any luck. Ample oppurtunities without a reward. He must stay focused and keep at it. Like Boom Boom used to say, “You can’t score if you don’t shoot.” Slater just needs to keep at it. It will come. I will go out on a limb here and say it comes at Philips On Thursday against Florida.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 24, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
As proud of Thrashers just as I am totally disgusted with those gutless losers who played in Arizona this afternoon. What ARE their names again?
stendec—I thought they played alright. No quitting this week. Coach Thomas has the respect of his players. Team fought hard until the end. Much better than that pitiful effort last week at Tampa. Don’t worry, buddy. Season is almost over. Now we can concentrate on Thrashers.
By Thrasher Ryan
December 24, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
PJ—Keep doing whatever it is that you are doing! It is working quite well. Also, that was very noble to send stuff to Manley and the troops. I am proud to see fellow Thrashers fans doing good deeds like that.
Thrashers can set 2 season marks with a win at Columbus. First time all season at least 2 games over .500 and longest winning streak all season = 5 wins.
As for Florida, i’m a Daytona guy myself.
By Jsmooth
December 24, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
West coast Fla beaches are my preference…Clearwater’s beaches are the only reason to go to Tampa! Well, and to see the Thrashers spank the Dolts in the middle of winter!
Merry Christmas Bloggers!
By Hooky Bob
December 24, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
After Kovy’s bullet goal,.. my spouse asked: “Can they put one those speed guns (like in baseball) behind the net?” Might be a good marketing tool. A few more shots like that and Kovy would get plenty of votes from out west. Note that the fans “collective agsp” came from the same arena where Al McInnis used to let 100+ mph slapshots loose. I guess they aren’t used to being on the receiving end.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a Merry Christmas.
By Brian
December 24, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Hooky Bob - that would be nice, the problem is that you have no idea where the player is going to shoot from, if he will shoot at all, etc. It’s much easier in baseball when you can figure out exactly when a pitch will be thrown and where it will be thrown from so you can set up the gun and point it between the mound & plate.
By LAC
December 24, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Rawhide… We were sitting at the end of the Thrashers bench right where the blue line is…
The puck was FLAT, not rolling and Kovy had his head down and I mean put his entire body into it.
It made a rather odd sound coming off the stick, like a well hit baseball leaving the park.
Salvador moved to the left, he DID not want to get hit and their goalie only saw it coming OUT of the net.
It had to be 15 feet from the goal going away before he ever saw it.
These two next to us… had their jaws drop, the guy turned and asked… Does he always shoot them like that ?
I answered YES…he said McInnis did about that but never with the puck moving.
Then their fans were yelling for McKee to be traded following the Hossa goal… Just a great nightin St.L… But you should have been there Rawhide, the really hear the Gasp, it was uncanny !
By DWTOO
December 24, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
LAC - That must have been you on the tube the.!
By Alan
December 24, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Brian - Is Malkin worth Hossa, though? I know Hossa doesn’t look like the same guy he did last year, but I’m not ready to give up on him quite yet.
By Brian
December 24, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Alan - I think he is, especially given that Hossa does horrible in the playoffs, we might lose him anyway, Malkin has huge upside, and the ULTIMATE dream scenario would be Ovechkin wanting to play with Kovy & Malkin (come on, it’s Christmas, I can dream). The question is can you move White to the 2nd and put Perrin on the wing again and still get something out of Kozzy?
By Kaladonis
December 24, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Bob - careful with that…you’ll shoot your eye out!
Personally, I don’t think anyone should underestimate the value that Recci has brought to this team. I’ve heard occasional comments by Elliot about leadership in the locker room, but it’s my perception (particularly in light of what Pittsburg did last year and when the ‘canes won the cup) that Recci is making a huge difference in the leadership in this team. Has anyone heard more about this.
By Alan
December 24, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
That’s a good dream scenario, actually. And a very good question, too. That’s why I’m sort of reluctant to advocate a Hossa for Malkin deal. We have it pretty good right now with what we have.
The thing that struck me as unusual, is I didn’t hear anything about Atlanta being interested in Marleau. Really, it’s the first I heard of it… hence why I posted it. I wrote the Pittsburgh story off as a slice of wishful thinking on their part.
Who knows, man? Maybe both of those stories have legs, and we’re in for one hell of a shock at the trade deadline.
By Tony C.
December 24, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Re: Pittsburgh-I’d take Malone and their left-side 2nd pair Dman +1st&3rd round (this year) and 2nd round (next year) picks for Hoss…I might throw a conditional player-to-be-named-later in. Or just Malkin for Hoss straight up.
Neither of those will fly, but like Brian said “[we] can dream”
Re: Marleau-not for what they’d want…I don’t think that They’d give up Marleau AND say…Goc or Michalek-which is what DW should ask for.
My thoughts on the past 3 games:
Vs. Frostback/Expansion-GREAT GAME!!! I agreed completely with Elliot when he said “That might just be the best all-around game I’ve ever seen this club play.” …For once, I saw Le Thrash close out a game that’s right-they fought for the lead and then just grinid it out-you know, WINNING HOCKEY
Vs. Frostback/French-A little too exciting, but great to see our boys hang tough and especially to see KL step up.
Vs. St. Louis-Anytime you can make people who’re used to seeing Al McCinnis’s slapper gasp (it really must’ve been incredibly unique…everybody is talking about it) well, kids, we all know #17 is the best in the biz, glad when there’s something undeniable like that to confirm it to the doubters. Loved the Recchi goal-Hoss undressing dude is sure to be good enough to be in the first 15 seconds of his agent’s dvd…I thought it was funny how dude from On The Fly couldn’t say “Hoss” “He’s uh, well, they call him a horse, and that’s just what he is“…do they really not say “Hoss” up in Canukia? Did they not get Bonanza???
GO BLUE !!! #17 OWNS YOU
P.S. God bless all of you, best of fortune in the new year to you and yours.
By Alan
December 24, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
do they really not say “Hoss” up in Canukia? Did they not get Bonanza???
It’s probably just the difference between a Southern accent and a Canadian accent. “Hoss” like in Bonanza sounds like “Horse” when they say it. I called a few friends from across Canada, and they each pronounced it so that it sounds like they’re saying “horse.”
Though, you really have to wonder about people in the media who don’t bother to research that kind of thing.
By erock
December 24, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Calm down everybody….Hossa will re - sign here and will also get his wish granted by WADDEL for a # 1 center before the trade deadline too …Our owners will wake up real soon just after the ALLSTAR WEEKEND when they see just what kind of HOCKEYTOWN we have in the south !!!!
By Alan
December 24, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Merry Christmas, everyone here in Blueland!
By LAC
December 24, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Did some checking and find this to be VERY interesting…
Todd White has 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 pts.
Scott Gomez(NYR) has 9 goals and 22 assists.
Chris Drury has 8 goals and 16 assists.
These two NYR guys were THE Top UFA’s last summer… Heck Jagr only has 7 goals…
To see Todd White on the same level is pretty amazing to say the least…
A nice Christmas thought for everyone !!!!!
By Tim
December 25, 2007 4:01 AM | Link to this
LAC Add Eric to Perrin to that list:
7 goal 15 assist for 22 points not to mention leading NHL in Shorthanded assist! For 750 000$ not too shabby!
A nice Christmas to everyone ^^
By Brendan
December 25, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Merry Christmas everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying their gifts and loved ones. Two great holidays in a row, where the Thrashers were over .500 (Thanksgiving and Christmas).
I doubt we’ll see Hossa go to the Penguins. I honestly don’t see a deal that makes any kind of sense for Pittsburgh. Or for us, unless the Pens are willing to “mortgage the future” for the Cup this year. And why do that? They’ve got a very fine “window of opportunity” before them.
This Marleau talk got me to dusting off the 1997 draft, as I couldn’t remember exactly when and where Hossa was drafted. Marleau (San Jose) went 2nd overall while Hossa (Ottawa) went 12th. It was a good draft. Check out the names. 1st overall, Joe Thornton (BOS). 3rd was Ollie Jokinen (LA Kings). 4th was goalie Roberto Luongo (NYI). 5th was D-man Eric Brewer. 7th was Paul Mara (Tampa Bay). 8th was Sergei Samsonov (BOS). 9th was Nick Boynton (WAS). 10th was Brad Ference (VAN). 11th was Jason Ward (MTL).
Calgary took Center Daniel Tkaczuk with the 6th overall pick. Wonder if Calgary had it all to do over again, if they’d rather have selected Hossa with that 6th overall pick, to complement Jarome Iginla (11th overall pick, by Dallas, in 1995)? That’s why drafting is an inexact science.
By Thrasherbob
December 25, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Rawhide We’re down to the last week or so before the All Star Voting is concluded. Can you use your influence to get Craig to do a bit on Kovy? We need to recruit votes from all over, and a good article about his accomplishments can’t hurt!! He deserves to go. While many are off work this week, let me remind you all to VOTE VOTE VOTE for #17!!!! Oh and Toby too! Go Thrashers!
By Brian
December 25, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
LAC & Tim - very interesting indeed. Another thing to remember is that Todd White already has 3 GWGs, whereas Drury & Gomez each have 2, so he is actually performing better there…
By Midfield
December 25, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
I’ve been on Havelid’s case for a long while by now. So, since this is X-mass, I would like to point out that he had a superb game in St. Louis. Way to go.
By Rawhide
December 25, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Brian and LAC blogging nice together….Midfield saying nice things about Nic Havelid….
sniff
This is truely the miracle of Christmas!
God bless us, EVERYONE!
By Brendan
December 26, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, too bad Christmas Day comes but once a year. Don’t look now, but I think Nic Havelid is our plus-minus leader. Well, I’m off to the Sunshine State in a scant few hours now. I’ll be precariously close to “Bolts country.” But I wanted to add my A-men to PJ’s prayers a bit early for the Columbus game. I’m back on the 30th. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.
Who knows, maybe there’ll even be an interview with new Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson during one of the intermissions. I’ve heard some talk how they may be trying to move Federov. I wish them “good luck” with that. :) Rubbin’ my chin, maybe for Holik. Be good! Oh wait, Santa’s already come and gone. Nevermind.
By kracker
December 26, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
Looks like Craig and company is still on holiday? Let me look again….yes, there is a game today at CLB. I hope the guys are ready to go with new, broken-in skates from Santa.
Craig will probably do a blog this morning. I am ready for more Thrashers news. A win today gets [finally] to 2 games over .500 and a best-of-this-year winning streak of 5 games.
By Rawhide
December 26, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
Brendan - Be safe!
Kracker - While your waiting…heres a new Rawhide blog for ya….
By kracker
December 26, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
Kaladonis On Recchi being a good locker room leader/influence: If he can help change these 3 and 4 game streaks of losing, for zero points, into 2 or 3 points by losing close and even getting an extra win here and there, he will be golden. It’s those pointless streaks that are killing us. Lose them and the Thrashers should then be a lock to defend their SE title, assuming, of course, there are no other major injuries or problems.
By timmythebrave
December 26, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
I think that the AJC needs to pump up Ilya Kovalchuk. He is the #1 goal scorer right now and he is playing better all around including defensively. He needs to be a starter on the all star team. I was out of town so I had to watch the games on my DVR. That blast from Ilya was amazing. I think he left burn marks on the ice.