Ice Man

By Smoothie

January 12, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Damn Quiksilver! Talk about prolific! Just because Kovy scores a goal every game doesn’t mean you need a blog every day does it? Give yourself a break! We don’t want the venerable and sage Rawhide to burn out in his first year!!

Augustus, save some for later!!

By Smoothie

January 12, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — I’m in! Smyrna is a good locale for me and I don’t have any scheduled engagements. Of course I don’t, the Thrashers are playing hockey…or whack a mole if you prefer. Credit: Sara

By Scott

January 12, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

I posted similar thoughts tto the last blog, but wanted to have them hear as well. Great Effort tonight, not quite 60 minutes, but it will do for now. Sweet victory made sweeter by the fact that the game winner was scored by the guy waived by the pens, who are kind enough to continue paying half his salary!

By LAC

January 12, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

* It was Detroit AT Ottawa, NOT at Detroit.*

heatley out with seperated shoulder…HA-HA-HA !!!!!

Excellent all around game, EVERYONE showed up.

KL really was 100* different that against FL. He was EXCELLENT !

Well Tuesday night it will take another TEAM effort, let’s hope everyone shows up !

By Rawhide

January 12, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

LAC - Yes, indeed the game was at Ottawa…but that just makes their record in Detroit that much better.

Total team effort is indeed what will be needed. That team is loaded!

Smoothie - No burn out here…I’m having too much fun!

Besides, the one thing that was made very clear to me when I took this gig over was that those who post here regularly did not want several days or weeks passing between blogs.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

True that RH, you have certainly lived up to that expectation and we are certainly thrilled to have an active forum for such compelling discourse…like where in Smyrna you get good wings AND hockey?!! Such a place actually exists??? Do tell.

Till tomorrow…Charmin sucks.

By Brian

January 13, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Got my sister tickets to this game for Christmas. It was her first NHL game and only my second. We had a great time, I found out that a shootout is the best event in sports.

By Brendan

January 13, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Dany Heatley was hurt tonight. Looks like a shoulder injury. So far, there hasn’t been much word from the “On the Fly” boys on the NHL Channel. I guess we’ll check in tomorrow morning and see what the Sens’ doctors say about Heatley.

The highlights show him clutching his shoulder and wincing in pain. If this is anything substantial, he could miss the All-Star in Atlanta.

By Brendan

January 13, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, let’s hope the Thrashers leave the Red Wings “hot and crispy.”

Man, the “On the Fly” segment has been rippin’ the Toronto Maple Leaf Organization for the past few days. They haven’t even lit into the Thrashers like this. I guess that fact that the Leafs took a 2-0 lead into the 3rd period and lost, 3-2, has exacerbated their woes a bit.

They blamed Leaf ownership for not securing Scotty Bowman when they had him interviewed, etc. They’re arguing that the Leafs merely making the playoffs is hardly the goal of the organization, so might as well “blow up” the team, sell assets, and use this 2008 talent-laden draft to begin the rebuilding. The flip side is … they’re only six or seven points out of a playoff berth, that still reflects money/profit for the owners. Especially in Toronto!!

MARK RECCHI was the “On the Fly” ‘Performer of the Night.’ How can WEEEEE argue???

By Sara

January 13, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this

Tonight was tons of fun. I just knew Recchi was gonna win it once it went to extra sessions - kharma’s good that way! ;) Mostly a good game but still the team is having too much trouble in the defensive zone - although there was less actual whack-a-mole tonight. Conklin and the Pens have been on a great run so this was definitely a great win for the team.

Won’t be able to join for the viewing party Tues. but here’s hoping for an awesome high scoring OT thriller - sorry but I want points for all my boys though it should go without saying which side I want the extra point going to. :p

By Mike

January 13, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Good effort by the team and one of the most entertaining games I have seen the Thrashers play in a while. I agree with Sara about the defensive game and it is still a concern but if Kari can battle and compete like he did in this game on a consistent basis it would go a long way toward helping some of the defensive issues the Thrashers have. It was sweet watching Recchi score the shootout winner, poetic justice.

By Baldheaded Thrasher

January 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

At the start of the game I’m thinking it is going to take a miracle to win this game. The Penguins are on a streak, and Conklin is playing like a like the bionic man.

Well…It wasn’t a miracle at all, just a good team effort. Holik has a game worthy of the Captain, and even Zhitnik had some speed in the 3rd period. Conklin is human and the Trashers win. A good effort in Detroit will show alot toward whether we are pretenders (mediocre) or contenders.

Hope the Hossa situation is settle soon one way or another. Let’s just do it and move on!

By Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)

January 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Mr. Smoothie - Please check the e-mail address you provide when posting a comment to the blog. The info on Tuesday night is there…

By J(Z)

January 13, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I’m also curious as to where in Smyrna knows about hockey????

Why no mention of Eric Perrin? Did I miss something? What happened to him??? It took me half the first period to figure out who was scratched when I saw Boulton out there before I realized it was Perrin (who I think was signing autographs pregame). Whats up with that?

Great game last night, and I was scoreboard watching with that Avs-Canes game, 2 points back with a game in hand! a .500 team may win the southeast, may as well be us!

By Smoothie

January 13, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Thanks Trixie!! I’ll venture on over to my desk and check my e-mail.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’m reposting this so I can get some reaction from the group on a trade deal that might just have some staying power. A deal with a team that is fading fast — one that would involve my (watch it Brendan, I’m a reformed Slug supporter) Buffalo Sabres. Since both teams are struggling pretty bad right now and the Sabs are reeling from the loss of their best 2 centers, how about this for a deal:

Hossa, Charmin, McAwesome, Pops (sorry Marc cuz I love ya), and Haydar to fill the void at RW in exchange for Afinogenov (1 yr left), Paul Gaustad (RFA) and Brian Campbell (UFA to be). Buffalo would be on the hook for more salary, but would only have to pay Hossa 2/5 to 1/2 of his salary this year. They are banged up on the blueline with Numminen out for the year and Tallinder seemingly plagued with nicks and scratches.

Think about it though…this might just work as they would still have a shot at getting Campbell back (doubtful they could sign Hossa) and they have 8-9 mill of cap room left this season to take on some additional salary. The trade would give us the following for line combos at Blueland:

Kovy — Perrin — Recchi

Dupuis — Kozzy — Afinogenov (talk about crazy speed at wing!)

Stuart — Holik — Thorburn

Boulton / Lars — Gaustad — Slater

Enstrom & Havelid (keep the Swedes together for now)

Campbell & Exelby

Zhitnik & Klee (playing third line mins to keep those aging legs fresh)

If the Sabres keep sinking like a rock, DWad needs to give it a shot!

Whatta y’all think? Am I THAT crazy? Wait, of course I am. I crazy enough to love the Thrashers!!

By Rawhide

January 13, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

J(Z) - Eric Perrin didn’t play because he was slightly hurt when he crashed into the net in practice,…not really badly hurt from what I understand. Kozzy moved to center the second line with Hossa and Stuart. Larsen played on the third line … Boulton on the fourth.

Are you thinking of attending?

Also, your comments about the SE are on target. It may take 93 or so points go get into the playoffs as the #8 in the conference…but only 90 to win the division.

We are the new Norris Division!

Go figure, though as the top 2 in overall points are from the Southeast as are 3 of the top 4 in goals scored!

By The Other Bob

January 13, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Great game last night!!! Very entertaining to watch and I love the 2 points gained…regardless of if it came from a shootout or not!

Interesting stat I just noticed…all 5 teams in the Southeast Division as given up more goals then they have scored.

We may have a lot of goal scorers in the SE…but there isn’t much defending going on.

By Smoothie

January 13, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Trixie — didn’t get anything in my inbox at earthlink. Am I understanding you right that you sent an e-mail to the address I use for this Blog?? And you need not call me Mr., Smoothie will do!

By Rawhide

January 13, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - yes, I send an e-mail to the earthlink.net e-mail address that you provide when you post.

I just sent another one…see if you got that one…

By Brendan

January 13, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

JSmooth, I answered your Buffalo/Atlanta trade on the Custance blog.

But quickly, I don’t think it does enough for either side to be worth doing. The “best case scenario” would be Afinagenov and Kovalchuk clicking like gangbusters enough to make Waddell, or whomever is GM, re-ink him. Campbell would be a “straight up rental.” Except that, it’s more a real trade, rather than a rental, unless the Sabres really think Brian Campbell is worth $6 million.

Uhh, I trust GM Darcy Regier’s judgement. And I think he’ll let him go and find a suitable replacement, for less money. Regier took heat for letting D-man Jay McKee get away for Jaroslav Spacek. But McKee hasn’t set the world on fire and is overpaid in St. Louis. Spacek is basically performing like a $3.3 million a year defender. Give or take a little. Regier has draft well through the years. I’m not familiar with the Rochester Americans, but he’s always been able to find talent from there to bring up. Let’s watch Regier in the offseason to see what he does. I’d re-sign Campbell at an even $4.0 million for 3-years ($12 million). If he says no, let him go. That or offer $4.5 million, on a one-year deal to stay, and let him hit the open market again in the Summer of 2009. Campbell sometimes plays like an All-Star, but other times, not so much. Do you think of Campbell the way you do … Dan Boyle? Or Dion Phaneuf? Or Zubov? Or Chara? Or Niedermayer, Lidstrom or Pronger? No. Maybe you think of him like Wade Redden, who is also OVERPAID by about $2 million.

By PJ

January 13, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Rawhide,
Do you anticipate a kid-friendly crowd on Tuesday?

By Rawhide

January 13, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

PJ - Yes I do, mine will be there.

Smoothie - Did you get the e-mail?

I will post the location if need be, but we need to get about 15 or so confirmations to book the place.

By Brendan

January 13, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, I meant to write that I AGREE with your stance on the shootout. Shoootous are the wrong way to determine a win in the standings. Shootouts are something meant for All-Star Games.

Except that “time is a prohibiting factor,” I’d resurface the ice, with a 15-minute intermission, then bring ‘em back with 20:00 on the clock, “sudden death” style. And yes, “5-on-5.” If there’s still no winner, it ends as a “tie.” There won’t be that many ties. The league wants shorter games, not longer ones, so my idea is “utterly impractical.” The shootout is here to stay. And Edmonton Oilers fans still have a season because of it. Edmonton has to be the best in the league at winning shootouts.

I never found ties to be evil, sinister things to be avoided at all costs. Atlanta has very much benefitted from the shootouts this season and last season.

By Brian

January 13, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - that trade makes no sense. Buffalo can’t sign soon to be UFA Campbell so they trade for soon to be UFA Hossa???

By TR

January 13, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

If WE DO trade, should we trade for #1 Center or Better D?
Honestly, I think we still need both. Moving Hoss is the only way I can see us being able to acquire both of those. However, Waddell could always package up some more prospects. But wouldn’t that be the last straw?

By R. Stroz

January 13, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - Count me in for either two or three. Just let me know where to go? No, not that place, the meeting place.

By Brian

January 13, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

TR - in a perfect world, we would get everything for nothing. That’s why their called FANTASY leagues. But Buffalo is not going to take Hossa in any type of trade. Who will take Hoss? I think if Pitt stays in the hunt, they may see this as a window and be more willing to offer up something in a month vs. today or last month. Ottawa vs. Detroit was being billed as the game fighting for the services of Mats Sundin & Rob Blake. Throw Hossa in there. But what would we get back? Since those two teams are in the hunt for the Cup, their are not going to part with good players right now.

If we win Tues night, we are in 1st place in the division. We need players right now, not prospects or picks. It also puts a whole new twist on things. The right trade can have the same effect as last year, wouldn’t that be the perfect scenario? Would you part with Sterling & Little if it meant getting Campbell in return? I’m afraid to answer that.

By Rawhide

January 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Brian - If we win Tues night, we are in 1st place in the division. - True, combined with a Carolina loss in Toronto that night as well.

RStroz - I’ll tell you where to go, alright!!

We got your crowd, my crowd, Smoothie and a few others as well as a handful of “possibles”.

Check back tomorrow. Once we get a minimum of 12 or so confirmations I can call to have the area set aside. Once that happens, I’ll post the location.

So, who else in IN?

By stendec

January 13, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Glad to see KL was back on track in shootout! Thrashers needed that victory. Could use one against Wings. But I dunno. Tough group of icers there. Ilya deserves Star nod. Hossa, based on play this season, does not. Oh well, just my viewpoint. Thrashers must slice down goals against average. It is becoming embarrassing! Offensively, the Thrashers are holding their own with other teams. But that abysmal total goals allowed. Ghastly! Thrashers need to earn playoff bid any way they can. From then on it is a whole new season! If Giants can win in Big D and Bolts can knock off Colts in Indy horse pen then anything is possible. Best to all Thrasher faithful. GO BLUE!

By Brendan

January 14, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

I wanted to give “big ups, way up high” to Milan Hedjuk, of the Colorado Avalanche. His shootout winner denied the Cats a point, when a Florida win would have tied us in the standings. Unfortunately, Colorado couldn’t hold a 3-2 lead in the 3rd period, which would have been MUCH better for Atlanta.

By Tim

January 14, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Brendan Scoreboard watching already? :D

By Bob

January 14, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Glad to see KL was back on track in shootout!

He got the win, but his rebound control, or lack thereof, was making me nervous all night. I think both of Crosby’s goals came off of rebounds that Kari kicked out right into the slot for easy cleanups by Crosby. Kari has to learn how to direct those rebounds that he can’t control into the corners. Don’t we have a goalie coach?

How the heck are we 2 pts out of the division lead?!?! The Southeast Division, where goalies and dmen are few and far between

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Rawhide — still no e-mail. Perhaps you are accidentally using .com rather than .net? I mean, no one has a .net address right? :-)

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Bob - This is true…as The Other Bob pointed out, all 5 teams in the SE have given up more goals then they have scored.

For anyone interested in some discount tickets to the Edmonton game on Sunday afternoon, here is a contact for you. Tell her you want Bill Tiller’s deal:

Theresa Boisvert of Atlanta Spirit

Theresa.Boisvert@atlantaspirit.com 404-878-3269

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Smoothie Uh,…interesting. Yup, I’m using a .net.

Odd….well…

In light of that, I’ll go ahead and state that the place we will be holding The 1st Annual Pucks-N-Snot Open Thrasher Viewing Party is:

The Jocks-N-Jills at the Galleria.

There is a nice loft area that can accomodate 25 or so and they can have the game on multiple TVs.

However, we need to make sure that we can guarantee a certain amount of patrons to get it.

So I need to know who is definately in and how many your bringing.

By Brian

January 14, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - If we win Tues night, we are in 1st place in the division. - True, combined with a Carolina loss in Toronto that night as well. Not true. Carolina has played 47 games and have 48 points. We have played 46 games and have 46 points. If we win against Detroit, we hypothetically would have passed them at the 47 game point, since we would have more wins. As you point out, other things can happen in games 48 - 82, but we would have had 1st place.

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Brian - I think I understand what your saying….however, if they win or lose in OT in Toronto, they will have 50 or 49 points. The most we could have with the win, (knock wood), in Detroit would be 48.

Either way, if we get a win in Mo-Town, I think that type of victory would catapult us over carolina eventualy regardless of points or win %….

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I’m in for the Jocks-N-Jills thing! Hopefully the Thrashers stand a chance up there. Last time we played them (I think) didn’t we win, something like 7-6????

I have no clue what Brian is talking about, if we win in Detroit and Carolina loses to Toronto (which, they only lose to teams not from Atlanta apparently) then mathematically, the Thrashers will be in first place.

I’ve got a tough decision Sunday…why do the Thrashers have to have a home game on NFL Conference Championship day???? At least my Giants are playing in the late game! I’ll still drop Theresa an email. Thanks Rawhide!!!

By Russian

January 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

It will be Mission Imposible 4 at Tuesday in Detroit. I like Thrasher, but Detrtoit is much much much better Team that we are. It is first my point. Second is Wings lost two games in the road, that means they will be very angry. If we will shoot 20 SOG (I hope it will happend) Hashek or Ozzy will eat that easily. We have to dominate whole game, that never happen on this season. My score will be 1:5 Wings. Sorry it what we can do. :-(

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Brian, Brendan, anyone interested in trade talk — While I agree the trade I conjured up is far from perfect, I don’t think it’s all that farfetched ASSUMING DWad is not willing to settle for picks and prospects at the trade deadline.

If in fact his job is on the line, hence the fact he is stuck behind the bench to clean up his own mess, and it’s playoffs or bust, then DWad will want players rather than picks before the trade deadline.

Fact of the matter is that he needs to corner Hossa NOW and get an answer one way or the other so he can start shopping Hoss to other teams who might be similarly desperate to make the playoffs but are teetering on the edges of playoff purgatory. Folks, we are through 55% of the season and it looks like our best shot will be the division title. So if you think we can win even the Southleast WITHOUT Hossa (let’s face it, he’s gone at the deadline one way or the other) and no compensation in the form of players who can help us now, then you are delusional.

If we can’t re-sign Hossa, why not take a chance on a young guy like Campbell who could really make a difference on this team? I think we all realize that we are severely lacking in the area of puck moving defensemen. If you add BC to the mix, then you have Enstrom on 1st pairing, BC on the 2nd and AZ, who is playing better with Klee, on the 3rd pair. Afinogenov could really gel with either Kozzy and Dupuis or perhaps Kovy if you are willing to move Recchi down to the 2nd line (I am not however).

Even if we can’t re-sign Campbell, then you have freed-up a ton of cap room to go after Phaneuf, Boyle, Rozsival, Comrie, Ribeiro or Kelly etc (by the way, there aren’t really that many bona fide stud pivot men available next summer unless you like guys who are overpriced and over the age of 35).

If we’re talking about winning now, and I think most here want to go back to the playoffs and have no desire to start a new 3 or 5 year plan, then some kind of trade involving players MUST happen soon.

By Brian

January 14, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

J(z) - I am just figuring “games in hand”. It works in our favor against Carolina, but it really works against us for that final 8 seed…

By Buzilla Baby Blues

January 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

BBB = Buzilla Baby Blues not Brendans Blueland Blog

By Brian

January 14, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Smoothie - I completely agree that we need players and not prospects, I stated that above in the blog in this post

Your proposed trade is still farfetched though. Yes, DW needs players, yes, we could take UFA Campbell instead of UFA Hossa and have a better playoff run. But like so many other fans of so many teams, you are only looking at this as a Thrasher fan. There is no way in the world the Buffalo Sabres are going to touch Marian Hossa with a 10 foot pole. If you were Darcy Regier and are having problems with Campbell signing (not to mention losing Drury & Briere last year and overpaying for Vanek), why are you going to create a whole new set of problems negotiating with Hossa? Yes, there is always that illustrious *sign-n-trade that we can speculate on but never happens, but you have to remember it takes 2 teams to trade. Buffalo does not want Hossa.

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Brian - * I am just figuring “games in hand”. It works in our favor against Carolina, but it really works against us for that final 8 seed*

Could not agree more!

Plus, if you consider it, trying to fight it out with 4 or 5 other teams for the bottom 2 or 3 spots means there are far more pitfalls then just trying to be 1 point better the one, Carolina.

Plus, being the 3 seed as opposed to the 7 or 8 seed speaks volumes it’s self.

What the reward for finishing 7th or 8th in the East? Why, the Senators or Devils with them having home ice.

Or you wanna take your chances with the likes of the Islanders on home ice?

The SE Division is “easier” to get and brings with it more reward!

GO GET IT THRASHERS!!

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Brian — then who in your estimation would want Hossa? Ideally, we ship him west, but I don’t see DWad trading him to Detroit, who would have too much leverage in the deal.

You’re also forgetting that the Sabres would be getting a long-term asset (if you want to call him that) in Todd White as well as a nice prospect in Marc Popovic who could easily be re-signed. Plus, I get the feeling from talking to Slug fans that they are at their wit’s end with “Crazy Legs Afinogenov” and agree that it’s time for a change of scenery.

I admit that it’s probably farfetched to think Darcy will pay Hossa his market-value, but who’s to say he won’t be desperate (they play in a much tougher division) in a couple of weeks when the Sabres’ once vaunted offense continues to struggle. I don’t see how an UFA Hossa isn’t a better option than an UFA Campbell for the Sabres.

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Smooooothie - I posted the location, you still in???

Zilla - OOPS!!! BBB is a conflict!

Maybe, the Brendan Updates The Thrashers, or …wait, that won’t work :o)

By Brian

January 14, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Smoothie - as for who would be interested in Hossa, I wrote about that in the same post I referenced.

Again, you are only looking at this as a Thrasherfan. You clearly want to dump White, yet you think that other teams are going to be drooling over the chance to hand away a key player to get him? Why don’t we just trade away Enstrom to the Anaheim Ducks for the rights to negotiate with Teemu Selane coming back? After all, we may continue to struggle and thus by your logic (as you described above in reference to the Sabres) that means that a team will give up something big to acquire something minimal. If you don’t like that, why not give up Little, Sterling & Pavelec to get Daymond Langkow? If you think other teams will give away the farm to get something minimal from us, why don’t you propose that we give away the farm to get something minimal from them?

By ranallo10

January 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Heatley is out 4-6 weeks with that separated shoulder. Spezza got hit pretty hard by Freddy Meyer last night, and was taken out after the first period for “precautionary measures”.

Is anybody else upset that we might not be able to see Kovalchuk and Heatley on a line during the All-Star game??

By Thrasher Ryan

January 14, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Brian—I can only assume you misread my post. I NEVER mentioned trading Hoss to Buffablow. If he goes anywhere, it’s out west. San Jose, Anaheim, Vancouver, Calgary, maybe even Detroit.
However, I WISH we could snag Mike Komisarek from Montreal to help out on the blueline. He has 1 year left on contract.
Rawhide—The posse is still debating whether or not to attend. We might just have to view it at the crib; that way we can still curse and shout at the screen without offending the kiddies. I know it’s obnoxious, but THAT’S HOW WE ROLL!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 14, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Ranallo—Don’t give a crap about Heatley. By the way, HAS HE FINISHED HIS COMMUNITY SERVICE YET???

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

RH — I hope to make it but I completely forgot about a promise I made to a friend for Tuesday night, but my participation in that engagement is contingent upon something else, so it’s up in the air right now. I should know for sure by the end of the day.

Brian — apologies as I forgot about your mention of Pittsburgh above. But I don’t really understand your reasoning here: You clearly want to dump White, yet you think that other teams are going to be drooling over the chance to hand away a key player to get him? Why don’t we just trade away Enstrom to the Anaheim Ducks for the rights to negotiate with Teemu Selane coming back?

Why wouldn’t the Sabres look to trade a player that is an UFA and they can’t re-sign at his asking price (Campbell)? They are getting White to not only replace an asset (Afinogenov), but also fill a void that they have because they were too stupid not to re-sign one of either Briere or Drury. They are NOT anywhere close to the same team without those two.

And how is trading Enstrom relevant to this? I don’t see the parallel that you’re trying to draw. How is giving up an UFA, an under-achieving RW and a career 4th line C “giving away the farm”? It’s not like I’m suggesting we should trade only Hossa for three of their players.

And no way under any circumstance do I trade Ondrej Pavelec. Sterling, yes. Little, perhaps if the return is right, but not Pavs.

By Brian

January 14, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan - I didn’t misread your post at all. It is Smoothie that my post was addressed to, just as this portion of my post is addressed to you.

Smoothie (not you Thrasher Ryan) - perhaps you are not catching my sarcasm. Many times when people say “we should trade player X from our team for player Y from their team”, too many times we are giving up garbage for some amazing return. Be realistic. That’s why I made the suggestion of us giving up Enstrom or the trio in Chicago.

Buffalo is not giving away Afinogenov, regardless of what fans up there think (just as fans here may think it is great to give away White, none of them are the GM). Your logic of Buffalo dumping Campbell for something in return makes sense since he is an UFA and may get nothing for him this summer makes sense. But how Afinogenov or Hossa get tied into that doesn’t make sense. They are not going to swap out players (i.e. Afinogenov & White) either.

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it poetic justice that Heatley busted his shoulder and will therefore miss the All-Star game in Atlanta.

Here’s to the hockey gods for Heatley’s injury and Recchi’s revenge against the Penguins.

By ranallo10

January 14, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan — Gotcha, I figured there’d be a few of your type of opinions out there.

Personally I would’ve enjoyed watching those two play next to each other, again, for one shift.

Smoothie — I don’t see why Buffalo would swap expiring contracts (Campbell and Hossa), give up a dynamic scorer (Afinogenov) for a second/third line center (White), etc. I don’t see that idea as any more likely than Atlanta signing Forsberg this season.

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

In the by the way part of today’s blogging.

Saturday night at the Penguins game while waiting in line to procure Eric Perrin’s autograph, I struck up a conversation with a gentleman and his family who were from Locust Grove. The father reads the blogs but doesn’t post.

So all regular bloggers, please be kind enough to welcome our lurker and prospective blogger from Locust Grove to join in.

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Article from Buffalo News

Testing, testing, did this attempt at linking work?

Brian Campbell just announced that he won’t continue to negotiate with the Sabres during the season. He said that he wants to hold off on all negotiations till after July 1.

I didn’t even read the article above before posting my trade idea. Judging by the tone of the article, changes of some kind are expected.

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

RStroz - Thanks….and HELLO, indeed, to our Locust Grove lurker!!!

Feel free to post a thought or two…and thanks for reading!

I’ve come to understand that there are several “lurkers” who frequent our little forum, and to all of them….chime in sometime!

Smoothie - It’s been almost 38 hous since I last posted a blog,….I’m starting to get all twitchy-like…..

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be great if the Thrashers could get Afinogenov, just think with Slater, Dupuis, White, and Afinogenov, the Thrashers could really clean up the ice.

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

ranallo — Maxim A is certainly a dynamic skater but do 3 20-goal campaigns make you a scorer these days in the NHL? I guess it depends on whom you compare him to…he’s certainly prolific next to Jimmy Slater but even Capt Rat has 16 goals a year for his last 5 years in the league.

Unfortunately, for all his razzle dazzle and spin-o-rama talent, he has developed a reputation for not finishing his chances (sounds like Hossa this year) at the net. Just for comparison gusy, White has averaged 46 pts for the last 5.5 seasons where as Maxim has avg’d just around 50 pts for just over 6 full seasons.

Not saying who’s better, I’m just pointing it out. I may not like White’s game, but he’s certainly not a bum…even though I like to bash him pretty good here. You should understand that, but then again, JPV was closer to a bum…but you need overachieving bums like JPV on your 4th line!

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

RH — wow, we’re up to 60 posts in 38 hours…not bad considering we don’t even have another game until tomorrow night! At least we’re far out-pacing the Sabres’ on-line (Buffalo News) blog as they only have 29 comments regarding their recent collapse against the Devils! And Buffalo is supposed to be a hockey hotbed?? Pffffft!

By Alan

January 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

In news unrelated to the current blog, I should be at the 20 Jan game against Edmonton.

…Well, I have tickets for it anyway. Whether I can get there or not is another matter entirely. Is anyone else going to be there?

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - You guys can take all the credit for such things. All I do is provide the forum, you all take it from there.

Alan - I will be there, and I already know my crowd will be very close to another regular on this blog…should make for quite the rowdy corner at Philips!

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Strozzy — very funny comment regarding the graceful skating abilities of our beloved Dupuis & Slater. White doesn’t fall much because he’s too busy hanging out at center ice with Ken Klee. The name Maxim in Russian must mean “maximum frustration”…I’ve never seen a guy create so many chances only to come up short in the scoring column. I guess I’m foolish for wanting yet another guy who doesn’t finish! Too bad we can’t get our hands on a Finnish guy who does finish…namely Ollie Jokinen!!

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

RH & Alan — I plan to be in attendance on Sunday as well, but I’ll be up in the “nose-bleeds” sitting in Sec 316, row M. Looking forward to seeing a team we never get to set eyes on anymore!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 14, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Ranallo—While it would be nice… I still remember 2001-2002 fondly. Ilya Kovalchuk—Pascal Rheaume—Dany Heatley My god, no one could keep up with them!

By Alan

January 14, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can meet up somewhere before the puck drops on the 20th? I’ll be all the way down in 118. And yes, I’m definitely looking forward to a good game. Two teams with good overtime/shootout records. Should make for a fun contest.

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Alan - You’ll be right behind ya in the 200’s, same corner.

You can swing by “Blogland”…in front of the Gorin’s in CNN center. Some of us hang out there prior to the game.

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan - I still plan on cursing at the screen and little kids alike tomorrow night…thats how I roll :)

By Maal

January 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Alliterate much? I was looking forward to an entire blogs’ worth.

Pucks n snot? Seriously? What made someone want to go there the first time? Morbid curiosity?

Hey see if you can dig up the info on why Moose and Kari are doing drills screening each other. Other than Kari being the biggest guy on the team with his equipment on, it doesn’t make a lot of sense…. :(

By Thrasher Ryan

January 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

J(Z)—I like your style. Maybe they can get us a table seperated from the rest of ‘em?
Actually, what am I talkin’ about? This IS a HOCKEY game! CURSING, BEER, and BEING OBNOXIOUS are part of it. WE SIMMER DOWN FOR NO ONE! The kiddies have to “roll with the flow”!

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - All joking aside, a line consisting of Kovy, Afinogenov, and Little would be wicked fast.

By timmythebrave

January 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I am always hanging at the Gorins and wrap place before the games. I love the big a* beers so I can get my buzz without spending a fortune. $8 and you get about 40oz of good beer. It’s a lot better than $7 for a little cup of craptasticweiser in the game.

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Stroz — that would certainly be a fun line to watch skate.

Kovy — Little — Afinogenov

Kozlov — FA Center (Ribeiro) — Recchi

Stuart — Perrin — Dupuis

Boulton / Lars — Slater — Thorburn

Hmmmm…still way too small.

Perhaps we should just pick up the following line in F/A this summer:

Huselius — Legwand — Horton

Alan — with a 2 pm start, plenty of time to hang out in front of Gorin’s…Rawhide is easy to spot.

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I’m a recent switchover from Great Wraps to Gorins, didn’t realize the same stuff cost $2 less at Gorin’s!!! I feel bad though, because the guy at Great Wraps always remembers me and pours my “bucket” of Newcastle without me saying a word!!!

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

J(Z) — the boyz at Gorin’s will give it to you in the can if you don’t want “draught”. But considering you’re a New Castle man, I guess you’re not worried about that. $8 for 48 oz prior to puck drop is a slice of heaven indeed!

By Brian

January 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - man, what’s next, a link from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle??? I think the whole league knows Campbell is gone from Buffalo. It’s going to take Little to get him, not Hossa. I would love a blue line with Enstrom & Campbell. Let’s give up on all this Afinogenov talk, it’s not even a rumor, why are we speculating on it?

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

(http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=227291&hubName=nhl)

Can’t wait to hear the Leaves fans b!tch about Savard going to the all star game (in Heatley’s spot) instead of Sundin :)

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

oops, read the linking instructions wrong. [http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=227291&hubName=nhl]

Curtis Joseph signed with Calgary…whatever that means.

By Brian

January 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

J(Z) - read them again…

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Brian - Here’s a trade you’ll love, Zhitnik for Afinogenov. Now that’s really a Zhitty deal for Buffalo.

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

C’mon Brian, rumors have got to start somewhere! ;-) I’m just trying to get some trade chatter going that’s all. Isn’t that why we’re here: to fill voids in our day with idle hockey talk and speculation? And if we can re-sign Hossa, then I would be in favor of a trade sending Little off to Buffalo for the services of Mr. Campbell.

Wow, Sundin gets the snub of snubs! Can’t even get in over little Marc Savard. Savard is deserving, but how does Sundin not get in to replace Heatley, that’s a travesty. Drop Kaberle, Gomez and Vokoun, add Sundin, Savard, Bouwmeester and Lundqvist!!

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

ohhhhhhh

Savard - not Sundin - replaces Heatley for All Star Game

I think I got it!!!

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

OMG Bill — we’re up over 80!!

I know, I know, shameless post padding on my part.

Stroz — how about Zhitnik straight up for Numminen?? Some might say AZ wasn’t playing with any heart early in the season. At least we know Teppo still has one. Oh damn, that was horribly insensitive of me! Nah, I’m happy to see AZ resurrect his season. I better stop.

By Brian

January 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Great post JZ

Smoothie - I’m all for trade rumors, but let’s get some that have a snowball’s chance…

By Brian

January 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

J(Z) - I recognize the irony in my link not working, but I must say now that is the AJC’s fault, not mine. I don’t know why that happens to some links (others have had it happen too).

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - I know,….and I’m just itchin’ to post a new one…..trying…to….remain….composed!!!…Must…not…post…again…so….soon…..

RStroz - Here’s a trade you’ll love, Zhitnik for Afinogenov. Now that’s really a Zhitty deal for Buffalo - OK, good one…..how about if “Waddell” were to GM the DUCKS?

(Sorry)….

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

stay calm Rawhide…12 more posts and we’re there!!!! (I’ve gotten NO work done today!) :)

By Smoothie

January 14, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve gotten very little done today as well, but then again, there wasn’t much TO DO. Time for me to check out for the day but I plan on conjuring up some more trade fodder for tomorrow. Something particularly outrageous for Brian to hate!! ;)

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Let’s

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

post

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

more

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

comments

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

for

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Rawhide

By Brian

January 14, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - I was thinking the Pens would give us Crosby for Slater. Who here thinks Crosby would play well with Kovy?

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

We’d set some kind of team record for diving penalties! Or if not, we’d almost have 1 player laying on the ice at all times

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Brian - I was thinking more like Rucchin for Malkin & Crosby.

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

**Rawhide’s picture is up, hide the children.

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Rawhide’s picture is up, hide the children.

By J(Z)

January 14, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Comments (100)

We did it!!!!

By Brendan

January 14, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

You guys are forgetting what an AWESOME tax write-off Rucchin would be for the Pens. Truthfully, Rucchin would agree to the deal and remain on longterm IR for another season.

As for Kovy and Crosby playing together. I don’t think it would work. I mean, everytime one of them takes a penalty—and the other team scores, they’d point at each other and say, “That’s on YOU!!”

Well, there’s just no room for that sort of thing in building “team chemistry.” It’s a “cancer” on a lockerroom. And the Thrashers would do well to avoid it.

By R. Stroz

January 14, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

The 100th post - priceless.

By TR

January 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—Is that one of the old wooden Sherwood’s I see you grasping? I thought Holik and I were the only ones that still use those!

By Sara

January 14, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Out of curiosity, does anyone know for a fact that Sundin has been snubbed. I know that some players contact the League directly ahead of time and tell them they don’t want to participate (Jagr as an example is known for doing that). Just sayin’ is all.

Savard’s ok - seems they’re determined to throw an ex-Thrasher in our faces. I still wanna see Ovy-Kovy-Crosby though. Frankly, if I were coaching the east team, I’d be changing up the lines at least every period if not every few shifts just to see all the endless possibilities in action. I actually feel kinda sorry for the West this year snicker snicker - Lidstrom and Phaneuf may have to play all 60 minutes. :p

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

JSmooooth - OH, I just can’t STAND it anymore…..

I gotta post an new blog or I’ll go CRAAAAAAAZZZZZZYYYYY!!!!!

AAAaaaaaaaghhhhhhhhh!!!!

whew

There, I feel beter now…

By The Almighty Big Sister

January 15, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Now dude, if you make that eating invite while I’m in town and you pay for it… I might join you and you can catch me up on hockey! They don’t play hockey on the beach down here! Readin’ about it on the net does NOT work…

Your ever lovin’ big sis…

By stendec

January 15, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Well, a solid period of hockey has given the good guys a 2-0 lead in Hockey Town! KL was focused and concentrated for 20 minutes. Marian Hossa is PLAYING like an All-Star tonight. At least early on. Score could easily be 3-0, 4-0 or higher. Several prime Thrasher shots missed net. Several others went untaken (shame on you Ilya Kovalchuk). Oh well, hope Thrashers can keep up torrid pace. On to next 20 minutes. GO BLUE!

By stendec

January 15, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

KL AND Marian Hossa have performed like All-Stars for 40 minutes! Heck, the WHOLE team has had spurts of All-Starness. How about that Hossa hat trick? Sweet. Thrashers up 4-0 after two periods. Barring a monumental collapse, the Thrashers should exit Motown with two badly needed points! Too bad the good guys cannot muster this kind of effort EVERY time they hit the ice. No one could defeat them! Just 20 more minutes of effort remain. Well, on to final period. GO BLUE!

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Stendec, join us at the updated Rawhide blog, “Measuring up in Detroit & Power Rankings.”