Ice Man

By Brendan

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

I measure them by height.

By Brendan

January 14, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Seriously, Atlanta’s the 2nd oldest team in the league. That’s where they stack up. This should never happen to an 8th year club.

I think Atlanta’s just as mediocre as the rest of the Conference. If they can put together a 13-5-2 stretch of 20 games, they could make the playoffs. And, possibly, host as the SE Division Champions.

Therein lies the “Hossa gamble.” Don would never trade him under such circumstances. He’d ride it out, in hopes of that as the desired outcome.

By Brian

January 14, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Brendan - don’t sell yourself short, you’re a tremendous slouch…

Rawhide - my compliments to the photographer, they captured the good side of your head.

By Viking

January 14, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

If extra free points were not handed out for OT/SO losses, Trashers would be in third. Pointwise, only Ottawa, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia would be ahead.

To Sara from previous blog: Your assumption about Sundin’s absence from the All Star Game might be correct. According to a Swedish newspaper, he finds participation in the World Championship for Team Sweden unlikely. I guess he may still think that Toronto will make the playoffs or he will be there via a trade. (World Championships and playoffs run simultaneously). Or he is not too excited about “extra hockey”.

By the way, Forsberg still wants to make a comeback. His “last attempt” to see if his foot will make it will be within 2-3 weeks. Last night, during a Swedish equivalent of Oscar’s - but for sports - he said that he is considering 31 teams!

By Matt

January 14, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Viking you make a good point about the extra points given to OT/SO situations. I believe if the Boys in Blue can pull it off in the Motor City it will enstill a much needed boost of confidence in our beloved Thrashers. We still have a legitimate chance at being crowned Southeast Division Champs, so nobody give up yet!

Just a question to all ye BLUELAND faithful, what are your thoughts on obtaining Afinigenov?

By Brian

January 14, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Matt - I think Crosby would look great passing it to Kovy. We can also put him on the PK and see if Perrin can get even more assists there. Like Brendan said though, hopefully he’s not on the PK because Kovy is in the box, think of all the finger pointing…

What does all of Blueland think of landing Sidney Crosby? I know he’s not available and isn’t being shopped and it will never happen, but what are everyone’s thoughts? I would part with Big Boris for him…

By Rawhide

January 14, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Sidney Crosby??? Bah!

I’m watching the Pens play right now and Ty Conklin is absolutely amazing.

He has stopped 42 of 43 shots so far and is on his way to being 10-0-1.

Gimme The Conk right now!

By Wild Rose Country

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

Some may remember Pasi and Conklin trading punches at center ice a few years back.

Any chance Dallas would trade Morrow for Hoosa?

Any bloggers here interested?

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this

Brenden Morrow is the Captain of the Dallas Stars, a move they made right under the nose of Mike Modano. Former Dallas GM Doug Armstrong, (presently inactive, but still collecting a paycheck until 2011 from the Stars,) signed Morrow to a 6-year/$24 million deal, to establish him as the “franchise player.”

It would look mighty bad for them to trade him this soon after making such a statement about his role with their club. Then again, folks, the “genius” that is Brett Hull has “Co-GM” duties for the Stars. So, I guess I shouldn’t rule out anything.

By Tony C.

January 15, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this

Yeah I wouldn’t want Morrow just based on the fact he went along with that.

And no I don’t buy the “Hey, nothing wrong with looking out for yourself” or “You do the job your boss hired you to do” defense options for it either.

Modano was Captain of the stars for…hang on I’ll look it up…ok 2 maybe three years before hand, but dude Mike Modano IS Stars Hockey. Just look at who owns the franchise records for…gals, asists, games played, playff goals & playff assists…

You don’t just move your locker over to the other side of the room and take the “C” from a guy like that. At least nobody I want on my team for more than a month or two.

Not even if the boss says so.

That’s just wrong. I mean, Modano must be super-cool with Morrow and/or Tom Hicks personally kissed @ss over that deal because well, how else do you explain it?

No more talk of Morrow in Blue.

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Everybody keep an eye out for likely return players for Hoss from the deadwings

By Jim

January 15, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Brendan hit it on the nose. How can an 8 yr. old team that came in as an expansion team be the 2nd oldest in the league. We didn’t hang on to the old timers that the teams originally handed us. Instead, we replaced them with a like band of or retreads. The Wolves are 28-9 and have been very good the past few years as the kids developed. DW is afraid to give them a shot for fear of losing his job. Instead, he’s content to give us a mediocre, middle of the pack (lower middle)product. No miracles tonight, the Wings shut us down.

By P and C Ferraro

January 15, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know what our lifetime record against Detroit is? I know that we have beat them before and as we all know, they are consistantly one of the top five teams all year every year. Man I hate them. Maybe we can squeek one out here. Only problem is their backup goalie(s?) is one of the best goalies in the league. I would almost hope for Hasek tonite.

By Brian

January 15, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Tony C. - I disagree on the Morrow stance. Are you saying he should’ve turned down the captaincy out of honor to Modano? If so, I say no way. That’s between the coaches and maybe/possibly GM.

By Brian

January 15, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I think a bigger question is would you want Campbell and who are you willing to give up for him…

By Rawhide

January 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

P and C Ferraro - I’ll see if I can dig up the overall record, but what I do know is the Thrashers are 0-2-2 in Detroit and the only win against them came the last time we played them….a 7-6 thriller at Philips on Dec. 13, 2005.

By Smoothie

January 15, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Forget Morrow! Ribeiro is better and he’s an UFA at the end of this year.

Promise Hossa they’ll throw $4 M a year at Ribeiro to be his center and see if he blinks. There aren’t many young UFA centers available come July 1 so we need to think about a guy like him, Comrie (too diminutive?) or Legwand (perhaps we can get him for $3 M).

With the money freed up by the departure of Holik and Rucchin, we can throw some money at a center and a guy like Campbell (although someone is probably crazy enough to give him $6 M / year). But there are some other good options at D on the free market this year.

And who thinks we should make a run at Chris Kelly of the Sens to replace Holik?? He’d fit pretty nice between Stuart and Perrin / Dupuis.

Kovy — Little (?) — Recchi

Kozzy — Ribeiro — Hossa

Dupuis — C. Kelly — Perrin

Stuart — Doell — Slater

Enstrom & Havelid

Exelby & Liles / Commodore (F/A)

Klee & Zhitty

Lehts & Pavs (sorry Moose, but no money left over!!)

By Brian

January 15, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Smoothie - Ribeiro is signed (thru an ext) for a number of years going forward. Given that Modano is old & Stefan wasn’t the answer, I don’t see Dallas letting him go…

By Midfield

January 15, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

I kind of missed discussion on Hossa’s All-Star gig, but did anyone figured it might have been a pretty lame stab at cajoling the host city? Especially, given the fact that Kovy has been unfairly snubbed out of the staring line? ‘Cause the way I see it, Kovy is a definite All-Star starter and Hossa is not an All-Star at all. Not at the moment. Sorry.

By Smoothie

January 15, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Thanks Brian, the website I was using did not update his status. NHLnumbers.com, however, shows him as signed through 2013 for $5 M per year…we probably would have been too cheap to sign him then since we wouldn’t even sign Savard for that. But apparently we didn’t sign Savvy because Kovy hates his guts!!

By The Other Bob

January 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I understand Foote’s contract is up in Columbus this year. I wonder if it would be worth the while to get him down here to sure up the D?

RH - I will not be able to attend tonight. Maybe next time!

By Brian

January 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Midfield - I definitely agree with you there. Who else were you going to add from our roster, Kozzy?

Smoothie - I was kinda hoping Kovy would start a fight with Savard last time we played them in that home & home series. He gave him a pretty hard hit but I think Brendan said it that Kovy was p!ssed he got that empty netter on us.

By Genevieve

January 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Oh mon Monsieur Rawhide, vous savez qu’ils disent des hommes avec les grandes oreilles ? Ay ?

By R. Stroz

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

If the NHL really wanted to increase interest in All-Star weekend, they could have hockey fight grudge matches like Kovy vs. Savard, Brashear vs. Laraque, etc.. and let fans vote for their favorite matches.

I’m just kidding, well maybe on second thought…

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, Patrik Stefan had the winner in the 7-6 win. I believe Michael Garnett was struggling to hold a 6-2 lead, and couldn’t. With the game tied, 6-6, Stefan came streaking down the left wing and unloaded a slapper for the winning goal. Truly, it was one of the most memorable games at Blueland.

By Rawhide

January 15, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Genevieve - Oui je sais qu’ils disent d’un homme avec les grandes oreilles. Un c’est vrai, TRES vrai en effet!

By Midfield

January 15, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Brian,

Kozzy has not played at All-Star level this year either. Perhaps, Enstrom. Although fatigue seems to be catching up with him as of late, he is a very pleasant surprise.

By Brian

January 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Midfield - I would say Enstrom but since he is a rookie d-man he wouldn’t get it. Why do you think fatigue is catching up to him? How many bad plays has he made lately that you feel he isn’t holding his own? I saw him take a penalty but I don’t see any dropoff in play.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Oui, je sais tres bien! Ca indique qu’il peut tres bien entendre des choses de lointain! (Yes, I know what it means (for a man to have “Big” ears)! It means he can hear things from very far away!

Ce n’est pas la meme chose qu’on dit appropos de personnes avec de tres grands pieds. Ca ne vous aide pas marcher bien longtemps. Ou plus vite. (It’s not the same thing that people say about those with large feet. It doesn’t help you walk any farther. Or faster.)

By Brian

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

For those looking (I remember someone asking when it would come) the ‘08 All-Star gear is now being sold…

By Genevieve

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

Monsier Rawhide, Brandon de monsieur n’est pas d’amusement. Il doit avoir de petites oreilles.

By R. Stroz

January 15, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

You know what they say about a man with large ears, feet, and hands…he’s a clown.

By R. Stroz

January 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Brian - Other than nhlshop, where is the All-Star gear being sold?

Also Enstrom was named to the Young Guns roster.

By puckjunque

January 15, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Let’s have a big AMEN today!!

Bow you heads, hands joined on the keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and for continuing to keep the Thrashers healthy and thriving. Please lead the Thrashers tonight to out-shoot, outmaneuver and dominate in Detroit. Please keep the Thrashers relentless tonight in taking possession of the puck, scoring goals and keeping that momentum going for the whole game to kick the redwings a$$!! AMEN!!!

By Smoothie

January 15, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Please oh Heavenly God, forgive me for I know now what I do. I beg thee for your forgiveness as I have committed an egregious act of infidelity by accepting tickets to a function at Blueland that does not involve our beloved Thrashers. Please give me strength as I subject myself to the game they attempt to pass off as basketball this evening. Please impart me with calmness and patience as I watch grown men commit sports blasphemy by making a mockery of a game I grew up loving almost as much as hockey!

Sorry ‘hide, I promised a friend of mine that I would support his “performance” down at the Bulb tonite…I thought he said he’d be working Thursday night but alas, I wasn’t listening to him carefully because I was too busy yelling at Charmin to get in the slot for a pass last Thurs night!

By Rawhide

January 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN’-MEN!! Thanks, PJ!

We will need our fair share of Divine Intervention!

GO THRASHERS - WRECK THE WINGS!!

By Nix

January 15, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Amen, PJ!

Let’s go, Thrashers!!

Those of you meeting up with Rawhide tonight, enjoy yourselves and make sure our boys can hear you cheering all the way up in Detroit!

By LAC

January 15, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget that JPV goal in the 7-6 win… With ONE Glove too !!!!!!

Brenden… Yes WHY are we so old ?

I believe there is the waddell factor coming into play. He has his mind so set that rookies cannot help it’s awful and there inlies a major problem with out team.

A number of teams have young Dmae this season… We have three… Toby/Popovic and X, the others are retreads for all intent.

I’d rather have Chad Denny and Boris up here than Klee and Zit…

They may make rookie mistakes, but those two guys are big and tough and more TOUGHNESS is an element we need badly, someone to FLATTED Avery & Holwig etc…

Lastly Rawhide, I was looking for the MULLET !!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 15, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—This week’s mission = Win 3 out of the 4 games this week. That will put us right “in the mix”.

By J(Z)

January 15, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

So this hatred of youngin’s issue, I always blamed Hartley…maybe it has been Waddell all along, or maybe some kind of combo? I really think we’d be better off using the Wolves line (Sterling/Little/Haydar) as our third line and ditching guys like Larsen, Slater, Boulton (Dupuis/Holik/Thorbourn) can be our 4th line

By Rawhide

January 15, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

LAC - Mullett left my scalp long ago….

TR - 3 outa 4 would be good…..but I gotta be honest with you, just give me 2 points tonight and I will be a happy camper! Combine it with a Canes loss, even better.

I have this feeling that if that happens, everything else just may fall into place.

If you change your mind about “rolling” with us tonight, drop on in!

Smoothie - Your KILLING me!!! Well, have a good time! Will we see you in “Blogland” prior to the game Sunday???

Genevieve - I will see you later!

By The Other Bob

January 15, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Brendan - So…like…will we be able to catch you on the Brendan Blueland Blog-cast here tonight?

By Midfield

January 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Brian,

as I said, I am very pleased with Enstrom play. However, his minutes are just too much for a rooky, especially as small as he is. As soon as he gets close to the end of his shift, forecheckers try to pummel him mercilessly. As a result he was caught out of position a few times lately - like in no-man’s land between the goalie and a shooter: too far to block the shot, while screening it from the goalie.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

The Other Bob, it all depends on when I get home. I’d like to! I might only be here for the 3rd period. Is the Game on Fox Sports South or Center Ice? Even though it’s a Western Conference opponent, I still think this, like the Pittsburgh and 4th Ottawa game, is a litmus test for our team. We’ll find out just how far we have to go.

I am “pleased” with Enstrom’s minutes, but it was just about a month ago that he was a +10. Minuses, for some reason, have been stickin’ to the kid. That said, I still feel comfortable with him on the top pairing.

PJ, A-men to your prayer.

R.Stroz, you’re killing me, bro! I thought the same thing! Although, my favorite clown, Krusty, who usually owes a bunch of back taxes to the IRS, gambles whatever part of his paycheck isn’t blown on strippers and booze, has very small feet. I hear that the life of his alias existence, Rory B. Bellows, is insured for a surprisingly large amount of money. So, things might just be picking up for him.

By HookyBob

January 15, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Rawhide: Wish I could join you tonight. Experience watching hockey in pubs tells me I’d be in no shape to drive home. And despite living inside the perimeter it is too far to push my rig home.

Best wishes for a great and victorious gathering.

By Tony C.

January 15, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Brian-

Maybe not to honor Modano, but still He shouldn’t have done it. Basically it tells me that no-one is more important to Morrow than himself. No way would I want a guy like that on my team.

If “I was just following orders” is not a valid moral defense then Morrow has now defense here either…I mean that’s my point. Not that he (Morrow) pushed for them to take the “C” away from Modano, but if he truly is a “character” guy, you don’t go along with the Coach/GM/Owner…You make Them hold a press conference and say “We decided to F the face of our franchise over”

Now if it’s something where Modano gave it his blessing, I’m wrong.

Still seems pretty cheap move to me.

Here’s a scenario: #17 wears the Thrasher’s “C”. The year is 2013, #17 has been Captain for a few years now, undisputedly the leader of the franchise.

But the new GM (recently promoted) decides that well, the best way to put his stamp on the club is to decide it’s time for Little to wear the “C” and #17 is back to an “A”. Because #17 isn’t a top-five O-ffensive threat anymore, and Little is younger, showing good upside…blahblahblah

Does that sound right?

Now I’m not saying Morrow pushed for that hare-brained scheme to go down, but I think he should’ve raised more of a stink. I certainly wouldn’t trade for a guy that stabs his leader in the back was my main point.

By Rice8891

January 15, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Hossa: happy with meeting with ownership or playing for his next team? Funny how he just turned it on. Color me skeptical.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Well, if you’re watching, Hossa was just interviewed by Darren Eliot. And he said, “He’d meet with the owners before EVERY game is this is the result.” That’s very tongue-in-cheek. Let me do a “writer’s embellishment” of how I thought Hossa’s meeting went with the ownership. Ready?

Hossa: “Hey guys, great seats for this basketball game. Then again, you OWN the team and the operating rights to the arena. So, this was the laymen equivalent of passing someone a tissue when they sneeze, and offering a fine, “God Bless You.”

Owners: “Glad you liked them, Marian. I think you know how important you are to our hockey club.”

Hossa: “Yeah, you pretty much need me, bad. But actions speak a whole lot louder than words.”

Owners: “What do you mean by that, Marian?”

Hossa: “Well, how ‘involved’ do you really get with the Thrashers. You seem to pretty much let DW do whatever he deems best. You just approve the numbers.”

Owners: “That’s what all owners do, Marian.”

Hossa: “Not all of them, fellas. Are you really sure you’ve got the right man at the GM position?

Owners: “Absolutely. Don’s our guy. We have complete confidence in him.”

Hossa: “Do you ever offer opinions on roster decisions, or suggest strategies, or provide a ‘wish list’ for your GM to fulfill.”

Owners: “Well, we hold meetings.”

Hossa: (Shaking his head.) “Thanks, guys, for your candor. I sure did have a fine time, here tonight.”

Owners: “Marian, I get the impression that you’re holding something back.”

Hossa: “We’ll meet again. I want to give you some time to digest the answers you just gave to my questions.”

By the way, it’s 3-0, Atlanta! And Hossa has the “hat trick.” He did SAY he was excited to audition, I mean, play in front of the Hockeytown crowd.

By Rice8891

January 15, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Ah well, 2-1 Toronto, 4-0 Atlanta. Can you say division leader with a game in hand? Go BLUE!

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

It’s now 4-0, Thrashers. Eric Perrin just scored. Thrashers have successfully chased Chris Osgood from the net. Now playing for Detroit, Dominik Hasek. Well, clearly, there’s a DRASTIC REDUCTION in goaltender services now for Detroit (rolling eyes).

Folks, the Thrashers are playing very well. They must be outshooting the Wings, who appear a bit ‘shell-shocked.’

By Rice8891

January 15, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, Kari is awesome! Skills of a number 1. Will his head catch up?

By stendec

January 15, 2008 9:17 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 Thrasher Ryan

January 15, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Wow. 4-0 Thrash after 2! Hosaa situation is a lot clearer now. Sign OR Trade. Meaning, “ok Marian, you either sign, or you WILL be traded.” Nice audition for Hockeytown tonight, Hoss…
Hossa’s last Hat Trick was 1/16/07 vs. LA Kings.
Brendan—Kevin Doell just got his 1st NHL point when he assissted on Perrin’s goal.

GO BLUE!!!*

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan, Kevin Doell was the 2nd period intermission guest. He seems like a chipper guy!

By Rice8891

January 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

C’mon Toronto. 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, now 4-3. Hold a lead!

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Ilya Kovalchuk just deked the Dominator out of his jock strap, but clanked it off the crossbar, trying to go top shelf. Yes, where “Mama keeps the cookies.”

Dupuis is having a good night. Mark Popovic has made some rookie-type mistakes, but nothing has cost the team just yet. When his team is changing lines, he possesses the puck at the attacking blueline, he really needs to get that puck deep in the zone, behind the icing line.

By the way, Thrashers PP is 3-for-3. Make that, 3-for-4. I’m surprized Kovy doesn’t have a goal tonight to pad his NHL lead.

12:15 left in the 3rd period. It’s 4-3, Toront over Carolina with 11:00 left in the 3rd period. Bolts are trailing the Aves, 2-0, with less than 10:00 to play there. The Capitals upset the Senators, 4-2. Montreal defeated the Islanders, 3-1, to help out the Icebirds should they slip back to 9th spot.

By Rice8891

January 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

5-3.

By LAC

January 15, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

PUCKS n SNOT Where are YOU !!!!!!!

Guess PUCKS r SHOT is more like IT !!

GREAT SO FAR !!!!!!!!!

By Jameson

January 15, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

For the love of everything good and holy in the universe if Hossa doesn’t keep playing like this up until the ASG, please, send him to Detroit. That’s clearly where he wants to play.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

5-3, Toronto! Cam Ward never saw it. It caromed twice before it ever reached the net. Cam Ward’s look of digust afterwards was priceless. He literally never saw it.

Carolina is on the PP, thanks to a penalty by Ian White. There’s 9:30 left in the 3rd. It’s still 4-0, Thrashers, with 6:00 left in regulation.

Don’t say it, Stendec. Don’t jinx it.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Okayyy, *NNNNNOW you can say it. Lehtonen’s shutout bid is over. It’s 4-1.

Colorado leads TB, 3-0, with just over a minute left in regulation time. Bolts fans: Honest question time. “Do you think John Tortorella could be or should be fired?” I say no. It’s not his fault GM Jay Feaster didn’t get them a goalie since Khabibulin left. It’s not Torts’ fault that Dan Boyle got hurt, along with other Bolts blueliners. It was GM Jay Feaster that overspent on Brad Richards’ contract ($7.8 million). Torts doesn’t deserve to break his fall. Discuss, you Tampa fans.

Carolina 5, Toronto 3, with 4:02 left in the 3rd.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Kozlov scores. I think Kovalchuk gets an assist on the play. He at least gets a “plus” for it.

Alright folks, this is a little maddening. Where are Hossa and Kozlov with any kind of consistency? This is frustrating win. Here we have our litmus test and pass it with flying colors. But peek at the standings, folks. This team is one game over .500. That’s it. Yes, this is the team that beat Ottawa and Pittsburgh to end big their big winning streaks. And now, they went into “Hockeytown” and SPANKED the Red Wings, 5-1.

But how soon until they lose to Washington, Florida and TB, in games that just leave us scratching our heads? “Consistency” has dogged this franchise since Day One.

It’s great to win like this. But it’s terrible to know this team has hovered around .500 since Thanksgiving. This is, essentially, the same roster. McCarthy and Slater are out and Doell is in. Okay, Atlanta did pick up Recchi in December.

By stendec

January 15, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Well done KL! You were certainly deserving of shutout. Teammates left you out to dry on lone Red Wing tally. Well done Marian Hossa! A hat trick. So sweet. Truly an All-Star performance. Thrashers went to work for a full 60 minutes (minus that sequence in which goal was allowed) not 20, 30, 40 or even 50 minutes. Effort offers future optimism! Ilya Kolvachuk waited until the 12th hour to get a goal but he got one. Sorry Hasek. **NOT! Thrashers swiped two needed points in Motown. Must not stumble against Montreal Canadiens. First place at last! Stay on top. Too doggone hard to attain this pinnacle! Which team was once 0-6? Do not tell Hockey Town fans that! GO BLUE!

By Alan

January 15, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Everything I see indicates a Toronto win, 5-4. Atlanta’s big 5-1 win over Detroit means we’re all tied up for first, and that #3 playoff spot.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Maple Leafs won, 5-4 over Carolina. Uhh, please ignore that I wrote Carolina 5, Toronto 3. Clearly, a typo.

FIRST PLACE.

Okay, still think Waddell trade Hossa? Or keep him all the way to the end of the season?

And yes, Midfield, I still think Kari Lehtonen should be re-signed this Summer. In the “worst case scenario,” he’s our backup goalie, signed on the cheap.

By Russian

January 15, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

It was Best game of the Season. Hossa, Kari and whole team played very well. Team keep working in same way and You got your spot on PO.

By Kaladonis

January 15, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me???? The ADD goalie nearly gets a 48 shot shut out and Hossa gets a hat trick? IN JOE LOUIS ARENA no less?

In a weird short of way, its depressing. I mean, they could have been playing this kind of hockey all year.

I said it earlier when they came back strong after the 0-6 start. Hope can be a terrible thing.

GO THRASHERS!

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Atlanta 5, Detroit 1 - boxscore.

Couple of things to take note: 2 assists for Enstrom and Recchi, Kovy extends his 10-game point streak, Todd White also had an assist, and Kari Lehtonen made 46 saves. Atlanta was outshot 47-25. Worse yet, the Icebirds were outshot 36-14 over the final two periods.

The following players were a -1: Enstrom, Holik, Havelid and Perrin. The following players were +1: Boulton, Doell, Klee, Kovy, Kozzie, Popovic, Recchi, and Zhitnik.

Ice time for Blueliners: Enstrom, 24:35, Klee, 20:50, Zhitnik, 20:19, Havelid, 18:47, Exelby, 15:51, and Popovic, 13:24.

Shots on Goal: 5 for Kovalchuk and 5 for Hossa. For Detroit, Samuelson had 7, Zetterberg had 7, and Datsyuk had 6.

By Brian

January 15, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Rice8891 - you can color me the same color as you, I’m with ya.

Brendan - sorry man, but you know I have to correct you on this. It’s top shelf where mama HIDES the cookies

Don’t know what to think of this team now. 1st place in division, I am holding judgement until the trade deadline…

By Thrasher Ryan

January 15, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—OMG brother, the Thrashers came out and KICKED SOME @SS! SWEEEEEET!!!

Good news, Rawhide, for the rest of the week we only need to win 2 out of next 3. I think we can do it. Seriously. Seriously, I think we can get 3 out of 3.
KL DEFINITELY deserves a start against the HABS… and right now, I would probably start him at Buffalo, and Moose on Sunday vs. Edmonton, BUT if KL wins at Buffalo, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Waddell “ride the hot goalie” and start KL vs. Edmonton. Heck, this is the TIME of the hockey SEASON that a QUALITY team HAS to be able to “ride the hot goalie”. That is the only chance. Only the strong survive.

GO THRASHERS!!!

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Kaladonis, it sort of makes you wonder when Atlanta will develop a defensive SYSTEM. No?

On the scoresheet, it reads 5-1, in favor of Atlanta. But look at those shots on goal totals? 47-25????

As in, ALMOST 50 SHOTS AGAINST. Poor Kari! He deserves a SYSTEM in front of him. With this many shots on goal, there was no time for his “attention deficit disorder” to kick in. He was peppered with shots, from all sides. It’s rare when Kari calls to the bench for the water bottle between whistles. I bet he was battling dehydration.

If Osgood has a better performance …. No, let’s not go there. It’s 5-1 win. Let’s leave it there and enjoy it.

Thank God, it was Neil Smith manning the “On the Fly” chair tonight instead of Dave Reid. Smith said complimentary things about the Thrashers. And yes, they mentioned the 0-6-0 start.

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell is 23-16-1 behind the bench this season. He is 27-21-2, all-time, as the Thrashers Coach.

Hides, eh? That makes sense. The “cookie monster” almost struck again for Kovy.

By Midfield

January 15, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Calm down, Brendan. Lehtonen always come to the bench to lubricate his contacts. Defense was actually decent until late in the game: in terms of scoring chances, I’d say it was a pretty even game all in all. Very solid road game. The team could top the conference if Hossa showed up to play at least every other game and Lehtonen did what he was brought in to do. But - and I hope I am wrong - it looks like Hossa is on his way to the West Conference and Dr. Hyde Lehtonen will turn into Mr. Kari Jackil any day now…

By jason

January 15, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

So to whoever writes the captions on the Thrashers page…What the heck is a quarter????

By Brendan

January 15, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Brian, that was a nice goal by Peca in that link.

Midfield, it’s true that nobody ever knows which Kari might show up, from game-to-game.

Jason, I believe a quarter is $0.25. And a nickel … is $0.05.

Now that we’re over .500, let’s stay there for the rest of the season. We’ve got to start stockpiling wins.

By J(Z)

January 15, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Good catch Jason, stuff like that is pretty embarassing.

We may have to watch all road games from Jocks and Jills!!!!! It was cool meeting some of you guys (and gals!)

By J(Z)

January 15, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Holy crap, the caps swept the senators, they won all 4 meetings?!?!?!/!?

Just saw the SE Standings:

Atlanta 23-22-2 (48) Carolina 22-22-4 (48) Florida 20-22-4 (44) Washington! 19-21-5 (43) Tampa Bay 17-24-5 (39)

Tampa is still only 9 points off the pace. It’s still anyone’s race, but it feels good to be on top with a game in hand!

By Brian

January 15, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I didn’t even care about Peca, it was the call that made me watch it over & over again. From the “picky” dept, DW is 23-16-2, or no?

J(Z) - glad you made it out, we’ll do it again.

Jason - not sure what the 2 quarters are for from the story, but on the blog everyone seems to throw in 2 pennies…

By The Other Bob

January 16, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Joe Louis Arena seats 20,066 for ice hockey games.

Since Detroit IS, after all, “Hockey Town”…the game MUST have been sold out.

HHmmmm, sure seems as though a lot of Red Wings fans came disguised as empty seats….and how quickly the 17K or so scrambed for the door halfway through the third.

Hockey Town my a$$!!!

By Tony C.

January 16, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Dude LaBarbera is nasty good. I have been watching him the past few games….No way a rational and sober person would trade for another young goalie without him have a catastrophic injury….

What a sweet win. KL looked like a netminding prodigy, and that turnover was a huge let-down…he should hold his head high…but uh, wow is he on lithium or something? yall see his postgame interview? It was like talking to my stoner cousin from Colorado

“yeah. I have to be happy about this win….now it’s forward to the next game”

I’m all for not resting on your laurels, but kid, you jus pretty much shut out the best team in league-smile or somethin!

GO BLUE !!!

By R. Stroz

January 16, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

If anyone had told me the following before tonight’s game:

1) The Thrashers would be out shot by 20+ shots.

2) Marian Hossa would have a hat trick.

3) Kovalchuk wouldn’t score a goal.

4) Lehtonen would have the best game of his career.

5) The Thrashers would win by four goals.

I would have told them to hand me their keys, because they weren’t driving anywhere until after they were dismissed from the mental hospital.

By R. Stroz

January 16, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

A couple of random thoughts:

1) What would the Thrashers won/loss record look like if Hossa displayed the same effort the entire season that he did tonight?

2) I wonder if Hossa’s teammates asked him why he hasn’t displayed that type of effort all season.

3) I wish I could get paid 7 million/year and only show up for work when I felt like it.

4) Didn’t Hossa show everyone tonight that he only plays well when it suits him?

By Rawhide

January 16, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

RStroz - Looks like you gotta sneak-peek at my latest blog….

By LAC

January 16, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Ward not in goal for Carolina last night from what I saw.