Ice Man

By Kozzie13

January 19, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

First!

By R. Stroz

January 19, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Bring on Barry Manilow

By Kozlov

January 19, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

My eyes…MY EYES!!!

By R. Stroz

January 19, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

If anyone ever remakes The Ten Commandments, Klee and Zhitnik should assist with the special effects in the parting of the Red Sea, since they are so good at letting everyone go between them.

By Brendan

January 19, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

“Oh Mandy. I see you out over the highway. And I hit you today, Oh Mandy.” —Barry Manilow adds, “Dedicated to a special pylon named Sutton.”

Rawhide, I got my Dad “Barry Manilow’s 18 greatest hits,” including several hits “live,” for Christmas. $14.99 at Target. And a fine stocking stuffer it was!

Sticking with a Manilow theme, Regarding Kari Lehtonen starting on Sunday, vs. Edmonton, Waddell sings, “Annnnnd I’mmmm … ready to take the CHAAAANCE again. Ready to put my JOB on the line … For you. No jokes, no surprizes. This crisis ariiises. My life goes along … as it should. It’s all very well. But Not Very GOOOOD! So, I’mmmm rrrready to take the chaaaance again. If it doesn’t work, I’ll put in the Moose.”

Shifting to an upbeat tempo … “At the Philips! Philips Areeena. The hottest spot north of Flo-Villa. At the Philips! Philips Areena. Blueland in passion was always in fashion. You’ll fall in love.”

I’d like to slow it down now. (Everyone holds up a lighter … as Philips Arena goes dark.) Don Waddell croons … “I write the checks that make the whooole team plaaay. I write the checks of hope-n-powww-wer plaaaays! I write the checks. I write the checks.”

By Downtown ATL

January 19, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

Let’s all head up to practice Saturday. This team needs big crowd in Duluth.

By Brendan

January 19, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Game Summary: Buffalo 10, Atlanta 1. The following were -4 players Friday night: Klee, Kovalchuk, and Zhitnik. These were -3 players: Exelby, Hossa, and Recchi. There were the -2 players: Kozlov, Popovic and Todd White. Those fortunate enough to only be a -1 were: Boulton, Doell, Dupuis, Holik, Perrin, and Chris Thorburn. Even player: Colin Stuart, who by the way, is the team’s plus-minus leader. And the Amazing +1’s: Enstrom and Havelid.

A month ago, Enstrom was a +10. Now, he’s a -1 for the season. Perrin is a -1 for the season.

Other notes: Believe it or not, Atlanta goalies made 39 saves!! Yes, that’s right. Buffalo had 49 shots on goal!!!!!

Umm, how are we supposed to get a TIER ONE FREE AGENT DEFENSEMAN to come to Atlanta?? In the 5-1 win over Detroit, the team gave up 47 shots, I believe. Detroit outshot us 47-25. Buffalo outshot us 49-24. (Poster) Alan, what’d you say about a bad defense making a good goalie seem “mediocre?” Lehtonen had 18 saves on 21 shots. Against Detroit, Lehtonen had 46 saves.

It is Very UN-GOOD to give up 96 shots on goal in two games. (Poster) J., aka J(Z), are you “tracking this?” How ‘bout you, RED LIGHT?.

Buffalo went 4/10 on the PP. But they also gave up one (1) shorty, when Colin Stuart scored, to close the gap to 4-1.

In the “post game Show” Don Waddell said, “we’ve got to put this one behind us and focus on the next game.” And that’s right. No time to dwell. Time to CORRECT.

Someone had asked if Slater could be lost on waivers, since he was reassigned to Chicago (AHL). The answer is “no.” He’s been reassigned for “conditioning” after an injury. This is an exception to the “claims” provision. Had Slater been “demoted” to the AHL, thennn he’d be subject to a waiver claim.

If Slater were claimed off waivers in that fashion, the gaining team has to honor Slater’s next year contract, “NHL only salary.” Atlanta would clear a marginal amount of salary this year and something like $750,000 for next year. But that’d leave our centers under contract for next season to Little, Perrin, and Todd White. Kozlov could play Center, as could Thorburn.

By jcwhitingjr

January 19, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

That’s the first time I’ve ever turned the game off after two periods.

I only hope that this one hurts, stings or what ever it takes to shake these guys up and into playing the way that we all know they can play.

By THE FISH

January 19, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

BARRY MANILOW FOR GM!!!!FIRE WADDELL!!!!!

By Sage of Bluesland

January 19, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Maybe once and for all the wittle Blueland fwag-wavers will realize that Don Waddell is not, nor has ever been, the answer at the helm of this pitiful franchise.

Then again, the ownership hardly inspires anything remotely close to confidence.

It’s time to stop subsidizing this sheer incompetence and admit that ol’ Sage was right ALL ALONG…I know it’s difficult for the rock-headed fwag-wavers out there.

I’ve even forgotten what year of Donny’s infamous “Five-Year Plan” we’re in…Dare I say it’s a bit OVER???

Wake up and stop giving your hard-earned money to these clowns.

By LAC

January 19, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Sage you are right, so… after the 6-0 first Buffalo game when we played like CRAP we follow it up with this S—T

Now waddell has the UTTER GALL to say “We have to put this one behind us” !!??%%

What a FARCE of a GM coach.

He is the reason this team stinks.

From DAY 1, our defense has been a bunch of over the hill retreads after another, has been noted MANY TIMES, and as is his MO… he tears the team apart from last season and ruins it.

He will not sign Hossa, why in the HELL would he want to stay for more of this BS, Kovy will likely leave in two more years and the STUPID owners do absolutely nothing to make this team a winner on a consistant basis.

Last night was unacceptable for the fans of Atlanta who support this team No excuse, and this has been the case most of the season.

It is now time to CLEAN HOUSE of the DEAD WEIGHT starting with waddell then go down the list… zit/klee/havilid/holik.I’m so sick of HIS excuses,white,larsen,slater.

Bring up the kids in Chicago, I would rather see them at least busting their butts and learning, than watch anymore of this type coasting ever again.

IF THIS DOES NOT OPEN THE EYES OF OUR STUPID AS HELL OWNERS WHAT WILL ?

Unacceptable to be outshot every night and preform at a level worse than the ECHL… FIRE waddell NOW

By BuzzEng

January 19, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Folks, let’s be honest. If you didn’t see this game coming, you haven’t been paying attention all season. Consistency seems to be the problem. We can complain about the defense, we can complain about the need for a “true center”, but this team can win and can win over good teams. What they can’t do is beat the good teams and beat the teams they should beat. In my opinion, consistency comes from the coach - that person is responsible for preparing the team for every game, every opponent. As long as there are big wins, DW will get away with “acceptable losses”, especially with us still in the hunt for the division. If you saw the ‘Canes game last night (I did), the ‘Canes are healthy again and looked good against Edmonton. The coach had better get this team prepared for every game, because the collapse of the ‘Canes seems to be over. I hope the Crashers never play another game like that one last night.

By Bob

January 19, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

I started doing a shot every time Buffablow scored.

My head hurts today.

I dunno if I would’ve admitted where I was going tonight, Rawhide. But you’re a good husband to keep The Boss happy

Oh Mandy

By Trains623

January 19, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Never commented here before, so here goes.

If in my work I preformed in a manner that was unsafe or reckless I would lose my job.

The Thrashers have been in Atlanta for eight seasons now and the level of sucess has been very poor.

So I ask, when you run a business and you do not produce positive results year after year, why is the man in charge still allowed to keep his job and continue to make your service or product, in this case a hockey team, no better than it was the year before.

In business that is not acceptable under any condition… So it has to be seen as lack of concern by the Atlanta ownership, that they allow the man who put the team togather from the expansion season to continue to hurt their business.

I just see no reason they should allow the GM we have to continue, if I were the owner, it would change and change right now after what we have seem this season.

We need a winner and a winning tradition here and keeping the same man in charge is not the path to suscess I am sorry to say.

By Sara

January 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

All I can say is it’s a good thing I started drinking last night after the first period. Only way I made through to the bitter end. And by that point I was amusing myself by hoping to see how many more things could go wrong in one game. I think the only thing on my list that didn’t happen was an own-goal. From a pure hockey perspective it was a heck of a game I’ll say that. It would have been absolutely awesome if it had happened to anyone but us. Sheesh.

Of course, I should have predicted it would bring out the Waddell bashers. Yet I don’t recall seeing Don on the ice last night and I doubt he told the team to go out there and stink it up big time. This one, I’m sorry to say, is all on the players. Back-to-backs are no excuse for allowing a blow-out like that. They knew Buffalo was going to be hungry after their last ten. As bad as the first period was, they were still potentially in that game but continued to keep themselves out of it.

Tomorrow should be interesting as I doubt Edmonton is going to be in a much better mood either. Frankly, if I were the coach/GM/water girl, I’d take headlines from this game, blow them up huge and put them up in the locker room. NEVER let this team forget what happens when you want to take even a single shift off, much less an entire game.

By LAC

January 19, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Sara… But HE being waddell put it all togather…

Year 8 of the 5 year plan is more than enough we need positive change !

By Sage of Bluesland

January 19, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Don’t EVER wonder why this franchise is pathetic—it starts from the very top and moves on down…

Yet, it still makes me laugh as I see people actually think this ‘team’ has a chance…All that wittle fwag-waving must affect the mind!

Stop ENABLING this franchise with your hard-earned money—it’s being literally thrown away for nothing…Until the paying customers DEMAND a better product, expect more of the same from the ASG and bumbling Donny, as we enter whatever year it is now of his “Five-Year Plan” and his attempts at “Building Through The Draft”…

If you pay for THIS product, look in the mirror and STOP the enabling…Otherwise, don’t complain when we are nothing more than schedule-fodder for the real teams…If this is what you want, then by all means continue waving that silly wittle fwag…

Wake up.

By whipping boy

January 19, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

How can a team have such a high on Tuesday and three days later get beat like a drum and have the other team rub it in. this team is a joke-a professional team can have an off night but having a division leading team give an effort like that- I hope the coaches make them do laps until they puke. there will be nothing to look forward to this off season when they have the worst defense in the league-Waddell please bring in more defensive help. You will not win in this league when you give up an average of 10 more shots per game than they average. Braves spring training is a month away-yeah

By 12345

January 19, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Thanks Sage for telling it like it is !

By Sara

January 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

LAC with all dur respect, this is also the same team that smacked NHL-leading Detroit in their own barn less than a week ago. This team can compete, but too often they don’t. I blame that on coaching (or lack thereof) more than the roster itself and the man who built it. Don might not be the man for that job certainly. But at some point one also has to consider that we are talking about grown men and professional athletes getting paid big bucks to do a job. There is a LOT of accountability on these players to bring it every shift and every night. They had a chance last night, even after the abysmal first period, to right the ship and they didn’t get it done. I guess maybe to that end Don just isn’t a very good judge of character.

This team definitely needs some improvement in some areas, personnel wise, and mostly on the blueline. Don is by no means perfect. But more than anything they need a hard @ss coach to come in here and straighten these guys out. So what Don does about that will to me be his ultimate deal maker or breaker.

By Sara

January 19, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Sage I understand your point completely. In a consumer-driven market, money talks. But consider this for a moment…without money, this team will NOT improve. Spirit is already working off of a self-imposed cap. Cut the revenue and there might not be anything to work with at all for bringing in the big UFAs everyone wants at center and on the blueline. Which means you might as well give up on the team and move them out now. I for one will take any NHL hockey over no NHL hockey.

By LAC

January 19, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Sara, Correct, that was a GREAT Game…

But to follow it up with a pond hockey game at this level is total BS.

waddell has done nothing to upgrade the defense since he has been here, I believe you will agree,look at what we have… not good.

We do not resign players like Burnette,Savard and the list goes on and on.

We have coasters like holik/klee/zit and kozlov is not doing a whole lot this season to be honest.

The product on the ice Sara is a direct result of don waddell.

He “thinks” he knows NHL hockey but sadly he is not even close… we should be a LOT better than this.

The excuses are over and the owners better meet and change the course of this Titanic before we lose the fan base all togather, last night was unacceptable to even the remotest Thrashers fan to accept !

By Sage of Bluesland

January 19, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

That’s the beauty of the free-market—Let the consumer and his/her dollar determine who stays and who goes. That’s the way it is in most enterprises—and it’s a good thing, too.

Period.

To have it any other way won’t work. If that means the NHL has overextended itself in non-hockey markets, then so be it.

Continuing to subsidize a restaurant whose product is substandard is not good for anyone—except those who continue to say “MMMMM!” as if it were chocolate being shoved down their throat (when it’s really something else)…

Wake up…or Open up…Either way, the choice is yours…

By DB

January 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

I didn’t realize that Herschel posted under the name of LAC. As far as you Sage, once you start showing any hockey knowledge, that would be the first time. This was a classic “sert-up” game against a team that had not one since before Christmas. If the Thrashers come-out poorly against Edmundton, then we can begin the worrying again.

I expect a very physical game against Buffalo the next time they are in town.

By Waffleboy

January 19, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Gotts say I’m with Sara and DB on this. Sage and LAC, the true problem with this franchise is the lack of clear ownership. Until that is resolved, this franchise will suffer. But you can’t blame Waddell for the situation. With his hands tied by the ownershp situation we have no idea what he could really accomplish. While he has had to let guys go via free agency(due to the ownership situation), most of the trades this guy has made has been moderately successful to brilliant. Unfortunately(for us fans) the ownership situation will not be solved for several more years. Until that time we simply have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

By Brendan

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

Welcome back, Sage. It’s good to see you and Red Light back on these message boards.

I am, by no means, a Don Waddell apologist. For my taste, Waddell wouldn’t have been back after the lockout. I pinpoint the blame to the 2002 Draft, when we owned the 2nd overall pick and had either D-man Jay Bouwmeester or power forward Rick Nash, a former Rocket Richard goal-scoring Champion who just notched the “goal of the year,” as our primary draft choices. Instead, we went with a “very risky goaltender investment” in Kari Lehtonen and Center Jim Slater (our “inducement” not to take Bouwmeester, once Florida traded the top pick to Columbus.) I recall that you ALSO voiced your disapproval of that move, Sage. I agree.

Bygones now. IT is …what it IS. Sage, your other memorable quote was, “Don Waddell’s future is tied to our ‘glass-groined Wunderkind,’ Kari Lehtonen.” Indeed.

But truthfully, I don’t see how this ownership group is going to attract a strong GM candidate even if it does fire Waddell. I respect, very much, what (poster) Russ has advanced. Namely, “that ANYONE would be better than Waddell.”

Maybe. Maybe not. I think Atlanta winds up with some “assistant GM” who just wants his very own NHL gig to come here. Is that a real improvement over Waddell? Answer: Time would tell. We don’t know.

What I do know is this. This ownership seems to ADORE Don Waddell. He doesn’t grumble. He doesn’t complain about “self-imposed” budgets that are $8 million below the cap limit on Opening Night. He stays “positive” in the media. He could very easily say things like, “Ya know, Slava. When we gave you a “no trade clause” and a 3-year deal, it wasn’t a sabbatical.” Waddell could say, “Zhitnik, I gave away Coburn for you. Step up your game, or you’ll shipped out.” He could say, “Slater, even though you’re a Michigan guy, you’re gone if you don’t improve.” He doesn’t. He seems like a player’s GM, sort of like a Bobby Cox. It’s rare when he calls anyone out. He did it to Belanger, after the playoffs, and Belanger left. He did it to Kozlov, too. But in the end, he re-signed him, per Kozlov’s “demands.”

For a $42 million budget, this team is about as competitive as the other teams all jumbled up in the Eastern Conference. I’m not apologizing for Waddell. I’m not excusing his failures. I’m trying to be “objective” about what his conditions are and what he’s doing with them. Any other GM would have resigned in Anger and frustration, with harsh parting words for the Atlanta Spirit Group.

Sage, do you have any idea how hard it will be … to convince TIER ONE free agents that Atlanta is their “pony to bet on” during the PRIME of the careers? Still chewing on that one. It’s a “tough sell.” It’d be a little bit easier if we could say that we’ve won our division two years in a row and are now going for three. But even that isn’t convincing enough to make some IN-DEMAND Free Agent like Hossa say, “Sorry Detroit. I think Atlanta’s headed to a Cup before you guys are.”

I don’t accept dry cleaning bills, if you just spewed out your coffee on your fine, white-pressed shirt.

That’s why I think Waddell targets guys like Todd White. He figures no one else will offer him 4-years, so he’ll get his TIER TWO Free Agent Center to play in Atlanta. Todd White was hardly the most coveted center on the FREE AGENT market last Summer.

If left in Charge, GM Waddell will target defensemen who currently make $800,000, but who have had somewhat of a career renaissance this season. He’ll then ink them to 3-year deals at $1.5 million apiece.

What OTHER options does he REALISTICALLY have??? He can’t go get Campbell or Redden. Not that I think he should. Their value on the new market will be dramatically over-inflated. He may not even get a crack at Michal Rozsival. Dan Boyle will be out of the question, financially. If Tampa doesn’t re-sign him, it means his surgery was UNSUCCESSFUL. Then Waddell might get him. As “damaged goods,” Waddell tends to swoop in. We all remember the Jani Hurme and Uwe Krupp deals. Waddell gambles on players coming off injuries or who are in twilight of their careers, just hoping to remain in the league.

(Longtime Poster) Bob has always said, “Nothing meaningful will change so long as Waddell is here.” I’d amplify, “We’ll never have a ‘top flight’ GM so long as the Atlanta Spirit are in charge of the team.” They don’t have a handle on the hockey situation.

So, here we are. And as (poster) Sara says, “I’d rather have any hockey, than no hockey.”

It is what it is. All we can do … is hope and pray that things work out for the Thrashers. They’re still in the playoff hunt. They’ve still as good of a shot at winning the SE Division title as anyone ELSE. And 10-1 losses happen to EVERY TEAM. In 2006, the Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, lost 9-0, AT HOME to the Atlanta Thrashers. These things happen. It’s right not to dwell on them. It’s right to “move on to the next game.” Sorry for another novel.

By Brendan

January 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Sage of Bluesland, I also wanted to add … that if Atlanta could re-sign Hossa … that it buys them “some” time. It gives the ownership another “two-year window” to go AFTER the TIER ONE CENTER out on the FREE AGENT MARKET.

Huh?

Yeah, you might get someone to play here if they knew that Kovalchuk or Hossa would be their linemates. But if Hossa walks this year. And Kovy walks in 2010 … what would make a big name center even “consider” the Atlanta market? Okayyy, you might find some Eastern European who plays hockey exclusively for the money, wherever that source of revenue is. Well, that player won’t play with any passion or heart. Want that? Me, either.

By The Other Bob

January 19, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

While I too am dismayed by “the 5 year plan”….let’s be honest….was it a “plan” to win the cup in 5 years?

Was it a “plan” to have a contending team?…well…the team is contending this year…did last year, (winning the division)…and even contended the year proir, (fell short…but contended).

Also, in ‘99…DW could not have forseen the Heatley situation and an entire year lost to a lockout.

You can HAVE a plan…but sometimes life sends you a curveball..or three and you have to adjust.

Last night’s loss was not “GM” Waddell’s fault….”coach” Waddell, well…different story.

But those screaming “DW sux ….5 year plan…”, get some new material, why don’t you.

By Pucks n Snot

January 19, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Seeing as how I get more mentions on this blog than your players do, I figured you miss me pretty bad and that I need to chime in and bathe in my celebrity status a bit. So Marian Hossa and Kari Lehtonen saw the storied Winged Wheel and got inspired for one night……well, ya know, who can blame them? We are the best of the best - the epitome of how a sports franchise is supposed to be run - and we have to deal with talented, but lazy players getting their blood up against us every night. Most of the time we win anyway, because, well, we’re the Detroit Red Wings……but every now & then even we get a little winded from pummeling teams for weeks at a time and piling up wins higher than you bums pile peanut shells, Marlboro Red butts, and Natural Light cans in your living rooms. You know, before that game Tuesday I was starting to wonder about Hossa…..hadn’t seen him play that way in a long time - but on this night he was unstoppable. Which begs the question: where the hell has this “hat trick in the 2nd period” player been all year?? The answer is obvious: He’s saving himself for a team he actually WANTS to play for. You think this guy wants to spend the rest of his career killing penalties for the Thrashers because Don Waddell STILL hasn’t figured out how to sign or develop any defensmen that can skate instead of swat and snatch? If the Thrashers are still in Atlanta 5 years from now - which you know they won’t be - they’ll STILL be giving up the most goals in the league because that’s all they’ve ever known. You guys are all worried about Hossa leaving - what about Kovalchuk? You think that guy is planning on having his talent wasted within that sewer of a franchise for another 8-10 years? Never! He’s GONE as soon as he can make it happen, and don’t think his agent isn’t working on it already, gomers. I also hesitated to grab the multitude of fishooks you mongrels tossed out during the week because I wanted to wait and watch your “team” fall on its face YET AGAIN after a single win had all of you acting like you’d been wearing Oiler jerseys during the Gretzky era. Do you even realize you are a part of perhaps the worst Eastern conference in the history of the NHL, to say nothing of the southLEAST division, where a .500 club is a division leader and a temporary 3rd seed? Aren’t you HUMILIATED by that?? Where’s your pride, you banjo totin’ greaseslingers? You are a bunch of big mouthed, hockey ignoramus DREAMERS!! You will NEVER know what it’s like to witness TRUE greatness over an entire career, such as Alex Delvecchio, Steve Yzerman or Nic Lidstrom, because no player in his right freggin’ MIND would want to play hockey in ATLANTA for 20 years, especially under a regime as incompetent and flat out DUMB as the Thrashers! Then you comment on the empty seats we have, even though we still outdraw you by leaps and bounds. The only things that ever sell out in Atlanta are cigarettes, cheap booze, and now WATER - BEACUSE SO MANY LOSERS HAVE MOVED THERE THINKING IT’S UTOPIA YOU’VE RUN OUT OF RESOURCES - AA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! DON’T COME UP HERE TRYING TO TAKE ANY FROM OUR WONDERFUL GREAT LAKES EITHER, YOU NOMADIC BUNCH OF GNOMES! Oh, one more thing…..this “Rawhide” guy is an actual writer for a major newspaper? THE DUDE CAN’T EVEN SPELL FOR CRISS SAKES!!! AND WHO IS THE DAMN EDITOR UP THERE - HELLLLOOOOO?? Then again - if they’re going to be associated with the Thrashers, I guess it’s the perfect marriage: incompetece writing about incompetence. Makes perfect sense to me…..A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!KISS MY YANKEE AZZ ALL OF YOU! I HAVE WHAT ALL OF YOU WANT AND YOU’LL NEEEEVVVVEERRRRR BE AS GOOD AS WE ARE - AAAAA HAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAA! NOW RUN ALONG AND GIVE UP ANOTHER 10 SPOT TO SOME SHYT SQUAD WHILE WE GO ABOUT OUR BUSINESS OF BEING THE ENVY OF REAL HOCKEY FANS EVERYWHERE!!!!! HOCKEYTOWN FOREVER!!!! AAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

By five_hole

January 19, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

I once heard “You’re never as good as your best game and never as good as your worst”. We’re really not as bad as that game, nor are we really as good as … I’m hard pressed to think of a game that we dominated like Buffalo dominated us last night. Anyway, we’re someplace in between.

While I can’t weep too much for Pittsburgh, I was looking forward to watching Mr Crosby in the all-star game next week (my tickets are in section 307). He is a marquee draw not only for Pittsburgh, but for the league as a whole. It might be nice if the league would “promote” Ilya to start in Sidney’s place.

Barry Manilow? Really? Quick story, MANY years ago, while my wife & I were still dating, a friend of her’s (who also liked Mr. Manilow) had his car broken into and his 8-track (I said it was many years ago) stolen. However, the thieves left his tape of Barry Manilow on the seat.

By The Other Bob

January 19, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

P-N-S You stooge! The only smart one’s from Detroit are the one’s that get out of that crap-hole…That you are still THERE proves it!

Yeah, the Wings are good…but have given up 16 goals in the last 3 games against Atlanta….as the Thrashers have gone 2-0-1 against the “greatest” team in the league.

You may be good,…but you aren’t %$#! when you go up against us.

Figures you would only post here after last night’s loss,…but you didn’t have the balls to do so after Tuesday’s beating at the hands of our Thrashers.

Go on and post your crap snot-wad….continue to show everyone that every negative thing ever said about you %#&$-heads up north is 110% true!

Your actually welcome here because everyone else looks like geniuses compard to a dumb butt like you…moron!

By J(Z)

January 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Manilow postponed!!!! I wonder if tomorrow’s game is in jeopardy?

By ranallo10

January 19, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

To think I actually defended this guy (P&S)…I figured he had grown up and decided to stop trolling through other teams’ fan blogs, but obviously I was wrong.

By J(Z)

January 19, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Just saw Kiwi got called up…and he WILL play…I wonder who sits? It better not be Popovic!!!

By LAC

January 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

P&S go gag on your own SNOT for a change, what else is there to do in THE ARM PIT OF THE WORLD !!!!!!!!!!

By Nikita

January 19, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

I’ve never quite wanted to cry as much as after that game last night. It was a humiliating embarassment, and I hope is a wake-up call. The Thrash aren’t that bad, normally. But they do have some serious weaknesses that better coaching would resolve. Those being 1. A lack of speed and stamina — they’re always dragging by the third, if not the second, 2. POOR defense. And do we have an enforcer? I haven’t see one. Last night’s game, to me, looked like nothing but a series of failures by the defense to protect the goal — but kudos to the team of 3 that held the goal during the 3-on-5 and power play following Boulton’s mega-penalty. 3. College- and minor-league quality passing and sloppy playing. Hedberg passed across the goal way too much, and left the goal uncovered while passing poorly for the one goal. But he’s not the only one. There were several passes to people who didn’t realize they were supposed to be receiving. And there’s no excuse for that. 4. Too much reliance on the stars of the franchise. That stupid power play where all the Thrashers did was pass Kovy the puck for, like, ten shots, was just idiocy. It was stupid playing, and an obvious attempt to bully Buffalo into giving up a goal. And of course it failed. But in general too many passes go to Kovalchuk, which is where the other team expects them to go.

By Rawhide

January 19, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

J(Z) - Yes, concert postponed….it’ll be rescheduled at a later date. Wife’s a bit glad because, being the Florida girl she is, she didn’t wanna go out tonight. Me? I’m all broke up about it.

I spoke with my contact at The Atlanta Spirit and she indicated they are not anticipating any postponement of the game. To be safe, however, check the teams web site.

Yup, Kiwi has been called up and Mac placed on IR. I hope it’s Klee that sits in the press box,…no Zhit,…no Klee,…no Zhit. (sigh), sadly, I bet it is Pops that sits. We’ll see.

Nikita - I haven’t notice you before, if that was your forst post…well said. I hope you frequent the site more often.

DW even said prior to the game that Buffalo would be playing to win the game in the first 10 minute. Well, 10 minutes in and it was 4-0…and the team looked like they had no idea what was going on. They looked…ill-prepared…and that is unacceptable.

In case you haven’t seen already, Mark Bradly has an article out in which he points out that, despite the flaws, Atlanta is still in a good place right now to return to the playoffs.

By Sharon

January 19, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Wow, how exciting, Snots and Scum rantings all in the same week. Jeez.

By the way, Pond Scum, thanks for your latest Mow Down in Motown message. Ever gracious, I responded.

Go Thrashers!

By The Other Bob

January 19, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Hey, Pukes-N-Snots,…you still love living in Michigan? You truly are a dumb-$#@!, aren’t you? You bad mouth Atlanta??? A place where the economy is strong and living conditions beat the hell out of anything in the oil-stained, crap-hole of Michigan where there are more empty factories with broken glass than can be counted????

Michigan is DEAD LAST in the nation in employment, you fool! You have an unemployment rate of 7.4%, you moron! Georgia is close to the national average at 4.4%.

Michigan,…great place to live..if you’re a welfare collecting, lazy sack of crap like PUCKS-N-SNOT!

By Nikita

January 19, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Yes, it is. And thank you. I’m married to a college hockey player who grew up playing in Johnstown, and have finally given in and become a fan.

Go, Thrashers!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 19, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Either Klee or Zhitnik need to sit. Popovic/Exelby combo was working fine.

Brendan—Thanks for answering my question about Slater and even providing the payroll info. A Hossa Sweetener??? Hmm.

PJ—LA, huh? Hometown of our own Brett Sterling. So are you a Kings or Ducks fan as well?

Rawhide—At least we might have exorcised our demons last night. I freakin hope so! We just hit the wrong team at the wrong time. Plain and simple. Blame whomever you want, it was an all-around failure of the entire team. At least on the bright side, we set some new franchise records last night, albeit UN-GOOD ones…

Tomorrow will be a gritty game. KL MUST be focused and prepared for an all-day battle. A victory will not come easy. Edmonton will be as hungry as we are.

I suggest Kovalchuk—White—Recchi
Stuart—Perrin—Dupuis
Kozlov—Holik—Hossa
Boulton—Doell—Thorburn

Havelid—Enstrom
Exelby—Klee
Kwiatkowski—Popovic

GO BLUE!!!

By R. Stroz

January 19, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

With Kiwi being called up, we’re half way there on defense. Now, we need to bring up Valabik and sit Klee and Zhitnik.

By TR

January 19, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Snot Punk! Please tell me again, Where are the Atlanta Thrashers re-locating to?

By Brendan

January 19, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan, you’re welcome. I hope Jim Slater makes a full recovery and can get off the schneid. If Hossa does get traded, the gaining team could also ask for 3rd or 4th line Center as part of the deal. Slater would fit that bill. Folks, I don’t think Hossa is getting traded ANYMORE. Waddell has gone public with his proclamation: “We will be BUYERS at the trade deadline.” More than likely, that means he’ll keep Hossa instead of getting something for him before he is potentially lost in FREE AGENCY. The main candidate for a trading partner for Hossa is Detroit. The Red Wings have young assets and “throw away” late 1st round picks to offer. But I suspect that Waddell views that as something close to “worthless.” He’s got to win NOW, before the fans revolt in the offeseason, demanding his head on a platter. If, by some chance, the Hossa trade actually materialized, I wouldn’t be shocked that GM Ken Holland asked for the Michigan native (Slater) to be included in the deal. I’d bet Waddell would acquiesce.

Nikita and Sharon, a hearty welcome to the blog. Don’t be strangers. This isn’t the “boys club.” We have several female posters, including Sara and Jenn and Christy and a few more. Plus, you just might “inspire” the female lurkers. :)

By Thrasher Ryan

January 19, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

I would also like to welcome aboard all the new posters. Don’t be shy.

Brendan—You bring up an interesting fact in that post about the substantial payroll savings we could get. I mean let’s get real and look at the facts. We’re gonna pay him quite a bit and he’s only putting up miniscule #’s? Sure, he provides speed, but not really much of anything else. Personally, I think Slates played his best hockey when he was paired up with our old friend, Scott Mellanby.

By PJ

January 19, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

ROLL CALL who’s all going to the game on Sunday against Edmonton??

Brendan, ThrasherRyan, yes, LA but don’t hold it against me. More Kings than Ducks, long story. I am first and foremost an Thrasher Fan. As for Sterling, he has a long hard road ahead of him, I wish him the best.

Rawhide Sorry to hear the concert was postponed, you must be devestated. Manilow, Buffalo and the return of P&S, I think this blog has maxed out on it’s negativity. I look forward to a new post as soon as you can manage it.

By Tony C.

January 20, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Boy they played like sh!t.

That’s all that needs to be said.

I think most people will agree that DW is behind schedule.

Now let’s focus on OIL.

I like our chances, and the guys should be pumped up to overcome that embarrassment the other night.

GO BLUE !!!

By R. Stroz

January 20, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

PJ - The R.Stroz crew is going. We will be sitting in Section 216 next to Rawhide’s crew in 217.

By Rawhide

January 20, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

PJ - As stated, I’ll be there….and I was unable to get my seats changed once I found out that the section next to mine was going to be filled with an unruly band of….Oh,…Hello there RStroz, er,.. ah…looking forward to seeing you at the game….

And don’t pay no never-mind to ‘ol Snotzie,…he’s kinda fun to have around every now and then…I mean, he, (assumption), is really a pathetic sort who is merely a product of his environment.

He deserves, and has, my pity.

By Nix

January 20, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

I’ll be there, too. Hope the boys give us a good accounting for themselves!

By R. Stroz

January 20, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

The Michigan detention centers must be full again and had to let some of the inmates out early. Once again, Puck N Snot was given early release despite his third conviction for stealing slot machine cups from old ladies at the casinos and his second conviction for stealing controlled substances at the local hospitals, while working as a janitor.

Pucks n Snot are you enjoying that ankle bracelet?

I really thought we would have seen you on the Dateline show To Catch A Predator by now. I guess it’s a good thing granny keeps you in the basement and away from the computer.

Oh well, your Deadwings lost to the Thrashers again. After listening to you cry like a baby at your Michigan detention center, the local parole board gave you a break. Don’t worry, we all have confidence you will be back where you belong soon.

Say hello to granny for us!

By Alan

January 20, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

I’ll be there PJ.

All - Not everyone from Michigan is a blithering idiot. I’m originally from Wyandotte, just south of Detroit, and look at how I turned out.

Although… I do look forward to moving back there in the future. When the economy rights itself, anyway. The tug of family and friends pulls pretty hard at times.

By The Other Bob

January 20, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Alan - Yes, your absolutely correct! But your not coming in here as a classless, jerk-off spouting crap about how its so much better up there and how much our team sux and all.

So…no offense meant towards you or the other decent folks in/from Michigan.

Why,…we have had Rangers fans come on this blog last year…supporting team…but doing it in a fun, spirited manner. Kept the subject entertaining and intelligent.

Huh-Outclassed by Rangers fans…that alone should tell you what a slime P&S is, LOL!

Anyway, I move that from here on we just ignore the %$#@!-head….maybe get ‘ol RH to delete his posts???

By puckjunque

January 20, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Allright everyone Let’s Have a Big AMEN for the prayer today!!

Bow your heads, hands joined on your keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and for the many ways you have blessed this team. Please continue to keep the Thrashers healthy and strong. Please give the Thrashers a boost in endurance, confidence and consistency today. Please guide the Thrashers in leadership and teamwork to be relentless, fearless and intolerant of anything less than complete domination in obtaining a victory today and driven to kick some oilers a$$!! AMEN!!!

GO THRASHERS!!!!!

By Alan

January 20, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

PJ - Amen!

By Rawhide

January 20, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN”-MEN!!! Thank you so very much PJ!

Now,…let’s go DRILL THE OILERS!

Other Bob - Ignoring is a good idea…maybe I shouldn’t pick at him too…gives him a greater feeling of self worth then he deserves.

However, as long as he keeps it relatively clean, he is welcome to posts and I won’t be cancelling any comments, (again, given the above criteria).

Besides, it’s nice to have village idiot around sometimes…just makes everyone else look that much smarter in comparison.

Now, off to Blueland!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 20, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Amen, PJ!

Rawhide can you please let everyone (including the Oil) know what happens when you come to play in our house? Thanks man. We’re gonna need it.

Brendan or anyone else who can confirm… is this game today NOT on Center Ice? I don’t see it listed. Dangit if so, this only happens to like 2 games a season.

The funniest part to me about Snot Punk’s return is that he actually ADMITTED that he trolls around on our message board! He lurks but only posts when we bait him. What a LOSER!

Let’s see if the Thrash can kick some Oiler @ss today, 5-4. I went with that score against Buffalo, and well, we all know what ACTUALLY happened, so I’m gonna try it again.

Thrash 5, Oil 4

By Rawhide

January 20, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

TR - As requested:

“This is OUR home ice, these are OUR fans. You will NOT have a good time tonight! We WILL pressure you. We WILL attack your net! We WILL pursue you, chase you down and hit you so hard your parents will be sorry they even MET! We WILL chase down every puck. We WILL knock you down and laugh when we make you cry like little girls! We don’t CARE what your record may be or from where you came! When you play your next game, whether that is tomorrow…the next day…or the day following, you WILL still feel what we did to you today!

We do this because this is OUR ice!

Because THIS is Thrasher hockey!

These are OUR fans!

THIS is BLUELAND!

Dear God…I hope that’s the team that shows up today!

By Nix

January 20, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Amen, PJ and Hallelujah, Rawhide!!

Let’s go, Thrashers!!!

By Brendan

January 20, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Ryan, I didn’t see it listed, either. To see it, you probably have to be there. Unless there’s some Yahoo-feed of the game. The one “Toronto” uses to review goals.

PJ, A-men!! And I’m sorry I forgot to list you among our regular female posters. It was “oversight,” not intentional.

Oilers want this win badly. Folks, we don’t want to go to a shootout with these guys. The Capitals were only the second team in 17 tries to beat them in a shootout, and it took TWELVE (12) rounds to do it!

By erock

January 20, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

GOO JOB HOLIK…UNFORCED ERROR DUMPING OVER THE GLASS….WAY TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF ….

By Tom

January 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

KWIATKOWSKI, JOEL

Cool they are changing things up.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Brendan—I am listening to the game on the radio. Clear signal for these day games. Its funny, the game is listed as game 3 on Center Ice but when you go to game 3 it just shows the listings for Games 4, 5, and 6. Weird. Oh yeah, and the AJC has the game listed on SPSO! Rawhide, please report to the administrator’s office…

Seriously though, no score after 1. Zhitnik is the press box for this one folks. So is Doell. Larsen is centering Line 4. I don’t like that 2nd move. How much money could we save by “waiving” Larsen?

As the poster above stated, Holik has already taken a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the glass. That is an (E5). He better be thankful that didn’t cost us a goal.

We are out-shooting Edmonton 11-6 after 1 period.

GO BLUE!!!

By Russian

January 20, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

finally we made 1:1. I listen game on radio. Sons of B***. that 2:1 Oliers. What is F*** Idiots.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 20, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

The Popo-Kowski D pair must be working. Kiwi just got his 1st point as a Thrasher with an assist on Kozlov’s goal. Perrin with the other assist.

2-1 Oilers after 2. I hope this team took a long look at themselves in the mirror in the locker room because we are still waiting for the Thrasher OFFENSE to show up!

What is wrong with this team? WAKE UP PLEASE!!!

By Russian

January 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Sorry, But we are suck team. This team is not going to anywhere on this year. I could not Listen and Watch this S** anymore. Facking proffesionals.

By LAC

January 20, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

This is just about THE END of this season folks… These guys do not care one single bit about winning just their FAT paychecks !!!!

I want to see a BUNCH of players WAIVED monday and play the kids from Chicago and let’s see them work their butts off and TRY rather than this complete BS that we have now.

The time to REBUILD starts MONDAY and that means the GM TOO !!!!!!!

*ENOUGH OF THIS CRAP*

By erock

January 20, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

LETS START OVER WITH ANOTHER 5 YEAR PLAN…WE MAY HAVE NOT WON THEN EITHER BUT THE PLAYERS WE HAD GAVE IT THEIR ALL EVERY NIGHT AND WE EVEN HAD A COUPLE OF PLAYERS PLAYING WITH PASSION…FIGHTING..MADE IT ALOT MORE ENTERTAINING…..BRING BACK HORDICHUK!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

January 20, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Edmonton 4, Atlanta 2.

R. Stroz is right. We are halfway there on D. Now we need to get Klee out with Zhitty and call up big BORIS.

Rawhide—We have 2 HUGE games next week, before the ASG. I think the time to make a big trade is RIGHT NOW. We cannot continue to BELIEVE that a trade is not necessary until the deadline comes. The deadline will be too late! We are flirting with the SE Division lead, and at this point in the season when you reach the division lead, you need to distance yourself from the rest of the pack. THIS team plays WAY too INCONSISTENT to even do that! A serious trade is necessary. It makes a statement to the rest of the team, the fans, and the player being traded. Lackluster play WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

For next week RH, we DEFINITELY have to win at least 1 against the blueshirts. 2 would be AWESOME.

Hey Russ—Where are we at with games left and points needed?

By Thrasher Ryan

January 20, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Brendan—A while back I think it was you who asked what former Thrashers would we like to have back. I would bring back Andrew Brunette and Steve Staios in a heartbeat.

By stendec

January 20, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Somebody PLEASE invent artificial ice NOT too slippery for SOB (#1 Thrasher goalie heh heh) Sori Letemin. What a horrific HOME non-effort in a MUST WIN game against the worst (next to Thrashers) NHL group! Thrashers truly do not belong in playoffs. Hell, the way these bums have been playing lately against MARSHMALLOW opponents, such an appearance could be nothing but another debacle. Remember the New York Ranjerks? Blueland needed to be fumigated after that S++++Y give-up job! What a waste of a few weekend hours. DAMN THAT S++T! So disgusted and disillusioned I have nothing else to say about Falcons, uh, Thrashers. Sorry, two about even on effort level lately. I feel the pain Thrasher faithful. GO FLAMES!

By HookyBob

January 20, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

I gotta say I was a little disappointed with the Thrashers effort today. It appears that they are tired. Especialy Ilya,… carrying the team for so long appears to have taken its toll. For the others,.. perhaps pulling back to .500 from the 0-6 start took too much energy. Maybe they will perk up after the Allstar break. Get lots of rest guys.

Hope they can at least split at MSG. Two games in a row at New York,… who is setting the schedule? They ought to limit games where one team played the night before and one didn’t,…especially if the one that played the night before has to travel.

On the bright side,…I liked what I saw from Kwiatkowski today. He showed both grit and some offensive tendancies. Wish he had been called up much sooner.

Go Blue.

By Bob

January 20, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

If the Thrashers come-out poorly against Edmundton, then we can begin the worrying again

Am we allowed to worry now?

By Bob

January 20, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I think most people will agree that DW is behind schedule

Believe it or not, there’s some newbies that blog around these parts that think he’s doing just fine. No, really, I kid you not!

By LAC

January 20, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Hummmmm DUMB waddell says respect…

Well don NOBODY in their right mind should respect YOU

By Nix

January 20, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Well, that was another disheartening game. The Thrashers were seriously out-hussled by Edmonton and I swear in games like tonight it looks like our guys have never played together before. Puck handling was attrocious and there seemed to be tons of sloppy passes. The only good thing was the fact that we actually shot more (at least in the 1st and 2nd - I forgot to look to see if that was still the case at the end of the game). But even so, they were better at shutting down what offence we did put up than we were.

I don’t know what the solution is. Does Coach Waddell treat them like high school athletes and make them do windsprints until they puke and then do puck handling drills for the remainder of practice, or does GM Waddell write off the biggest non-contributors and bring up the kids from Chicago? Part of me goes for option A b/c seriously - professional athletes who play like high school kids that stayed up too late the night before playing Wii should be treated like it.

By Alan

January 20, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see more kids from Chicago brought up. A lot of players there deserve a shot. LaVallee, Valabik, Sterling, Little, Pavelec…

(Remember, Haydar would get grabbed on re-entry waivers by any competent GM. The Wolfpack Line can wait until next year.)

By Scott Wright

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

I was hoping they would erase the Friday night memories - they did not.

Interesting comment from Hossa on line change issues. I haven’t seen them screw up like that before 4 on 1, what a fiasco. I always cringe when we get the inevitable twice per month bench minor for too many men on the ice, but given this alternative, I’ll take them.

Does anyone have any stats on too many men on the ice - seems like we’re always getting called on it and our opponents never do.

Not that this at the top of the the list of Thrasher problems - it’s just something I was thinking about.

By Thrasherbob

January 20, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Thank you Tony C for The Quote of the Day

You don’t mince words…..

By Tony C.

January 20, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Boy they played like sh!t.

That’s all that needs to be said.

By The Janitor

January 20, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

OK, everyone out….time to clean up.

Ewww,..what’s all this snot doing on the floor?

By Sage of Bluesland

January 21, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry, wittle Bwuewand fwag wavers: Brilliant Donny has a (Five-Year) Plan—one that will “Build through the Draft!”…

(Feeling used yet? You should. P.T. Barnum was absolutely right—he must have had the wittle fwag-wavers in mind!)