Ice Man

By five_hole

January 22, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

If I were the coach I would simply replay tapes of last year’s playoffs and ask if you want to get beat like that again.

Any idea which d-man will sit out tonight? Zhitnik being sat twice seems like too much to hope for. Also, any idea of when Mr. Slater will return?

By blueblood

January 22, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

I’m a Ranger fan going to the game tonight, and this was good, gave me a laugh. It came up on my home page where I have a “keep me posted” search for NHL, and when I saw the headline I thought, either this is old or a joke, can’t possibly be about tonight’s Thrasher game v NYR. Go Giants!

By Jim

January 22, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Let’s make it really exciting, challenge THE BEST TEAM IN THE NHL with the BEST TEAM IN THE THRASHER ORGANIZATION- THE CHICAGO WOLVES.

By J(Z)

January 22, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

would have an easier time playing “pick-up-sticks” with your butt-cheeks then slipping a puck past Henrick Lundqvist

Oh the imagery!!!! No!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good stuff rawhide! After watching last nights Caps-Pens game, I’m getting even closer to throwing in the towel on the season. If they get a goalie (ah hem, Emery) the Caps are gonna run away with this division and the Thrashers have a tough trip to an 8 seed.

This is a perfect opportunity to be a seller. There are SOOOOOOO many buyers right, we’d probably get a lot for Hossa, Holik, Dupuis, Hedberg, Recchi… I say do it. Throw in the towel. This might actually be our best shot of getting Hossa back. Once we stockpile a bunch of picks (in the deepest draft ever?) and NHL ready prospects, we’ll have a ton of money to spend in the offseason (even with the self-imposed budget) and we’ll be a much younger team next year.

By Sara

January 22, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Good Lord - major bad kharma alert!! Apparently the newly-hired Falcons GM is a gasp Leafs fan! This is completely unacceptable! Boycott Home Depot now! OK, maybe nothing that drastic but still. A Leafs fan … Arthur should be ashamed.

By Bob

January 22, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

That’s just great, Rawhide. You’re lying to the Thrashers. Lying to your kids. What’s next out of you, votin’ for Her! in November!?!? First the Barry Manilow show, now this, just when you think you know and can trust a guy…they aren’t the just the best team in the NHL this year. Please pay no attention to Rawhide my lurking Thrashers loggin on from your Manhattan hotel before your pregame nap, they are the Best Team in the History of the NHL, no team in the storied history of the NHL has put together a start like this since Lord Stanley has awarded his Cup. You really need to get a new editor for all these blog title mistakes, mister.

This is a perfect opportunity to be a seller. There are SOOOOOOO many buyers right, we’d probably get a lot for Hossa, Holik, Dupuis, Hedberg, Recchi… I say do it. Throw in the towel. This might actually be our best shot of getting Hossa back. Once we stockpile a bunch of picks (in the deepest draft ever?) and NHL ready prospects, we’ll have a ton of money to spend in the offseason (even with the self-imposed budget) and we’ll be a much younger team next year

I agree completely. Blow the whole team up. There are no sellers this year. There have been no trades made for exactly that reason. The guys were just talking on yesterday’s HNIC show about this, everyone’s a buyer and no one is available. Put Hossa up for auction and let the highest bidder win. Going, going, gone. Next up for bid, Holik. Sold! Next up, Recchi.

Get a new GM in here at season’s end, and let him to work with all the draft picks and young prospects and the Cap room we’ll have. Voila, instant contender next year.

By Beldar Conehead

January 22, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

“Leafs fan”….UNACCEPTABLE!!

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Five_hole - One would have to assume Zhit sits again.

Also, Given Moose’s play last April in the playoffs and the fact that he is 7-3-0 vs. the rangers lifetime with a 1.89 GAA and .935 SV%…I would imagine he would start. At least tonight, that is. Kari’s numbers are not that bad either, but if it were up to me, I would at least give Moose one of these starts.

Blueblood - Glad you liked it. I hope we play better in MSG then we did last spring…of course, we are 2-0 against the RAHN-jahs so far this year.

Chime in later this week and give us an observation from your end after seeing the game in person, if you don’t mind.

J(Z) - I watch the game too last night. First, it was a fun game to watch just as a hockey fan. But you’re right about the Caps. They are a scary bunch right now. They have nestled up to us in the standings with 2 games in hand.

Given that…and the fact that the Rangers are 1 point in from of us, to say these two games are big would be quite the overstatement!

Bob - Your killing me!

By Red Light

January 22, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

The longer you wait with Kari to forget about last year, the longer you will have to wait for Kari to forget about last year.

Moose has given up 27 goals in his last six appearances (five games in actual time on ice). Kari should go tonight.

Feature on Waddell:

[http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=350451]

By Alan

January 22, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

As per the CBA, Recchi cannot be traded at the deadline. That can’t be done until the off-season (after the playoffs). Sorry to continue to burst bubbles.

By timmythebrave

January 22, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Great article! Put Kari in goal tonight. If we are going to do anything this year it will be up to Kari. I don’t want to just give up Hossa for nothing at the end of the year. Sign him or trade him but I don’t think we need a fire sale on everyone. Go Thrashers!

By LAC

January 22, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Well a bit of positive news this AM.. bernie “Crumpets” mullin quit…

Let us ALL hope this is the start of a clearing of the tree line so to speak. People who have been around too long and cannot produce, need to be replaced… Gee when can we expect waddell to step up and say…

I RESIGN… not a moment too soon for ALL Atlanta hockey fans !

By Boulton's Bruisers

January 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Leafs just fired GM JFJ… Let the transactions begin! Bye Bye Mats…

By LAC

January 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

“Don has been given the opportunity and the resources he requested to deliver results from the strategic plans that he put in place when he was named general manager in 1997, and while the new collective bargaining agreement required some re-shaping of those plans, the results have fallen short of what our organization, including Don, and our fans expect.”

Hummmm Would be nice…

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Do any of you know anything about Kris Beech, the center that the Canucks just put on waivers?

Is this guy a younger, cheaper version of Holik?

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

RStroz - here is all I have right now on Beech

By LAC

January 22, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Beech has 15 goals in his NHL career and only 1 this season… Pass.

By Bob

January 22, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Mullin’s “resignation” was the old “resign or you’re fired”.

This is great news and the first step in getting a new GM in here. It’s great to see that the owners now are directly on top of Waddell and I’m sure he’ll have to get their approval for any trade he wants to make, they are making sure he doesn’t hamstring them on the way out. Great news.

A banner day for Blueland as it’s the first step in the right direction, I finally see a light at the end of this tunnel.

By GaVaHokie

January 22, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Beech has been waived twice this year, and has been a healthy scratch in Vancouver… pass, even at half price re-entry waivers.

By GaVaHokie

January 22, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

A banner day for Blueland as it’s the first step in the right direction, I finally see a light at the end of this tunnel.

Bob’s last words before getting hit by the train. :)

Hate to disappoit you, but it’s not that significant… Bernie never really served a purpose, and now that ownership is getting more hands on, he isn’t needed anymore. I’d be surprised if anyone was surprised about this.

By puckjunque

January 22, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Allright Thrasher Faithful, this is a test, you KNOW what to do.

Bow you heads, hands joined on the keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, we are grateful that you listen to our prayers and for the many blessings you have bestowed upon the Thrashers. Please continue to keep this team healthy and defining a system that will ensure a victory tonight. Please lead the Thrashers to ruthlessly attack the Ranger’s net, to keep firing the puck in succession until the red light comes on. Please give them the energy and drive tonight to kick the ranger’s a$$! AMEN!!!

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN”-MEN!!! Thanks PJ!!

Now let’s go…RIP THE RANGERS!!

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Maybe Hossa did get to talk with the owners without DW present after all.

By GaVaHokie

January 22, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Rawhide…

1) and 2) This has no impact at all. It’s typical corporate reshuffling where one’s duties become obsolete. Mullin felt useless, he WAS useless, and they allowed him to leave… I can’t even remember the last time I heard Mullin’s name associated with anything.

3) Not at all

By puckjunque

January 22, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Trixie Please ask Mr. Rawhide to fix my post before Buzilla sees it?

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Trixie - PJ’s post looks fine, please leave it as is.

By Alan

January 22, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

TSN’s scouting report on Beech:

• • Assets: Skates well for a 6-3 center. Has solid playmaking ability. Makes his linemates look good with his creativity. Owns a defensive conscience.
• • Flaws: Has not handled offensive expectations well, and has trouble adjusting his game to fit any style. Will never be confused with a natural goal-scorer.
• • Career potential: Reserve center.

11pts in 20 games, however, isn’t anything to shake your head at.

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

PJ - Done…and might I say, that was a BEAUT of a typo!!! Something quite…Freudian about it, I’m sure!

Hokie - I accedently whacked the questions when I “AMENED” PJ…sorry.

RStroz - tisk, tisk

By Alan

January 22, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

PJ - Amen!

By Dunwoody_Kevin

January 22, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Hey LAC, where is Brian today? I want to see him try to argue DW’s job is safe… I wonder if Brian has seen the poll?

By PJ

January 22, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Thanks Trixie Kum bah yah my lord, Kum Bah yahhhhhhhh….

By Nix

January 22, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Amen, PJ!

By Bob

January 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Hokie, not suprised that you don’t see the big picture with this situation either. So you think Bernie left on his own accord just days before the All Star game comes rolling into town? lol.

Watch and learn as it plays out, Hokie.

He was forced out so the owners could get him out of the way and have the GMs, both of whom have failed miserably, directly under their control. And what better timing for the owners to show the NHL insiders that they’re serious about turning this club around, then just days before they all come into town and the spotlight is on them.

Bernie was the first to go, Waddell will be the next one on the Thrashers’ side of the organ-I-zation. Wouldn’t be suprised to see it happen April 7th.

By Pucksdeep

January 22, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Rawhide delivers again. Nice work, kid.

Amen, PJ.

Let’s go Bluuuue. Light the lamp already!!

Rip the Ranjerks!!

By GaVaHokie

January 22, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Ummm… Bob… if they wanted to get rid of Knight and Waddell, it’s really simple. You don’t have to fire the President to get “closer” to the GM’s. They own the teams!

Mullen probably asked for a bigger roll, they said there’s nothing for you, and he said “Well, I’m leaving then.” And they replied, “Okay”.

By Bob

January 22, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

You don’t have to fire the President to get “closer” to the GM’s. They own the teams!

Let me guess, you’ve never worked in middle or upper management, eh?

Hokie, that’s not how organ-I-zations work. Read Bernie’s own words on why he’s out “the owner’s wanted more hands on direct control of the teams”. The current setup had Waddell (and Knight) both reporting to Bernie. If the owners wanted direct control of both GMs, they had to get rid of Bernie. You don’t overstep the President, as the owner, it causes complete disruption throughout the corporate structure. You can’t have the owners set up the reporting structure and then break it themselves.

By J(Z)

January 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

ughhhh, Sh!tnik is back, Popovic sits tonight :(

Lehtonen is starting

By GaVaHokie

January 22, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Bob… I read nothing of the sort in what he said. And yes I do happen to work in middle management for a very large company in which a person left just last week for the same reason. He served his purpose for a long time, and they could no longer find a use for him. In fact, I believe they even offered him a lesser position. Both sides agreed that it was probably best if he just walked away.

Sure you can call that “Forced out”, but it has nothing to do with keeping a “tight leash” on the GM’s… Enough with the conspiracy theories.

By Smoothie

January 22, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

So you think Bernie left on his own accord just days before the All Star game comes rolling into town?

I agree with Bob in that the timing of this move smacks of something other than a “mutual” parting of ways. I was wondering why Bernie was no longer appearing live on 680 the Fan every Friday morning. Admittedly, he may not have had that much control over anything important, but he was the voice of the Thrashers and Hawks on the one media outlet who actually gives a darn about hockey.

If the owners don’t realize what needs to happen in terms of an organization overhaul, then we might as well pick another team to follow because the Thrashers will be gone by 2012 if they don’t turn it around quickly. This franchise can only be profitable (according to them) by going to the playoffs.

Well, this team is not playoff material in most years so it’s time to shift the paradigm and right the direction of this sinking ship. Of course, a new TV deal with ESPN might help spread the wealth for teams like Atlanta, but we’re fooling ourselves if we think mediocre hockey will be a viable economic concern in a city like Atlanta that has many, many entertainment alternatives.

We should all hope that Bob is right in this regard and the beginning of the end is near for Don Waddell. Don’t get me wrong, I like DWad and want him to succeed, but no one here can really question the ownership if they decide to go in another direction. I just hope Billy Knight is warming up the getaway vehicle in the parking lot should Donny get the ax!

By Smoothie

January 22, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

J(z) — Did you get that from Custance (horse’s mouth) regarding the decision to bench Pops? Too bad, I was hoping to see the following for D pairings:

Kiwi & Klee Pops & Ex (3rd pairing mins)

Exelby should NEVER be paired with Klee under any circumstance…bad news, just bad news man.

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Zhit and Kari start tonight…Well I was 0-2 on that prediction. If Moose doesn’t start Thursday I will have really blown that call.

I haven’t struck out that bad since Debbie Hesslefielder in the 11th grade!

By J(Z)

January 22, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Smoothie - I got it from The Blueland Blog

(I hope i actually did that right)

Also on there, Alyssa Milano will be a host for the Rockin Skate thing on Saturday. Any got a guess if thats worth going to? Even with Milano?I’ve already spent $200 on tickets to this stuff, is it worth spending any more????

By Smoothie

January 22, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget RH, your Moose recommendation didn’t exactly work out Friday against the “lowly” Sabres, now did it!? ;-) There are lies, damn lies and then there are statistics! Hockey in a nutshell!

By Bob

January 22, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Why put Zhitnik back in? The only reason I can think of is that the one game benching was just a wake up call, in hopes that he starts playing better.

I hope it works.

By Smoothie

January 22, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, they’ll put Alyssa in one of those skimpy Blue Crew skirts / outfits…ay carumba!!

Perhaps she can cast a “charmed” spell on Zhitty, Holik and Kozlov that make them play like they are in their 20’s rather than aging “claimers” who are ready for the stud barn!

By GaVaHokie

January 22, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

No No No… I refuse. You can’t make me watch the Jonas Brothers by dangling Alyssa Milano in my face. It’s not gonna work.

It’s horrible just horrible Sidney Crosby’s probably really sad he’s going to miss this. :)

By LAC

January 22, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I am going to PUKE if I hear another Thrashers management member use it.

Respect for bernie mullin a do nothing nobody !!!!

Who cares about someone who was, like a lot of players, ONLY collecting a big fat payheck.

A sure sign of TROUBLE at ASG corral, who else will get bucked off soon ???????

By Smoothie

January 22, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Looking for the best deal on NHL CenterIce through DirecTV — who is it who posts on this blog (Tony C. perhaps?) about special pricing for the HD CenterIce package? Of course, I can’t remember if that person was advocating / promoting Comcast versus Dish / Satellite but I would love any feedback on the subject matter from those in the know. I just purchased a 46” LCD TV with DirectTV as my provider. I am so stoked to watch hockey in Hi-Def but I don’t want to pay the full $169 as the season is half over.

Anyone? Anyone?? Bueller??

By J(Z)

January 22, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure he said he worked for comcast? and after the all star break the price gets cut in half or something? That’s what I’m waiting for too! (But I have Charter, I assume its the same though)

By Brendan

January 22, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Bob, I think Bernie didn’t see a renewal coming for him in April. And this was a way for him to “gracefully” bow out. But you could be right. It might have been, “Psst, Bernie. We’re not going to renew you. So, you can go through the motions from now until April, if you want. But then we’re going to announce your termination.” And that’s all Bernie really needed to hear.

I began wondering what was going on with him, when he stopped appearing on “Breakfast with Bernie” segment on 680TheFan. For no apparent reason.

Bob, I think Hossa meeting with the owners may have awakened them a bit about how a hockey club should be run. Hopefully, Hossa imparted what players really think to them. So far, the ownership’s position has always been to defer to DW to do what is best, with the budget they alloted. Maybe things are changing?

With Kovy and Hossa locked up for the longterm, after 2010, other FREE AGENTS will consider coming to Atlanta to play with them. The flip side is … what if BOTH are GONE after 2010? Then what? We’ll be reduced to DRAFTING Superstar players. Which, let’s face it, is not a horrible thing. We “want” to draft Superstars. But I think that, sooner or later, we’ve got to open the wallet and show them the LOVE.

Kovy’s love will cost $10 million, at a minimum, when it’s his time. And it’ll take longer than a 4-year deal for that to happen.

By erock

January 22, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

wow wow wow thrasher fans…..what a period !!!!!!!!!!!11

By thefan

January 22, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

wow first period and already 2:0 for the NY .Thrashers are giving up in the first period.They suck.

By thefan

January 22, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

what a hit by kovy

By thefan

January 22, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

and the kovalchuk is done for the night

By erock

January 22, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

BLUELAND IS GETTING MORE BLUE BY THE GAME….WADDELL IS SAFE UNTIL AFTER THE ALLSTAR GAME THEN HE IS HISTORY…AS A COACH HE DID NOT HAVE HIS GUYS READY…NO GAME PLAN WHATSOEVER UNLESS RAWHIDE WAS RIGHT….WE ARE PLAYING THE BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE…NO SHOTS THRU 17 MINUTES!!!!…NO EXCUSE

By stendec

January 22, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Thrashers have packed it in! Getting all set for regular season finale then long vacation with families. Ranjerks up 2-0 after period. IK not available for any comeback attempt. Must be against team religion to shoot the damn puck! Thrashers performing like worst NHL group. Hate Rangers! Hate New York! Hate Thrashers! Life is certainly wonderful! Falcons on ice! Horrible, but true. No heart! No fire! No desire! No guts! No pride! Utterly disillusioning. Total wastes! Wonder what is on Hallmark tonight? Oh well. GO FLAMES!

By Nix

January 22, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Ok, newbie question time. Aside from getting booted from tonight’s game, are there any other consequences for a game misconduct? Do I have to stress about Kovy being suspended too? And if so, how will that play out in terms of the All Star game?

By erock

January 22, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

WHERE YA AT RAWHIDE??? GIVE US SOME WORDS OF WISDOM…HELP US MAKE IT THRU THE NIGHT !!

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers outshot the Rangers 3 to 0 between 3:13 and 3:03. Too bad our first shot of the period occurred at 3:13 as well.

By erock

January 22, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

WE NEED POPOVIC ON DEFENSE TONIGHT….OH I FORGOT HE IS A HEALTHY SCRATCH AND WE HAVE TO GET ULCERS WATCHING ZHITHEAD !!

By stendec

January 22, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Nothing on Hallmark so…Thrashers have packed it in! Getting all set for regular season finale then long vacation with families. Ranjerks up 3-0 after two periods. Shutout anticipated (expected)! IK not available for any comeback attempt. Must be against team religion to shoot the damn puck! Thrashers performing like worst NHL group. Hate Ranjerks! Hate New York! Hate Thrashers! Life is certainly wonderful! Falcons on ice! Horrible, but true. No balls! No heart! No fire! No desire! No guts! No pride! Utterly disillusioning. Total wastes! Oh well. GO FLAMES!

By erock

January 22, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

FIRST TO WORST IN THE SOUTHEAST DIVISION…WE WILL FINISH LAST…CLEAN HOUSE AND START ANOTHER 5 YEAR PLAN WITH ANOTHER GM !!

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Erock - I’m here suffering through this with everyone else. Wish I had words to ease the pain…but there are none available.

Down 3-0 and really it isn’t even that close.

Kari was hung out to dry on two of ‘em and he has made some great saves…or it would be Buffalo all over again.

GOD-ALMIGHTY!

By Bob

January 22, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Nix, the game misconduct brings an automatic review from the league. The way Kovy took two runs at him, and then jumped as he boarded him will bring a one game suspension in my view.

Avery really gets under Kovys skin, eh? You could see Avery chirping at him from the bench.

Total meltdown tonight. Nice job preparing the boys to bring their A game tonight, eh?

What about Zhitnik, who’s decision was it to put him back in there? Just awful all around.

So, I guess we’ll see Hossa re-signing here any day now.

By Thrasher Ryan

January 22, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

It’s 3-0 Rangers after 2. KL looks pretty sharp to me, other than being hung out to dry by Klee and Zhitnik. They are pitiful! Pairing the 2 is the worst thing you can do! DW shoulda scratched Klee and went with the Pop-A-Zhit pair! Where the hell is BORIS?

This team better show up to play in the 3rd! At least LOSE LIKE MEN!

1 Point is better than NO POINTS!

GO BLUE!!!

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Good News and Ungood News

Good News - The Thrashers are finally playing consistent hockey.

Ungood News - The consistency is losing.

By Alan

January 22, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

It looks like your valiant attempt at sparking the Thrashers’ game wasn’t good enough, Rawhide. I had high hopes it would succeed, too.

Maybe on Thursday, they’ll show up? shrugs

Or maybe it’s time to consider rebuilding.

I bet Kovalchuk is going to have a nice, long conversation with Exec VP/GM/Coach/Cheerleader/Usher/Waterboy Waddell about his frustrations with the team after the game.

By stendec

January 22, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

S++T! S++T! S++T! Yet another goose egg. Teams that CARE do not get SHUT OUT by ice scum! Thrashers have (and make no effort to hide the fact) packed it in! Had no intention of putting forth ANY effort in the Big Apple. Succeeded! Getting all set for regular season finale then long vacation with families. Made Ranjerks look like Cup champions which they are not! IK not available after brain-dead ejection. Must be against team religion to shoot the damn puck! Thrashers performed like worst NHL group (may actually be). Worst defensively for sure. Hate Ranjerks! Hate New York! Hate Thrashers! Life is certainly wonderful! Truly Falcons on ice! Horrible, but true. No balls! No heart! No fire! No desire! No guts! No pride! Utterly disillusioning and nauseating. Total wastes! Rest well fellow Thrasher sufferers. KL gave up bundle of goals but deserved pity as he was left alone against world. How many times will I say that? Just goes to show how bad non-effort was! Team that started 0-6 is back. Where is Bob? Expect more of same Thursday. Swap all these losers for guys in Chicago. At least the youngsters will try. Oh well. GO FLAMES!

By PJ

January 22, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, Thrasher Ryan Thought you could use a distraction…

http://pointent.com/files/achmed.wmv

It was getting too depressing…..

By erock

January 22, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

BIG HIT BY HOLLWEG AT THE END…NO ANSWER BY THE THRASHERS…NO HEART…NO FIGHT…NO TEAM….NO PLAYOFFS!!!

By erock

January 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

PLEASE BRING UP BORIS TO PUT SOME FIGHT IN THIS TEAM ! PLEEEEEEEASE……….

By Sage of Bluesland

January 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

This “team” is brought to you by the wonderfully incompetent Don Waddell, as we enjoy Year Eight of his infamous “Five-Year Plan”…Said I wouldn’t say it, but, I lied:

I TOLD YOU SO.

By Adam

January 22, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

No Distraction! This Team Sux

By Thrasher Ryan

January 22, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Absolutely disgusting! SHUT OUT 4-0 in Madison Square Gardens? Absolutely WEAK!!! *Who switched the THRASH with the TRASH? Might as well let the Wolves play this one while the Thrashers rested in the hotel room for THURSDAY!!!

Waddell was a DEFENSEMAN in his day. Why the hell can’t he see our DEFENSE is absolute CRAP! Sorriest bunch of WIMPS i’ve ever seen! Zhitnik and Klee are ABSOLUTELY HORRID. At least call up BORIS! We’ll have better look with:

Havelid—Enstrom
Exelby—McCarthy/Valabik
Kwiatkowski—Popovic/Valabik

I don’t have a problem with Havelid, Enstrom, Exelby. We really only need 2 of the other 3 of Pops/Steve MC/Kiwi. And a TRADE for a TOP-TIER D-MAN looks really good right now!

And we STILL need a #1 CENTER! Where the hell has Hossa been? What about Todd White?

Larsen knee injury looks BAD to me… I don’t expect to see him anytime soon.

By Bob

January 22, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

This team better show up to play in the 3rd! At least LOSE LIKE MEN!

Goodness, they couldn’t even do that. Hollweg takes a run at Stuart with 8 seconds left and no one does anything. That is sickening. I don’t blame Kari for heading straight to the locker room.

This team is broken, has been for a while. Kovy tried his best to keep this club respectable, but man alive, this has got to be rock bottom.

By Sage of Bluesland

January 22, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

No, rock-bottom is Don Waddell STILL calling the shots for this pitiful franchise—one that he ALONE assembled…

Hockey will definitely be gone from Atlanta if this embarrassing, blustering clown is not removed from the helm…

(Too bad for the sheep)

By Pucksdeep

January 22, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

U-G-L-Y

By Thrasher Ryan

January 22, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Time to watch the FLAMES kick the snot out of the WILD, a team the THRASHERS have never beat under DON WADDELL! GO FLAMES!

By J(Z)

January 22, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Am I to assume we’ll see Slater on Thursday in Larsen’s spot?

Its time to be sellers :(

By Russian

January 22, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Don, Coaches and Owners have to do something today. Call at least half Chicago team and sit rest of “Proffesio-anal Thrahsers” WE need absolutly fresh and young blood. Those players done, they are not going to play hockey anymore. If Team wants to make a push to PO, they have to change players right now. Sit Holik, White, Larsen, Kozlov, Bolton, Zhitnik, Klee. Bring anybody hungry from Chicago.

By LAC

January 22, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Well I guess we did not RESEPCT who we played tonight… Did we don ?

Tell me don, did you not like the way we lost ?

Hey don you FIRED Hartley after a game JUST LIKE THIS, and he never lost 10-1 either, so don… will you FIRE yourself in the morning ?

waddell you are just like the little boy owners, a LOSER

If these owners do not fire waddell and sell the team to a SERIOUS owner, the Thrashers may end up in KC at The Sprint Center…

This team needs an OWNER not these IDIOT LIARS we have running the team now !

By Thrasher Ryan

January 22, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Right on, Russian! This brings me to a question…

Why do Thrasher prospects seem to take longer to develop in “the system”, as compared to other teams?
Personally, I think we are AFRAID to call up our prospects. I cannot explain why, maybe Waddell could?

J(Z)— The time to sell is NOW. The deadline will be too late for this team. This team is way too inconsistent.

By Brendan

January 22, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

I happened to turn on the NHL Channel and Dave Reid and the “On the Fly” boys did a “live look” at the Thrashers-Rangers game with 12:40 left in the 3rd period. It was announced that … only five different Thrashers had shots on goal at that point in the game. When they finally came back to the studio, Dave Reid said, “My goodness. Don Waddell must pulling his hair out. But this is how the Thrashers play. They’re streaky. It’s much better to win two out of every three than it is to win three in a row, then lose three in a row.”

EROCK, down 2-0, without the guy who scores 27-30% of your goals, it was essentially meaningless to pay attention to the rest of the game. Apparently, Kozlov had a great chance in the 1st period. I didn’t see it, as I had to listen to most of this game on the car radio. But Kamal’s description was that Kozzie’s shot hit the post and straddled the goal line without going in.

Question: With Kovalchuk out, shouldn’t guys like Kozlov and Hossa elevate their game? Where is the heart?

I caught the replay of the Kovalchuk hit on Rozsival. Honestly, I think it could be a 3-game suspension. And if so, that’s gonna be tough for Kovy to win the goal-scoring trophy this year. If Kovalchuk plays this next game vs. NYR, the blueshirts will be targeting him again. Best thing just might be for Kovy to serve his suspension in that game.

By Brendan

January 22, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I tell you, Rozsival hits the open market this Summer. I hope we at least make a phone call to his agent. That’s a decent free agent acquisition that won’t break the bank. It’s not Brian Campbell, but it’s an upgrade.

EROCK, you’re right—that Hollweg hit at the end of the 3rd period … that went without a Thrasher response was “jaw-dropping.” It’s a tell-tale sign that this team is demoralized. We beat the Rangers earlier this season. For that hit to go “unanswered,” when we’re facing them again in the VERY NEXT GAME … it’s just … inexcuseable.

What is Waddell supposed to say to them? “Let’s put it behind us and move on?” I think that’s BEEN TRIED before. Waddell has got to stop being such a “player’s GM” and trade somebody or waive them. That should “wake them up.”

By LAC

January 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

14 SHOTS ON GOAL

If that ONE stat does not tell it all I seriously do not know what does.

There is NO excuse in any book for an NHL team as OLD as we are to ONLY get 14 shots on goal in a Regular Season Game, NONE.

We had a winner last season, but Mr Five Year Plan ruined that and has put us on the path to destruction…

I doubt this team will be at a level to compete for another 5 years with these STUPID owners and a GM that frankly I feel should in a home somplace away from Hockey !!!!

waddell is sinking hockey here, The FANS will stop going soon and should he is a LOSER of the highest order and why he is still employed here thursday night that will be it !

By Thrasher Ryan

January 22, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

PUTRID! That was the word i’m looking for! The THRASH played like TRASH. Absolutely putrid! THERE IS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG HERE, PEOPLE!

The COACHING is terrible, Brendan! If I were the coach, I’d have these fools skating hundreds of laps at practice! Because they GET OUTSKATED EVERY night! Absolutely unacceptable! A players coach or a players GM gets you ABSOLUTELY NOTHING Brendan! Remember Jim Mora??? (sorry stendec) There is more than 1 problem here I believe. A cancer in the locker room? YES! Egos in the locker room? YES! You are right Brendan, a statement needs to be made…

Waddell, you are EITHER the COACH or the GM, NOT both.

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Maybe, we can get Sonny Perdue to pray for a coach and few wins at the footsteps of the capital building. LOL.

By stendec

January 22, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Twas a season of wonder. Thrashers flew on ice with comeback after comeback to secure division title for win-starved peasants in Georgia. All was right with the world. Sunshine was abundant. Then came a dark journey to Yankeeland and the Rotten Big Apple. Knights were vanquished by villains in overwhelming fashion. Bones were broken. Spirits were crushed. The sun never resurfaced for Thrashers or fans. A proud division champion sank to last in division. Disharmony on ice and in lockerrom. Once proud team forgets how to shoot, score or defend. Contract disputes draw attention from games. Veterans feel it is better to retreat in order to fight another day (in another city). Once proud leaders are called to guillotine. Fans demand that heads roll. Players quit. Coach remains in daze. Fans rebel. Once happy tale deteroriates into horror story because it is all too true. Once feared Thrashers dwindle to one guy who can put puck in net from time to time plus two terribly inconsistent goaltenders. Not the stuff of Stanley Cup dreams. Forgive me. Became nostalgic watching replay of Calgary Flames Cup-clinching game. Ah, a team with heart. Thanks for listening. God bless. Stendec.

By Rawhide

January 22, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Of the second straight game in which a poor line-change has burned the Thrashers for a goal, Don Waddell had this to say…

“We’ve talked about it, and I wish I had the answer.”

The Executive VP/GM/Head Coach of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers wished he had the answer to how his team executes a line change.

Oh my…..

By R. Stroz

January 22, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

At the next home game, we should try a new chant…John Anderson, John Anderson, John Anderson…for coach.

By LAC

January 23, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, Good Lord… Did Worthless waddell REALLY say that ?

I cannot believe it, That alone proves he is a fool and if the STUPID owners had half a brain between them… He would be gone by NOON Wednesday… Anymore of waddell is too much to take !

By Brendan

January 23, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Ready for this, Thrasher Ryan? Hey, it’s fun to “speculate,” right? Humor me.

What if we did as (long time poster) Bob advocated? Namely, to “blow up” the team and hold a firesale. Focusing solely on blueliners, look what could be recouped?

If Havelid ($2.9M), Zhitnik ($3.5M), and Klee ($1.25M) were all trade deadline moves … just for draft picks, nothing more … it’d save $7.65M in salary and $7.454M in “cap room” off next year’s books. That would only leave Toby Enstrom ($750,000) and Garnet Exelby ($1.4M) under contract for next season on defense. Enstrom’s “cap hit” is $900,000 and Exelby’s is $1.392M. So, that’s only $2.292M in cap space, and a minimum of four (4) more slots left to fill. Keep in mind, Popovic is an un-signed RFA and McCarthy is an un-signed UFA this Summer.

Allright. We could “go shopping”, couldn’t we, Thrasher Ryan? Not that I think ANY of these guys would come here, but what if Atlanta really did snare Brian Cambpell, at 5-years/$30M. That’s a “cap hit” of $6.0M. Then, it could also get Michal Rozsival, sayyy, 4-years/$18M. That’s a “cap hit” of $4.5M.

Okay, that’s four (4) defenseman now. Exelby, Enstrom, Campbell, and Rozsival. Total cap hit so far: $12.792M. That’s hefty. But there’s good news. Look what’s still in the system?

1. Popovic, un-signed RFA
2. J. Kwiatowki, $600,000.
3. Nathan Oystrick
4. Grant Lewis
5. Boris Valabik

Those five (5) guys, six (6) if you want to re-sign McCarthy on the cheap, can compete for the final two roster slots. Let’s say Valabik and Popovic get those slots. Valabik will run about $875,000 and Popovic about $715,000. If you add their “cap hits” to the $12.792, you get $14.382M in cap hit.

Stop. That’s only about $2.4M per “defender.” The call-up spares would have to be Oystrick, Lewis, and Kiwi. Maybe Pilar, if he’s still around. If McCarthy can’t find another team, he could sign a “two-way” contract. And his “NHL” salary could be $600,000. He’s a minus eighteen (-18), I think. He’s not going to get a raise.

Take a look at how it shapes up, for $14.382M in cap hit.

Campbell-Rozsival, Enstrom-Exelby, and Valabik-Popovic

Okay, what if you don’t like Valabik, thinking he’s still not “NHL-ready.” You could reach out to a Steve Montador type defenseman ($800,000), 29-years old, who could be signed as an UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT for $1.1M or less. It only “marginally” raises you cap space for blueliners. Montador is on pace for about six goals (6G), ten assists (10A) and 16-points, with a +6 rating, and 12:31 average ice-time. Plus he adds playoff experience (2004 Western Conference Finals) and much needed “Canadian grit.”

Rozsival is currently paid $2.3M. He is Czech. He is due for nice raise. He’s on pace for 20G, 30A, and 50-points, with a +2 rating, while logging over 24 minutes of ice time. I think he’ll cost $4.5M out on the open market, adjusted for massive inflation and desperation for GM’s who can’t draft defenseman on their own.

By Pucks n Snot

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

Saw your score during intermission of the Wings - Kings game. Also saw that at least 3 of you - LAC, Smoothie, and Sage - made references to the possibility of the Thrashers being relocated due to the bums they put on the ice and incredible incompetence of the ownership group……gee, who was it that kept saying this was going to happen all along? You can all hate me, laugh at me, make your jokes about my city, whatever. When it’s all said and done you will be left with the Gwinnett Gladiators to root for as the Thrashers skate under a new name in a new city, and then Gwinnett will probably bolt as well, just like the Knights, who were actually a good team - and Atlanta STILL couldn’t keep them. Hockey does not belong in Atlanta, Georgia…..just accept it and choose another citys team to root for……as long as it isn’t mine. None of you are welcome in Hockeytown because we don’t accept delusional dreamers who think a sub .500 team is worth bragging about, plus you actually have to know the game to be a fan here. Gotta go now, the Wings are in the midst of sweeping another west coast swing…..FIRE GARY BETTMAN, GET HOCKEY OUT OF THE SOUTH, AND REUNITE DETROIT WITH THEIR BIG RIVALS IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE! AAA HAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

By LAC

January 23, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Snotface, you rag on The Nashville/Tampa/Florida/Carolina Dallas blogs too ???

You are lowlife if I ever saw one, keep you snotty bugger nose out of Atlanta Sports, you live in the absolute ARMPIT of our country and your childish rants tell me you must be a Union worker, who fools around with the neighbor’s 14 year old daughter.

Please go get S—T face drunk and tell all the people in Tampa how bad NHL hockey is there… You Simply Suck as bad as waddell does snot nose AH !

By Alan

January 23, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Shhh, guys. Don’t feed the troll.

By Tony C.

January 23, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

Smoothie-I work @ Comcast…I can’t tell you what the best deal is, but if you have Comcast, I’ll do what I can to help you out on your bill…

Ok Whoever we trade Hoss to Has to tak Zhitnik as well.

Wow. That was another horrible game.

KL looked great.

GO BLUE !!!

By Bob

January 23, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Hey Brendan, you need a new editor just like Rawhide, let me help you with your typo up there, it’s spelled bad, not player’s:

Waddell has got to stop being such a “bad GM” and trade somebody or waive them. That should “wake them up.”

He said what, Rawhide? Waddell is completely incompetent. Nice guy, very nice guy. But completely incompetent. It’s an embarrassment to watch this club now, last night was the lowest of the low. Hartley got fired after a performance like last night, but at least he knew ho to call out a line change. Who gets fired today?

By Patty Pontiac

January 23, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Get REAL. The Wings are the best. always.forever.

By The Other Bob

January 23, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Patty - Did you even take time to READ the darn blog?

His point was that the Thrashers need to treat EVERY team they are playing as the best team in the league….not to take ANYONE lightly.

I swear,..is EVERYONE in Michigan THAT STUPID???