AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFlying “P”s & Power Rankings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Visualize Whirled “P”s
As the Thrasher face the Flyers tomorrow night at Philips, they will be attempting to sail into unchartered waters. Not once this season have they risen to two games above .500. Yet Atlanta is tied with the Hurricanes for first place in the Southeast Division and could move into sole possession of the lead depending on how the Canes fair against Nashville.
But it’s not going to be easy. The Atlantic Division-leading Flyers are 7-2-1 in their past 10, boast the league’s second most effective power play, (24.7%), and are 3rd in G/G with 3.26.
The Thrashers have done well since returning from the All Star break and have been lucky that no one has yet to take charge in the division. But with Carolina being a factor to the end and Washington playing well, good fortune will not advance Atlanta to the SE crown. Hard work and solid play night in and night out will.
Hossa Rumor Mill Crankin’ Up
While the team continues to fight for the division lead, they are also certainly dealing with the Hossa trade rumors that are flying around. Personally, I still think it’s 50-50 if he is dealt or signs in the next couple of weeks. I’ll just reiterate my thought that if he is, indeed, traded that we get players in return that can help address the defensive/center concerns of our teams.
As I have said before, if the trade signals throwing in the towel on this season, rather than bolstering our team to push into the playoffs, it would be a disaster.
Rawhide’s Power Rankings
Now, with that in mind, let’s re-examine Rawhide’s Power Rankings and see how the Thrashers rate with the rest of the league. (For comparison, here is last month’s RPR).
- Detroit Red Wings - NHL best 2.02 GA/G, NHL best 34.6 S/G, NHL best 23.6 SA/G…NHL best period…(unless playing the Thrashers).
- Ottawa Senators - They are 3-7 since Heatley separated his shoulder in Detroit.
- Montreal Canadiens - A win vs. Ottawa could bring them to within 1 of the Sens.
- San Jose Sharks - Won’t let Dallas pull away in the West.
- Philadelphia Flyers - 3.26 G/G, 7-2-1 in last ten.
- Dallas Stars - Lead in West due to playing 4 more than SJ so far.
- Minnesota Wild - Starting to take charge in Northwest.
- Pittsburgh Penguins - Holding their own during Crosby’s absence.
- New Jersey Devils - Given up Eastern Conference low 125 goals.
- Calgary Flames - 13-9-7 at home, 13-9-1 away. That’s balance.
- Colorado Avalanche - 18-8-1 against visiting teams in the Mile High City
- Boston Bruins - Righted the ship after a near collapse prior to the New Year.
- Nashville Predators - 6-2-2 in past 10 have them back in playoff contention.
- Vancouver Canucks - Fallen on hard times, but undefeated leading after 2nd.
- Phoenix Coyotes - .500 at home but 16-11-1 on the road to stay in the mix.
- Anaheim Ducks - On pace for 89 points after last year’s 110.
- New York Rangers - Down 3-0 to Montreal but rally for 5-3 win on Sunday.
- Atlanta Thrashers - 1.68 GAA in last 4 games. Good way to start playoff push.
- Carolina Hurricanes - 4-6-0 in last 10 but are ready for a scrap in the southeast.
- Washington Capitals - Ovechkin and Co. are surging, but need help on defense.
- New York Islanders - Could finish last in Atlantic but still make playoffs.
- Columbus Blue Jackets - Terribly average team, but Nash could carry them in.
- St. Louis Blues - 2-6-2 in past 10. Get the fork ready ‘cuz they could be done.
- Buffalo Sabres - Think they could use Briere’s 20 goals and 50 points right now?
- Florida Panthers - Hanging in there but not enough offense.
- Chicago Blackhawks - Strong start in the season failed to maintain momentum.
- Edmonton Oilers - Unfortunately they have 4 teams over .500 in their division.
- Toronto Maple Leafs - Hockey Mecca will be left out again come playoffs.
- Tampa Bay - Tortorella is still coaching in Tampa?
- Los Angeles Kings - They seem to be very comfortable in this spot.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
How about you not create a new blog 8 minutes before I finish a post on your old one????
A*…
By Rawhide
February 4, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ranallo10 - Get stuck in the “between space” in blogland??
OK, I’ve had the movers bring your post over here….just place it over there guys…
OK….Here ya go….
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
erock — I like Higgins, but we’d need an NHL caliber defender, not a 21 year old defender who can’t put up points in Russia. Giving away Hossa for Higgins and a question-mark-prospect (especially Russian) is undervaluing Hossa. I’d say Higgins and Streit is more suitable for our team, but doesn’t really help theirs too much.
By R. Stroz
February 4, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Did anyone realize Pascal Dupuis has a brother in the NHL too? Philippe.
By ranallo10
February 4, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Stroz — Yes, he recently got traded to Colorado I believe.
By Jethro
February 4, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Philly, more yankee scum.
By Jethro
February 4, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - Figurit out yet?
By R Stroz
February 4, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - I saw the trade on tsn.ca, wondered if there was a chance Philippe is Pascal’s brother, and sure enough he is.
By Jim_Bob
February 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Jethro How goes it ole buddy? I never reckoned I’d find me another good ole boy out here in the internets on a hockey blog! Welcome, brother…
By erock
February 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
RANALLO….We do not need a DEFENSEMAN TO SCORE….We need a stay at home defenseman like the afore mentioned 21 year old from Russia…HIGGINS/RYDER AND THE RUSSIAN FOR HOSSA…IN A HEARTBEAT!
By Nascar_Dave
February 4, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
erock We don’t need the Russian D-Man… We have enough trouble getting our own Russian D-Men to come play here as it is (see Ilya Nikulin), and apparently that is the case with this Montreal guy? They can’t get him to come over here.
By erock
February 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
NASCAR DAVE….THEN WE NEED TO DRAFT A FEW BUBBAS FROM ALABAMA !
By Jethro
February 4, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
What do you boys think about movin Hosser to them Blueshirts for Cherepanov? Do ya think Ilya could getum to cross the big pond?
By Jeff
February 4, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
TSN ranked Atlanta 28th in their power rankings. They sighted that the thrashers have been held to less than 20 shots on goal 3 out of the last five games. I think 18 on your power ranking seems a little optimistic but 28 makes it sound like they are 0 and 3 since the break. Of course the Canadians all think its time for Wayne Gretzky to put the skates back on and bring the cup back to Edmonton.
By Rawhide
February 4, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Jeff - If your a first time poster, welcome….
TSN’s ranking doesn’t surprise me…heck, espn.com put us at 27. Of course it’s dated back prior to our game vs. Pittsburgh last week.
If you rank the teams based strictly on winning % then the Thrashers are tied with Carolina for 21st…so I think I’m a little closer.
Besides, TSN put Tampa Bay and Toronto ahead of us….that’s a joke!
By Alan
February 4, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Just remember, guys. It’s not the power rankings that matter, it’s the conference rankings. That’s why I stopped paying attention to this “power rankings” foolishness a good while ago.
By RS
February 4, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Cherepanov and Ilya have the same agent, so yeah…
By Jethro
February 4, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
RS - Looks like its time to get a trade dun. Hosser to the Blueshirts for Staal and Cherepanov.
By Sharon
February 5, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
I just don’t get the power rankings (espn and tsn). Other than the obvious top teams, their rankings often seem questionable. Just how much alcohol is involved in the process? If that’s the case, sign me up!
By Russian
February 5, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
to Jethro I like your point. Send Hossa to NYR and get young Forward and young D-men. It will be intersting. Bad news for us - Kovy will not play today ;-( Don put Slater to first line. Is it JOKE? Is today April Fool day? Jimmy is good guy, but he is not for first line. And 4-line worked very well toghether. Not good move!? :-(
By Rawhide
February 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Russian - Slates to the first line? Looks like DW is taking my advice!!!
LOL!!!!!!
So, Kovy may miss a third game due to the kneeing by Rutuu…and still nothing from the league office.
I wonder if someone took a run like that on Cindy Crosby if they would remain silent?
Alan - Conference standing are indeed important…in fact THE most important thing … following winning the division. That’s why my rankings pretty much fall in line with the winning % and last couple weeks’ team production.
Sharon - You…with a couple drinks down you…could probably do a better job :o)
By ranallo10
February 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
erock — Nikulin is precisely why this team does not need to trade away Hossa for a defensive prospect living and playing (and not performing well) in Russia.
And I disagree, this team DOES need a scoring defenseman, seeing that the team has only 8 goals from the current corps of defensemen. I’m not saying this team doesn’t need a big body, but I think that can be filled from within (Boris Valabik).
My preference from Montreal would be Komisarek or Streit, but I doubt either will be easy to pry away. If Hossa is involved, I’d rather see Komisarek and one of their better offensive forwards, but it’s not always as simple as what I (or we) want.
By Thrasher Ryan
February 5, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Ranallo—Glad you agree with me… Komi and Streit for Hossa? Hmmm…
Rawhide—Sorry, but I had you beat by a few days
Where ya’ at, PJ???
Thrash win 4-3 and Slater gets a goal!!!
GO BLUE!!!
By Russ
February 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan - I’m going with back-to-back shutouts: Thrashers win 4-0.
By Bob
February 5, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Don put Slater to first line. Is it JOKE? Is today April Fool day?
Come on, Slater is gold. Money. He’s got, what, 2 goals this year? The man is en fuego. Jimmy The Hands Slater.
Aprils Fool day was a couple days ago when a Waddell extension was reported by Larry Babbling Brooks
Groundhog Day was last Saturday when Pucks-a-Tawney Phil stuck his head out, saw the Thrashers were tied for the SouthLeast Division lead while giving up the most goals out of 30 clubs, and crawled back deeper in his hole as that was surely a sign of the Apocalypse.
Chinese New Year was kicked off this week in Blueland by Steve The Chinese Wife Rucchin’s triumphant return to the Thrashers’ locker room. Unfortunately, we’re sad to report that The Year of the Rat took an immediate toll upon Rucchin’s return as he tried his best Mellanby impersonation and suffered another career ending injury as he swung and missed tearing his oblique obscucularlar pinkie while trying to exterminate a mouse that had treaded upon hallowed Blueland ground.
Thus ends another installment of Fun with Thrashers’ Holiday trivia stay tuned for our Valentine’s Day edition, coming soon…
By Sara
February 5, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Question for all you Hossa-trade speculators:
Why would another team, that is heading for its own play-off berth - give up even one really talented player for Hossa? And for only two months, maybe three months, of Hossa?
Any player we need is going to be a player the other team needs for their own cup run/future. Why move a young guy you have under contract (or RFA status) for a while for another guy who’s about to be UFA and could bolt?
Sorry to be a “downer” today, but I’m just really over seeing some of these wild trade ideas for Hossa when I doubt we can get anything for him but a “role player,” prospect in the minors, or draft picks (or some combo thereof). Certainly not a number one center or defenseman. There aren’t that many idiot GMs running around this league (and Bob I left that out there hanging just for you).
By R Stroz
February 5, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
PJ - Buzilla was first on Craig’s blog today, so make that prayer extra special :>)
By Bob
February 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
There aren’t that many idiot GMs running around this league (and Bob I left that out there hanging just for you)
yep, one is more than enough ;o)
This is why I called for Waddell to trade him preseason, when the return would have been higher and we could have received NHL players in return, that could help now.
But you’re right, the other GMs are not idiots and the only way I see us getting what we want in return, is via the sign and trade (or Winter working out a deal with the trading partner prior to the other team consumating the transaction). It’s one reason I could think of why Hoss would change agents mid-season like he did, to facilitate a trade to a team that he could sign an extension with.
I look at the Rangers and I really think they’d make a good trade partner. His brother is there. They could use another winger, and have a top center to spare. It’d be a cap wash for both clubs in that Drury or Gomez are both about $7m per year hits and Hoss project to around that as well.
The other viable scenario is that Hoss is moved for young prospect(s) and pick(s) and then Waddell turns around and deals said picks to someone else for a different rental. I do not see them just trading Hoss for prospects/picks and throwing the towel in on this season. The fan base would revolt, as well they should.
By ranallo10
February 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Sara There aren’t that many idiot GMs running around this league (and Bob I left that out there hanging just for you).
But there is a plethora of idiot armchair GMs. I think the NHL has a quota on idiot GMs, and I think one was recently fired by Toronto.
Bob — Seeing the way this season is shaping up in terms of competitiveness and the amount of teams still in playoff contention, I’d say you’re probably right regarding WHEN Hossa should/should’ve been traded. I’m still holding out hope (it’s slowly fading) that he will be re-signed, and I’ve got a light at the end of my hope filled tunnel that PERHAPS someone will make an offer along the lines of what Nashville did for Forsberg (two NHL players, prospect, picks).
Once this all goes down (or doesn’t) I’ll be able to get past my rainbows and unicorn lollipop land, but until then I’m holding out hope.
Sue me.
By Nascar_Dave
February 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
I’m just really over seeing some of these wild trade ideas for Hossa
Certainly not a number one center or defenseman.
WOW WITH THAT POST SARA WINS IDIOT OF THE DAY!
By puckjunque
February 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Okay, let’s have some AMENS!
Bow your heads, hands joined on the keyboards
Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and for healing and blessing the Thrashers. Please guide the Thrashers to dominate their home ice, shoot the puck, score goals and be relentless in their pursuit of victory tonight. Please lead the Thrashers tonight to completely devastate, annihilate and kick the flyers a$$! AMEN!!
By The Other Bob
February 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Amen, PJ!!!
Oh,…and dear Lord…please let those tools in the league office to understand that the thug Ruutu needs to sit his arse for 3 games for the hit on Kovi!
If he doesn’t…then gee wiz…it sure would be a “shame” if Cindy Crosby took a knee to knee hit sometime…say March 2nd.
I bet the league would take action for THAT hit, wouldn’t they?
By Jethro
February 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
AMEN PJ, destroy that yankee scum.
And Jim_Bob, welcome to the blog. We always need a few more good ole boys around here.
By Rawhide
February 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
A-FREAKIN’-MEN!!! Great petition to The Great Thunder Maker in the sky!!!
Now, let’s go PHLOG PHRIKIN’ PHILTH-ADELPHIA!!
By timmythebrave
February 5, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
I got too much crap to do today so i won’t be able to make it to the game. I need someone to go drink 2 to 3 huge beers at Gorin’s and scream and act a fool at the game. That way we can keep the winning streak alive. Amen. Go Thrashers
By Nix
February 5, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Amen, PJ!
By Jethro
February 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
timmy - Why dont you just start screamin at work, throw down a few, and the boss will let you off fer the rest of the day.
By five_hole
February 5, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
AMEN, PJ. And if you can put in a P.S., please ask for Kovy to get back in the lineup.
By Alan
February 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
AMEN, PJ!
By The great thunder maker in the sky
February 5, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
I have heard your pleas for healing and I grant your prayer. Ilya will be playing tonight.
By Thrasher Ryan
February 5, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
It’s 1-0 Flyers after 1. Kovy is playing, too (thanks ThunderMaker!).
Slater is at LW on 2nd line with Perrin/Hossa. 3rd line is Kozlov/Holik/Dupuis and Boulton/Larsen/Thorburn are 4th line.
Need MORE offense!
GO BLUE!!!
By Thrasher Ryan
February 5, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
It’s 2-2 after 2! We NEED 2 points, CAN’T give out that bonus point tonight, folks!
Goals by KOVALCHUK and Boulton! F+++in Boulton, man! If he keeps this up, we might get 10 out of him this season! Hell yeah!
GO BLUE!!!
By The great thunder maker in the sky
February 5, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
PJ should really offer up another prayer if he wishes to win this game.
2-2 in the third….
Just saying…
By Thrasher Ryan
February 5, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Thrashers lose 3-2 REGULATION! No points! D&++ this one hurts! Slater came millimeters away from a goal! It would have tied it!
WAS NOT sold on KL’s performance tonight, though. I know Klee screened him on the 2nd Philly goal, but KL has played better games.
Vancouver WILL come to play on Thursday. They will be hungry and mad… Thrasher offense better show up EARLY… Thrasher goalie MUST be ready! Whichever that starts = Moose or KL!
It will be interesting to see who gets the start in goal. Although not a very solid performance tonight, I still think the Thrashers should ride Kari Lehtonen. We’re gonna sink or swim with KL, right?
I would give KL the start on Thursday; but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Moose get the nod.
Now everyone’s gotta watch Carolina at Nashville on VS! It’s 0-0 early in the 3rd! GO PREDS!!!
By stendec
February 5, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
THE F+++++G MONKEY PUCK IS BACK! What in Hell was KL thinking tonight? Two of the goals he allowed were so soft that marshmallows seem like titanium in comparision. I will only cut him slack on one D++N tally. His whiff on an unscreened power play semi-shot which found the back of the net killed all Thrasher momentum. OUTINGS LIKE THIS CANNOT BE TOLERATED! These points can never be retrieved. I am so angry and disgusted! When the Thrashers miss the playoffs by one or two points they will re-live this debacle over and over and over again. Team captain Bobby Holik was right. Points not awarded for improvement or other meaningless crap but wins. AMEN! KL let all Thrasher fans down. IK missing open net in closing seconds did not help! Team played better without superstar! S++T! S++T! S++T! GO FLAMES!
By Sage of Bluesland
February 5, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
What, criticism of bumbling Donny’s ‘golden boy’, Kari Lehtonen? He’s been nothing but a glass-groined headcase—and we’ve been sold a bill of goods on him ever since we threw away an extremely high draft pick on him.
I would rather have had Rick Nash and signed a free-agent, seasoned, proven goalie.
Then again, our brilliant Donny needed TIME as his ‘harvest’ of draft picks during his first “Five-Year Plan” weren’t exactly blossoming and bearing fruit.
Here’s a much-needed and long-awaited wake-up call to the Blueland Sheep…THIS is what we have waited more than patiently for???
You know better—that is, if you’re truly honest with yourself and that pesky thing known as ‘reality’.
By Brendan
February 5, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Nashville beat Carolina, 1-0. TB is winning. Florida “spanked” the Maple Leafs, 8-0, in the Air Canada Center. The Buds got booed out of the building. Washington won, in overtime, over Columbus.
The Capitals are sitting in pretty good shape. I think they have some games in hand on Atlanta and Carolina. Ovechkin has just been on fire since singing that 13-year/$124 million deal.
Dang.
By The Other Bob
February 5, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Good GOD, people…Kari stopped 33 of 36 shots! He stuffed Richards on a SH break…keeping the game at 2-2….and he all but kept us in it as he stopped 15 of 16 in the first….2 of the 3 goals came via SEVEN Philly power plays!!
Funny…didn’t see ya in here after his SO win in DC the other night!!
And really…what’s with the “sheep” references….kinda makes people wonder what the fascination is with you and sheep….
By Jethro
February 5, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
stendec - Anuther lose, anuther diatribe. Dude, you need to chill out. You’re goin to blow a gasket. You can’t really think this team is better without Kovy, if so you’ve gone off the reservation.
By Nascar_Dave
February 5, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
SAGE OF BLUESLAND WE COULDA HAD RICK NASH OR BOUWWMEISTER! INSTEAD WE GOT KL AND SLATER!
AT LEAST WE CAN BE SELLERS NOW WITH HOLIK, HOSSA, ZHITNIK!
By ToF
February 5, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Dudes, Kari is in his second full year as a player. Why do you hate him so much? Try and turn this into something good. We have a constantly developing goalie (who really will be as good as they say if given some time, a Defense doesn’t hurt either) who is cheap as hell. Is he Roberto Luongo? No, but at least he isn’t Andrew Raycroft.
On a happier note…!@#$ Philly. !@#$ them long and hard. A double !@#$ you goes out to Steve Downie. !@#$ you you !@#$ing psycho!