AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBig, Fat, Super Letdown Tuesday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let the record state that Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee were not the only ones who left the state of Georgia winners. The Philadelphia Flyers came to town and turned this night into Big, Fat, Super Letdown Tuesday. It was the ninth consecutive win for the Flyers over the Thrashers.
The 3-2 loss to the Philly wasted another strong effort by Kari Lehtonen as he turned back 33 of 36 shots including a shorthanded breakaway attempt by Mike Richards with 8:20 left in the third that kept the score at 2-2 at that point. In his 3 starts since the All Star break, Kari has faced 102 shots letting in just 4 for a .961 SV% during that time.
Just as voters massed at the polls Tuesday, Flyer forwards flocked to the front of Atlanta’s goal, launching 16 shots. Lehtonen let in only a power play goal to keep the Thrashers in the game at the first break.
As well as Kari played, Philly keeper Antero Nittymaki was just that much better. He came into Atlanta with a 7-0-0 record against the Thrashers sporting a 1.58 GAA and .947 SV%. Eric Perrin probably checked his locker after the game to see if Nittymaki had his watch and wallet because he robbed him twice on the ice. Once on a quick backhand in the second and then again on a wrister from the slot with 6:10 left in the third. He finished the game by denying Marian Hossa’s attempt on the far post with just seconds left to play.
The good news out of Tuesday is that Ilya Kovalchuk was successful in his campaign to convince team doctors and Don Waddell that he was healthy enough to play after a two game absence. He contributed a goal on three shots in 19:37 worth of ice time.
The Thrashers gave Philadelphia seven power play chances and were burned on two of them. When you give a team like that as many opportunities on the man advantage, your begging for bad things to happen.
Fortunately, the Nashville Predators gave the Thrashers a bit of support by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 in Tennessee. Combine that with Washington’s 4-3 OT win in Columbus and Florida’s building of a snowman in Toronto and you find quite the log jam at the top of the Southeast as one point separates all four of those teams…Washington and the Panthers with games in hand.
In fact, the Caps have a chance to leap frog over both Atlanta and Carolina tonight when they play these same Flyers in Philadelphia.
So, much like the way the Presidential campagns are going…this thing could see four contestants battling to the very end…the very bloody, messy, nasty end.
Let’s just hope that in the end it’s a Fat Tuesday-like party that will be going on in Blueland.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By five_hole
February 6, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Why is it that we seem to play worse defense with Ilya in the lineup, even when he’s not on the ice? Don’t get me wrong; I doubt there was anyone on this blog happier than me to see him (especially when the alternative was Slater on the 1st line? What was up with that?) back in the lineup. It’s almost like the d-men stop to watch the game instead of playing.
Hey PJ, next time we play the Flyers, when you’re making the list of what to pray for, please add “May Nittemaki get the flu”. Can I get an amen on that?
As Rawhide pointed out, where would we have been without Kari these last few games. I think the kid may have turned the corner. He may not have won, although he wasn’t the reason we lost.
By raindawg722
February 6, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Why is it that Holik is always complaining about the team taking penalties, and he’s one of the chief offenders?
Even thought he got the goal, Kovy didn’t seem like he had the same jump last night that he normally does. Maybe he just wasn’t comfortable with the brace or trusting his knee yet.
By Smoothie
February 6, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
raindawg — I was thinking the same thing about Ilya and his knee. I was at the game and tried to watch him as carefully as I could. I think he is still a bit ginger when it comes to quick cutting and lateral movement. It was definitely affecting his defense and I wonder if it caused him to get “stuck” on that break-out pass to Richards when we were on the PP with 9 mins or so.
As for Holik, there is no question he has been stepping up his offensive game lately, but unfortunately it seems he can’t seem to do that without taking bad penalties and attacking the opponent with his stick. I understand he has gotten some bad calls for ticky tack slashes etc, but he has a reputation for being “old school” and he needs to know that he is big and strong enough to use his body rather than rely on the reach and hack approach he seems to love to employ all too often. Too many bad penalties in the 1st last night led to a slow start and another hole we could not dig ourselves out of once again.
Good effort though overall…I still don’t know how Nitty stopped that Perrin backhand in the 2nd…not to mention the slot shot in the 3rd off the pass from Slater. BTW, Slater played his a$$ off and looks like a guy who is ready to take his game to another level. Hopefully, his good play of late will continue because we really need him to keep scoring.
By Midfield
February 6, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I think Rawhide is being a bit charitable in his accolades for Lehtonen. The 2nd goal on a blue line slap-shot was outright unacceptable.
By timmythebrave
February 6, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Midfield, even he would admit that he let in an easy one on the 2nd goal, but you have to admit that he also made some great saves that should have been goals. Overall, I thought he played well enough to win. Too many penalties. We need a win bad on Thursday. Go Thrashers!
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Midfield - KL did indeed state that the 2nd goal was on him…he wasn’t set.
I thought he didn’t look 100% prepared for the shot, so that was un-good.
But that one goal doesn’t take away from the outstanding saves he made throughout the rest of the game.
We got beat last night because we gave a great PP team 7 chances on the man advantage…and paid for it twice.
That’s the difference in the game.
Smooooothie - How ya been, buddy? I agree 100% about Slates…say what you will, but he works hard! Effort is always there.
By John
February 6, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
I think you are right about Kari his play has been outstanding of late. When you figure in that the thrashers are 29th in allowing shots on goal and 29th in makeing shots on goal it must be hard to be a goalie in Atlanta.
By Midfield
February 6, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
timmythebrave,
I’ve said all alone that golies are judged by what they give away, not by what they save. This is what I believe. I also believe that a franchize goalie - the goalie who is capable of taking the team all the way - should not let in goals on shots like that. Not in tight games like that. Not in tight situations like that. I’ve seen too many of them from Lehtonen at the worst opportune time, and I don’t trust his ability to take the team to the promised land. Just to clear the deck, it looks to me that there are too many players on this team who don’t care or don’t believe in going all the way. And this is disgusting to watch.
By Smoothie
February 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Rawhide — doin’ well sir, doin’ well. You continue to amaze with your yeoman’s work for the ajc. If I were them, I’d offer you a full-time gig!! How’re the tax exemptions doing with their hockey endeavors?
What’s the deal with the absence of dialogue on this blog today?? Where the hell is everyone?? Too hungover after Mardi Gras or just burnt out on the Thrashers and DWad’s continued song and dance concerning Hossa. I have a very bad feeling about the situation. I’m hoping we keep him for a playoff run and take our chances with free-agency. I am really scared DWad will let himself get fleeced by a more savvy GM!!
By Nascar_Dave
February 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
SLATER NEEDS TO GO BACK TO CENTER ON THE 4TH LINE!!!
WHY THE HELL IS LARSEN OUT THERE? CAN’T WE WAIVE HIM? I’D RATHER SEE A TOUGH GUY LIKE DESBIENS OR LAVALLEE!!!
TRASHERS MAKE ME SICK!
By Smoothie
February 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Midfield — I certainly understand your frustration with KL. He hasn’t earned our complete trust just yet as he still suffers from too many occasional mental lapses not only within games but after 4 or 5 game stretches without rest. No doubt, he needs to become mentally stronger to be the F/T guy who plays 85-90% of the games.
Having said that, I am convinced he would have a GAA below 2.50 and a save percentage consistently near .915 if he played for a better defensive hockey team. I would say that for every “monkey puck” or “soft” goal he lets in, he makes 3 or 4 spectacular saves that bail out his defense’s collective butt. Too often the guys in front of him hang him out to dry and until we get another Enstrom and a young version of Ken Klee, we’ll never know how good Kari could potentially become.
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Midfield - Your point about keepers being judged on what they let in and not on what they keep out does hold water…
But if the team could cut back on shots on goal by, say, 4…and find a way to take 4 more SOGs themselves…maybe one of those goals isn’t scored because it was never taken.
A team looks to score on average at least once every ten shots.
Last night we scored once every 12.5 shots and Philly scored a goal every 12 shots. Pretty even…but we gave up 36 shots again and only got off 25.
Make those shot numbers more like 30-30….and I’ll take my chances.
Smooooothie - Tax Exemptions are doing well, thank you. They took the fall off to endulge in other endeavors, but look to gear up again for spring hockey.
As per usual, your words are too kind.
Maybe everyone is busy looking at Eklund’s latest rumor de jour….he’s got Hossa going to either, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Anaheim, Islanders or Dallas…as quickly as today!
THAT’s narrowing it down!!!
We’ll see…
By Tom
February 6, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Take with a big grain of salt… (via Eklund)
Hossa: He is perhaps the most interesting case out there right now. I was told today that the Thrashers aren’t going to move Holik or Recchi as long as they are in the playoff hunt. They will remain on the Rumour Chart since they are fitting all criteria for trade-able players, however since hearing this news I have tweaked their percentages..Since the Thrashers will be in that race until after the deadline it looks like they aren’t moving anywhere…In fact Recchi could possibly be extended in Atlanta. However, Hossa is an entirely different story. The Thrashers have an extreme need and desire to make the playoffs this year, but they also will NOT allow Hossa to run free for nothing. GM Don is very good at managing assets, and you need to remember it was Heatley that was traded for Hossa in the first place. Hossa is moving. The teams involved are Montreal, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Anaheim, the NY Islanders, Dallas and Nashville. Others could get into the game. Were I a betting man I would say Hossa is the first big move to happen, and if the first big move is to happen on Wednesday, I would guess it would be Hossa.
By Smoothie
February 6, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
How in the hell does this Eklund guy actually make a living?? How can anyone take his crapola seriously when he spews forth such misinformed and speculative drivel ad nauseam. Why would any “reliable” source take him seriously and feed him information when he consistently makes up garbage scenarios just for a reaction from the hockey populace?
By Tim
February 6, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Hum, people still seeing a Recchi as a possible move lol. He can’t be trade since we pick him off waiver. We can only waive him and that’s it. He cannot be trade. And based on his cost/production, I really don’t see why DW will waive him at this point of the season.
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
HMmmmmm, Smoothie, I dunno….mind if I take a shot at this?
OK,…Hossa: I have a 7 month old cat who sits on the sofa as I watch Thrashers games…has all season. So, she has watched almost as much hockey as I this year. We will consider this a “reliable source”….the other night while watching the Caps game, she was cleaning herself while the camera was focused on Hossa.
I’m sure this means DW is preparing to clean house, starting with Hossa. (DUH3).
Now, Hossa will be traded…I have it narrowed down to either a team that has NOT been mathmatically eliminated yet in the Eastern Conference or same in the Western Conference…..could possible be a third conference team if one is created sometime between now and, oh, 1:12 PM eastern time. (DUH4).
How was that?
By Stats
February 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
More stats. You may have guessed that I am not one to criticize goaltending. It is like criticizing a QB in football. Good team support can make a bad QB great and a lack of support can make anyone average.
Here is the reality. Put KL in goal and leave it be. Moose should play in back to back situations and in 1 day travel situations in order to rest KL. If KL is going to get consistent, he needs to play regularly. Coaching decisions on goalies have been terrible.
The stats show it. From 12-1 - 12/15 DW rotated goalies. ATL went 3-3-1. From 12/18 - 12/31 it was all KL. ATL went 5-3. (The loss on 12/27 was on a back to back game where it would have made sense to go with Moose, but DW defied logic and stayed with KL.)
From 1/2 - 1/8, back to rotating goalies, record = 2-2. 1/10 - 1/17 was KL 4 straight games and ATL went 2-0-2.
DW rotated in the disaster games before the AS break.
Record since Dec. 1st w/ KL playing in long stretches = 7-3-2. Record alternating = 5-8-1.
After the break, DW goes with KL and gets a win, then apparently went to Moose in order to have KL on 2/2 for the Capitals due to back to back games. It was a little strange to reverse it, but it paid off. KL played well last night and needs to stay in goal until 2/16 NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS.
Thanks
By Nascar_Dave
February 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
HOSSA TO BUFFALO FOR CAMPBELL, STRAIGHT UP (DUH5)
HOLIK TO TORONTO FOR SUNDIN, STRAIGHT UP (DUH5)
ZHITNIK TO FLORIDA FOR JOKINEN, STRAIGHT UP (DUH 5)
THERE RAWHIDE, NOW YOUR WEB HITS WILL SKYROCKET!!! AND THAT IS HOW EKLUND MAKES $$$. MUST BE NICE…
By Mitch
February 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Good call Rawhide on the shots on goal I am tired of hearing from DW how it is a meaningless stat. It means either you out work or get out worked by your opponent. Unless your team dosen’t have the talent and DW says this is the best team he has put together.
By five_hole
February 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Mark Twain said “There’s lies, damn lies and statistics”. Did I use that yesterday? I don’t remember that stat; maybe Rawhide could find it for us, but I do remember, before the Buffalo game last week, Darrin Elliot said we were something like 8-3 when Kovalchuk was out of the lineup. And then we won vs Buf and Washington.
Are we really better without Kovy? Personally, I don’t think so.
By J(Z)
February 6, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Stuart sent down to Chicago. Does DW think that the division crown will go to the oldest team? Popovic and Stuart need to be regulars. Now.
Stuart > Larsen Popovic > Sh!tnik, Klee
By R. Stroz
February 6, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
How a player gets sent to Chicago:
1) Hustle
2) A positive plus/minus ratio
3) Play with heart all 60 minutes
Result:
The Chicago Wolves are 20 games over 500. The Thrashers are lucky to stay at 500.
What happened to the youth movement? We are back to Hartley hockey with a bunch of slow vets taking up spaces where young talent needs to develop. Maybe the ONLY coach in the Atlanta system that knows how to develop players is John Anderson, so DW keeps sending them back.
Piling up draft picks is worthless if you keep them on the farm until they are over 30 years of age.
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
What happened to the youth movement? We are back to Hartley hockey with a bunch of slow vets taking up spaces where young talent needs to develop.
Bob Harley will be asked to return to the Thrashers coach a team focused on vets. (DUH2)
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Soundz like the Thrashers coaches are inta older men.
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Good lord, where are my manners…
Welcome to raindawg722, John, and Tom if your first timers…
J(Z) - One thing for sure, I think the Larson experiment is about done. Stuart should not be in Chicago while Larson fills his spot here, IMHO.
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Eklund picks his nose and eats it. (e5)
By Robert
February 6, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
DW was the one at the end of last year say we were going to the youth movement. They do that…he fires BH…takes over and starts shipping the youth back to Chicago. Could that be DW saying he was wrong? And some of you guys thought the Defense was bad last year. Only 8 times this year have we outshot the Opp. That to me says we can’t clear the puck out of our zone very well.
Like all others, I think last nights game was a blown chance for two points but I thought it was an exciting game.
About the Hossa for Ryder rumor Why would someone trade a UFA for another UFA and take a chance on not having either one for next season…but knowing DW………..
By J(Z)
February 6, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The Hossa rumor wasn’t for Ryder straight up. Originally it was a deal not involving Hossa. It was a post-Hossa-trade rumor. But I’ve also heard a rumor of Higgins+Ryder+2 D prospects+#1 pick in ‘08 = Hossa
By Nascar_Dave
February 6, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
RAWHIDE!!!
FROM TSN…
PHANEUEF SIGNS WITH CALGARY! 6 YEARS/ 6.5 MILL PER!
BIG, FAT (E5)!!!
IS CAMPBELL GONNA SIGN NEXT?
By Alan
February 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Hossa to the Charlestown Chiefs for the Hanson Brothers. (e9)
By Bob
February 6, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
But that one goal doesn’t take away from the outstanding saves he made throughout the rest of the game. We got beat last night because we gave a great PP team 7 chances on the man advantage…and paid for it twice
Yep, I thought Kari played a strong game, with that one mistake. Nittymaki let in a soft one himself, under his pad from Boulton, so that evened itself out. I’d like to see Moose get the next start to keep Kari fresh.
Phaneuf got locked up? Another smart GM making smart moves.
I don’t see Waddell moving Hossa until nearer the trade deadline. Let the frenzy and offers build up till the price is right. No way I see Waddell trading this week or next. Eklund is a moron (E5)
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Alan - All three??…I’ll take that trade!
Nascar_Dave - IS CAMPBELL GONNA SIGN NEXT? …I’ll have to check with the cat.
Robert - (Welcome)…I scratch my head over that, too. The big knock of BH was he related better with vets then young-uns. DW gives him a batch of youngsters….the team tanks, (even though the vets were the ones not playing too well), fires Bob….now, he ships the guys out to Chi-Town.
Ruts Up Wit Dat Raggy?
By Alan
February 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I would too. Charlestown is a contender (e4) and Atlanta could use some grit (e10).
By The Other Bob
February 6, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Go Flyers…(tonight).
By Curious Reader
February 6, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
I like reading - but not posting. What does (e9) or (e5) mean in yall’s posts?
Sorry for not getting it.
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
By my figurin, Calgary has already spent 45 million next year and only has 13 players under contract, which includes the Phanuef signing.
They are goin to haveta let sum UFA’s walk and bring up a bunch of rookies to fill out their roster.
By Nascar_Dave
February 6, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
RAWHIDE THE PICTURE OF HOLIK BUTT-HUMPING THE CAROLINA GUY ON THE THRASHERS PAGE ON AJC IS HILARIOUS!!! (e5)!!!
By ranallo10
February 6, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Curious Reader — the e5 junk is an illogical “ranking system” used by the internet hockey rumor monger “Eklund”, and signifies varying degrees of credibility and quantity of sources included in the rumor. Basically e1 is a single “source” with no direct contact to the player or team involved, and an e5 is something that has been confirmed by many “sources” that have intimate knowledge of the supposed deal being discussed.
Often times an e5 is something read on TSN.ca, heard over the radio as having had happened, etc. He (Eklund) claims that an e5 is basically guaranteed, but is awaiting the final official announcement.
I makes little sense, has no relevance, and basically is his way of “legitimizing” (I use that term loosely with him) his rumors.
Oh yeah, he remains anonymous so as to protect his unnamed sources…how convenient.
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Curious Reader - There is this dufus named Eklund on a website hockeybuzz.com. This feller likes to make up stories and stupid people pay money to hear his stories.
Now Eklund decided to rate his stories rangin from (e1) to (e5). The (e1) stories are ones he made up while suckin on his bong pipe, (e2) are stories that he had uh dream about, (e3) stories he heard at a bar while removin his beverages in tha restroom, (e4) stories he heard from someone who has an IQ over 85, and (e5) stories that have already come true. Metaphorically speakin ya know.
In uther wurds, this Eklund feller is an uttur moron that uther peeple like to make fun of.
By Alan
February 6, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Curious Reader - Welcome to the blog. The so-called “e-System” is something used by a blogger named Eklund who always speculates some ridiculous trade rumours surrounding a multitude of different teams. He’s rarely correct. The way it’s used in this blog is simply as a way of making fun of Eklund. I don’t take him seriously, and he hasn’t proven why anyone should take him seriously. Nontheless, below is how he intends his e-system to work:
E1 - This is a rumor that comes from a single reliable source not in any way directly connected to the players or teams involved. E2 - This rumor is simply more than one reliable sources not in any way directly connected to the players or teams involved and not connected to each other. It does not have to equate to two E1’s. It could be several E1’s. E3 - This rumor comes from a single source with ties somehow to the players or teams involved. E4 - This rumor comes from more than one source with ties to the players or teams involved. E5 - This rumor comes from source telling Eklund the deal is 100% done and just has not been announced yet.
By Alan
February 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
In uther wurds, this Eklund feller is an uttur moron that uther peeple like to make fun of. (e4)
By Jim_Bob
February 6, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
This feller likes to make up stories and stupid people pay money to hear his stories.
(e5)
Hey Ek, Any Habs rumours? is my fav-o-rite one. What a big dumb arse!
By R. Stroz
February 6, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Alan - Are you making fun of Jethro?
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
How you doin there Jim_Bob?
By Alan
February 6, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Stroz - Why would I make fun of Jethro? Any chance I get to make fun of Eklund, no matter how big or small, is a chance I’ll take in a heartbeat.
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Whossa goin to tomorraws game?
By Jethro
February 6, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Chris, have ya figured it out yet?
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Curious Reader - Welcome…please join in more.
Looks like the crowd answered your question OK. I hope this also clarifies my DUH-syestem.
Alan - your 5:38 pm post with the link got caught up in the system….I freed it for you.
Other Bob - Yes, go Flyers, (tonight), indeed. God, that hurts to say.
Jethro - I, along with the youngest tax exemption, will be present and accounted for.
Nascar_Dave - Watch it…or I’m gonna be forced to confiscate all your National Geographic issues!
By Jim_Bob
February 6, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Jethro Howdy Doody ole feller! I gots me a big ole handle of MR. Jack Daniels ready to gulp down before we go scream at them darn Canuckleheads Thursday night!
Eklund sucks (e5)
By Alan
February 6, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the freedom, Rawhide. The commenting script has been awfully fickle today, it seems. More than half of my comments have been eaten by the script today.
By Tom
February 6, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Man, what have I wrought bring the Eklund system to the board in that post… :)
((Well, more like feeding red meat to a pack of starving wolves.) Except the Wolves know how to play above 500 hockey…)
The only good thing about Eklunds site is the chat room. There are some amazingly smart hockey fans that hang around there.
By The Other Bob
February 6, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Nascar_Dave - That photo of Holik is interesting on two counts…
We are playing Vancouver Thursday, not Carolina…and,
I thought Hurricanes blow.
By ch_1355
February 6, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Hey everybody, just wanted to start off by saying that I’m a long time reader of this blog and a huge fan. So I figured I’d give posting a shot…
What do you guys think about making the head coach of the Chicago Wolves our head coach next year? Don’t get me wrong, I like McCrimmon, but I think he’s had his chance to improve the Thrashers at his current position. As an added bonus, the new coach will already have the experience of successfully coaching our AHL players such as Stuart, Sterling, Little, and Pavelec (aka our youth movement). The guys record over the past 2 years should speak for itself.
Also, I don’t think Brad Larsen is producing enough for us this year, or at least not playing as hard for us as last year. Jason Krog is tearing it up in the AHL as the league’s leader in points. I’m in favor of making Slates a permanent winger, waiving/scratching Larsen, and calling up Krog as a solution at center. Anything at this point…
By Tony C.
February 6, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
I think that Stuart should be back here…
By Jared
February 6, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Why in the world would Stuart go back down? DW is crazy as S#$*. Larsen and S** go down bring up Stuart and keep both Popvic and McCarthy in the lineup until the trade deadline. I want pavalec to have another shot he will take us to the playoffs and we can trick other teams to give us draft picks for KL.
By Rawhide
February 6, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
ch_1355 - Excellent first post. It has been discussed in here quite often the wisdom of having Anderson brought in for just the reasons you stated.
Personally I favor it, but I think it’s clear the team is going to stay with Waddell behind the bench to the end.
For better or for…uh, let’s just hope for better.
By Alan
February 7, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this
Jared - Mind sharing what you’re smoking? Trade KL for picks??
Kari is an awesome netminder, and I have no idea where we would be without him. Your ire for him is badly misplaced, considering that he is playing behind one of the worst defenses in the league. We have some bright spots, but it’s woefully inadequate and badly in need of repair.
Then again, some people will never be happy, no matter what happens.
By five_hole
February 7, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
Frankly, I wasn’t all that impressed with Stuart. He started out well for his first few games, but faded quickly. I thougth he was pretty much invisible on the ice.
In 17 games with the Thrash he had 3 G, 2 A for 5 pts and a +4 +/-. And I think most of the scoring was in his first 4 or 5 games (meaning he did nothing his last 10 or so).
Second line left wing has been a problem all year since Slava’s production has dropped.
By BG33Brown
February 7, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
five_hole a rookie at +4 in 17 games. There is no way he should of been sent down. He is 2nd on the team in +/-.
He should of stayed up and killed penalties for Hossa so while we still have him, we can get some production out of him.
In my opinion, just another reason why DW needs to go-in the end he is just like Hartley, he is so concerned about his job that he is mortgaging the future of this franchise by not developing our young forward talent. While keeping guys like Larsen around.
By PJ
February 7, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Five-hole - Point taken on Nitty, can’t wish him ill though but perhaps we can send him to a nice time share in Bali. Rawhide - According to my newspaper this morning, Washington has jumped to #1 in SE. Ahhhhhh! Enjoy the game tonight w/ tax exemption #2.
Washington comes to town next week. We’ll definately need some home ice attitude for that one.
Go Thrashers
By IUER
February 7, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
LETEMIN - 3 AGAIN
By The Other Bob
February 7, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
IUER - LETEMIN - 3 AGAIN…WTF?
Lets in 1 then 0 then 3….I’ll take giving up 4 goals in a 3 game span any time!
By stendec
February 7, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Do I hate KL? No. Do I think he is an upper echelon netminder? Hell no. Neither is Moose. Franchise goalies make quality saves. Lots of them! It is not the fantastic, great or even mediocre saves that count. It is goals. Two of the last three tallies allowed by KL in one-goal HOME defeat were awfully soft! Even home Thrasher announcers called him on one of them. IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOFT FOR THAT TO HAPPEN! Superior netminder would have provided team with one if not two points. Thrashers got zero! Un-good? S++T more likely. Unless KL grows up mentally he will always be remembered for potential not production! Sad but true. Oh well. Need victory against Vancouver guys. BAD! Best to all. GO BLUE!
By five_hole
February 7, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown I understand a positive +/- is rare on this team, but again, this kid isn’t anything special (at this point). If they sent Brian Little down (who I thought really flashed talent) then I didn’t see a reason to keep Stuart here. (FYI, Brian’s stats here: 29 games, 3G, 6A for 9 PT, a +/- of +2). Although I agree that he was playing better than Mr. Larsen. Sorry to say; I think he’s another player on the downside of his career.
PJ - Understand you don’t want to wish ill on anyone. I did like your suggestion of sending him on vacation the next time Philly plays us. Maybe we could take up a collection?
By Maal
February 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
kari’s new maaaaaaaaaask! so cited
By Jethro
February 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
stendec - You worry me sumtimes. Ima ole Flames fan too and feel sum of yur frustration.
However, you dont usually have much positive ta say.
Sumtimes, I worry that if you were surrounded by Hooters girls you’d complain that they weren’t smart enough for yur likin.
By stendec
February 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Hi Jethro. No chance of that. God bless. GO BLUE!
By Alan
February 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Superior netminder would have provided team with one if not two points. Thrashers got zero!
Good goalies have bad games sometimes, especially when playing behind a shoddy defense. Even you have acknowledged this in the past. It’s not all on Kari.
And only one of those goals were soft.
By Heather the Hooters Waitress
February 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Jethro - Ar youz sayeing wee ar not smarte??? How dair yu!!
I’M INSULTED!!
By stendec
February 7, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Please people. Read my comments closely. KL has potential! Sure, Thrasher D is terrible but…Stellar netminders overcome awful defenses! If a goalie makes 57 saves but team loses 3-2 is that considered a success? Even if other masked guy only turns aside 17 of 19 shots for win? Sometimes goaltenders ARE the team! That is why inopportune (goal right after team scores) or soft goals are unacceptable. Especially, as noted, with porous defense! GO BLUE!
By Tony C.
February 7, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
The new mask looks bad@ss!
Let’s hope that KL plays more like Optimus and less like O-rin Ishii (Lucy Liu’s KB character)
‘Til All Are WON
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. Where’s Little? did anyone figure out why he’s getting such little (no pun intended) TOI (in Chicago)?
If the Wolves don’t need him, I’d love to see him given another go-round here.