Ice Man

By ch_1355

February 10, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

First

By Manley

February 10, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

The Recap lists the game as a sellout; for those that were there, were the stands full or was it a paper sellout?

The reason I ask is that it would be great if, after a tough couple of losses in which the team played pretty well, the fans rallied to the cause and packed the house at Blueland to show their faith in the team. Then again, maybe they just came for their mullets!

In the immortal words of Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Gimme Back My Mullet!” (OK, I am paraphrasing a little).

Rawhide, I would just like to say that if it takes a city full of mullet-sporters to bring the Stanley Cup to Atlanta, I am all for it, . Of course, I am exempt—being both military and bald.

At any rate, very glad to come in this morning and see that the Thrash had pulled it off. Gotta say that a 1-1 regulation tie with the Lightning is not a great sign, though. But a win is a win and it sounds as if maybe KL redeemed himself.

LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!

By J(Z)

February 10, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

It was a legit sellout. Even the scalpers outside of Philips were asking for tickets, instead of trying to sell em.

Huge win. One more home game then a dreaded 5 game road trip. These next 6 games will decide whether or not Hossa will be on our team after the road trip.

It’s just too bad the Thrashers didn’t show up in the 2nd period, or it would’ve been a great win.

By LAC

February 10, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Great Game from KL… Great saves, esp in OT !!!!

How bout Zit, really picking it up the past 5-6 games…Nice to see !!!

Lastly got a chuckle, no sick to my stomach, levenson needs to be OUT of the hockey business, as well as the prediction business… a REAL LOSER !

By five_hole

February 10, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

My universe is crumbling. Everything I thought I understood as the foundations of life were turned upside down last night. Zhitnik was the HERO?!?!?!?

There were a lot of positives from last night. Less than 30 SOG given up; only took 1 penalty (which I believe tied a Thrasher record), another strong outing by Mr Lehtonen (so, where is the new mask?). I also noticed that the crowd seemed to show a lot of love to Mr. Hossa. Was that some encouragement for him to resign here?

The negatives I thought were only 1 goal scored in regulation (although we had several good chances). I think Ilya only had 1 SOG. Until Marion scored in the 3rd period, our offense had gone over 60 minutes without scoring a goal. I can forgive Nick his mental mistake; he makes them so rarely.

Everyone still think we should get rid of Kari?

By puckoff

February 10, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

J(Z), not sure what you were looking at, but there were almost rows of seats open at center ice on the non-club side. And the scalpers, they are “always” asking for tickets, saying “I need tickets” out of one side of their mouth and “need tickets?” out of their other.

Yes, it was a sell out, but the paper kind of sellout. It’s really a shame when you see people outside looking for tickets and you know stacks of them are going unused.

By Rawhide

February 10, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Five_Hole - Everyone still think we should get rid of Kari? … Oh, yeah, run him out of town! Trade him for a bag-o-pucks!!! LOL!!

Just as Kovy seemed to go from a “young-gun” to MVP contender early in the season, maybe we are seeing the same maturation process between the pipes. This would be a very, very good thing!

Kari played like a champ last night!!! Can he keep up this kinda play for 2 months? Well, he’s probably gonna have to. At least until the offense gets back on track. 7 goals in the past 4 games is un-good!

OK, gotta hop a plane to Miami….catch ya’ll on the flip-side.

Today…GO RANGERS - BEAT THE CAPS!! and GO BUFFALO - PUND THE PANT-TURDS!!

By kracker

February 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I want more of the same from Zhitnik, even if he did beat a fella with no stick, he went end to end: Before the Canucks game I saw a Zhit 77 tee on the hangar in the team store while standing outside waiting on the doors to open….I bought one after the warm-ups (25% off), I guess I made a good choice.

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

NY Rangers vs. Washington is a 1:00 PM start on Center Ice. Buffalo vs. Florida is a 6:00 PM start. The “Battle of Pennsylvania” resumes today, at 1:00 PM, on Center Ice, with the Penguins tangling with the Flyers in what should determine 1st place in the Atlantic Division.

Sayyy, how well do you think you know your Southeast Division trivia? Pretty well? Want to take the ‘Challenge’? Play on, if you DARE ….

(1) “True or False,” The Florida Panthers have never won a division title?

(2) “True or False,” The Tampa Bay Lightning came into the NHL in what is today known as the Central Division of the Western Conference? (Formerly called the Norris Division, of the Campbell Conference.)

(3) “True or False,” The Washington Capitals have won the Southeast Division three (3) times?

(4) “True or False,” Carolina has won the Southeast Division three (3) times?

(5) “Which team holds the most regular season wins, 52, and points, 112, by a Southeast Division Champion?” Name the team and year.

(6) “Has a Southeast Division champion ever been crowned with only 86-points?” If yes, supply the team and year.

(7) “Out of the eight (8) Southeast Division Champions thus far, in what place (1st - 8th) does Atlanta’s 97-points rank?

(8) “Has the Southeast Division Champion ever had 35 or fewer wins? If so, how many times has this occurred?”

(9) “How many times has Tampa Bay won the Southeast Division? Name the year(s).”

(10) “How many times has the Southeast Division Champion topped the ‘Century mark’ in these past eight seasons?”

Allright, let’s see how well you did.

By five_hole

February 10, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Rawhide I thought my scarcasm was showing. I’ve been a big defender of Kari on this blog (and elsewhere). I know a lot of people on this blog have been screaming for his head, and want to see if they are big enough to admit when they’re wrong.

I just wish he could score goals …

By Jared

February 10, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

five_hole I admit Kari has done well in the last few games but give him 2 more and he will drop it all.

Rawhide you are a phantom. I was walking up to say hi and introduce myself last night but I averted my attention for two seconds and you had magically disappeared.

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Jared, Rawhide built the “Matrix.” You have to separate him from the phone booth.

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

The Panthers are already leading the Sabres, 1-0, in the 1st period. Sadly, the Rangers couldn’t hold a 2-1 lead on Washington, and lost 3-2, in overtime. Caps got the equalizer with just seconds remaining on the clock to end of the 2nd period. Valiquette was in net for the Blueshirts. Kolzig was strong for the Capitals in net.

By NASCAR Dave

February 10, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE! BRAYDON COBURN OUT FOR 2 WEEKS!!! ON TSN..

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, you did a blog where you projected the point totals of the Southeast Division. If I remember correctly, you projected Washington as the winner. I have to agree with that. Here’s why the Caps have an insider edge.

For starters, they have games in hand on the division. But they are the only team in the Southeast division that finishes the year with three straight home games.

Now, Carolina and Atlanta also finish the season with two home games. Tampa Bay and Florida finish the season with three road games. That’s going to be tough for them.

But, here’s how the season stands to come to a close. The Florida Panthers end the year with nine (9) straight Southeast division games. Five (5) are at home and four (4) are on the road, including those final three games. The game to watch will be the “finale,” at Washington. That game could very well be for the SE Division title.

Washington and Atlanta finish with seven straight games vs. the Southeast Division. Washington has three (3) home games and four (4) road games. Again, the final three are at home for the Capitals. The key for Washington will be “holding their own” in those four road games that preceed the final three games.

Atlanta has four (4) home games and three (3) road games. It’s a 2-3-2 format for the Thrashers, with the final two at home. So for us, those three road games sandwiched inbetween could spell the difference.

Carolina finishes the year with eight (8) games vs. SE Division opponents, four home and four away. The ‘Canes play everyone in the division with one at home and one on the road, with the final two being home games vs. Tampa Bay and Florida.

Tampa Bay finishes the year with eight (8) games vs. the SE division. They have four home games and four road games, with the final three games being road games vs. Carolina, Washington, and Atlanta. The Bolts finish 1-4-3. So those four home games in-a-row are essential for Tampa. If they don’t capitalize on them, it could be OVER before they even play those final three (3) games on the road, versus Carolina, Washington, and Atlanta.

Confused? You should be. It’s going to be insanity as the season comes to a close, especially with all those “freebie” overtime and shootout points. We might see a situation where a team pulls its goalie in a tie game in the closing moments, in hopes of winning the game in regulation time. A team might do that in a situation where ceding a point to the other team clinches the Southeast Division title for that opponent. And honestly, you’d forgive the Head Coach for undertaking such a bold move. If you know, going into the game, that you have to win in regulation-time, then you’d do it, too.

By Rawhide

February 10, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Jared - Sorry I missed you! Next time, throw a puck at me or something!

Brendan - The blog you refer to was “Let’s do the Time Warp”.

I understand Washington beat NY in OT….%$#@!

Now lemme see if I can find the Panthers game down here…

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Buffalo is leading Florida, 3-2, after two periods! Let’s go Sabres!!

By NASCAR Dave

February 10, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE I KINDA LIKE THE NEW AJC POLL QUESTION! I WANNA SEE THAT PAVELEC KID WITH KL NEXT SEASON! OR THIS SEASON! RAWHIDE, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE CHANCES ARE WE TRADE MOOSE AT THE DEADLINE AND GO WITH KL AND PAVELEC INTO THE POST-SEASON, IF WE MAKE IT? THANKS.

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Let’s all pray for Richard Zednick. In this Buffalo game, he took an errand skate to the throat. And the ice was literally covered in blood. So much so, that the zamboni’s had to resurface the ice, to clean it up.

The game has come to an utter halt. And has been, for about 10-15 minutes, while the crowd wonders if he’s going to make it. I’m hearing now, that Zednick is on his way to a Buffalo hospital, and is in “stable condition.” That’s GREAT news for him, if true. The play was a “complete accident.”

By FormerIslesFan

February 10, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

RH

Yep, that was me on the big screen, indeed!! Sorry I didn’t wave but I was busy holding out my own personal mini-mullet to prove that it was real. None of this Hair Cuttery stuff for me, thankyouverymuch.

By Tom

February 10, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

OMG

Zednik got hit in the Buffalo Florida game in the neck and was bleeding like crazy, looks like the Caryatid (sp) artery got hit…

They announced he is in Stable condition , say a prayer for him…

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Zednik is 32 years old. He plays Right Wing. He is truly one of the “longshot” success stories in the NHL. Taken in the 10th round, 249th overall, in the 1994 Entry Draft, by the Washington Capitals. Zednik has played for Washington, Montreal, Washington again, the NY Islanders, and he signed as a free agent on July 1, 2007, by the Florida Panthers. Zednik would have played his 700th NHL game by the conclusion of this season. Zednik was with the Washinton Capitals in 1998, when they reached the Finals, but lost to Detroit in four games. Zednik scored seven goals during that 1998 playoff campaign. He was born in Czechoslavakia, now Slovakia. Hopefully, his career is not yet over.

By the way, Buffalo leads Florida, 4-3, with about 2:00 left in regulation time.

By NASCAR Dave

February 10, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

LET’S KEEP ZEDNICK IN OUR PRAYERS!

AND GO SABRES!

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

The Wild just won a long shootout with the St. Louis Blues, 2-1. The Sabres won, 5-3, in regulation of course, to deny the Panthers ANY points. Right now, the Cats are at the crossroads. Either they will fold like a tent, or they’ll rally around Richard Zednik, for inspiration, and dedication, for the remainder of the season. I suspect the latter a bit more than the former. The L.A. Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets are in overtime, if you have Center Ice and are watching. This is an excellent chance to “scout” a potential trade deadline partner in Los Angeles or Columbus.

By Michael Shapiro

February 10, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Can’t believe that Zhit was the hero. The world is off its axis.

As as for Coburn, what NASCAR Dave didn’t say was the “injury” a busted artery in his buttocks. Oh, it hurts not to laugh.

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

The NHL “On the Fly” Channel is covering the Zednik injury pretty indepthly. They’re interviewing Panthers’ Head Coach Jacques Martin right now. ESPN News has this story as their “Breaking News” story, but I have not seen them air any footage of the incident.

By Midfield

February 10, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Wow. Five_hole wants for all who piled on Lehtonen to enter a guilty plea. After one game that he won for the team. Which followed another two that he had lost for the team. Let me guess: you are not too good at geometry, are you?

By Alan

February 10, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Which followed another two that he had lost for the team.

Blaming the goalie for lack of defensive or offensive prowess is disingenuous.

By Midfield

February 10, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Alan, I am blaming the goalie for bad goals at the worst possible time. I don’t even use words like defensive and offensive prowess, let alone disenginius.

By PJ

February 10, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Brendan Anything newsworthy to report after the L.A./Columbus game? There are a few interesting options there.

Rawhide Please keep us informed about Zednik and lets keep him in our prayers.

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

There’s an interesting poll question, folks, at the moment. Do we go with Pavelec and Lehtonen next year or re-sign Moose, to be Kari’s backup, next season? The voting is tied, 19-19, right now.

When Kari Lehtonen is on his game, he’s as good as any of the top goalies in the league. However, he still continues to struggle with mental focus and mental toughness, now six (6) years after being drafted 2nd overall. Plus, there is the issue of his recurring groin injuries.

I know we’ve beaten this to death, but I’d say the team has too much invested in Lehtonen at this point to not re-sign him this Summer. I mean, c’mon. The Atlanta Thrashers have spent SIX YEARS developing this prospect. To let him walk means … what? What does it mean? You all know what the answer is. Don’t make me say it. It ought to go without saying.

Now, if there’s an RFA offer sheet for him, that’s different. RFA offer sheets, to be successful, have to be egregious or they will simply be matched by the current, rights-holding team. Waddell is on record as saying, “I hope there is an RFA offer sheet. Then it will be over quickly.” Or words to that effect. Waddell was implying that he’d match any offer for Lehtonen. The comments were made shortly after Edmonton’s GM, Kevin Lowe, had attempted to procure Thomas Vanek from the Buffalo Sabres.

I think the issue with Lehtonen, contractually, is the length of his next contract. If DW remains at the helm, he’s the GM who drafted him, he may well feel that this could be Kari’s last contract with the team, and want to commit to a 4-year deal, or whatever the maximum length the Atlanta Spirit Group will authorize for him. On the other hand, Kari Lehtonen is still an “unproven” NHL goaltender. Think about it. Think HARDER.

Kari Lehtonen has only played one (1) completely injury-free season in the NHL. His playoff record is 0-2, with 11 goals against, and a goals against average of 5.59. Some say he has a “confidence problem.” The operative word being “some.”

Kari Lehtonen is slowly improving the dollar value of his next contract. But he could be re-signed rather cheaply. Especially by comparison to those drafted immediately before and after him in 2002 (Bouwmeester and Rick Nash). In that regard, perhaps a 4-year deal, at $2.5M per season, could be an exceptional value for the coming years. Then again, if Lehtonen is to be the “backup” goalie, $2.5M is a little on the high side for a backup. I think Moose will be lost to free agency. That’s his right. Teams will make him nice offers, as in 3-year deals, potentially. Atlanta won’t offer anything of the sort—not with Pavelec and Lehtonen as the apparent “1-2 punch” for the coming years in Atlanta. If Moose would AGREE to a one-year deal to stay in Atlanta, that’d be really nice. But why should he??

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

PJ, there’s lots of potential in Los Angeles and Columbus. Their systems are full of prospects from years of stockpiling high 1st round draft picks. L.A. seems rather unwilling to move their prized prospects, prefering to be patient about finding that elusive goaltender. Rob Blake, who’d have to waive a “no trade clause,” is probably the only one of the big names on the Kings’ roster they’d be willing to sacrifice.

In Columbus, the “high dollar contract” pending free agents are Defenseman Adam Foote and Center Sergei Federov. Both are putting on the 18th green, eyeing those cocktails at the Clubhouse bar. But the Blue Jackets do have fine young talent in their system. I doubt they’d be willing to part with it. They’ve waited “patiently” in Columbus. But the “bloom is off the rose” in terms of selling out that building, after promises of Stanley Cup glory. Unfortunately, the ownership there put GM Doug MacLean in charge of building a serious playoff contender. The Blue Jackets have never made the playoffs in six completed seasons. Sound familiar?

By NASCAR Dave

February 10, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

BRENDAN HELL YEAH WE RESIGN KL! 3 YEARS, 2.5 PER. OR 2 YEAR, 3 PER? IN A WORST CASE SCENARIO, WE HAVE A CAPABLE BACK-UP IN LEHTONEN.

I LIKED WHAT I SAW OUTTA THE PAVELEC KID. HE’S GOT A FUTURE HERE.

I THINK THE FRANCHISE MIGHT WANT TO DRAFT A GOALIE THIS YEAR. SEEMS THE DEPTH IN THE SYSTEM MIGHT CALL FOR AN ADDITION.

GO THRASHERS!

By PJ

February 10, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Brendan, Just to add a little flavor to your stew, did you catch Zhit’s comment about Hedberg after his game winning goal on Saturday? Of course you did…. Your thoughts? Anyone?

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

PJ, by chance, was Zhitnik’s comment, “No chance in Hades Moose re-signs with this club! And if he does, it means Don ‘mortaged the future’ again by trading Pavelec.”

By NASCAR Dave

February 10, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

GUYS, WE CAN DEAL WITH TRADING MOOSE AT THE DEADLINE! WE’LL GET A YOUNG SCORER FOR HIM (AT LEAST)! PROBABLY A PICK OR PROSPECT TOO!

NO WAY IN HELL DW TRADES PAVELEC! THE FANS WOULD REVOLT!

AND ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!… DW CANNOT TRADE AWAY ANY MORE OF OUR PICKS!!!

GO THRASHERS!

By Brendan

February 10, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

NHL-TV’s “On the Fly” has just reported that Richard Zednik is out of surgery and in stable condition, with his wife and the team’s Assistant GM at his bedside.

That’s fantastic news. And PJ’s prayers are working, yet again. So, that’s great news for Zednik and his family.

Also, this blog has taken its fair share of “pot shots” at Buffalo’s fans. But truthfully, those fans were praying and were visibly shaken by what they saw in that horrific incident with Zednik’s carotid artery being severed. Upon the news that Zednik was in stable condition and on his way to a Buffalo hospital, Buffalo’s fans all rose, in a standing ovation, clapping for an enemy team’s player. Well call me crazy, but I think that was “classy.” It’s not the first time the fans in Buffalo had seen that kind of injury. It happened 19 years ago to Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk, who narrowly escaped death when his jugular vein was slashed by a skate in the goalcrease.

By Nix

February 10, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

PJ, I did catch that comment and I thought it was interesting, especially since I’ve noticed he’s been credited with similar, effective advice this season (didn’t he give Kari some advice on what to expect from a former team member in a shootout earlier in the season?). It makes me think we should resign him, for at least a year, just because he has some really good insight into other goalies and and guys he’s played with and against over the years.

By Alan

February 11, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this

What was Zhitnik’s comment? I didn’t hear it.

By PJ

February 11, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

Alan

Here’s the quote from Custance’s article. It makes me wonder how much more contribution Moose makes that we never hear about??

—

Zhitnik scored the game-winner thanks to a tip from backup goalie Johan Hedberg before the third period.

“He said if you have a chance, shoot the short-side high. I said, ‘Why not?’ ” Zhitnik said.

He got a good look at Holmqvist after Lightning defenseman Filip Kuba broke his stick on a shot and seemed indecisive about whether to go to the bench.

Zhitnik blew past Kuba, then followed Hedberg’s advice. Short-side high. Game over.

Craig Custance - Please forgive my plagiary.

Brandan Ohhh, you sound more and more like someone else on this blog??? Also, have you been keeping up with the Wolves? Has Pavs been in goal there and how has he been doing? I’ll be honest, I just watch highlights here and there so I really don’t know.

By FormerIslesFan

February 11, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

One thing that I am surprised has not yet been brought up on this blog, via the Zednick story, is the name Clint Malarchuk. For those of you that remember, Malarchuk was the Buffalo goalie whose throat got cut about 20 years ago in a game at (I think) The Aud. Creepy deja vu that the Zednick incident happened in Buffalo as well.

NHL On The Fly was showing video of the Malarchuk incident last night (during their 10pm hour) and that was among the scariest things I’ve ever seen (I apparently had softened it in my memory). Malarchuck was gushing blood onto the ice and was on his knees with blood pouring from both his neck and out of his mouth. From what I understand, he is alive and well today and is thought by many to have “cheated death.”

As for Zednick, early reports I heard from On The Fly this morning (presumably a repeat of the 1am show), were that he is “resting comfortably” after being out of surgery last night. I assume they had to go in a stitch the corotid artery (that had to be what was cut, no?)

Anyone else have any other updates?

By FormerIslesFan

February 11, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Brendan

My apologies…I missed your post on Malarchuk from last night. My props to you for remembering that one as well.

By FormerIslesFan

February 11, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Brendan

My apologies…I missed your post on Malarchuk from last night. My props to you for remembering that one as well.

Here is the link from the Florida Panthers website for an update

By Rawhide

February 11, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I agree with your comment regarding the Buffalo fans and the way they responded to Zednik’s injury. I watched the replay last night on the Miami local news and they even comment about how the crowd was visibly shaken and how they showed a great deal of class after hearing his was stabilized.

In the morning paper there is a photo of him coming of the ice. In the background you can see the fans who were sitting just behind the Panthers bench. The look on their faces painted the whole story.

The team jetted his wife up there right away to be with him. Let’s continue keep him and his entire family in our thoughts and prayers.

Here is a link to the Miami Herald’s web site about the story. At the bottom you can blog a well-wish if you care to do so.

By Alan

February 11, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

It’s funny PJ because I didn’t even think about checking the Thrashers AJC page for a story that might have the quote in it. Just got done reading it before checking the blog.

But yeah, I think Moose is more than earning his keep this year, with at least two very big helpful hints to our guys. I have to wonder right along with you how much more he’s helped our players out with helpful advise like that.

By five_hole

February 11, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

FormerIslesFan I’m a transplant from St. Louis, and I do remember the freak accident with the Buffalo goalie (Malarchuk). I believe that his accident was the reason goalie masks now have the “neck protectors”.

One thing ya gotta love about hockey fans. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Miami, Buffalo, Atlanta, Vancouver, or wherever; when a player suffers a critical injury like this, there is an outpouring of affection and well-wishes for the guy. 10 minutes ago, you wanted his face planted into the glass, none of that matters now.

My guess is that when Zednik goes back onto the ice in Buffalo, he will get a huge ovation. That’s class.

By your everlovinbigsis

February 11, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

1. Your little bro has the hair - and the curls - to grow a respectable mullet. We should endeavor his growing of such.

2. Tell the Divine Ms. R. - SHE RAWKS! Good to know she picked up the slack left by both of your sisters!

3. IF the kid is playin’ well… he needs to play. Period. Improving record will build the team. I know I know… we want wins and perfect playing NOW!

4. Kinda sorta OFF Task here… but I really really think the game in Buffalo between Buffalo and Tampa Bay (I think it was???) Should have been stopped. That kind of injury is scary enough… but still. I was on another forum and many felt the game should have been heaveho’d… but that’s just me an my mamby pamby mommies I hang with, KWIM??

moi

By FormerIslesFan

February 11, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Five Hole, what is it that Verizon Wireless ad says, “Hockey Fans aren’t like other fans”?

I’ll go one further on you. I think that wherever Zednik plays his first game back (and I truly hope he will soon have a first game back), he will receive a standing ovation, whether it is in Buffalo, Florida or any other arena in the NHL.

Interesting think I read about Malarchuk this morning, apparently he received 300 stitches, was out of the hospital after a single night, was back at practice four days later, and played in his first game two weeks later.

Only in hockey, right?

Oh, and since you’re a St. Louis transplant, do you remember that Buffalo was playing The Blues when the Malarchuk injury occured?

By Thrasher Ryan

February 11, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—I love me a nice, violent hockey game any day of the week. However, after seeing what I saw last night, that is something that I NEVER want to see again. Very frightening stuff. Hats off to the Buffalo fans… who would’ve known? They do have class!

As for us and our mission, this week is simple. Win 2 out of the 3 this week. Seriously though, we need to try to win all 3. The game Wed. vs. Washington is a MUST WIN. We can split the other 2 and still be ok, but nobody can argue with winning all 3!

Keep Zednik and his family in your thoughts today.

GO BLUE!!!

By Tom

February 11, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I was watching the game live, my 7 yr old son is a Thrasher fan first and a Sabres fan second.

I really and truly thought that we had watched someone get killed before our very eyes. I put down my dinner and got my son out of the room.

I have to give full credit to the quick reaction and effort of all of the Sabres medical personnel for saving a mans life yesterday. I did not know that once a Caryatid artery was cut a life could be saved.

Add to this the amazing work saving Kevin Everett from full paralysis during the Bills game in September all credit has to go to the Buffalo medical establishment.

By Brendan

February 11, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

FormerIslesFan, did you happen to catch the “player profiles” on NHL-TV last night? They did a feature on Bill Guerin, of the Islanders, who is married to Kristi Yamaguchi and they have four kids. They showed off their house. Very impressive! Guerin even had an elevator installed because their kitchen is on the 2nd floor, and they don’t like carrying up the groceries. You know you’re rich when you have an elevator installed in the house!

Anywho, I’m sure they’ll repeat it. Everything on NHL-TV is. It’s channel #296 on Comcast Cable. Guerin does seem to have “settled in” on Long Island. He is their Captain, too.

By d

February 11, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Brendan Is Kristi married to Bill Guerin, as well as Bret Hedican? I’m sure Bret is very disappointed to hear of this news.

By five_hole

February 11, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

FormerIslesFan That’s the reason I brought up being from Stl. I remember watching on TV when it happened. As I recall, the Blues trainer reached him first (and probably saved his life).

And I’m sure you’re right. Wherever he comes back, it will be to a huge ovation.

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

I believe that his accident was the reason goalie masks now have the “neck protectors”.

I’m not sure about officially why they were implemented, but I know goalies wear neck protectors for various other reasons, including sticks to the throat (ask Kari about Perrin’s stick the other night), and pucks to the throat.

I’ve had to drive a friend to the emergency room after he got hit with a slapshot in his throat (he’s a goalie). After seeing one fractured voice box (nothing in comparison to a cut neck, but still scary as hell), I really don’t understand why all goalies don’t wear that extra flap of plastic.

That friend who got hit in the neck couldn’t speak for almost 4 months.

By FormerIslesFan

February 11, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Brendan

I did see the player profile in question, although I have to agree with d in that I thought it was Bret Hedican.

By ranallo10

February 11, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

TSN reports Ottawa and Carolina have made a deal:

Commodore (UFA) and Stillman (UFA)

FOR

Corvo (2 yrs) and Eaves (RFA)

By Bob

February 11, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Rutherford has made a habit of not waiting till the deadline to shake his club up and getting his deals done early. Paid off for him the year they won the Cup, didn’t he go get Recchi-ball early that year? And someone else too, Dougie Weight mabye?

By J(Z)

February 11, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I guess that trade is good for the Thrashers for this season, but not for the next few years. I like Corvo, I think he can be a good top 2 D-man. But the Canes unloaded some rental talent, which tells me that they’re sellers, right?

By Brendan

February 11, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected on Bret Hedican. This is what happens when I get up for a soda. They switch from Guerin to Hedican. :)

So, who is Guerin married to? Why, Mrs. Guerin, of course!! Thanks. That helped.

By FormerIslesFan

February 11, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

One more post on this topic…

If you would like to see something uplifting at least related to the Malarchuk situation, here is a link to an interview with Malarchuk about a week after the incident happened. At about the 2:30 mark, he looks up and you can see the scar on his neck.

There is nothing gruesome about this video and they do NOT show the incident. That is a different link.

Oh, and Brendan Bill Guerin’s wife’s name is Kara..

By PJ

February 11, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan My hat goes off to you for using the words, “nice” and “violent” in the same sentence. There might be a promising furture for you in Hockey Prayer writing. We need at least 2 out of the next three but Wednesday’s game is critical. Got it.

Zednik and his family are still in my thoughts, I hope and pray the worst is behind them.

By Brendan

February 11, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Kara Hartman, or something like that, FormerIslesFan.

Sara, did we ever find out what Niko Dmitrakos’ contract was?

By Brian

February 12, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Ok, someone had to know I was going to pipe in on this one… I have been mia with other things, still catching games, but had to go online to look at what happened. This is a long video, but if you let it download and go to the end, you will see that those fans not only applauded Zednik, but it was a standing ovation. Go to the 10 minute mark. I saw the Malarchuk incident happen live on tv and that was freakish. A couple buddies were at the game and they said a lady actually threw up in the stands after watching it.

As for why the game wasn’t cancelled, there were only 10 minutes left, that’s why I would think they made that decision.

I am starting to think that I would love a Hossa trade. Let Kovy get hot, get some picks/prospects/players, and use the cap space on someone who gives a d@mn. If Kari keeps this up and we get a solid d-man somehow, this team can win the division with what they have now.

By ranallo10

February 12, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Dimitrakos is making $0.575M according to NHL Numbers.

By Brendan

February 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

I haven’t seen Dimitrakos all year. I hope he’s doing okay. He’s a guy I’d like to have, at that price.