AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > February > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKicking Complacency Squarely In The…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This morning Bobby Holik, was interviewed on the flagship station of the Thrashers, 680 The Fan. The captain of the team was very candid in his remarks regarding the lack of effort his mates tend to show on the ice from time to time…most recently last Saturday night on Long Island. One of the reasons for the inconsistent play, he indicated, was that a lot of the guys have become “complacent” in the attitude toward playing.
“We get paid to play good”, is what I also believe I heard Holik say.
He went on to discuss the fact that players in this league can never allow themselves to become comfortable at whatever level they are at. Even if you are in the Stanley Cup Finals…you can’t be happy to just be there, you have to want to win.
When pressed by hosts Christopher Rude and Perry Laurentino to give ways that players can elevate their level up to a point where, night in and night out, they are putting out a complete and total effort that is needed to compete they way it should, the captain responded in a factual… yet telling… manner. He said that he felt it had to come from within the individual player.
While true, I feel as though this also very indicative of what the main problem has been with the team so far this season. Outside of a defender or center possibly, the talent is there, no doubt…but there has not been that one person who, when it was really needed, could draw forth from the squad that certain “something”…a fire, a desire, an emotion…that was required to prepare them for the battle that was about to be waged on a regular basis.
Last year, there was Bob Hartley. As the head Coach of the Thrashers he knew that sometimes a player needed a pat on the back…other times a swift kick in the butt. Just ask Ilya Kovalchuk, who a few times felt the sting of Hartley’s bite. There was also, Scott Mellanby, the team captain whose presence was felt from time to time by the younger players. But they are both gone now.
Now…who is there? There isn’t a coach…at least in the official capacity. Don Waddell is acting as one…but he is first and foremost the general manager. There is Brad McCrimmon…but when the organization had the chance to place him in the head coach position…they balked, opting instead to elevate him to associate coach. Is essence, they said to him, “We like you, Brad…but we don’t trust you with it…at least not yet”. In doing so they denied him that one final ounce of credibility to the team that comes with being the “head” coach.
In the early 1940’s, during the battle of Britain, Winston Churchill was the figure that led his nation through its darkest hour. Instilled within each and every citizen was the natural instinct to be resolute and persevere through the onslaught that was being inflicted upon their nation by an army intent upon invading the island nation. It was Churchill that pulled that God-given ability from them and held his nation in tact during the hard times and abated the advance of Nazi Germany.
Later in the war, when the aggressors had to be forced out of Africa, Italy, Belgium and France…back across the Rhine into Germany, it took an army led by a supreme motivator. Someone who not only could kick the tails of every foot soldier…but saw it as mandatory to get all he could out of them in order to conduct and complete the mission. To force out of his men the drive, desire and fight require do the tough job at hand was his duty to them, his army and his nation.
One such type of person…Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.
Today, we need the personification of both of these historic figures in one man…a Coach Winston Patton, if you will. Someone who can set the course and tone of a team, an organization and its fan-base with his calm resiliency and motivational prowess.
One who could do so by asserting, “…we shall not flag or fail. We will go on to the end. We will fight in the face off circle, we will fight in the corners and in the crease, we will fight with growing confidence and growing strength in center ice, we shall defend our home ice, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight in front of our net, we shall fight to win every lose puck, we shall fight along the boards and through the lanes, and we will fight behind the nets, we will never surrender…” as Churchill would.
A commanding figure who could pull from the bellies of players the fire and will to fight in a Patton-esque manner as this…”My God, I actually pity those poor morons we’re going up against. My God, I do. We’re not just going to check them, we’re going to check out their living guts and use them to wax the blades of our sticks. We’re going to score goals by the bushel. The other players are the enemy. Wade into them. Spill their blood, shoot at THEIR goal. When you see a pile of goo, that a moment before was your teammates face, before it was put into the plexiglass, you’ll know what to do. We are attacking constantly, and we’re not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy. We’re going to hold onto him by the nose, and we’re going to kick him in the butt. We’re going to kick the heck out of him all the time, and we’re going to go through him like crap through a goose”!
This is how they must see their mission…this is how they must play. If you don’t want to lay everything you have out there, then make way for someone who does!
Now, Thrashers…..21 games to glory!
Go EARN it!
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Comments
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By Rawhide
February 21, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
For you, TR…
Rawhide—It’s put up or shut up time. No more excuses. They have used them all up. MUST-WIN game tonight. Cannot give out ANY BONUS POINTS!
At first I was thinking we will be looking at at 3-2 type game, but I have a funny feeling the Thrasher firepower actually shows up tonight.
Thrash win, 5-4.
Where ya’ at, PJ?
GO BLUE!!!
By timthebrave
February 21, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
We have to win this game. I am so pumped and it’s such an important game I almost flew up there to cheer them on. (My work thought other wise) We need the 2 points in a bad way. If the Thrashers can’t get fired up about this game they shouldn’t be playing pro hockey. Go Thrashers let’s beat the fzuck out of north kakalakee.
By Tony C.
February 21, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Winston Patton???
Brilliant!
You know who we haven’t heard of in possible deadline deals? Minnesota. They’re definitely in the hunt, and would be super-pleased to get some of the firepower that Hossa would bring with him. Belly already knows him from last season…and they’re chock-a-block full of good (young) defenders that have learned from Lemaire .
Oh and they got a couple of guys that can really drop ‘em too. We could use both.
Big game, #17 has GWG in the middle of the secnd (that’s right, I’m calling for Le Thrash to grind out a win)!
GO BLUE !!!
By Thrasher Ryan
February 21, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Nice, Rawhide. Thanks. Now let me just re-iterate…. CANNOT GIVE OUT ANY DAMN BONUS POINTS TONIGHT!
This game must be won in Regulation!
GO BLUE!!!
By five_hole
February 21, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
So, you want a coach that wears pearl handled pistols and disobeys the direct orders of his general manager and at the same time forms strategic alliances with teams from the other side of the pond (or perhaps the west coast) to bail his a$$ out? I have a lot of respect for WC, but if Roosevelt hadn’t entered the war when he did, England would be speaking German today.
Really, what I hear you saying is, “We need a good coach, badly, and right now”. I agree, but it isn’t gonna happen right now.
You know how you wrote a blog to Kari, where you took him back to the woodshed? I suggest you do another blog for McCrimmon and Holik. In the absense of a “real” coach, they would be the next best thing.
And, just case I don’t get back in time for PJ’s prayer, Amen, and it was a damn good prayer.
By Tony H
February 21, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Tony C - Funny that you mentioned the Wild. One of the Wild announcers mentioned last night between periods that he thought the Wild needed to bring in Bobby Holik.
By kracker
February 21, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t know that it can be some kind of locker room hi-fivin’ rah-rah by one leader that gets the guys to play hard. Seems more like it’s how the guys on the first couple of shifts of a period lay out some hits or not, maybe take control in the corner, turn it up ice and make things happen. At least that’s what happen when we are getting the crap beat out of us.
By kracker
February 21, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Oh, haha, I should have read all the way thru before replying. I didn’t realise you are figuring we need Churchill or Patton reincarnated to lead this team. I was thinking small, like a responsible player or three.
Surely they can get motivated for tonight, it’s a division battle.
By Brendan
February 21, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
How would it look, if we traded our “Captain” at the trade deadline?
Well, screw that. Let’s do it ANYWAY. :) I’ll take P. Demitra off them for Holik.
By puckjunque
February 21, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
We need lots a Amens today!!
Bow your heads, hands joined on the keyboards
Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and for blessing the Thrashers in so many ways. Please continue to heal their injured and weak and invigorate this team with pride and a winning spirit. Please lead the Thrashers to show their dominance tonight by taking the lead early and shutting the canes’ down completely. Please empower the Thrashers to take the ice tonight hell-bent on victory and merciless in kicking the canes’ a$$! AMEN!!!
By Alan
February 21, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
AMEN PJ!
By The Other Bob
February 21, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
I can see Coach Patton now….
“What in the name of hell are you saying? You’re tired because of the back-to-back games”?
takes out gloves…slaps player
“Why…your going out there, you coward…and your going to PLAY”!!!!
takes out pistol…
“Why…you’ll go out there right now now…or…”
By Rawhide
February 21, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
A-FREAKIN’-MEN!!!! Nicely phrased, PJ!!
Now, let’s go WHIP the WINDBAGS!!
By PJ
February 21, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Rawhide you’re a hard act to follow.
GO THRASHERS!!!
By Brendan
February 21, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
A-men.
… right through a goose.
By Talon
February 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Well said
By Matt
February 21, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
You guys see the “marcel” hossa package slip up? Amen PJ, Thy Will Be Done
By kracker
February 21, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
A-puckin’-men!
I’m sure glad there is a game today. Sitting around reading Eklund’s rumurs drives me batty. Just think how he must feel after writing them!
GO THRASHERS!!!
By XShouldCheckYou
February 21, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Me. I’ll do it. I’ll whip them into a frenzy. They’ll all be speaking in tongues and giving the stinkeye when I’m done.
By Nix
February 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Amen, PJ!
Rawhide, good points. This team doesn’t play like team very often, and it seems to me it’s the coach who a team gels around. Obviously, we’re not gonna get one of those anytime soon, and the captain doesn’t seem to be getting the job done. So, between now and the end of the Thrashers’ season… who can and will step up? Maybe five_hole is right and you need to call out Holik and McCrimmon. I mean, it couldn’t hurt.
By timthebrave
February 21, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Amen!
By kracker
February 21, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
I agree, it can’t hurt. And we sure aren’t going to get a coach now, so why not?
By NASCAR Dave
February 21, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
NASCAR Dave thinks our COACHING and our CONDITIONING could be better. There is NOTHING ELSE you can blame the back to back games FLATNESS on.
MCCRIMMON is NOT the answer, either.
He is OK assistant, but NOT head coach material.
HOLIK just sucks. Period.
By Nikita
February 21, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
In Holik’s favor, he’s been playing better lately than he was at the year-end slump. He’s big, he’s versatile, and he plays like a guy who’s 5 years younger. That said, he’s expensive — we could probably get similar talent for less money.
Amen on the conditioning.
By ToF
February 21, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
couch cough john anderson couch couch. But in all seriousness, needing someone to light a fire under this team has been something I’ve been saying all season. There is NO leadership in the dressing room. Kovy is too quiet (and isn’t exactly the most eloquent man on earth), Holik can’t back up what he says with his play.
By Brendan
February 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
How Scott Howson, Columbus’ GM, is handling being a “rookie” GM at the trade deadline. Let’s see how he does.
By NASCAR Dave
February 21, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
AMEN ON JOHN ANDERSON! NOW THAT BROTHER CAN COACH!
By erock
February 21, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
22-5 shots on goal in favor of carolina ?? are u kidding me !! UNBELIEVABLE !!!!
By Rawhide
February 21, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
OK…so for the second game in a row the Thrashers have given up 20 or more shots in the opening period and have been outshot 71-15 in the last four periods…
Un-Good!
I hope SOMEONE is kicking there arses in the locker room right now!!!
Kari…YOU could be the one smacking a few of ‘em…you’re working your butt off!!!
(sigh)…
Oh…and howdy & welcome Talon, XShouldCheckYou & Matt….
By In midst of Idiots
February 21, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Outshot 22-5 in 1st period AGAIN. I really think the Thrashers are very weak physically and very passive as a result. Our defense and forwards just back off of the Carolina forwards till we are all right in front of Kari. JUST WEAK. Yeah we are still in it but man it sure sucks watching just wussyness.
By kracker
February 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Paging Coach Winston Patton…
By kracker
February 21, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
I hope you’r right RH and Kari is ummm, asking for a little support.
By In midst of Idiots
February 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
zhitnik stinks
By BG33Brown
February 21, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
This new kicking rule is bulls**t. That is Soccer not hockey.
By Thrasher Ryan
February 21, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
It’s 3-2 Carolina after 2. Ungood!
Goals by Perrin and Recchi-Ball.
The very first Carolina goal by Whitney was all on KL. He was behind the net “monkeying” around. KL, you can’t make the save if you’re behind the damn net!
You CANNOT lose this game fellas! If you do, you MUST GET 1 point. You must get a point out of this game! A loss tonight is UNACCPTABLE!
Bring the FIREPOWER!
GO BLUE!!!
By WW-4
February 21, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
GOOD OLD LETEMIN IS LOOKING SHARP AGAIN TONIGHT. GIVEN UP 4 INSTEAD OF HIS USUAL 3!
By WW-4
February 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
CORRECTION - 5 INSTEAD OF 3. COUPLE OF MINUTES LEFT, COULD GO FOR 6!! THIS AIN’T HARTLEY’S FAULT.
By Tom
February 21, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Rawhide talked about fighting complacency, I think this team embraces complacency.
How in God’s green earth does this team think they can complete 10 passes to get one shot.
Bleh…
By B. Thenet
February 21, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
They do not want to win, they want to get traded.
It was a pathetic effort against a team which has many players injured, and has played 3 games in 4 nights.
By Alan
February 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Both Lehtonen and Ward had “off” games tonight, both of them with a save percentage under 90% (Lehts 89.1%; Ward 89.26%)
Lehtonen faced over 40 shots again. I think 680 just said in the past two games, the SA is 96-39 in favor of other teams. Huge shot differential. *UN-GOOD!
By Russian
February 21, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
I think it is absolutely clear for everyone that Team Thrasher is done for this season. I hope two team from SE make PO on this year, but no spot for F*** Idiot like Thrashers. Owners have to think twice to continue deal with Don and keep team in Atlanta. It was very bad game. I fill embaresing to watch game like that.
By Thrashers=Hawks
February 21, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
I would like to take this time to thank the Thrashers for sucking at everything they do. The past 2 games have helped me realize that this team is completely below average minus Kovalchuk & Enstrom (Hossa is outta here). I would then like to thank the coaches, namely McCrimmon, for failing to focus on basic skills such as passing and defending. Why Mcrimmon? Because half of the time DW is out GMing or doing other activities that will not benefit the Thrashers in any way, while McCrimmon is running practice. No amount of draft picks or trades can ever fix this excuse of a hockey organization within the next 3 years. I’m sick of watching games turn into 1 huge power play against us. If we can’t pass, catch passes, or clear the puck we will never play out of our zone. If we can’t keep a constant forecheck on the opponents and not allow teams to keep walking across our blue line, we’ll never leave our zone. And if we can’t leave our zone, we get out shot 678 to 1. Why our coaches haven’t realized this, I will never know. Congratulations DW, McCrimmon, and ASG for putting Atlanta on the map…..as a place no player will ever want to play.
By Brendan
February 21, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Boston has popped in two “quickies” to tie things up with Florida, 4-4. Imagine how flustered the Cats must be. They do this all the time. The Isles down the Bolts, 1-0. Tampa needs to start selling. They’ve got so much ammunition for rebuilding.
Ovetime in Florida. So, what we didn’t want to happen has. The Bruins and Panthers will both get points. Columbus and Ottawa are in a shootout, if you’ve got Center Ice.
By Alan
February 21, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Too bad Florida couldn’t have lost in regulation. At least they did lose in the shootout.
By Brendan
February 21, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
While I certainly don’t support throwing the team under the bus after every loss, there are, and continue to be, certain GLARING DEFICIENCIES, that through nearly EIGHT completed seasons, still persist.
(1) No consistency. (2) No team IDENTITY. (3) Energy crises. (4) No heart. (5) No grit. (6) Terrible defense. (7) “Weak” neutral zone play, ripe with “unforced” turnovers.
Until those things get fixed, we’ll have to settle for the odd, occasional win over Ottawa or Detroit or St. Louis, or whatever, as games where we can point to and say, “Now, there was a COMPLETE game!”
There’s just no consistency. And there it is. Holik, Hedberg, Boulton, Larsen, McCarthy, Dupuis, Havelid, Klee, and Kozlov “chose” Atlanta in their periods of Unrestricted Free Agency. Everyone else was drafted, or drafted and re-signed as an RFA, or claimed off waivers, or was called up from Chicago, possibly as a free agent signing for the AHL.
That’s a lot more names than people generally realize that CHOSE Atlanta. Well, why isn’t their HEART in it, anymore? Are they “demoralized” by trade rumors? I don’t know. But Don Waddell has to stop being a player’s coach and sit some folks. I’m not sure if he did that tonight with Zhitnik, as he seemed to miss a few shifts in the 2nd period.
The Bruins just beat the Panthers in the shootout, 5-4. Panthers led, 4-2, in the 3rd period. Jacques Martin has got to wondering what’s wrong with his team, too. Panthers haven’t made the playoffs since 2000, when they were swept by NJ.
Carolina, except for winning the Cup in 2006, has missed the playoffs three of the past four years, and this year would make it four out of five (4/5) seasons. Is that right? Yes! It was in 2002 that they lost the Cup Finals. The ‘Canes either GO DEEP or don’t go at all.
Tampa Bay has made the playoffs the last four seasons running. Their streak appears to be about to end. The Washington Capitals have missed the playoffs for four of the past five seasons (4/5) and this year could be 5/6, if they don’t win the Southeast Division or squeak in at 8th spot. The Capitals haven’t won a playoff series since they went to the Finals, back in 1998.
I guess the whole Southeast division is pretty inconsistent, in terms of having sustained, prolonged success.
Is “selling” still an option for Atlanta? Just think what a “firesale” might yield? These upcoming drafts stand to be very fruitful. If the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing, it could ALL turn-around, and rather quickly. But you know that. Don’t you?
By Thrasher Ryan
February 21, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Yes, I know. Everyone knows. It’s very clear. Bye Bye Hossa. This was the last straw tonight. I give props to Darren Elliot for making that very clear tonight on the TV broadcast.
Back to the game! Carolina wins 5-3! UNGOOD!
Rawhide—I’m checking my scorecard from tonight’s game. We were outshot in the 1st period, 21-5! That sucks dude!
In the 2nd, we outshot Carolina 16-15. That is better, but we just blew up tonight. This is it. Waddell has to pull the trigger NOW.
Once again, KL has played better games. Here is what I saw. 1st goal on KL, like I said. 2nd goal was questionably soft. I think soft. 3rd Carolina goal was the Samsonov “kick” review. Let me make it clear, I did not see his skate leave the ice, which is the rule. 4th goal was soft. 5th goal was VERY SOFT! What the hell was KL doing? A backwards somersault? Damn kid, pay attention!
But really, who cares? KL let in some softies, but where the hell was THE THRASHER OFFENSE??? I am not blaming the game on KL, I am blaming it on the entire team.
The OFF-ICE DISTRACTIONS have clearly disrupted this team. You can see it in every player now.
Waddell needs to make a move NOW. Just something, if not the Hossa deal, maybe a smaller deal. Something before the Toronto game.
Wouldn’t be shocked if it was before the Toronto game. That would be better. Whatever, something needs to be done NOW!
Klee/Zhit pair is worst in NHL.
I am fine with Exelby—McCarthy. I am fine with Havelid—Enstrom.
The other pairing is the problem. It’s been blatant all season long, and now it is time for Waddell to accept responsibility. The Thrasher DEFENSE MUST BE UPGRADED!
The Thrashers for the season are **-30, 168 Goals For, 198 Goals Against.
Rawhide, that is UNGOOD man! It’s been there all year too!
Waddell benched Zhitnik about halfway thru the 3rd period. Thank you! I hope your making more than a statement Waddell!!!
Rawhide—One final tidbit. After checking my notes again, I noticed Moose was 2-0 in Raleigh this year. Damn, I forgot about that! Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda!
Thanks for the memories Marian, and if you wanna resign here in the summer, we’ll gladly welcome you back! Good luck in the playoffs.
By Brendan
February 21, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Sorry, in my rant, I left off “Or they were TRADED here,” when listing players on our roster.
By Beevis & Butthead
February 21, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Uh, yeh, yeh, yeh, yeh we are more offensive than the Thrashers.
Uh, bring up some Wolves, these birds are dead.
By Tony C.
February 21, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Yeah. I think no matter what anybody says, the room senses that the team is going to be gutted.
I say go for it. Sell as many UFAs as possible, EXCEPT I be lieve we should re-sign Dupuis, Perrin Recchi…I would see if Hedberg wants to come back…but he definitely can and should be dealt (I think he can bring some decent return).
Ugh.
That was embarrassing to watch Russian, I agree. With the draft supposedly littered with talent, Let’s go for it. But then again, we are talking about DW drafting…which honestly, it’s his philosophy of drafting rather than the choices I have the most problem with. Me, I would draft from the goal out, a la Minnesota, NJD, Nashville (who is the only team I think that got raped worse than us last year at the deadline) and there’s others.
But 41 F#!@$#%$^%&^%&$#SUCKING&*^@%^(^!!!!!! SHOTS??!?!?!?!?!!!?!?!?!!
Dude. KL is playing really well. He ain’t Luongo, but he’s not that far off. Tonight was the first time I’ve seen two goals that were all him in about a month. I just don’t see our guys coming out of the corner with the puck outside your 3-4 obvious choices.
Was nice to see Kozlov re-discover that He can skate and keep the puck too. #17 looked more like himself-he’s getting better I think.
But really, this a team that quit already this season remember? Break it up, and I’m including the guys that might be bad for the room, but under contract.
Now, I’m not saying I want to see 8 guys gone, but if it’s a guy (or three) that is really bad for the room, then he’s gotta go. If not at the deadline, then this summer.
But yeah, our passing has been pretty crappy. This points to coaches and personal accountability for the men on the ice.
I would’ve liked to see DW get a coach, but the reality of hiBob’s contract isn’t something I’m familiar with.
But wow man, here was THE opportunity that would’ve propelled the team to the playoffs, and the boys brought a cold fish to the table.
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. I really don’t want to believe the above, but damn ….also, maybe the boys WANT Hossa gone?
By Coach Winston Patton
February 21, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Hello? Hello…? Atlanta Spirit Group? Ah, yes…OK….um, I’m calling about that coach opening you have there?…Uh huh…I think I can kick some @sses into shape…I’m just your man.
By The Other Bob
February 21, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Tony C - It was 46 F#!@$#%$^%&^%&$#SUCKING&*^@%^(^!!!!!! SHOTS??!?!?!?!?!!!?!?!?!!
Just sayin’….
By What the Puck
February 21, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
How can a team be this old and this bad after eight years of draft picks?
By 911 Operator
February 21, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
911 Operator: Hello, what is your emergency?
Caller: I’ve been shot at over ninety times in three days.
911 Operator: Sir, did you see the shooter?
Caller: Yes, Turds and Canes.
911 Operator: Sir, it sounds like you have a $hitty team that play like a bunch of candy a*******es.
By Alan
February 21, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
It’s too bad the 911 Operator can’t send reinforcements. Lehtonen needs help in front of the net in a major way.
By R. Stroz
February 21, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Anyone want to bet the Thrashers make the playoffs?
My money says they won’t.
Any takers?
By Alan
February 22, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Gee, Stroz, I don’t know. There’s still a lot of hockey left to be played and all that.
Seriously though, I think our playoff hopes took a step in the wrong direction tonight. Those guys have no excuse for not showing up to play tonight.
By R. Stroz
February 22, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know if the ASG has lined up a fat lady to sing the National Anthem at the next Thrashers home game?
By Brendan
February 22, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Alan, this is going to keep happening. Obviously, the team knew what was at stake tonight, with several days rest to prepare for it, and they still laid an egg.
The “flip side” is … if Atlanta wins its last seven games of the season, all in regulation time, versus nothing but Southeast Division opponents, it just might win this division.
Whose holding their breath for that, though? Put … your hand … down.
All this “futzing” around, to quote my 2nd grade teacher, in critical games is just ridiculous. These guys aren’t serious. They should be ABLE to get motivated for big games. What’s going to happen if/when the playoffs do come along? They’re just NOT prepared. But who knows? They might win ONE (1) game. And that would be … say it with me, INCREMENTAL PROGRESS!!! Which, ya know, is “essential.”
And it brings “essential” things with it, like a contract extension for Don Waddell, the “architect of Champions.”
By R. Stroz
February 22, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Brendan - Based on the Thrashers B2B game performances, the number of B2B sets left 6 sets, 12 games), the number of games the Thrashers play teams with fresh legs because that team has not played the previous evening (19), and the team’s age being reflected in the continuing rise of the other team’s shots on goal, the Thrashers have little chance of making the playoffs and no chance to reach last year’s point total.
As a result, the incremental progress flag will not be raised this year.
By R. Stroz
February 22, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
the number of games the Thrashers play teams with fresh legs because that team has not played the previous evening (19)
Please change that number to 18.
By stendec
February 22, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
Send all these F+++++G quitters to Chicago! Bring up the kids. AT LEAST THEY WILL TRY! I do not give a D++N if Letemin made 100 saves. Two of those tallies were marshmallows! On one the befuddled Finn was roaming around in LaLa Land. On the other he must have been focused on a hooker in attendance. He sure as Hell was not looking at the shooter! Sink or swim with this untalented loser? That sound was last air bubble escaping from lifeless corpse! GO FLAMES!
By Thrashernut
February 22, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
You’ve heard it before - the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again (a/k/a fielding the same team/coach night after night) and expecting different results (expecting the team to win 2 of 3).
Unless there are dramatic player and/or coaching changes, the result will be the same - the team will not make the playoffs, and slide backwards relative to last season.
Think about it - what will spark this team to play differently on their next outing? Last night’s game was the biggest game of the season, yet there was no passion or spark to indicate a desire to win. I don’t so much think it’s a player problem as much as it is a coaching problem. In other words, it just doesn’t make sense to have to trade-away Hossa, in order to get two decent players in return. That potentially positive is short-lived if you don’t address the player morale (read coaching problem) as well. The team won’t stay motivated simply by adding a few new faces. It’s not as if Hossa is some poisonous apple with a negative attitude that has to be discarded. He’s one of the better players in the league! Hopefully, there’s something to the argument that the trade rumors are affecting the team - but these guys are professionals, and it sure doesn’t seem like it’s affecting Hossa, so why should it affect anyone else.
By rj
February 22, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
I think we are in the same position we were in last year at this part of the season. The lack of a coaching staff that has a grasp of the defensive strategies needed to be successful in the post lockout NHL.
The current Thrasher defensive strategy has the wingers rooted in one spot watching the play down nearer the goal line. If the Thrasher D is getting out played the wingers don’t go down and assist. If the other team’s puck carrier comes within a stride of the Thrasher winger the winger doesn’t stride forward and knock him on his can.
If the puck gets passed along the boards the Thrasher winger doesn’t skate over and cut off the pass. He follows his instructions and stands motionless in his designated spot.
This might have worked in the 60’s and 70’s but it is totally out of date today.
Thank god for Center Ice. I got to watch the Penguin game last night. Even without SC they are one of the best teams in the league. Well coached, motivated players, decent goalies, and mutual respect between the players, coaches, owners, etc.
By Nikita
February 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Various and sundry…
Yep, that was humiliating. Nearly everyone played below their ability. Practically no shots on goal, etc.
But…
KL even at his worst (and he was dreaming last night on occasion) is still a damn good goalie.
On the defense…Klee was actually playing pretty well last night. He took a lot of hits and made a lot of stops. Exelby had nice hustle, but was frequently in the wrong place. (And I don’t get why that third goal played out the way it did — Klee shouldn’t be alone with two potential shooters to knock down.) Enstrom played very well, but the kid is small and really needs some physical enforcing backup. Zhitnik needs to be benched, sent down, or gone — he was incredibly sloppy.
Otherwise…WTF was up with those penalties? That was not a friendly ref-ing environment. Really sloppy work on 90% of the team’s players — lots of turnovers, half-cleared pucks, and multiple-rebound shots. Which are just ridiculous, and if KL weren’t awesome we’d have had a much higher tally to contend with.
The lines were positively incomprehensible last night, as well — why were White and Perrin double-shifting, and what was with the musical forwards? That said, the second line (Hossa/Perrin/Kozlov) did impressive work last night — they showed up, hustled, and played smart. I hope this means Kozzy is on the upswing and will soon be scoring again. Chris Thorburn played really smart, which is unusual.
And that brings me to another subject — did anybody notice how gently the Thrash played? Not only were there no fights to speak of, but both Exelby and Holik were not engaging in their usual slamming tactics. I’m not advocating that we bash our opponents into submission, but when they’re bashing us into submission it doesn’t make sense to treat them like china.
Also, why does the Thrash consistently play so poorly in the first period?
By Smoothie
February 22, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
“Until we get that urgency and desperation to be a team that takes that next step,” Recchi said, “we’re going to flounder around .500 and not make the playoffs.”
Did someone say playoffs!!? Playoffs!? Playoffs?
To paraphrase the lovable Jim Mora, we played like absolute stinky poo! Looks like we’re headed for a really good draft pick, not the playoffs.
Don’t know if it’s time for DWad to pee or get off the pot, but whatever he left in there he should really flush cuz it’s really startin’ to smell awful!
By timthebrave
February 22, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I think there is a problem with effort and preparation for this team. Why can teams just walk into the offensive zone and then prepare to set up some plays? Don’t pressure them behind the blue line and let them set up shots just hoping that KL will save their s** play again and again and again. If KL doesn’t stand on his head stopping shot after shot they score 5 to 10 goals a game. It looked like the turds and the canes were on the power play the whole f*** game. I would send half the team to the minors. If they don’t want to play hard…f*** them… send their sorry asses to the minors. I bet there are some guys down there who would bust their a* in Atlanta. Play like you give a f*** and are not just their to get a check. What a sorry a* excuse of an effort in the biggest game of the year so far!!! I hate losing but playing like a bunch of pussies p** me off! F***!! S**!! mother f*** b******!! OK. I feel better. Not really. We need some wins to feel better. Go thrashers
By R. Stroz
February 22, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I’d be willing to pay to see the Wolves play the Thrashers.
Honestly, I think the Wolves can take them.
By d
February 22, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Sure, KL let in some soft goals - but I attribute that to the mental and physical fatigue from the first period. I suspect Brodeur’s save % would fall below 90% if saw 45 shots a game like KL sees every night. My guess is KL’s stats would rank among the top 5 in the league if he played for the Devils.
By Nikita
February 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
On KL…
Dude, that’s a lot of shots. You’d be tired, too.
3rd and 4th rebounds are inexcusable and also very hard to follow. And KL faced plenty of them.
Basically Carolina’s offense just strolled all over our defense. Inexcusable.
By B. Thenet
February 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I can’t dog Kari for his effort last night. Yes, he had some bad goals…however he was still one of the best Thrashers on the ice last night.
By DaveM
February 22, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
On the plus side, season ticket holders will be paying more for the mediocre product on the ice…
By TableHockey
February 22, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
So after 62 games we are 29-29-04 as opposed to last season at 31-22-09.
But last years game 62 started a winning streak of 13 out of 21 games.
Can we do it again? Not if they continue to play like they did last night.
We did have a stretch this season where we won 8 of 11 but we haven’t had many winning streaks this year - I believe our longest win streak is four games and we’ve done it twice this year.
The only hope I have for some post season hockey is a trade that revitalizes this team. Our big streak last season came after we added Tkachuk. Hopefully this season will turn around on something other than a rental player that we lose in July…
By NASCAR Dave
February 22, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
HEY TRASHERS Who let the SUCK out?
WHY, YOU DID YOU GUTLESS LOSERS!
WHAT A BUNCH OF PANTY-WEARING WIMPS!
I’M GONNA WATCH NASHVILLE FROM NOW ON. AT LEAST THEY PLAY WITH PRIDE.
AND THEY WILL BE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS, SOMEWHERE THIS SORRY, PATHETIC BUNCH OF WIMPS WILL NEVER GO!
NUFF SAID!
By R. Stroz
February 22, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
DaveM
On the plus side, season ticket holders will be paying more for the mediocre product on the ice…
There may not be many season ticket holders left. Many season ticket holders are not renewing.
By BG33Brown
February 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
The issue on this team isn’t talent. IT’S EFFORT.
Lack of effort comes from lack of caring and more importantly-lack of accountability.
DW and Holik are a combination of GM/Coach and Capitan are an uneffective laughing stock.
Holik may be the captian, but he isn’t the leader of that team. Quite frankly, we don’t have one leader on the team.
That is what we need leadership. Hire Stevie Y as the GM (or Quinn), bring John Anderson up to coach (of course with Stevie’s approval) and lets find a UFA leader who will bring us through the tough times.
By RICK
February 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Boy, That was pathetic. Is there any offense? Do they practice offense? I feel lucky when we just dump it in which doesn’t happen much. I am sick of these cutsey passes when we do get in the zone. Shoot the friggin puck!!!! I know most of you are in love with Exelby but he sucks. He can’t clear, can’t take the puck away from the offense, can’t put a pass on the stick, can’t do snything but a good hit now and then when the other guy is not looking. This team does not have speed, brawn, or balls. I say it is almost time to stick a fork in them. Sickening
By Brendan
February 22, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Back in November, I posted a link to the Ottawa Senators team page at CBS.Sportsline.com. It showed that the 2007 Senators didn’t hit .500 until December 23, 2006, and didn’t get OVER .500, definitively, until December 27, 2006. That Ottawa team went to the Stanley Cup Finals. Well, December 27th was roughly two months ago. And Atlanta is still at .500.
This is the difference between those two teams. It is what it is.