Ice Man

By Talon

February 26, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

I agree….

By B. Thenet

February 26, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers just got bigger and tougher in the long haul. Plus they get a 1st and a very talented young kid who has struggled since being called the Next Big Thing a couple of years ago.

I like the return. Now lets spend that extra cap space on a defenseman or two this offseason…a nice one.

By Willson

February 26, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

This Thrashers Family is in mourning. We have tickets for March and we will be there but something will be missing. Let’s hope this trade turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

By Smoothie

February 26, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

A good trade and DWad may have just saved his tail with this deal. Never did I think we’d get TWO roster players (including a center), a prospect AND a 1st rounder!! That must’ve been the only offer on the table for 2 non-UFA roster players.

In that sense this is a good deal. All players involved are 6’ 1” and taller with a reputation for hustle, grit and even speed. Now if we can just get something for Holik — another defensemen perhaps?? I’m hoping the league office just hasn’t had time to call and verify the details on both sides…hopefully the faxes are sitting in the inbox!!

By Vitamin Z

February 26, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I hope we resign Dupuis this summer. I really don’t get this deal for Pens though. There is no way they can get Hossa after the summer.

By kracker

February 26, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty positive about these guys at first glance. Christensen was playing behind two great centers and is sizeable at 6-1. He is a nice upgrade to our centers. The Pittsburgh people say we will really love Armstrong so I will watch with interest. The prospect Esposito has potential as a first rounder, in fact, I think these guys are all first rounders. Plus we get a first rounder in 09.

We got a nice center and a nice winger, we got better, younger and a whole lot cheaper since the bulk of the Hossa money is now ready to be spent via trading up and acquiring free agents to fill our many needs. Add in the savings from Holik and Ruuchin and some other FAs not retained and we will have some nice money to spread around.

We did very all-right for selling a 20-game rental cause Pittsburgh will have a difficult cap problem paying Hossa along with first line wizards Crosby and Malkin. The talk on NHL Network was that this was surely an owner driven deal by Lemieux to try to challenge for the Cup this year in Pittsburgh. (Not bad for a team that a few months ago was going to Las Vegas, Hamilton or wherever.)

By Andy

February 26, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

I disagree. When you have an asset as valuable as Hossa that you have to unload and your intent is to pick up youth and future talent, you’re not trading for what the team needs now, you’re trading for value. And from that perspective I think DW did very well.

If these players pan out, we can use them to trade for the positions we need when we need them. No point in diminishing your overall return by focusing only on what your team needs for the short term.

By Ben

February 26, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

When are you guys going to figure this out… the problem with the Thrashers’ defense is NOT that they don’t know how to play defense, it’s that they don’t know how to STOP playing defense. We haven’t shown the ability to put extended offensive pressure on the other team, sustain a forecheck, generate shots on goal and stay out of our own defensive zone. Half of your defense is actually played by your offense, and vice versa. The reason we’ve been able to win games is because we’ve over relied on the speed and counterattacking ability of Hossa and Kovalchuk, that’s not a recipe for long term success. The players we got in return are the type of players who can help change the offense style of the team into something that works on a consistent basis.

By Brendan

February 26, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I like this trade. Now, if you asked if I would have traded Heatley for Christensen, Armstrong, Espo, and a 1st rounder, my answer would be, “no!”

Buttttt, there are some mitigating factors at play here. Stay with me. Every GM knew that Waddell had to move Hossa. That made things “tough” on him. I agree with Bob and others who said the time to have traded Hossa was last Summer, for something approaching approaching equal value.

But given where we were … and where we’re headed … I think Waddell did well. Let’s give some serious thought to the “depth” strategy employed by Buffalo in the 2006 playoffs, that worked so well. With a healthy blueline, the Sabres probably defeat the Canes in the Conference Finals and who knows from there vs. the Oilers. But I digress.

We got two good, young players, with heart and skill and some grit. God, we NEEDED that!! One of them is a shootout specialist. Good! And Esposito … well, who knows? If he cracks our lineup and plays three (3) seasons, we did well. And what we do with this 1st overall pick … is also a huge indicator of how well we did on this trade.

The best kinds of trades are ones that help BOTH teams. I think that happened today. Pittsburgh didn’t NEED Hossa, but he certainly makes them better. And in Dupuis, they got a playoff tested player. Ever watch the 2003 playoff highlights? Dupuis is all over them for Minnesota. Who knows, if Atlanta re-signs Dupuis, it’d be sweet. But if you were Dupuis, why wouldn’t you re-sign with the Penguins? At a discount, too!

Time for Waddell to formulate a “game plan” for getting better on Defense. Or he could lose Kari to an offersheet this Summer. With the deadline behind us, the next priority ought to be … re-inking Kari, now, on the cheap. Then locking up Popovic and Sterling, who are RFA’s. Otherwise, some other GM can jackup the price on us. Also, it should be noted that Tobias Enstrom becomes “eligible” to be re-signed this Summer. I highly recommend that Waddell, or whomever is the GM, get on that project, starting July 1, 2008. Also, on that SAME DAY, it would be “wise” to offer an extention to center Eric Perrin, who becomes “eligible” to be re-signed, too. Perrin and Enstrom’s contracts don’t expire until 2009. But why wait???

By Thrasher Ryan

February 26, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

BAD DEAL.

No Playoffs = No Waddell

It was obvious we needed to address ou DEFENSE. Waddell failed to address our needs. We have plenty of wingers already, this makes very little sense.

Why he chose to retain Holik, Zhitnik, Hedberg is beyond me. Maybe he can explain?

I can’t believe I waited around all day for this. How pathetic.

By Ben

February 26, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

If you were an opposing GM, would YOU want Zhitnik? I doubt it! We’re better off waiving Zhit, he has no trade value.

By joe

February 26, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I went to the pen’s web site to see how they felt about the deal. Most said they gave up too much. We can always sign pacquel in the off season. We moved two ufa’s and got size, speed and the enthusiasm of youth. Let’s see what happens. We have 19 games to go, anything can happen.

By kracker

February 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan We address our defensive and other needs via offseason trades and FA acquisitions. We will have considerable money available for our shopping spree.

We also have young servicable players in Chicago to fill out next years roster. They should be called up for further evaluation as soon as the playoffs are totally out of reach this season. That likely won’t take but a few games longer. In fact, improving our draft position may be the best course of action for the remainder of this season.

By Andy

February 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Some of you seem to think we were only a few defensive players away from being a strong playoff team. That’s just not true.

Let the rebuilding begin.

By Make me believe in blueland please!

February 26, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

I like the trade, of course only time will tell to see who this really works out for. I wish they could have upgraded their defense as well but thinking about the problems sourrounding this team, defense seems to constantly take the brunt of it. I certainly agree with that. Zhitnik and Klee are just terrible. They just seem to be on the ice for every single goal against. But i must say, and can’t recall anyone else realy pointing out this flaw is, why are teams in the Thrashers defensive zone for long enough periods of time to get 40+ shots a game? How many games does it seem the entire game is played in front of Lehtonen or Hedburg? I know the defense making a playable breakout 1st pass is a crucial one indeed but why else? A big reason is, besides #17, and sadly #18, the Thrash don’t really have a possesion type offense to stay in the offensive zone very long.

Think about it, every offensive chance seems to be when Kovy has a rush up the left side. Aside from that, they try to dump and chase, yet don’t have the dump and chase personel so they can’t get it back. Teams have learned that and stand them up on the blueline and force them to give up the puck and back into defense mode we go. They don’t like getting the “dirty” goals by standing in front of the net. When was the last time you saw a scrum in front of the other teams goalie because they couldn’t get a Thrasher out of the crease? I couldn’t tell ya but i could tell ya that it doesn’t happen very often. At least not often enough for a playoff team.

Sadly, the 4th liners of Bolts, Thor, and Slater all seem to play the best puck possesion game on the team. That just can’t be the case on a solid hockey team. You can’t play constant perimeter hockey, always just looking for the breakaway or 2 on 1 break. It seems the team is playing “defense” for 85% of the game.

The offense’s ineptitude to keep play in the other teams zone has a direct impact on the Thrash defensive lapses. Then it definately doesn’t help that you have less than steller defense “patroling” the D zone.

Sadly, this is why they were swept in the playoffs last year badly, and failed to suceed this year. They don’t play “playoff” style hockey. The passion, the intensity, the big hits, the standing up for teammates, the character, the ability to respond to a challenge, the pride, the grind it on the boards, the toughness in front of the net, the will to hit before being hit, the wilingness to do what you need to do to get the job done.

You will score goals from the outside from time to time. But to be a real contender, you need to have the drive to get dirty, work the boards, get nasty in front of the net and on the boards. Most of all, you need the heart. And sadly, while i won’t say never, you rarely see any of those descriptions describing many Thrashers or their team style of play.

Sounds like Armstrong and Christiansen are just the type players they need on this team. Can’t build a real legitamite contender around 2 superstars and a bunch of roster fillers. Depth was improved, got bigger, younger and don’t forget, freed up money for the summer. Now what they do with it, or who makes the actually moves is still debatable.

I think (hope) this is a step in the right direction. Only time will tell.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 26, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

thrasher ryan who was asking for zhitnik? it makes no sense to blame waddell for not getting rid of zhitnik when you yourself say that you dont want him. i like the trades as i am hearing good things about two of the players and we also got a third player and a first round draft pick

By five_hole

February 26, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Right now, I’m just not 100% sold on it. If these were young talented defenders…different story. - Rawhide

I’m not unhappy with this trade. It’s not ungood. We got pretty much what we were expecting; a player, a prospect and a pick. And Dupuis for (either) Armstrong (or Christianson). As others have said, we added size and toughness, something we desparately needed. Both of these players are young (23 & 24) so they have upside. Plus we got essentially Pittsburgh’s 1st rounder last year, plus their 1st rounder this year. Not bad. Especially for 2 UFA’s.

I think this is comparable to what we gave up last year for Dupuis and Tkachuk.

My guess is that DW couldn’t unload Holik or Zhit on anyone else; would you trade for them? At their salaries?

All in all, not bad for a soon-to-be ex-GM (I hope).

By JLB

February 26, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

This franchise is a complete disaster from the top down! First off, there are too many owners b*tching at each other over who owns what, etc. Why not model yourself after a successful team like Detroit… ONE owner who hires a GM to run his team for him! The two owners who live in Atlanta aren’t even hockey fans, but basketball fans instead! Secondly, a COMPLETELY incompetent GM who fired the guy that took this team to the playoffs in order to save his own butt! And he’s like a broken record, constantly saying “We’re building for the future”. I’ve been a hockey fan for a long time, well before the Thrashers arrived here. I’ve given my support to them since ‘99. I’m tired of waiting for this team that D-Wad keeps promising! And this latest trade… a joke. Basically we got 4 “possibilities” for 2 very good, talented players. I suppose it was all in the name of building for the future, though. FIRE WADDELL!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

February 26, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, at least we didn’t deal with Montreal! I can at least be happy about that! They must be pi$$ed up there! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

GO FLAMES!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

February 26, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Who is Alexandre Giroux? TSN is reporting we traded him to the Crapitals for Joe Motzko. Is this a mistake? I’m not sure who this guy is…..

By kracker

February 26, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

What do the Habs do with those Hossa gloves and sweaters now? Good luck, Marian and Pascal. See you on the 2nd.

By Thrasher Ryan

February 26, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Guys, we have the WORST Defense in the league. That is a fact. All I am asking for is Waddell to explain why he felt our Defense did not need to be addressed. And I won’t hold my breath for an answer, either…

By thrashermanfromtoccoa

February 26, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

SAY IT AIN’T SO…HOSS IS GONE//THE NORTH GEORGIA THRASHER NATION MOURNS

By Alan

February 26, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan - I posted this in Craig’s blog a couple hours back:

There’s one other trade reported by TSN. Atlanta traded Alexandre Giroux to Washington for Joe Motzko.

Giroux was signed by WSH in 2006, then signed by ATL in 2007. Motzko was signed by WSH in 2007 after he played on the Ducks for the Stanley Cup.

So basically, we gave Washington back one of their own for someone with Stanley Cup experience. Both are currently in the AHL though.

By Thrasher Ryan

February 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Now we have a few choices of who to cheap shot next time we play PITT.

Let’s see, Cindy Crosby, Mary Hossa, Staal…. the possibilities are endless.

Hey PITT, karma’s a b*tch, huh?

By Rawhide

February 26, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Vitamin Z - I agree about Dupuis…if he resigns this summer, then it looks like a better deal.

Now, heres how elese I think I can look back at this later and like it more. If, like kracker said… we take the extra money and invest in some defensive help.

Ben You post about Zhitnik is right on target. As posted last night…if YOU are a GM…would YOU trade a way a quality player of a prospect for him, his -11 and $3.5M salary??

Nope…me either.

Another thing….I won’t say we did “bad” in this deal….(still don’t like the fact that our D-line looks the same, but whatev)….

I mean, Marian was gone no matter what….so we go something in return. We just have to wait and see how the players mix now and next year. Problem is…the REASON Marian left. I think it’s a serious statement he made, pretty much saying, “You have almost 3 seasons and I really didn’t see how it was getting any better”.

Yikes!

If indeed we do fail to make the playoffs, (and barring a miracle, we won’t), then I’ll be rooting like the devil for the Marian and Pascal!

By puckjunque

February 26, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Lest we not forget, the Thrashers still have a game tonight. So lets have some AMENS for our team.

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers. We are grateful for the good health and great games the Thrashers have had this season so far. We put our faith in you that the Thrashers will continue to improve and become a stronger team. Please give the Thrashers the boost they need tonight to dominate the ice, defend our net and kick the habs a$$! AMEN!!!

Go Thrashers!!

By kracker

February 26, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Looks like we swapped career AHLers.

By Rawhide

February 26, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN-MEN!!! Thanks, PJ…I needed that!

Yes, indeed…let’s go MAUL MONTREAL!!

By Andy

February 26, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan - the only teams that need to address their immediate concerns at the trade deadline (when the prices are high) are playoff-bound teams. This Thrashers team without (with?) Hossa is a first-round-and-out embarrassment at best.

There is plenty of time to fix the defense problem this summer. And with younger players and lower overall salary, that’s suddenly a reasonable possibility.

Again, the deadline is not the time for bottom-5 teams to go after top-line defense.

By Thrasher Ryan

February 26, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Amen, PJ!

I honestly don’t know what to expect tonight… As for predictions, here I got one for you.

Holik will take at least 2 penalties tonight.

Hopefully Little is here to stay for the rest of the season.

By kracker

February 26, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

A-trade day-men! And it’s win-wins game for the next few. Win and we keep our feeble playoff hopes alive if the Canes, Caps AND Cats oblige us and all lose. Lose and we hopefully can improve our draft position a few spots and maybe steal the #1 pick…Lemme see…who would that be this year…

By Ron

February 26, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

This is very good for the Thrashers in the long run. The Thrashers are younger, stronger, faster, and grittier because of this. I think you’ll see that Armstrong is a pretty fair replacement for Dupuis. Esposito has a lot of upside. The first round pick in the upcoming draft should yield a good prospect. Add to that, Cap space that has opened up for off season moves. Hossa 6.0, let Holik go this summer 4.25, Ruchin’s cap hit of 2.125 goes away. The two new guys only total 1.95. So, we net 10.425 cap space. We are already sitting on 6.506, so if the owners want to spend to the ceiling we have 16.931 million dollars to spend for next year.

It’s the optimist’s viewpoint.

By PJ

February 26, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Rawhide I almost prayed that they just go out there and have fun. I hope they kids get plenty of ice time tonight and get the rest of the team re-inspired.

By Midfield

February 26, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Actually, I think it’s Pittsburgh fans who should be wondering about this trade. I understand that Hossa is an outright rental for them, since they will need a cap space to resign Malkin. So, they gave up some talent and size in hopes that the guy who never did well in the play-offs finally breaks-out and wins them the cup. Good luck. I will miss Dupuis, though. Oh, and one more thing: Ruutu sucks.

By PensFanInHotlanta

February 26, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

You guys are gonna love Armstrong. He’s an overacheiver and I’ve always loved watching him play. He can score, he goes for the gritty goals and he plants at least one opponent just about every game. Christenson is/was our best guy in shootouts. He’s also big and very talented. If we can’t sign Hossa after season ends, I’m gonna be ticked we gave up these guys for him!

By Lew318

February 26, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE The trader is what it is. What really matters is: 1. How this team of under achievers play tonight (specifically Kovy) 2. Who the new coach will be (I don’t think Waddell is going anywhere) 3. If the two experienced guys Christiansen and Armstrong fit in right away

By Lew318

February 26, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE The trade is what it is. What really matters is: 1. How this team of under achievers play tonight (specifically Kovy) 2. Who the new coach will be (I don’t think Waddell is going anywhere) 3. If the two experienced guys Christiansen and Armstrong fit in right away

By Thrashy Thrashy

February 26, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

The fact is that the Thrashers have needed players like Armstrong and Christensen for a while. It’s a shame that they had to move a great talent like Hossa to do it, but I have a feeling that this deal will end up working out well.

I wouldn’t mind seeing some hits like this at Blueland:

Colby Armstrong on Jeff Carter

By Thrashy Thrashy

February 26, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Gotta love YouTube…

Armstrong on Koivu

By Tom

February 26, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

I just spent a few minutes watching Mr. Armstrong hitting players.

I like that. If he does not get lulled to sleep in Atlanta he will be a welcome addition to the team with hits like these.

By Capt. Caveman

February 26, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Rawhide

I like the trade versus not getting anything after the season. Let’s be real - the only reason the Thrashers are in playoff contention is the fact that our division is full of .500 teams. I like the young players we got and I think we will get 2 good 1st round pks between ours and theirs. It’s not like we were going to win the Stanley Cup as favorites.

WOW - I can’t believe I posted on your sucky blog.

BUDDY !!!!!!

By Bob

February 26, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

For how badly Waddell played this whole sage with Hossa, the weak return he got today was about the best he could of expected.

Esposito was a consensus #1 overall a year before his draft, he dropped all the way to #20 and his stock is continuing to drop, character issues abound with him, think of Bourett here.

The other two are 3rd line guys, sure the one guy put up a few pts with Crosby, but I think I could pot a few with him centering me.

The pick will be a late one, next year’s draft is supposed to be good, but there’s a big drop off after the top 7, let’s hope we tank the rest of the year (and we will).

Most interesting news I’ve heard is two things. First, Waddell said he didn’t trade Holik, etc. since he feels we can make a playoff run here this year (I kid you not, the incompetence just reeks here but it was an easy call that he was going to do that, I saw that coming a mile away).

Second, the Habs and Sens are both p** at Waddell for how he handled the trade. All the noise about the Habs had to have come from Waddell trying to get other GMs to up the ante, and the Pens bit a little. Waddell used the Habs and Sens GMs and that will not sit well. No biggie though, this is Waddell’s swan song, sad thing is, he tried to bolster the lineup for this year, and we still have no D. Pitiful, just plain pitiful.

By Nikita

February 26, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

A. I think this is a great trade.

B. My hope for the Thrashers would be that by dumping one of two stars they’ll learn to play as a team, rather than as four people supporting a star on each line, which is a huge reason why the team has been poor this season.

C. Watching the game…good fight so far. The checking line and Little look great. And Exelby is playing like he means it. Which makes me wonder if the team wasn’t intentionally sandbagging.

By stendec

February 26, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. I will be in the minority in what I am about to say but so be it. I would rather field a team WITH NO superstar than one which has been completely neutralized. I would much rather see a team of above average players busting their buns every time they hit the ice than a franchise player who may score a load of goals one outing then go silent for games on end. It is much easier to game plan defensively for ONE player than 20! Shut down Ilya Kovalchuk and Thrashers are impotent. Same with my beloved Calgary Flames and that Iggy guy. Supporting cast goals scored from time to time not nearly enough! Much rather have four players with 15 goals each than one with 60. I like and respect IK but he will never be a one-man team. No one can. Not even Wayne Gretzky was. Although he and came close! Anyone else in tune with these sentiments? Oh well. Getting primed for big showdown later. Will Thrashers go bellyup again? Will Letemin exit LaLa Land long enough to make a few saves? If he plays! Stay tuned to same bat channel at same bat time. GO BLUE!

By kracker

February 26, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Christensen: 58.6% on face offs. :)

By Rawhide

February 26, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks Stendec, I’ll let Craig know you said that :o)

By HookyBob

February 26, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

RawhideMixed emotions, concerns. We have just lost 2 of our 3 best penalty killers. What will that do to the 25th ranked PK?

Also, Rawhide’s concern about defence is valid. No help for the team with the highest shots & goals against in the league.

On the glass being half full. Is Armstrong the type to park in front of the oppnents goal? I hope so. This will make us younger and free up some room to spend on FAs.

Overall, I think we did OK.

By stendec

February 26, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Sori Letemin up to old tricks! What do fans have to do to get Moose between pipes and this daydreaming SOB on bench? Or, better yet, back in F+++++G Finland! KL must be popular at campouts with all the marshmallow goals he surrenders. Marian Hossa gone? Hard to tell. Same old heartless non-effort. Shut down Ilya Kovalchuk and…(see somewhere above). Wanted Letemin gone! Guess his trade value is zilch. Do not blame rest of NHL. What a waste! Another loss in a long line. Moose. Moose. MOOSE! Oh well. On to 40 more minutes of unwatchable S++T! It will all be over soon. Truly Falcons on ice. GO FLAMES!

By stendec

February 26, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Ilya Kovalchuk scored equalizer! Will wonders never cease? Now if only the Thrashers had a netminder…

By stendec

February 26, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Sorry Rawhide. Meds must be malfunctioning!

By five_hole

February 26, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

We seem to be playing like a planet was lifed off our shoulders. Either that, or they’re playing for jobs next year. However, it shakes out, I like the jump in our game.

stendec needs to go to goaltenders 101. Lehtonen is on top of his game. See, goalies don’t do it all by themselves. If we only had D-men who could clear the front of the net (including X, who’s a hitter, but average at best defensively), Lehtonen would be unbeatable.

Which brings me to what do we do next year? We just cleared about $12.6 mil off our roster. What I would love to see us go after is B. Campbell. We absolutely NEED a puck moving offensive defenseman (that plays pretty good defense). If Boyle got 6 years - $40 mil, I’d start there.

By kracker

February 26, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Best line of the day about Armstrong by a Pens fan: Armstrong is pretty entertaining, aside from the hits he’s always good for a quote, both on and of the ice. How can you not like a guy who told Rod Brind’Amour that he looks like a camel?

By Ron Mexico

February 26, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Quite the optimist eh? I think Kari is doing rather well thus far :-P

By Rawhide

February 26, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Kracker - How can you not like a guy who told Rod Brind’Amour that he looks like a camel? - HA! OK, Army is “in”!

By Capt. Caveman

February 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Rawhide

In case you missed it, Kovy just said on TV that he hopes to play with Hossa again. Now since he’s not coming back to ATL — I think that Kovy might have just started his own “trade me outa here” campaign!!

By Ron Mexico

February 26, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

AND we’re acutally outshooting someone for a change! Excellent! Bill and Ted Air Guitar motion…thingy.

By The Other Bob

February 26, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I wanna see Armstrong put Jerk-o Ruutu on his arse Sunday!

By stendec

February 26, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

I am in Goaltenders 101. Letemin could not stand being tied. Clueless Finn now has Thrashers in 3-1 hole. FLASH: Make that 4-1. No, make that 5-1. Tallies keep rolling in for Letemin. NO EXCUSES PLEASE! Most overrated piece of S++T so-called netminder in NHL. Talentless quitter. That is what my Goaltender 101 Primer says. Could not agree more! Hope Letemin returns to LaLa Land. AND STAYS! Another winnable game flushed down toilet by Letemin. Was Moose time. Thanks A+++++E Waddell. GO FLAMES!

By Thrashers=Hawks

February 26, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

How does a team collectively suck so bad???? Seriously, these guys get paid for this! I don’t care how many trades we make. Our strategy is horrible and so is our goalie and defense. Kari was at center ice on that 3rd goal. By the way, Montreal just scored two goals while I have been writing these 6 sentences…F’ing horrible!!!!!!!!!!

By Rone

February 26, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

This 3rd period is awful. We completely fell apart in a matter of 5 minutes.

By stendec

February 26, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Fare thee well Marian Hossa! At least YOU were able to escape from asylum before it was too late. Letemin heading toward double digit night. What a F+++++G waste. TURN BLUELAND INTO PARKING LOT!

By Ron Mexico

February 26, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

…and this has quickly gone to hell in a handbasket.

By stendec

February 26, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hell, let Habs run roughshod over Letemin. His departure will only force C++++++++R Waddell to insert a REAL netminder! Complete debacle. How many goals has Letemin allowed? What a F+++++G surprise. Line up aplogists! Let the excuse making begin. GO FLAMES!

By Tom

February 26, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Stroz made the post game show.

I knew that man was bound for the big time, although I did laugh that he was going to renew his season tickets after belly aching about it in the AJC article. :)

By Lew318

February 26, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

The team played 43 minutes and then collapsed! can’t blame it all on Kari, this team has forgotten how to score. Their passing is not crisp nor accurate, although we outshot the Canadians for a while we just proved we lose either being outshot or out shooting…It’s all the same!!

Kovi is still favoring his knee, the only forwards skating were the guys called up. Zit got deaked aso badly he almost fell on Kari on one play(how can a guy lose so much over one summer).

We need to extend Ilya’s contract as quickly as possible, get a coach and start building for next year. Of course that is all contingent on the owners knowing how to spell hockey!!

WHAT A MESS!!!

By kracker

February 26, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

These are now win-win games folks, lets remember that. Win and we get, well, a win. Lose and we are assured of a top 5 pick and maybe the first selection.

2007 NHL Entry Draft Rules

The 14 teams that did not make the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, or who have acquired a first round selection through a trade, are given a weighted percentage to win the Draft Lottery. The team with the lowest amount of regular season points will be given the greatest percentage to win lottery and therefore, the greatest chance to win the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

On April 10th, the NHL will conduct with it’s Draft Drawing to determine the order for the 14 teams that did not make the playoffs. Teams are only able to move up four spots in the draft. Therefore, only the top five teams have an opportunity to get the first overall selection. Teams can only move down one spot.

The NHL also made a change this year regarding the last 4 picks in the NHL Entry Draft. The 4 Stanley Cup semifinalists, will receive the last four selections in every round of the draft, regardless of how they finished in the regular season. The conference final losers will select 27th and 28th, the Stanley Cup loser 29th and the Stanley Cup champion will select 30th.

——The Thrashers began play tonight with the 4th worst record.——

By R. Stroz

February 26, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Tom - What was said in the post game show? I haven’t posted any questions for Thrashers live nor do I plan on purchasing tickets for next season until I see what happens after July 1?

By stendec

February 26, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Heard Waddell after game! What an ignorant moron! Still awaiting Letemin excuse parade. Sure all five tallies can be adequately explained. NOT! Where are Chicago kids? The time is now!

By Colby hits 'em

February 26, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

I saw it too. Stroz you have to make up your mind here or Tom will call you out on it buddy. At least Hossa didn’t score on us tonight.

By Tom

February 26, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

They posted a question from Stroz in Woodstock stating that you were pleased with the trade and that you were now going to renew your season tickets.

I was cackling at the television thinking that you sure did a 180.

Then I figured someone was having you on. They had asked for emails before hand so either someone is playing with you or an intern at the station was having some fun.

T

By R. Stroz

February 26, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

I made up my mind several weeks ago NOT to renew tickets.

I want to know who posed as me?

I also wonder if it was my ASG rep as she is one of the few people who know which suburb of Atlanta I live in.

By stendec

February 26, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Letemin thoughts remain his own. Probably for best. Retreated back to LaLa Land. Four goals in 20 minutes pitiful even by his miserable standards! Most oveerated so-called goalie anywhere. Sink or swim? Down for third time and count. Glub glub glub!

By Colby hits 'em

February 26, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

I saw it too. Stroz, you have to make up your mind or Tom will call you out on it buddy. At least Hossa didn’t score on us tonight.

By Tom

February 26, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Hopped onto the laptop to transcribe it from the Tivo at 10:02 mark.

I am sorry to see Hossa go, but I am very happy with those young players that Don Waddell got in return. I am definately renewing my season tickets next season after seeing this. Tell us more about these up and comers.

“Stroz” - Woodstock, GA

By Slava

February 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Stroz misremembers saying that he wasn’t going to renew his tickets.

By R. Stroz

February 26, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Tom - Please save it.

It looks like some jerk posed as me and is trying to reverse the damage that has taken place with the ticket package holders.

If anyone wants to know if I renewed my tickets, please call my ASG rep Stacey Belding at 404-878-3719 and ask her.

I have not, nor do I plan, on renewing my tickets until I see what happens in the free agent market this summer.

If the ASG did this as a sales ploy, I’ll never buy another ticket.

By kracker

February 26, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Stroz I think it was BBB

By R. Stroz

February 26, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

kracker - I’ll find out who did this. BBB wouldn’t do it.

By B. Thenet

February 26, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Stop stealing JK Sockey’s thunder, he was the real star of the post game show.

By kracker

February 26, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Just kidding…sort of funny though, don’t you think? For the record, I don’t know where you live.

By off the post

February 26, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

R.Stroz I think Don Waddell did it. Now that he doesn’t have the trade deadline to worry about he has extra time on his hands to pull pranks on you. If someone calls you tonight asking for Prince Albert in a can see if you recognize Waddell’s voice.

By erock

February 26, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

EVERYONE…This is my response to the letter Waddell sent out on the trade….Mr Waddell, This one trade you are bragging about is average at best but I think you did all you could to get proper value. On the other hand you allowed some valuble UFA trade pieces to remain on this Team.They will of course walk for nothing come July 1st. Your reasoning for this was to try and make the playoffs this year and that is just not going to happen. The Atlanta Thrashers are the 3rd worst team in the entire league as of today and they played horrible tonight so that rational is not going to come true.I will not be attending anymore games or consider buying season tickets until you are no longer the VP/GM/COACH. They go up on the price of the tickets and give us a worse product.Good luck in your future endeavors with some other organization.

By Anonymous hockey coach

February 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Uh yeah uh rstroz? So uh, is your uh refrigerator running eh?

By R. Stroz

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

kracker - I really don’t think it’s very funny as I’m heading out of town tomorrow to bury my grandfather who had a massive stroke two days ago.

By R. Stroz

February 26, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Anonymous hockey coach - my fridge is running, what does that have to do with this?

By Bob

February 26, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Who saw Waddell’s comments in the press conference and the postgame show?!?! Hi-larious! At least he’s going out swinging, what a goof.

By Anonymous hockey coach

February 26, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

well uh rstroz, you uh, better go catch it before it uh, runs away eh?

By R. Stroz

February 26, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Roswell Thrasherfan - Keep it up, I already know you are the guilty party. Inside source.

Try some new names other than Slava, Colby hits ‘em, and Anonymous hockey coach.

By Jameson

February 26, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

I think it’s obvious what to do with our extra 1st round pick if we don’t win the lottery… Trade up!

By sick of losers

February 26, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Let’s give DW some credit—after F’ing up the Hossa situation, he got a reasonable return for a guy who was not going to re-sign with us. DW has had enough time to succeed and has failed miserably. He won’t know what to do with the draft pick he just acquired. If the ownership of this team gives a sh— about winning, DW will be gone, a real GM and coach will be hired and we’ll get some proven players in the off-season. If not, look for lots of half price tickets next year—including mine which will be available…Go Gladiatiors, same quality hockey at a tenth the price.

Too bad for Kovy, who gives 100% and deserves better than to spend his career on a crap organization surrounded by mediocre players.

By J(Z)

February 26, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Operation Believe in Tankland underway. (aka - Operation Stamkos)

Thrashers now all alone in 28th place thanks to their 5-1 loss and Edmonton’s 4-3 shootout win over the red wings!!!!

Go ‘Ning! Go Kings!!!!

By LAC

February 26, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Ben & Rawhide correct NOBODY wants Zit… we are stuck with him through next season.

I am shocked holik/larsen/klee ARE still here. I was sure they would have gone for some picks, esp holik.

After tonight this year is over…

These owners wanted PROGRESS this season, well BOYS it aint gonna happen, so maybe you will open your eyes and get a REAL NHL GM and start to rebuild this MESS waddell has created, FIRE WADDELL NOW !

By Brendan

February 27, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

If we lose 14 of the next 19 games … we’ll get either Stampkos or Doughty in the June Draft, plus the 1st rounder from Pittsburgh.

By Capt. Caveman

February 27, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

r stroz

who cares if you renewed your tix or not. You make it sound like a world changing event if the 10 people on this blog actually think you did. NOBODY CARES!!!

You are not that important. Get over it.

Like I said. This blog sux.

By Thrashy Thrashy

February 27, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

I’m down with the tanking. If you ain’t playing for the Cup, you might as well be tanking for the top pick. I truly believe this is possible. If you believe, you can achieve.

By LAC

February 27, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this

Hey Stroz I’m with ya !!!!!

By rimbaud

February 27, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

Not a big fan of Waddell but you need to cut him some slack on keeping the UFAs other than Hossa. There was very little market for these players yesterday and the UFAs who did move went for nothing. Sergei Federov was traded for Ted (not Babe) Ruth, a low level prospect from Washington. Chicago had fire sale signs posted and could only move Marty LaPointe for a sixth rounder. What would Holik have brought in return? Even Yanic Perrault who had Don Cherry filibustering for some one to scoop him up couldn’t be moved.

By erock

February 27, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

RIMBAUD……GETTING SOMETHING IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN NOTHING…SOMETIMES THOSE VERY LATE ROUND PICKS BECOME SOMETHING…HOLIK IS OBVIOUSLY NOTHING BECAUSE NOBODY WANTED HIM !!!

By RT

February 27, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

This doesn’t come back with an error, maybe it really goes through to him Don.waddell@atlantaspirit.com

By Nikita

February 27, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Oh, quit your hand-wringing about our pending UFAs…

1. There’s nothing wrong with Holik except we overpaid for him. He’s doing a serviceable job, and is an important part of the team, and trading him away for a bag of used pucks would be stupid.

2. Same goes for Hedberg. Though he’s more reasonably priced.

3. We’re really screwed with regard to Zhitnik, because we’re stuck with him through summer ‘09 at more than he’s worth. And he’s not a valuable part of the team right now. Atlanta needs to waive him.

The team fell apart last night in the 3rd. But they were playing a complete, mostly-undisturbed MTL team. And I was really impressed with the hustle last night — they looked pretty good. So…does anyone doubt that the Hossa signing circus was affecting play?

By Bob

February 27, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

We’re really screwed with regard to Zhitnik, because we’re stuck with him through summer ‘09 at more than he’s worth. And he’s not a valuable part of the team right now. Atlanta needs to waive him.

We are screwed with Zhitnik, and that sucks as we’ve been handicaped with the bad contracts of Rucchin, Holik and those two were finally gone after this year, but you can’t just waive a guy or buy him out without eating the contract and the money stays against the cap, and he’s a $3.5m hit. So, I think we’re screwed with Zhitnik for one more year.

Obviously Zhitnik doesn’t have much respect for Waddell, only hope I see in that situation is that the schmuck picks up his play next year under a new GM and new coach.

By What the puck

February 27, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

I want to know what jerk posed as rstroz. Because i’m his kid and his grandfather did just have a massive stroke. Also whoever did it possibly screwed me out of seeing any more hockey games. Also i was very disapointed that they traded Hossa. However I am happy for Hossa since he now has a chance to get the cup. However as we all know Waddell is an idiot and as expected he screwed things up yet again.

By Brendan

February 27, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Nikita, if DW does not re-sign Bobby Holik, are you going to be angry? If DW does not re-sign Johan Hedberg in this offseason, will you be disappointed with him? If DW does not re-sign Mark Recchi, will you be furious with him?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then you SHOULD BE ANGRY that DW didn’t trade these players at yesterday’s deadline. What’s more, he still could re-sign all those players, in the OFFSEASON, had he “rented” them yesterday.

This season, despite FILIBUSTERING to the contrary, is OVER. Ohhh, mathematically, it’s still alive. Suuuure, if the Thrashers win 14 of their last 18, while dropping one in an overtime or shootout, it could still win. Speaking of “could still win,” there’s a PICK 3 lottery drawing at NOON today. Tune in to WSB-TV for the live coverage. It’s not too late to get in on that action.

By Stats

February 27, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Has Stendec ever blamed anyone but KL for anything?

What stood out to me was the poor play by two guys who should have been headed out of town, Holik & Zhit.

2nd goal came on a PP (well executed by MON). The penalty was on Zhit b/c he was slow and out of position. On the goal itself, Stuart (I think) was out of position on the backside of KL. That is why you saw him diving to try to recover. I put the goal on Zhit for dumb penalty. Cannot have dumb penalties in 3rd period against a team which dominates the PP.

3rd goal was a backbreaker. Came b/c Holik was caught up on the boards and defense was way out of position. Announcers caught it and showed a great look on replay.

Goals 4 & 5 are probably on KL. Although one came off a weak giveaway. I would assume that he was still thinking about goals 2 & 3.

Worst lines of the game - Giveaways - 14 to 7. Shots in 3rd period 15 - 6. (I think at least 4-5 of ATL’s 6 shots came after the game was out of hand).

By timthebrave

February 27, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

This season is done. I will still go to the games and root on the thrashers. If Hossa does not want to play for this team then f*** him let him go. We had to trade him but unless they use these moves to get some defenders and a center in here next year we will still be talking rebuilding instead of playoffs. We need some BIG time defenders in the offseason and a #1 center. You can blame KL all you want but unless he gives a shutout we still lose this game. I saw a lot of stupid a* turnovers. This team is not showing any heart!! We can’t pass, defend, or shoot on a consistent basis. Go Thrashers!

By PensFanInMorning

February 27, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Congrats Atlanta for pulling the wool over Shero’s eyes. Apparently Sheo didn’t learn from DWad mistake when he sold the farm for Tkackuk last year. Shero has said time and time again he will not sacrific the farm for short term gain. but what does he end up doing..that’s right sacrificing the farm. The pens gave up way to much for a guy who is no more than a 3 month rental player.

If the pens don’t win the cup this year and hossa moves on (which is highly likely) this will be judged as a collosal failure.

By Terry

February 27, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

GO PENS!!! Stanley Cup, here we come.

By Terry

February 27, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

GO PENS!!! Stanley Cup, here we come.

By tee

February 27, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Hossa will be signed, trust me! Plus, the Pens are loaded with young talent….I MEAN LOADED!

By pens fan

February 27, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

in writing from pittsburgh,i think the trade will help both teams.atlanta fans will soon find out the armstrong is a player that always gives 100% every shift of every game.also he is great in the locker room,and with fans.christensen one day could be a 30 goal scorer.as far as esposito and the #1 pick..crap shoot with both

By BlackGoldPenguin

February 28, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Just to be fair to all of you Atlanta fans, if you’re looking for grit from Chri