Ice Man

By b

February 27, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

first

By Brendan

February 27, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Truthfully, I think Kovy meant, “I hope Marian re-signs with Atlanta over the summer.” But, Kovy can’t be THAT naive, could he?

By Stats

February 27, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

just posted on the other blog RH, if you that sick of me, just say so? :)

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 Bob

February 27, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Kovy didn’t look or sound too happy. And who could blame him, Heatley forced his way out of here, Hossa forced his way out of here, and he’s left holding the bag with old Don Waddell.

This is reason #297 why they need a real GM in here post haste.

Think about how hard it’s going to be for Waddell to try to talk other UFAs into signing here. You think Brian Campbell is only going to receive an offer from Atlanta? You think he’s going to come choose to play for Waddell?

By The Other Bob

February 27, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - Still at my Trade-Deadline-A-Paloosa post here at the Cheetah! I still think I can be of some value reporting from my table here….just doing my duty….no need for overtime pay.

By Thrashers Girl

February 27, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Yeah, the Kovy scared me a bit. At first I was like “Yes! Let’s get Hoss back!” And then It was “No! Kovy don’t go!”

Nice video of the Armstrong hit. Wish we had him last night, and it was sort of sad that he got the snot beat out of him in the end.

I still am shaky on this trade, but we’ll see what happens on Thursday…

By RS

February 27, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

I don’t think I would read too much into that. When Heatley was traded Ilya said that maybe they would play together again some day.

By five_hole

February 27, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

I’m looking ahead to next year, and I’m liking what I see. First, by getting rid of Holik, Rucchin, Hossa and McCarthy (either by our choice or theirs) we free up by my count, about $13.3 million. If we resign Recchi (for what he’s making now) and pay Little’s contract, and account for Christanson & Armstrong, that leaves over $10.3 million, plus however much the cap goes up, to sign free agents.

And I’m salavating Pavlovian-style to get B. Campbell here. An offensive-minded puck rushing D-man that can legitimately play the point on the power play would change our offense dramatically. Plus, he plays pretty good defense. If we could only waive Zhitnik & Klee … .

By Brendan

February 27, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I love how optimistic we are about next season. And I don’t want to put a damper on any of that, but until we make a change at the GM position, which subsequently hires coaches and scouts, we really haven’t made any meaningful changes.

And, as Bob says, if we don’t make some big “inroads” pretty darn quickly, we’ll go through a whole season of trying to lockup Kovalchuk in the 2009-10 season. “Will he sign? Won’t he? Why didn’t we trade Kovy in the Summer of 2009 when it was clear he wouldn’t re-sign here?” Hey, don’t deny it. That’s a possibility.

I wouldn’t ever consider trading Kovalchuk. But if Kovy told the GM, “I’m not re-signing here in 2010, then that FORCES the GM’s hand a bit, doesn’t it?”

Well, hear me out, what if the GM moved Kovy to the L.A. Kings for Brown, Frolov, Cammalleri, J. Johnson, and the Kings 1st and 2nd round picks in 2009, and a conditional first rounder in 2010? That still leaves Kopitar out in L.A., plus … they’d get Kovy, potentialy all signed, sealed and delivered, for the rest of his career. To “sweeten it up a bit,” Atlanta re-signs Kovy to some 12-year deal that L.A. agrees to finance. Willingly, I might add.

Stop, I don’t want to trade Kovalchuk, EVER. Period, the end. If it were my call, I’d offer Kovalchuk $121.2 million over 12-years, for a cap hit cap of $10.1 million, and tell him, “You’re the franchise, Ilya. We’re going to build around you. And we’ve paid you more than Crosby and Ovechkin in the process. But you’re not getting some “no trade clause.” I’ll offer a “limited movement clause,” but that’s the best you’re going to get.”

His agent, Jay Grossmen, will drool worse than a trucker at the Cheetah, and agree to the terms.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I think the price on defensemen was pretty high yesterday. A first round pick for Adam Foote?! Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick for Brian Campbell as a rental. I think a 2nd and a 4th round pick for Brad Stuart as a rental. A 2nd and 5th for Hal Gill.

Most of the others Skrastins, M.A. Bergeron, Backman, and Salei wouldn’t have been much of an upgrade. Bryce Salvador would have been nice, but he was sent to NJ straight out the gate.

I hope the team can get back to basics tomorrow… less “dangling” with the puck and more aggressive play to the net.

By Brendan

February 27, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, when I first saw the title of this blog, I thought it was for a “birth control pill.”

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 27, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

sometimes i think you guys wont be happy unless everyone else is miserable. we are not even 24 hours past hossa finally being traded and already you are whining about kovy having to be traded and what we will get in return for him. and he is still signed for 2 more years but you have to focus on something that will make everyone miserable. there are many other things to look at this summer before even thinking of that. worry about global warming if you need to complain for the sake of complaining

By Pucksdeep

February 27, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

“A Letter From Don Waddell”

WhatEVER..

Bitter? Me? Naaaahh…

I wouldn’t read a single thing into what Kovy said. Players very rarely play their entire careers for one team, especially in Atlanta (unless of course you are John Smoltz or Chipper Jones). Kovy’s just thinking ahead. Heck, I would be too if I were him.

Truthfully I don’t feel that bad about the trade. It was inevitable and the fact that the 2 active players are both young AND talented could prove to be a great benefit to the Post-Hossa era in Blueland. I mean, it can’t get much worse than the current stretch. Here’s hoping they don’t find a way to prove me wrong on that.

By The Other Bob

February 27, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Brendan - Rawhide, when I first saw the title of this blog, I thought it was for a “birth control pill”. - I thought of that whiney-butt, made-for-TV movie put out 20 years ago…

By NASCAR Dave

February 27, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

WELL, THE WIMPS ARE BACK! ANOTHER MASSIVE HIT ON RECCHI LAST NIGHT AND NOT ONE THRASHER RETALIATED!!!

THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE! YOU DO NOT LET THE OTHER TEAM TAKE LIBERTIES ON YOUR TEAMMATES!

SHOW SOME DAMN HEART YOU WIMPS!

By Alan

February 27, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

“A Letter From Don Waddell”

Heh. I read it last night. The kicker was where it referred to the QMJHL as the “Quebec Montreal Junior Hockey League.” Actually, whoever wrote that letter apparently has never even heard of the league. QMJHL is actually the “Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.”

By Nikita

February 27, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Atlanta re-signs Kovy to some 12-year deal that L.A. agrees to finance. Willingly, I might add.

You’re smoking crack, I might add. 12 years for any player, no matter how good, is crazy talk. What happens if Kovy gets injured, or declines in production? At that salary, we are screwed. We wouldn’t be able to dump him, and his salary would hamstring us for years to come.

4-5 years is a great idea for Kovy. If we want to pay premium for him at his next renewal, we can do it if his performance warrants it.

By Maal

February 27, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

You mean you could understand Kovy? I speak Russian and I could barely understand his mumbling. Also typo: Here is a quick glance at the two are packing + what?

Morning after I still am so irritated and disappointed. Can’t wait for Army to get here tho. SOMEONE LET ME KNOW IF MY PREDICTION ABOUT X AND ARMY HAPPENS! :-D

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Now that www.nhlnumbers.com is back up and running I can look at this financially. I’m feeling a LOT better about this trade. I think the trade was in favor of Atlanta, but a good move for both teams.

Pittsburgh was going to lose Armstrong and Christensen in another year anyway. Pittsburgh has to save money to sign Malkin, Staal and Fleury. Crosby’s $9 million kicks in next season, so this is about the ONLY time they can afford a high-priced rental player like Hossa.

For Atlanta, we get two roster players (good one’s) who are still on their entry contracts for another year and hold RFA status. That gives us plenty of money to spend this summer.

The absolute icing on the cake, and why Pittsburgh loses this trade is Esposito and the 1st round pick… that was highway robbery.

But Kudos for both teams understanding their financial landscapes.

By JPW

February 27, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Face it Folks DW Failed Again… Not one of us would hate to have Hossa back next season (if you say you would, you are a laying to yourself), Don had the tools to make an effort to get him back next season, and blew it again. The Hossa trade went well, but I agree the blue line needed to be a focus as well and it was not. Big mistake! Yesterday was not about making this team better it was about a desperate man trying to keep his job. This mistake will as I said before haunt this team and us Fans for many years to come and will cause us more nightmares than we want to think about.

Don is thinking if he could only get this team to the Play-offs that he will save his job… WRONG! Yes, mathematically we are still in the hunt to win the division/make the play-offs, BUT let us be honest can this team still has huge holes that need to be filled and both Carolina and Washington came out of the trade deadline stronger (Hello Huet… glad we have to face you 8 times rather than 4). So short of $hitnik getting his act together (a miracle in other words) we are not going to win the division and we are not going to make the play off.

How much more smoke are we going to allow Don and the Atlanta Spirit to blow up our @$$es? We did not spend to the cap at the beginning of the season I believe it was something in the 6 million range that we had left over (nope, not enough to get a center or d-man). Now with Hossa and Pascal gone and the 2 players coming in we are saving even more!! Great!! Wonderful!! Well planned. What is this crap?? We get told that we are holding this 6 million to make a move that was a HUGE lie that most of us including myself swallowed and thought made some business sense with our team being so young/inexperienced.

We better make a huge splash come July and I will expect a new GM and Coach by mid-May!!

I feel we can all agree that Don had the tools to make this team better this year, and defiantly had the tools to make the team better next year and did not. Why because he is a fool that chooses not to see the written on the wall (your days are numbered, and you will not make the playoffs). If he wanted to fight for his job, and torment us for another season he should have made more trades. Do right by a team and most of the time good things happen in return.

I personally would have been happy to see us get a prospect and a 5th round draft pick for Zhitnik, trade Bobby (oh my captain, my captain how we will miss your brute honesty), and yes, as hard as it would be to swallow trade Moose away as well. Zhitnik is not performing at all and I am glad it only took the Don ľ of the season to realize something that most of us knew the first week of training camp when he showed his level of commitment to this team (showing up in shape to play). I would have put him on waivers the very first day, which would have sent a message! But we are stuck with him again for another year… wonderful. Holik should not be coming back next year, but since Don is married to him he just might (hopefully at a MUCH lower salary). We all know there was a market for him and don has said there was but Don chosed not to move Holik (see Holik to Don is the best thing since sliced Bread)!! Why not Don? “I am not ready to give up the season …. And it would not be fair to our fans.” Sorry Don it is not fair to us fans that you do not do what is best for this team!! Trading Moose needed to happen and at the same time I will morn lost, Moose has the knowledge and experience to past on to the younger goalies like Kari and is a pretty good back up goalie. For these reasons it is almost worth keeping him around, but if Kari is going to be Mr. Number 1 then it is time to cut the apron strings call up Ondrej and tell Kari you are now the Master, you now must teach. Just from these 3 players we could have either filled a few holes at the blue line or gotten the tools to do it.

Will Hossa be back? No! If we made the right trades or moves through out this season and make the right moves this summer could we bring him back? There is a chance. Since the end of last season when Hossa made is intent clear “I want to choose my next team and I want to win”, I have felt and I am sure I am in the minority that Hossa has giving the Thrashers organization every chance to prove that they are committed to winning and they have blown it all year long. They did outstanding signings of Free Agents, when they saw they were issues did a great job to fix them, and at the trade deadline made great trades to fix the team that much more. They did none of this, Don and the Atlanta Spirit have played us like fools they never wanted Hossa back, but decided to go through the motions to appear to us that they did. If they wanted Hossa to stay and were in talks with him then Todd White would not have been the first person you sign. Just look at Hossa’s quotes about going to play with Malkin, Staal, and Crosby that says it all. The front office would have spent to the cap and been happy to do so. When the issues that have arise all season long came up trades, waivers, and any other means would have been used to fix them. If the team cannot fix the issues and we get to the trade deadline, trade away your top 10 player to help rebuild the team (they did this), but also trade way any other player(s) that are not in your future plans for the team and do a full rebuild not a half – hearted one. If the Thrashers had done this and then made some smart moves during Free-agency they could court Hossa as well. There are still some great assets here to attract stars and better players, but for how long.

As for Ilya’s comment… we know what he means. Hossa opened the door to say it is ok to look out for what is best for you. Matts Sudin is part of a dieing breed, the idea of gutting it out and staying with a team even if you do not win a cup is becoming a foolish idea. As I said before if this team continues as is and not improve greatly in the next year or 2 Ilya will be gone, he wants a cup as well. What and who would the Thrashers have after that? If Hossa walking away hurts the image of the Thrashers to attract other superstars to come here, what will losing Ilya do?

We are well on our way to becoming the new Buffalo… Thanks Don!!

By Brian

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

Rawhide - excuse my abscence Professor. I had to stop lurking for 1 day after the trade deadline.

I am completely satisfied with the trade though. The reason I say that is because not only did we get more than what TB & Buf got for Richards & Campbell (yes, they were lesser talents than Hossa), but I think we did slightly better than what Edmonton got last year for Ryan Smyth who was the big name last year…

Not that I had time to read 1,000 posts, but I got the jist of what everyone was saying yesterday. The only thing I don’t understand is why anyone would think we are a buyer and not a seller. With that said, we are not going to upgrade the D to go from 13th to 10th in the conference. Besides, teams are not remade at the trade deadline, they are just looking for 1 component to add. Look at SJ, Dal, or any team in the last decade who made a move. They are just looking for that 1 key player. Or in our case since we should be sellers like Chicago, we are going to load up on picks & prospects or young talent. Look for the moves to come later when free agency opens, that’s when the team can get a facelift.

We are stuck with Zhitnik but everyone on this blog said he should have been traded for last year so unfortunately we have to live with him. If Recchi and Bryzgalov had to get waived, I don’t see how Zhitnik even picks up a 7th rounder…

Finally, I think Marian smokes us on Sunday for a hat trick. However, I will be interested to see how he performs in the playoffs when it counts with his new team.

By Brian

February 27, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I forgot to add, I thought I was really going to have to eat crow because I thought for sure there was going to be a sign-n-trade with Hossa. But I know for a fact that no one predicted that Dupuis would become the sweetener in the deal…

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Wow JPV… you really wasted your time writing that long post. You’re completely wrong, and really jaded.

You’re seriously going to take the stance that Atlanta had no intentions of signing Hossa?!

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

And I am going to be a Waddell apologist today, because he deserves it… he didn’t overpay for defense like San Jose and Detroit did to get Brian Campbell and Brad Stuart as rentals. Or, give up a first round draft pick for Adam Foote. But who overpaid more than them?… PITTSBURGH

We got two young stars in Armstrong and Christensen who are both still on their entry level contracts next year with RFA status at the end of it… Esposito and a 1st round draft pick too?!

We’re going to have around $15 million to spend this summer on UFA’s and that’s within our own self-imposed cap limit… plus two first round draft picks we can deal if we choose to.

Waddell is being praised all around the league today by experts and the only people giving him s** are the numbskulls on this message board who can’t climb out of their own s** they created for themselves.

By Brendan

February 27, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Who knew Brian? Who knew?? And welcome back. Where ya been??

By Rawhide

February 27, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Brian - Nice to see you back in class…hope all is well.

Maal - Again, in Kovy’s defenSe…I’m sure he was just saying nice things about Hossa.

We’ll get back with you about X and Army…but I still wish we got more help on defenSe yesterday.

JPW - standing and applauding…WOW!!! That post was absolutely Brendan-esque!!! Well done!!

NASCAR Dave - Hey, what happened to the new keyboard???

By Maal

February 27, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Your rank as my favoUrite comedian might be slipping :-D

By NASCAR Dave

February 27, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

HOKIE I think your missing the point here. Most of us like this trade.

I think the problem people here have (myself included) is that DW had plenty of time to work out other deals too.

We had 4 UFA’s we could have moved at least for D-Prospects.

DW failed to address the DEFENSE, and by keeping guys like Holik, DW is saying that we still have a chance to make the playoffs. Hell, he even said that this morning on 680.

I don’t know about you, but if I was GM for this team and “I still think we have a legitimate chance of making the plyoffs” I would have upgraded at least a little bit on DEFENSE.

SO NOW DW IS TALKING OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF HIS MOUTH!

AND JPW, I COULDN’T AGREE MORE…. WHY DID DW SAY HE WAS GOING TO SPEND THE $6 MILLION AND HE DIDN’T?

I’m just getting tired of the LIES and the SPIN from the Waddelites….

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 27, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

i think if waddells neck was really on the line like it was last year he would have gone all out yesterday and made a much bigger splash. maybe the reason waddell is building for the future is because he really got that 3 year extension afterall

By Russian

February 27, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

OK. I am going to say something. Hossa is gone. Good luck to HOSSA. WE are going to see him one more time on this season. I liked Dupie also. But stop to cry and do something good.

Season is not over yet

We are in very DEEP S** HOLE right now, but it is still HOPE. 18 GAMES left to end of season. We got two young and good players. They will try to play better than Hossa. This is for sure. I like it. We lost 4 games on road. This is very bad, but now it is our time. We can do it, atleast< F***> Try it to make a BIG Push….

By The Other Bob

February 27, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Try it to make a BIG Push… - True that, Russian…especially given who we play tomorrow. :o)

By Pittsburgh

February 27, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Your getting two of the most well liked Penguin Players. Christiansen had the best wrist shot on the Penguins and is an automatic goal in every shootout. He will easily have the skill to be a solid second line center. He is also a great sniper for the Power play.

Armstrong is the best locker room presence on the team. He is a physical presence and hits extremely hard without warning. He was also our best Penalty Killer Next to Jordan Staal.

Angelo Esposito was projected to be drafted in the top 5 last year.

All we got in exchange was a player that has not produced in the playoffs, and will probably leave our team for free agency in 5 months.

Enjoy our players.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Russian brings up a good point… for all those who thought Hossa was “dogging it” this season, this trade should be an improvement for the team.

The price tag was way too high for defensemen yesterday… we had 4 offers for Holik, but Waddell rejected them (most likely draft picks in return). He said he wouldn’t give up Holik unless someone was willing to overpay.

By Rawhide

February 27, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh - Thanks for chiming in…I hope it does pan out for us as you stated.

As for what you got…first, I think you will really enjoy the effort Dupuis puts out…and he’s great on the PK.

Hossa should fit in great with your offense…when SC returns, you guys are gonna be great up front!!! While it’s true he tends to disappear during post-season, I have a gut feeling it won’t be the case this spring. We’ll see.

You concerns about re-signing are indeed valid. We here would love to see PD come back…

By Russian

February 27, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Will somebody watch practice today or tomorrow??? I just try to figure out our lines now. My idea will be:

1. Richi-White-Kovy (I do not want to mess up their Chemistry)

2. Slava-Perin-Amstrong (I want to see this line)

3. Christiansen (he is a center?)-Holik-Stuart

4. Bolton-Slater-Thorton (I do not have a problem with this line)

D-men Haveld-Toby

Ex-Mac

Popovic-Kiwi

Kari in NET

Anyone else???

By ilyak

February 27, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

WHAT KOVY MEANT….translation….the owners are fighting in court….the gm is incompetent….Hoss left because he wants to have a shot at winning…if things don’t change I will leave because I also want a shot at winning sometime in my career…the only ones who want to stay are guys that want a paycheck, a tee time in April, no media spotlight, warm weather and a nice city to live in.

By Bob Hartley

February 27, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

OK, uh…everyone else from de ‘01 Avs got, ya kow…a call to come back …uh…but me.

Do I need to be ..ah…upset wid dat?

By Mike

February 27, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

It is the morning after and I still feel the same way. On the Hossa trade, I think DW got a good amount for him. Let’s not think about the fact that he didn’t help our D or that two of the guys that were rumored to be in the trade with MTL scored 3 goals against us last night. Honestly, I don’t see this team making the playoffs this year, especially after we didn’t get any D help. So that being the case, if Holik and Zhitnik had interest, DW should have gotten rid of them. Free up $3+mill on Zhitnik’s salary next year for a high level free agent or to get Hossa back. Holik could have fetched at least a few drafts picks or a prospect or two. I feel DW did half the job. Shake it up or keep it the same. Going halfway will do nothing.

By Rawhide

February 27, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, Ross McKeon of Yahoo Sports gives the Thrashers an A for their trades yesterday…the 2nd highest of all of the teams.

By Pittsburgh

February 27, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Rawhide- I do have hope that Hossa will fit in perfectly with Crosby. Crosby is a fantastic playmaker and Hossa should be able to finish most of the plays that Sid creates. In your opinion is Hossa the type to stick with us once his contract expires? Or will he go to the highest bidder come July even if Pittsburgh gives him an offer in the same ballpark?

By Steve Rucchin

February 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By J(Z)

February 27, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Anybody find it ironic that as soon as Hossa and Dupuis were Pens, Conkblock had to make 50 saves against the Islanders yesterday????

Projecting lines is fun: Kovy-Little-Recchi Kozlov-Christensen-Armstrong Stuart-White-Perrin Thorburn-Holik-Slater

(thats off the top of my head, I think Larsen & Boulton are my scratches) Did I miss anyone? And I guess that’s not really a projection, more of a wish list?

By BG33Brown

February 27, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

My line combos would be

Kovy-White-Recchi

Slava-Christensen-Armstrong

Perrin-Holik-Larsen

Bolt-Slater-Thornburn

Why not let the pitt guys play together and what about Little?

Did anyone else think he played really well last night. He looked like he was ready for a chance.

By timthebrave

February 27, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I think that Hossa will play well with pitt even in the playoffs. If he is the focus of the offense like in Atlanta he will choke but if Pitt gets healthy they have a chance at a Stanley Cup. I hope we can get Dupuis back even though he can’t finish for s** because I liked him as a player. Good speed and hustle. Hossa didn’t want to play for Atlanta and it showed!!! Good bye and good luck. I am not mad at the deal as I am at losing 4 in a row. Not just losing….but getting our asses kicked. I will be there on Thur. cheering them on. If you want to get off the bandwagon then go ahead and get off. If you do it makes you a typical Atlanta fan…We still might welcome you back in a year or 2 when the thrashers get good. We need to make some big moves this off season. Go Thrashers

By Heater

February 27, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh… if you guys can find a way to pay Hossa $7 million a season, i think he’ll stay, but it’s going to be really hard for you to do with Fleury, Staal and Malkin needing extensions.

If Armstrong was one of your best penalty killers, than the Dupuis trade makes sense. He’ll be taking Armstrong’s place on your PK, and you’ll like him because he creates a lot of shorthanded chances.

If Armstrong is a good penalty killer, the chances of Dupuis coming back might be slim… I have a feeling he might make us all forget about Dupuis in another month.

By timthebrave

February 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh, I think he is a rental. With all the good young players you have you won’t be able to lock him up for more than a year or 2. If you win the cup it was worth it. If you make it to the cup it still worth it. Anything less means you gave up too much. In my opinion

By Marian Hossa

February 27, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh… I’ll reiterate what Timthebraves said… Dupuis can’t finish a shot for s**, that’s why I said he creates lots of shorthanded “chances” because they rarely turn into shorthanded “goals”.

By MacDaddy

February 27, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Hey ASG Group Stop being nieve! Fire DW and hire Pat Quinn or any knowledgable Hockey Guy, then let him hire a real coach. This season is shot. Get rid of DW before free agency and the draft while there is still time to stop more damage.

By Pittsburgh

February 27, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

7 million for Hossa is probably not possible in Pittsburgh.

Armstrong is not a high energy player but his positional play and vision make up for it.
A perfect example of a normal shift for colby can be found on youtube. Look up Colby Armstrong hit on Jeff Carter.

Actually there are alot of his hits on Youtube.

Damn we are gonna miss those :-(

By HockeyDawg

February 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

These next 18 games may be some of the most difficult for me to watch in the history of this team. Here’s why:

I’m a huge Thrashers fan and badly want this team to succeed for the long haul, not just a 1-year flash in the pan. Because I’m most interested in the long-term success of this team, I have to hope that we lose most of the remaining games, miss the playoffs (that should be pretty easy), and land as high in the lottery order as possible. That way we can get as high a draft pick as possible in what is supposed to be a very good draft. And more importantly, missing the playoffs and finishing poorly should hopefully, HOPEFULLY, mean the end of Waddell as GM!!!

We all know that the only way this team is going to be better in the long run is if we bring in a GM who can draft and develop young talent, and who can properly evaluate free agents and what type of contracts to offer them. As long as DW remains, we’re going to continue to waste draft picks, hand out foolish free agent contracts, and wallow around in our warm pool of mediocrity!

It’s really sad that I have to wish this, but it’s really what’s in the best interest of this team!

By Don (Not that one)

February 27, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

After digging deeper, it was really a good trade on DW’s part. We got alot for a player we were going to lose anyway. But the real problem started last summer and early in the season when DW didn’t sign Hossa to a long term deal.

He should have locked Hossa in for the money he deserves before the season started. After Hossa saw the lack of quality of the moves in the off season, his price to stay went up and his play went down. As the season progressed, his price went higher and his play sunk lower. (except for his 1 game “tryout” against the Red Wings).

Anyone who didn’t notice Hossa’s play all season doesn’t know hockey. Some are blaming the knee injury from the end of last season, but the truth is, he knew he was an UFA in the summer and sure as hell wouldn’t risk getting hurt in Atlanta. And the fact that his numbers declined can easily be dismissed as caused by the lack of a supporting team.

I don’t blame Hossa for playing that way, it’s his career, his a* on the line, so once he know DW and the ownership wouldn’t really work on the team, he made his plans to go. He was NEVER going to sign with Atlanta, and if you think he’ll come back here, you are DREAMING. Until we get a GM and ownership that want to run a Hockey team, we’ll never get a good Free Agent, they always have choices and they are smart enough to shave a mil or 2 off their price to go to a better run team. Don’t forget, Atlanta Spirit was formed to buy the Hawks, the Thrashers were a forced part of the Bundle.

By Gary

February 27, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Kovy - Crosby - Hossa?

I love the sound of that

By J(Z)

February 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Why don’t I get spaces in between my line combo posts????

I’m all for losing the rest of our games to get a shot at the #1 pick. “Operation Believe in Tankland” But by no means am I hopping off any bandwagon. I still will go to the games and root for them, but I will be A LOT less dissapointed if they lose. This summer will probably be the most critical in this organ-I-zation’s history. With all the cap room we’ll have, and the prospects ready, we’ll only have about 2-3 roster spots and about $15mil to spend on them! Go get Campbell, Liles and a 1st line guy for Kovy (unfortunately #1 center’s look bleak for this group of UFAs)

By NASCAR Dave

February 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Damn we are gonna miss those :-(

PITTSBURGH DON’T WORRY, YOU’LL GET SOME BACK ON SUNDAY WHEN WE GET REVENGE FOR RUUTU’S HIT ON KOVALCHUK….. WHO DO YOU WANT US TO GO AFTER, CINDY CROSBY, MALKIN, OR HOSSA? I PREFER HOSSA.

BUT AGAIN, IT’S YOUR CHOICE.

By GaVaHokie

February 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Hockeydawg… please refrain from saying “we all know” because some of us don’t think Waddell is the problem, or atleast I don’t.

By paul

February 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Thank you DAVE for pointing out how spineless the Thrashers are. Habs toyed with them in the 3rd. I am surprised their coach didnt jump the bench and beat up Waddell just for good measure. Really sad. Is anyone else sick of watching our defensemen pass the puck back and forth while skating backwards only to fire it down the ice with no idea where they are passing it?

By Smoothie

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

While we’re at it:

Kovy — Little — Rechhi (there is no chemistry with Charmin!!)

Kozzie — Christensen — Perrin

Stuart — Holik — Armstrong

Boults — Slater — Thorburn

Bench White for a couple of games just to see what Little can do with consistent minutes…we know what we’re going to get out of Charmin: a whole lot of frustration and not enough offensive zone aggression. I like how the kid (Little) forechecks and backchecks…and he has very good vision…just a matter of time before he starts clicking with Kovy.

By kovalchuk

February 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

soon to be suckers

By Tony C.

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

PIttsburgh-I think that if yall can give him a non-insulting offer, Hoss would stick around…he says it’s all about winning The Cup-who wouldn’t like his chances with the lineup yall have now???

The only sticking point I see is that he might want a longer contract length than yall could feasibly offer-Obviously you gotta lock up Malkin long-term now before things get crazy with FA status…so that leaves less bread on the table for Hossa. But if you look at those Senators teams he was on, that was a whole lot of talent in one room-and he HAS had a good playoff or two but nowhere near the same level of consistent excellence he displays during the regular season.

But I think he’d take a 2-to-3-year $6.5M (with lotsa bonus incentives), for such a good window for winning The Cup. That’d leave yall strapped but loaded up front. Question is, how many of your blueliners are locked up for that same window already? I think that’ll be the deciding factor for yall’s front office.

Word is, SuperMario said to do the deal-to quote Team America: “I love your balls!”. Must be nice to have ownership that gives a fig about winning-We had it once upon a time hen I was a kid and Lysiak was lighting the lamp @ the Omni…but investments go south, and then you end up somehow with the douchebaggery (I invented a word!) we have here.

Anyway, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Dupuis’ hustle and grit-my boy is a gamer-We’re gonna want him back.

Enjoy Hoss & Dupuis

GO BLUE & go pens(???)

P.S. Condolences on yall’s loss of Myron Cope

By Pittsbrugh

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

If Colby were gonna smash someone i would like it to be Crosby. They are really good friends and were roomates on the road. I think it would be funny to see. That being said Crosby will still be out with a high ankle sprain and NO ONE can catch Crosby with his head down.

By Rawhide

February 27, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh - Will he sign or will he go? Well, that is the $6.5M question, isn’t it?

If I were to view this as a Pens fan, the “optimist” in me would say…”Yeah, sure. We have him, we can make a good run at the cup and we have the chance to show him that what he wants in a team is found here”.

The “realist” in me would see what he has been saying as far as testing the market after July 1 and not pin too much of my hopes on it.

By Pittsburgh

February 27, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Is Atlanta a good Hockey town? If not then maybe Hoss will enjoy the enhanced attention he will recieve here. I hope.

By Tony C.

February 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Plus hate the hype but you can’t hate Crosby’s game, he’s not afraid to battle, take an give hits, in fact of the games of his that I’ve watched he seems to play better if he catches some good, solid contact early on.

I’d like to see: Forwards

SlavaMatic, Perrin, Armstrong

Christensen, Holik, Stuart

G-Gods Line

DefenCemen

Havelid/Toby

Klee/Mac

Kiwi/Pop

yes, I love the boy, but sit X for a game at least….I’ve seen him waaaaay the hell out of position too much lately.

I woudn’t do it too obviously, but I would tell #17 that he doesn’t need to push it unless he really wants to-I’m ok with OPERATION: Believe in Tankland

I’m also OK with re-signing Holik for >/=$2M per but, next season, I want to see the C on #17.

GO BLUE !!!

By Bob

February 27, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Youse guys know I just love me some predictions, not that hard to do when based on knowledge of the subject, hindsight is for wimps.

So, a few of the misguided types round these parts loved to bad mouth Hoss this year and say how he was a guy that disappears in the playoffs. I’d like to state right now, watch the Pens in the playoffs this year, and learn. The guy will not disappear, he’s a force and plays very hard in the playoffs, I first starting watching the guy in some Sens series and was very impressed.

Now I’m sure the usual types will bluster and say good riddance, but I will always like Hoss, certainly will never boo him (he actually did us a big favor showing the owners what an incompetent GM we have here). He’s a good guy, I don’t blame him for doggin it here most of the year (and yes, Nancy, he was doggin it). He knew he was gone, anyone not named Don or an apologist thereof, knew since last summer he was gone, and he was not going to risk injury. His next contract will be around $40 million (that’s guaranteed money, Shirley), in my estimation, I don’t blame him for doggin it under Waddell.

But watch his play for the Pens this series. If Conklin can stay hot, they could go deep.

And I also think if we do get that new GM in here and it’s someone respectable, Hoss very well might re-sign here next July 1 (but no way he does it if Waddell is still here).

By Smoothie

February 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Is anyone else sick of watching our defensemen pass the puck back and forth while skating backwards only to fire it down the ice with no idea where they are passing it?

paul — could not have said it better myself!! Not only that, but another problem with our lackluster defense is that they are not very good at supporting the offense. We hardly ever “cheat up” into the zone and keep the puck in for our forwards to make something happen. Everything is predicated on a stupid transitional “home-run” pass which never connects! If this is Waddell’s idea of a system, then he is the worst coach of all time!

I realize some of our guys have deficiencies in terms of speed so we cannot take unnecessary risks, but how come we have no one (not even Enstrom) other than Exelby and McCarthy (Kiwi last night) jumping into the play to fill the slot for a scoring chance? Hell, I would be happy if they would simply stay INSIDE the blue line long enough to stop a clearing attempt and give our forwards a second chance to create a scoring chance! Go with the youngsters and stop breaking apart Ex and Mac (they should only play together on the 3rd pairing if they play at all).

By rockdr99

February 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

This was a good day for the Thrashers, we got great value — The Pittsburgh Post Gazette blogs are running 75 percent against the trade — Hossa is the ultimate rent-a-player — I also read the Yahoo hockey critique — We were ranked number 2, Pittsburgh in the bottom 5 — The key is where do we go from here — Next summer must be major bucks on defense —

Without defense, you don’t have a team — Anyone who has ever coached, knows that — Yesterday was a big step, but it was just the first of what must be many — Did I hear someone say, fire Waddell —

I was disgusted by DW’s comments that we didn’t trade Holik because we needed to stay in the playoff hunt “for the fans” — Please don’t do me any more favors —

By Mikeyy

February 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

line combo’s should be this:

Kovy-Perrin-Recchi Kozlov-Christensen-Armstrong Slater-White-Little Boulton-Holik-Larsen

White isnt producing crap this season so why not give the crafty Perrin a shot… dont break up the pens boys.. slater and little have great speed and white is a solid 3rd liner.

By Tony C.

February 27, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh-The fans here are good, and way more passionate than the writers in Toronto & NYC would lead you to believe…but not nearly as many fans in the area as up north (hey man the fishin holes here don’t freeze over).

For a biased opinion (because she’s a NYR fan) ask Linda Cohn from ESPN her opinion of the “Blueland” Faithful.

linda.cohn@espn.com

She actually responds as long you ask decent questions (and put it in the subject line)

By J(Z)

February 27, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Holy crap, the Senators just fired their coach!!!

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 27, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

jz the show i watched yesterday kept talking about that over and over again so it is odd but not surprising those guys saw it coming. i thought that only happened in jersey though

By J(Z)

February 27, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Paddock Fired

36-22-6!!!! This is very “Devils-like”

By Alan

February 27, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Waddell is looking at that. Paddock is a very capable coach, and that’s exactly what Atlanta needs.

By Willson Fam

February 27, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

I see us being blog junkies on this one! Loved most of the posts! After reading today’s blog…feeling a little better about the trade and we are anxious to see what it brings to Blueland! We will still miss our past players but that goes with the territory. I have been a fan of other players from the Thrashers that have moved on to other things. I did not say bigger or better because obviously as a Thrashers Fan there is nothing bigger or better than being in Blueland. A biased opinion yes but does not make it any less true. I am sure Penguins will treat our boys well and it should make for interesting games. We are back in March to the arena are looking forward to cheering on our Thrashers! I am learning to follow the whole team but I will whine and sulk a little longer over the trade. I am reading up on our new trades and ready to see them in action!

By Don Waddell

February 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

“Hey Paddock, yeah, it’s Waddell. Your flight leaves Ottawa at 5:00; remember, we are playing those Turds tomorrow, so bring your notes!”

“Also, tell Dany I said hello, and i’ll be waiting for you at the airport in my limo.”

By Capt. Caveman

February 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE

I posted that comment about Kovy’s interview 2 minutes after he said it.(9:20 POST YESTERDAY) And now you put almost the exact same comment in your blog like you just thought it up??

DUDE — THAT IS WEAK AND PATHETIC !!!

AGAIN — I guess this blog is just for the 10 of you that think your so friggin important.

WHAT A JOKE!!!

No wonder this blog sux!!!

By J(Z)

February 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

So whats the consensus (sp?) on Hossa’s next visit to Blueland?

A) I will boo him

B) I will cheer for him

C) He will be playing for the Thrashers, of course I’ll cheer him

(For the record, I’m going with B)

By Bob

February 27, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

J(Z)

Can I choose door D?

I will not boo him, I will not cheer him. I am Bob I am.

The guy plays for the enemy now, while I’ll always liked him, and admire him for getting out from under Waddell, I won’t cheer him either, as he’ll be playing for the enemy.

By NASCAR Dave

February 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

DUDE — THAT IS WEAK AND PATHETIC !!!

CAVEMAN Kinda like this Thrashers roster, HUH?

By Capt. Caveman

February 27, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

NASCAR DAVE

I wish it wasn’t true, but “IT IS WHAT IT IS!”

By HookyBob

February 27, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

J(Z) I’m going with “B”. Truth be known Hossa is(was) holding Blueland management accountable. What reason do we have to Believe in Blueland? In fact, I’m wondering how many fans the Penguins picked up along with this trade?

Bob: As a fan of good hockey I will cheer for class players,..even if they are with the enemy.

That said,…I’m hoping we can give Armstrong and Christianson a standing ovation when they take to the Blueland ice Thursday. Maybe the fans can do a bit to make them Believe in Blueland. Longterm, I like this deal (its potential anyway).

That said also,…Looks to me like our fellow SE Division foes (3 of 4 anyway)have strenghtened themselves for the final push (and long-term?).

Let me ask you,..had Dallas wanted Hossa would we be better of with Mike Smith, Jusi Jokenin, and Jeff Halpren (defense!) than what we got from Pittsburgh? Only time will tell as a prospect and draft pick are involved.

Looking forward,…who are UFA defensemen we should be looking at come July 1st?

By ranallo10

February 27, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Caveman — It’s alright for people to agree with you, you don’t need to get all angry about it. Don’t get your panties in a wad, “Buddy”.

Speaking of wads, where is Brian?

By five_hole

February 27, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I gotta say; depending on who all is available in free agency, I’m really not all that interested in resigning Hossa. He never showed overwhelming speed, but this year he seemed even slower. Was this a carryover from getting hurt last year? Who knows, but it definitely hurt his production. He also has the reputation of being invisible in the playoffs (we’ll see what happens this year). And to resign him, you’d have to pony up major bucks; probably 8-10 million/year.

As I’ve said, I’d much rather spend money on a puck-rushing offensive defenseman who can man the point on the power play. If you have such a commodity, it opens up the ice to so many possibilities.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

ranollo i am curious is a wad a good thing or a bad thing

By Rawhide

February 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Five_Hole - Good point…I want every dollar avaiable going to our D-line first this summer.

J(Z) - Put me down as B…at least for the first time back, then I’m with Bob.

Willson Fam - Welcome….what do you mean “most” of the posts :o)

Alan - Concerning Paddock,…I would at least HOPE that DW is considering it. Sheeze, Ottawa is a tough crowd!

Mikeyy & Smoothie - I agree with putting Christensen in the middle of the 2nd line.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 27, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

What a surprise—GaVaSheep is supporting our bumbling Donny 100%…’Fess up, little lamb, are you Donny’s daughter???

How sad and pathetic. Nearly ten years and nothing but poor-to-mediocre results…

By Badda-BING

February 27, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

I like the deal…we were going no where in a fast way…get as many young players as we can and see what we can pick up in the summer for defesive help.

By kracker

February 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

RH, forgive me this Thrasher-self-medicine promotion, it’s for a good cause I really believe:

The Thrashers Tank Thread: Operation Stamkos

I couldn’t resist posting it when I found the mailbox tank picture.

By Capt. Caveman

February 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

I guess I am just a little miffed about the fact that even after I made an effort to meet Rawhide and other bloggers for the playoffs last year, and seemed to get along fine, but now am considered not worthy enough for his own blog.

So RAWHIDE — why is it that you feel that I am not “good or worthy enough” to respond to even a basic question??

Is it because I don’t worship you as a blog god or something??

Personally I feel like you think your just too damn cool because you got some third rate blog now.

I even considered you somewhat of a friend. Well - that’s what I get for trying.

So in conclusion — YOUR BLOG SUCKS !!!

AND SO DO YOU !!!

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 27, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

ok stendec already said he is on meds but someone really has to fill me in on capt caveman

By Midfield

February 27, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Not that it matters that much anymore, but here’s my 5 cents about Hossa:

to me, he appears to be a strong and skilled two-way forward. Stating the obvious, right? Where’s the punch line, eh? Well, it turns out there isn’t any. Let’s face it: although the guy does not cheat most of the time, he isn’t particularly creative and hardly showed an emotional spark as far as I remember. Hence, his production is steady enough during regular season, but it ain’t enough in post-season. And if he does not prove me wrong this spring, this will pretty much be his career legacy. I’m afraid, Pittsburgh took on a big gamble - perhaps Crosby’s injury made them a bit jumpy. Tough.

By J(Z)

February 28, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Maybe it didnt occur to caveman that there were probably almost 1000 comments on the various AJC hockey blogs yesterday. It’s possible he missed it?

Enough of that.

Kracker - I prefer to call it Operation Believe in Tankland. That way it’s not a total loss if we don’t get the #1 overall pick.

Tampa lost tonight, that hurts. They now have just one game in hand on us. The Leaves won, Turds got a point. So 2 teams moved further ahead of us…that’s good. But we need the ‘Ning and Kings to win!!!!!!

By J(Z)

February 28, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

According to Ben Wright:

Christensen will wear 9 and Armstrong is going with 19 (I’m assuming I’m not the only one who was anxious to find that out!) :)

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Sage… if the Thrashers miss the playoffs, I’m all for firing Waddell, McCrimmon, Steve Weekes and whoever else. I’m a Thrashers fan, but I’ve yet to see Waddell make a genuinely horrible mistake.

I hate to insult the majority of the people here, but most of the “haters” look at things for surface value… while some of us with brains who can think on multiple plains can see the justification of why things are what they are.

I’ve yet to see you offer up any real solution, so shut the f*** up until you have something to share.

By CaveJOKE

February 28, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Caveman are you serious? Perhaps you should return to your cave. I mean since the blog “sucks” so badly you don’t want to be here anyway, right? Right.

That is of UNLESS of course you actually have something to OFFER the converstation. Something besides a childish rant (similar to the behavior of a 6 year old on the playground who didn’t get picked for the kick ball team) completely not even relating to the topic or the team or anything of value what-so-ever. Seriously, get a grip.

By timthebrave

February 28, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Bob, I’m glad you don’t have a problem with Hossa doggin it because it is your last year before he moves on to a better contract. I think not playing your a* off when you are blessed to be getting paid millions to play a game is b******! You don’t have to support DW or management but you can still suppourt YOUR THRASHERS!

By J(Z)

February 28, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I don’t know if any of you guys have ever checked out ThePensBlog

That site is HILARIOUS by the way. Sure they’re Pens fans, but they crack me up pretty much every morning. They’re specialty is photoshopping. They’ve already got some good stuff up there with Hossa and Dupuis.

Anyways, they’ve got some quotes from Army & Crusher:

“I was sleeping sound, getting ready to play.” Armstrong said. “And I woke up to that. I didn’t have a clue it was coming.”

“No booing me,” Armstrong said, smiling. “It will be strange. It was tough to look my friends in the eye when they came to say goodbye to me. It’s a weird thing.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Christensen said. “But I think in the end, I’m more excited than sad. I’ll miss the guys and I’ll miss the organization … but I’m excited about the opportunity I’ll possibly get in Atlanta. More than anything, I think it will be good for my career.”

By Bob

February 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Tim, I hear what you’re saying, he was under contract here. But put yourself in his shoes. If you worked for a company who was completely inept and you had no respect for your manager, would you still try your hardest, or would you bide your time and make sure you don’t get injured and lose the opportunity to go get a new and better job?

That’s all, I understand why he did it. I also understand why you feel angry at him for doggin it here. I don’t think you’re wrong to feel that way, it’s your right. It’s just that I’m not going to be mad at him about it, mabye it’s because I’ve known since September when this roster was assembled that we weren’t a playoff club, so I had no expectations and didn’t mind him doggin it as much.

while some of us with brains who can think on multiple plains can see the justification of why things are what they are

lo freakin l

you crack me up, Hokie. Keep on keepin on, man.

By Russ

February 28, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Hokie - I know we are all intellectually inferior to you, that is why I have to think in simple terms. When analyzing DW’s eight season tenure as the Thrashers GM, because of my relatively small brain capacity, I need something simple to look at. Luckily for me, and the other drooling morons like me, professional sports have a handy little device called the “standings”. If you look at these “standings” from year-to-year, DW’s performance is not very impressive in my opinion. In fact, I believe over half the teams in the NHL make the playoffs, yet the Thrashers have only been there one time. The time they went, they were the first ones eliminated. If you consider the first team eliminated from the playoffs as the 16th best team that season (up for debate, but not an unreasonable assumption) the Thrashers have never finished in the top half of the NHL in seven, going on eight seasons. Again, these are in simple terms, smarter people can see that DW’s performance has the Thrashers orgainization as the envy of 29 other NHL teams. Anyway, I better finish this up, I am starting to get a headache from using my brain for this long. As far as having a solution for the problem, it’s not my job…but I have been suggesting for years that the blueline is the main problem of this team and that has never changed. I’ll take the job of GM for only $250,000/yr., but if they want to stick with DW all I am asking for are positive results on the ice…and I’m still waiting going into year nine.

By Alan

February 28, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

J(Z) - Sounds like Armstrong is sad to leave, but Christensen seems to be happy coming here. That’s a good sign… at least with Crusher. I really hope both of them like it here in Atlanta.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Russ… no comment, but yes, the rabbit hole goes much deeper than the Standings. Revenue and attracting players out of major markets is a better starting point. Why do you think we gave Holik $4 million? So, he would actually come here… it’s not just a Thrasher issue, it’s a Southeast issue.

You can talk in circles all day trying to figure out “well, if more people liked hockey in Atlanta, the team would spend more and attract better players”… “well, if the team would spend more and GET better players, they’d get more fans”

J(Z)… great link! I like the Don’t Hassle the Hoss and Ray Shero taking a dump on the Bell Centre. :)

By Bob

February 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

You can talk in circles all day

Yes, you could … or one could simply look at the record of this club every year and understand very quickly what’s broken.

So simple, even a Caveman could do it

By Extra Smoooothie

February 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Christensen said. “But I think in the end, I’m more excited than sad. I’ll miss the guys and I’ll miss the organization … but I’m excited about the opportunity I’ll possibly get in Atlanta. More than anything, I think it will be good for my career.”

Well, it’s obvious to me that EC is a golfer and is more than happy to get the heck out of Western Pa where it snows incessantly. Pitt is a great little town, but honestly, Canadian hockey players love golf and they will both fit right in here in Atlanta, where only the truly rich can play a leisurely round that doesn’t take at least 5 1/2 hrs!!

If DWad doesn’t bring in some bona fide defensive studs via FA this summer, THEN he should be fired. However, do we really want him selecting our next coach?? His coaching style may be okay but what is his idea of a “system”? It’s evident now that he doesn’t really have one…at least one that works with lousy defencemen. The jury is still out as far as his ability to judge hockey talent and I wonder about his acumen when it comes to recognizing superior coaching talent.

By Christy

February 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Far be it from me to defend DW’s history over the last 10 years, but the fault for Hossa’s lack of desire to remain with Atlanta should not be laid entirely at the feet of DW - as in, DW can only do so much with the Budget the ASG has given him to operate under.

If you’re working with a hard limit of $6 million under the current cap, and the is expected to go up for the 2008 - 2009 season - but the amount DW is allowed to spend is not, that means Atlanta will yet again be unable to pull in the UFAs it needs or pay the money to keep what few good players it has, so that the possiblity at a run at Lord Stanley’s cup is further limited. Thus why Hossa’s departure makes further sense.

And by the way, RE Hossa’s lone goal in the first set of games that a few have mentioned - I know my memory is faulty at times - but wasn’t Hossa sitting up in the press box nursing an injury for a few of those games? I mean, come on… can we say revisionist history at work? And if he’s going to be accused of dogging it, then I’m lining up Slava, Zhitnik, White, and a few others right up next to him for lack of consistency and worse during those first games.

By Bob

February 28, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Christy, the Rangers proved over a decade that spending more money than other clubs does not equate to success.

There are plenty of teams that succeed very well, with salaries well under the Cap.

The job of the GM is to find quality players, not just throw money around. Especially in this new Cap world, the job of the GM is to effectively draft and find young talent, we know Waddell can’t do that.

Look at the Wild’s cap the year they went to their Conference Finals (their 3rd year in existence!).

Sorry, the “we’re $6m under the Cap” argument doesn’t hold water.

By Smoothie

February 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Russ makes a compelling point with respect to results and the Thrashers lack of such — winning the division seems like the way to go since Tampa and Carolina have done so. But winning weak division this year (and last) is like finding fool’s gold and believing you really have something of value.

To validate my point, when Tampa won the Cup, they won the SE AND had the best record in the Conference. When Carolina followed up that feat, they did so with the 2nd most points in the conference!! Neither team snuck into the playoffs as the Division winner only to get hot in April and shock their opponents.

Last year, Thrashers win the division but would have been 5th, yes 5th, if the seeding were done according to points. If Donny had built the team in the vein of the Western Conf teams, they would be kicking the holy hell out of everyone in the division right now.

By Thrasher Ryan

February 28, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Rawhide—What’s up buddy? Here is the deal. The “mission” from here on out is very simple. We pretty much need to win every game. There is no more room for error. Although highly unlikely, this team still has a slight chance to make the playoffs.

This trade in itself was fine — like I said though, I think Waddell made a major mistake in failing to address the defense. He had plenty of time to swing smaller deals, and he failed. If this team does not make the playoffs, Waddell should be fired. After all, he said he kept our other UFA’s because he “thinks” we can make the playoffs. I hope they do, because otherwise Waddell just bought himself a ticket to the unemployment line. Better for the franchise anyways, IMO.

The jury is still out on this trade and only time will tell if it is a good one for us. And I agree with you 100% RH, the #1 priority this offseason is to ADDRESS THE DEFENSE! I get tired of saying this every season. Because it’s the same old story every season. Thrasher defense sucks. Brian Campbell is the very first guy I would sign. We should have plenty of cap room to accomodate him.

I think the Thrash will come out with some energy… can they sustain it all game long, I don’t know. But I do see the Thrash winning this one, 4-2.

GO BLUE!!!

By Christy

February 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Bob,

I realize that, I was not absolving DW - just saying that not all his fault, in the sense that if I was Hossa looking at the situation and you have DW who doesn’t always come through with draft or UFAs, and that he is further hampered by lack of proper funding, that there is a good chance it will get uglier before it gets prettier.

I wasn’t trying to say that money solves everything - Buffalo of 2005-2006 is a good example of how to get it done fairly inexpensively and yours of the Wild. crossing over to baseball, the Twins do it on a routine basis. I get it. just saying I would think it was a factor in Hossa’s decision making process.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Christy… it’s not even a matter of budget. The Thrasher spend about the same, if not more, than most teams.

The issue is, no one wants to play in the Southeast. Even Ken Klee turned us down twice before signing here… We approached Robert Lang last summer, he turned us down.

I wish we could see the complete list of players we’ve approached that said, “Haha, hell no”. But it’s not within a GM’s best interest to divulge that kind of information.

The strategy to getting people in Atlanta is to find guys who are underrated who might want a larger role and more ice time… ie. the Todd White’s and Eric Perrin’s of the world. Also, veterans who’s roles are declining on other teams that still have a little upside left… yes, retreads… like Recchi, Holik, Mellanby and Rucchin.

It’s a pretty good strategy for a team in a non-traditional hockey market, in a horrible division that no one wants to play for.

That won’t change with a different GM… the most you can hope for is better drafting, which I think Waddell is getting better at with later round picks like Denny, Pavelec, G. Lewis and Machachek.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

To further elaborate Waddell’s improved drafting…

Lavallee - 4th round pick

Colin Stuart - 5th round pick

Brett Sterling - 5th round pick

By Badda-BING

February 28, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Hey, regarding the “$6M under the cap”…is that where we are now??? if not, anyone know what our payroll looks like now as well as what it will be next year?

I guess my question is how much money are we gonna actually have to go and get us some help on defence?

Thanks!

By Alan

February 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

The strategy to getting people in Atlanta is to find guys who are underrated who might want a larger role and more ice time

Or it could be that we just need to emerge as a strong cup contender to get anyone to consider us. Carolina has signed some pretty good, big name guys, as have Tampa Bay and Florida - and Florida isn’t even all that much of a playoff contender to begin with, much less a cup contender.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Badda Bing… right now, after the Hossa trade, we’re at $38 million. We usually spend to $42 million.

We’re on the books for $25 million for next season so far, so that gives us about $17 million to shop this summer plus extend Lehtonen. Popovic and Sterling are also RFA’s this summer.

By NASCAR Dave

February 28, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

The strategy to getting people in Atlanta is to find guys who are underrated who might want a larger role and more ice time… ie. the Todd White’s and Eric Perrin’s of the world. Also, veterans who’s roles are declining on other teams that still have a little upside left… yes, retreads… like Recchi, Holik, Mellanby and Rucchin.

WHAT? THAT’S DW’S STRATEGY AND IT SUCKS! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

To further elaborate Waddell’s improved drafting…

Lavallee - 4th round pick = NEVER PLAYED IN THE NHL YET!

Colin Stuart - 5th round pick = DRAFTED IN 2001; 7 YEARS BEFORE HE MAKES IT HERE?

Brett Sterling - 5th round pick = GIVEN AMPLE SHOTS AT THE NHL; JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH….

HOKIE YOU ARE MAKING YOURSELF LOOK SILLIER EVERY SECOND! PLEASE STOP! OR ACTUALLY, KEEP IT UP… I WANNA HERE YOU APOLOGIZE SOME MORE :)

By timthebrave

February 28, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Bob, if I put myself in his shoes I would play my a* off the whole time. He isn’t the only player that knows he is going to be traded. Some people give 100% and some don’t. I do understand your point though I just don’t agree. For those that don’t think Hossa was not dogging it this year. Just watch the Detroit game. If you see what he is capable of than you will know. Also they may be in a playoff position if he produced(effort) like last year. I do like Hossa and enjoyed watching him play. He will get a cheer the FIRST time he comes to Atlanta. After that I must treat him as the enemy. He chose to join the “dark” side

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Nascar Dave… I’m more than happy to hear your suggestions? The stage is yours… what’s the strategy? Who do you replace Waddell with? Who’s your choice for coach?

By Christy

February 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Hokie,

not sure that I agree with you about players not wanting to play in the SouthEast, like Alan says, Carolina doesn’t seem to have much trouble when they go looking.

Tampa and Atlanta have one problem in common which I think turns players away - ownership issues. Toronto does too, I know, but that is offset by being the fact that they are, well, Toronto, and even they have difficulty in attracting some players because of ownership and the media spotlight.

And like I said, not absolving DW, but ownership helps create the atmosphere of confidence - whether it’s the budget limit they have, whether it’s the GM/coach the employ, etc. Just seems to me that some are letting ASG slide on this one. And the ASG has money to spend. they just don’t want to…

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

And Nascar… I know that’s Waddell’s strategy, that’s why I reiterated it… it’s the right strategy given the market we’re in.

If you’re going to keep guys like Forsberg, Hossa, Ryan Smyth, Pronger and Briere from going to large market teams, you have to overpay. What costs Detroit and Toronto $7 million will cost Atlanta $9 million.

The other option is to trade your youth for established players, but then you end up with guys like Zhitnik and Hossa who don’t care, and they feel dooped for being sent here.

By timthebrave

February 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

My problem with DW is that he has taken on too many hats. Our play on the ice has not been focused enough this season. I see way too many people out of position. To me that is the blame of the coach. I can’t blame DW for everything in that he needs managements support in building a winner and they seem to be more interested in basketball. There are a lot of things that need working on for the thrashers. I think players will come here if they think they can win here.

By Rawhide

February 28, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

TR - To make the playofs, yes your right. a 14-4 record would give us but 90 points. But then, Carolina would then have to go no better than 9-7 to finish at 89 points and Washington would have to finish out 11-6-1 in their last 18 to end up with 89 and Florida 12-3-1 to end at 89 points…..Tampa bay would have to go 16-2-1 to get to 90 points.

But that’s all predicated on the Thrashers winning 14 games in their last 18 just to GET to 90 points.

To repeat a phrase of mine…I think you have a better chance of playing pick-up-sticks with your butt cheeks than THAT!

Badda-BING - Welcome, and Hokie, thanks for posting a link for him.

Thats a good pile of money to address our needs on the blueline. But I think this organization is going to have to go through a paradigm change in it’s philosophy in regards to where it places it’s focus of attention first.

We HAVE to get better on D….(DUH5).

By NASCAR Dave

February 28, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Who do you replace Waddell with?
PAT QUINN

Who’s your choice for coach?
JOHN ANDERSON

HOKIE I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE ACTUALLY TRYING TO DEFEND DW’S STRATEGY OF SIGNING OLD, RETREAD PLAYERS NO OTHER TEAMS WANT! THAT IS CLASSIC!

By Bob

February 28, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Hokie, you should take your own advice and quit talking in circles, you’re making yourself out to look pretty clueless.

Rather ironic for the one that just called us all stupid and not having your brains, dontchathink?

You’re holding up Lavalle, Stuart, and Sterling as models of Waddell’s drafting prowess? Really? Really? What the heck have they ever done in the NHL? They are perfect examples of Waddell’s ability to find AHL talent, not NHL talent.

So the problem is no one wants to come play in the SouthEast? Huh? Really? Dude, stop while you’re behind, eh? Look around at the other clubs in our division, Ovechkin is the best player in the league and just signed to play here for his career. Caps had no problem signing Nylander as a UFA last year, I’m sure he had tons of offers. Heard Lecavalier demand out of Tampa lately? They just re-signed their best dman, who was an impending UFA to a long contract, he didn’t demand out of there.

Dude, the problem is right in front of you, but you just can’t see it can ya? I think you see it, you just have argued so long against us “Waddell bashers” you just can’t bring yourself to deal with it.

No one wants to come play (or stay and play in Hoss’ case) for Don Waddell.

I’ll type it out slowly this time, just like I have for the past 4 or 5 years:

Nothing meaningful will ever change here until meaningful changes are made and a real GM is brought in here

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

In 2003, the Minnesota Wild advanced to the Conference Finals on a budget of approximately $22 million. The campaign was headed up by Coach Jacques LeMaire and GM Doug Risebrough, both of Montreal Canadiens lore. I posted this three blogs ago, but I only mention it again now as the conversation is steering towards “GM’s, systems, and overall strategies.”

I submit to you, for your consideration, that even if the Thrashers make the playoffs, that Don Waddell still needs to be removed as GM. He has had 10 years, including eight seasons, 84 draft picks, and three different coaches to field a team that scares the bejesus out of the Eastern Conference.

Did I miss it?

So what if the Thrashers make the playoffs? Why is that the “litmus” test? Huh? Someone has to explain that one to me. Have you not “witnessed” this season? Lackluster effort, no identity, no heart, limited “grit,” and totally inconsistent play characterize their performance.

As poster Tony C. is fond of saying, “What is Thrashers hockey?” The fact that we don’t have a clear, concrete answer to the question is mighty telling!!

The Dallas Stars made a change at the GM position in mid-season. A questionable one, at that. And look at them now!! They’re firing on all cylinders since that move!! The Maple Leafs have changed GM’s. They’ve just won 5 in-a-row, even after selling off some assets. Ottawa has changed coaches to attempt to reverse their fortunes. The Capitals fired Glen Hanlon and promoted Bruce Boudreau. Now look at the Caps? They’ve got a realistic shot at winning this division, especially with Cristobal Huet and Sergei Federov as acquisitions at the deadline.

The point of which is this: There must be a “vision” and “strategy” for this team to flourish. I couldn’t rightly tell you what Waddell’s “concept” is. As best as I can ascertain, it’s to have two major superstars, and offense-first approach, and a 1-2 punch along the blueline, with Lehtonen in net. Most of the time, it appears they play a 1-2-2 system.

When the league made all the new rule changes, many analysts thought team would take the “Olympic” approach, namely, a 1-4 strategy. Very few teams have tried it. I still see 2-1-2 systems out there. Tampa Bay “sorta” uses that one. Theirs is a bit more like a 2-2-1 system, with Boyle as the “stay at home” type blueliner.

Folks, Don Waddell is a nice man. He’s a decent, honorable man. He CARES about hockey and Atlanta … and is doing his “level-best.” He has to work under “terrible” working conditions. Conditions under which most GM’s would decline to work. He does so with a “smile,” and patience … meandering through his day, when he should be grabbing the nearest stapler and hurling it through a window. But he’s had his chance. He’s had two first overall picks, two second overall picks, two eight overall picks, one tenth overall pick, and one twelth overall pick, plus #30 overall (Jim Slater), back in 2002.

Every GM in the league … wished they had this kind of opportunity. They’d BEG for it. We had it. We “experienced” it. It is what it is. And what it is … is a long overdue time for change.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Alan and Christy… Carolina and Florida are in the same boat as Atlanta, in that they had high draft picks for several years… Eric Staal, Nathan Horton, Jay Bouwmeester… they built their core with that.

They both used the same “retread” strategy over the years. Paul Coffey, Ron Francis, Aaron Ward, Zednik and the countless Leafs “throwaways” in Florida… Gary Roberts, Ed Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyk. (Note: did you notice who Florida got yesterday? Kilger and Belak)

What sets them apart? Miami is just a nicer place “to be” in general.

For Carolina, first they inherited their team with Jeff ONeill, Keith Primeau, Glen Wesley etc.

But, Rutherford knows how to make good lateral moments (equal value) trades to create the right chemistry. Vasicek for Scott Walker… Andrew Ladd for Tuomo Ruutu… Primeau for Brindamour… Danny Markov for Justin Williams.

By off the post

February 28, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Colin Stuart - 5th round pick = DRAFTED IN 2001; 7 YEARS BEFORE HE MAKES IT HERE?

Nascar Dave, unlike the NBA and NFL, hockey players get to go back to school and finish playing in college even though they have already been drafted. Same goes if they are still playing in the juniors. Only a high pick like Patrick Kane or Sidney Crosby can play the first year as a 19 year old. MLB also has heavy emphasis on early drafting, so Chipper Jones didn’t play until the end of 1993 even though he was drafted in 1990, and he was a superstar, the first overall pick. A fifth round pick like Colin Stuart is going to need a few extra years developing.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Bob… I’m not making my point in a sense of supporting Waddell… I’m saying “this is what the strategy is” and Waddell has been following it to a “T”.

I’m all for firing Waddell if the team misses the playoffs, but that doesn’t change the strategy. Whoever comes in here next will follow the same exact strategy.

Rutherford is doing the same exact thing in Carolina, he’s just better at it.

The funny thing is, when Waddell does get fired. All of you will come on here and say “Ha, take that Hokie”, and I’m going to say “Good! Who’s next?” Because I really don’t care… I’m all for a change of pace. All I try to do by being Devil’s Advocate is to say you guys have no idea what YOU are talking about and what attempts are made to land what players, etc.

I’m not that much different from you guys… of course I want the team to be better and if that takes firing Waddell… great! I just don’t think it’s the “tell all” answer you guys make it out to be.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Changing subjects, because I’m tired of this argument…

We gotta do something about these practice colors. The guys get traded here and the first thing we put on them is baby blue practice jerseys? Really?

By Bob

February 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I’m not that much different from you guys

Wait, which one is it? I thought you were the only one with the brains and the one with the deep insight into what the real issues are and we were just Cavemen?

lol.

Dude, the problem is plain and simple, our GM is in over his head, has been all along. We don’t need more money, there’s enough being spent to be very competitive and the Spirit spent max cap the first two years out of the lockout, we don’t need new color sweaters, we simply need a GM with an ability to draft, sign, and develop talent…Period

By Smoothie

February 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I’m all for firing Waddell if the team misses the playoffs, but that doesn’t change the strategy. Whoever comes in here next will follow the same exact strategy

Hokie, what do you mean when you say “strategy”? A strategy of making excuses like “it’s ownership’s fault because they won’t let me spend to the Cap”? Did you read what Brendan wrote about Minnesota? And I think you understand how the Sabres made things work with a shoe-string budget (remember, their previous owner was a crook and a liar and left the franchise in ruins) in the wake of the Adelphia debacle? Obviously, we realize Donny has had some obstacles, but the point is this: when you have nearly a decade and there is no real record of success, playoff or otherwise, then it is time for a change!

Anyway, lines have been formed per the Blueland Blog:

Same 1st line (this shows Donny’s ignorance right there) Perrin — EC — Army (I like the potential of this line) Kozzie — Holik — Little (Bryan should be centering Kovy) Greek Gods

Zhitty bang bang still in but Pops on the bench again eventhough Kiwi gets to play with Ex. Gosh I would like to see Pops with Klee and Kiwi with Mac…darn it…will never happen I suppose.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Bob… I’m not much different in that I want the team to be better… think a little harder.

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Smoothie… did you read what I said? I already said the budget wasn’t the problem.

We had 14 wins our first season… Ray Ferraro was our marquee player. To say we’re no better off today is crazy talk.

By puckjunque

February 28, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Amens please.

Bow your heads, hands joined on the keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and the many ways you have blessed the Thrashers. Please continue keep them healthy and help restore their pride and confidence. Please guide the Thrashers tonight to form a bond with their new teammates to be defensively strong and to show retaliatory aggression. Please lead the Thrashers to crash the net incessantly and overwhelm the Isles goalie with so many shots on goal it makes his head spin. Come on Thrashers go kick the Isles a$$! AMEN!!

LETS GO THRASHERS

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

In my Universe, I have “room” for the Waddell-supporters. I just don’t understand it, is all. I don’t want to call Waddell-backers “bad fans.” But I do want to nudge them in the direction of facts about our team. There have been no playoffs series wins. The Thrashers have yet to experience their first playoff win. But make no mistake, the lack of series wins supercedes that, by a country mile. In other words, this team has never had the depth required to GO DEEP.

I really don’t want to settle for “mediocrity” and 15th overall picks in the draft, on some annual basis. That’s just treading water. It represents doing as little as possible to field a competitive team, but one that really has no shot at doing anything when and if it reaches the playoffs.

If the goal of the NHL was to make Atlanta “schedule fodder” for the other teams, then I’d be quite disappointed. But they didn’t. It’s not that way at all. It’s up to “us,” meaning ownership which hires GMs, which in turn hires coaches and scouts, to make the most of our situation. It’s ALL ABOUT making GOOD DECISIONS. There is NOTHING WRONG with the Atlanta market. In the inaugural season, Atlanta soldout 38 of 41 home games. There’s not a “market” or “fan support” issue here in Atlanta. It’s just an issue of wanting and needing to produce a BETTER product. And it will.

Color me an “optimist.” I think CHANGE is forthcoming. If I hear, on the contrary, that DW has been given a 3-year contract extension, I’m going to continue to abstain from ticket purchases until such time as they ASG makes a change at the GM position.

Am I, and similarly thinking fans … a “bad Thrashers fan?” Hardly! It’s just that … gosh darn it … we’re out of “options” to force the ASG’s hand. What ELSE are we supposed to do? Throw “blind support” to failing product, just because the owners are too foolish to see the source of the problem? And THAAAAT’s what makes you a “good fan??” Well, I guess if you are satisfied with the product you are seeing, then … I suppose … renewing season tickets is being a “good fan.” But let me ask you, “Are you ‘happy’ with the Thrashers product?”

Shoot, even if the Thrashers win this horrid division, I’m not ‘happy’ with this product. With these deadline deals, perhaps, we’re no longer the 2nd oldest team in the NHL. We might be 3rd-oldest now. Is this INCREMENTAL PROGRESS “satisfying enough” for you? If you said, “Yes” …. No, I don’t even go there.

By Rawhide

February 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN’-MEN!!! Nicely worded PJ!

Now, let’s go PUSH OUT a win by TROUNCING THE TURDS!!

By Smoothie

February 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

GVH — there ya go! If the budget isn’t the problem, then what do you suppose is?? Ding, ding. Who has been the one constant in this organization for close to 10 years? Yes, that’s it, Mr. Don Waddell.

If you are happy with the “success” of this franchise after 10 years, then keep drinkin’ the kool-aid! It’s called accountability and there is none w/r/t DWad.

By Nix

February 28, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

AMEN, PJ!!

Let’s go Thrashers!

By GaVaHokie

February 28, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Brendan… and I can understand why people DON’T like Waddell. I just want everyone to see all sides of the story.

The GM is supposed to take the blame squarely on the chest.

If it wasn’t for the “5 goalie debacle” two seasons ago, we probably would have had two playoff appearances. If we still had Heatley (who actually COULD play on a line with Kovalchuk) there’s no telling.

A lot of “If’s” over the Thrashers short ten year history.

But come on, surely everyone remembers what it felt like watching this team the first two-three years… 14 Wins?! The only entertainment was watching Denny Lambert, Jeff Odgers and Darcy Hordichuk.

By Joshgekko

February 28, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Brendan I don’t disagree that they need to make changes, but using the fact that we sold out 38 out of 41 games in 1999 as proof that it is a “good” market is crap. Why don’t you use a more recent stat like the fact that viewership for the first away playoff game last year was 8800 households out of a possible 2.2 million. The PLAYOFFS! Yeah you’re right, great market. Unlike most, I don’t think its a southeast problem. I think it’s an Atlanta problem.

That being said, its nice to see that teams like the devils and islanders are losing more money than us on a yearly basis.

By Bob

February 28, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

think a little harder

Gee willy, mabye the Wizard will give me a brain when I get to Oz, mabye a good one too like the one you got, eh, Hokie?

You’re a real piece of work there, Sparky.

I’m going to continue to abstain from ticket purchases until such time as they ASG makes a change at the GM position

Ditto, and I’m adding that after they get a new GM, they also better let him make the right moves on July 1st, then they can give me a call back and we can talk about re-signing me up for next year’s season tix.

By PJ

February 28, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Brandan Do you attend any games? Also, you never answered my man-crush question. Am I allowed to have a man-crush? What are the rules in this man-crush thing?

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Joshgekko, I shy away from TV stats. If you look “exclusively” at television numbers, even the “Stanley Cup Finals” lose out to things like … the “World Series of Poker,” the “Westminster Dog Show,” and even the “Little League” World Series. Hockey rarely puts up good TV numbers. And if you think about it, aside from the All-Star Game, the Stanley Cup Finals are the league’s “Showcase Event.” Meaning, the most important TV games the league will produce.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of the league’s revenues come from the gate. So, I point to fan attendance, even when we sucked, to show how willing this city was to back a hockey team. Joshgekko, I promise you on 14 Bibles … that if this team put forth a roster that rivals Detroits, Pittsburghs, Ottawas, etc., that the ASG’s accountants would all be “hunchbacked” from carrying all the “gate loop” out of the facility!

And that’s before we even talk about the 20-25 soldout playoff games over the course of 3-5 years that amassing such a roster would surely bring. The ASG would make so much money that they’d scarcely know what to do with it all. They could probably “bathe” in their revenues. They could light all their cigarettes with $100 bills. It’d be that lucrative. This town will come out for a winner. The ASG just has to provide that WINNER.

I repeat, “There is NOTHING WRONG with the Atlanta Market.” The league makes its money from attendance, and attendance will drive this ship. And last time I checked, Atlanta’s population was closing in our 5 million, many of which are hockey fan “transplants” who will FREELY SPEND money when a hockey product “worth seeing” is provided.

Think about it. THINK HARDER.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

PJ, I did so answer that “man crush” question. Like, 3 blogs ago! Ranallo claimed that you cannot have them without his permission. But I counter-claimed that you’re entitled to “man crushes,” but that, since you are female, the “man part” was understood. So, just call them “crushes.” And I further added that you may have one, two, or even three men if you’re the “adventurous” sort.

And then someone snickered because I said, “man part.” And then *Ranallo said, “Brendan said ‘understood.’ Heh-heh, hee-hee, in genuine “Beavis-n-butthead” style. Well-played, I might add.

PJ, prior to this season, I’d never failed to attend 15 games in any given season. Sadly, I will not make it to 10 this year, and it’s doubtful I’ll make it to five. It’s looking like a grand total of three. I just can’t support an ownership group that’s this “inept.” How can they not see what’s goin’ on?? Right under their very noses?? I am at a total loss about how to explain it. And I just don’t see what giving Waddell “one more year” is going to possibly accomplish. He’s had almost a decade to shape and mold this team. Nobody but Lamoriello or Holland could get that much time at the helm. And look where it is. The SS Thrashers is almost in “dry dock.” What MORE is there to say??

By Joshgekko

February 28, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan While it may be true that the nhl as a whole gets 76% of its revenue from the gates, the profitable teams in the league (including Tampa Bay) are much closer to 40%. So to say that attendance is money is just not true. Providing a superior product would definitely raise attendance levels and gate receipts for us, but we will not be a profitable team with such horrible TV numbers and other outlets of revenue.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Joshgekko, do you reject the concept of “increasing” TV viewership as the team stockpiles wins?

By Sage of Bluesland

February 28, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Typical GaVaSheep drivel…Baaah! Baaah!

His pride won’t allow him to admit that he was dead WRONG all along on something so basic to the big picture. So basic.

Money? Location? Fantasy-excuses in GaVaSheep-land…How pitiful and pathetic!

Just one more question, lambchop: Tell us how you’re related to Don Waddell—are you his daughter???

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Ryan and Smoothie, I won!! Ken Klee scored!! I know!! Not only that, it was followed up by a goal by Zhitnik. Ladies and Gentlemen, I urge you all to peek out your windows and tell me if spot any signs of the “Four Horsemen” of the Coming Apocalypse!

Colby Armstrong got his 1st point as a Thrashers. Eric Perrin is having a terrific game.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Hossa and the Penguins are being shut out, 4-0, by Boston, after two periods. HAHAHA.

NYR leads Carolina, 3-1.

By off the post

February 28, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

See guys it’s like I told you all along. We don’t have to worry about losing Hossa because Klee and Zhitnik will pick up all the scoring. YEAH RIGHT!

By Thrasher Ryan

February 28, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

It’s 3-3 after 2! KL can thank his Thrasher buddies for saving his a$$ tonight, because all 3 goals I saw were in the soft category! Un-good!

Brendan—I just wanna thank the person that yelled some sense into Klee and Zhitty! Good job!

KL must retain focus in the 3rd! No SOFTIES!

And giving out bonus points at this point in the season is entirely unacceptable!

Oh yeah! I love the energy Bryan Little brings! That kid should stay up here DEFINITELY!

GO BLUE!!!

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

OMG*, what a night Bobby Holik is having!! What a “bad night” DiPietro is having.

By the way, during the All-Star festivities in Atlanta, Don Waddell looked into a video camera and admitted the following: “If I had owned the top pick in the 200 Draft, I would have selected Rick DiPietro.”

Yes, folks. That’s right. Had DW been presented with the opportunity, he would have passed on Dany Heatley. Ya know, rubbin’ my chin, that’s really amazing. He made that comment just a few weeks ago. Plenty of time for “hindsight to be 20/20,” don’t you think? And yet, this is the guy still making all our decisions, as the GM!

What CAN you say??? I mean, WHAT … CAN … YOU … SAY???

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

OMG*, what a night Bobby Holik is having!! What a “bad night” DiPietro is having.

By the way, during the All-Star festivities in Atlanta, Don Waddell looked into a video camera and admitted the following: “If I had owned the top pick in the 200 Draft, I would have selected Rick DiPietro.”

Yes, folks. That’s right. Had DW been presented with the opportunity, he would have passed on Dany Heatley. Ya know, rubbin’ my chin, that’s really amazing. He made that comment just a few weeks ago. Plenty of time for “hindsight to be 20/20,” don’t you think? And yet, this is the guy still making all our decisions, as the GM!

What CAN you say??? I mean, WHAT … CAN … YOU … SAY???

By In midst of Idiots

February 28, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Just another game of coughing up the puck time after time. I was happy to see the team come back after being down 3-0 but it really gets old watching the opponent just control the game 90% of the time. Sometimes i wonder how we ever win. Oh well, hopefully we will get a high draft pick.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Trent Hunter scores off the Ken Klee turnover. Isles 5, Thrashers 4. Every time we don’t come away with 2-points, the possibility of playoffs goes farther and farther away.

Think of it this way … we’re out on the ocean … floating on a raft. Every time we win, we come a little to shore. And every time we lose, we head out a little farther. Russ will tell us just how much farther we have to drift before we lose sight of the shore line.

Take it away, Russ. What’s the damage now? We need to win 14 of the next 17 games?

By the way, if we reach the “other” shore, we get Stampkos or Doughty.

By Brendan

February 28, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Marian Hossa out of the game with a strained MCL injury. Pascal Dupuis scored a short-handed goal for Pittsburgh, who lost, 5-1, to the Bruins.

By Russ

February 28, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Brendan - 28 points in 17 games sounds about right to me. Unfortunately, the way they are playing right now, I would guess the Thrashers would be lucky to get 10 more points this season. Kari was bad tonight, the constant turnovers were atrocious. The only thing that kept the Thrashers in the game was that the Isles were almost equally as sloppy. I think it’s about time to get Moose in again, is there really any point to keep riding Kari anymore?

By R. Stroz

February 28, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Hello Everybody

How did the new guys look tonight?

They have Sports South in Naples, FL., but the Thrashers game wasn’t on it. Sports South had the Bulldawgs/Gators basketball game on.

By Thrasher Ryan

February 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

5-4 Islanders, OT

Game over. 1 point. And we gave away 2 points! So for the playoffs, we gained NO POINTS! Great.

I think KL was even fessing up to a crappy game tonight too, but I couldn’t tell, he was mumbling too much.

Bryan Little is a bad-a$$. I like this kid a lot. I predict at least 5 more goals out of this kid if he stays here the rest of the season.

Yes, Exelby is struggling. I really think Exelby played his best when he was paired up with Steve McCarthy. Waddell needs to bring back the Exelby—McCarthy pairing. Klee-Zhit pair earned another game IMO. I have Popovic and Kwiatkowski scartches on Saturday at Boston.

It’s time for a MOOSE-CALL Saturday afternoon in Boston! I would even go with Moose on Sunday too, unless he gets rocked at Boston (which I highly doubt.) KL needs to rest for next week’s MUST-WIN GAMES!

New guys don’t look totally comfortable with their linemates yet. Time and practice together will change that.

The lines will see some tweaking too, I’m sure.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

February 28, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

thrasher ryan i dont think little will get 5 goals at all but if he stays up here he will get way more assists. if he ever makes his way to kovys line he will get a ton of them he just seems to make those great passes and i would love to see him stay here the rest of the year to develop chemistry with kovy

By stendec

February 28, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Hi Rawhide. Sori Letemin is so pathetic he makes me physically ill. What an untalented piece of S++T! Not even four goals were enough for this Finnish sieve. Moose could have given us a victory tonight. GUARANTEED! Good old Letemin just chalked up five masrshmallow goals plus yet another defeat. When the F++K is enough enough? Send his heartless A++ packing! GO FLAMES!

By Nix

February 29, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

I know Klee scored and that was great and all, but did anyone get a count of how many times he made nice, clean passes to an Islander???

Also, is there a new rule that tripping Thrashers is kosher, or were the refs just worse than usual?

By five_hole

February 29, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding me??? Klee and Zhitnik score in the same game? If they can score, I’m gonna try and get a date with Alyssa Milano. (De-bum-bum; thank you very much; I’ll be here all week).

New look Thrashers; same old problem. Other team getting behind our defense. I don’t want to mention (Klee) any names (Zhitnik) but something has to change. Maybe we should petition the NHL to allow us to play 6 skaters plus a goalie for games. I’m not overly impressed with Kwiatowski(sp?) but he is definitely a better skater than the other 2.

Let’s face it; at this point, the Thrashers are auditioning players for next years roster.

By Sara

February 29, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Brendan DiPietro was apparently joking with Waddell during the ASG festivities about how he could’ve been wearing a Thrasher jersey right now. DW spent a good bit of time talking with DiPietro heading into the draft. I have no doubt in my mind that he was their top choice, with Dany second. Nor is there anything wrong with that. A lot of people give Don grief about having taking Kari so high but for one, this franchise has been snake-bit when it comes to goalies often. Additionally, goalies can be hard to come by, a lot harder than forwards or even D. So it makes a lot of sense in some ways to grab one when you can.

By Joshgekko

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

Brendan If last year is any indication, than the assumption that wins=better tv viewership is false. We went 11-5-1 from march to the end last year. Id say that would be considered pretty good. And it was definitely an exciting 11-5-1! We just dont have enough “hard core” Thrashers fans (excluding obviously the contributors to this blog,lol) We need more support than just going to a few games a year. My best hope is that it will come with time and of course a better product. Philips arena is already a great place to watch a hockey game,imo, so we have a great foundation to build on.

By Nikita

February 29, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

So, Josh…just speaking as someone who is a hockey convert, and not living in downtown, and putting my husband through college….seats are really expensive, so I can’t attend much. And I always feel dispirited when I arrive for a game — which I’ve paid a lot of hard-earned money for — and the place is empty. The $300 and $100 seats in front of me are empty. Almost always. Which tells me demand is extremely low. So I feel like a sucka for paying comparative premium while premium seats sit completely, ridiculously empty. The entire club section is mostly empty most of the time. Plus, honestly, being in Philips isn’t that great because all those empty seats translate to really poor morale. And in my sucky seats I either can’t see a. the flaming thrashers heads and jumbotron or b. well, anything but little spots that appear to be hockey players somewhere in japan. It’s cold, and food is mediocre and pricey, and I have to drive two hours and hop MARTA for the privilege. Sign me right up!

Also, having been to a few million college and pro games lately, i’ve developed a realization that for my money I can enjoy one of three things…1.a great seat in any arena except Philips or 2. an extremely poor seat in Philips. Or 3. a vantage point at Philips roughly equal to #1 on my television. Usually that means #3 wins.

I have tried, and tried, and tried, and tried to bring people to Thrashers games with me. But I have been largely unsuccessful, because of all of the above, and also because, when hockey is not a traditional sport of this area, and the other sports teams are doing as well or better, and it is more expensive for people to see a sport they’re not really used to anyway, hockey loses. And the Thrashers lose to the Gladiators when the Glads are cheaper for better seats and the arena is actually semi-full.

I’d like to note here that I started attending Thrashers games on season corporate tickets that I did not pay for — not only has my old company, and most of the companies that we did business with, dropped their tickets, but almost none of us who enjoyed the tickets have translated into ongoing ticket purchasers. I think that’s a general trend, and it’s a problem. Furthermore, since theoretically I have access to college student tickets, it sure would be nice if the Thrashers could bother to promote those deals — but they don’t, and so there are very few warm bodies of an impressionable age in that building. All of these are major problems for a franchise that needs to build usership.

So, in summary, I think the ASG’s whole pricing philosophy is insane. I think they should concentrate on creating demand, and let that drive the prices up. Meanwhile, please god, make it reasonably feasible and attractive for potential new fans to enjoy a few games.

Other stuff: new kids look good, but they don’t yet work with their new linemates. They made some sloppy plays, which I’d chalk up to the lack of familiarity and also the fact that Eric Perrin was playing with a totally new line and in a new position.

I disagree on Kiwi. Kid draws dumb penalties like there’s no tomorrow. So…he’s no worse than Zhit, but I’d be afraid to put a lot of responsibility on him.

By Brendan

February 29, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Nikita, I definitely sympathize with you. Honestly, for a $10 investment, I doubt there’s a better seat in the NHL than the one up in sections 409-412 at Philips Arena. Obviously, I haven’t been to all 30 arenas to be able to present that as “factually accurate.” It’s just an opinion. Take it with a grain of salt.

Joshgekko, I definitely wish there were more “die-hard” puckheads in the ATL. No doubt about that. But, what I’d like to advance is something which hasn’t happened yet. Still with me? I’m talking about a 55 win season, with 110-points. Why make that distinction? Well, because when a team is going 11-5-1 or 13-2-3, like in 2005-06, the “casual fans” don’t really know if this is a “fluke” or “hot flash” portion of the season. But, if by mid-February, the team already has 40-42 wins, obviously we’re talking about a serious contender. If, at that point, the ratings for television still stink to High Heaven, then I’ll begin to believe we have a problem in Atlanta with hockey support. But I certainly can’t and won’t blame this city for not watching a product … that well … isn’t worth watching. Ya know? Hey, no one is saying or advancing the idea that hockey will SUPPKANT the support received by the Yellowjackets, Bulldogs, or Falcons. That’s not being projected here. This is football territory, and everyone knows that.

Changing GM’s and coaches and scouts and strategies … it’s a whole other Universe that opens up. And with a salary cap, that is a “leveling agent” that allows Atlanta to have a “much better chance” of being able to actually win a Stanley Cup.

By Brendan

February 29, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

“supplant” even. :)

By Joshgekko

February 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Nikita I was going to mention the 400 section but brendan beat me to it. Seriously though, for $10 you can sit at center ice(410/411 row C is the first row) with a view that doesn’t get much better for the money. I’ve been to 5 different arenas in the nhl and while thats far from enough to make a steadfast decision, it has definitely helped me to appreciate our arena and what it has to offer. As far as it being cold, go watch a Penguins game (holy sweat!) and you’ll welcome back the cold confines of Philips arena! Plus, they have to make it comfortable to wear a jersey ;o)

Brendan Im with you. We really aren’t far off on our ideals. Minus football, its just always been a little bit harder in atlanta than other places. The Braves put up 14 winning seasons in a row and postseason chokes aside, and for the most part Atlantans didn’t care. Im guessing that the high number of transplants plays a major role, but there has to be something else. Unless it simply is that they spend to much time during football season to commit to another sport. I could maybe buy that,lol.

By Joshgekko

February 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Brendan “SUPPKANT” was much better,lmao!

By Nikita

February 29, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty familiar with the 400s…much more so with the 2-for-1-Thursday $30-in-the-corner slots and the $24 front-o-balcony slots in the rafters. (And Thrashers, thanks for advertising seats that apparently you don’t actually have on All-Star Wednesdays. Much obliged.)

As for the Penguins, my guess would be that all our transplants are from Pittsburgh. What with some of our manufacturing coming South from there, and what with the Pens game being one of the best-attended that I’ve been to over the years. Like, every year the Pens games are pretty well-attended. I used to work with a woman who wore a Pens jersey to work about once every two weeks.

P.S. Backtracking to crushes of the man- and woman- variety, I’m developing several. But I’m not divulging those ‘cause they’re not exactly old-time hockey.