AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFAT PENGUIN!!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Uh, what was that you said, Rawhide…fat penguin”?
Yeah, I said “Fat Penguin”. I just wanted to say something that would … break the ice!! HA!
I used to use that line many moons ago to approach chicks, (of course that was before the divine Mrs. R came into my life). It was about as successful as the Atlanta Thrashers were this weekend…it got me close, but never enough to close the deal.
You wanna hear something else funny? OK…the other night I was driving around north Cobb County listening to the Thrashers game on the radio…! HA, HA!!!
OK, here’s another one for ya. Three Friday’s ago, the Atlanta Thrashers won an exhilarating game in New Jersey that put them two games over .500 for the first time all season and put them right at the top of the Southeast Division and the team looked poised to finally make a serious push toward repeating as division champs and enter the post-season on an upward swing!
HAHAHAHA…Oh wait. That is actually what has happened.
Since that time the Thrashers have lost seven consecutive games, the last three in overtime. Instead of vying for the #3 seed in the conference, we are sitting in the #14 position two points closer to the bottom then to the division leading Hurricanes.
Seven straight losses. Ask Bob Hartley what happened to him after six this season.
Given the fact that Atlanta’s chances of still playing after the first week of April are about as good as my chances were of getting in more then 2 sentences with the ladies I used the “Fat Penguin” line on, let’s take a look at just what this whole ’07-’08 NHL season thingy is cracking up to be.
If the team continues on it’s current course, (assuming it snaps the losing streak), it is going to wind up with 79 points. That would be 18 points less than it produced last season. In fact, the last time the Thrashers finished a season close to that type of points production was the year prior to the lockout, the fifth year of their existence, when they tallied 78 points.
But wait, back then, there was no guaranteed second point being doled out in games with a shootout. Games ending after a five-minute overtime stayed a tie. So, if you wish to gain a true appreciation for just where the team is right now in comparison to back then, remove the shootout points an you’ll find something even more un-good. To date, Atlanta has eight such points, thus they would have a 21-31-1-14 record for 57 points to show after 67 games. That would project out to a final record of 26-37-2-17 for 71 points.
Folks, they played well enough for 74 points in their 4th season of existence. That would be the ’02-’03 campaign that saw then-coach Curt Fraser begin the year 8-20-4-1 at the helm and it finished with Bob Hartley going 20-14-5-1 after he was hired in January of 2003. The Thrashers finished in 11th place in the conference that year. (They had finished dead last in the league with 54 points the year before that, their third season).
Since that time, the team then finished the ’03-’04 season with 78 points in 10th place, then there was the lockout season, then the ’05-’06 season when they ended 2 points shy of post-season with 92 points and finally last year they finished with 97 points which was the 6th best in the conference but, due to winning the division, wound up the 3rd seed.
Let’s re-cap: After amassing 39 then 60 points in their initial two seasons, the Thrashers then earned point totals of 54, 74, 78, 92 and 97. Now they are heading toward 79.
Wait, there is more…
Right now the Thrashers have scored 41 goals less then they’ve let up. That would put them on pace for a -50 goal differential. That compares to the -58 of…why, ‘02-’03…that season just keeps popping up, doesn’t it?
In fact, if we track from the third season of play, the GF/GA stat goes from -101 to -58 to -29, (lockout), +6 to +1 to this year’s projection of -50.
So, both the points total and goal differential stat show steady improvement for 4 seasons then a sharp drop-off.
“But Rawhide, but Rawhide…the offense has only produced 178 so far”. Why, that’s very astute of you my friend. However, there are 10 teams who have scored fewer. But seven of those teams right now hold playoff positions and an eighth, Phoenix, is only three points out. Oh, and none of them have a negative goal differential save St. Louis and Columbus.
Why is that? Because those teams that score less than we do who are probably playoff bound play defense well…that’s why! And that’s how teams get into, and advance throughout, the playoffs.
“But Rawhide, but Rawhide…team defense is a team concept. Aren’t our forwards responsible for that too”? Again, excellent point! However, strong, dependable defenses begin with…strong, dependable defenders.
And this organization has never seemed to grasp that reality.
Only this year, the defensive concerns were coupled with the lack of a true #1 center and a coaching change that was never followed up with the always-important naming of a new head coach.
Some would call this “four step forward then five steps back”. Truth be told, this is more like five steps forward then…step onto a Marta bus, pay your fare, go to the Marta train station, grab a transfer, take the train to the airport, hop a big ‘ol Delta jet to San Francisco, grab a connecting flight to Tokyo, Japan, hop a train to Osaka, hail a cab to the out-skirts, pay the cabbie, (tip well), head to the sidewalk…THEN take five steps back.
And that’s no joke!
Oh look…there goes the divine Mrs. R….”Hey…FAT PENGUIN”!
SMACK!
Ugh, still doesn’t work!
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By kracker
March 2, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
All that is a long-winded way of explaining why a lot of us are of the tank-it mentality. Get the bestest first round drafting position possible for our pick and also hope the Pens help us out by exiting the playoffs early and give us a pretty good position for the pick we got from them. DW (or his replacement) must then draft and shop for free agents wisely and maybe we bounce back nicely next year.
That’s the one year plan.
By Barry
March 3, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
Ya it’s obvious this year was lost from the get go with the players we signed. We could have gone out and got us some real dmen but instead we are stuck with Zhitnik, still hang onto players like XLB (sucks) and McCarthy (inconsistent). I’m actually okay with Klee signing as I’ve seen more great solid plays from him than the mistake he makes here and there. Waddell wanted this team to have a new identity and Hartley was still trying to make this team like last years. Square peg round hole…doesn’t work nor does not signing some real defensemen and a #1 center. Poor Kovy. He hasn’t had any good quality players on his line since we had Heatly and Savard some odd years ago. Now we throw out White and Recchi? If Kovy is supposed to be our franchise player don’t you think a GM with any real hockey sense would sign some real players to support him? This team trying to play basically a full year without a real coach did not help either. This team NEEDS a real coach to give this team a real identity and game plan. There is no excuse for this team not winning in regulation for a FULL MONTH…period! I know it can’t happen this year but Waddell should be let go this summer. His 5 year plan has turned into a 9 year plan with NO PLAYOFF WINS AND ONLY ONE PLAYOFF BERTH!
By Nikita
March 3, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
We could have gone out and got us some real dmen but…Zhitnik…XLB…McCarthy…Klee.
Zhit can be a real D man when he wants to, but he’s not been mentally engaged for most of the season. Which I really think ought to be punishable. I’d be incredibly happy to see Zhit out doing laps at practice with Kozzie and Holik from time to time. I don’t get the loyalty to X in the slightest, though — he’s been playing better in the last few games than he has all season, and it’s still incredibly poor. He seems unable to clear the D zone, handle passes (either to or from), or even follow the person with the puck. I think he’s gotten worse this year as he added a few pounds, which makes him slightly less able to correct when he makes bad decisions (which is on virtually every play). In Klee’s favor, he is solid, he is cheap, and he uses the body in a very effective and clean way. Against him is the fact that he is aging, and getting injured more, and he’s not generally able to compensate completely when his partner screws up (also generally every play). McCarthy, eh. At least he’s cheap, because he’s definitely not good.
This team NEEDS a real coach to give this team a real identity and game plan.
Sing it, brother.
During the Bruins game, the commentators were hauling out the statistics, and two caught my notice. 1. Atlanta is first in the league in unassisted goals, and 2. Eric Perrin is very high in the league (if not 1st, which I think he is) in short-handed points. What I take from those is that teamwork is completely nonexistent, except within a very small group of players (the favored few on the penalty kill). I blame this on poor coaching and continual switching up of the lines. Leave the guys as they are, match them accurately, and let them build some frickin’ chemistry.
Switching gears, I’m enjoying our underdog cinderella stories lately. Chris Thorburn, for example, has been really doing great work lately. Slates, Perrin, the new kids. Hopefully they continue to improve, and they become seriously competitive in the upcoming year(s). In general, play has been better lately — just not good enough.
And I mentioned this before…I am going Wednesday, and I intend to do it with signs and body paint, maybe a hand-painted t-shirt. Any suggestions?
By LAC
March 3, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Two good games not to win…
Glad to see klee out, his play this season has been just awful.
Not impressed yet the two new players, they seem all confused.
Little hustles like crazy, but he never gets any shots or is in any offensive mode it seems… another WASTED first round pick here ??????
Just cannot believe waddell is still around, this season is aBUST and HE is responsible… We’re sure missing todd white aren’t we !!!!!!
By five_hole
March 3, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Did you really think the “Fat Penguin” line worked with women? I’m guessing that Eric Boulton scored more than you. It’s a good thing the Devine Mrs. R took pity. My personal favorite was “I inherited all this money, but I just don’t know how to have fun … .” That put me in the Jimmy Slater scoring category.
Anyone else think we played better defense without Klee out there? Am personally undecided about Kwiatowski. He has some decent wheels and a little offensive upside, but doesn’t seem to play well positionally. Also isn’t very physical. If it’s between him & McCarthy, I think I’d rather have McCarthy.
By Moose
March 3, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Can we please get a real owner (note I said owner) with deep pockets that wants to win? Not these jokesters called ASG that will spend the league minimum. They’re cratering two franchises at one time.
By Bob
March 3, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Damn, these guys can’t do anything right. I was hoping for regulation losses, but no, they have to go and get a couple pts. Come on, boys. Let’s tank it.
I thought Christiansen was supposed to be money in the shootout?
By Ron
March 3, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Season is over. Start looking to the future:
Steve Stamkos - Sarnia Sting
Center 6’ 0” 170lbs.
07-08 Season
Games 55 Goals 50 Assists 42
By Nikita
March 3, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Anyone else think we played better defense without Klee out there? Am personally undecided about Kwiatowski.
We did play better, but I don’t think it’s because of Klee, but rather because Klee is usually paired with the poorest defender. He’s been pulling a lot of ice time, generally matched with Ex, Zhit, or McCarthy, and 2 of the three are abysmally poor players. With Klee injured, they have to stand on their own (non) merits.
Seen the most recent talons blog here? Some number crunching to add ammo.
In summary, Havelid and Enstrom are stellar, Klee is directly behind them, Zhit sort of shuffles into 4th, and then, well, total chaos. IMO, Kiwi has played well the last few games, but he’s hot and cold. I don’t think he’ll ever be top pairing material.
By J(Z)
March 3, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
hmmmm, Stamkos is only 170??? He can still beef up I hope!
Operation Believe in Tankland is stuttering right along. 0-0-3 since the trade. Which is odd. I was also hoping for some regulation losses. I think some of you guys are writing off Little a little too early. I think if he was given a little more time on ice and a little more responsibility, we’d see a little better results out of him. Ok, sorry, I can’t stop myself, I’m getting a little out of control.
Go Kings, go ‘Nings!
By NASCAR Dave
March 3, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Well, lookie here…. THE WIMPS ARE BACK! GUTLESS, PATHETIC, WIMPS!!!!
No heart, no fire, no passion. NO DAMN REVENGE ON THE HIT ON ILYA!!! ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL!!!
DWAD HAS NO CONTROL OVER THIS SAD-SACK PATHETIC EXCUSE OF A ROSTER HE CREATED!!!!
IF HE CAME IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS, I’D TAKE HIS @SS OUT IN THE WOODSHED AND GIVE HIM A SOUTHERN @SS-WHOOPIN!
FIRE WADDELL!
FIRE WADDELL!
FIRE WADDELL!
NUFF SAID.
By Nikita
March 3, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
All this talk of hits reminds me…WTF is up with the state of refing in the NHL lately?
Three examples… 1. Kovalchuk’s knee-on and Hossa’s knee-on are both technically clipping.
By PJ
March 3, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Thank you Rawhide and Five_Hole, you’ve inspired my next manuscript. “Pick up lines, Dos and Dont’s”. I’m off today, I can get right on it.
Now, here’s a first but I’m going to quote Stendec and say, “There are too many quitters on this team.” I am tired of reading about Wadell’s failures. Got it, nuff said, can’t do anything about it.
I think the players should be held accountable for their lack of consistant effort, lack of comraderie and loyalty to each other as teammates. This every man for himself attitude has to stop, it’s not working and will spread like a cancer quickly amongst the new kids. If I decided to not do my job because my boss is an a*******h*&e, I would get fired. When a leader is doing a poor job and there are objectives to accomplish, the remainder of the team should rally together to get the job done. Does anyone else think this being done to any effectiveness? I don’t. Am I wrong? Should we just blame Wadell and leave it there?
And finally, Armstrong falls back over the net and knocks it over and who gives him a hand up to see if he’s okay? Gonch. Where were his new team mates? Here’s a guy who knows how to rally loyalty and team spirit and we’re effing that up.
Okay, I’m done ranting . Continue with the Wadell rant……
By The ASG
March 3, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
So you bloggers don’t think we know what we are doing.
You think we should fire Donny. Why would we fire Donny? The guy is more obedient than a family dog. When we say jump, Donny says, “how high?” When we tell Donny to sell tickets, Donny issues statements that would make Buzz Lightyear laugh. Every time we see Donny on television or in the press, Donny has a new “To Infinity and Beyond” line to feed the fans.
The only thing we care about is the Income Statement and the Statement of Cash Flow. As long as we are generating enough revenue to cover operating and interest expenses, we could care less how the team is performing. To us, the team is a toy to show our kids. We take our kids to the locker room before games to show our kids and our kids’ friends how wealthy we are.
We really do care about our fans though. This year, we are rewarding our new fans with half price tickets. See, we know that our fans will spend money on beverages if we can get them in the arena.
We care about our season ticket holders too. Next year, we will have one of the top five hockey prospects in a Thrasher uniform. What could be more exciting than a top five draft pick for our season ticket holders to watch all season?
Earlier this year, Rutherford and Bruce made statements about doing our best to bring the Cup to Atlanta. The NHL has told us they will bring the Cup by once a year for our fans to look at while our ticket representatives try to push ticket packages. We also plan on selling lots of soda and beer Cups. So the next time you see Bruce drunk off his tail on television doing a between periods interview about bringing the Cup to Atlanta, just remember, you’re refilling his cup.
Atlanta, thank you for your support.
By Brendan
March 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Dear ASG, thank you for your honesty.
By Brendan
March 3, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Dears ASG, please don’t forget to remind me that, since I don’t own Home Depot or Coca-Cola, or any other company capable of filling out an executive suite, that I’m ‘just SMALL POTATOES.’ And don’t forget to remind me how very, very little you care about me, and people like me, who have attended games, watched games, and promoted your product through 10 years and eight seasons.
By all means, continue to be that honest.
By kracker
March 3, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
TSN has Stamkos at 6’-1”, 180 lbs so he’s probably in the middle at 175.
By Nikita
March 3, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
So, PJ, your comments are corresponding with an interesting conversation that I had today with someone who is an ASG employee. That person told me that there was a major clash among multiple portions of the organization. The team vs. Hartley, portions of the team against other portions of the team, the ownership against other portions of the ownership, the ownership vs. the coaching staff, etc. My source claims that certain portions of the team would not work with others, and (without being too explicit about who was involved) that they anticipate that the trades will help that. Makes me wonder if our entire previous Hossa line won’t be traded or sent off.
it’s not working and will spread like a cancer…
My point is that the Thrashers appear to already have it.
By Bob
March 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Dear ASG, thank you for the wonderful email from Levenson you just sent me today detailing all that you’re going to do to improve our club. You forgot to mention Step #1 however, which is getting us a quality GM with an ability to build a competitive club. Please let me know when you get that done, and when you allow the new GM to make some good moves this summer, then we can talk about me buying your product next year, ok?
By Alan
March 3, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
PJ - To be fair, Gonch is the one who knocked him into (and over) the net. He was also the one standing closest to him when the whistle was inevitably blown to kill the play. If I remember correctly, he was surrounded by three Pens players.
I see what you’re saying though. We should be trying to welcome our new guys to the locker room, not alienate them. Our team has definitely not been about togetherness this year.
Brendan - Don’t waste your breath. I’m willing to bet the real Atlanta Spirit Group had nothing to do with that posting. The grammatical errors are startling. Furthermore, they wouldn’t address fans over a blog.
By Rawhide
March 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Nikita - That person told me that there was a major clash among multiple portions of the organization. The team vs. Hartley…
Can you expand on that? “The team vs. Hartley”…if he’s gone, and has been for 4-12 months…what is that clash?
Anyone else get the e-mail from Bruce Levenson??? If so, did you notice that nothing was mentioned about improving defense????
By Nikita
March 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Can you expand on that? “The team vs. Hartley”…if he’s gone, and has been for 4-12 months…what is that clash?
As he explained it, there was a very bad dynamic within the team from the start, and it has merely shifted its focus. Originally it was Hartley, then it was general frustration, and then it was other members of the team.
By R. Stroz
March 3, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I received Levenson’s email. After reading the email, I had two pervasive thoughts:
1) Defense is an offensive term to Thrashers management.
2) Next season’s ticket sales must really suck.
By Bob
March 3, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I’m willing to bet the real Atlanta Spirit Group had nothing to do with that posting. The grammatical errors are startling. Furthermore, they wouldn’t address fans over a blog.
Golly gee, ya think so?
That person told me that there was a major clash among multiple portions of the organization.
Does not suprise me in the least. When it’s broken at the top, it sows dysfunction throughout the organ-I-zation.
Hossa thought Waddell was incompetent, that is obvious, that’s why they wouldn’t even negotiate with him, he simply wanted gone. I’m sure half the locker room doesn’t like it here, the other half probably does. Total dysfunction, and that can always be traced directly to the top. I’m sure Holik is a major disruption in the room, remember when he was gone from the Rangers? The Rangers players threw him under the bus and said good riddance as they were sick of him throwing them under the bus in the media, yet not performing on the ice himself (sound familiar?).
Anyone else get the e-mail from Bruce Levenson??? If so, did you notice that nothing was mentioned about improving defense????
Yep. Care to guess why it was sent out? Season tix renewals are due and they are not going well, bank on it.
Levenson said “We also realize that we have areas we can improve upon and as we move our team forward we will aggressively pursue all means at our disposal to strengthen our club…”
I take heart in the “all means at our disposal” and I pray that means they know they need a new GM in here.
If they get the right GM, that one move fixes a litany of problems, it will fix the dysfunctional infighting, it will fix the poor drafting, it will fix the inability to sign a free agent defensemen, it will fix the impetus for guys like Hossa to flee town, it will fix the impression that Atlanta is just a place for over the hill guys to finish out their career.
By Rawhide
March 3, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Nikita - OK. But if there was something with the players and BH, then once he was fired then there should not be any problem.
OR…
BH was NOT the problem, just the scapegoat and now that he is gone the “issues” are focused elsewhere.
Of course, that’s just me thinking logically.
RStroz - Spot on on both points.
Bob - Correct me if I’m wrong…but there was no mention of hiring a coach in there either.
By Nikita
March 3, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Yes, Rawhide. I never thought Hartley was the problem, but that’s where the focus was originally.
But it makes sense, doesn’t it? I’m flashing back to the meltdowns, the fighting, and the loss of control that we had a little while ago, not to mention the handful of extremely angry Bobby Holik interviews. Plus the wierd interviews shortly prior to the trades in which players other than Hossa telegraphed their interest in staying or going. A lot of the team wasn’t happy — I don’t know that they are now. But they look more relaxed, and happier.
By Brendan
March 3, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Bob, I “thank” Marian Hossa. I do. He’s the one guy who spoke publicly about the problem. He went on the radio and said, “For me, it’s no longer about the money. It’s about the direction of the team. That’s the reason I haven’t signed yet.”
And to his credit, the lone member of the media to ever ask Marian Hossa “what specifically” he was concerned about, vis-a-vis the “direction of the team,” … was actually Perry Laurentino, of 680TheFan. Hossa responded, “Well, there’s a lot of little things wrong. Like, at times, it’s as if our team is asleep. And other times, we can’t even make good line changes. And things as ‘basic’ as that shouldn’t be going on … not at this level.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, that’s Marian Hossa being rather “diplomatic,” while answering what might be construed as a very “difficult question.” He sidestepped it a bit. But hey, this is an election year, and perhaps Marian picked up a thing or two about AMERICAN politics along the way. Good for him.
And by way, “Get Well, Hossa!” I won’t ever “boo” that man. What’s there to “boo” about? He was nothing but classy and honest, and made himself available to the media and fans, in trying times, etc. If people continue the “Hossa, Hossa” chant when he visits Philips Arena in the future, I bet he’d appreciate that. I wouldn’t think it would continue, but you never know.
By Alan
March 3, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - Anyone else get the e-mail from Bruce Levenson?
I didn’t. Is there any way I can get a copy?
By Rawhide
March 3, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Alan - I just sent it to the e-mail address that you use to post comments…
By ames
March 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be just as easy to post it?
By Bob
March 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, Levenson did mention the coach:
Our summer agenda will also include solidifying a head coach who will take us to the next level
Rawhide, I think you could post the whole letter on here, although everyone could probably see it on the web site, I’d imagine they’d link it there.
By R. Stroz
March 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Last week we traded Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito, and a 2008 first-round draft pick. While Don Waddell is being praised for the amount of talent we acquired in this deal, the decision to trade Marian was reached after exhausting all other possibilities and was one of the most difficult moves we have been forced to make in our three seasons of owning the Thrashers.
In light of Marian’s departure, we felt it was important to let you know how we view this team, and what our goals are for the future. We want to stress to you our commitment to winning and to bringing a Stanley Cup to Atlanta. We are excited about this franchise and the continued development of our top players this season. Among them, Ilya Kovalchuk is a highlight-reel scorer who has emerged as a passionate leader. Kari Lehtonen continues to gain the experience he needs to become one of the league’s elite netminders. Toby Enstrom has been a work horse and is a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. We expect great things from these players along with the core group of players who are under contract for years to come.
Building on that foundation will be Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen, two young and talented forwards who possess the size and skill that will help our club immediately. We were also able to add Angelo Esposito, a highly-touted 19-year old prospect who was a first-round pick of the Penguins in 2007. He will add to our current crop of up and coming amateur players like Riley Holzapfel, Spencer Machacek, Niklas Lucenius and Andrei Zubarev that will bolster our team for the future. In addition, we have players such as Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Brett Sterling and Boris Valabik, who are having significant success while leading the Chicago Wolves to the best record in the American Hockey League. We look forward to their future as Thrashers with great anticipation.
We also realize that we have areas we can improve upon and as we move our team forward we will aggressively pursue all means at our disposal to strengthen our club, including free agency and the Entry Draft. The first round pick we acquired from Pittsburgh will also be used to select a high-quality prospect or can be used as a chip to acquire immediate help. Our summer agenda will also include solidifying a head coach who will take us to the next level.
The climb to the top of the mountain is never straight up. In our first two seasons as owners our record improved, we won a division championship, and made our first playoff appearance. Our goal for this team has not wavered and we want to bring a championship to you, our loyal fans, and to this city. Like you, we are passionate Thrashers fans, and we spend every day working on trying to make this team one that we can all be proud of.
Thank you for your continuing support, and we look forward to achieving long-term success together.
Bruce Levenson
On behalf of the Atlanta Thrashers’ Owners
By Alan
March 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
I received it, and am reading it right now.
Doesn’t look like much for the future is being planned.
I would tell them to consider recently ousted Ottawa coach Paddock for the head coaching position, and allow him to bring in whoever he feels can get the job done, as far as assistant coach, goalie coach, etc etc.
The owners need to realize that we need a solid foundation to build the house on, not to build the structure and try to slide a foundation under it. Talking about the Entry Draft isn’t what I envisioned at the beginning of the year. But if it makes them feel better about failure, then so be it.
In other news, I’m going to be at the game on Friday vs the Minnesota Wild. This time, I’ll try to enter through the CNN Center and find my way to Gorin’s. Is there a box office in the CNN Center? I’ve always used the box office outside the gates or have been given tickets for providing customers with good service.
By R. Stroz
March 3, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure which ASG post had more grammatical errors, the tongue-in-cheek post or the letter actually written by the ASG.
By Thrasher Ryan
March 3, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Nikita—If you wear a Blue Crew outfit, I’ll wear the body paint. Just sayin’.
By PJ
March 3, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Rawhide, Only 30 comments on the blog today, that line still doesn’t work…maybe you should have tried, FREE BEER.
By Eight Year Old Kid
March 3, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Mom, what do you mean by I have to start doing chores around the house before I get an allowance and my video game controller back?
Mom, I’m used to doing nothing but playing video games and getting my allowance too. These new rules suck.
By 9 Year Old Kid
March 3, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Mom, How come the Thrashers are exactly where they were at when I was born in 1999, playing for a top draft pick?
I think a lot has changed in my lifetime, just not with this team. They must not be managed right…
By R. Stroz
March 3, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Another thing about the letter from Levenson:
The term incremental progress has been eliminated from the team propaganda machine.
By PJ
March 3, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Rsroz - Intersting choice of words, “solidifying” a head coach. Sounds like the Beast has the job otherwise they would have said acquiring or hiring etc. No?
Nikita - Does your ASG source say if they plan to get rid of the source of this animosity? And if so, WHEN?? Honestly, I want names, get us some names. As for the game on Wed. I will be cheering from home if it is televised. As for attention getting ideas, you could take Stroz and his bullhorn with you. BTW, The body paint might get you thrown out unless you write it on a t-shirt first. j/k Have fun at the game.
By Sage of Bluesland
March 3, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
The Spirit boys put out a letter? Bob hit the nail squarely on the head—GaVaSheep speaks of a couple of hundred nonrenewals…
You BETTER believe it’s much more than that, Sparky…Stop being such a mindless, Waddell-lapping, sheep!
For Heaven’s sake! You’re becoming an embarrassment, GaVaSheep…
By Brendan
March 3, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Capitals 10, Bruins 2. Washington scored in the first minute and never looked back. Ovechkin had a “hat trick” in the first period. It was 6-0 after one period. Ovechkin is running away with the Rocket Richard trophy.
By Alan
March 3, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Sage - What is it with you, toe the party line or you’ll get run over by the bus? Last time I checked, it wasn’t illegal (yet) to form your own opinions. And calling him - or anyone else who doesn’t toe your party line - a “sheep” isn’t going to win them over to your side.
By The Other Bob
March 3, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Brendan - yup….the Caps rolled.
Hey, didn’t they fire their coach last November???? They had a plan “post firing” and hired a new head coach.
They will probably win the division.
Is there a lesson to learn here?
By kracker
March 3, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Other Bob Good points. The ASG is still paying Hartley. They will pay him next year if he stays out of coaching. Sooo…I am of the opinion the ASG didn’t want to hire another coach and then be paying two salaries so they dumped it all on Waddell. I assume DW is receiving more pay for the extra work…or maybe not. Nor do I really care.
We need and have needed a coach this year. What a screwed up mess!
By Brendan
March 4, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Alan, the lesson is one what Rawhide outlined in his many previous blogs. Where he was right and I was wrrrrr. I mean, not correct.
By Brendan
March 4, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I meant OtherBob, not Alan. My mind is scattered at the very moment.