Ice Man

By The ASG

March 4, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Houston, we have a problem.

By Midfield

March 4, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Good one, Rawhide. If I were to change anything, I wouldn’t stick Hossa to every paragraph. I really don’t think that the Cup aspirations depend on Hossa that much.

By Bob

March 4, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Begin the search for a new coach as well as a new general manger. And, if I may be so bold to add, they should both be dedicated to the proposition that all true contending teams build first from the blueline and take that understanding into the summer intent on opening the checkbook and bringing into Philips Arena those type of players.

Bravo, Rawhide. Very well sad, all of it.

Dear Mr. Levenson, I respectfully submit that the one underlying problem for woes of this franchise lay at the feet of the inept GM that has been making the decisions.

For the good of this club, it’s fans, and your financial bottom line, you must address the problem from the top down. First, you need a quality, experienced, successful GM to take over the leadership of this club.

Second, it would be prudent to give this GM the authority to hire an experienced quality Coach.

Third, your interests are best served by allowing this new GM to make the proper moves to bring in quality defenders and build this club from the back out. My advice would be to stick with Lehtonen and see what he can do with a quality defense in front of him.

Also, it would be a wise decision to jettison the lame marketing campaign “Believe in Blueland”. Marian Hossa did not. Many of your experienced NHL fans are embarrassed by such a lame marketing campaign, this is not Disney World, this is the NHL.

Lastly, you need to sit back and collect the revenue stream that a successful club will generate from increased exposure in this sports starved town. Many of your fans are transplants and grew up fans of other NHL teams. They have a hard time supporting this product as we know inept leadership when we see it, and this ship has been steered into the rocks by one inept GM.

Fix that problem and watch your revenue stream grow when all the transplants come out of the woodwork and support this club, and the many fans that have dropped out over the years after watching failure after failure of your GM, will come back. We want to believe in your ability to make the proper decisions, but this season ticket holder’s revenue stream is going to be withheld until you prove to me that you’re ready to make the overdue necessary changes from the top down.

By Tony H

March 4, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Excellent, Rawhide. I would, however, add the following questions and/or comments: 1. Just what does solidifying mean? Sounds like the coach is in place just not called “head” coach. 2. Why not address your GM situation first and let him put the coach in place to match his vision for the team? 3. The ASG should go back and look at the other professional sports teams in Atlanta over the years. IF you build a winner, or at least a very competitive team with a chance at a title, the fans will come. Inferior products + price increases do not equate to more paying fans. Produce a product worthy of your fans hard-earned dollars and they will come. Otherwise you can look at empty seats that don’t spend money on concessions.

By five_hole

March 4, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Well said, Rawhide. What we want is a commitment to building a winning franchise, not one that simply earns a profit for the owners.

By Thrasherbob

March 4, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Dang Rawhide, You could land a jumbo jet on them things between your legs. Well said! You know, someone in his office is gonna show your article to him but we know he ain’t got the runway to respond.

By DaveM

March 4, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Very well thought out letter. I’m glad this is being brought to the Spirit’s attention in yet another forum.

I agree with everything said above. I also question the ability to purchase single game tickets at significantly lower than season ticket prices. I am a season ticket holder and have been since the beginning. The product is not near as good as it could/should be and my prices continually go up. I am also surrounded on most nights by people who paid 50% of face value due to some promotion or another.

As of today I do not plan to renew until summer when I see the direction of the team. The newly added “benefits” do not compensate for the product on the ice.

By LAC

March 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Bravo, i just hope that levenson can read this, is he even THAT Capable ?

Until waddell is gone and new owners… We will never be a true contender, REAL owners put forth the effort both on and off the ice,asg has done neither and I do not trust them to anything but behave badly again in regard to keeping waddell, master of HIS OWN MESS!!!, and third and fourth line players few other teams want…

They need to look at The Capitals and how THEY turned the corner after firing their coach… We DID NOT and are worse for it, we need a REAL GM & Coach, no more of this same thing we have been stuck with for the past 8 season, Like sand through an hour glass… The last grain has dropped for waddell I HOPE !!!!

By Bob Hartley

March 4, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Yeah ya know, like, uh you guys like uh fired the wrong guy, ya know!

By B. Hartley

March 4, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

My prediction: Don Waddell will step down on his own after the season is over. The ASG is clueless whne it comes to hockey and the fact that no new coach was hired is because of the ASG is still paying B. Hartley.

By NASCAR Dave

March 4, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

BRUCE I WILL BUY SEASON TICKETS AS SOON AS YOU FIRE WADDELL.

WE WANT CHICAGO WOLVES COACH JOHN ANDERSON BROUGHT IN AND EX-ATLANTA FLAME PAT QUINN BROUGHT IN AS GM.

THANKS.

By B. Hartley

March 4, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

My prediction: Don Waddell will step down on his own after the season is over. The ASG is clueless whne it comes to hockey and the fact that no new coach was hired is because of the ASG is still paying B. Hartley.

By Bromodrosis

March 4, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Couple of questions here.

1 - What qualified coach was available in the middle of the season?

2 - What team who is willing to acquire Hossa for a playoff push would be willing to surrender a top flite defenseman at the same time?

The answer to both is none. And while I don’t disagree that this franchise is being run into the ground by inept ownership, let’s be honest, good coaches aren’t available mid-season. Good coaches have jobs, bad coaches wait for desperate teams to make desperate moves. Hartley was only available because he’d been fired by the Avalanche.

By scott

March 4, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Nice Letter Rawhide. I would like to add, that despite the poor overall performance of the team this year, and the step back from a playoff berth last year, the ownership decided to give themselves a “raise” by increasing ticket prices (7% on my seats). This increase was after hearing all year that the payroll well below cap would give us flexibility at the trade deadline. At the trade deadline, the Thrashers SHED an additional 3+ million in payroll. Perhaps next year, ASG should offer a flex plan for after the trade deadline games - if their plan is to “start really trying” at and after the trade deadline, that’s when I’ll put my butt in a seat.

By Justin Croft

March 4, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

There are a lot of season ticket holders that feel this way, including myself. The people who are in charge of making decisions in this organizaion have totally neglected this team’s needs. Hossa was the right move, but how can you not upgrade your a defensive corps???. Oh and lets put our worst two defensivemen(X and McCarthy) on the same pairing…thanks Don. I need to see some effort before I renew. Sincerely, one p** off STH…as of this season

By Smoothie

March 4, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Amen Rawhide! Amen brother!

Time to start fresh with a new vision, new GM and a coach who will capably teach his players the nuances of responsible two-way play and hold accountable those players who do not buy into the program 100%.

Once that type of commitment to change and progress is manifested by the actions of the ASG, players like Brian Campbell, Kristian Huselius, JP Dumont, Chris Kelly and Mike Ribeiro might just give serious consideration to the prospect of becoming an Atlanta Thrasher.

Respectfully, A passionate hockey fan and partial-season ticket holder

By License to Ilya

March 4, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

To: Bromodrosis

No one would have given up a top flight defenseman at the trade deadline - true. But Pitt has nice prospects on the blueline. I think it would have be fairly easy to to get Letang and let Pitt keep their first and Esposito. Makes more sense that way but I’m no GM…

By Smoothie

March 4, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Bromodrosis — answer to # 2) Hossa should have been shopped for an elite top-pairing D-man, or at least an up and coming 2nd pairing youngster, as early as last fall when it was evident he was quite “unconvinced” (for lack of a better word) that Atlanta should be his long-term hockey home. It was postulated on this blog that his value would have been much higher at that time and “solidifying” the blueline would have been a more prudent move by the organization at that juncture.

By Fed-Up

March 4, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

I am so fed up with all the trash talk from the media and the fans who can’t give this team or organization a decent break without jumping on them from every direction for everything they do that does not make someone happy. This crap has been going on and on. LET IT GO PEOPLE! GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO FIX THINGS! How would you like it if people nit picked every aspect of you every single day?

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Amount of hits this blog will receive from any member of the ASG ownership group:

0

By seriously?

March 4, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Seriously?

Your lack of true knowledge of the situation really shows when you state your opinions based on assumptions that are not true.

First, you blame Waddell for coaching the season…when it was a concious decision by the OWNERS to wait until AFTER the season to hire a new coach.

Second, Waddel wanted to give the job to McCrimmon, but Beast will not accept the job unless given a multi-year contract. And the Thrashers cannot sign Anderson from Chicago because they do not own the team and thus have to have the Chicago owners approval to interview him. Thus, there was only one option for the rest of the year…have waddell coach.

If it wasn’t for Hartley’s collapse in the beggining, and Beast reluctance to take the job after the all star game (when we were ACTUALLY in first place)…Waddell’s work would have been from 0-6 to division leaders. The trading deadline and the work with all that completely wore him, and the team down. He was doing TWO jobs at the same time…and those games were in the most hockey crazy media markets…just watch his interviews after the trade…he is exhausted.

We were put in a bad situation after Hartley’s 0-6….and a worse situation when Beast wouldn’t take the job so Waddell could focus on his GM duties.

The criticism for Waddell is unfounded, in my opinion. Instead of complaining about him…maybe you should instead ask the owners to spend to the cap? That will be more constructive then your baseless opinions

By The Falconer

March 4, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Well spoken.

I want to be a fan and a consumer but the product just isn’t very good and that’s because the key decisions haven’t been very good.

By Vaseline

March 4, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

“Rawhide???”

You must’ve gotten that name from your Midtown dating activities.

From your obvious repressed ‘Freudian’ issues with Don Waddell, you sound as if the only “stick handling” in your particular realm of expertise has NOTHING to do with ice skates.

Toodles!

By Bromodrosis

March 4, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

License to Ilya PIT isn’t giving up Letang, are you kidding? He’s their star defenseman and he’s dirt cheap. They’re going to have a tough time with the cap going forward.

Smoothie It’s always easier to look back and make decisions witht he benfit of historical context, but this team was chugging along and playing well until after Christmas. If you have a chance to win a division or trade a guy, you go for the division. This team is still trying to sell hockey to a non-traditional fanbase. Trading your (arguably) best player in midseason looks like a horrible decision to a casual fan. Winning the division is going to get a lot more butts in seats.

He took a risk. But he still got very good value at the deadline. The Thrashers were still viable candidates to win the division until Kovalchuk hurt his knee. Although He’s GOT to get rid of the deadweight on the defense. Bringing in fossils like Klee and Zhitnik kills this team every year.

By scott

March 4, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

DaveM Great point about the promotions and filling surrounding seats with people paying 50% face value. Kind of makes me feel like a sucker

By UpperDeck4Life

March 4, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Rawhide very well put. But to be honest, I think the ASG and the Thrashers organization need a more profound message. The last few seasons I took several groups of kids to Thrashers games as well as had a 1/2 season plan. I did not renew my plan this season, nor have I taken any groups of kids this year, although I have gotten several phone calls from my ticket person, I have stayed fast in my desire to keep my little one man protest going. But to get back to my original point, I think a loud message needs to be sent to the ASG. What about a one game boycot or a walkout. Some will say that if it is a week night, who’s going to notice because no one shows up anyways, but this way they don’t get the added revenue. The other way, the walkout is definitly more noticeable, but they get the revenue from the tickets. I say if you want to send a message to the Thrashers and ASG. Organize one of those 2 things during our remaining home games.

By Sara

March 4, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

ranallo do not assume Levenson will not read this. He has posted on the message boards at the Thrashers’ team site and also on the Nasty Nest boards in the past. Not often, but it has happened. They pay more attention than you might think.

Over the weekend I heard a few different things from some friends that coupled with the letter from Bruce and the new STH perks make me think this organization has figured out they made some, er, “missteps” to put it nicely. I think some of you are going to be very surprised at the changes that come about over this off-season - most likely before we even get to the draft.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 4, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Folks, let’s look at the facts. Waddell has had 9 years (going on 10) with this franchise. He has no playoff victories. His drafting has been less than stellar. His free agent signings are laughable.

Waddell has had plenty of time. I think he is a great person; I just think his time as Thrashers Head Coach/GM/Vice President should be over.

He had his chance. Now it’s time to move forward without him.

By Tony C.

March 4, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Mr. Tiller-

WOW.

Great letter muy cojones migo!

I think that DW can fix things, but the way the Hossa drama played out, it seems he’s lost too much credibility-but with the pieces the trade brought back, and some workman-like effort to jockey for position in this year’s draft (which is supposed to be the beginning of this generation’s high-water mark), it’s not unreasonable to think that a much more sound and therefore, competitive team can be assembled by as early as this June.

Somebody get Levenson’s blackberry address.

Let’s blow his email up.

GO BLUE !!!

OPERATION: Believe in Tankland IS GO!

By JB

March 4, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Dear Bruce,

I am a member of the Thrashers message boards, and follow this team religiously both during the season and the offseason during the draft and free agency periods. I am writing this for the same reason most people are posting in this blog and the same reason Rawhide started this blog.

As I said previously I am a huge Thrasher fan, and keep that in mind while readaing this:

1) This team has been covered in mediocrity for far too long, we won our division last season and from that many people, including myself, thought that we would improve from that point forward. However, it seems that we have regressed more than we have progressed. Now granted we didn’t get off to a great start this season; however after that we didn’t ever get to the point where we were more than two games over the .500 mark. If we expect to remain competitive and expect to win championships we cannot continue to be a .500 hockey club. 2) Don Waddell has been a solid GM for this team since its inception, and has brought in the talent that this team has been known for(i.e. Ilya Kovalchuk, Kari Lehtonen and Toby Enstrom) but the problem with that listing is every one of those players have been drafted(which I don’t have a problem with) but the problem I do have is that this team is not bringing in solid, first line talent through free agency. Now I do understand that championships can’t be won on the backs of first liners only and the performance of third and fourth line players are at points just as important; but we have only one true first line forward on our roster and that is Ilya Kovalchuk; in the same sentence we only have two quality first pairing defensemen; Nic Havelid and Toby Enstrom.

This team needs to make a splash in the free agent market and bring in a new crop of talent that will help this team now and in the future, and to do that we need to spend money on the team. Please do not interpret that to mean we need to spend 4.5 million dollars on a third line player, we need to spend money and spend it in places that are going to help this team. Players like Brian Campbell and Brooks Orpik should be on the top of our shopping list this offseason.

I trust you will do everything humanly possible to make this team into a winner.

Thank you for your time,

JB

By PJ

March 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Rawhide

Spoken from the heart, nice.

Where is Brendan? I expect no less than 10 paragraphs in commentary.

Sara Thrashers fans are due a pleasant surprise. I hope you are right.

Seriously Glad to see someone in the ASG organIzation step up and provide some commentary……..you are affiliated with or work for ASG, No? I personally was unaware that the Beast was holding out for a longer contract. Also, permission to interview??? That’s a new one.

By Over 18

March 4, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Tony C,

I wish you all the best with you elementary school graduation this May.

By The Other Bob

March 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Seriously - So, you KNOW this for a fact???? Your sources are????? You are an insider???????

Do tell?

By Alan

March 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Where is Brendan? I expect no less than 10 paragraphs in commentary.

I think he’s still speaking with his editor in preparation to have his manuscript published. ;)

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I have NEVER HEARD that Brad McCrimmon “turned down” the Head Coaching position. I’d like to let Brad McCrimmon go on 680TheFan, the “flagship station of the Atlanta Thrashers,” to personally respond to that allegation. I think that’s only “fair.”

While I’m sure that Don Waddell was stretched to the limit of his abilities, he never uttered a “peep” of complaint about it. What is it about this guy? He has horrible working conditions and grins along, merrily. When he could be running to every media outlet to complain about them. He doesn’t, probably, because he hopes to land another NHL gig one day. And I hope he gets it.

Rawhide, kudos to you, good sir, for such a fine and passionate post. I think it’s a sad commentary, however, that fan bloggers have nudge, prod, and SCREAM—to the very point of product boycott—to get what any other organization would do instinctively after 10 years, eight seasons, one playoff berth, and zero playoff wins.

Two (2) defensemen out of 27 drafted have cracked Atlanta’s starting lineup. Just over a handful of Waddell draft picks play “somewhere” in the NHL. And while someone will inevitably chime in to say … who has more 8th round picks in their starting lineup than Atlanta, how does such short-sighted thinking really absolve the utter failures from picks #13 and beyond, on balance??

Stop. No matter how much you might love, adore, worship, admire and coddle Don Waddell, there is “accountability” in sports for GM’s. It’s not some “lifetime” appointment. And Don Waddell knew this coming in. Historically, “expansion” GM’s don’t have a very long “shelf-life.” They are fortunate to get 5-6 years. Doug Risebrough, GM of the Wild, is enjoying some fine longevity with that club, but he’s taken it to the Conference Finals and will soon have three (3) playoff berths to show for it. Not to mention that fact that Minnesota is looking at a potentially high seed and represents a team that many people “fear” facing in the Opening Round. Can the same be said of Atlanta?

Stop. Every single one of you … is capable of being honest. And while you’re being honest, and contemplating all the MITIGATING FACTORS that excuse Don Waddell, the truth is … “every GM who EVER got fired … can point to “something” as an excuse why things didn’t work out.” Waddell is hardly in his 3rd year. He’s going on a DECADE at the helm. It is what it is. He’s not the worst GM hockey. But neither is he leading us towards the “promised land” called the Stanley Cup. Those who disagree probably feel … he just needs another 5-8 years … and we’ll get there. And to be patient.

Where are you living? In “bizarro world,” where hamburgers eat people? GM’s don’t get 8 years and 7 seasons to make it to playoff game #1. They don’t get 10 years to get to Round Two, either. These are the terms and conditions of the workplace. In virtually every NHL market. Whenever a GM is hired, it’s not a matter of “if, but when” he’ll get fired. It’s reality.

By Bob

March 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

let’s be honest, good coaches aren’t available mid-season

Hmmm, who was it coaching the Caps last night as they annihilated the Bruin? Oh, that’s right, that was their new coach brought in after firing their coach mid-season

do not assume Levenson will not read this. He has posted on the message boards at the Thrashers’ team site and also on the Nasty Nest boards in the past. Not often, but it has happened. They pay more attention than you might think

Yep, I read Levenson posting on the Thrashers’ message boards and on the Nasty Nest site. I guarantee that Levenson has already read this and from the looks of a blog or two above, some members of the Spirit Org. are already here spinning their reply. Word to the wise, save the spin, and just get us a real GM that can build a competitive time.

Look, these guys are in full on scramble mode. Season tix renewals are not going well, that is beyond obvious to all but a couple of the usual suspects around here.

I suspect that what Sara has heard is true and we will see some major changes being made. And it’s beyond time, I’ve been calling for it for over 5 years.

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

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Sara — Perhaps it’s my cynical look on the way the ASG has treated their faithful fans…but I highly doubt anything substantial will change.

I still scoff at the fact that what’s-his-face from the ASG had the nerve to say they wanted to “bring the Stanley Cup to Atlanta” during the banner drop. My STH buddy and I looked at eachother in disbelief that a guy admitted they wanted to win the Cup while sitting $6M under the salary cap and having $2M locked into a player who had yet to be placed on the IR (for salary cap relief).

I’ve supported Waddell’s “vision” and “decisions”, and can still understand what he’s trying to do up against a tough situation, but the ASG has given me no reason to continue to be supportive/protective of their decisions. I don’t think it’s as easy as “fire Waddell, hire a competent replacement”, but I do feel opening the purse strings would greatly help the situation.

In conclusion, no, I don’t believe Bruce Levenson will read this. If he DOES read this, I don’t believe anything meaningful will change as a direct result. I do not have that strong of faith with this ownership group. This season they’ve treated us like a fast food restaurant and not a fine dining establishment.

Last season we were an Applebee’s, this season we’re a Taco Bell. Cut the overhead, give less bang for your buck to the customer, but still make a profit. Less people will be happy, but your business will still succeed.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, who was it coaching the Caps last night as they annihilated the Bruin? Oh, that’s right, that was their new coach brought in after firing their coach mid-season

Boudreau was a long shot, and not what I’d consider a “good coach” available to head coach their team. If you consider every AHL coach with experience and a winning record once or twice, then I guess he fits into your “good coach” category.

That being said, I’d be happy as hell if John Anderson were hired. He’s who I want. But if the ASG said “no Don, you can’t hire anybody else, we can’t afford Rucchin, Hartley AND Anderson”, then I guess we were up the proverbial creek.

Boudreau made good stuff happen in Washington, but it doesn’t always work that easily. I hope Anderson could do the same.

By thefish

March 4, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Fine letter. What you failed to mention is that the ASG now has the audacity to RAISE ticket prices in the face of this overwhelming 9th season of mediocrity. BOO!!!!!! FIRE WADDELL already!!! Give youselves at least some semblence of respect.

By PJ

March 4, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Brendan, Only seven paragraphs? Go have your coffee honey, you’re not done yet. Glad to see I was not the only one unaware of the Beast deal or should I say, no deal. Now, could you please explain to me this “permission to interview” a coach….. Is that legit?

By Maal

March 4, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Well you were much nicer than I would have been, had I received a letter. My reply would’ve had at least one F-bomb, and the dire warning that they face losing what’s left of their talent on the team if they carry on. You should scan the letter and email it to me :-D

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

PJ — Much like other professional sports, a franchise needs to receive permission to approach a coach currently under contract by another franchise, and without approval cannot get into discussions regarding hiring that coach.

So if Anderson is owned by another franchise (Chicago Wolves) and is not given permission to discuss a coaching vacancy by his franchise, he cannot be hired without breaching his current contract (and likely facing a denial by the NHL governing body due to non-compliance with the CBA).

By kracker

March 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

RH Hey there, I am still reading your initial blog entry. At one point you wrote Coincidently, the Thrashers then went on a 0-5-2 run…If you are refering to the recent games following the Feb. 15th shootout win at New Jersey, the team’s record is 0-4-3 with the Thrash earning an OT or SO point in the last three games.

By PJ

March 4, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10, Thank you for the explaination of the CBA rules.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Brendan — So what you’re saying is…?

Basically this ownership group is not able to make the types of decisions that you feel would be made by most competent owners. The mold is being broken by the owners, not the GM, yet most people are using the GM as the scapegoat.

Mitigating factors aside, Waddell has made his owners money. We can’t deny that, can we?? Perhaps these owners are content with simply “making a profit” and could care less about how it’s done.

If that’s the case (which it seems is likely), then Waddell is their PERFECT GM because he can make a team that resembles a division contender, but costs them that of a low tier team.

By Bob

March 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Here’s a little help for those that suffer under the delusion that simply spending to the Cap especially in the new Cap world, guarantees success. It doesn’t, it’s the GM that can find the right guys while staying under the Cap, that equates to success.

First off, the Spirit spent to the Cap the first two years out of the Cap, and did it get us one playoff win? No.

Here’s a look at the clubs that spent less this year than the Spirit let Waddell spend, and what their records are-

Thrashers are $7.29m under the Cap, we know what their record is.

Penguins are $8.68m under the Cap, they currently lead the East with 81 pts., and have our former best all around player on their roster set for a playoff run!

Tampa is $7.68m under the Cap, they sit at dead last in the East with 59 pts (yeah, they suck worse than we do!).

San Jose is $10.32 under the Cap, they sit at 82 pts and 5th in the more competitive West (let that sink in, they spent $3m less than we did and look at their lineup and prospects for a Cup run)

but let’s journey on…

Washington is $12m under the Cap, they sit at 70 pts., game in hand and 3 pts back of Carolina for the Division lead, just signed the most prolific scorer in hockey for life, I think it’s fair to say they are heading in the right direction and spent $5m less than us.

Columbus is $12.5m under the Cap, they sit at 70 pts and 4 pts out of the playoffs in the competitive West.

Phoenix is $14.6m under the Cap, they sit at 71pts, 3 pts out of the playoffs in the competitive West.

Nash-Vegas is $16.2m under the Cap! they sit at 74 pts and tied for the last playoff spot in the competitive West.

So only one team that spent less than us (Tampa) is underperforming us. All the rest that spent less are outperforming.

So I assume if Waddell isn’t the problem, and it’s the Spirit boys, then all the owners that are allowing their GM’s to spend more are doing great, right?

Oilers have only $1.9m cap space left, but sit at 67 pts are are jockeying for a lottery pick.

Chicago has $4m cap space left, sit at 68 pts. and will miss the playoffs.

Toronto has $1.4m cap space left, sit at 68 pts and will miss the playoffs.

Flyers have $1.1m cap space left, and are the bubble team in the East.

The Rangers proved over a decade that simply spending more than other clubs does not equate success. The Wild made the West Finals in their 3rd year on a shoestring budget. Nash-Vegas has had money problems since Day 1 and is competitive every year.

A good GM that can build a competitive team no matter what the budget, especially in this new Cap world, is the prerequisite to success.

By Badda-BING

March 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Ranallo - Your 1:51 is correct…but don’t you think that if the Thrashers WANTED to discuss the job with Anderson, does anyone actually think for a second Chicago would have denied them?????

Either way…I’ve not seen ANY story that the team did try to discuss it with Anderson and Chicago deny them. So, baseless statement there unless it can be shown otherwise.

Besides, I think Custance even did a peice on Anderson a few months ago in which it seemed Anderson WANTED to coach here.

Also, did not Pat Quinn show an interest?? Is HE under contract with someone???? I don’t know if he would be my #1 choice, but it sure shoots down Serious’s assertion that there was NO qualified coach out there.

I’m still waiting for serious or anyone else to confirm the aligation that McCrimmon turned down an offer to coach due to contract reasons.

IF the team wanted to place him as HEAD coach, they could have done so by naming him “interim” head coach. Instead they chose to name him associate coach.

Big difference.

By Alan

March 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 -

Oilers have only $1.9m cap space left, but sit at 67 pts are are jockeying to give Anaheim a lottery pick.

Fixed that for ya. :)

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

First off, the Spirit spent to the Cap the first two years out of the Cap, and did it get us one playoff win? No.

Yet they remained happy with the incremental progress. That’s not Waddell’s fault that they’re easily appeased.

They also spent to the cap at the trade deadline, meaning they had to mortgage the future to meet that cap (which only impacted their wallet for a few months of the season). They never rode the cap wall from October on (I’m not saying that’s the solution, but that’s what people are getting at when they mention the cap).

Finally, your examples for succeeding teams spending less money than the Thrashers aren’t exactly an impressive group. Would you WANT to be a Phoenix, Columbus, or Chicago fan prior to this season?? All of them have had many seasons of sellar dwelling years, due to a lack of spending. Those last place finishes (and subsequent high draft picks) loaded them for their current runs, and they’re BARELY holding onto playoff aspirations.

That’s not good management in my mind.

Nashville wins but yet loses money as a franchise and has been sold twice in the last year. Tampa the same.

By ThrashDawg

March 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Where were all of these people hollering fire DW when the team was tied for the division a couple of weeks ago? Where were all these people hollering fire DW when the team was 0-6 and DW turned the team around and made something of this season. Who would have ever thought after starting 0-6 we would even have been thinking playoffs in late February? Why is it DW or anyone elses fault that Hossa did not want to be in Atlanta? Does anybody care what kind of an impact that little drama had on this team? I get tired of reading all the negative crap from so called fans who think they are smarter than a man who has spent his life in the game. If you are fed up, don’t go to the games, don’t write blogs, go support some other team. Oh, but when the Thrashers start winning again and turn the ship around, don’t come back!

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Badda-BING — If I was a Chicago Wolves owner I’d rather continue my perennial playoff runs and not get rid of our coach. Screw the NHL, the Wolves are a business and in it to make money. Without their coach (who has been stellar since his arrival) how far would they be?? The Thrashers can go to another AHL affiliate and the Wolves would have many potential franchises interested in their services as an affiliate (Buffalo and Florida come to mind since they currently share Rochester…how weird is that?).

Also, most assumptions are that Quinn would be interested in having the GM position here, not the coaching vacancy. If Waddell hired Quinn he’d have hired a possible replacement for his own position. Not many GMs are that stupid unless it’s by design because they plan on retiring or moving on. I don’t think Waddell is planning on going anywhere.

But you’re right, most of this is speculation, which gives credence to neither side of the discussion.

By kracker

March 4, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Excellent open letter, RH! I am sure it will find it’s way to the owners’ eyes.

I would have perhaps stressed even more that the place to start is finding the best GM available and offering whatever salary is necessary to hire him. Then urge him to hire the best coaching and scouting personnel that can be found so that these new coaches and scouts will fit the GM’s team philosophy that you mentioned is lacking on the Thrashers. This staff would draft/acquire the new players that, along with the core players that are retained, will round into a team exhibiting that newly established team philosophy.

It all begins with hiring a top notch hockey man and allowing him to make all the on-ice decisions and also consistently providing the funding for him to build a winner.

By truehockeyfan

March 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

It was’t long ago a man from texas was going to buy the thrashers and Hawks. Than a group of men got together to establish the ASG and save hockey in Atlanta. It has not been easy and this franchise has had it’s share of bad breaks. Notwithstanding winning is everything.DW did everything possible to make sure we made the playoffs last year and we did. It is not his fault the team got swept. This year the team started out as bad as it could, so DW stepped up and made a coaching change.Let us not forget that the team went 11 and 4 his first 15 games behind the bench.Let us not forget that at the All-Star break we were a first place team. And, yes Brad McCrimmon was asked to be the coach for the rest of the year the day after the All-Star game. My Question is why did’nt Brad step up like DW did. I am a true fan and still believe that this team can make a run. We must believe in our team, the management, coaches and ownership. If not they will only be sold and moved to another city. We must also understand that Marion Hossa had already made his mind up that He was going free agency no matter what. If I am wrong on this than He will sign with pittsburgh, Surely, they have everything he said he wanted in a team. By the way RED Wing Fans are calling for Kenny Holland’s head in Detroit, they have only 1 win in their last 11 games.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

By the way RED Wing Fans are calling for Kenny Holland’s head in Detroit, they have only 1 win in their last 11 games.

truehockeyfan — That’s a perfect example of why fans no little about managing a franchise. Ken Holland is far and away the best GM in the NHL. Some might argue his ranking of number one or number two, but there is no denying he’s the creme de la creme.

By Pucksdeep

March 4, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Hmm, well done Rawhide, well done indeed.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Haha, “no little about managing”. Clearly I KNOW little about spelling.

By Sara

March 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

That’s a perfect example of why fans no little about managing a franchise. Ken Holland is far and away the best GM in the NHL. Some might argue his ranking of number one or number two, but there is no denying he’s the creme de la creme.

Not too mention short memories. They pulled a similar stunt in 2002 with a big slump towards the end of the season. Couple months later they were hoisting the Cup.

By Nikita

March 4, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Re: the cap, our problem is partially the cap and partially who we spend it on. The dinosaurs of the NHL bring experience, but they also bring liabilities. Namely they’re comparatively injury-prone, expensive, and in some cases slow. PIT is cheap because its squad is young. So, how many veterans and what kind of veterans do we need? We could probably do with fewer — and I’d suggest we weigh carefully whether we keep Klee and Recchi (both cheap and serviceable), Holik (expensive and serviceable) , Zhitnik (expensive and not currently serviceable), and any middle-aged journeyman that isn’t having a significant impact on the team’s prospects in favor of paying for mediocrity, if we must, on the way to building young players for the future.

Regrding the D-line, I agree with the falconer that we could see significant improvement by cutting and replacing the below-average performers on that line…which, by the way, are Exelby, McCarthy, and Zhitnik. Unfortunately, we’re probably stuck with Zhitnik for now at a very high price. Fortunately, he can play well when he wants to. So I suggest we cut McCarthy and Ex, bust Zhit down to the bench or last line until he feels like playing up to potential or we can cut him loose, and bring in 2-3 new, highly skilled, D-Men.

By truehockeyfan

March 4, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

P.S. Didn’t we feel so good after that New Jersey game. The way the team came back and than won it in the shootout. Clearly one of the best games in the short history of the Thrashers.The team than goes out and loses 7 straight. 14 possible points and they only get 3. It is time to put the blame where the blame needs to go. On the players. They should be held accountable for the sluggish play they have exhibited in key games.If these guys gave half the effort DW gives they could easily be in first place. They are the ones who should really be blamed for not winning.

By Bob

March 4, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

They are the ones who should really be blamed for not winning

Yep, the players are not performing. Step back and look at the forest though, the trees are clouding your view…who signed these players and thought they were the pieces of a winning team?

By Brian

March 4, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - if I had to guess, Anderson will be here at the end of this season. A big name free agent will be acquired. But given that DW has been doing exactly what the ASG told him to do, he is here to stay. If what they told him to do did not work, they will give him another avenue to pursue results…

Didn’t have time to read all entries, but I imagine a lot of folks want him gone as the scapegoat that Ranollo10 was referring to. But you actually hit the nail on the head when you refer to the financial end of things and those decisions. Expect an eventful offseason though…

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

who signed these players and thought they were the pieces of a winning team

Since the ownership group approves all contracts prior to them being signed, technically the owners did…

I’m just saying.

By fanofblueland

March 4, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Who signed these players and thought they were the pieces of a winning team?

In my mind (and yes, it is sound), I say these guys sold themselves (while working hard to impress all buyers/draft personnel) as real hockey players capable of being in the NHL and once signed, became a mixed bag of garbage - how are the GM, Coaches and Scouts to trust the reports when these guys time and time again slack off? They get the big contracts and read a positive article or two about themselves, get the big ego going and really show their true colors - not sure how you can blame the GM, Coach and Scouts for the players negligence. They need to step it up a fews notches and keep it there.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, the words “perfect GM.” And Waddell, cannot exist in the same sentence. That’s why I separated them, and in so doing, made my high school English teacher’s head spin.

What I’m saying is this: To put the “belief” part back in the “Believe in Blueland” campaign … something has to be done with the GM position. And no one outside of the IRS and the team, themselves, knows ifffff the Thrashers are actually making money. But I have to believe that whatever money they’re making … that they’d like to make more. Is that unreasonable to assume?

Wouldn’t a soldout arena be more profitable than one that isn’t? This GM’s decision-making has placed it where it is. It is what it is. And even if the Thrashers did somehow manage to win every game from here on out … it’d be winning the weakest division in hockey. And would you bet a paycheck on Atlanta winning a first round series, if it got in? Beeee honest.

Now, I hear you. What’s to say the next GM will sellout Philips Arena, night after night, with nothing but unmitigated success? Nothing. Obviously, there are no guarantees. But there’s a P.R. problem right now with this GM. There’s a “crisis of faith” in his abilities … after eight seasons. Change GM’s, and some of the “doubting Thomases” will give the new guy the benefit of the doubt, and re-up their tickets.

Ranallo, I have to think that more ticket sales reflects more profit for the owners. It can’t be good for them to be losing STH’s or 20-game pack subscribers, etc. I’m not exactly sure where the line of demarcation for ‘chump change’ begins and ends for the ASG. Maybe 180K means absolutely nothing to them? I couldn’t say.

Right now, Ranallo, this team’s got an image problem. The ASG can choose to ignore it. Or they can do something about it. I know what I’m hoping for.

I want to say something else, lest someone “think” I’m a Waddell-hater. Don’t you “think” I wished this team had had greater success under Waddell? Don Waddell is a nice man. He’s a classy guy. He’s an “approachable” guy at meet-n-greets and public events. He’s a kind and honorable man. I wish he were an upper echelon GM. Truly, I do. I wish that his record at the Turin Olympic games weren’t 1-4-1, with no medal round, back in 2006. I wished that his participation in the “Rules Committee” had positioned him to be wayyyy ahead of the curve for Draft Day. I wish that the Thrashers had had 100-point seasons for three years in-a-row. I wished that this team could have finished in the Top Five for PP percentage, and PK percentage. I wish it were among the league leaders for GA. I wish it were among the leaders for even-strength goals. In short, I wish for a lot. For success would have been “befitting” Don Waddell, “the person.” “Don Waddell, the human being.” I’m sorry that it didn’t happen for him. I really am. And I hope he gets another chance in the NHL someday. There, I said it.

By Nikita

March 4, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Here’s the thing, though: I think most of our players are capable of playing like a serious team. But they don’t, an why is that? I suspect poor leadership. My husband during the Boston game, said “not scoring on the 5-on-3”? That’s totally unacceptable. If I were their coach I’d have those guys skate until they dropped at practice the next day.” And he’s right. Why did the Thrash look exhausted and slow for most of the season? Why were they allowed to bicker amongst themselves? Why are players who are dialing it in seeing no impact in their ice time? Leadership. We need it desperately.

By truehockeyfan

March 4, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

We all have seen thru the forestand looked at the trees. This team has played some great games this year. Maybe we should blame the sportswriters for telling them how good they are. Every time they read how good they are they play bad and go into a funk. One thing for sure. We do love our THRASHERS.I won’t give up if you won’t.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I’ve met the man once, and have no clue how “kind and honorable” he truly is. I got a handshake and a smile, the same I’ve gotten from Patrick Stefan, JP Vigier (I know, my hand tingled), Garnet Exelby, et ali. I feel as a GM he did Heatley right (in my opinion), and has his fair share of positives and negatives during his tenure.

Is he the greatest GM? Nope. Is he the worst? I’d again say nope. But that’s my opinion.

My point about the ASG is that they’re making money, no matter what you think. It’s a business, they’re business men, they wouldn’t allow for their team to put them in the red every season without making sweeping changes. Their bankroll is the venue, and it’s bringing them money for every concert, Georgia Force game, Hawks game, Thrashers game, circus, etc. They could host a dog-show and STILL make money.

They don’t care (again, in my opinion) about a middling $180k. They only care because they want us to feel AS IF they care, but not because it hurts them financially. These guys are likely making money in other venues (sitting on a board for a larger company, owning or running their own company, mowing lawns, etc). I have many doubts that they care enough about the product of the Thrashers to pay enough attention NOT TO MAKE A STATEMENT LIKE “we want to bring the Stanley Cup to Atlanta”.

Well DUH, of course you WANT to…but you sure as hell aren’t TRYING to.

By bob (other)

March 4, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Well said ThrashDawg.

By Nikita

March 4, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Hey, here’s a crazy idea — why don’t we get Coburn back? That’d be a logical place to start on our D problems.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Coburn signed a multi-year deal with Philadelphia, Nikita. The only way to get him back is to trade for him. And how likely is that?

Ranallo, but how much money are they really making? What if they’re only making $180K? That’s hardly being in the “red,” ya know?

By Sage of Bluesland

March 4, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

A well-written letter, Rawhide…Naturally, I would have liked the opportunity to proof it and ‘add’ some of my comments…

It never ceases to amaze me how the mindless little sheep come out of the woodwork and defend our incompetent GM. The laughably ignorant lambs contine to make excuses for the inexcusable.

(and the mere excuses they’re drumming are, in a word, pathetic)

Oh well, sheep, I’ve tried to show you the error of your thoughts for many years now—yet you sneer, deny, and keep waving your wittle bwue fwag…Donny thanks you for your support!

Other ‘fans’ are more interested in actually WINNING…Some ‘fans’ have spotted that little fraud Waddell a mile away, and warned you that his ‘deliverables’ weren’t coming any time soon…The ‘pipeline’ of talent from the minors never existed due to severe underperformance at the draft…

Best FACT yet: Eight years—One playoff appearance—Zero playoff wins—One GM.

Yep, only in this figurative joke are some wanting to give Donny a lifetime contract…

By kracker

March 4, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Nikita Hey, here’s a crazy idea — why don’t we get Coburn back?

Maybe a new GM will do just that.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

I’ve tried to show you the error of your thoughts for many years now—yet you sneer, deny, and keep waving your wittle bwue fwag

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting a different outcome…

Brendan — You’re right, we have no clue how much they’re truly making. In my opinion (I continue to preface with this because I can’t stress it enough), the ASG cares little to none about the Atlanta Thrashers. This season has been evidence as such. With the raised prices in the face of an abyssmal season, the lowered amount of “perks” for dedicated season ticket holders, the amounts of sales which allowed random fans better seats for a cheaper price, etc etc, the ASG is showing me their priorities are not in the interests of the fans, but rather in the interests of squeezing a penny out of the fans they currently have.

If a few playoff games makes them a few extra hundred thousand per game (an underestimate), wouldn’t you think it’d be worth their money to throw an extra couple million in order to solidify those few playoff games, rather than hold onto a few million and not allow the team some financial flexibility to actually field a MORE competitive roster?

A lot more could’ve been done with $2M, and could have POSSIBLY fixed some of the problems the team now has. OR, the team could’ve still floundered. You never know, but the ASG doesn’t seem to have tried (again, in my opinion).

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Well Ranallo, I have to AGREE with you. It does, most certainly, seem like the ASG isn’t TRYING. Their “plan” appears to be … INACTION. What ELSE is there to say??

And the way they are treating their most valued clients … is … well … ATROCIOUS. It’s egregious. These are fans, I’d bet, who have been with them since 1999, or close to it. They’ve hung with the team … through it all. Three ownership changes … a lockout … busted high-round draft picks … car wrecks, Superstars walking … you name it. And until now, they’d always been willing to give the team another chance.

But the ASG’s “big solution” … is to raise ticket prices? Susan Powter, where are ya, darlin’? ‘Cuz it’s time to STOP THE INSANITY. Seriously, all that’s needed … is to hire someone who makes good decisions. That’s really it. Ya know? It is. Fix the GM position … and the rest takes care of itself. The ASG won’t need to “market” diddly-squat. The fans will come to them. They’ll just have to answer their phones and open their box office. Whooptido. How HARD is that??? It sure is ROUGH, taking ticket sales all day. Isn’t that, kinda, sorta, what any OWNER would really want? I think it is.

By Brendan

March 4, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Florida beat Boston in overtime, 1-0. Ungood. Buffalo beat Philly, 5-2. The NYI defeated the NYR, 4-3, in a shootout. Ungood. And TB and Pittsburgh are 0-0, with 4:48 left in regulation. Both team appear headed towards a point.

Sorry, I nostalgic for scoreboard watching, thinking we still had a “chance.”

By Jameson

March 4, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

For the record, here is an article where the Wolves GM gives Anderson his blessing regarding the Thrasher’s open position. I could’ve sworn that I read that at some point he specifically said he would support him going after any NHL head coaching position, but couldn’t find that article.

By R. Stroz

March 4, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Someone should have told DW that when you try to straddle the fence too long (stay in the playoff race and trade UFAs for draft picks), eventually you fall and bust your nuts.

By The Other Bob

March 4, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Jameson - Thanks….that was great.

So, Seriously, you’ve been seriously shown to not know what the heck you are speaking of, at least reagarding Anderson.

IF you have the stones to read the article Jameson posted at 10:57 pm, you will see that the Wolves owner AND GM gave the blessing for the Thrashers to talk to Anderson.

Anderson all but BEGGED for a chance at the head coaching job here.

Still waiting on any credible source regarding McCrimmon being offered the job…

still…

waiting….

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

The Other Bob — To be honest, the article merely showed Anderson is interested in the Atlanta position and that the Wolves owner endorses him as a good coaching candidate. If Waddell was never given the approval to pursue him (by the Wolves or by the ASG), then the article is a moot point. But it is nice to know Anderson would be interested in coaching here, because he’s still my choice (not that it matters).

By PJ

March 5, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

Gimme a AMEN if you still got it in you.

Bow your heads, hands joined on the keyboards

Oh Heavenly Father, Thank you for listening to our prayers and for giving us a Hockey Club in Atlanta. Thank you for keeping the Thrashers healthy but we ask that you please help this team heal it’s internal problems as well. Please direct their leadership to make the right choices, no matter how difficult they may be. Please lead the players to rise above whatever conflicts they may have and play tonight like the Hockey Players they were born to be and kick the Canes a$$! AMEN!!!

By The Other Bob

March 5, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

Ranallo - Actually, the Wolves owner nakes it very clear that he would allow the Thrashers to talk to Anderson….

Anderson is an employee of the Wolves, so the Thrashers must get permission from owner Don Levin to speak with him. Levin said he hadn’t heard from Atlanta as of Thursday morning, but he would grant them permission to talk with his coach.

“Absolutely I would,” Levin said. “I certainly believe he deserves to be talked to about it. John is as a good candidate as they’re going to find.

“He’s been here for so long because he’s a good coach. He takes individual pieces and makes them better players. He gets guys to work together. They like playing for him. He’s not a screamer. He’s teaches.”

Two things stand out…1. The term “Absolutely I would” in regards to if he would entertain the Thrashers request to interview Anderson…and 2. “He’s not a screamer. He teaches”.

To me it is very clear Atlanta had the door wide open to talk to Anderson, but chose not to.

I would have loved to seen him here this year. Even if we failed to make the playoffs, at least we would already be moving forward, not treading water.

OH…and AMEN, PJ!

By Bob

March 5, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

To me it is very clear Atlanta had the door wide open to talk to Anderson, but chose not to

Yep, cystal clear. BTW, isn’t that where the Caps got their new coach (from their farm club)?

My guess is that the owners told Waddell “you get down there and fix this”, to prove that he built a viable club. Why bring in an interim coach if you plan to bring in a new GM if Waddell failed? You’d want the new GM to be able to handpick his own coach.

By Smoothie

March 5, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Bob — makes perfect sense to me about the ASG forcing DWad to clean up his own mess as a final test that must be passed for him to save his job. What’s interesting though, and it makes me worry, is that our beloved ownership group allowed DWad to wait until 2:53 pm on 2/26 to pull the trigger on a deal involving Hossa. That seems quite dubious not to mention quite scary to think that DWad had enough autonomy to wait and wait and wait to get ostensibly the best offer on the table. Hmmmm, if the owners have him on a shorter leash (perhaps they are simply giving him more rope with which to hang himself), then why would they risk getting nothing at the trade deadline by letting Donny wheel and deal so recklessly?

Just throwing it out there…not to disagree, but because I wonder. I do hope to God the owners have had enough DWad for the last decade and are setting him up for not only failure, but a swift dismissal soon.

By Alan

March 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

AMEN, PJ! Let’s BLOW those Hurricanes away!

By Bob

March 5, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

our beloved ownership group allowed DWad to wait until 2:53 pm on 2/26 to pull the trigger on a deal involving Hossa

Actually, I think that was wise to do that. It allowed the Pens to come in and up the ante over what Montreal and Ottawa were offering. It created a bidding war.

There is no way that they would have allowed the deadline to pass with nothing happening.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

My guess is that the owners told Waddell “you get down there and fix this”, to prove that he built a viable club.

You’re probably right, and for a while it was working. When the team wins a game by 5, then loses by 8, is there a clear answer to why? The players? Coaching? Management? Ownership? All of the above?

With or without Waddell I think Anderson needs to be given a shot in Atlanta.

By scott

March 5, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

A few of other things to mention while we have the potential ear of the owners: HD - it’s the wave of the future, you should insist that any station (SS) that broadcasts your games, provide an HD feed. It really helps hockey in particular. Also, for the league, I think that they should ammend their blackout policy and blackout the standard feed only from the opposition’s broadcaster when the local market is not providing an HD feed. I have Center Ice, as do a ton of hard core Thrashers fans, As much as I like the local commentators, I’d rather see the HD picture. Also, 3 straight games in March not televised locally - who’s call was that, did you know at the beginning of the season the Thrashers would be out of it by now?

Radio - can you please broadcast on a station that can be heard at night (when the games are played) outside the 285 loop?

I know the TV numbers in our market are abysmal, not sure what they are for radio, but providing a better signal could do wonders for both.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

scott — Word on the street is that NHL Center Ice HD will not be available on Comcast, but Sports South WILL be showing hockey in HD next season.

By Smoothie

March 5, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Scott is right, if you are going to commit to growing the sport locally and throughout the state, then HD broadcasts are a must!! You will make a lot of young kids hockey fans now who will likely become tkt buyers in the next 10 years. ASG needs to think long-term and not just focus on making an appearance in the playoffs with a mediocre team.

It is amazing how much better hockey (and sports in general, but especially hockey) is in hi-def. It is so much easier to follow the puck and the play…and wider viewing angles enhance your ability to know how a play is developing. Plus, the color vibrance and detail resolution is so much better in hockey since everything appears against a white, icy backdrop.

Now that I’ve been able to watch HD broadcasts on Versus and NBC for close to 2 months on my 46” flatscreen TV, it really pains me to have to watch the Thrashers on channel 53 in crap-def. And I wish to hell Versus would have hockey on at least 3 times per week, not just Mon and Tues…how is that going for you Mr. Bettman??

By Rawhide

March 5, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

A-FREAKIN’-MEN!! Great job, PJ!!

Now let’s go CAN the CANDY CANES!!

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Does anybody have the lines for tonight?

By Alan

March 5, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Radio - can you please broadcast on a station that can be heard at night (when the games are played) outside the 285 loop?

It’d be nice to hear it on a FM station. I’m usually in the middle of my MARTA ride to the Airport to catch a C-Tran bus home when games start. I usually get home just in time to see the third period start. If you’ve ever tried to ride around and intercept an AM station on a simple portable radio, you know the kind of pain I experience trying to pick up a Thrashers game on the radio.

And I wish to hell Versus would have hockey on at least 3 times per week, not just Mon and Tues…how is that going for you Mr. Bettman??

He doesn’t give a damn. He’s probably too busy watching the NBA, never forgetting his roots.

By Get The Puck Out

March 5, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

AMEN. Look what happened when Washington brought in a new coach. I wonder what would have happened if we had given Anderson a chance when BH was given the ax? I wonder what would have happened if Hartley had stayed? Get it together ” Thrashers owners Group” or your gonna lose a lot of faithful, loyal hockey lovers that have put up with a very lackluster, undefensive hockey team.

By kracker

March 5, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

I think we have to suspend the Thrashers Tank effort for tonight and get a win in regulation just to prove we can still do it! Kovy sounded so sad in the newspaper story, I am feeling bad for him.

By Smoothie

March 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

What the lines SHOULD BE:

Kovy — Little — Perrin Kozzy — Christensen — Army White — Holik — Thorburn Larsen — Slater — Boults

What the lines WILL PROB BE:

Kovy — White — Recchi Perrin — EC — Army Kozzy — Holik — Thor Lars — Slates — Boults

My guess is that Klee will sit to rest that groin and AZ will pair with Stevie Mac on the 2nd pair with Ex and Kiwi playing on the 3rd. Once again, Popo gets benched inexplicably in favor of Mullet-boy.

By kracker

March 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Scott On the radio reception - I got poor reception on 680 after dark last year. This year is much better, they are powering down at a later time, at 11PM I think. By then I am usually finished listening to the station so I may be wrong on the time.

Definitely, thiough, I have no trouble listening to the game and post-game show of the games that start at 7-8PM. I live in Duluth about 10 miles outside 285.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

He doesn’t give a damn. He’s probably too busy watching the NBA, never forgetting his roots.

I’m sure he’s chilling out somewhere with members of the ASG group, laughing about their whole situation. I wouldn’t put it past any of them.

Smoothie — White’s still injured, isn’t he (lacerated elbow)? How would you line them up if he couldn’t start? Did you purposely omit Recchi in your “SHOULD be” lines?

I would love to see Little play next to Kovalchuk for the rest of the year, allowing them to build some chemistry. If Christensen and Armstrong work well together, keep them as another pair to have chemistry.

Based on today’s roster, I’d say:

Kovalchuk — Little — Recchi

Perrin — Christensen — Armstrong

Kozlov — Holik — White (if he’s not playing, Thorburn)

Boulton — Slater — Thorburn (Larsen if White is injured)

Sit Klee and Zhitnik, I’d rather see Exelby flounder while attempting a big hit than Klee and Zhitnik flounder while not moving their feet. Popovic and McCarthy and Kwiatkowski have upsides, so I’d keep them up.

However, If I could move up players from the AHL, things would be different.

By Rawhide

March 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

OK, here is a bone I’m going to throw out to the “We Still Have A Chance Crowd”…because I got nuthin’ better to do while I sit at my desk gnawing on my lunch…

Let’s just say, for sh#ts and giggles, we get a regulation win tonight AND Washington loses, we would then wake up in the morning with the Thrashers having 67 points w/ 14 to play….then they go, say 11-2-1 to finish w/ 90 points.

The Canes would then need 16 points in their last 13 games, (8-5)…Washington would have to gain no more than 19 points in their last 14 games, (9-4-1)….and Florida would then have to be held to 18 in their last 13, (9-4-0).

Impossible? No…..

Probable? well……

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Don’t rain on my parade, Rawhide. I’m driving all the way from the sticks tonight to see that team, and I’ll be damned if I won’t do it in the mild delusion that they have a chance.

My guess is that Klee will sit to rest that groin and AZ will pair with Stevie Mac on the 2nd pair with Ex and Kiwi playing on the 3rd.

This is my nightmare right here. I like Klee, personally — he’s not top line material, but he holds the line. Which cannot be said for Mc…on the bright side, Zhitnik seems to actually realize that he is on the ice in recent games, so maybe this’ll be o.k.

By Russ

March 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, Wake up!…Wake up! You must have been dreaming during your lunch and also talking in your sleep. I think I just heard you suggest the Thrashers could go 12-2-1 in their last 15.

By R. Stroz

March 5, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Russ - Rawhide must have been thinking about the days he hit on Debbie whats her name, was hoping for miracles, and switched back to the Thrashers.

By Russ

March 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

So, if/when DW is relieved of his duties, how long of a grace period does the as yet un-named new GM receive? Regardless if I agree with the moves he makes or not, I think I can resist being critical of any decisions for one year just because he will be an Atlanta Thrashers GM not named Don Waddell.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking the Thrashers will pull an Atlanta Falcons circa 2006-2007, doing just well enough to keep themselves from being in a prime draft pick position, but playing just poorly enough to keep themselves from reaching the playoffs.

The playoffs are POSSIBLE, but not PROBABLE.

By Alan

March 5, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I think I just heard you suggest the Thrashers could go 12-2-1 in their last 15.

It’s possible. They could.

You see, anything is possible. Whether or not it is probable is another story completely.

The Colorado Avs had a record of 15-2-2 in their last 19 games of the 2006-2007 season. They missed the playoffs, but had quite a remarkable run leading up to them. Right before that run, do you think many Colorado fans thought it was possible? Sure. How many thought it was probable? I’m certain that number was considerably less.

My point is this: Just because something doesn’t look like it has a chance in hell of happening, doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

This has been your optimistic viewpoint of the day.

By Russ

March 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

ranallo - You’re a little more optimistic than I am about the rest of the season. I’ll say 4-10-1 the rest of the way, which would put them at 74 pts. This would definitely keep them in the bottom three and possibly move up (in the lottery) if Tampa and/or L.A. can play near .500 the rest of the season.

By Rawhide

March 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Russ - I’m a dreamer…but I ain’t delusional!

By Smoothie

March 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Did you purposely omit Recchi in your “SHOULD be” lines?

ranallo — to answer your question, indeed I did mean to omit Recchi on purpose. I don’t really feel he deserves to be benched, but feel a rest here and there would only help him be more effective when he does play…just like Mell last year.

Personally, I would prefer to drop White down to the 4th line to center Slater and Boults, but that’s not going to happen for what we’re paying him. I like your line suggestions as well. I just would like to see Perrin get his chance to play first line mins for an extended period…he might actually have some chemistry with Kovy & Little as they are probably our 3 fastest skaters (not including Slippin’ Slater).

I like how Little cycles and passes but still manages to get back on D, unlike a certain defense-first center who can’t seem to finish on an open net…Little will start to hit the back of the net if we give him time to play with Kovy. I feel it is true in the depths of my loins.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Russ — I consider that the cynical view of things, not the optimistic view. If the Thrashers were to just miss the playoffs, their draft picks are lower.

There are two ways to win for this team: a high draft pick, or a playoff berth. One is unlikely, while the other means us fans have to continue to watch night after night of crappy hockey.

I don’t want the team to purposefully tank (that’s classless, even if it “helps” the organization in the long run), but I don’t want to see the team scrape by week by week with the sliver of hope of making the playoffs. I’d rather see the young guys come up and take their lumps at the NHL level (likely in losses), and let their play dictate the draft/playoff situation.

Develop the youth now, start the preseason training camp about 6 months early.

By Bob

March 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

ya gotta be kidding me

Got that off the Nasty Nest site, I see Rawhide and Stroz are already there. Yeah, I think I’ll be renewing and paying up front instead of waiting for 65% off next year!

I’ll eat Exelby’s sweaty socks if this club finishes closer to a playoff spot than to a top 3 pick next year, much less make the playoffs. What, did they hand out Shrooms at lunch break today?

how long of a grace period does the as yet un-named new GM receive?

Two years. That’s the time it will take to undo the damage Waddell has wrecked upon this franchise. But it can be done and this summer is the perfect time to start, lots of bad contracts falling off the books (Rucchin, Holik) and then bad dman contracts fall off the books the following summer. We’re stuck with Charmin for a bit.

By Russ

March 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Charmin, I can’t believe he missed a game and is saying he might not play tonight (see Custance’s blog from yesterday) at this time of year because of a cut on his elbow. I know I have lost hope for the playoffs this sesason, but as players I think you have to go all out until you’re mathematically eliminated, which means the Thrashers should be fully into playoff mentality by now. This means they should be willing to play through injuries such as broken limbs being held together by duct tape if necessary. Out with an elbow laceration…this says a lot to me about Todd White. How many years and how many dollars are left on his contract? Oh, for the days of Niko Kapanen (at least he didn’t take up cap space).

By Sasquach

March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

A-men!

By Nikita

March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

drop White down to the 4th line to center Slater and Boults, but that’s not going to happen for what we’re paying him.

Somebody give me the skinny on White. Why was he so pricey, and what do you see as his strengths and weaknesses?

I just would like to see Perrin get his chance to play first line mins for an extended period…

Me, too. Me loves some Perrin.

By Christy

March 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else just hear Kincade on 680 go OFF on the ASG because of the 3 for 1 deal the Thrashers are offering?

that was funny in a sad sort of way.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

A-men, Bob!! Exactly my thoughts. I also posted them over at Custance’s blog, answering Ranallo. Two years is a fine amount of time for a “grace period.” By then, we should know if this new GM has, indeed, righted the ship, or floundered. But I do think he gets a two-year grace period. Then we’ll look at his drafts, his trades, his trade deadline moves, his offseasons moves, especially as it relates to length of contracts and money spent on them, and whatever selection he may have for Free Agents.

For example, did he choose to bring in 38-year old Federov, as the “solution” to the difficulty at Center? And he did offer a 3-year deal?, at $5.75M? If so, then I’ve already seen enough of the “new” GM. He doesn’t understand the “new” NHL. We still didn’t “fix” the problem at the GM position.

Why is it that I’m willing to give someone new a two-year window, but not Waddell? Easy. We’ve seen 10 years, 8 seasons, and 80-some odd draft picks of Don Waddell’s. We haven’t seen that from the un-named new guy. He’s going to get a pass from me. And he’s going to get my money, in the form of ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, etc.

Don Waddell will not. If he is not fired, I will have attended my last paid admission game for the Thrashers at the conclusion of this season. I do realize, of course, that the ASG could CARE LESS about meee. Point taken. But for every one of mee, there are 400 more who think exactly the same way. Maybe, they’ll CARE about them?

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Christy, I caught it. Kincaid blew a gasket. Said it was a slap in the face to folks who have been here since Day One. It is what it is.

By Teflon Don

March 5, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Sneak Preview of the talking points for the Town Hall Meeting Friday per meeting with sales representatives today.

Offseason Moves:

1) Get a coach

2) Get two defenseman

3) Get a center for Kovy

Special Note:

I plan on being with the organization next year.

By Done

March 5, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Good for you Rawhide - I agree with you this time. Good for Hossa. I applaude him saying what needed to be said to the right people.
We had a team to build on the year of the goalie fiasco. Instead of building, the team was torn apart just like it is every year. Good players that are deleted from the roster, go on to do well on other teams. The town hall should include a new GM. This one is trying to cover past mistakes and prove he is right. I am tired of DW making promises that he is unable to keep. ASG needs to take a look at what they are doing.
I will reamin a Thrashers fan even when the games are so hard to watch. I am just afraid the ASG is going to dig a hole they cannot get out of and we will loose this team.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

It’s 2-1 Carolina after 1. Ungood! Chris Thorburn with the lone Atlanta tally.

Outshot in the 1st AGAIN.

KL gets a 3-4 goal limit tonight. That’s it. Yank his a$$ after that. We cannot give away any more games.

Did I mention its a must win game? Thrash MUST win in REGULATION tonight! That is how its gonna be from here on out. Must earn 2 points.

GO BLUE!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Damn, it’s 3-1 Carolina! KL MUST be yanked if he lets in 1 more!

GO BLUE!!!

By erock

March 5, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

OUT SHOT 14-3 IN THE FIRST PERIOD A MUST WIN GAME !!!!!! AFTER CAROLINA WENT UP 2-1 WITH LESS THAN A MINUTE TO GO IN IN THE PERIOD….SOMEBODY HAS TO DROP THE GLOVES !!!! PITIFUL EFFORT AND EXCUSE FOR A HOCKEY TEAM !!…….THIS IS NOT LEHTONENS FAULT AT ALL

By PJ

March 5, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

TR, erock Are you watching or listening?

By erock

March 5, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Listening…Im glad i am not watching !

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

It’s 4-1 Carolina! 6:00 left in the 2nd!

Moose is getting ready right now. I saw him go back to the training room to stretch.

I wish the Thrash would show some damn pride. They are being man-handled out there. The crowd looks pretty pi$$ed.

GO BLUE!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

2:00 left in the 2nd, 4-2 Carolina.

The Moose is in goal and Erik Christensen responded with an unassisted goal, his 1st as a Thrasher.

If the Thrash win this game, I think we might look back at that goalie change as the game changing moment. Something had to be done. They looked terrible.

They have a little more “jump” now.

GO BLUE!!!

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

PJ, Erock, and ThrasherRyan, the Carolina announcers have been “kind” to Kari Lehtonen. They said, “You gotta feel bad for Lehtonen. He’s getting shelled. But it’s not like it’s all his fault. It’s been a ‘one-sided’ game.” Right after that, Erik Christensen scored an unassisted, shorthanded goal to make it, 4-2. Then Carolina’s announcers said something telling. “Moose is actually quite an accomplished goaltender. He took the Penguins on quite a run earlier in his career. He is the ‘quintessential’ backup.”

There you have it. It’s not just meee that think Hedberg could have been ‘shopped’ at the trade deadline.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

It’s 4-2 Carolina after 2.

I know either 1 of 2 things are going to happen in the 3rd. Either the Thrash will be worn out like they have been SO many other games this season, or they will come out blazing in the 3rd and win this game in regulation.

I think the boys realize they can’t give Carolina any bonus points.

PJ—I am watching, while listening to The Kamalian and The Sheriff on the radio. The delay is not as bad tonight as it is on Sportsouth.

erock—KL looked shaky at best. The 4th goal was ALL KL. I really think Moose will help this team tonight. A fight would be sweet too, especially early in the 3rd. But Waddell scratched Boulton so we gotta rely on Thorburn or Colby.

I hope to god someone is in the locker room amping the boys up! I want to see them come haulin a$$ out in the 3rd! Show me that you care fellas!

GO BLUE!!!

By Vitmain Z

March 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Carolina announcers have said in the 2nd that Waddell is a great GM! WTF?! Wanna trade?

By PJ

March 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Odgers in interviewing Custance and I don’t have Center Ice! Dang!!!

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Correction, I don’t think the Christensen goal was shorthanded. I’m not sure where I got that. I guess it just feels like we’re playing down a man. Mea culpa.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

VitaminZ, I’ll take Jim Rutherford as GM, and give up a 1st round draft pick for the privilege.

By Vitamin Z

March 5, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Watch Live

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Vitamin Z, you have to admit, things have worked out rather well for Carolina while Don Waddell has been our GM. Why would they want anything to change?

By Vitamin Z

March 5, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Boy, Hedberg is just unlucky. And it was a horrible call too.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell almost blew out a vein on his forehead on that last Carolina goal by Staal. And he was “right” to be livid. Hedberg had that puck smothered, and the refs wouldn’t blow it “dead.” So he played it, and it resulted in some really, really weird carom goal. It’s 5-2.

If this game winds up, 5-4, Waddell can really take a video of this game to the League offices and demand an apology.

By Vitamin Z

March 5, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I thought of the same thing, funny enough.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Vitamin Z, “Moose” does tend to be a ‘victim’ of the unfortunate bounces. From Game Two of the playoffs vs. the Rangers, to some other bad breaks throughout the year … it is a bit of a phenomenon for it to keep happening. It’s not as if he’s a poor goaltender, who is constantly out of position, and mishandles pucks, etc. It’s just “bad luck.”

By Vitamin Z

March 5, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Wow! That was an interesting goal by Kovy. But do we have anything left to make a run for it?

By Sage of Bluesland

March 5, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

I’m listening on the internet, and I will guarantee you Donny’s little temper tantrum will be a subject in the silly little “townhall meeting” tomorrow night…

A pitiful sheep, with the question already written and in hand, will ask Waddell about him being out of control…Donny will chortle and have that sheepish look on his face, bumbling about not being his finest moment, etc. The rest of the sheep in attendance will politely and appreciatively laugh and chortle as well…

Donny is pulling out ALL the stops to save his hide…IF that pathetic clown is still involved in any way with the Thrashers organization next year, then the ownership deserves absolutely no support from the fans.

Period.

After eight/nine years, we deserve better than this. THINK about that.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

7:00 left in the 3rd! 5-3 Carolina! Kovalchuk just scored!

Let the comeback begin!

I was proud to see Waddell do that because he was right. I would want any Atlanta Thrashers Head Coach to do that. We got hosed on that call.

GO BLUE!!!

By Vitamin Z

March 5, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I agree, Sage. I think we should start the boycott. No tickets purchased ‘till Donny is gone, starting right now.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Carolina 6, Atlanta 3, FINAL.

A poorly constructed team has been exposed.

We’ve lost 8 in a row. We’ve NEVER beat the Minnesota Wild, whom we play on Friday.

I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

Would like to be a fly on the wall at the town meeting, because Waddell sure has some explaining to do. I’ve followed this team from it’s infancy, but I find it pretty hard to “buy” what Waddell is “selling” right now.

Exelby should only be allowed to play with McCarthy. Kiwi is fine; he got robbed by Ward tonight.

Would like to see Popovic some more. Zhit had some “chances”, but he still seems a step too slow.

On Friday I would go with:

Havelid—Enstrom
Exelby—McCarthy
Popovic-Kwiatkowski

By Bob

March 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Tonight was Waddell’s low point of the zenith of that illustrious GM career. I actually felt sorry for the guy.

First, the place almost burns down pre-game.

Then, like 400 people were there for the drop of the puck.

And then, after the wonderful motivational tool that The Beast layed upon this club, they come out and get outshot 14-3 in the 1st. Nice.

Don Waddell, you have been voted off the island.

By Nostradamus

March 5, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers will not make the playoffs in 2008.

By Brendan

March 5, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, I know you’re probably starting your next blog already, but before we leave this one, I have a concern to raise. And it echoes the serious points made by both Sage of Bluesland and Ranallo. Sage has advanced that Waddell is a “company man.” I believe he called him a “lackey.” And Ranallo has advanced the notion that “No GM can succeed with the ASG weighting him down.”

Well, let’s go ahead and say that the ASG does begin the interview process for a new GM. Well, what are the odds that they won’t hire another ‘Yes Man,’ who will merrily ask “how high” when they ask him to jump? I don’t really want to think about that answer. But I do want the ASG to know that fans are on the lookout for that very course of action and will continue to abstain from buying product until they agree to bring in a mover and a shaker with the authority and ability to STEER the ship while they stand in the periphery, trying as best they can to stay out of the new GM’s way?

In short, they’ve created a Public Relations “image” problem. What are they prepared to do to fix it? If anything. I suspect … they’ll deny they have any P.R. shortcomings and respond in the anticipated “inaction” that has characterized this season. Beginning with their failure to hire a coach, back in November.

By midtownrebecca

March 5, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Forgive me if this has already been said, but how is the ASG supposed to find a compliant GM? This group of clowns can’t even agree on ownership. Do you really trust that they are going to be able to find the right person for the job? The downfall of this organization was when ASG took ownership. While we all love to blame Waddell for everything, he can only play with the money he is given. Yes, he has made mistakes, but first and foremost, ASG isn’t able to “fix” the necessary problems until they “fix” themselves.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 5, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Bob—I don’t know who I’m more pi$$ed off at. Waddell the GM, or Waddell the Head Coach. They both suck.

Pat Quinn should be at least contacted before the draft and brought in for an interview. As an Atlanta Flames fan and an Atlanta Thrashers fan, I would be proud to have Quinn come in as the new GM.

I have no problem with John Anderson being brought in as the Head Coach either. I have followed the Wolves; he gets production from his players.

At this point in the franchise history, I just expect a little more accountability from the guy that has been here from the start. Waddell.

The DEFENSE must be the first thing addressed in Free Agency.

This draft is CRITICAL for this franchise.

Brendan—You asked me about Stamkos vs. Doughty. I view a hockey draft similar to how I view a NFL draft in the 1st round. You take the best available player. With that being said, if I had to choose between the 2, I take Stamkos. If he is as NHL ready as they say he is, I wouldn’t mind trading up our 2 1st rounders to grab him.

Personally Brendan, I would rather address DEFENSE via Free-Agency. However, I no longer trust Waddell to make these types of transactions. I prefer a Brian Campbell; but I fear Waddell bringing in an Adam Foote.

Bygones.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Yes, he has made mistakes, but first and foremost, ASG isn’t able to “fix” the necessary problems until they “fix” themselves. — midtownrebecca

What’s interesting to me is that this whole ownership debacle started from a move that one owner felt was detrimental to the club (in this instance the Hawks), while the other owners felt it was the right move to make. The Hawks have made no significant improvements in their league since, but the owner who disagreed with the minority has since been brought to court in order to be bought out of his stake in the ownership group.

So a bad trade starts this mess, and the people who BACKED the bad trade are the one’s who still control the Hawks and Thrashers franchises. Now the simplest of tasks that make sense in the sports world (firing a GM that cannot field a competitive team, maintaining and adding to the current season ticket population, putting enough money down to persuade a Tier 1 free agent, etc) cannot be done by a group of owners more interested in their EBITDA than in the success of their franchises.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Thrashers Ryan — I’ve always viewed the preparation time for a Defensive draft pick to be ultimately too long for the possible return in value, depending on who is available around them in the respective draft. There are always those “can’t miss” picks like the Johnson’s (Erik and Jack), but not everyone has that same resume pre-draft. I’d take the best available player, in this case Stamkos, and see how soon he can play in the NHL.

And I also agree about Anderson, from what I know of him he’s my choice as the next head coach in Atlanta.

By Teflon Don

March 5, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Well, uh, we could go on a 15 and 0 run with 14 games remaining and win the conference.

By ranallo10

March 5, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Teflon — Well played…

By Nikita

March 6, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

A few thoughts on tonight…

We got SCREWED big time by the refing tonight. Not just Hedberg, but Havelid (“interference” — with a guy lying on him at the time) and Kozlov and Zhitnik. It was insanely bad.

Zhit wasn’t bad tonight. Ex was a nightmare. and Havelid was pure gold.

You know, peeps don’t like Bobby Holik because he is expensive. But we can’t afford to let him go until the rest of the team starts to play with his level of physical pressure, forechecking, and backchecking. We’d be doing very well if the whole team could a) play as a team and b) learn a rangier, more physical style of hockey.

Anybody know where I can find the video of Wadell? That was righteous.

By Lew318

March 6, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Rawhide Great letter!!!

I too wrote a reply to Mr. Levenson’s email, but it clearly was not as well written as yours. I will admit we said many of the same things.

Last night’s effort was consistent with what we have seen out of this team of under achievers. In fact, what really concerns me was the frustration Kovy demostrated.

A point I made to Mr Levenson was we cannot let another Hossa-like Debacle occur with Kovy. In my opinion he is the foundation of anything we build on for this franchise. I went on to say we should sign Kovy to a long term contract, make him Captain and build around him.

I do not consider Hossa’s actions “professional” in any way. He publicly put himself in above this team and I believe his actions were a distraction for the team and fans and ultimately took a toll on their performance. Albeit there are many other reasons this team failed so miserably this season; - A coach? with no offensive system in place, who at the end of the day was not a coach - A GM that should be a GM.

I also went on to explain to Mr. Levenson that this town has a history of not supporting losers and 1. If management didn’t start spending money as a means of walking their talk about being competitive they (we are so much under the salary cap) 2. Would not fill the seats that would permit them to make money. God knows they are trying to make as much as they can on 2nd class food at rediculously high prices.

If the reply I received from Mr. Levenson is any indication that things will change next year, it was very well hidden in the content of his email back to me.

I am planning on attending the Town Hall meeting on Friday, but don’t expect much in return. not only do the players not walk their talk, neither do management or the owners walk their talk

By Remie

March 7, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

VASELINE - I TOTALLY agree with you!! Rawhide definitely has issues and his hands are probably raw!