AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USReleasing Some Frustrations
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“There’s Still A Chance” Talk Silenced
Let’s see, out-shot 14-3 in the first period, out-shot overall 37-24, out-hit, gave up 6 goals, scored 3. The “must-win” game pretty much looked liked most of the previous 67.
Eight losses in a row, haven’t won a game since Feb. 15. Haven’t won a regulation game since Feb. 2…only five such wins since Christmas.
Moving right along….
Beast Reams Team
The game was played the day after associate coach Brad McCrimmon blew a gasket on the team during practiced then sent them all to their rooms without supper! Not a lot of players were in the mood to chat about it afterwards, but from the accounts given by those in attendance it seems as though McCrimmon was unsatisfied with the effort being given during a drill that was underway.
I wonder if it was the ‘ol, “How to win a must-win game” drill.
Not second guessing McCrimmon here at all, but were it me…I wouldn’t have done them the favor of sending the team off the ice for inattentiveness in class the day prior to a game as important as last night’s. I would have had them doing suicides and Russian circles until they spilled their breakfast on the ice, squeegeed it off and run them some more. Instill some discipline, ya know. But hey… that’s just me.
In fairness to the coach, uh…associate coach, this has been quite a disappointing season and he probably just sensed a certain lack of intensity he felt should have been present.
Waddell Reams Ref
For those of you at Philips or those watching via Center Ice, (the greatest thing on God’s Green earth)…you were able to witness a verbal tirade unleashed by Don Waddell during Wednesday’s loss. The focus of his ire was not at his under-performing team, rather the official that appeared to return to the ice after the second break with his whistle stuffed up his…well, somewhere…because it wasn’t at his disposal at a critical time.
See, Garnet Exelby had just played the puck back into the glove of Atlanta goalie Johan Hedberg to stop play. With Hurricane players surrounding the Thrasher net like flies on an Islanders jersey everyone with an ounce of hockey sense expected the play to be blown dead. Well, the cerebrally challenged individual in the striped shirt instructed Moose to play the puck and threatened him with a delay of game penalty if he didn’t.
Hedberg played it, seconds later it’s in the net after bouncing off Exelby.
Waddell almost busted a vein spewing venomous verbiage at the zebra…. I mean he exploded on the Bozo! And I say good for you Don, you were well within your rights! I’ve seen, you’ve seen, we have all seen this type of play a thousand times in a NHL game and the ref allows for the play to stop.
Come to think of it, maybe it wasn’t a whistle stuck up there…it was probably his head.
And Then It Was Moose’s Turn
With the Thrashers trailing Carolina late in the game, and the team desperately in need of 2 points, the move was made to pull Hedberg for the extra attacker. However, before he could reach the bench Staal stripped the puck from Zhitnik as he attempted to cross Carolina’s blueline. The puck was then flipped into the empty net from center ice as Moose tried to get back.
His goalie stick paid the price as Hedberg took his frustrations out on the glass.
Frustrating night, following a frustrating practice near the end of a frustrating year. And the team, the GM and the coaches released some of the steam caused by the frustration.
Maybe the end of the year this is not all that will be “released”.
Carolina Doing Just Fine, Post-Brind-A’mour
On Valentines Day last month, Hurricanes captain Rod Brind-A’mour left the game with a season-ending injury. Some people, yours truly included, thought that their hopes for the post-season left with him. He is, after all, their star center and captain plus the team had lost 3 of their previous 5 games prior to the 14th.
However, including that game, they have gone 7-2-1 since. In doing so, they have allowed only 27.6 shots on goal during that time.
If they do wind up the Southeast Division champs, it will be done as a total team effort and in spite of circumstances that would crush a lesser team.
And Finally
It was very nice to meet Angie and Karen last night…two very nice Thrasher-babes!
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By scott
March 6, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
Time to see what directions the franchise heads now. It’s painfully obvious that the team has given up on itself. Hopefully DW will realize this and start working on next year. At this point I’d like to see the winless streak reach 24 games and Stampkos in a Thrasher sweater next year.
By Michael Shapiro
March 6, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Sat there, saw it all, came away thinking:
team has *no heart
X is afraid to hit (so was the whole team except for Recchi, and Kozzy turned in his one half-hearted, not finished check of each game)
I feel really sorry for Kovy
Little is quick, plays hard, but is probably too small and light to be an NHL center
and finally, ZHITKIK S@#$%$@#@KS so big time that I screamed most of the 2nd and 3rd periods for LeDon to sit his lousy, lame, sorry A$$ down on the bench for the rest of the game. We pay $3.5 mill for that crapola? WHY?
It’s going to be a VERY LONG summer
By j nes
March 6, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
For anyone looking for the call-ups from Chicago to start, you may want to hope against it. At this point, bringing in players that might actually show some effort and win a few games will only hurt our position in the draft. Right now two out of the top three available players for the draft are defensemen. A top three draft position should secure one of these players and improve the team immedeately. The Thrashers couldn’t possibly screw this one up….could they?
By bart
March 6, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
So, the trade deadline is past. The team could finish the season without a GM. Ownership could fire Don NOW. That might let people know that there are going to be changes made.
By B. Thenet
March 6, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Rawhide Great job on keeping up with the blog. After this crapper of a season, it gets hard to write or talk about these guys on a regular basis.
I read the TSN Sportscentre guys were 100% behind DW in being outraged with that official. Then again, when Mike Hasenfratz is the SENIOR official you know you are really going to be in for it when it comes to shoddy officiating.
8 games and counting, another 2nd half of the season meltdown for the Thrashers. I think the Thrashers have been above .500 in the 2nd half twice in their exsistence, not sure about that..but it sounds right.
By ASG sucks
March 6, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
what’s up with the ushers at philips arena not letting folks bang on the glass? is management forcing the fans to follow the team’s path and give up on the season too?
By Teflon Don
March 6, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Well, uh, the officiating sucked.
That was the first game, uh, when, McGeough would have done a better job officiating. Um, ya know the other official in the league with the whistle up his butt.
Still, uh, we still have a chance to win the conference. With 14 games remaining, we, uh, could go on a 20 and 0 run with Carolina and Washington losing all their games.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 6, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Rawhide…I’m a guy
By Nikita
March 6, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Funny you mention that, ASG. My husband thought that Philips was trying hard to keep the crowd sedate, what with the ridiculously aggressive organ playing. Every time the crowd would get reasonably worked up, the organ would crank right up at volume high enough to preclude conversation.
True dat on the officiating. Toby Enstrom took an elbow to the face, and it wasn’t called. But the b****** calls on Atlanta were too numerous to begin to get into (Moose, Havelid, Zhitnik). And what was up with the Perrin fight/call?
I felt so incredibly bad for Moose. He looked miserable, and unfortunately his stats will be taking two hits he doesn’t deserve.
Otherwise…I still don’t completely get what’s wrong with the team. There’s a lot of nice individual play and hustle, but as a team they really suck…except for the 2nd line. Which makes me think that we really have only 1-2 problems. #1 is our offensive strategy, which for all but the 2nd line involves passing a lot for the perfect shot rather than shooting, and not using physical pressure, and not fore-check, back-checking, or assisting the defense. #2 is basic teamwork and fundamentals — the lines are really volatile, and therefore most of the players don’t have a good feel for their linemates. This magnifies the tendency to play sloppy hockey.
Call-outs: Exelby (who needs to be benched, no question — he’s slow, stupid, and sloppy), Zhitnik (eh. sloppy. and HATED by the refs.), Recchi (also sloppy. can be good, but inconsistent.).
Shout-outs: Havelid, Holik, Kovalchuk, Klee, Enstrom, Thorburn, Perrin, the new kids. In particular I want to shout out Klee and Holik for playing physical, solid, boring, effective hockey. And not dialing it in at the end of this season.
Misc…
We were talking here about our identity a few weeks ago, and the consensus was that there isn’t one. I don’t get why we can’t play southern hockey like we play southern football — fast, hard, physically exhausting, and just plain overwhelming. That should be our goal, and since we are now radically younger, it is attainable.
Also, what the hell was up with the Tiger Beat-esque “I Love Blueland” filler thingy? They should just go ahead and issue Toby Enstrom pull-out posters or something.
By Pucksdeep
March 6, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Rawhide I can’t believe the day after we witnessed heeps of it, you left out one of your premier words: UNGOOD. See even the Iceman’s at a loss for words…
Seriously tho I can’t even skate, I’ll just be honest with you, but I could most assuredly give a helluva lot more effort that those lackluster a$$ clowns we watched “play” last night.
It’s awesome to see emotion. Heck, you need to have emotion b/c otherwise it looks an awful lot like you don’t give a hoot. However it’s painfully clear that emotions have surpassed their boiling point with at least some of our players and coaching staff, albeit in a negative way. i.e. Moose making toothpicks out of his stick, Good ol’ Don unleashing his fury on the wannabe referee, O Captain Our Captain’s continuous comments regarding the issues in the locker room, et al.
It’s a sad state of affairs. Whadaya say to some good old fashioned spring cleaning. I don’t know where you begin with that, but I always like to start with the biggest mess, however, thankfully I don’t have to make those decisions. At this rate though it’ll be (even) tougher to sell this ungood product come fall. I know right, hard to believe it could get any harder to fill Phillips Arena. Feel free to completely ignore me as I could be just a little emotional about the whole thing.
Despite all good times were indeed had at the game, made complete by the opportunity to meet some fellow bloggers and some readers (or lurkers as we like to call them here). It was nice meeting you guys.
The question remains: Did Moose pull himself or was he called to the bench? Either way, to me it seems as if that play is going to be a lot more effective if we keep the blasted puck in the attack zone (you know kinda like we did for that 3 minute period of time earlier in the 3rd) but what do I know, I can’t even skate.
By Nikita
March 6, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Did Moose pull himself or was he called to the bench?
He was called.
By Nikita
March 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
P.S. I could totally relate to Holik’s frustration for possibly the first time in my life. He played a pretty solid game, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him sit on Ruutu’s head. Twice. It needed to happen, and Holik made sure it did. But did they win? Of course not. They were hideously outshot, outmanned, and out-reffed, and they never rallied until 5 minutes to the end.
By Pucksdeep
March 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Got it Nikita, thanks. Doesn’t change anything though, does it. Ugh..
By Rawhide
March 6, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Pucksdeep - Yes, indeed…UN-GOOD!!
By Lew318
March 6, 2008 10:09 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 Nikita
March 6, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Listen, guys…I don’t want to fight, but I actually think Kovy is a big part of the problem. His individual play is very good, and his skating is a thing of sheer beauty. But if he is the one who made the decision to play exclusively to allow him to be the only shooter on his line, then he should not be captain. That strategy has failed us miserably, because every team in the league knows that his line supports his chasing his scoring goal, and they’ve become very effective at shutting him down. We need to get Kovy linemates who can be partners, and get all of them scoring again. And we also need to beef up in general — other teams are very confident in manhandling our entire team, including Kovy. Instead, they need to be afraid to come into our defensive zone, or to touch #17.
It’s probably too late to get physical this late in the season, for the simple reason that no one’s gonna play hard unless they think they have a chance, but next season I think we should unleash the shock and awe right out of the gate.
P.S. Just got the Levenson letter for some reason.
By R. Stroz
March 6, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
The Levenson letter is hitting alot of inboxes this morning.
Is desperation setting in at the ASG?
Are the sales reps screaming at upper management?
Something is going on and I don’t think it’s good ticket sales.
By Russ
March 6, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
A quick look into the future for the big free agent signing coming this summer…
THRASHERS INK CHELIOS TO 20 YEAR DEAL
The Atlanta Thrashers have agreed to terms with Defenseman Chris Chelios on a 20 year/$100 million contract. In a statement, team President/CEO/GM/Coach/King/Czar Don Waddell said “Chris has been one of the top defensive defensemen in this league for a long time. We think he will finally shore up our blueline. With the salary cap rising each year, we anticipate the cap to be around $120 million by the end of the contract, so at that time the $5 million cap hit will seem like a bargain even if Chelios is 113 years old. He keeps himself in top shape, so we don’t see age being a factor with this type of player. Our next priority is to bring back DeVries, and re-sign Zhitnik and Klee to similar extensions. Our goal is to allow players like Popovic to develop by watching these clearly superior seasoned veterans from the press box, and we think by the time he is 45 he will finally be ready to contribute consistently. We think Popovic is a competent #6 defenseman already, but when we are able to consistenly bring in veterans that help us consistently keep our Goals against so low, there is just no way we can afford to play him in their place. Overall, this is a great day for this franchise, I really think we turned the corner to contend for the Stanley Cup on a regular basis”.
By Midfield
March 6, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Nikita,
this one I would have to disagree with you on. Kovy is big time underrated as a passer. If anything, he should have taken a shot in the second during the 2 on 1 rush rather than pass to Zhitnik. The big problem with his line is the center. White is way too soft. He gets moved away from the puck with more ease than Stefan used to. Kovy’s production this year is the only reason this team did not bomb hopelessly before the New Years.
By Rawhide
March 6, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
OK, this is TOOooooo good to keep to myself!
A regular in there here parts just forwarded a revised Letter from Levenson….in it, snicker, it pretty much says the same thing as earlier…only….ha…to “sweeten” the deal they are offering…..(God, you just can’t make this up)….2 for 1 Barry Manilow tickets.
Yes, you read that correctly!
When he clicked on the link…the password was….snort…MANDY.
I’m gonna break a rib I’m laughing so hard!!!!
By R. Stroz
March 6, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
When I saw the Barry Manilow thing, I knew the hockey gods were laughing their backsides off.
Pardon me, while I stop and change my clothing from laughing too hard.
Levenson letter, 2 for 1 Barry Manilow tickets, MANDY as the password….the ASG just hit the trifecta. You couldn’t make this stuff up.
By TNT
March 6, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
To everyone that says tank it for the first pick, just shut up already. As I understand it, it’s a lottery, so the worst record don’t guarentee us the first pick like the NFL does. And even if it does, DW will just screw it up like everything else he does. I know we aren’t gonna make the playoffs, but at least bring up what we can and see if our young talent can even play in the NHL like they can in the AHL. Because chances are, they are our team next season. I don’t see alot of our UFA’s signing this summer, and I sure don’t see any UFA’s from other teams wanting to come here. Let’s see what they can do now.
By Bob
March 6, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Oh My Goodness.
I just got the letter again, as well. 2 for 1 Barry Manilow tix? Where do I sign up! That’s a done deal, baby! If I get 20 Thrashers’ seats, can I get 10 Manilow 2 for 1 deals.
Yeah, we can safely assume that there are thousands of non-renewals. This is all good, folks. Hold their feet to the fire and remember, it’s not enough to just get a competent GM and coach in here, but they also have to follow through July 1st and allow the new GM to make the right moves. Then we can talk about re-upping for tix.
Did anyone else notice they had less ice girls as well, last night? That can’t be a cost cutting move, can it? They don’t pay those girls that much, do they?
By The Other Bob
March 6, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
2 days ago, some yahoo that goes by the handle of Seriously made two comments regarding why the AGS has not moved to name a new head coach yet.
One of them was that the Thrashers were denied permission by the Wolves to do so. Well, Jameson posted an article that shows this claim is a pile of Islanders logo.
The second “point” was that McCrimmon was actually offered the job, but turned it down due to contract reasons.
This cat was asked by several, me included, to offer up that proof since it has never been reported or discussed.
It’s been 48 hours since and NO such proof has come forth by Seriously.
So, in that light, can we just put this in the same category as the “Loche Ness Monster”, “Roswell aliens”, “Big Foot” and “Al Gore’s Global Warming scam”????
By Alan
March 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to fight, but I actually think Kovy is a big part of the problem.
żQué?
His individual play is very good, and his skating is a thing of sheer beauty. But if he is the one who made the decision to play exclusively to allow him to be the only shooter on his line, then he should not be captain.
Okaaayyy.. so, you think he’s part of the problem, but are unsure of whether he made any sort of decision to be the only shooter on his line? Since we know for a fact that Recchi shoots the puck, I think we can blow that thought out of the water.
There are many things Kovalchuk can do better, but he would make a fine leader. I think it’s abundantly clear from Craig’s article this morning that Kovalchuk feels the team leadership is lackluster and in a state of turmoil.
And from the outside looking in, I feel we can all agree on that.
By NASCAR Dave
March 6, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
THESE PATHETIC PUKES MAKE ME SICK!!!
THIS SORRY EXCUSE OF A TEAM DWAD CREATED IS MISERABLE! WADDELL MUST BE FIRED! NOW! FIRE MCCRIMMON WITH HIM. THEY BOTH SUCK!!!
I AM TIRED OF WATCHING THIS TEAM GET OUTSKATED, OUTSHOT, OUTHIT EVERY DAMN NIGHT!!!
A BUNCH OF WIMPS! PANTY WEARING WIMPS! YEAH I’M TALKIN TO YOU TRASHERS. AND I’D SAY IT TO YOUR FACE TOO.
ATLANTA TRASHERS ARE F%$##ING BABIES!!! TOTAL GUTLESS COWARDS! AND WHAT IS THE COMMON THREAD? WADDELL.
FIRE WADDELL NOW!
I AM BOYCOTTING THIS TEAM UNTIL WADDELL IS GONE.
MY OFFER STILL STANDS FOR WADDELL TO MEET ME IN THE WOODSHED TOO!
AGGGHHHHH!!!
By Rawhide
March 6, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Holy Islanders Logo!
I just thought about something…if Levenson just sent out another letter…am I gonna have to write another one too??
JEEZE!!! An Ice Man’s work is never done!
By ranallo10
March 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Did anyone else notice they had less ice girls as well, last night?
I think they went with quality last night, not quantity.
By Dunwoody_Kevin
March 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
You can add me to the Fire Waddell camp too. But if they are gonna do it, they must do it right. Fire Waddell as GM, as coach, and Fire Beast with him.
I do not support the idea of letting Waddell stay around in a different position.
Change comes the top on down.
By LAC
March 6, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Go get’em NascarDave, whoop him for ALL of us, I still want that LIAR rutherford snydel to meet me and get the whipping he DESERVES for lying to everyone opening night, He needs his punk A$$ whipped but Good !
By Alan
March 6, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
if Levenson just sent out another letter…am I gonna have to write another one too??
Nah, it’s the same letter the STHs got, only a lot of us are just receiving it now. I got it today — It’s identical to the one you sent me a few days ago.
Feel free to write another letter though. After the pitiful loss last night, I think you’ll feel better and they’ll deserve a verbal demonstration of our collective ire.
By timthebrave
March 6, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
33% goals over shots in the first period was pretty accurate shooting but I think they can get the percentage higher. I think the Thrashers should only shoot if they are 100% sure it will go in other wise they should dump and chase or play defense like a bunch of b*** with sand in their vaginas . This team p** me off.
By Vitamin Z
March 6, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Nikita, I don’t agree with your assertion of Kovy as a player. Kovy has grown leaps and bounds to be a well rounded player this season. His defensive play has improved dramatically. He is no longer selfish in his play. Most times his passes are right on tape. The problem is that he has no one to pass to most of the time. His line mates are either too slow to get in to the zone or not in the position to take a shot. I agree that we need to get him good line mates. But again, we’ve been saying this since Savard left.
By Thrasher Ryan
March 6, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Kovy has grown leaps and bounds to be a well rounded player this season. His defensive play has improved dramatically. He is no longer selfish in his play. Most times his passes are right on tape.
Actually, you can think Bob Hartley for that.
Rawhide—Do you plan on re-newing your Season Tickets?
By Thrasher Ryan
March 6, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the typo! Should “thank Bob Hartley”, not “think Bob Hartley”. But in retrospect, I think Bob should never have been fired.
By ranallo10
March 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
On the bright side, Little and Kovalchuk played many shifts together last night. Maybe they can develop a chemistry.
Unfortunately Little was also on shifts with Larsen and Slater, a complete waste of Little’s talents.
By Midfield
March 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Rawhide or anybody else, was Boulton a healthy scratch yesterday, or he was in a county jail, or what? I missed that part trying to juggle beer and fish-n-chips.
By Thrasher Ryan
March 6, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Midfield—Waddell scratched him. Yet another brilliant move by the dunce!
By bart
March 6, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
I emailed my account rep that I am not renewing by tomorrow. No response as of yet, don’t really expect one. Most of the STHs I have talked to are waiting to see if there are changes made before renewing if at all. Last nights small crowd could be a regular occurence next season.
By Nikita
March 6, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Ok, Kovy supporters — so who do we get to work with him? I don’t think Recchi is it — I think he’d really kick a* on the lumbering 3rd line of veteran a* kickers. Recchi-Holik-Kozlov would be fun. I also don’t think Todd White is top shelf material. But I don’t want to break up the 2nd, either, as it’s already working well. So I guess that leaves Kovy-Thorburn-someone else who’s tall, scrappy, and has good hands. At least for now.
Why is Larsen still on our payroll? Anyone? Also, we have a serious forward logjam. We need a #1 center, but we also need to lose some people.
By GaVaHokie
March 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve been really p** this year with the refs not blowing plays dead… like the first goal on Sunday against the Penguins when Kari was covering the puck, the Pens dug it out from under him, put it in the net and it counted. I was livid!!
By Sara
March 6, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Nikita that’s been the big rant all season - we don’t have anyone to play with Kovy - they need to go sign him a quality center. Have needed to since Savard left. Instead we got Todd White - my guess because he was a hell of a lot cheaper than Gomez, Drury or Briere would have been.
By Alan
March 6, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Nikita - You made an assertion that practically came out of left field. Let’s address that first. Why do you think Kovalchuk “made the decision” that he will be “the only shooter” when other players on his line? If this was just a way to drum up some sort of debate, that’s fine, but I think there are other things you could criticize Kovalchuk about.
As for who we play with Kovalchuk, how about Little? I think there’s some chemistry there, and those two played really well together last night.
By ranallo10
March 6, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Nikita — Re: Kovalchuk linemates…I’d say keep Little there and bring in someone like Ryder from Free Agency ($3-4M player who has a couple 30 goal seasons under his belt).
My other idea would be to try to sign a Brendan Morrison ($4-5M) to pair with Kovalchuk, and let them figure out a winger from within the organization.
Daymond Langkow would also be of interest in my opinion.
Just a few ideas…
By Brendan
March 6, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Bring in Kristian Huselius from Free Agency for Kovalchuk’s line.
By Mark
March 6, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure the play of the team right now is exactly like the play that got Hartley fired. Maybe Waddell will fire himself.
By The Other Bob
March 6, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Hey guys looky here!
Seems as the the dolts over at Atlanta Magazine got some idiot moron who took exception to Rawhide’s blog a few weeks ago.
Yeah,….whoever the tool is that wrote this hasn’t a clue….or his one reader, LOL!
Rawhide - Keep pi$$ing these people off!
By ranallo10
March 6, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Brendan — I agree about Huselius. I would be THRILLED if he were signed (though, technically he’s a LW).
By Nikita
March 6, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Alan, it didn’t come out of left field. It came from the observation that the first line a) doesn’t work and b) has a very different strategy than the 2nd line. And they come from my observations regarding how we sucked big time in the middle portion of this season because no one on Kovy’s line would shoot…except Kovy. And how much of Kovy’s line prefers giving the puck to Kovy to making valid shots. If Kovy is responsible for the decision to play that strategy (note: if), then he shouldn’t be captain.
This is a general criticism of the team, FYI. It’s notable how much better the team plays when they have Moose on ice — probably because they know they can’t depend on Moose taking 40+ shots and not letting a few in. When they have great confidence in a player, they seem to rely on him too heavily. Much as when they’re ahead, they seem to rest on their laurels until the other team ties it up.
By Nix
March 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Nikita, I get where you’re coming from, but I think that it’s not a question of Kovy insisting on getting to make most of the shots. As you noted in reference to the goalies, [w]hen [the team] ha[s] great confidence in a player, they seem to rely on him too heavily. In my opinion, that’s exactly what’s been happening with Kovy all season. He’s the scorer, so they expect him to make most of the goals. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to adjust for the reality of the opposition knowing he’s the scorer and shutting him down. Plus, I think they expect him to be able to make 85% of his goals without their help, while trying to overcome a defense that’s trying to shut him down. Because they’re relying on him too heavily, b/c he’s the strongest forward. Just like they rely too heavily on Kari, b/c he’s the strongest in goal (when he’s on his game).
By ranallo10
March 6, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
The Other Bob — I took the time out of my day to comment, and I have to say I feel justified by the fact that my actual response was as long (or longer) than the original story. I’m fine with giving Atlanta Magazine’s website a “hit” so long as I get to respond to the dribble that man posted.
By scott
March 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
TNT Brining up replacements might be a good idea if we had a coach to groom them into our system, but we don’t have a coach, or a system. I know that it is a lottery draft, but you get a better chance the lower you finish, and you can’t draft more than one spot lower than you finish - so if we finish second to last (I doubt LA will pass us), we will definitely draft 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. It would be good to get some of the prospects some NHL ice time, but I don’t want them to catch whatever this team’s got as far as attitude.
Now if they were to give John Anderson a three year deal tomorrow, I’d say bring up the young pups and get to work. Bench Zhitnik, Larsen, Exelby, Holik, and McCarthy - let them start their off season early. Keep Recchi, and Kozlov around to help mentor the young kids but healthy scratch at least one of them every night so that the youngsters can play.
By Midfield
March 6, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Nikita,
let’s just go back to basics here for a second. Kovy’s production alone all but surpasses the rest of the offense of this team. That’s with what he has to play with, which many here agree is not a piece of cake by any stretch. So, whatever the rest of “his line” is doing, this line is still doing ok as a whole.
By Rawhide
March 6, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Other Bob - Nice link….WOW, JUST WOW!! LOL!!!
Good Gawd-almighty! It’s a darn good thing that I care not of what anyone at Atlanta Magazine thinks or writes about me…or I might just get a complex…HA!
Same with the blogs he copied and pasted from.
Did you notice that the second person who posted hit the button 3 times and that rasied the comments to FOUR?
And you…Ranallo…sniff, your the best-est!!!! It’s true this character didn’t take the time to even try to figure out what goes on in here.
But hey…if I can make someone elses life easier by proving 75% of their blog too, then that’s just fine and dandy with me!
By Zhitsucks!
March 6, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Please tell me WHY Zhitnik still gets ice time? He continuously gets a penalty in the 1st period for being lazy. Then he screws up left and right. X lost his mojo. He is reminding me that he was an 8th round draft pick(??? somewhere in the high numbers). Joel Kwiat-whatever should be sent back down. Put Pop and Mac in. Bring up Boris or Oysterick. At least lets look at some players that LIKE to play!
By ranallo10
March 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
scott — Don’t forget that the arbitration clocks begin to tick after the 9th game a rookie plays in. So, in an attempt to give the young guys ice time, you’d also be accelerating the time frame before they reach restricted free agent status. Basically, if Valabik, Oystrik, Denny, Lavallee, Desbiens, etc are called up, their pay raises are that much closer.
It’s probably not wise to bring them up just to give them a few NHL games of disappointment. Give them that chance next season.
RH — I have your back. If he had made a good/valid point, I would’ve left it alone, but he was “acting a fool”. As for the multiple posts…their website is funky, hitting “refresh” actually REPOSTS. Talk about an inaccurate measurement of comments.
By Thrasher Ryan
March 6, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Rawhide—Are you gonna answer my question about Season Tickets? Also, I hope you go to the Town Hall Meeting tomorrow. I look forward to you letting us all know what takes place.
Don’t worry about the Haters, RH, they just don’t “get it.”
By Rawhide
March 6, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
TR - Don’t you check your e-mails dude????
I don’t have season tickets…the schedule I keep with the boys and their activies force me to pick and choose games on the fly as the season goes. I generally do make 20-25 games a year though.
I sure wish I was gonna be at the Town Hall meeting…
I don’t care about the “haters”…maybe next blog I’ll dumb it down a notch for ‘em.
Scott - Well said!
By The Other Bob
March 6, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Hey,…I love the way he bashed this blog, but take a look at Jay’s “In-Depth” analysis of Thrashers hockey…taken from his blog after the same game.
“Hurricanes 5, Thrashers 3: Not much good to say about this one. These are the games the Thrashers need to win and aren’t. Hmmm.”
Yup, that was it! Man, RH…you better stay sharp. You’ve some serious competition out there….NOT!
By Thrasher Ryan
March 6, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Got the email Rawhide. Thanks!
Maybe we can get a blogger to Record it or transcribe it somehow?
By Seriously?
March 6, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
So for those of you who thought I was dumb about the mention of McCrimmon turning down the job….
I wonder what CC asked Waddell about in his blog?
By R. Stroz
March 6, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Seriously? - I just asked CC that very question?
The merit of your statement lies in Craig’s hands now.
By Tony H
March 6, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
I thought the Town Hall Meeting e-mail gave the STH an opportunity to bring one other person with them.
If I read that right, one of you need to take RAWHIDE with you as your guest.
By Dunwoody_Kevin
March 6, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Seriously? - Who gives a crap? McCrimmon sucks at coaching. Have you watched the games? He’s just as bad, if not worse than Waddell. They seem to let the players do whatever they want. That is completely unacceptable.
By Brendan
March 6, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
No, I this issue has to be RESOLVED. Was McCrimmon EVVV-VER “formally” offered, as in PRESENTED WITH A CONTRACT, the Head Coaching position of the Atlanta Thrashers? And if so, did he decline it? And if so, was the “reason” he declined it … because it wasn’t a “multi-year” deal. That’s important to have clarified.
Because if they offered the Head Coaching position to him, but “only for the rest of the season,” then what DOES that say? To me, it says, “I don’t really want you as my Head Coach. If I did, I’d have offered a 3-year deal.” So, which is it? They either “like” McCrimmon for the job, or they don’t. And if they “like him” for the job … then the “formal offer” has to be some 3-year deal.
If they offered him a “multi-year” deal, but McCrimmon declined it, then I’d like McCrimmon to articulate WHYYY he turned it down. Perhaps he believed that Don Waddell would be fired at season’s end, or he knew of Don’s plans to resign, or thought that Don might resign. And he didn’t want to be a “holdover” Coach under a new GM. Fine. State that, Brad. If Brad thought a new GM would fire him staight away, he should state that, too. Of paramount interest, “Was Beast ever offered the job?”
I have a hard time believing Waddell couldn’t have appointed McCrimmon the Head Coach. And that, had he done so, McCrimmon’s response would have been to resign, in disgust. Well, there’s a lot of possibilities here. So, we need clarification. In the interests of journalism.
By PJ
March 6, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, Thrasher Ryan
RE: 5:25pm…….Very Funny.
By Brendan
March 6, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Tampa gave up its “free point” to Philadelphia with a late 3rd period goal, to lose in regulation. That’s bad for our lottery draft. Florida is conveniently winning over Pittsburgh, 4-2, late in the 3rd period. Carolina defeated a very good Minnesota team, 3-2. Staal was the difference there. We’re going to have our hands full with the Wild in the next game.
The Islanders lost, 3-1, to the NY Rangers. Toronto won, AGAIN, after moving Hal Gill at the deadline. The Leafs have been on a tear lately! By the way, they won, 8-1, over Boston. The Bruins have been struggling lately. Are they about to slip out of the playoff field?
Penguins are on the PP, here late, in the 3rd, down by two goals. Conklin is in net for Pittsburgh.
By Rawhide
March 6, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Serious & RStroz - I’ll be very interested in seeing what CC comes up with regarding Beast as well. Oviously this hasn’t been a story until now and DW seemed a tad touchy regarding the issue.
Now, Serious, (first off welcome to you), in your post the other day you seemed to be sure that McCrimmon was indeed offered the job and turned it down. So, I have to ask…is there something you’re privy to that the rest of us aren’t?
Is there an article we missed? This isn’t a challenge, just an opportunity to enlighten us.
As for Anderson, while it is 100% true that the Thrashers would have to gain permission from the Wolves to interview him…as Jameson pointed out in his link the other night, on Oct. 19, 2007 both the owner and GM all but begged Waddel to interview him and Anderson is clear he wants the chance.
You also mentioned how Waddell was trying to do two jobs at one time while the trade deadline approched. this is very true…and it boulsters my argument that keeping him behind the bench was the wrong choice BECAUSE we was burning the candle at both ends.
I still stand by my statement that Waddell remained behind the bench because a). he talked ASG into it, b). Waddell was told by ASG to prove the team could win and to coach them or c). It was a business decision to not bring on added payroll.
However, I will be more than happy to see proof otherwise.
By Nix
March 6, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, I might have a free ticket to the Town Hall Meeting. I’ll know for sure if you want to touch base with me then.
By Nix
March 6, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
That should have said I’ll know for sure tomorrow.
By Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
March 6, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Nix - Please check your e-mail, please.
By ranallo10
March 7, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Can anybody explain to me why Ottawa has been wearing their home uniforms during their last two away games (tonight in Los Angeles, and the other night in San Jose)?
By AJ
March 7, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Thanks Rawhide for the mention, that was sweet of you!! Keep up the great work with the blog and we can always hope for next year huh? See ya at the town hall meeting tonight-wonder if Waddell will be there with armed guards :-) lol. Can’t wait to see how he spins this mess called a season.
By Tom
March 7, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Maybe Brad saw the writing on the wall and knew that this team was not a team to have as a first time head coach.
As an associate coach he will have a little taint but he still has prospects. If he had taken over as head coach and they performed as they have it may have been the end of the road.
Remember that this team plays exactly opposite how McCrimmon played. Brad was all about heart and intensity, not butterflies and pillows like our present day Thrashers.
By R. Stroz
March 7, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Just for the sake of conjecture, lets imagine McCrimmon did turn down the head coach position as seriously? stated, that would send the following sign:
Not only did Hossa throw in the towel on the direction of the Thrashers, McCrimmon isn’t sold on the direction of the Thrashers either.
So, one of the top two players and the associate coach has shown a sign of no confidence.
That doesn’t look very good.
By Sage of Bluesland
March 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
I could care less about McCrimmon, etc. Scotty Bowman himself could do absolutely nothing with this horribly mismanaged and dysfunctional roster…
I am very encouraged by the literal GROUNDSWELL of disdain shown toward our bumbling Donny by the real fans of this team.
Refusal to further subsidize the sheer incompetence which has gone on in Donny’s decade WILL make change a guarantee.
Of all the factors involved, the FANS and their HARD-EARNED DOLLAR is the bottom-line of all decisions.
By Brendan
March 7, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
I do wonder, Sage, if Don Waddell wouldn’t “resign” before he gets fired? This way, it looks as if Don were moving on to other projects rather than be dismissed for failing to take an expansion team into a serious contender.
Don, like all GMs who quit, resign or get fired, can and will point to things that were beyond his control. I’ve always said, “I’m willing to listen to Don’s side of things” once he separates from the organization. I’d love to know, for real, if it was his decision to let Audette, Brunette, and Staios go, rather than retain them at a “modest” salary increase. If it were ownership saying, “Dump them! Our goal is to stick it up for picks; keeping them will make us better. We can’t have that.” Upon hearing that, I’d at least be presented with the opportunity to weigh the evidence about whether it was Waddell’s idea to let them go.
By Thrasher Ryan
March 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
PJ—What’s so funny about 5:25 post?
By Thrasher Ryan
March 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
All I ask is that anyone who goes to the meeting tonight, please post on here what takes place.
I expect you to voice your displeasure. And be honest. Nothing will change unless you make things change.
There are multiple problems with this organization. Sure, you can point the finger at the ASG about being cheap on the Cap, but the majority (90%) of this team’s problems can be traced back to one individual — Don Waddell. That is a fact.
Minnehaha is gonna be ready to play tonight. They looked very tough and physical against Carolina last night.
Boulton better be in the lineup tonight, with Larsen scratched.
By Smoothie
March 7, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Brendan — did you see my morning posts over on Craig’s blog about the players we’ve (DWad & ASG) allowed to slip thru our fingers over the years…not only can they not judge young talent for the draft, they can’t tell that Vitaly Vishnevski is better than Zhitnik!!
So add to your list the following players:
Kaberle, Kunitz, Donovan (a stretch to put here perhaps), Robitaille, Pothier and Metropolit.
By PJ
March 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan All will become clear very soon. Sorry for the confusion. I too will be reading the blog tonight to get some insight but I fear it will be a one-way conversation, more like an announcement or speech.
TO those who got the invitation, does it clearly say that there will be a Q & A session tonight?
By Rawhide
March 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Also, to PJ’S point…I will post a new blog later this afternoon to provide a forum for those to post their comments and observations of the Town Hall Meeting throughout the weekend…
By Thrasherbob
March 7, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
RH, First, you’re taking matters into your own hands, now you’re releasing your frustrations…….Dude, TMI!
By Nix
March 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
PJ, the invite says, ‘Please join us for an opportunity to hear the “inside scoop” on the team with Thrashers Executive Vice-President, General Manager, and Head Coach Don Waddell who will be on-hand to field questions.’
By Rawhide
March 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
T-Bob - Your a sick, twisted individual!
Very admirable traits! LOL!
By NASCAR Dave
March 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
ALL Y’ALL THAT GO THERE OUGHTA WEAR FIRE WADDELL! T-SHIRTS!
I WISH TO GOD I WAS THERE - I’D GIVE WADDELL A PIECE OF MY MIND! THAT SLIMY SERPENT HE IS!
YOU OUGHTA JEER AND SNICKER AT HIS A$$ WHEN HE STARTS TELLING YOU ABOUT HOW THINGS ARE GONNA CHANGE!!!
GUESS WHAT DWAD? TOO LATE FOR THAT! YOU’RE OUTTA HERE BROTHER!
AND GOOD F#&%ING RIDDANCE!!!
By Brendan
March 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
JSmooth, of course. I read all the posts. Good job.