Ice Man

By jcwhitingjr

March 11, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

I’m going to go with all the above as far as the reduction in helpers this season.

The guys just aren’t passing and receiving crisply first of all. Pucks go either just to far in front, or just behind the guys. If it does happen to be on the tape, then it is either bouncing or hits a bad spot on the ice along the way and jumps. Too often it seems they are having to corral passes preventing them from moving along in stride.

I think the main reason for the lack of assist totals however is due to the lack of shots. Everyone knows that when you put a puck on net good things tend to happen. This team seems to be hesitant to do that on a regular basis. If they could put more pucks on net, then if the puck doesn’t end up in the back of the net, get the rebounds and put them back on net. This team only seems to want the initial shot to go in and when it doesn’t there isn’t anyone there to put the puck back on net.

Now in their defense, there have been times when they have shown that they are willing to do this and good things have happened, unfortunately, this they have not done this on a consistant basis.

Instead, even on the power play, they prefer to pass the puck around the outside perimeter looking for that one perfect view of the goal to shoot. This leads back to the passes not being crisp or on target or the receiver not being able to settle the puck for a shot.

Just shoot! Pucks don’t usually go in on clean looks, those are gobbled up by opposing goalies like pizza slices at Cici’s. Get traffic in front of the net, shoot through the traffice, get deflections off of the opposing d-men, swat your sticks at the puck as it goes by to change the flight path to the net to fool the goalie and crash the net looking for any rebounds that may be forthcoming.

This will lead to more goals and more assists and hopefully a better record.

By stendec

March 11, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Getting primed for another game. I am a diehard Thrasher supporter but…If Moose is in goal I will storm the ice rooting against Calgary (my beloved local Flames once removed). If daydreaming Letemin is between pipes I will hope for multi-goal effort from Iggy plus a shutout from Kipper. That is how much this untalented Finn has irritated me this dismal campaign. Score Thrashers. At least once! A strong run to end the season would be nice. I do not condone Falconing (tanking) for higher draft picks. It is unAmerican (and unCanadian). Enjoy the contest fellow Thrasher watchers. GO BLUE!

By luckydog

March 11, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Slava Kozlov should be indicted for grand larceny.

By Nikita

March 11, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Good points, jcw….

My husband and I discussed this on the morning commute. The Thrashers suck for one overwhelming reason, which filters down into a lot of smaller reasons — they have terrible morale, and next to no team ethic or team perspective.

So…we lead the league in goals without assists, and that’s a big red flag. Whereas if you look at most of the teams killing us, their minor players are scoring more than our major players, and that’s because the entire team works on pressuring the opposite team, getting into the zone, and putting shots on goal — bullying them in if necessary. We have one, maybe two lines that work cooperatively — the rest are a loose conglomerate of individual operatives.

Beyond that, the reason we’re out of the cup race at this point isn’t really because of our current play — it’s because we didn’t bother to show up competitively until late in the season, so we had a points deficit to make up, and at this point a lot of our competitors have also turned up the heat. Which is kinda like our whole game — not intense enough, and content to settle for not getting totally humiliated. We ought to be scoring first and holding our lead, and instead we usually play catch up.

By Tom

March 11, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

If you watch any Thrasher game this season we spend a majority of the time in our own end. When we do get it down the ice it is typically on a fast break with a one and out shot.

We have no offense so to speak, we can not keep the puck in their zone, and when we do get it there we are trying to make 10 passes to set up the perfect shot. (Guess what, that is hard to do and rarely works…)

So this is not surprising, it is endemic of the style of play that this team has.

If I were the GM/VP/Coach, I would have a kangaroo court and fine the players every time they made more than 5 passes in a row without a shot on the power play. I would also crawl up their proverbial A*******es everytime that we entered the zone with a shot into the corner that we do not even get close to coming up with.

By J(Z)

March 11, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

I think stendec is a couple days early on his rant. Your Flames aren’t for a few more days.

What’s up with this “white-out” thing. Why do it on a weeknight when there might not even be 10,000 people in the house?

I decided to play along and ditch my jersey for tonight. We’ll see how it works out. I think there will be more empty seats than white shirts.

And I agree, we don’t get assists because we don’t take SHOTS. It’s like the team doesn’t know that you can score off deflections and rebounds. You can’t score (or get any assists) if no one shoots!!!!!

By Stats

March 11, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Dang RH, you sound like me. As I say, the numbers cannot hide anything. The lack of assists is directly related to the lack of shots. I pointed out some time ago that the Thrashers SOG was completely lopsided w/ Kovy and Hoss being in the top 10 and no one else on the team being even on the map. At the time, I could not find another NHL team that was so imbalanced.

I do not get to go to many games, but I get to go Thursday. Hopefully I can see a win.

By Nikita

March 11, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Speaking of people who need to be punished…I see a glaring problem with some of our special teams. We’re awesome on the penalty kill, and deserve kudos for that…but there’s really no excuse for not scoring on a power play or 5-on-3. We haven’t scored on either in a long time. There was the one where Bobby Holik lost his stick and was stuck shuffling around mid-rink…but what’s the excuse the rest of the time? We currently have better stats in even-strength and even short-handed goals, which is just plain wierd and embarassing.

By Hockey Biltong

March 11, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Like I need another white t-shirt.

By what the puck

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

Every time I go to a Thrashers game I always see the same flaw. We do not shoot the puck enough. It seems as if the team is waiting for the perfect shot. They need to get trigger happy and shoot that puck!!! Other teams do it and look what happens they score. Yes some of the goals they score are garbage goals but hey they are still goals. You can’t win games when you are outshot by 10 or more shots a game. So boys don’t look for the perfect shot just shoot the puck!!!

By Rawhide

March 11, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers are calling for a White Out tonight versus the Avs. To go along with the white t-shirts being handed out to the attendees, the team will be wearing the road white jerseys.

So, if everyone in the stands is wearing white….and the home team is wearing white,…doesn’t that just make it easier for the Avs, in their dark jerseys, to spot their teammates better against such a backdrop?

By Sara

March 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Allow me to summarize all of the above points and the crux of the problem:

The “system” sucks! I use quotes because really we don’t have a system. Unless you call “whack-a-mole” defense and “passing clinic” power plays a system.

Hire a credible coach with an actual implementable system that will teach these guys something and hold them accountable and we may actually get somewhere next season.

By Thrash1

March 11, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Someone tell me that ASG was kidding when they told Craig that Waddell would be back. Please…. anyone? More uninspired hockey to come.

At least when Fraser was here they would hit someone.

By jason

March 11, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty certain a lot of unhappy fans will be wearing black t-shirts instead of white t-shirts tonight.

By PJ

March 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

RH - Don’t forget our fabulous line changes.

By R. Stroz

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

ROLL CALL

Who’s attending tonights game and where are you sitting?

I’ll be in Section 207, Row E.

If you are displeased with the current status of Thrasher affairs, remember to wear black.

By Johan H.

March 11, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hello Mr. Tiller,

I am in goal tonight. I will lead my brothers to victory tonight.

I like your column, it is good.

Thanks,
Johan

By Russ

March 11, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I posted this on Craig’s current blog, but wanted to throw it out on Rawhide’s too. Sorry for the year-to-year rankings being hard to read. It didn’t format the way it looked on my screen.

Here’s a quick statistical review of DW’s tenure as Thrashers GM.

Final overall NHL standings:

Year 1 - 28th out of 28 teams Year 2 - 28th out of 30 Year 3 - 30th out of 30 Year 4 - T-23rd out of 30 Year 5 - 21st out of 30 Year 6 - T-18th out of 30 Year 7 - 16th out of 30 (first out of playoffs) Year 8 so far - T-27th out of 30

So, until this season you could say there was incremental improvement, but the team seems to have reached its’ highest point and now appears to be in rebuild mode.

Now let’s review how DW has fared at analyzing an obvious area of need and bringing in the coaches and players necessary to fix the problem.

Thrashres final ranking in goals allowed:

Year 1 - 28th out of 28 Year 2 - 29th out of 30 Year 3 - 30th out of 30 Year 4 - 30th out of 30 Year 5 - 25th out of 30 Year 6 - 24th out of 30 Year 7 - 14th out of 30 Year 8 so far - 29th out of 30

Ouch! Is it any conincidence the one time this team played anything resembling defense is the only time they had any sort of success at all? And looking at the regularity with which they have finished in the bottom five defensive teams in the league, is DW the man you want revamping the defense this offseason?

It seems to me, if what you are looking for is a GM that can take you to the playoffs once every five years or so with a first round exit being the absolute pinnacle that can be expected, then DW is your man. If you want a little more than that, you may have to look elsewhere.

Please tell me this was the infamous “vote of confidence” before the firing.

I would challenge any of the regular “fact finding” bloggers to find a GM in any of the four major professional sports leagues in the last 30 years who has accomplished so little while retaining their job for nine years. Good luck!

By Thrasherbob

March 11, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Amen - Johan H

By stendec

March 11, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Another typical choke job! Home Thrashers down 2-1 after a period. Moose looks inept. Rest of teammates follow suit. Complete quitters and losers. Waddell returning? Oh joy! Maybe the Falcons will bring back Jim Mora. Junior, that is. Makes as much sense. Hope Iggy and Flames drill Letemin for 10 or more goals. GO FLAMES!

By stendec

March 11, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Seconds into second period. Guess what? It is now 3-1 for visitors! Way to go Moose. Maybe Hedberg is shooting for double digits tonight! What a total crock. Maybe DeA++hole Hall will say or do something something stupid. Oh, wrong sport. Hard to tell. Team non-work ethics identical. HURRY TO GEORGIA FLAMES!

By stendec

March 11, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Moose is halfway home! It is 5-1 after two physically nauseating periods. Forget my post of several days ago. Do not keep ANY of these ball-less quitters. Including Ilya Kovalchuk! Send ALL the untalented losers packing after this season. Any other players would be preferable. ANY! Hope Flames set new goal record while in town. Falcons on ice! How truly sad. GO FLAMES!

By Thrasher Ryan

March 11, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

It’s 5-1 Colorado after 2!

Andrew Brunette is going for the hat trick in the 3rd.

stendec—I know my friend. I agree with everything you said above, except for the Kovalchuk part. Kovy is here to stay. He is the Thrashers. And I promise you, I too will be rooting for the Flames on Thursday. The Flames are fighting for the playoffs.

I don’t like the Waddell move AT ALL. I don’t know how much more of this I can witness.

I mean seriously. It looks like 85% of the fans have left. Absolutely pitiful.

GO FLAMES!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

March 11, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Klee—Exelby pair CANNOT be used anymore! NEVER!

Exelby—McCarthy is the only one that works! Why can’t they see this?

Klee and Exelby are at -3 right now.

By Alan

March 11, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Yay, more stendec whining! Kari sucks, no Moose sucks, no Kari sucks, no Moose sucks, no they ALL suck - even Kovalchuk!!1

You are a caricature of a hockey fan. Do us all a favor and get mental health.

By Nikita

March 11, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

This game is painful to watch…except for the 2nd line, which as usual is pretty awesome. I know there are those who’d like to see Eric Perrin demoted, but his crew is the one that’s doing the most consistent good work.

By stendec

March 11, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Good point from debacle? Letemin did not allow a goal in 20 minutes. Moose ushered five in during a span of 40 minutes. May be worst defensive team I have ever gagged watching next to 2007 Falcons. From first to worst? Almost a lock. Have not seen any team in NHL look THIS bad over such an extended period of time. How about do-over? Start from scratch. Could not be any more painful than this season was. Only get players who will at least lose with pride. Some who pretend to care. These do not. Hope Flames rack up 15 goals on these quitters. GO FLAMES!

By Thrashernut

March 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

stendec - I stand with you re Kovalchuk - I posted here weeks ago that Kovy’s “I can do it myself” skill set has been neutralized by the opponents. He certainly has talent, but those talents have never been conducive to a team effort - perhaps that can be blamed on those responsible for his refinement. Maybe some will blame it on the lack of talent at center. However, I see game after game where he mis-handles the puck, or has it taken away from him. I guess I just think he is overated. I don’t understand why DW always uses him in the shoot-outs - it seems to me that his scoring % sucks! I recall him going scoreless 8 games in a row last year in shootouts, for example.

By Brendan

March 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell seemed genuinely “depressed” in the postgame interview. He said the team has seven games in the next nine nights, and if this is any indication of what their “effort” will be, they will be a long 60-minutes. Hello “Doughty.” “Hello Stampkos.”

Segue, speaking of 60-minutes, the Toronto Maple just pulled their goalie with a PP in a “tie” game, in regulation. The thinking here? Hey, Philly owns the 8th spot, we can’t let them get any more points. We’re done if we lose, anyway, so let’s risk losing the game in regulation if they win the empty net.

I give (Leafs) Head Coach Paul Maurice a lot of credit for trying that move. It almost paid off, too. But the game slipped into to overtime, where the Leafs did prevail. Toronto wanted a four-point swing, but they got a two-point swing. It’s hard to believe just how successful the Leafs have been since dumping John Ferguson, Jr. as GM, in mid-season.

Is there a lesson here? Dallas changed GM’s in midseason, and GM Armstrong had three (3) more years left on that contract. It’s worked both times that it’s been tried this year.

To hear Bruce Levenson say … that Waddell will be back … and ostensibly mean it … makes him a “cuckold” owner. For he didn’t just “say it,” he “explained why” Waddell would be back. Folks, that’s troubling. This didn’t sound like the proverbial “vote of confidence.” I hope I’m wrong about that.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 11, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Wow, that sucked. Colorado 5, Atlanta 2, FINAL. I can’t believe I wasted my time watching that. And these guys had 2 days of rest before this game? WOW. Practice tomorrow is gonna suck!

Rawhide—The new poll on here should say, “Who Is The Worst Head Coach In Atlanta Thrashers History?”

A) Curt Fraser
B) Bob Hartley
C) Don Waddell

I’m curious the response…

One time on here someone said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.

That is how I feel right now watching the Atlanta Thrashers.

I was an Atlanta Flames fan long before I was an Atlanta Thrashers fan. On Thursday I will be cheering for the Flames. A Flames win at least helps the Thrashers get a better chance at a Lottery Pick. And it helps the Flames make the playoffs, so I win both ways.

As for the draft, The Thrash should trade up the 2 1st rounders to get Stamkos. This kid is a sure shot #1 Center for Kovalchuk.

By Rawhide

March 11, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan - I wish I had control of posting that poll…

Now, I just back from the game…did anyone hear what happened to the Thrashers wearing the white jerseys?????

If you go to the web link I provided above, it has removed all indication of it….

By Sage of Bluesland

March 11, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

The excuses for Don Waddell’s bluster and performance for the past near-decade are nothing but sheep-droppings…

The mindless lambs will never learn…Look in the mirror for the reason Don Waddell has anything remotely to do with this organization…

Stop subsidizing this incompetence and waving the wittle bwue fwag…I don’t know which is more pathetic: Defending the indefensible Waddell or continuing to spend money to support this product (well, it could also be spending someone else’s money)???

Wake up. Grow up. Learn something. Bewieve in Bwuewand. (haha! I couldn’t resist, little lambs!)

By sisu

March 11, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

stendec,you sir are an idiot! Moose has only one stat that is better than Kari’s.Wins,he is worse in everything else.Don’t get me wrong, Moose is a great guy and all but if you love a career #2 then go for it!

By NASCAR Dave

March 11, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW? THE GUTLESS WIMPS ARE BACK AGAIN! DID YOU SEE THEM? NO DAMN PRIDE!!! GAVE UP ON THE GAME IN THE 1ST DAMN PERIOD! PATHETIC LOSERS!

OUT-COACHED AND OUT-CONDITIONED BY EVERY DAMN TEAM IN THE LEAGUE. EVERY DAMN NIGHT! AND THEN WADDELL SAYS IT’S MOOSE AND THE D’S FAULT! WHAT A CROCK OF DOGGIE-POO!!!

WHY NOT JUST SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND ADMIT YOU HAVE FAILED AT YOUR JOB, DON WADDELL??? I WATCHED YOUR PRESS CONFERENCE, WHERE YOU CALLED OUT YOUR DEFENSE.

WELL GUESS WHAT, YOU SIGNED THESE PLAYERS YOU A-HOLE! QUIT DEFLECTING THE BLAME! YOU CREATED THIS DISASTER, NOW YOU ARE GONNA TAKE THE BLAME!

EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THIS TEAM FALLS BACK ON DON WADDELL. AND YET HE REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY!!!

IT’S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE FROM THE TOP ON DOWN. WADDELL, MCCRIMMON, ETC.

INCOMPETENCE BREEDS INCOMPETENCE, AND THE ATLANTA TRASHERS ARE INCOMPETENT AS IT GETS!

SAD, PATHETIC, SORRY, GUTLESS LOSERS WITH NO PRIDE LED BY AN INCOMPETENT BUFFOON, MAKING EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE AND REFUSING TO ACCEPT REALITY.

LAUGHED MY A$$ OFF WHEN THEY BOO’ED THE HELL OUT OF WADDELL!!!

SERVES HIM RIGHT. AND I HOPE THE OWNERS TOOK NOTICE OF ALL THE EMPTY SEATS.

NUFF SAID.

By Tony C.

March 12, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

Ok.

Enough hashing the re-hash.

Let’s just look at who they should keep.

For me, Perrin is a no-brainer-the guy might be a smurf, but he busts his tail every time I see him on the ice.

Myself, I like the guy, but Larsen’s got to go. I mean if we’re going to be playing Kozlov on the 3rd line-Larsen just gunks up the Gods line (amazing how you can tell when the three of them are playing on the same line huh? There’s forechecking and co-operative play definitely NOT what happens when you replace one of them with Larsen). So I guess I’m saying Zhit-can Larsen, Zhitnik definitely, I dunno about McCarthy-we’ve all seen the flashes of excellence, but the guy isn’t anywhere close to consistent.

I also think that X is suffering from some sort of personality disorder-he seems to think he’s an OD….and bless his heart, he ain’t got the wheels or the shot (let’s not even talk about the passing). He can (and should be) a very serviceable 2nd pair DD or “stay-at-home” defenceman.

I dunno. I was p!ssed Foppa didn’t play. At least then I could say I’ve seen him in person twice.

Bring up some of the Wolves-at least they play together. Man this is frustrating to be a Thrasher Fan.

By Thrasherbob

March 12, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

Tony C - Why not pair Valabik and Kiwi and pitch Larsen and Zhit? I’m guessing that they would already have good chemistry together.

By What The Puck

March 12, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

I went to the game last night and was not suprised that we got our butts kicked. Once again we have a couple of players that hustle and the rest of the team is like Holik slow and pathetic. Oh and of course the few players that do hustle are as usual the new thrashers that we recently aquired. But hey give it time and they will probably give up as well once they see that the other players have already done so. Once again we were out shot and the team missed many goals that should have been easy to score. Again the powerless play yielded no results. But hey at least the avalanch kept us entertained by scoreing 5 goals and playing a physical game.

By Rawhide

March 12, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Just came across this on the news wire….

Fulton County Superior Court Decision Atlanta, Georgia (REUTERS) - A seven year old boy was at the centre of
Fulton County courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling
over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the highest degree possible.

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.

After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Atlanta Thrashers whom the judge firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.

By Nikita

March 12, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Grr. Just like to point out the obvious — Holik has been playing hard recently (probably playing hard to be valuable at contract time), and he’s one of a relatively small number doing so. I really liked the head-sit move on McLeod. Of course, how sad is it that the only person mixing it up is our 37 year-old captain and not, say, one of the younger, larger, hired-for-the-purpose enforcers?

Who do we keep, and who do we toss?

Keep…Eric Perrin, and keep him with a younger, faster line if not on the 2nd. He works very well with that style of play, and is really motivated. Keep Slater — his scoring is worthless, but he’s cheap and invaluable on the penalty kill. #17, #8 (though I think he should be on the 3rd line, and on a short-term contract), Little (the kid is awesome), Thorburn, Enstrom, Havelid, Klee, White.

My lines would be…

2nd line as is — new kid — Perrin — new kid

3rd line/vet. line…Recchi — White — Koz

4th as is.

D would be Enstrom-new guy Havelid - new guy Ex/Zhit - Klee

Maybe Ex, Boulton, Kiwi, Koz (hypothetically — we’re stuck with him), Holik (esp. if his stock has fallen and he’s cheaper), Zhit. All of these guys minus Holik need to work for ice time and should spend a lot of time scratched unless they’re willing to play well.

Toss…Steve McCarthy. He’s completely not working. Put Zhit on the day to day, and let him earn his ice time. Larsen.

By Archie

March 12, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Was there ever any explanation over the failed “white-out” last night? It looked pretty bad, I would just sweep the whole thing under the carpet if I were the ASG! My guess is that nobody told Colorado to bring their home jerseys! It’s pretty weak when this is advertised as the White Out Night, they hand out thousands of t-shirts, and the team can’t even wear their white jerseys! I hope somebody in the marketing dep’t got a pink slip for that one!

By Bob

March 12, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Little is going to have to bulk up a lot if he’s going to be effective as a top center in this league. Get that boy in the weight room this summer.

In the 1st, we had a power play and Little goes into the corner to retrieve the puck. One of the Avs came over and just rubbed him right off the puck on the boards, Little disappeared under the guy, and Colorado just skated away with the puck.

The Avs were just out there laughing at our guys in the first 2 periods and pushing them all over the ice, it was like Year 1 all over again.

Great whiteout last night, I heard the Avs didn’t agree to wearing their third jerseys as they had to go to Dallas to play there next and Dallas was wearing their darks. This club can’t even do one of it’s own promotions right, think you might want to work that out with the visiting club first before you advertise it? Laughable.

By R. Stroz

March 12, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

I wore black, but the plethora of empty dark blue seats made a larger statement.

Sad to say, but, the Thrashers are looking more and more like an expansion team.

By Alan

March 12, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - What a touching story. I wonder if he’ll make a better defenseman than Klee or Exelby?

By Midfield

March 12, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Not that it matters this much at this point, but this time it’s Exelby’s turn to seat it out. He does not skate, hit, or even follow the game. I was definitely more aware of who he needed to mark than he was all night long yesterday.

I also wonder who is in charge of changing lines, if anybody. Thrashers seem to be constantly out-matched and disorganized in this area. And this is on the home ice, where they have the advantage of changing last during face-offs. This is one of the biggest components of hockey, people. Anybody saw a commercial with a driver instructor shuffling papers, while his student is having a rough ride with the “minimal supervision.” That’s your Don Waddel and the Thrashers. The Spirit Group should make this their marketing campaign. At least, it’s funny and not as lame as Believe in the Blueland crap.

By Russian

March 12, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Today I got phone call from Atlanta Thrasher tickets salesman. He asked me if I want to but new season package. I was very suprise and tell him that he is joking. Also I said that it is not April 1 (Fool day). Because I am not going to spend $10 to get ticket for Thrasher team. After game yesturday and got news that Don will keep his job I was very p** off. But hell yes, who is cares. Someone open interesting point, that WHO must Stay, WHO must GO. I check our Roster and this is a Result:

UFA: I Let Everybody GO from this list. I do not care for anyone, even Ricchi.

Holik, Bobby $4.250

Rucchin, Steve $2.400

Recchi, Mark $1.750

Boulton, Eric $0.525

Haydar, Darren $0.475

Doell, Kevin $0.475

Krog, Jason $0.500

McCarthy, Steve $0.725

Kwiatkowski, Joel $0.600

Hedberg, Johan $1.150

Brathwaite, Fred $0.500

RFA: I will keep Kari and Pops

Sterling, Brett $0.585

Popovic, Marc $0.535

Lehtonen, Kari $2.200

Any Ideas?????

By Smoothie

March 12, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Ouch Rawhide!! Damn that was cold, but then again, so is hockey.

I missed the first period last night but I tried to watch the next two periods very analytically from my seat in row N of 318. What I came away with is that we are more pathetic on offense than we are on defense.

Yes, the D shares some of the blame for the goals in the 2nd, but it was painfully apparent to me that our forwards were half-a*******ing their way back to the defensive end after they often failed miserably to retain puck possession (due to their half-a*******ed attempts at forechecking and winning puck battles along the half-boards).

This was especially true of our # 1 line last night. I hate to say it, but Kovy wasn’t very good last night. He seemed frustrated and out of sorts. And overall, the effort by all forwards not wearing # 9, 11 and 19 seemed to be lacking heart, consistent effort or even intelligence…not sure what has happened to our hockey IQ.

I was impressed with the way Kiwi and Stevie Mac consistently cheated up into plays, thus keeping the puck in the offensive zone, when it was warranted. The rotation was generally good by the forwards and they didn’t once get caught in transition from leaving the point un-manned.

In contrast however was the 4th COL goal, which was a direct result of a half-hearted effort to maintain puck control in the offensive zone by our forwards. COL cleared the puck easily while our forwards just stood there watching while our 2 defensemen were forced to retreat quickly and yield the blueline. They each tried their best to mark a man, but because the forwards were late gettting back, we were toasted for another picture-perfect back-door tap-in. Pathetic.

By Cable TV Commercial

March 12, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Mom Speaking: “Ok boys in blue, I watched your last few games on television, and even though you have pretty uniforms, I’m sorry, but, I’m going to have to block you.”

“You see, you’re pathetic play is scaring the boys and they have terrible nightmares after watching the games, and, well, I can’t have that.”

So, good luck, and let me know when you have a real GM and coach.

By Smoothie

March 12, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Damn Russian, that is cold-blooded! Can’t really argue with you but I think you need to give consideration to keeping the following:

Recchi — if the price is right and he is okay with playing 3rd line mins.

Kiwi — gotta think about keeping him over Zhit, Ex and Mac. He is the best forechecker in the bunch and he isn’t shy about engaging forewards at the blueline.

Boulton — gotta love his grit and he seems like the perfect fit for the 4th line with Slater & Thorburn…get rid of LARSEN!!!

By Russian

March 12, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

to Smoothie I just pull this numbers from NHLNumbres.com About Recchi. He is not going to be younger. I like to keep him for $1 mil and $1 mil Bonus if team make a PO next year. Boulton vs Larsen. Larsen is still have contract with us until 2009-2010 which means he is not going to leave. Boulton is UFA. And be realistic Thrasher has alot players size like him and terrible passinf drill like him. Kiwi. I like him. He is much better D than Zhit and EX. Same problem is Contract. They have it, he doesn’t.

By Nikita

March 12, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Here’s my issue with Kiwi…he’s a really poor passer. He’s a good checker with bad hands and mediocre instincts. If he’s cheap we should keep him, but I’d be really conservative with that bankroll. He’s definitely superior to Ex and Mac right now, but if we have new defensive players who are top-notch I don’t see him getting a ton of ice time.

Seriously, can someone tell me why Ex continues to play a full schedule?

Stevie Mac is an idiot who has dismal stats because he’s nearly always on the ice when goals are scored against. I don’t see any reason to keep him. I know he’s young, but no doubt there are other young players with greater sense and potential.

Can we trade Larsen? Maybe someone needs a backup for their checking line? He’s not terrible, but he’s pretty mediocre.

I was disappointed in a lot of people last night. Mostly Thorbun and Kovy. Thorburn was dragging big time, though he was still playing physical, forechecking and back checking. But for whatever reason he was really, really slow. He looked like he had the flu or something and was sort of wheezing from one location to another. Kovy got some breakaways, but seemed pretty annoyed. And those breakaways didn’t go anywhere because he got totally shut down at the goal. Which, btw, is what’s been happening all season — he’s got skills and abilities, but his line is not working.

By Smoothie

March 12, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Russian — good point about the UFA statuses of Boults & Kiwi. I say sign Kiwi and Rex each if they will sign for $750 / yr or less with possible incentives built in for games played / playoff appearance etc.

The reality is that guys like Boulton, McCarthy, Doell, Krog and Haydar can say “sianorah” as they have not done enough to warrant new contracts. If we let them walk along with Holik and Rucchin, then the ASG has just about $10 MM in freed-up cash to re-up Recchi & Kiwi ($1.5 - 2 M) and possibly Moose for $1.5 M if they can convince him.

That still leaves $6.5 - $7 M + Hossa’s money to play with in free agency. So we could make a serious run at both Campbell ($6.5 M), Huselius ($3.5 - 4 M) and let’s say JM Liles ($2.5 MM). I could live with those signings along with a few young guys to plug holes:

Kozzie — Erik C — Army

Perrin — White — Recchi

Larsen / LaVallee — Slater — Thorburn / Stuart

Enstrom (Liles)/ Campbell

Havelid / Liles (Enstrom)…depends on chemistry

Klee / Kiwi / Ex…cut Zhitnik and hope someone claims him for 1/2 his salary or maybe Ak-Bars Kazan would like to “rent” him like another Russian SL team rented Kasparitus!

By TableHockey

March 12, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Wow what a horrible game. I figured we would lose but didn’t think it would be that bad.

The white out was embarrasing - way to many empty seats. we should have done a “dark blue out” - that would have worked better.

Game was horrible all the way around with the exception of the new guys and Toby. Just before Christensen scored there was a brief exchange between he and Armstrong. I told my wife I bet he was saying something along the lines of “Man, I wish we were still in Pittsburg”.

Hedberg looked really slow moving post to post and Ex - well, I joked on CC’s blog about this but I think he should have been credited with an assist for each of the first three Avs goals.

I know we need serious work on defense, but im not sold on our offensive abilities either. We need some strong players to bolster both offense and defense.

I was at the Wild game and was glad we finally beat them. The only hope I have remaining for this season is that maybe we can pull off a shocker and beat the Flyers on the 18th.

By JRY

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

I heard the White-out failed because the Avs didn’t bring their dark jerseys.

By Russian

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

to Smoothie This is DAMN GOOD Lines. I am agree with you for 100%. But one thing what I hate most, we still have our old GM, do not have Head Coach and team located in Atlanta (not too many players want to be here) :-(

By NASCAR Dave

March 12, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

WOW, IT’S AMAZING IT TAKES PEOPLE THIS LONG TO SEE THE TRAGIC FLAW WITH THIS ORGANIZATION - DON WADDELL!

THIS GUY IS FLEECING ATLANTA! HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS WILL YOU TAKE, ATLANTA FANS? EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM YOU PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT CAN ALL BE TRACED BACK TO ONE INDIVIDUAL, DON WADDELL.

HE THINKS HE IS FOOLING US WITH HIS SHEEPISH EXCUSES! DO NOT BE FOOLED! THIS GUY HAS HAD 9 YEARS TO BUILD A SOLID TEAM, AND HIS “VISION OF A TEAM” CAN’T EVEN WIN 15 GAMES IN REGULATION?

ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC! A TEAM OF GUTLESS WIMPS LED BY A TOTAL FOOL NAMED DON WADDELL!

HE SUCKS AT DRAFTING, HE SUCKS AT TRADING, HE CANNOT BUILD AN NHL ROSTER, HIS BEST PLAYERS LEAVE THE CITY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT SEE ANY POSITIVE DIRECTION WITH THIS TEAM! DO YOU BLAME THEM? I WOULD WANT OUT THIS $H!THOLE OF A FRANCHISE TOO!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! ATLANTA FANS DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS!

JUST ADMIT IT, WADDELL. YOU HAVE FAILED AT YOUR JOB AND FAILED MISERABLY.

THE FANS HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF DON WADDELL’S 5 YEAR PLANS, AND BASELESS PROMISES, AND PLAYOFF GUARANTEES. WHAT A LYING BUFFOON!

ASG NEEDS TO WISE UP, FIRE THIS LOSER, AND SEND HIS A$$ TO THE AHL WHERE HE BELONGS!!!

NUFF SAID.

By Smoothie

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

Russian — thanks man for the props. I’m high on Perrin but am starting to realize he could probably produce 30-40 pts on any line because of his work ethic. I think we need to move Kozzy back to the 2nd line and leave him there…that’s why we signed him LT so stop screwing with his psyche!!

As to your comment about Atlanta, I will disagree with that. I can tell from the fervor and passion I saw from the fans at the end of last year that this city has great potential as a hockey town. It’s a huge market that will embrace a winner (see Fla Marlins when they win) if the ownership is committed and the management capable.

Change needs to happen at the top. If we can’t get new owndership, we need a new GM starting now so he can have some momentum going into the draft and free-agency. Levenson is a tool and if he is in complete control of this hockey “hobby”, then we are all going to be miserable for years to come…pray for Belkin to win his appeal!!

By Thrasherbob

March 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Smoothie Is that a typo? Or do you really want to see Kozzie on the second line?

I suppect that Recchi has done well on the same line as Kovy because he is being challenged. I wonder if we place him on the 3rd line if he’s going be slow and less effective.

By NASCAR Dave

March 12, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I SUGGEST ALL THRASHER FANS HIT THE TEAM WHERE IT HURTS THE MOST…. THE BOTTOM LINE.

STOP GOING TO THE GAMES.

STOP SPENDING YOUR MONEY THERE.

DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO SUPPORT THIS TEAM.

THEN MAYBE THE OWNERS WILL GET A CLUE AND REALIZE THAT DON WADDELL IS HOLDING THIS FRANCHISE DOWN!

IF YOU STOP SHOWING SUPPORT BOTH PHYSICALLY (BY ATTENDING THE GAMES) AND MONETARILY, THE OWNERS HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT MAKE CHANGES.

THIS IS A BUSINESS, AND THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THIS BUSINESS WILL NOT FAIL. CHANGE BRINGS ABOUT CHANGES.

By Remie

March 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

NASCAR DAVE - YOU ARE A RAVING LUNATIC! I have an idea of who you really are and you are a pathetic loser and liar. No wonder you lost YOUR job!!