Ice Man

By AJ

March 20, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Well, all we can do now is hope for the best this summer-even if that doesn’t include getting rid of Waddell!! It was good to see that BIG guy on the ice and I can’t wait to see him more and like he said, when he gets the nervousness gone-he will play like he knows he can-A LOT BETTER. With only 2 more years to go on Kovy’s contract-I am HOPING and PRAYING that something MAJOR happens to where he wouldn’t WANT to leave like Hossa did!!

By ToF

March 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

did I win?

By Thrash1

March 20, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

I was in 110 last night and had a good look at our new lunar eclipse on skates. The first period was clearly his worst, out of position, slow to react, and very unhappy to have the puck on his stick. But, by the end of the game he was looking more comfortable - still slow afoot - but was positioning himself much better. He won’t be top pair, but he looks like he could stick…

It looked like Moose wasn’t seeing the puck too well in the first period. Not one of his better nights. Carolina had another two or three shots that somehow slipped past the goal that should have been in. Easily could have been 7 or 8 to 2.

Nice to see Kovy still cares.

By Russian

March 20, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Good post. I injoy to read all your words. We need to see Boris more games and figure out about his future.

By Barry

March 20, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I am honestly scared for this franchise. I am afraid the owners and GM will continue to build a .500 hockey club, Kovy will be gone, and eventually this team will be shipped out. I just don’t have faith in the ownership anymore. I hope next year proves me wrong. I don’t think it’s fair to to blame Valabik on all those goals. First goal Kozlov was lazy lazy lazy on his coverage. Third goal I think it was Valabik put it on the tape of Larsen only to have Larsen play hot potato with it and leave it to be picked up by Canes. It was obvious he was nervous and tentative, but let’s give him a couple of games and to actually get to practice with his new team and then he can start asserting “his” game up here with confidence.

By silverpork

March 20, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

I guess we could say this about every summer since the Thrashers’ inception, but this is shaping up to be the most critical summer of the team’s history. DW has never made a big splash in free agency, but although the UFA crop this summer is fairly thin, he’d better swing for the fences come July. Our deficiencies at D and C have gone unaddressed for way, way too long.

By polskidawg

March 20, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I’ve purposely been off the blogs since BH was fired. Not that I thought he was the only coach that can have success.

Rather, I wanted to give DW the chance to prove/disprove that he had assemble a winning team, regardless of who is the coach.

It seems apparent that his tenure as VP/GM/Coach has hit its zenith, culminating in last season playoff bomb.

I wish no ill will to him personally, but I will continue to spend my disposable income in other way until the Thrashers have made significant changes in management, scouting and coaching.

10 +/- years is enough.

By AJ

March 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Rawhide, can u answer something for me? I read that article yesterday from the ESPN guy and had a question. He was saying that “The Wolves are not owned by the Thrashers, but are an independent entity. Their focus is not on developing players for the Thrashers, but in putting a winning team on the ice for their fans. Wolves coach John Anderson is not evaluated by how players perform in the NHL when they’re called up, but by how the Wolves perform in the AHL. Does that mean that The Wolves DON’T HAVE to allow players to be called up and that they can refuse? I am sorry-just a little confused?

By NASCAR Dave

March 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well. Whaddaya’ know? Those GUTLESS QUITTERS/WIMPS led by the incompetent buffoon Donny Waddell once again EMBARRASS THE CITY OF ATLANTA!!!

So, have you people had enough yet? Based on the attendance last night, I would say so! I don’t know who is dumber, the people that actually still go to the games, or the morons who waited out until the end of the game to leave!

Where are all the mindless sheep this morning? GaVaHokie? RanalloSheep? Hello???

Isn’t it funny how they’re never here to spout their ignorance after a loss? Maybe they’re cowering in shame? Who knows? Who cares, really.

Personally, I think they have just run out of excuses. Don Waddell makes that real easy! LMAO!!!

Seriously folks, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

END THE INCOMPETENCE!!!

FIRE WADDELL!!!

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!!
NUFF SAID.

By LAC

March 20, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

When you read the Burnside artical and hear Boris say that Chicago is geared for offense and it is a LOT different here… You get the clear picture of a franchise in complete collaspe.

We are in worse trouble than we thought. No wonder Sterling could not play up here, this team is NOT geared for offense, and since we have ZERO control over the Chicago, other than an agreement to play there… WELL !!!!!

No UFA in their right mind would want to play here, then we read, IDIOT waddell saying we have the pieces in place for next season, he mentions zit/klee/white/slater… WTF… That duck did not hunt, those 4 need to be gone, why would we want them back ?

Kovy has now made the EXACT same statement Hossa did, EXACTLY and look what “great” waddell moves were made last summer… todd white suxs, he is a complete waste of $$$ trade or waive him. Do not resign holik/larsen/recchi. Trade waive slater/zit/klee… To have ANY of them back shows nothing except more failure.

The Thrashers are in SERIOUS trouble.

waddell is mainly to blame, Burnside spelled it out other GM’s think he’s an IDIOT ! Nine years of almost complete failure by him.

Look at the defense, it has been terrible since day ONE, was a little better last season… but no more.

To hear levenson say NO CHANGES will be made is just STUPID AS HELL.

But go into the Thrashers site and look at the photo’s and bio’s of these clowns. They were geeks in school, sure smart at their line of business, but that and Pro sports is a complete different thing.

They act like it is a business mirrored like their businesses… but it is NOT. From what I can see, these guys appear to be afraid of failure. They have been a sucess in their personal business, but this pro sports thing, for them, is like walking in quicksand.

The biggest issues are two fold… One they believe you can win by being cheap asses… WRONG.

Then they are totally afraid to fire waddell and make a solid business move, because it would make them look bad and they do not know how to handle that aspect.

I have railed at them for some time now, but as more and more facts come to light and we ALL see how BAD waddell is, what a CRAP team we have, it is very, very clear that this team better change course, make the right moves…ie FIRE don waddell ASAP, and get a true GM in here before it is too late.

If your two star players BOTH tell you the owners and the PAYING FANS, the team is NOT headed in the right direction… What does that tell you ? ALL of fans see it too, But why in the HELL does this LIAR IDIOT COW0ARD levenson keep making a COMPLETE FOOL of himself saying we are moving in the right direction…

waddell HAS TO BE REMOVED if HE is in control of this, yet another rebuilding fiasco, then this team will lose it’s fan base and that will be it.

The Thrashers can ill afford another CRAP season like this year, these IDIOT STUPID owners better meet and figure out two things… How to fire waddell and how to sell the team to someone who wants to and knows how to win… Because these dopes do not have a clue as to what to do or how to do it… Just look at the nonexistant farm team, yet another JOKE !

By Bob

March 20, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

but in this “disappointing” season I think it means a lot when a player like Kovalchuk…who has busted his hump all year…still uses the “we” word to link himself with this franchise

Rawhide, I love ya man, but you’re reaching here. I don’t know that I’d be psycho-analyzing Kovy’s choice of words to use considering his fragile grasp on the English language.

Does that mean that The Wolves DON’T HAVE to allow players to be called up and that they can refuse?

No, the Thrashers can call up the players the Thrashers own whenever they want and the Wolves cannot refuse it. The point of the article saying that the Wolves are an independant entity is this-Chicago’s coach is their own, he doesn’t report to us. Chicago’s GM is their own, they don’t report to us. So, they can play our prospects, or they can sit our prospects. They can play our system (snicker) or they can play their own system. They can choose to sign their own veteran AHL players that aren’t owned by us and play them ahead of our guys (and they do). All of this means that Waddell has no control over how the Wolves run their club and how they manage our players down there. And the results show.

By AJ

March 20, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Nascar Dave-easy now!!! I was at the game last night and I was there until the very end!!!! I do not find myself dumb at all and I am not a moron!!! I am just as unhappy with Waddell and agree that he needs to be GONE-but just because I enjoy going to the games and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wait until the end to leave doesn’t make me dumb!!!! So go easy on us-take your frustrations out on Waddell or the owners!!! Yes, they lost again-but I am gonna be there for the rest of the home games because I LOVE hockey, I am a STH and I am not gonna waste my hard earned money just because I am MAD AS HELL AT WADDELL!!!! He should have been gone years ago-but unless someone wins the lottery and buys the team there is NOTHING that we can do to make that happen apparently since the owners aren’t listening to us!!??? Stop the name calling-I am sure your mama wouldn’t be happy about you doing that!!!! :-)

By Midfield

March 20, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I personally think that Kovy says what he means. He is genuinely trying to succeed with this team. If he does not, he will leave and he will succeed with another team. The difference between him and Hossa is that he does not mail anything in or out. He is a great professional player, and Atlanta had better appreciate the opportunity he affords the city and the team. Mr. Levenson and co must be a pretty arrogant and self-centered bunch if they don’t grasp this simple concept.

By Rawhide

March 20, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

AJ - Good question. No…what Burnside was saying is that since the Wolves are independant of the Thrashers, the coach…John Anderson…is responsible for coaching the team as that organization sees fit. He is evaluated by how the Wolves do in the season…not to groom his players to fit into the Thrashers scheme of play, (whatever THAT may be).

If I am not mistaken, the Thrashers and Wolves do have a contractural agreement to allow for the advancement of players to the Thrashers that are on the Thrashers’ roster.

Again, the comment suggest more that Anderson answers to the Wolves…not the Thrashers.

Player delelopment, as has been discuss on the blog before, is indeed a major shortcoming of the organization.

By Archie

March 20, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Do you guys see now just how big of a problem we have with Chicago? I didn’t know the numbers, but hearing that 11 players for San Jose and 15 for Buffalo and New Jersey are home grown players (compared to 4 for the Thrashers) is a grossly disheartening statistic. We’re simply playing handicapped while the other 29 teams are full strength. I’ve thought at times this year that the Thrashers were playing entire games as if they’re on a penalty kill… can’t get the puck out of their own zone, play defense the entire game, stuck back on their heels the whole time. Darren Elliot said on a broadcast recently the Thrashers are “chasing the season, not just the game”, well the entire franchise is chasing the league. The organizational structure is a step below the rest of the league. We can put together a capable roster with that handicap, but it’s incredibly difficult, and there’s a glass ceiling for how high you can climb that way (we may have reached that last year). So until the organizational structure is fixed, it won’t matter who the coach is, the GM is, the goaltender, right winger, etc. The 0rganization needs fixing, they need to clean house just like Burnside says, but nobody with the power to do anything realizes that fact yet.

By silverpork

March 20, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Archie, I don’t think the root of the problem is the organizational structure with Chicago, it’s the fact that Waddell and the scouting department have failed miserably when it comes to drafting and developing young talent. The deal between the Wolves and Thrashers may be a factor, but if DW’s draft-day record were better, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

By ThrasherNY

March 20, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Not only is Waddell inept at turning draft picks into roster spots, as Burneside pointed out, but he is actually running the top flight talent out of town. Heatley wanted out. Hossa wanted out. Now we have Kovy preluding to his departure as soon as he gets UFA status.

I call out Heatley above because even though I understand the dynamics involving surrounding the accident I see that as his excuse to escape what he knew was not a promising future.

These guys want a Stanley Cup. I want the Stanley Cup for the Thrashers. Unlike some who post here about incremental progress and a good product out on the ice I share the opinion of Kovy and Hossa that the Cup is all that matters.

If that is all that matters then self imposed budgets and a bumbling fool for a GM make you want to leave if you are a star and make you want to cry if you are a fan.

By Tony H

March 20, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Archie You may very well be right when you say that nobody with the power to do anything realizes how bad the situation is. But, I wonder if it’s a case of not realizing the fact but, rather, not having a clue how to find organizational management who can and will give this franchise the proper direction. After all, DW is their only “hockey management” professional they have ever known and we all know what that means. I mean, who in our illustrious ownership group would even know who to approach or what questions to ask? Further, anybody qualified is going to want control of the situation completely and I don’t think they are willing to give that. I hope I’m wrong.

By Brendan

March 20, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Someone will have to explain to Kovalchuk that the team is rebuilding. It might not be what Kovy wants to hear, but there it is. Atlanta is headed towards the lottery draft. That’s where faltering teams rebuild. None of this is particularly in dispute.

If Kovalchuk doesn’t want to rebuild again, prefering to be traded instead, he should say so. P-R-I-V-A-T-E-L-Y. But not before Waddell is fired, or Waddell will be the one arranging the trade.

There are several Western Conference teams to consider. There’s Kane and Toews in Chicago. There’s Nicky Zherdev and the rest of Columbus’ young talent to raid. There’s Cammalleri, Johnson, Frolov, and Brown in Los Angeles. (They won’t hear of it, folks. Not unless Lehtonen is part of the deal, and re-signed by us, too.)

But really, I think of Ranallo’s comments, paraphrasing Don Cherry: “To be a SUPERSTAR in the NHL, you have to be either (1) Canadian or (2) playing in a Canadian City. That leaves Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton as options for Kovalchuk. Vancouver would be interested, but I’m not sure they have enough offer back, for a rebuilding club. Bieksa and Kesler have some value. Calgary would probably like to have Kovy, but they’ve got major cap issues, with Kipper, Iginla, Phaneuf, and others. And that’s before they try to re-sign Huselius. Which leaves, perhaps the best option, Edmonton.

Just hear me out. I’m not proposing a trade here. I’m exploring possibilities. The Oilers have players like J. Stoll, Fernando Pisani, Ales Hemski, and Shawn Horcoff, etc. All players who were with the Oil in the 2006 Finals. Their GM, Kevin Lowe, obviously has no heartburn with surrendering 1st round draft picks, as he was willing to cough up four of them just for Thomas Vanek. He’d probably give up five (5) for Kovalchuk, plus some 3rd rounders, and some players (pick among Stoll, Hemski, Pisani, Horcoff, etc.). Let’s not forget something here. The void left by Gretzky, Messier and Kurri has never been filled in Edmonton. Ryan Smyth is gone. As in, bye-bye, playing for Colorado on a multi-year deal. So, what would “desperate” Edmonton be willing to give to snare Kovalchuk? Methinks … more than ANY OTHER Western Conference Team. Kovalchuk is exactly what they need. And they have cap issues, too. Meaning? Meaning that they have to give us someone DECENT in return, to alleviate some of that cap burden and to take on Kovalchuk. Now, nothing says Kovy couldn’t leave Edmonton after two seasons, in unrestricted free agency. That’s true. But it is two seasons of Kovy, at a “bargain rate,” and they’d work very diligently to get him re-signed, I would think. And if we had to throw in Jim Slater or Mark Popovic, to sweeten it up a bit, then so be it. Though, I like Popovic and want him to stay.

I’m looking for some reactions to this. But know that … Kovy isn’t going anywhere. He’s the organ-I-zation’s “failsafe” for ticket sales. If he goes, a lot more people will abstain from games. And that’s difficult, but we’re NOT going anywhere next season anyway, in terms of playoffs. The goal should be to tank again next season to land Tavares, and other 2nd and 3rd round picks, from a favorable draft position, in the capable hands of someone other than Don Waddell.

I hope Kovy is willing to rebuild with us. But if the ASG does what Kovalchuk wants, namely to go snare some Tier One Free agents, including a MAJOR center for his line and for immediate results, we’re probably still looking at the middle of the pack. When 2010 arrives, and we’re still mediocre, because our “big solution” was to land FREE AGENT “band aids” for our leaky dam, Kovalchuk will leave in unrestricted free agency. You can’t blame him for that. He wants to win a Cup, not squeak into the playoffs at the #7 or #8 spot every year, while pleasing the editors at Forbes Magazine. And let’s face it, contending teams will offer the “moon and stars” for him.

We’d get more to trade him now, then at the trade deadline in 2010. Especially from Edmonton, who’d probably be willing to surrender most of its foreseeable draft future to us for a marquee player like Kovy.

By d

March 20, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

FYI, the Marietta Ice Center is rebranding its travel teams from the Junior Thrashers to the Junior Knights. Apparently the owner of the MIC felt like he was on the losing side of his partnership with the ASG.

Rawhide, do you know how many other NHL teams structure their minor league prgrams similar to the Thrashers? I’m assuming there were monetary reasons for the ASG structuring its developmental organization this way, no?

By Russian

March 20, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

to Brendan It is Crasiest Scenario, I ever heard. :-) Trade Kovy to Edmonton? Wow! It is huge. I hope Managment will do something for next season.

By lilibeter

March 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Last night, we went out to dinner with FIFs two boys (ages 9 and 5), and we posed RHs question to them (even though they’re boys). We got an interesting response…

The 5 year old - This kid’s favorite player is Moose, but he made the point that Moose is an unrestricted free agent (yes, he actually knows what this is) at the end of the season, so we should replace him with Pavelic (sp?). He also listed Holik as one of the ones we should replace. His thought was that we need better defense too, but we should definitely keep Toby, Little and Exelby.

The 9 year old - The first cut out of this one’s mouth was Holik. He thinks White should go too. He still believes in Slater, Exelby and Larsen but thought they needed to pick up their game some. He’s completely on the Toby bandwagon, and he’s all about doing what we need to do to keep Kovy now that his favorite player (Hossa) is gone. He surprised me by telling me that Kozlov is still worth keeping…he just thinks Slava is having a bad season this year but thinks he’ll pick back up next year. He also thinks it is worth it to keep Slava around because of how much he teaches the younger kids like Toby and Little. He loves both Kari and Moose, but figures it is time to let Moose move on. One of his most vehement opinions? Get rid of Waddell, as both Coach and GM.

So now we have two more opinions about how to fix the Thrashers to throw on the pile…

By Bob

March 20, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I’m assuming there were monetary reasons for the ASG structuring its developmental organization this way, no?

ASG didn’t set up the Chicago and Gwinnett structures. That was done long ago, by … guess who? All roads lead to him, guys.

By FormerIslesFan

March 20, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

sniff I’m so proud. It just brings a tear to my eye…

By Big Al

March 20, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

d the Marietta Ice Center MIC has been branding their program the Jr Thrashers for the last couple of years, while the Iceforum (Duluth and Kennesaw) have also had the Jr Thrashers for their programs for the last few years.

Last year, the owner of the MIC, DF, created a new team the Atlanta Knights to play in the SEJHL. They were quite successful in their first season. The owner, a very smart businessman, probably figures that its better to change his program to be consistent all around with his winning Junior Knights than the losing Pro Thrashers.

I know I would.

Brendan it never ceases to amaze me as to how much time you have on your hands to come up with these IDIOTIC scenarios! Kovy to the Oilers?! You think Kovy wants to play in the friggin prairies in Canada (where you can watch your dog run away for three days! “Pat Burns Quote”)

By Rawhide

March 20, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

D - I don’t really know the answer to that question off hand…I do know that some NHL teams even share some AHL and other minor league affiliates.

As for the MIC, I know they have had that junior team for the past couple years or so…my boys play out of the Town Center Ice Forum…I’m more familiar with that organization.

lilibeter - Awesome! Wow…the little “bicycle motors” even get it!!!!

FIF - passing over a hanky…you’ve done well, young man!!!!

By Brendan

March 20, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Russian, I know it’s nuts. But I mean, Kovy is going to have to endure this rebuilding project. And it doesn’t sound like he particularly wants to rebuild. But it is where it is … after eight seasons. Folks, there’s no denying that we’re going into the lottery draft.

I know that Kovalchuk is expecting “some miracles” to happen in the offseason. Umm, what is he possibly basing that on? The ASG isn’t even going to fire Waddell. They “like” their business model. It’ll be more self-imposed caps, and Tier II free agent signings … and mediocrity will likely follow from that. Is that what Kovy wants?? Answer: “Hardly.”

So, what magnanimous metamorphosis is going to happen to Bruce Levenson and M. Gearon?? Even iffff the organization opens up the wallet to wayyyy overspend to obtain Brian Campbell from Free Agency, which is a huge ifff, it’s not nearly enough. I understand Kovalchuk’s frustration. His thinking is clear, “We are headed into the 9th season, why are we back to rebuilding?” Well, this shouldn’t be some “mystery” for Kovalchuk. Didn’t he “talk” to Marian Hossa? I’d bet he did. I bet he begged Hossa to stay. Hossa saw the writing on the wall and said, “I’m not spending the prime of my career languishing in Atlanta.”

I think Lecavalier underwent two rebuilding projects in Tampa Bay, before it clicked. So, I just hope Kovalchuk can be that patient, Russian.

By Brendan

March 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Big Al, obviously there’s no way to replace Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk’s don’t just grow on trees. Heatley’s don’t grow on trees, either. Neither do Hossas. Should the organization have traded Heatley? Or Hossa? It’s clear that Kovalchuk is looking for a commitment to winning by the ASG. The ball, as they say, is in their court. Let’s see what happens.

By Rawhide

March 20, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

FYI - For those planning to attend tomorrow’s game, CNN Center closed until Monday & other road closures remain

Plan accordingly.

By Thrashy Thrashy

March 20, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Just remember that Heater killed a teammate in a car wreck. I can understand the baggage he was carrying, even if it royally p** most of us off that he wanted out of town. Waddell actually did pretty well in that trade, but if he couldn’t convince Hossa that things were going to get better (he hasn’t convinced me either, for that matter), why should he get the chance to convince Kovy of the same? Fire Waddell now.

By Thrasher Ryan

March 20, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—When Kovalchuk talks, I am listening. Kovalchuk is the Thrashers. When he is making comments like these, the people in charge BETTER BE LISTENING.

The Fire Waddell stuff is great. For me, April 7, 2008 can’t come soon enough!

Waddell had his chance, and he failed to capitalize on it.

Bygones…

By Midfield

March 20, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Brendan, do we even know what the Spirit boys’ real intentions are? Is it possible that they are just waiting for the outcome of the law suit, so they can dump the team? Meanwhile, they are just milking it to the best of their abilities?

By Thrasher Ryan

March 20, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Rawhide—Also, when Steve MC scored last night, you and I FINALLY won our poll! Remember that? The only person left in it is PJ, as she picked Popovic.

Oh and PJ, no more prayers please. I respect what you are trying to do, but frankly, this team just doesn’t deserve it anymore. They really should be thankful we even continue to watch them.

Whoever it was that said Boris “can’t skate” is full of crap too. Lay off the guy, it was his 1st game. I’m sure he will get better. I’m gonna start calling Valabik “OGRE”.

Oh, and my prediction of 5 goals for Bryan Little came through too. IMO, he’s earned a spot next year. Can’t say the same for Slater, White, Larsen, Zhitnik, Klee, Holik, Kwiatkowski, Sterling, and Popovic.

We’ll have to see what the New GM wants to do though…

By Archie

March 20, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

*By silverpork

March 20, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Archie, I don’t think the root of the problem is the organizational structure with Chicago, it’s the fact that Waddell and the scouting department have failed miserably when it comes to drafting and developing young talent. The deal between the Wolves and Thrashers may be a factor, but if DW’s draft-day record were better, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.*

If Waddell’s draft record WERE better, would we ever even know it? You say the problem is poor player development, well that’s exactly what Gwinnett and Chicago are supposed to be doing but they’re not. I do hold Waddell responsible for that, he’s the one who sets up that arrangement. However, the reason there’s a disconnect isn’t the point, the point is that there IS a disconnect between the Thrashers and their minor league teams. It doesn’t matter who we draft, we could draft the next 18 year old Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr, but they wouldn’t make it all the way to the big league team because the minor league teams they get stuck playing on are on a totally different wavelength.

There are 30 NHL teams and 29 AHL teams, a quick surf through wikipedia will tell you that Rochester is double affiliated with the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres. Regardless, all the AHL teams are booked up, so it’s not like we could just end this deal with Chicago and get somebody new, the only real option is to simply go well above and beyond the norms and reconcile the relationship with Chicago. The sooner we get on the same page with them, the sooner this roster will start to have some NHL caliber players on it. Once again, it doesn’t matter who Waddell drafts, as soon as they go to Chicago they’re wasting their time.

Here’s an option… start doing what the Braves do and call up all your big leaguers from the AA team. Ever noticed how all the Braves call-ups come from AA Mississippi and none from AAA Richmond? Francouer, McCann, Kelly Johnson, etc… all came up from AA. Scheurholz only really uses Richmond as a holding tank for players he doesn’t want to lose, kind of a rainy day fund for roster players. I wonder if the Thrashers could just start using the Gwinnett Gladiaters (a team that IS on the same page as the Thrashers) as their developmental team and bypass Chicago. What good does it do for quality prospects from Gwinnet to get called up only to ride the pine in Chicago?

By Brendan

March 20, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Midfield, you are exactly right. No one really knows what the “true intentions” are. They could be flipping the teams for a monster profit. Or, they could just be true ignoramuses, in terms of being sports owners. They appear to have consumed 3rd and 4th helpings of the Knight and Waddell kool aid.

But here’s what I took from Kovalchuk’s comments. “I am serving notice. I am watching this team’s offseason moves. I am determining my future based off of those offseason moves, so you better not screw it up. Don’t even bother coming to me with a contract offer in 2009, if you screw this up. I will choose free agency. Now get cracking and fix it.”

Did Kovalchuk actually say that?? No. What he said was I’m hoping next year we’re going to battle not just for the playoffs but to win the cup … We need to make the right moves in the summertime and get ready to go for next year. I invite you to make your own interpretation of what he meant.

By Pucks n Snot

March 20, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Classic!See you in southern Ontario in a couple years, boys! The Atlanta Thrahsers…..DOOMED FROM THE OUTSET!! A HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

By Rawhide

March 20, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

polskidawg - Very well put…and it’s nice to have you back.

ThrasherRyan - Yup, Mac is off the schnide…personally I was hoping you had forgotten I picked him :o)

Bob - Not trying to be a shrink here…but I think he has a firm grasp on “we” and “they”. The point being that Kovy is a Thrasher at heart…today. But if the right moves aren’t made…and soon…well, those two years will be here before we know it and I don’t want him to “Hossa” this organization.

By The Other Bob

March 20, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

RH Thanks for being the one to post directly after P&S. There is just something nasty about having to follow in his wake. Kinda like crawling on the carpet after the dog dragged his a$$ across it.

Anyway, way to take one for the team.

Now, TR you said, We’ll have to see what the New GM wants to do though Sadly, I think the GM that will be making such decisions will be the same one who has done so for the past decade…

I think Kovy thinks so too and that’s why he served noticed with those comments, as if to say “OK, Don…do something right”.

By Bill Clinton

March 20, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

THEY STINK ON ICE!

By Jethro

March 21, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Soundz like Kovy wants sum more thoroughbred horses on this team instead of a bunch of donkeys.

By jobob

March 21, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

The MIC, Marietta, rebranded their junior kid hockey because the ownership, ASG, treated them like crap and it was a one way brand. Don’t kid yourselves. This ownership has given very little back to this community. It is an absolute travesty what they’ve done to pro hockey here. How we miss the likes of Ted Turner and how good the falcons look for trying to right their ship.

By srlib

March 21, 2008 6:12 AM | Link to this

You base your premise on the fact that Kovy uses the word “we”? This is a guy who speaks English as a second (if not a third or fourth) language. If management doesn’t come together, if they don’t add size and defense, if the players don’t have mental toughness, and if there’s not a decent coach behind the bench, then I’m sorry to say Kovy will be gone when it’s free agency time.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 21, 2008 6:20 AM | Link to this

“…and I don’t want him to “Hossa” this organization.”

I disagree with the phrase here. The more accurate phrase is “Waddell” this organization…

Hossa did us a huge favor—if the proper attention was being paid (as opposed to mindlessly and continuously sipping from the organizational kool-aid). I, for one, thank him for this and never wish him ill.

He is a professional, on the inside, and very hockey-astute—yet there are some who still make excuses for the unacceptable performance for near a decade now.

Sheep make the ridiculous claim that our bumbling Donny knows more than the yahoos who post on boards. Well, organizational-lambs, what say you about Hossa? Think he’s not ‘smart’ enuf?

Silly little pathetic sheep! Your silence on THAT will be deafening…

By R. Stroz

March 21, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Last Call for ….tickets.

I have 3 tickets in Section 216, Row E which I need to sell (for less than half price, I have to undercut the ASG discount price).

If you are interested, leave a message on the blog and I’ll work some back channels to get them to you.

By Midfield

March 21, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

This discussion of the meaning of the use of the word “we” by Kovy is getting pretty deep. How ‘bout this: could he possibly use it as a ‘royal’ WE - meaning, you know, ‘WE, Our Majesty’?

By What The Puck

March 21, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Section 216 are awsome seat I have sat their with Rstroz (because I am his Kid) for about half the season. The best part of the seats is that you get too watch the scenery go by underneath you(I.E. Ice Bunnyies and hot chicks). In Addition you are on the front row of the under hang and can easly get out by steping over the wall to your right.

By Just wonderin'

March 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t DW’s upper lip move when he talks?

By ben

March 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

The ASG could be waiting to unload the Hockey team. I feel that this would be the only thing that makes any real sense. They want to keep salaries low so that when this lawsuit ends, it’s easier to offload. TimeWarner did that for the Braves sale. Liberty will most likely do the same unil they sell.

Either that, or they simply don’t care. But that makes zero sense. I really don’t feel that they are going to ship this team out of town. I mean, where would it go? Are you really going to tell me that S. Ontario, KC, Nevada are better TV markets than Atlanta? Southern Ontario must compete wwith th Wings, Blue Jackets, Buffalo, Sens, and the holy Maple Leafs. There is no there there. This is why they turn down Balselle when he wants to put a team in his home town. Seattle is way too close to Vancouver to get a team. Atlanta will keep its hockey team. Remember, the Braves were bad for decades. Pro teams in general go through cycles. This was a down decade for the T-BIRDS. If you’re a true fan of hockey, go. If not, don’t. I’m 30 years old, and I’ve been a massive hockey fan for over half my life. Do I truly feel that DW is incompetent at a very good portion of a GM’s job? Yes. But I will always go to hockey games in this town. He will be fired, or let go, there is simply no one left to blame. Burnside said that ownership was going to hire an advisor for hockey. A truly wise man admits they do not know everything. Even an expert seeks advice.

I love this team, I truly do. I’ve never played a minute of hockey in my life, and I say I love this game more than any sport there is. I honestly DO NOT CARE if they ever win the cup, I will, no matter where my life takes me be a fan of the T-BIRDS for the rest of my days. I am a very serious man, charged with researching somber tasks. Hockey is a wonderful diversion from the many topics I research 6 days a week.

In this life, I’m not charged with the running of my beloved team. However If I were, I would step up North American scouting to get English speakers on the roster. I would also do Friday games instead of Saturday. I would have paid Heater, pay Kovy. I would also do something that as an Urbanist and a resident of ITP my heart hates this, but I say move it to Cobb Co. In that way they could get 18k a night. In the long run, they are better off where they are because gas prices will force those who wish to remain in the wage economy to move to the centers of cities.

Peace and love to all.

By PJ

March 21, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Everyone, Who all is going to the game tonight?

By Alan

March 21, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

PJ - I should be there tonight.

By Nix

March 21, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

PJ, I’ll be there.

By Rawhide

March 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

PJ - I, along with the entire fam-damnly, will be in attendance!

srlib - Point taken on Kovy’s “mastery” of the english language…but I do think he understands the difference between “we” and “they”. Regarding the latter half of your post, that is what I fear most…

By joyaman

March 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

PLEASE SHOW UP TONIGHT (FRIDAY VS. CAPS) BEFORE THE GAME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CNN ENTRANCE NEXT TO THE LOWER PLAZA - WE HAVE 45+ PERSONS REGISTERED AND NEED TO START PLANNING THE CAMPAIGNS TO GET WADDELL REPLACED

By AJ

March 21, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I am gonna be there screaming by bloody head off for MY BOYS!!!! WOO-HOO!!!! GO THRASHERS!!!!

By PJ

March 21, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’ll be in 216 - just follow the sound of the bullhorn…..

By FormerIslesFan

March 21, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Lilibeter and I will be there with the five-year-old tax deduction.

By ROBO

March 21, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

SO, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WADDELL’S “SUPPOSED LIST”???

By Russian

March 21, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

F*** LOSERS!!!! Kari and Kovy could not win Games for us. Management and Team MUST REBUILD Comletely.

By Thrashy Thrashy

March 21, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

It’s cool when we look like we’re killing penalties for entire periods at a time. Lehtonen should break his stick over someone’s head.

By stendec

March 21, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Line up Letemin apologists! This piece of Finnish crapola registered yet another home loss. This time the oxygen waste had to blow a 3-1 lead! This LaLa Land zombie was completely lost in the third period. His A++ should have been pulled after third goal! This untalented Finn can kick his glove, stick or water bottle. Somebody needs to put a skate up his sorry A++! Fans should have been treated to a 3-1 victory. Letemin made sure it was a 5-3 defeat! Send this ball-less A++hole back to Finland as quick as possible. Hell, he could not stop any shots in practice. These, after all, are the offenseless Flushers taking the shots. Any fans who continue to defend this SOB loser are deluded. Letemin does not possess NHL caliber talent! At least Achoo made the clueless Finn look like a complete jerk. Which, by the way, he is! To Hell with Letemin and his quitter buddies. Both Letemin and Ilya Kovalchuk (who has completely lost his scoring touch) are terribly overrated. Congratulations Caps. GO FLAMES!

By five_hole

March 21, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Typical of the way this season has gone for us; we played 40 minutes of good hard skating hockey, then a period where we sit back and watch like spectators. The lack of mental discipline is absolutely astounding.

I thought Kari had another good game. Was it his fault that his defense allowed 45 shots on goal? Thorburn, White & McCarthy should have bought a ticket; they just stood & watched in the 3rd. Let McCarthy walk at the end of the season. As far as I’m concerned, he just played his way off the team.

I spent most of my time watching Valabik. He seemed to move better (although he’s still stiff & slow), but I thought he fit in better this game. They made a point of keeping him off the ice when AO was out there. I would have liked to see him play on the PK in front of our net.

By Darren

March 21, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

this just proves that we need to fire don waddell. as fans we need to contact asg. has anyone read espn’s article. we’re the laughing stock of the nhl. we need to do something fast before it is too late.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 21, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

To heck with April 7th or whatever, Don Waddell needs to be fired RIGHT NOW…How Bob Hartley gets the axe ten games in and Don Waddell continues to survive I’ll never now…

If Waddell is here next year, it already is TOO LATE…He has done a truly impressive job in running this franchise into the ground…

Yet the sheep-announcers (Kemal and Odgers) are making excuse after excuse…From the very top to the very bottom, we have the worst of everything…Darren Eliot? Pathetic.

Whoever spends money on this utter mess is doing nothing but wasting and enabling…Poor, misguided sheep—When will you finally learn???

(When it’s too late—and then we’ll see the revisionist-history from the weak-minded organizational tools who believe everything ‘the man’ says to be true! How humorous!)

By Lew318

March 21, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

What a terrible effort! Just when you think it can’t get worse; it gets worse. I lost three friends tonight!! I gave them my tickets and I am sure after watching this TOTAL COLLAPSE they will never forgive me.

I hope no little/young athletes were watching tonight. If they were, they now would know what no pride, no heart and no game looks like.

I thought tonight’s effort made the four playoff games we lost to the Rangers look good.

Where the hell is the coaching staff. Is there a rule that states you cannot call a timeout early in the third period and ream these guys out in front of the fans? They stop playing in front of the fans, the fans pay their high salaries! Their collective heads had to be up their poop shoots to play this badly in the third period. This team makes Zhitnik look good.

In the post game show Kari was a basket case, I thought he was going to cry. And Darin Elliot for whom I have a great deal of respect, blames Kari for not taking the team approach in losing and criticized Kari for insinuating it was He Vs the team. For God’s sake if I had a team that permits 50 shots a game on me night after night and fold in the thrid period like this bunch of losers did, I would feel the same way.

THEY WERE DISGUSTING TONIGHT A new expansion team would have a better chance of winning then we do!!

By Russ

March 21, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Let’s start a pool - Where is Kovy going to be playing in two years? I’ll go with Vancouver.

The team played very well tonight for 40 minutes. Since, that is as much anyone can expect from this team, they took the rest of the night off. It was fun watching Kari try to hold a two goal lead for twenty minutes basically going against five skaters by himself.

By Brendan

March 21, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Russ, I’ll say Detroit. He wants to play with Hossa again.

By Alan

March 21, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

I have to say it was a pleasure meeting PJ, Stroz, and Rawhide this evening. My friend enjoyed his first hockey game attendance ever this evening, despite the losing effort.

Speaking of effort, we completely blew it in the 3rd. Slater actually has a multi-goal game for once, and this team comes out flat and listless in the 3rd period and lets Washington pitch some tents on our side of the ice. It was really frustrating to watch.

As for Valabik, I noticed he moved somewhat better tonight than he did against Carolina, and can only hope he improves on it in the offseason and in camp next year.

By R. Stroz

March 21, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Could anyone hear the Fire Waddell chant after the third Washington goal?

By Alan

March 21, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Where is Kovy going to be playing in two years?

I’ll say Atlanta. Someone has to be an optimist around here.

By Rawhide

March 21, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Alan - Nice to meet you and your friend…as well as another “lurker”…

My soon to be 16 year old tax exemption looked at me right after Washington scored to take the lead in the third and said, “They need to fire Don Waddell right F-ing now”!

Right in front of his mother…..

I wanted to jump his butt for swearing in front of her, but before I could she said, “Hell yeah”.

Good Godalmighty!

By R. Stroz

March 21, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Alan - Good to meet you and Matt at the game. I hope Matt enjoyed his first hockey game despite the end result.

I actually thought the Thrashers were going to win. Oops.

Valabik looked considerably better tonight and played with an edge.

Did anyone notice the Thrashers were out shot 23 to 2 in the third period? UNGOOD

By Alan

March 21, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Stroz - Not where I was sitting. All the Caps fans were making too much noise.

Rawhide - Good on your wife and kid. I’m starting to believe the same thing.

stendec - Let’s let the numbers speak for themself, shall we? Lehtonen faced 44 shots and allowed 4 goals, for a total save percentage of 90.9%. Huet, on the other hand, faced 18 shots and allowed 3 goals, for a total save percentage of 83.3%.

Stats - If you see this, can you find out how many games Lehtonen has played this season where he faced less than 40 shots?

By Alan

March 21, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Stroz - Mack did enjoy his first game, yes. We’re planning on attending the last game of the season. Even he saw the glaring problems with the team, and he doesn’t know anything at all about the Atlanta franchise. I honestly think any one of us (or even him!) would make a better coach.

No coach, no system, no life left in this club this season. Disappointing game to watch… but at least Slater scored two goals - one of them a highlight reel type. And Valabik broke even on +/-.

By Brendan

March 21, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

I do feel bad for Kovalchuk. I’ve never looked at it from his perspective. Back in 2001, the worst team in the league was Tampa Bay. The Bolts were the “odds on favorites” to win the draft lottery. But they didn’t. In fact, they wound up picking 3rd overall. If Tampa had won the lottery draft and picked him, he and Lecavalier would have won the Cup in 2004. Instead, Kovalchuk’s playoff experience in the NHL consists of four (4) total games after six (6) seasons.

And how long will he have to wait before he plays another playoff game?? We are rebuilding. Or, let me rephrase. We ought to be rebuilding. We need to rebuild.

Folks, you know what Waddell is going to do with those draft picks. He’s going to sell them for the players Kovalchuk wants. He’ll offer that prized lottery pick to a team with “cap issues,” for the best possible offer.

Well, that is “one strategy” of how to use a lottery pick to improve your club.

By PJ

March 21, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

It was nice to meet Alan, Matt, Lilibeter and FIF. Nice to see Rawhide and the RStroz family as well. In the third period, as Thrash beat his drum trying to get the crowd to chant “Lets go Thrashers” it was loud and very clear “Fi-er Wah-dell”. We were behind the Washington bench, to the right and I’m pretty sure I saw a few of the Washington players look back. I can’t be sure, but why else would they look? So, I think we’re being heard, I’m just not convinced that anyone is listening.

By Ilyak

March 21, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Don Waddell! Your team stopped the other team from getting 50 shots. HOW DO YOU DO IT!!
Kovy won’t be in Atlanta. He is a winner so he won’t fit Don’s system. THE REAL QUESTION IS: Will DW out last Kovy. The team that gets Kari should thank DW for his outstanding goalie training program. I look forward to watching him with a good d in front of him and only facing 25 to 30 shots a night. THE ONLY LOGICAL CONCLUSION YOU CAN MAKE ON THE DW SITUATION IS THAT THE OWNERS DON’T CARE. AFTER THE SI ARTICLE IT IS OBVIOUS THEY GIVE A SH1T. IF THAT IS THEIR ATTITUDE I DO HAVE TO QUESTION ANYONES LOGIC FOR HANDING THEM YOUR MONEY.

By Ilyak

March 22, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Stendec If the problem is Kari why would’nt they just play moose every game and with the cup. Is it really that difficult to realize the guy is facing close to 50 shots a game with the worst defense in the league in front of him. Have you ever played this game?? I get the feeling the answer is no.

By Nix

March 22, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz, I didn’t hear the chant over in 117… but then again, my hearing’s not so great, as Rawhide can probably now attest (I wasn’t ignoring you tonight - really!).

That was a very dispiriting result. I really thought, until the last 5 minutes, that we might pull it out, even though our level of play was pathetic in the 3rd. I can’t say it surprises me that they threw away a 2-goal lead, but it frustrates me b/c obviously they’re capable of playing well - they did in the 2nd period!

Lew318, I’m with you - Darren Elliot was off base criticising Kari. If it had been me in goal, facing 45 shots with the defensive play just vanishing in the 3rd period, I would have started throwing punches at my own teammates. Maybe I’m a Kari apologist, but I say it’s the guys in front of him that lost the game tonight. He had every right to be upset with his teammates.

On a positive note, it was good to see Enstrom taking shots (and scoring!) and good on Slates for scoring twice.

By Brendan

March 22, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Folks, clearly this is not all Kari’s fault. It’s not as if Kari couldn’t stop a beach ball. The franchise has a “system” problem and a player development problem. Hopefully, the “Senior Hockey Guy” (Levenson’s words, not mine) will give the organization a full “top to bottom” comprehensive evaluation and hold “someone” accountable.

It should be fairly obvious who should be the first to go!

By joyaman

March 22, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

PLEASE SHOW UP TONIGHT (FRIDAY VS. CAPS) BEFORE THE GAME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CNN ENTRANCE NEXT TO THE LOWER PLAZA - WE HAVE 45+ PERSONS REGISTERED AND NEED TO START PLANNING THE CAMPAIGNS TO GET WADDELL REPLACED