Ice Man

By Alan

March 22, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

I sure you’D nOt be surprised oNe bit at Who I mAy Decide as who I’D pick as thE one that shouLd be heLd most accountable…but I’ll just let you guess.

You blame Kovalchuk, don’t you?

Scavenger Hunt:

1. (I did this one really quick, I’m sure there are others I missed… right? right? Ah well) 13 Nov vs. FLA, 20 Dec vs. OTT, 27 Dec vs. FLA, 29 Dec vs. BOS, 12 Jan vs. PIT, 20 Jan vs. EDM, 19 Mar vs. CAR.

2. NYR, CHI, TBL, FLA, CAR, WAS, NYI, OTT, BOS, BUF, DET, PIT, CGY.

3. Marc Savard, 2005-06 with 69A

By ch1355

March 22, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

Can anyone please tell me why we haven’t called up Jason Krog??? Is he ineligible for some reason I don’t know about????

By Brendan

March 22, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, these noisemakers are defective. Oh wait, here’s the problem. They are on a “timer,” set to go off on April 7th, when Waddell is fired.

By Wintirwolf

March 22, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

Well…that was certainly a memorable game Friday night…… For Mr. Ovechkin that is. And once again, the Thrashers find a way to snatch Defeat from the Jaws of Victory. Alas, did my eyes detect a bit of fire from Kari after that next to last goal by Washington. Almost looked like he would have done a beheading on his ever-supportive defense. Actually, it’s good to see some sense of frustration show because that means the medication must be wearing off. Thrashers are my team win or lose, but jeez they make it hard to keep from grinding the teeth to dust.

By affc1

March 22, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this

Re Kari’s meltdown - Odgers said on the post-game show that Kari was showing his teammates up on that. Granted KL has let his share of soft goals get by, still I am glad there was some emotion shown for the crappy play around him. I got the feeling by all calling in, it was too little, too LATE! Is it going to get so bad he pulls a Patrick Roy on us?

By Wreckin & Thrashin

March 22, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

I’m so freakin disgusted after this craptacular game. If these idiot owners keep driving the franchise into the ground, Kovy is gonna walk in to 2 years, and if he is allowed to work, I’m never watching another Thrasher game for the rest of my life. TO HELL WITH THE ATLANTA SPIRIT!

By Hockeyfan

March 22, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Can we put Slava in the press box with his fellow countryman and sucky player Zhitnik?

By Stats

March 22, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Stroz,

Not counting partial games (where either he got pulled or Hedberg got pulled):

40 games

9 games over 40 shots 10 games 35-39 shots 10 games 30-34 shots 8 games 25-29 shots 3 games under 25 shots

That said, last night was a total team meltdown. The game tying goal was not KL’s best effort. (the other 3 goals in the game were either great shots or repeated chances in front of the net). KL has been on a bit of a “me v. them” crusade with his team lately. I think he incredibly frustrated and he is still young.

By PJ

March 22, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Congrats Rawhide you made it to 100 and you don’t even look a day over 40, ahh-hem I mean 30. Hey, you promised me there would be limbo.

By Barry

March 22, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Kari has been battling and wanting a win so bad, but his teammates are not helping him one bit. I’m glad he showed a little emotion last night. He battled his rear off, but when the Capitals basically had what looked like a 17 minute PP in the 3rd even though teams were skating 5 on 5 then ya he has the right to to show a little frustration and like he actually cares about the outcome of this game. The rest of the team let him down last night. They should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t agree with Elliot’s and Odgers assessment. There is only so much Kari could do when he’s facing more shots in one period from the Caps then Huet faced the entired stinking game!!! These weren’t perimeter shots either no. They were shot after shot after shot…goal after goal after goal from about 5-10 feet out. I mean how much do they expect our goalies to take before they just explode? I don’t think it’s a Kari vs Team. Kari battled for 3 periods. The rest of the team battled for 2 periods and just abondoned Kari in the 3rd.

By PJ

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

A few days ago Rawhide called out all the women who post to suggest their fantasy team. He gave no parameters as to how to do it. I thought WOW 40M to cherry pick a team to MY liking………Well using this years cap, I then reverted to using salaries as they were in the begining of the season. (Is this cheating?) Which means I could get Campbell and Getzlaf for a steal. (he he he) Which also allowed me have Nash, of course. Also on my roster was Rosival and Duncan Keith. Now how did I do this? I filled the remainder of the roster with rookies with spunk and on their way up but don’t have the salary yet. (Like anyone would actually give up their RFAs) But you asked and gave no instruction so was I really supposed to wimp out and conform to self-appointed rules? Heck NO! Therefore, I have Dubinsky, Backstrom, Kane, Letang, and David Booth- I’d like to see him on the same line as Lyttle, they not only look alike (wild hair) but they have a similar style. For goalie, I kept Kari because I would like to see what he would do with a real defense in front of him. As back-up, Ty Conklin because he is good value and I had to make up some $$ somewhere. Also,wouldn’t it be cool to call out the Conk-Block? Unfortunately firing people is not my strength and my roster consisted of very few original Thrashers. I kinda felt bad. So now Rawhide asked who would I trade? Who would I not renew a contract with? I’ll get back to ya on that…….are there any rules???

By Nikita

March 22, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

I have just returned, but am still pretty car-lagged. Planning on attending the morning skate tomorrow, assuming I can get everything in order to be able to.

Last night’s game is one of the reasons I get really p** at the Thrash. Is there any doubt that the team has the talent to go all the way? At the same time there’s no doubt that they lack, at least right now, the mental steadiness and heart to even make the playoffs.

Also, not to say “I told you so,” but…I told you so. We’ve got substantial issues with the team members simply not being used optimally. Last night’s game was proof.

By Christy

March 22, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Anyone at the game notice how Havelid lit into White for not helping him early in the 3rd when he had I can’t remember who pinned against the boards and the puck on his side ready for White to step in and take it?

TV replayed it and Darren E. was commenting on it, how White just stood there, and from there, Thrashers couldn’t clear the puck out, etc., etc., etc…. and thus the 3rd period became a horror show because White had a brain freeze…

Nic was NOT a happy teammate.

By What the puck

March 22, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I went to the game last night with my parents and some friends and I predicted that ovetchkin would score at least 3 goals. I guess I was a little off but hey I knew he would score more than once against our pitifull defense. Once again we were out shot by a wide margin (In the third period alone I believe it was something like 23 to 2). But hey I expected that to happen and in all reality it is now more benificial for us to lose the next two games so we can secure a good position in the draft. Besides the thrashers play I had a good time talking to friends and I even won two vouchers for tickets on the prize wheel. But what I enjoyed most of all was watching Boris shove people around on the ice and of cource Kari’s stellar performance in the goal in my opinion. In My opinion Kari should not be too blame for most of the goals scored against him. I mean he faced yet again over 40 shots in one game and I think that he probably got tired toward the end of the game. I mean in one period alone he faced 23 shots and some of the time when he was making saves he seriously looked like he was break danceing. I have a lot of respect for our goalies and in my opinion we might have some of the best goalies in the league when they are having a night in which they are at full tilt. I even told my father that I beleive that Kari is better that Broduer but nobody thinks so because he faces so many shots and has such a crappy defence to work with. Any way I hope that the team owners will fork over the cash and actually hire some good player next year to play with not only Kovy but also to help out our goalies as well.

By AJ

March 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

I was utterly SPEECHLESS after last night’s game!! I could not believe that we lost that game after having a 3-1 lead!!!! HOW IN THE WORLD DID THAT HAPPEN? I DO NOT blame Khari one bit-NOT ONE BIT!!!! He was worked to death by the Caps and NOT HELPED at all by his own teammates!?! I was hoping instead of throwing his stick that he would’ve lined the guys up and HIT THEM with his stick instead!!!!! IF THIS DOESN’T TELL LEVENSON THAT WADDELL MUST ABSOLUTELY NO IFS ANDS OR BUTS ABOUT IT-BE GONE, THEN THERE IS NO HOPE AT ALL!!!! Even someone that doesn’t know 1 little thing about hockey can see that SOME MAJOR changes have to happen and it should begin AT THE TOP!!!!!! I DO NOT want to see hockey go away from Atlanta like it did years ago-but I am afraid that if the ASG doesn’t wake up and take the blinders off-that may be what happens and hockey will NEVER come back to ATLANTA again!!!!! Come on Levenson-put toothpicks to hold your eyelids up if you have to but DO SOMETHING!!!!Almost 10 years is MORE THAN ENOUGH time to figure out that Waddell doesn’t work anymore, he doesn’t make the right picks, drafts, plays, calls whatever you want to call it!!! PLEASE FOR THE ONES OF US THAT TRULY LOVE HOCKEY AND THE THRASHERS-MAKE THIS CALL NOW AND SAY BYE BYE TO WADDELL AND LET HIM GO DESTROY ANOTHER TEAM SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!!! PPPPPLLLLEEEEAAAAAASSSSSEEEE!!

By Smoothie

March 22, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

In order to put things in the proper perspective with respect to Kari Lehtonen’s performance over the last three seasons, please keep in mind that the Thrashers have given up the second most shots in the team’s history — an average this year of 33.7 shots / game!! We are on pace to give up over 2,750 shots on goal as a team this year, which would exceed last season’s total by an astounding 175 shots. (Note: in ‘02-‘03, we gave up 2,897 shots on goal)

Last season, Kari had the exact same save percentage (91.2) that he has right now in the current year. However, he has faced an average of 2.75 shots / game more than ‘06-‘07. Over the course of 42 complete games (he has played in 45, but the number of minutes equates to 42.1 CG played), that is 116 more shots. Using a 91.2 % SP and adjusting for the fact he has played in 33 fewer games, Kari has only allowed 10 more goals this year as opposed to last year. The sole reason for this is the sheer number of shots he has faced, which is either 1st or 2nd overall in the NHL this year.

So it follows that if the Thrashers could reduce the number of shots per game by only 3, Kari’s GAA would drop closer to the league avg — a respectable 2.80 / game (the league median GAA is 2.725). If they could reduce the # of shots faced by as many as 6 per game (28.4 / game), then his GAA would probably be closer to 2.50. Could the Thrashers defense play as well as the best defenses in the league (Detroit, San Jose & Anaheim), then Kari’s GAA would likely drop down to a paltry 2.25 goals against.

Thus, by lowering the number of shots by 9-10 per game (Kari saves 91% of shots faced thus reducing the # of goals given up by almost one whole goal for those 10 shots), then in all likelihood, Kari’s overall GAA would likely drop 7 to 8 percentage points into the 2.2 to 2.3 region, which is All-Star caliber goaltending.

What I wrote above was really just a complicated way of saying that the best GAA in the league are generally the result of the best defenses in the league. Of the top 10 goalies in the league (measured by GAA), only 2 face more than 28 shots per game: Luongo in VAN and Backstrom in MIN. Brodeur and Giguere are most impressive as their save % are around 92% while facing an avg of 27.25 shots / game. As a result, their GAA never get above 2.15.

If Kari only faced 27 S/G, then he would likely be less fatigued and probably own a slightly higher save percentage closer to 91.5 (perhaps even 91.75!). This would result in a lower GAA of closer to 2.35. And Hedberg would probably end up closer to 2.75 or 2.80. The overall effect of limiting shots should translate into 45-55 fewer goals allowed as a team. Just think, if the Thrashers GA was 197, coupled with a GF of 204, then we might actually be talking about making the playoffs this season.

So easy does it there stendec!!

By Ilyak

March 22, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

If Waddell is not fired….considering the SI article and the general consensus of the fans…we must conclude the ASG and Levenson do not care what happens on the ice. I understand loyalty to your team and all that but I do believe that to buy season tickets for next year just encourages the ownership to stay the course because they believe they will sell the tickets regardless of what they do. PLEASE put forth the same effort to support this organization as they are putting out to support you the fan!!

By Alan

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

Now now, Smoothie, let’s not let logic and reasoning get in the way of a good roasting of the star goalie of this team. [/sarcasm]

By Hockeyfan

March 22, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

For all of you number crunchers out there… someone do the numbers on the average shot per game when Moose is in net vs when Kari is in net. I have a theory but I wont post it until someone runs the numbers for me.

By Smoothie

March 22, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan — while Lehts faces 34.4 shots / game, Moose only faces an average of 31.8 S/G (adjusted for 30.1 complete games), a difference of 2.6 shots / game. And yet his GAA is only 3.35 to Kari’s 3.04.

The fact that Hedberg is a better handler and player of the puck probably accounts (to some extent) for the difference in shots faced. Unfortunately for Moose, sometimes his penchant for leaving the crease gets him into more trouble than it seems to be worth.

By polskidawg

March 22, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

First of all, thank you Rawhide for a great job during an awful season. Your loyalty to the bloggers is appreciated by many regulars, but also even those who rarely add comments like myself.

1. I’ll go with Alan on this one.
2. I’ll go with Alan, again.
3. Did know this one – Savard.

Truth or Dare! – stendec: Since Kari, the terrible Finn, sux so bad, you must be Swedish, eh?

Hide – Trade/Waive/Unsigned: Recchi, Kozlov, Holik, Larson, Slater, White, Boulton, Zhitnik, Klee (solid, but too slow), MacCarthy, Exelby, Lehtonen (needs fresh start).

Seek - Trade/Signed/Makes Team: Vrbata (UFA), Malone (UFA), Esposito, Stuart, LaVallee, Hordichuk (UFA), Stuart, M. (Trade), Kalinin (UFA), Weber (Trade/RFA), Doughty (Draft), Halak (Trade)

Pin the Blame on the Donkey – 70% VP/GM/Coach and 30% Ownership

By Archie

March 22, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

I’ll put the blame ratio at 30% players and 70% management. I define “management” as an all-inclusive term to describe the GM and ownership. It kind of slipped through the cracks, but team president Bernie Mullin flat out quit earlier this season. That should speak volumes about the chaos within the management ranks too. At every single desk, flat out terrible decisions are being made from the owners, to Bernie Mullin to Don Waddell. Like Burnside said, a clean house is in order, anybody who’s replaceable in upper management needs to be replaced. Maybe the commissioner can step in and force ASG to sell to someone who gives a sH!+.

The 30% I put on the players is for the whining, double talk, prima donna-esque attitude we’ve gotten from everyone. Players calling out others in the media, acting like they don’t care during and after blowout losses, tanking it at the end of the season, tanking it at the beginning of the season to get the coach fired. Despite the mismanagement from above, this team could’ve won if they wanted to, had they not played like whiny brats. They chose to whine and complain instead of playing hard, and they got what they deserve… a lottery pick in the draft.

By Rawhide

March 22, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Alan - Very good on Scavenger Hunt question #1…but you forgot 16 Mar vs. FLA. Still, well done.

Archie - It’s obvious you’ve not visited the Apple Bob booth yet. Your looking at things WAY too clearly still.

PJ - No rules. Have at it!

polskidawg - Thank you. And well done with the “Hide and Seek”. I would disagree with Kari…but your reason for hiding Kari is not unreasonable.

Christy - Good point on the Havelid/White incident.

Smoooothie - Great points, and all those stats and numbers…very nice!

AJ - Steady girl…it’s gonna be OK, it’s going to be OOoooooh-Kayyyyyyyy!!!

By Alan

March 22, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Rawhide Damn! I knew I was forgetting one!

You know, I went bobbing for apples, but the kool-aid tastes funny. Wonder what Levenson put in this stuff… but apparently, it’s moving in the right direction. Hmm.

By five_hole

March 22, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Sorry I’m late to the party, but at least I brought plenty of ice. And can I be DJ? Brought my Temptations, Sly & the Family Stone CDs. Ain’t nothin’ like Motown to get a party started.

I think the first order of business is to have an intervention with DW. He needs to face up to the fact that his free agent signings (T. White, K. Klee) and his trades (ZHITNIK, McCarthy) for the most part, haven’t worked out. I’ll give him credit for Thorburn, Recchi and the package for Hossa. Maybe we can convince Mr. Levinson to hire someone as talent evaluator, and confine DW to managing the salary cap and the minor leagues?

The next thing I’d like brought up is the TV schedule. I have less of a problem if they want to “black out” local games; that forces the fans (like us) to attend. However, what kind of sense does it make to black out away games? Every single away game should be televised. And can they please do something about the 2 goofballs that do the pregame/postgame shows? Could they find 2 more clueless people? Get Jeff Odgers, at least he knows something about the game!

Finally, I’d like to address the coaching situation. Either promote Anderson from Chicago, or go after John Paddock, late of Ottawa (my personal choice). It’s been painfully obvious that Waddell is not a coach, and the fans got screwed this year because of his inability to pull the trigger.

Sorry I lost my temper. Now I gotta go. The Supremes albumn is almost over and I need to put on some Earth, Wind & Fire.

By Alan

March 22, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Either promote Anderson from Chicago, or go after John Paddock, late of Ottawa (my personal choice).

Definitely. Paddock is my personal favorite as well. Whoever we hire as coach though, has to have the power to bring in whatever other guys he wants as assistants.

I’d love to see us get Pasi Nurminen to coach goal.

By five_hole

March 22, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Good Choice Alan. Pasi was my “dog” (I talk like that to relate to my kids, but why that’s considered a good thing, I have no idea).

I thought he was a pretty good goaltender who got hung out to dry by his defense (sound familiar?). I called them the “terrible t’s”; Tamer, Trembley & Tsarqvist. They were just painful to watch.

Oh, and I have one more addendum to my previous post; someone needs to tell DW that smaller, faster is not always better (the exceptions this year are Enstrom & Perrin). Watch what happens to the play when Valabik nails an opposing player. Suggestion for a nickname for him; Vlad the Impailer. Whatdayathink?

By The Other Bob

March 22, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

OK…I got a “Truth or Dare” shout out to Puckjunque. So, what’s it gonna be PJ…Truth…or Dare?

By Nikita

March 22, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Skipping back a bit, now that I’ve returned…

So, if you ladies had your way with them…or, should I say, had the ability to have a say in the make-up of the team and how they were handled…who would you get rid of, add to the team…how would you suggest conditioning the players and what motivational techniques would you employ to keep them at the top of their game?

Er, ok. From my perspective, we have a few problems that can be addressed by makeup. Too few D-men, too many poor D-men. Too many forwards, and all are at similar levels. Must keep…Lehts, Moose, Perrin, Kovy, Enstrom, Havelid, Klee, Recchi, Thorburn, Army, Christensen. Must lose or bench Larsen, Popovic, Ex, and Stevie Mac. Must add two top D-Men (I think we should consider getting two more, actually) and either raise or recruit a top center. Everyone else stays or goes according to how they fit in.

Motivational techniques…I think the Thrashers are playing poorly for several reasons (not including the reasons that come into play when your record is what it is and it’s weeks from the end of the season). Those are that they’re poorly conditioned to begin with, they don’t play consistently enough with static lines, and they suck on the power play. Since confidence comes from competence, I would start there — if the team hits the ice in the fall better prepared than its competitors, we’ll see a winning record and good morale. Not to mention some flxibility that will come in handy later in the season when everyone’s trying to score some points for the post-season. Oh, the new guys need to be treated like the stars they are — in the local press, that is. But eeryone needs to see a clear correlation between lax play and hard practices.

Also, Recchi = C, with Kovy, Perrin and Havelid = A.

On another subject, WTF is up with practice tomorrow at 10 a.m.? A lot of atheists on the Thrashers?

By Alan

March 22, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Suggestion for a nickname for him; Vlad the Impailer. Whatdayathink?

Awesome nickname!

By Alan

March 22, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

On another subject, WTF is up with practice tomorrow at 10 a.m.? A lot of atheists on the Thrashers?

Maybe they celebrate their religion their own way. Also, there’s a lot of churches around here that have evening mass. Or maybe they’re just not religious or non-practicing.

By Rawhide

March 22, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

On another subject, WTF is up with practice tomorrow at 10 a.m.? A lot of atheists on the Thrashers?

Maybe they are going to hold an Easter egg hunt….that way as the players are searching for the eggs, as they get closer to finding them, Bruce Levenson can hollar out, “That’s it…you’re moving in the right direction”!

By Alan

March 22, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Bruce Levenson can hollar out, “That’s it…you’re moving in the right direction”!

You, sir, owe me a new monitor.

By LAC

March 22, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Todd White one of our TOP UFA signings… a complete BUST !

AJ is 110% correct, these “owners” or whatever, BETTER wake up !

We now have the MOST losses in the Eastern Confrence, 38. Only LA with 40, and winning today in Dallas, has more.

TB 4 points back, LA 6 for OVERALL LAST PLACE IN THE ENTIRE NHL.

Boy that’s improvement isn’t it !!!!

Remember bernie mullin and Mr.Potty Mouth, saying they want improvement every year… Well maybe their big firing/layoff was mullin, remember waddell saying THIS team was better than last season… and to think HE is in charge of this whole damn mess.

But he “did” handle the Hossa talks well according to Mr.Potty Mouth !!

Atlanta IS the JOKE of the NHL and don waddell is THE ONLY Reason why.

Like sands through an hour glass,time has to be up for waddell, for the sake of the franchise, waddell MUST BEFIRED !!!!!!!!

By five_hole

March 22, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Aaahhh. Coming back to the sweet sounds of the Queen of SOUL, Miss Aretha Franklin.

Recchi = C, with Kovy, Perrin and Havelid = A. IF we bring Recchi back, I agree. I think we should, but who knows what evil lurks in the minds of DW; Hwoooo Hwaaaa Hwaaaa; the Shadow (DW) knows! (OK, it’s late).

Nikita - agree with your assessment, except; you had Klee in and Ex out. I’d switch those 2. Probably Valabik stays. So, we need two skaters to pair with them. I’m campaigning hard for Brian Campbell. Pay him what he wants; he changes both our offense and our defense.

I leave you with the sweet sounds of Smokey Robinson. Peace out.

By The Other Bob

March 22, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Five_Hole - Great DJ-ing you’re doing dude! Motown is awesome!

If you’re entertaining requests…may I ask for a little something to go out for Bruce Levenson?

Say, “Moving in the Right Direction” by Count Basic?

By PJ

March 23, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

other Bob What the heck, dare

Right on brotha five_hole. You taking special requests?

By polskidawg

March 23, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Rawhide – I’m actually a fan of Kari, or should I say of is potential as a true 1# goalie. It seems comic that some suggest that he has been a “bust” as a player.

How can anyone know how good or ungood he is? Did Vokoun suddenly forget how to tend goal when he went from Nashville to Florida? Or, is it that Nashville features a defensive style, spends money or defense, drafts well on defense while Florida prefers up-tempo play with few defensive stalwarts?

From Damian Rhodes to Milan Hnilicka to now, the Thrashers have been one of, if not the worst defensive (including forwards) squads in the NHL.

Unfortunately, Kari’s mental state is so negative, that is seems possibly irreversible as a Thrasher. He may thrive in a different situation. Who knows…

By Alan

March 23, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Kari’s mental state is so negative, that is seems possibly irreversible as a Thrasher. He may thrive in a different situation.

Or maybe we should just stop talking about trading him and put a proper D in front of him. That should help improve his mental state.

It doesn’t matter what goalie we have with our D. We still stink.

By NASCAR Dave

March 23, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

Well, well, lookie here. The GUTLESS QUITTERS led by the INCOMPETENT BUFFOON DON WADDELL embarrass our great city once again! 3-1 lead, and you lose 5-3!!! WTF!!! And some sheep wants bring in McCrimmon as COACH??? Are you FU%^^&NG kidding me? They oughtta fire his a$$ when they fire Waddell! They both suck a$$ and have no business in the NHL!!! McCrimmon was a great NHL player, but they are both AHL calibre Management/Coaches. This needs to be a clean sweep folks. A total clean house, from the scouts to the coaches, to the GM. That is the only way to do it.

And Sori Letemin is One Pathetic Pile Of Crap!!! Damn, we shoulda dome that trade with Ottawa!!! DAMN!!

Lame Duck GM… NUFF SAID.

See everyone at the Playoffs in Philips… when the HAWKS are there! LMAO at Waddell! Billy and Woody outdid you you DAMN LOSER!!! HA HA HA!!! Go back to Detroit and sell your Porta-Potties you MORON!!! And Good Riddance!!!

By Old school Al

March 23, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

Thanksgiving; Christmas; New Year’s; Easter…..and that buffoon Waddell is still here. Thanks; Levenson, and the morons that comprise the laughingstock-of-the-NHL ASG for ruining another holiday!

By Bobby Clarke

March 23, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

NASCAR Dave - Agree with everything you said; except for the egregious error in stating “McCrimmon was a great NHL player.” As GM of the Flyers for about 100 years (before Ed Snider finally showed me the door), when and where exactly did McCrimmon create his legacy?

By Economics 101

March 23, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Rutherford Seydel is a partner in the law firm that represents my company. At the hourly rates it charges, there should NEVER be a reason to increase ticket prices. Talk about going to work with a calculator and a mask…..

By The Other Bob

March 23, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

PJ - You take the “Dare”?? Excellent!

OK, you have to show up at the next home Thrashers game wearing a Nun costume. You must be holding a sign that reads, “I married the church…but I would sell my soul to the Devil for a new GM”!

I want pictures!

By PJ

March 23, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Other Bob “Thwack!!!!” That’s the sound of the ruler hitting the back of your hands as you typed that anti-religious statement and on Easter no less. Now go and wash you mouth out, I mean you hands off with soap and water. Tsk, Tsk!

By five_hole

March 23, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Morning PJ - I’m always open for requests.

Personally, I would love to see you take Other Bob’s dare. It would probably make the news.

Of course, to be fair, I think Other Bob should also attend that game, dressed as a Rabbi, with a sign that says “So? How about a new GM already?”.

By PJ

March 23, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

five_hole And I honestly thought it would be more dangerous to say “truth” in a written forum… I’d like to request a song for DW today, “My Way” but can you cut the song off after “final curtain”?

By five_hole

March 23, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

PJ You got it.

Also, as a shout out to Mr (“That’s it…you’re moving in the right direction”!) Levinson, I’d like to play the Temptations “It Was Just My Imagination”.

With regards to the dare - my other thought was to have Other Bob dress as a muslim with the sign “Fire Waddell or face Jihad” but I thought that might be over the top.

By Midfield

March 23, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

This 3-rd period was quite ironic: it appeared that Waddell and company pretty much benched Valabik and tried to play Havelid and Enstrom against Ovechkin to preserve the lead. Ovechkin barely came off the ice (the guy is in the zone right now - much like Kovy was in November), so both Swedes got completely depleted. So, here we have it: Ovechkin get his 60 goals, Washington gets 3 points, Valabik does not get to play in the 3rd, Lehtonen freaks out - again, and Waddell & co gets another donut. Good thinking all around.

By Nix

March 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Happy 100th post, Rawhide! I’ve enjoyed reading the blog this season and everyone who chimes in have really increased my hockey knowledge, so thanks ya’ll :-)

five_hole, I think I’m channeling DW this morning, b/c the song I really want to hear is “Give Me Just a Little More Time” by Chairmen of the Board. This does not constitute an endorsement of DW.

Happy Easter, everyone!

By five_hole

March 23, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Nix - STOP DRINKING THE KOOLAID I think Other Bob spiked it with some mind-altering drug (you don’t want me to go there) to coerce PJ into playing his game.

Clear your mind and focus on the Lords of Hockey - Howe, Orr & Gretsky. Repeat them in your mind. You’ll snap out of it eventually.

By The Other Bob

March 23, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

PJ - I’m just sayin’…I mean, your like the spiritual leader and all that! I’m sure you would get on TV with that get up…what a statement that would make to the…masses!

Five_Hole - A few drinks in me an that might just me a good idea!

By PJ

March 23, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

O-Bob PJ would rather stick a fork in her eye than be on TV. Really? Yes, Really. Really? Yes, Really.

By Eileen

March 23, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed how great Dupuis is playing with Pittsburg? Why couldn’t we get that production out of him? I always thought he was such an exciting player who was under played. Hossa also seems to have stepped up his game quite a bit (3 assists yesterday). He was centered by the rookie Staal,not Crosby. It makes you wonder …

By Rawhide

March 23, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Happy Easter to one and all!! I hope evryone is enjoying this BEE-U-TEE-FUL early spring weekend!

Other Bob - If PJ got the ruler out after ya…you’d better take it seriously!

Five_Hole - Thanks for the tunes…If I may be allowed a request…may I send out a dedication to Bruce Levenson? How’s about Bob Dylan’s “Oh The Times They Are A Changin’” in hopes that he does the right thing soon in regards to the GM position.

By Alan

March 23, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed how great Dupuis is playing with Pittsburg? Why couldn’t we get that production out of him?

Because this team has no coach, no direction, no heart, little intensity, and no one to knock guys out of the way to capitalize on a scoring chance.

This team is small, and allegedly, fast. They’re just not very good at it.

But, indeed, things are going in the right direction. Who knew?

By five_hole

March 23, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

RH While I’m a big Dylan fan, that’s not exactly party music. Well, maybe for the parties we had in my dorm rooms back in the 70’s but that’s another story … The theme was Motown.

For Mr. Levenson, I would have accepted ‘Nowhere to Run’ by Martha Reeves, ‘Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead’ by The Marvelettes, ‘Think’ or ‘Chain of Fools’ by Miss Aretha Franklin. Dylan? You’re letting your ‘white bread’ side show, homes.

By Sage of Bluesland

March 23, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

“Fire Waddell…or face Jihad”

Now THAT was funny!!!

(If it were only that simple)

It’s really bad now—and I just don’t know if we’ll ‘truly’ get better…If Donny is still here when the draft begins, it is hopeless…

How many years of his next “Five-Year Plan” can we take before it is determined by the powers-that-be that it is a miserable failure???

Will we win one playoff game and that will sustain the sheep-masses for yet another “Five-Year Plan” and yet another attempt to “build through the draft!”???

When is it ‘enough’? When will the incompetence no longer be accepted?

We are in deep trouble, folks. If you thought it before, believe it now. Any further dollar spent on this organization is one that is completely wasted.

A message absolutely must be sent. Do you have the COURAGE to send it?

We’ll see.

By Rawhide

March 23, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Five_Hole So, I guess then that Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage” is out of the question?

By five_hole

March 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Rawhide I spent many a night listening to Pink Floyd’s Meddles, a great ‘head’ albumn. I saw PF in concert, back in ‘72 (with Yes). Have you ever tried to dance to Pink Floyd? It doesn’t work. Pink Floyd at 3AM when you’re working out the mysteries of the universe? Awesome. Pink Floyd when you want to dance with Nikita? Not so good.

By five_hole

March 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

As I write this, it occurs to me that I’m listening to the Doors ‘The End’. Maybe next week we can do the Classic Rock theme.

By Rawhide

March 23, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Dang it Five_Hole, digging through CD collection…you’re right. I don’t gotta great deal of dance music…(sigh)…

OK, here we go…How’s about “Face The Change” off of INXS’s “The Swing” CD…or “Own Private Idaho” by the B-52s as Levenson seems to be living there if he can’t see the need to make a change.

Yes, classic rock…I can be of better help to you then…

By five_hole

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

Sadly, my daughter tells me I dance like a 50 year old white man (which I am). I still enjoy it though.

After the Doors song, Itunes switched to Led Zeppelin’s ‘Your Time is Gonna Come’ which I also thought very appropriate.

If we have any connections to the DJ at Philips Arena for the next game, we should compile a list.

By Nikita

March 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools,” Stevie Wonder’s “You Met Your Match.”

By Nix

March 23, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Hey, how about the Miracle’s “Shop Around” for Levensen & co.? And “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” by Diana Ross for Waddell?

By stendec

March 23, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

HAPPY EASTER ALL! Especially to Flushers still trying, here is to you, uh, hmm, well, that category is a waste. May all Flusher followers (especially Letemin aplogists) be blessed and enjoy the best of everything. No NHL playoffs for Flushers this season but the sun still shines and DeA++hole Hall is in a Raider uniform not a Falcon one! Life is good. GO FLAMES!

By R. Stroz

March 23, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Donna Summer’s Last Dance for Waddell

By sick of bad hockey

March 23, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Levenson and Waddell say that the Thrashers are moving in the right direction. Exaclty what does that mean?

This team is a joke. No way Levenson runs his real business they way he is running the team. If Waddell had any class, he’d resign since he’s shown that he’s a complete failure. That might require judegement also, and we know he doesn’t have much of that given the personnel decisions he’s made over the years.

All Thrasher fans need to state cleary—Waddell goes or we go. I love hockey as much as the next guy, but our actions are the only thing that may bring about a change in thinking…and results.

By LAC

March 23, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, Congrats on your blog this season. You have been EXCELLENT, I hope you will return next season and I hope… We ALL will have a LOT of better things to talk about than what we have this season !!!!!!!!

Lastly, was gasping for air when I saw waddell say Little/Christian/and TODD WHITE were our TOP centers for next season…. Give us all a break waddell, todd white needs to be waived period. No excuses waived a complete BUST. Little not too impressive, seems no never shoot the puck…

waddell needs to admit he is a failure, he needs to RESIGN if Mr.Potty Mouth will not FIRE him… He is a total JOKE !

Lastly in the 5 players artical, that’s Marian Hossa in the photo NOT recchi Gee Whiz We SUX !

By WTCG-17

March 24, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Well look at it this way, on thursday we can proclaim “WE HAVE NOT LOST THIS WEEK” I guess Looney Levenson will say “That’s moving in the right direction.” Never mind we played NO games, but by not losing we are moving forward !

Can this guy show us some guts like a REAL man ? I doubt it, Levenson is about lost as it gets.

Boycott the last two games to send a message of we are fed up with your Crap & BS And your GM !!!

By Tony C.

March 24, 2008 6:31 AM | Link to this

Wait-that’s two too many A’s you say?

Nah. Just alternate the alternates for home and road then flip-flop the rotation for the 2nd half of the season. Works out fine.

Honestly, though Recchi really needs to find the back of the net NOW or he’s looking at some serious lowball if I were GM (Hey, I can’t do much worse huh?).

By Smoothie

March 24, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

As for song suggestions, can I get a little Def Leppard? I’m thinking a song from 1981 by the name Another Hit n’ Run would certainly be appropriate in light of how Levenson & Co have treated its loyal fan base and season ticket holders.

Of course, we could follow that up with Def Lep’s You got me runnin’ in honor of the deposed Bernie Mullin! Now that I think about it, just about any song from High n’ Dry would make sense in commemorating (or commiserating) this terribly disappointing season:

Bringin’ on the Heartbreak Mirror, Mirror No No No

Hey! It’s classic rock to me!!

By Eileen

March 24, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Alan, I was being sarcastic. I realize it is the coaching, etc. I guess my attempt at humor was misunderstood.

By Alan

March 24, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Alan, I was being sarcastic.

Hard to tell when all I’ve read recently is how Dupuis is tearing it up in Pittsburgh.

By What The Puck

March 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Oh and the penguins should play the song Gods of war By def Leppard because of all the fire power that they now have on their team. Oh and if they were to win the cup this year we should play Bringin on the heart Break.

By stendec

March 24, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Keep up great work Rawhide. Now…What should we do? Storm Thrasher headquarters to punch Don Waddell and owners in mouths? Bind Kari Lehtonen then toss him on first airplane heading to Finland? Boycott a sport we love? Our views may not tickle majority but they are our views nonetheless. There is no excuse going from division champion to last place. Absolutely none! Blame Waddell, Letemin, bad ice, players, bad karma or whatever you wish. No excuses are near adequate for such a monumental collapse! Baseball starts with pitching. Football starts with defense. Hockey starts with goaltending. Unearth all the statistics available. The only one that means anything in any sport is the win-loss record! How is Letemin’s? Our (Stendec, LAC and NASCAR Dave) options are extremely limited folks.

By What The Puck

March 24, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Its supposed to be Bringin on the Heart Break. Any way another good one would be “when love and hate collide” because I love the Thrashers but I hate the managment and the some of the crappy players that they put on the ice.

By Smoothie

March 24, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Damn you Rawhide, like 100 posts wasn’t enough. No one wants to re-hash Friday night, but major props to Jimmy “Slippin’” Slater!

Atta boy Slates!

I think Slater has the most to play for at this point as we now have 6 guys (and potentially 7 in camp with Angelo E coming in) who are capable of playing center. Now I didn’t say playing it well, but 7 guys who can line up at center on a given night.

White / Slater / Crusher / Perrin / Holik / Little / Esposito?

By Smoothie

March 24, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I’m feelin’ ya what the puck!!

*Spirit Group!(sung to Photograph)

I don’t want your;

Spirit Group, I don’t need your

OWNERHSIP!

No one wants the Spirit Group cuz it’s not enough!*

stendec — go ahead an plead your case with the ASG but they won’t listen to anyone who is crazy enough to suggest that Lehtonen should be jettisoned to Finland. Perhaps he should be traded to another team (think LA for Kopitar) for a legit # 1 Center, but aside from that, please lay off the pipe.

By ranallo10

March 24, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the delayed response RH, but congratulations on 100.