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DEL.ICIO.USShort Attention Span Blog
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here are a few “quick shot” topics to roll with:
It’s Like Deja vu All Over Again
The Thrashers go into Thursday’s game in Florida riding a five-game losing streak. Yes, they had an eight-game slide a few weeks back, but this one is five regulation losses in as many games. The last time that happened, of course, was at the beginning of the season…and then they then went on to lose their sixth consecutive.
Hmmm, what happened after that? Oh yeah…
Anyway, here is a quick comparison of the two streaks:
Back then the team was outscored 23-9. The current streak: 20-10.
Back then the team was outshot 110-173, (-64). The current streak: 113-187, (-74).
Might Be The First, Probably Not The Last
Ross McKeon of Yahoo Sports has posted a power ranking which places the Thrashers el-deadlasto. It’s the first such ranking that has come out recently that I have seen putting Atlanta at the bottom…but I’m sure it won’t be the last given how the Thrashers are…moving in the right direction…toward the league basement.
He poses a very good question in his comment for the home team.
To Touch Or Not To Touch
By now most of you have seen the injury that was sustained by Minnesota Wild’s defenseman Kurtis Foster last week as he was racing to the puck with San Jose Shark rookie Torrey Mitchell on an icing play. Foster’s left leg was broken in the collision.
The incident has spurred the conversation regarding whether or not the NHL should move toward modifying it’s icing rule, possibly going to a “no touch” policy. That would mean that icing would be called once the puck crossed the line, thus eliminating such chases and possible collisions.
While that would no doubt reduce injuries, I am not sold on the idea. This is the big league, after all, and I think players need to play. Taking away the full-tilt races to the boards to touch up or prevent an icing would remove one aspect of the game in which the speed and skating skill of the players are on full display.
In the kid’s league, no touch icing is acceptable due to the fact we don’t want our young-uns injured in such a fashion, but at this level … I say let ‘em race to it!
What’s your take?
Ducks Lay A Goose Egg
Did anyone catch the end of the Ducks-Sharks game last Friday? It was an exciting 2-1 win for San Jose in the Shark Tank. Jeremy Roenick scored the game winner at the 1:12 mark of the third and then the San Jose defense shut down the defending Stanley Cup champs the rest of the way.
And I mean SHUT THEM DOWN!
As in… ZERO, nuthin’, na-da, goose egg, zilch, bumpkis… NO shots on goal for the entire third period. The Sharks’ D said, “You’ll get NOTHING and LIKE IT”!
And we thought only getting off two against Washington was bad!
Now there is a defense I’m looking forward to watching in the playoffs.
Which brings me to…
Rawhide’s Playoff Team Adoption Center
OK, the Thrashers aren’t going into the playoffs but this blog is. So, whom are you going to be following into the spring tournament for Lord Stanley’s Cup?
Me…I love the Sharks out west. That team plays awesome team defense, as illustrated above, and only strengthened that blueline with the addition of Brian Campbell. Only Detroit gives up fewer goals per game, their penalty kill is 85.2 efficient, (second in the league), they give up only 24.1 shots a game, (that’s a third period for Atlanta), and Evgeni Nabokov is currently 43-20-8 with a 2.13 GAA and a .910 SV%. (These stats are prior to their game Tuesday night).
Sure, Detroit is the powerhouse, statistically speaking, and the Flames are always a sentimental favorite with me…but it looks like the Sharks are peaking at just the right time as they have gone 9-0-1 going into the game with the Coyotes.
In the east… I am very interested in seeing how Hossa and Dupuis do with Crosby and Co. and given the way Washington is playing right now they could cause problems for anyone if they get in.
But Montreal has my eye right now. Their power play is deadly…24.2% efficient and leads the league. The Habs traded away veteran net-minder Cristobal Huet to the Caps at the trade deadline, so they’re are placing a lot on the shoulders of 20 year old Carey Price. However the kid looks like he’s up to it as he is sporting a 20-12-3 record with a 2.71 GAA and .915 SV%.
So there…I’m out on the limb now with the Sharks and Canadiens as my adopted teams this spring.
There are plenty of others…who are you taking in?
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Sharon
March 25, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Well, I’m having a hard time narrowing it down so I’ll roll with this.
West: Detroit then San Jose
East: Washington then Montreal
By Bob
March 25, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
“not me” is my answer to McKeon’s question.
I will be pulling for the Pens this spring. Good call on the Sharks, they were my pick last year, and they’re playing pretty well going into the real season. Ducks will be tough as well. There could be some real nice matchups out West in the 1st round, lots of great hockey coming up. Love this time of year.
By polskidawg
March 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I believe both ESPN and TSN have the Thrashers last. Perhaps they’re trying to do everyone a favor by creating some pressure, assuming the owner(s) feel it.
Hate it for Foster, but I’m with you on no-touch icing. Especially late in the 3rd.
Big fan of San Jose for 4 years. I think think that theirs is the best model in the “new” NHL, closely followed by Anaheim.
I’ll been watching them and Cal-Gary in the West (admire Iginla) and NJ and Pitt in the East.
By LAC
March 25, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
TSN has Thrashers dead last in their 3/24 power reakings.
TB wins tonight, closing in on LAST PLACE…. BUT Remember words from Mr.Potty Mouth himself…
We are close, We are moving in the right direction… Anyone who thinks this team will be one bit better next season, will love my beach front property in Livingston,Montana !
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — Does Brian Miller = Brian Campbell?
By ranallo10
March 25, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Adoption Central:
Western Conference — Detroit vs. San Jose
Eastern Conference — New Jersey vs. Ottawa
I want a Detroit-Ottawa finals, with Detroit winning it all.
By Brendan
March 26, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
I’d like to see the current icing policy remain in effect. But, at the same time, I think there could be some additional punitive measures installed. Say, a double-minor on the icing touch ups where it’s CLEAR that the player was going to RAM the guy. (Didn’t hold up, wasn’t trying to play the puck, etc.) It’ll spark controversy, of course. How can you TELL what intentions were? And so forth. It’ll become something a kin to … “how does one determine a ‘distinct kicking motion,?’ It becomes so arduous to ascertain EXACTLY how the rule should be interpreted, that it really becomes utterly subjective. Fans will gripe when 4:00 for an icing touch up hit goes up on the scoreboard. It could very well become the “pass interference rule” of football, for hockey.
Professor Rawhide, could our blog’s calculations projecting Washington as Southeast Division Champs been wrrrr … I mean, less correct than usual? The Capitals did defeat the ‘Canes in a shootout tonight, but the point Carolina got still pushes them a bit closer to taking this division for the fourth time, and the second time in three seasons.
I’m looking forward to a Penguins-Rangers Conference Finals. It’s an old “Patrick Division” rivalry … plus these teams have been on a collision course since the “Crosby sweepstakes.” The Rangers made some heavy offseason moves. So, they’d better at least get to the CF.
Out West, I’d like to see Calgary reach the Conference Finals. But, Anaheim vs. San Jose is probably a better bet. I’d also like to see Minnesota make a move in these playoffs. Nashville won again tonight. Perhaps the Preds still have some shot!
By Lee
March 26, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this
San Jose in the west, would love to see the Penguins in the east, but the greatest playoff matchup of any round would be the penguins vs the capitals
By five_hole
March 26, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Playing for the cup: I agree with Sharon - I think it will be Detroit and Washington. And frankly, I’m rooting for Washington at this point. I’m a big fan of AO.
Regarding the “no icing” thing; to me it seems similar to the NFL back in the 70’s. They wanted to protect the quarterbacks and toughen the rules on hitting them. Terry Bradshaw, never at a loss for words, said “Why don’t you just put skirts on them?”. Bradshaw may be a goofball, but he had a point then, and it applies to this. The NHL is the big league. It’s a physical game, and sometimes, people are going to get hurt.
How many times in a game does the puck get iced? Multiply that times the # teams in the league, times 82 games, times how many years has the icing rule been in play (even I don’t know that). How many injuries have occurred while touching up? I think the answer is something like 1 in a kagillion. Don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m comfortable with those odds.
One last thing. Had a lot of fun DJ‘ing in the other blog and had several good requests the other day. I have one more for DW (assuming they’re not going to get rid of him) for the Free Agency period; “You’d better shop around” by the Miracles.
By Russian
March 26, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Icing rooles should stay as it is. Do not change it. Of cause I am going to see PO and noe it is my teams to be favorite.
1. Washington Capitals. If they are going to make. I love their forwards, fast and big. I hope they can make PO.
2. Pittsburgh Defenetly. I still like Hossa, even he is SOB did not want to play all season for us.
3. Detorit It is my Favorite team since 1993, I live here. I hope they are going to win Cup.
By BuzzEng
March 26, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
I gotta support the favorite team of my Mrs. and her family (all from Montreal) and go with the Canadiens. They seem to be playing well with consistent TEAM effort, not just one or two superstars carrying the team. The coaching seems to be doing an excellent job steadily improving the team. At the risk of jinxing it - Montreal takes the Stanley Cup (besides, doesn’t the world make more sense when Cup is in Canada? I mean, if it can’t be in Atlanta, right?).
The West? I’m pulling for the Flames, but I expect Detroit will end up being the Ottawa for this year - close, but not close enough!
By Rawhide
March 26, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
ranallo - Brian Miller, Brian Campbell…Dennis Miller? Whatev… :o)
Thanks.
Lee - Could you imagine the collective marketing orgasm the league office would have if they ever got the Crosby/AO playoff matchup in a Pittsburgh/Washington playoff series?
Brendan - “Less correct than usual” is right! When Brind’Amour went down and the Caps made the trades they did at the deadline, I thought Washington had the inside track.
But credit the Canes with “manning-up” and getting the job done!
Five_Hole - I was thinking of the song “You just keep me hanging on” in regards to the Levenson stating that there will be no change in GM.
BuzzEng - Going with the wife on this one ‘eh? You’re a wise man!
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
On icing, I like it the way it is. Also, I wish they’d go back to the old intereference rules — the current rules are stupid and increase turnovers.
Rooting for: Rangers (‘cause they have my favorite player of all time), Pens (because they’re the husband’s home team), Ducks, Detroit, Devils.
By Alan
March 26, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
So, whom are you going to be following into the spring tournament for Lord Stanley’s Cup?
I was born in Detroit. I’ve followed Detroit since I was a wee lad, flipping through the sports page looking for anything hockey related. My parents actually had to get USA Today sent to the house so I could read about the Wings.
So yeah, as a die-hard wingnut, you know I’ll be following my team.
By Smoothie
March 26, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
No-touch Icing is absolutely, positively and definitively GAY!!!!
NO DICE BETTMAN!
By Midtown Melvin
March 26, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Oh, Smoothie, I could not agree with you more….and you sound so handsome!
But truth be told, there just isn’t anything more…stimulating…then the sight of two big, hunky men slamming into one another! KA-Runch!
MMM..MMM..MMMM!
Possibly afterwards, they could then join hands in the circle, stride off together and perform a triple axle!
Oh now THERE is something positivly gay!
And I would LOOOoooooooove-IT!
By J(Z)
March 26, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I’ve taken a hiatus from our Thrashers now that I finally got Center Ice, I can watch other teams not suck, so I have filed my adoption papers…
East: Rangers (was a Rangers fan before I was a Thrashers fan, what can ya do?), Ottawa, Craps
I want the Pens to lose ASAP…therefore bettering our draft pick. Sorry Hoss!
West: Sharks, Flames, Canucks, Oilers (still can’t believe that they’re ONLY 3pts out!)
I’m with you Rawhide on the no-touch rule. It takes the hustle out of the game. Injuries like Foster’s are pretty rare and that’s a pretty big change. If they do add this rule, maybe they need to add a 30 second penalty for icing in the last 60 seconds of a game?
We’re 4 points out of the NHL basement!!! Operation Believe in Tankland is going unbelievably well!!!!
By What The Puck
March 26, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
I would like to see the penguins get to the stanley cup finals. Also I agree that the sharks are a great defensive team and I would love to see them make it to the finals against the penguins. I think Nabokov combined with the ducks defense would be a great match for the penguins steller offence.
By Stats
March 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Sports Illustrated’s website has daily features called HOT CLICKS & CAMPUS CLICKS. It should be mandatory daily browsing for all. Today they have a link to a website that is assigning each NHL coach to a star wars character.
http://puckthathit.com/2008/03/25/coach-review-star-wars-edition/
Don Waddell - Jar Jar Binks. The description: A loser on every level.
Fitting.
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
So, Melvin, did yopu enjoy the Jim Slater/Stev McCarthy kiss? Nice stuff, yes?
By What The Puck
March 26, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
That website is hilarious. Not a big suprise that Waddel is Jar Jar Binks LOL
By Snot Punk
March 26, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
I’m going with the Wings! HAHAHAHA!
By Snot Punk
March 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Mommy just paid the dial-up internet bill! Now I can come back on here and make fun of Trasher fans! HAHAHAHAHA! You guys are getting moved to Southern Ontario! HAHAHAHAHA! And I’m GAY as HELL!!!!
By Midtown Melvin
March 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Nikita - Oh, snaps to that, sugar!
I thought I was gonna DIE!
By Jarndyce
March 26, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Here’s an interesting study if anyone could ever find the data:
Compare a) the amount of man-games lost to injury as a result of a race to prevent icing, to b) the number of times icing was prevented by a race for the puck. I’d hazard to guess that the payoff for the race is probably not worth the injury rate.
And, if you could use the number of goals scored as a result of winning possession of a puck after winning a race to prevent icing, I’d bet Foster’s injury alone wipes out any benefit.
By Barry
March 26, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I’m rooting for the Avs and Red Wings out west and I’m anxious to see how Dupuis and Hossa do with Pittsburg out East. Only teams I’m really rooting for. In Montreal I wonder if Price can handle the pressure of playing in a playoff series. Remember the Kari fiasco? He wasn’t comfortable the whole playoffs last year. I mean since when do we see Kari bobble a clear, clean glove save from far out? shivers
By Thrasher Ryan
March 26, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Rawhide—Da’ Boomer says you gotta go with da’ FLAMES! So, you know me, I’m rollin with my Flames out West. Same thing I do every year, since they ARE IN IT every year.
Went to my first Nashville Predators game last night too. We did a little road trip. Took 3.5 hours drive each way. Dude, they kick the Thrashers a$$ in marketing. Downtown Nashville outside of the Sommet Center has Predators stuff EVERYWHERE! The whole strip! I struggle to even find Thrashers advertising in CNN Center! Pretty pathetic if you ask me.
And the best part? The Predators cheerleader girls are HOT AS HELL! My god, I was in love with that place! In between periods, instead of doing stupid little games like the Thrashers do at Blueland, they have live bands play. It was rockin, man! Dude I had a blast! WAY BETTER than any Thrashers game i’ve ever been to!
So, I also hope the NASHVILLE PREDATORS get into the playoffs, just so I can see a playoff hockey game in person, which will not happen here in Atlanta anytime soon with Waddell in charge. But if the Atlanta Hawks stay in it, i’ll probably check out a game or two.
In the East, I’m gonna roll with the BOSTON BRUINS. Why? Simply because no one else picked them, and I felt like choosing a wildcard.
So RH, what teams do YOU choose?
Peace.
By Nix
March 26, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan, you just reminded me that there was a guy standing behind me in the concessions line inside Philips last Friday with his two sons (who were probably about 4 and 6) and the older boy looks at the garbage cans nearby - you know, the ones with the basketball lids? - and asks his dad why they don’t have hockey puck lids.
By Rawhide
March 26, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
ThrasherRyan - As stated above….I have the Sharks and Habs.
Stats - Great link…thanks!
By Bob
March 26, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell. A loser on every level. His demise is wished universally
Absolutely classic. Jar Jar Binks. I had to wait a couple minutes so I could quit laughing and type these words. Thanks for the link, Stats, that was classic.
By PJ
March 26, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Rawhide I’m going with Sharks and Penguins.
By Russian
March 26, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
If we are talking Final Round, I want to see Detroit and Capitals. It will be fast and intresting hockey. ;-)
By Smoothie
March 26, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Midtown Melvin — oh jeezus (said with my best Officer Barbrady voice) sweet cheeks, I would’ve stayed in midtown longer had you come a callin’ sooner!
everyone else — if any of you adopts the Rangers and those a*******holes (Avery, Orr, Hollweg etc) as your team, then you might as well go straight to the Devil’s Dept and enjoy an eternity of damnation!!
Jeez louise…what a bunch of cheese d!*#@s!!
BTW, Madison Square Garden plays the gayest damn music after goals and that stupid chant they humm might as well be some kind of butt pirate mating call!!
By Nix
March 26, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
And here I was, about to say I was thinking I’d adopt the Rangers, in honor of my great-grandma Bott, who lived in Brooklyn and was a huge Rangers supporter (60 years ago). But if it’s going to get me d@mned to hell for all eternity, I’ll have to come up with some other eastern team to support. As for the west, I’ll root for the Flames, despite the rantings of stendec :-)
By Bob
March 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, let’s do a playoff pick em once the first round is set, pick winner of each opening series and then fill in the brackets from there and pick your Cup winner, might keep the blogging going, no?
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Smoothie, if loving Martin Straka and Brendan Shanahan is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
By Smoothie
March 26, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
C’mon Nikita, I’M better looking than Marty Straka!! Don’t know about Shanny, but I certainly admire and respect him along with Henrik Lundqvist…now he is a hunk. You should check out his player profile.
But still, how anyone can pull for the Ranjerks after last year, beloved grandmas aside, is beyond me. These ain’t your granfather’s or mother’s Rangers. They got their stinkin’ Cup in 94, screw them for another 40 years at least!!
As much as I hate Boston, I think I’ll be pulling for Savvy and Shane Hnidy to get a chance to hold Lord Stanley…god knows if we had # 91, we might be talkin’ bout playoffs!
By David Duke
March 26, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
will the Trashers make the ice puckey playoffs? How’ everything at Boohoo Land?
By Archie
March 26, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
The NHL needs the good publicity of their marquis players making long playoff runs. So I’m rooting for the Penguins and Capitals for that reason… the more Crosby and Ovechkin the better. Out west, I’m on the San Jose bandwagon as well, also Dallas because I used to live out there.
With the no-touch icing topic, I like the comment that John Buccigross put in his ESPN mailbag, the idea is to give the referee the subjective authority to waive the icing when two players are equally racing for the puck, but enforce it when a defender is clearly going to get there first and only take a pointless hit from a forward. So I’d really be in favor of it as long as they waive it when two players are legitimately racing for the puck.
By fes
March 26, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Like most everyone here, I’m opposed to no-touch icing. Like you touched on RH, it’s one of the rare times that we get to see some of the guys skate all-out. As for adoptions, I’ll be digging through the back of the closet and digging out the big red NJ jersey.
Great link Stats.
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Smoothie, those are fighting words. I LOVE Martin Straka. Have for about a decade. It’s not about his appearance (which is substantially worse since he had his entire face wired back together years ago). It’s about his skating style. It’s also about his ex-Pen-dom. Sorry, can’t help it. LOVE him.
Shanny isn’t good looking, either,except maybe for his age — I just like to watch him do his thing. He’s very talented, very instinctively good.
Forgot to mention Lundqvist. Hot and talented. rrrrrowrr.
(I hate Sean Avery, but I do enjoy watching him get his a* kicked.)
By Alan
March 26, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
(I hate Sean Avery, but I do enjoy watching him get his a kicked.)*
He is a free agent this summer. Would you still hate him if he signed with Atlanta?
By HookyBob
March 26, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Rawhide: You are reading my mind. I was wondering where affiliations for the second season would come to rest now that our boys are setting up tee times.
In the finals I’d like to see the Jets and the Whalers. No wait,…that harkens back to the last time the Habs drank from the cup. Can you believe it has been that long? They have only a couple of years left to keep the “Cup in every decade” streak alive. I like the brothers K and Carey Price. I don’t like Komarisk, but beleive he is well on his way to becoming another Pronger or better. The Pengins and Capitals aren’t far behind.
Out west my head says San Jose or Anaheim. However my heart says (with all due respects to Buffalo fans),..the Stars. (It will be that way as long a Mikey Mo is skating.) We know what Richards can do in the playoffs and I think Turco is going to show up (this time).
Another question rolling over in my mind is how is the Thrashers GM scenario will play out. Will it be..1)Waddell remains GM,.. 2)Waddell is fired,..3)Wadell resigns,…or 4)Wadell takes another job with the Spirit (remember the “hockey godfather” and/or Bernies old job)?
My money is on #4,..my heart isn’t.
Whatever, it has to play out soon as we need a GM and coach firmly in place before free agency.
Go Habs, Penguins, Capitals, Sharks, Ducks,..and Stars.
By asg
March 26, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
We will not make any changes. Quit whining and take it like men. Shut up and buy tickets! Sincerely asg
By Sage of Bluesland
March 26, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Jar-Jar Binks??? Even ‘I’ would not have associated that pitiful character with our bumbling little fraud of a GM…
At least Jar-Jar wasn’t a fraud—and didn’t bluster about “Five-Year Plans”, either…
When will the sheep finally see???
By Nikita
March 26, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
He is a free agent this summer. Would you still hate him if he signed with Atlanta?
If he remains as effective a pest as he is in NY, nope. I’d be glad to have him.
By Rawhide
March 26, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
fes - NJ is another favorite of mine…again for the same reason I like the Sharks, defense.
But let’s be honest…a Sharks/Devils final may result in seven 2-1 games…(hmmm, maybe that wouldn’t be too bad).
Archie - Very good point regarding the “waive off” rule. The ony down side I would see to that would be the subjectiveness to it.
Bob - A Blog Bracket would be an exeptional idea!
Jarndyce - very valild question and point…however, I guess I fall on the side of the arguement that says, “they are big boys and are well payed well to play…let them play”. Besides, checking can be rough and results in injuries…do we do away with that too?
Anyway, thanks for providing a logic based “con” side to my opinion.
Barry - price is the big question in Montreal. But I’m betting the kid plays big. If he does so at such a young age in THAT city…he’s set for life!
Hookybob - I would like to see option #4, (even if it’s him being removed from his GM duties and stay as Exec. VP)…but I’m betting that it’s going be #1, (sigh).
Alan - Sean Avery in a thrashers jersey…GOD NO!!! He is a classless punk! I almost changed my son’s middle name, (Avery), last spring ‘cuz I hate him so!
Now, for all of you “Believe in Tankland” supporters…here is an article that supports your plan
By Alan
March 26, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Sean Avery in a thrashers jersey…GOD NO!!! He is a classless punk!
Indeed. But in Thrashers Blue, he would be our classless punk. And if he’s as good an agitator here as he is there in NY, methinks we would be in good shape.
That’s just me, though.
By Tony C.
March 27, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
I think Dallas in the West. Turco isn’t the big-game choker some people want to paint him as, and I love the addition of Richards-plus you have Modano knowing it’s his last good shot at winning The Cup again. They say Zubov will be back for the playoffs….if he’s not then I downgrade Dallas. But I think he will be, and I like them to come out of the west (providing Zubov returns well).
Otherwise, I like SJ.
In the east, it’s hard to bet against A-O & Co. if they make it in. But Montreal has been looking better and better as the season goes on.
Believe in Tankland
By Nikita
March 27, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
I’m amending my Avery comments. Yep, I’d be fine with him — at the right price. I think his glory days are behind him with regard to everything but drawing penalties.
By Jarndyce
March 27, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Rawhide: I’m all for letting the boys play, and trust me (or ask Cheapseats) I’m definitely for big hits and finishing your checks.
That said, the benefit of clean open-ice, Lindros-getting-carried-off-the-ice-type hits are obvious and easily documented. You finish a check on a puck carrier, chances are you get the puck back. [This is a lesson that the Thrashers would do well to learn…]
I’m not advocating no-touch icing. I’m just saying that in almost every situation the cost of racing for the puck outweighs the payoff. I’m certain that if you asked the team privately, they’d rather have Foster on the ice than have won extra possession from winning every icing race this season.
By Thrashersgirl
March 27, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I’m adopting the Avs and the Wings. I can’t even think adopting a team in this conference.
Alan - I’d take Avery in Thrashers Blue with the number 16 over Bobby Holik ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.
Don’t anyone shoot me. Avery at least would annoy the crap out of the rest of the teams we played. Annoy them into submission maybe.
By Smoothie
March 27, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Indeed. But in Thrashers Blue, he would be our classless punk. And if he’s as good an agitator here as he is there in NY, methinks we would be in good shape.
I’m sorry, but those of y’all who would be fine with Avery in Thrasher blue are absolutely out of your minds! Guys like Sean Avery are the reason the NHL has an image problem and guys like him must be disciplined more harshly so they eventually cut out the unnecessary antics.
It’s one thing to be an enforcer (a la Brashear or Colton Orr) who fights honorably when it is needed, but a-holes like Avery, Ruutu, Simon etc need to find a different form of employment. In other words, take that HORSESHIT to the MMA ring or octagon…I’d love to see Avery have his smug face beaten in by a skilled middleweight martial artist.
Too often, the JERKO Ruutus of the world cross over the line and their actions begin to diminish and degrade a game that has a well-defined honor code.
For example, do you ever see Eric Boulton cheapshot another player when he’s not looking? I’m sure he’s had his share of boarding calls where his overzealous aggression has gotten him into trouble, but more often than not, he only throws his gloves after making solid eye-contact or “engaging” another player according to the unwritten code.
I for one could never, ever, ever like or pull for a guy like Sean Avery or Jarko Ruutu. I’d be much more apt to booby trap their car in the parking lot of the Ice Forum than wish them well as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers.
By Smoothie
March 27, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Nikita — I feel you girl…didn’t realize you were a Penguins fan…are you a Pittsburgher? Great little town and the fans at the Igloo are awesome! Would love to go back to P’burgh for a weekend of sports and debauchery. I may need to venture northward in May to take in a Pirates game at PNC.
Indeed, it is hard to give up old allegiances for players you really like. I will be pulling hard for one Pascal Duuuupweeeee!!! Miss his yeoman work ethic and hard-charging attacks of the net. Of course, being a reformed Sabres fan, it was tough for me to see Drury leave for the Rangers. And to back up what I was saying, I can’t even bring myself to pull for Chris D as a Ranger becuz I hate them so much.
I really love Brian Campbell’s game so I’ll be pulling for the Sharks to come out of the west. I would love to see a Pens / Sharks Final or even the B’s or Habs for tradition’s sake.
By Bruce L
March 27, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Wear your Fire Waddell Shirts next Saturday, April 5
They can be purchased at
hFire Don Waddell
By Jarndyce
March 27, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Smoothie: I’m sure Paul Ranger and his broken jaw would argue with you about Boulton and cheap shots when players aren’t looking…
By Nikita
March 27, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Nope, I’m not a Pittsburgher, but I’m married to a Pennsylvanian who played college hockey and grew up on the Johnstown War Memorial ice and my old company (in Atlanta) was owned by PA migrants who actually wore Pens jerseys on game day. So I learned to love them pretty quickly. I follow all of the players from the end of the Lemieux/Jagr period — Robert Lang, Martin Straka, Alexei Kovalev, etc. I even think about poor ol’ Darius Kasparaitis on occasion. Martin Straka has been my favorite since about 1997 — I hate seeing him injured, and recognize his challenges, but really enjoy his skating style (fast, precise, fluid)and zenlike, no-drama, high-commitment, 2-way play. He’s a foundation guy, and my favorite. Can we sign him? I expect he’ll retire rather than play another year, but you never know.
Not sure why I never got to be equally interested in the Flyers, though.
By Alan
March 27, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
It’s one thing to be an enforcer (a la Brashear or Colton Orr) who fights honorably when it is needed, but a-holes like Avery, Ruutu, Simon etc need to find a different form of employment.
Do me a favor. Point out to men how many times Avery has been suspended compared to the likes of Ruutu and Simon.
My point simply was that this team needs grit and it needs agitators. If Avery is who we get in the offseason to fill that sort of role, then so be it.
By Bob
March 27, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
I’m adopting the Avs and the Wings
No, no no, you have to pick one or the other and stick with it, trust me on this one. That would be like cats and dogs living together. Obama picking Romney as his running mate. Hilary picking Rawhide as her campaign manager. Never the twain shall meet.
Wear your Fire Waddell Shirts next Saturday, April 5
Sweet, can you whittle me up a Fire Jar Jar Binks one?
By Bob
March 27, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
If Avery is who we get in the offseason to fill that sort of role, then so be it
I’d take Avery every day of the week, and twice on Sunday. He’s the master of getting guys off their game, look at what he does to Kovy.
By Nikita
March 27, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Discussing Avery more substantively…
In general, since the lockout agitators who can’t produce are a luxury. Avery’s #s aren’t ideal. He can produce, but usually doesn’t.
Also, Avery’s attitude cuts both ways. He was actually traded and has been fined because of it. He may or may not be someone we want in the locker room.
He’s neither a Ruutu nor a Brashear, though — Brashear’s a smart enforcer, and Ruutu is a punk who intentionally injures people. Avery is a hotheaded jackass whose primary weapon is his mouth.
By Brendan
March 27, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
I’d welcome Sean Avery to Atlanta with open arms!
By Alan
March 27, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Avery is a hotheaded jackass whose primary weapon is his mouth.
Exactly, and even that cuts both ways… as we’ve seen with the fines he’s been levied for running his mouth inappropriately.
Still, we don’t have anyone on this team that’s even half as annoying as Avery is. It would be an interesting change of pace for us.
By Sean Avery
March 27, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
People, wise up! I would NEVER come there and play under Don Waddell! I like to win; I don’t wanna be on a LOSER team every year! Sheesh!
By Rawhide
March 27, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
(Sigh)…And thus 1:05 pm post by “Sean Avery” sums up the #1 problem that faces our Thrashers today. We will have plenty of room under the cap to go out and sign players this summer… more than enough for a couple quality blueliners and and center.
But given the track record of this organ-I-zation and Don Waddell…who would want to come play here under the current scenario?
Let’s see, you are a top flight UFA defender. You can make $4 million a year here…or $4 million a year in, say, Montreal or New York or San Jose or Calgary.
Get the point?
This, IMHO, is reason #12-B why we HAVE to make a change in GM.
By five_hole
March 27, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Shanny isn’t good looking, either,except maybe for his age — I just like to watch him do his thing. - Nikita - In that case, I’d be like Brad Pitt to you.
Rawhide agree 100%; maybe more. This is why we overpaid to get mediocre FAs (White, Klee) the last few years. Fortunately, we do have the cap room to overpay to get a truely good player (B. Campbell). One or two type A players could make the difference.
Do I want Avery? Really, no. I’d rather go after a Michael Ryder. Avery comes with a lot of baggage. Yes, he gets under the opposition’s skin, but you also have to live with his penalties. And he doesn’t put up the offensive numbers I think we need.
By Bruce L
March 27, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Wear your Fire Waddell Shirts next Saturday, April 5 They can be purchased at Fire Don Waddell
By Smoothie
March 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
but really enjoy his skating style (fast, precise, fluid)and zenlike, no-drama, high-commitment, 2-way play
nikita — with elegant prose and fervent love of hockey like yours, your man is a very, very lucky guy!
I might be okay with brining in Straka as I’ve always liked his style too. Still don’t care for Avery no matter how effective some people think he is. If you ignore him, eventually he will be the one making the mistakes…like the turnover in the OT against Philly which led directly to the game-winner Tuesday night. I’ll pass thank you…it’s just a matter of time before he injures someone and gets his long, overdue suspension.
And at least Kovy beat his face till it was bloody with his gloves. And if I recall, Kovy was still pretty darn good (along with Holik & Co) on a team that played like fecal matter against the Ranjerks.
By Nikita
March 27, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Simmer down, five-Hole. I like to watch him do his thing on the ice. He’s incredibly talented.
And Smoothie, thanks. I guess the question is: who can we get to pester/enforce so Sean Avery doesn’t start looking like a good acquisition?
By Brendan
March 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Thrashers power ranked 30th by CBS.Sportsline.com
By Ciddly
March 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
A blast article from the past - 1999 - when Waddell was building the team - he considered Ted nolan and ron Low as coaches but didn’t choose them - he also said Stefan would be the #1 Center for the next ten years
By PJ
March 27, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Brendan, (right hand balled in fist placed over heart) I’m stunned! Please say that’s a typo. Why would you like to see Avery in Thrasher blue?
By Jameson
March 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Thrashersgirl - Isn’t adopting the Wings and Avs kinda like adopting the Yankees and Red Sox?
By Rawhide
March 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Ciddly - Fixed the link…thanks for providing it.
Verrrrrrrrry interesting!
By Trish
March 27, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
CANES all the way!!
I’m sorry to say that the Thrashers have p* poor ownership and the same can be said for their gm. My sister is a full season ticket holder in ATL and I in Raleigh. We discuss games almost every night. The Hurricanes, unlike the Thrashers, have made a commitment to hockey and it shows in the team and fans. I attended an event last Monday where one session was taught by none other than hall of famer Ron Francis and the second session was taught in the canes locker room by Asst Head Coach Kevin McCarthy. Until the Thrashers owners decide hockey is just as important as the Hawks, the Thrashers will always be on the outside looking in.
By Rawhide
March 27, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Trish - Your Canes have done well down the stretch…they certainly deserve the SE crown.
After Brind’Amour went down many of us thought they were doomed, especially after what Washington did at the trade deadline.
But they maned-up and the D has played great!
Have fun this spring with them!
By Brendan
March 27, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
PJ, Sean Avery is a pest! He’s a “menace” to good and decent society. In other words, I WANT him on MY team! :)
If, for no other reason, it’d be one less predator targeting our own Ilya Kovalchuk. Of course, Avery’s presence in our lockerroom would upset the delicate balance of apathy that surround this organ-I-zation. With Sean Avery around, Thrasher players might actually have to stick up for one another, between whistles. Why tinker with it?, when we’ve perfected having a “heartless” approach?
By Alan
March 27, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Well, the Thrashers pulled off a win in regulation against Florida tonight. But since a goal was scored by Florida with 2.6 seconds left in the 3rd period, I fully expect another stendec meltdown with him raving and ranting about how “Sori” (whoever he is) gave up “two softies” during the game, as well as how “Kovalchuk and the rest of the team needs to be sent to Chicago,” etc etc.