AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 02
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Hello Kids & Bye-Bye Moose?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A couple of quick shots, then I have to prepare for some days away in Florida due to the loss of the Divine Mrs. R’s grandfather, (97 and passed in his sleep…we should all be so lucky). I have a couple of blogs “in the can” for later in the week …a series post mortems in which look back at the season, discuss some key issues, and then we can bury this abysmal year once and for all.
And remember, next week we begin our post-season blogging!
Extended Pre-season
The past several games have seen some new faces in the line up. It has been, as I like to say, an extended pre-season before next fall.
Tuesday night saw rookie forward Jordan LaVallee notching his first NHL goal and helper in just his second game. Boris Valabik now has 6 games under his belt with the Thrashers and seems to look more comfortable each and every game. Certainly he looks very comfortable in the role of blueline enforcer, quite the good sign for possible things to come.
However, the true test comes with time … specifically how they continue to develop once they gain more playing time at this level. But, combined with what has been seen of Little, Enstrom, Stuart and what we saw of Sterling, as well as the recent additions of Armstrong and Christensen…the future looks somewhat promising.
Now, most will get some playoff seasoning back in Wolves uniforms.
So, how do the newbies look to you? (And I’m referring to their play on the ice, ladies).
Last Moose Sighting?
Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss to Florida might well be the last we see of Johan Hedberg in a Thrashers uniform, as he becomes an UFA this summer. However, there is a logical argument that can be made for inking him to a one-year deal, (if the money is right), in order to give another year to Ondrej Pavelec’s development.
I still haven’t made up my mind on this yet…I mean, is Opie better off playing 20 or so games in a back-up role here…or getting another season with 60-ish starts in Chicago? Then again, if he is deemed ready for the NHL, shouldn’t he be here competing for the starting gig next fall?
While we are on that subject, the same question goes for Mark Recchi. Certainly he has been a great asset since picking him up…at the least, a good value. But does a player who will turn 41 next season fit into a rebuilding plan? His veteran leadership would be a great thing to have in the locker room, no doubt, but which player would you keep in Chicago for him? Or, are their players to obtain via trade or free agency that can fit the bill better?
Honestly, I go back and forth on these questions…but I guess, when push comes to shove, I would say bring up Opie and pat Recchi on the back telling him “thanks”, but we are going to go a different direction.
The Thrashers are going to go through some serious changes this summer, (hopefully), so let’s go all the way with it.
Falling Stars & Embattled Senators
Looks like something you might read on the cover of the National Enquirer, eh? But I’m speaking of the two hockey teams.
I do not generally buy into in the concept of “backing in” to the playoffs. Points in the standing are a cumulative thing over the course of 82 games. If a team finished with enough to qualify for a run at the cup, then it really doesn’t matter how the last 2 weeks of the season played out.
That being said, I have to point out two teams that are not exactly going into the Stanley Cup Sweepstakes on an up note.
Dallas, who has at least guaranteed a spot out west, is 2-6-2 in their past 10 games and have watched the Sharks run away with the Pacific Division title. While they currently hold the number five spot in the conference, it is not outside the realm of possibility that they could fall as low as seventh.
Finishing in that spot would pit them against San Jose. An un-good situation for sure!
But Ottawa is in an even worse position. Once the frontrunners in the east, this team has fallen back to the 6th seed in the conference and could find themselves as low as 8th after tonight’s play. Not only that, but they could be out of the playoffs all together if they drop their last two games, at Toronto and vs. Boston, (Think about THAT for a second).
These are not teams the Senators want to be facing right now as the Leafs would just love screwing up their rival’s post-season aspirations and the Bruins are still fighting not just to get into the big dance but better their positioning as well. And both are playing well of late.
All in all…not the spot either the Stars or Sens want to be in. Of course, I’d love the Thrashers to be facing the same “dilemma” right now.
Now, behave yourselves while I’m away, kids…I’ll check in when I can.
