Ice Man

By J.B.

April 11, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

First.

I like Peter Laviolette alot and would certainly love to see him coaching in Atlanta. My only reservation is that Kovy wants McCrimmon. Any ownership with brains would take their #1 star’s recommendation.

By J.B.

April 11, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Here’s the link to the story in the Ottawa Sun, Rawhide:

http://ottsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Senators/2008/04/10/5242991-sun.html

By Brendan

April 11, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

My first thoughts are, “Heck yeah! Any coach who has won a Stanley Cup is A-okay with me.” Then I hear an annoying, “Psst, Brendan! Didn’t Bob Hartley have a Stanley Cup on his resume?” Good point.

But, overall, I like the idea of Peter Laviolette coming to Atlanta. He’d certainly have insight on how to defeat Carolina! And, I’m pretty sure he’d be an improvement over Don Waddell, “the Coach.” Though, I think Waddell is a better coach than GM. But let’s not quibble.

Thank you for the link, JB.

Rawhide, enjoy your hockey viewing this weekend. I cannot wait for Notre Dame vs. Boston College on Saturday, on ESPN2. Maybe the Pope will attend? “Pretend the water is champagne and fill my glass again and again.” (Copyright, Howard Jones, 1984, “Don’t Try to Live your Life in One Day). “2…4…6…8, time to ‘transubstantiate.’” (Copyright, Tom Lehrer, 1968)

I’m pulling for Notre Dame to win. I like the underdogs! Speaking of which, come on, Ottawa!! (Now there’s something I never thought I’d say!) I want two 1st round picks inside the top 20.

By Moose

April 11, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Al Strachan talked about this last weekend on HNIC stating Peter and Dandy Don have a good relationship due to Team USA. The conjecture is Laviolette will be gone if Rutherford is offered the Maple Leafs GM job. Hartley is also mentioned for the FL teams.

By Ben

April 11, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

As long as DW BUYS THE FOOD THE MEAL WILL SUCK. You could get Bowman and it would be bad.

By Sara

April 11, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I think Laviolette has a lot to recommend him, but also a major strike against him. I don’t always approve of how the Canes conduct themselves on the ice - this isn’t Olympic diving. I don’t want any coach here that promotes that kind of nonsense. Hartley often allowed this team to goon it up on occasion and I have no tolerance for unbecoming conduct. Leave that crap for TO.

BUT, I also think that kind of issue can be resolved by a GM stating from the get-go that the organization won’t tolerate unprofessional conduct. Other than that - Carolina has consistently been one of the hardest working teams in the league which is a mindset the Thrashers desperately need to adhere to. And it would be kind of fun to cherry-pick a coach right out from under a division rival.

As for the play-offs…I am LOVING that SJ-CAL series. And Pittsburgh-Ottawa is shaping up to be a great one as well - no love lost between those two that’s for sure. Obviously I’m following my Wings (who looked way too sloppy last night…most un-good) and I’ll be picking up the Caps series tonight - my new team in the east for the next couple of months. It should be some great hockey for the duration!

By Russian

April 11, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see Peter Lavioltte on the Thrasher beanch. But I do not think it is happend. I have nothing wrong with McCrimmon (Beast), but I still do not trust him. He had a team almost whole season, he ran practices and Thrasher did not go to PO. If Don Waddell will look a coach, he needs to rebuild Coaches team completely. Their Practice did not work for the team. I expect to see New Coach and his Assistants.

By Alan

April 11, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Laviolette might be the guy we can get to help straighten out this mess.

As for the “Kovalchuk wants McCrimmon” statement, tell me: What else is he supposed to say to the media? “Hell no, that McCrimmon guy is a j*******?”

By Red Berenson

April 11, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Don’s firt overall

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWpE_cqnuU

By J.B.

April 11, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Good point, Alan. I’ll concede to that one.

By Alan

April 11, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Red - I recall seeing that earlier this year. I’m not making a connection to what your point could possibly be, though.

By pw

April 11, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

I like Lavioltte. I think he is a good coach and maybe more of what The Thrash needs. A coach that can get a team working together and playing consistantly. The artcle sounded more like speculation to me. Not as postive as the Pat Quinn portin of the article. I have been afraid we would end up with Washington’s fired coach.

I don’t want a coach that feeds DW’s ego by constantly proving DW made the right decision. That is what happened to Niko K for example.

Kovy is adaptable and will do his best as he always does. Even though the guys like McCrimmon, he did not produce this year. I went to a couple of practices and the guys were disorganized and arguing. I did not see that at Hartly practices.

I’m pulling for Caps. I’ve like Alex from the first time I saw him at Phillips. Also, since the south does not deserve to have any hockey teams, I think it would be great to have our region get three cups in four season.

I am torn between wanting Hossa to beat Ottawa to the cup and the draft picks for Atlanta. GO Hnidy his first play off goal. Savard, Metro and Hnidy deserve their names on the cup for being smart enough to leave Atlanta.

Back to the coaching, AS and the mighty DW need to get it together and make the right choices for a change. Hossa leaving was bad enough. Bobby won’t be back. Most first and second line players will not even consider Atlanta at this point. If Kovy leaves, I will have a new team to support. He put out his wake up call.

By ranallo10

April 11, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Alan — I’d be willing to think that the players will grow to respect any coach, especially if that coach can lead them to greater successes. Kovalchuk didn’t appreciate Hartley’s style at first, but had glowing words for him upon his exit (once again, no surprise, he can’t say much else).

Kovalchuk and the other players will be fine with whomever comes in to coach, unless his name is Mike Keenan or Ken Hitchcock. If it’s those two they’ll be unhappy but the team would improve regardless.

As for Laviolette, I agree almost 100% with Sara’s take on it. I’d rather give someone new a shot at the job, but I think someone with a proven system would do nothing but benefit this club.

By Red Berenson

April 11, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Alan, That was DW’s first big pick. It seems symbolic of his overall success.

By Brian

April 11, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

If Laviolette is the choice, I wouldn’t complain. Hartley was run out of Colorado, Laviolette has an injury plagued team, that’s the difference between the 2 Stanley Cup coaches.

Brendan - Since my alma mater was already eliminated, I will naturally cheer for ‘ole Notre Dame. However, Rawhide has a different reason for pulling for the Irish. Many other hockey fans may follow suit.

By LAC

April 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Martin out as Florida coach.

Laviolette out…maybe at Carolina…

Strange how two teams who finished above us in the standings are seeking CHANGE to win…

And what do we have in Atlanta, more of that STUPID DUMB A$$ don waddell. But let us remember… Both Carolina and Florida have an OWNER who wants to win and will do what has to be done to win.

What do WE have ???? A group of IDIOTS, who know NOTHING about professional sports, a group of guys who LIE All the time and do not have ANY GUTS to win.

I am still waiting for an answer from Mr.Potty Mouth levenson to take me on for his spot against my 6 businesses… Where are you you F—— Liar ?

levenson you have the brains of a dead dog, you are a FAILURE in pro sports and the longer you and the other baby owners fail to act or grow up, we will be LOSERS… you let Hossa leave Kovy next ?

Why in the HELL are you people so STUPID ???????

don waddell is a failure, change MUST take place and BTW we are NOT moving in the right direction, everyone can see it you FOOL, why not you ?!!!!!!

By ranallo10

April 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

LAC — I take it the answer to my question is you agree, the owners are to blame too…

By Russ

April 11, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

John Anderson for coach.

As for the draft…see if Vancouver would bite on swapping their first pick (#10 overall) and Bieksa for the Thrashers #3 pick overall and Exelby.

By ranallo10

April 11, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Russ — Bieksa is an improvement upon Exelby, but is he worth the quality YOUNG defender that can be taken with that #3 pick? I’d say Edler is a more viable candidate for that sort of trade, as he’s much younger (5 years) and proving his value in the NHL.

But I wouldn’t do it, I’d rather the youthful potential than a 3rd rounder from 2004 that could be a product of a defensive system. I’d hope for someone of greater immediate impact or a larger ceiling than either player mentioned, so thus wouldn’t trade that #3 pick even to drop only 7 positions.

That being said, I wouldn’t mind acquiring Erik Johnson and the 4 pick from St. Louis for that number 3 pick and almost any prospect from Atlanta (including Pavelec). Johnson’s a beast, and a young defender (Pietrangelo) could still be drafted.

I’m 99.9% sure St. Louis would decline, and I’d bet they might even include some variation of “are you F-ing crazy?”.

By Tony C.

April 11, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Wow.

I can actually see this rumor having legs-especially given DW and Laviolette’s TeamUSA relationship.

But the name I saw that I’d most hope for is Pat Burns. The guy’s not very flashy but he has been behind the bench for some pretty successful clubs in Toronto, Boston and Jersey.

Some people might say “yeah but look at the names Burns had to work with: Gilmour, Borque, Elias, Potvin, Neidermayer, Murray, Brodeur”… Ok I’ll give you the defenders we don’t have anyone near the class of a Borque or a Rafalski, but we have good players. I really do believe that after Christensen gets healed and hits a cycle or two this summer (oh c’mon don’t act like it doesn’t happen) he’ll be even better than his numbers to date would show-I liked his vision and obviously his work in the circle is in the top 10% of the league. Slava had an off-year, I think we’ll see more production from him next season. Perrin, love him-absolutely spot-on that he won The Snyder. Armstrong is obviously potentially the “heart” of the machine. Havelid is solid, and I look for Enstrom to be even better next year as the last month of the season he seemed less “shy” about shooting that great slapper he has from the point. Big Boris has a lot of room to grow, but I think we’d all agree that his time with the big club was a pleasant surprise given all the negative press we’d heard about him. KL is obviously possessed of above-average to freakishly-good talent-Burns’ work with Felix Potvin shopws that he actually does know how to help prepare his netminders (diametrically opposed to hiBob) for success. Burns’ was noted for allowing his best O-fensive a lot of creative license, but Pat Burns’ clubs were generally one of the top defensive clubs-but he rarely uses the trap. While certainly players chafed under Hartley (another noted disciplinarian), I think it was due to the mind-game aspect of hiBob’s style moreso than his “strictness” (we all saw how some rules only applied to certain players). Burns is a hard guy to be sure, I mean he was a cop before he started coaching, but I think he’d do well here.

A quick-and-dirty bio here.

GO BLUE !!!

By ranallo10

April 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Russ — Looking at Vancouver’s roster, I’d take any of their better three 25+ defenders (Bieksa, Mitchell, Ohlund) for Exelby and the second 1st round pick.

I admittedly don’t know how deep this particular draft is, so unless the second Staal is on the boards still, or a potential high profile player who dropped lower than expected (like Esposito or Cherepanov of the 2007 Draft), I wouldn’t mind seeing that pick moved for a sub 31-year-old defender with a proven track record.

Ohlund would be my preference due to his role on the PP…plus you can never have too many Swedes on defense.

By Thrasher Ryan

April 11, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Whoever the Coach/GM will be, I’d like to see the ASG do what Nashville has done. Everybody is on 1 year deals only, including Coach and GM, all the way down to the Trainers, with the Players being the only exception.

This way, everybody is held accountable for their performances, as they are reviewed annually.

This is something that is clearly lacking with the Thrashers, Accountability.

I will second Russ on this one. I prefer John Anderson over Laviolette. Doesn’t it make more sense to have Anderson control the infamous “Youth Movement”? He is a bit more familiar with our young guys… More so than a guy who’s been in Carolina the last several years. Just sayin’.

Who else is going to Nashville to watch the Dead Wings? Sorry Detroit fans, I had to stick that one in there! My picks were Calgary (of course!) and Nashville in the West and Boston and Washington in the East. I did not do the brackets; I am just trying to pick 1st Round winners for right now.

GO FLAMES!!!

By Bill

April 11, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

two words….John Paddock

By ThrashDawg

April 11, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

LAC You seem to be the pillar of virtue yourself. It kind of seems like calling Levenson a potty mouth is kind of like the pot calling the kettle black.

By Wilson26

April 11, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Laviolette and DW are close friends, if he ends up getting the can in Carolina I would not be surprised at all to see him land in Atlanta. I would be all-for this, especially after seeing the kind of play he can get out of players that are actually quite marginal (Jeff O’Neil, Bates Battaglia come to mind immediately). And during his tenure as Carolina’s coach I haven’t seen a single season they haven’t had at least a top-half of the league Power Play. Laviolette all the way.

By Brian

April 11, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

What I find bizarre in this whole Laviolette rumor is that for the entire season the only possible mention of a full time head coach was McCrimmon, who was already a coach. So it’s not like it was a big newsbreak to throw his name out there. Now, a day after the playoffs began, there is already an outside candidate lined up to take over? It’s almost as if this was the plan all along…

By Sage of Bluesland

April 11, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Laviolette to coach our pitiful team? The real question is how long it will take before our bumbling Donny makes him out to be the scapegoat and fires him?

I don’t know about ya’ll, but I’m really looking forward to Donny’s next “Five [Ten]-Year Plan”…Maybe this next decade under his stewardship we’ll actually win a playoff game?

There’s your incremental “progress”…Such sheep! (Do know that I laugh at all the hopeful ‘optomism’ that you so bewieve in!)

By Nikita

April 11, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Sage, you better come up with something that isn’t a cut and paste of your earlier comments. Otherwise I’m all set to discuss the relative merits of players’ posteriors with PJ and Nix and Midtown Melvin. Seriously, it’s like a broken record…

I like the Laviolette idea. Actually, I like any prospective employee as long as it’s a reasonably respected and successful coach.

By Brian

April 11, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

You guys should make up bingo cards with Sage phrases and play bingo. Instead of using 75 numbers, just come up with words or phrases like 5 year plan, bumbling Donny, Coburn/Phaneuf, sheep, and then evertime he says one of them, you mark it off on your board. You can use miniature hockey pucks instead of bingo chips. Whoever gets a row first gets to go to a game with Buzzilla. Once the season starts up you can use other versions, such as one with phrases like letemin, soft goal, well, you get the idea…

By Midtown Melvin

April 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Nikita - Oh yes, girlfriend!

That Garnet Exelby….mmm, MMM, MMM… he sure does look good skating away, doesn’t he?

By ranallo10

April 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Laviolette to coach our pitiful team?

I’m sorry Sage, but when did this team become “our” team?? When did you start supporting them? When did you last wish them well, or hope they’d do anything other than fail?

You’ve NEVER posted anything beyond criticism for this team, yet you presume to say it’s “our” team? B*** and moaning doesn’t give you the right to claim a team, nor does it give you the right to presume you’re anything like us who actually care about the team, win or lose.

I ask of you again, when was the last time you paid to attend an Atlanta Thrashers game at Philips Arena (you know, “our” team at “our” arena)?

Nikita — Talk about what you want, it’s a hockey blog. Keep it hockey related and I don’t give a damn, so long as it’s new or constructive. If you and Melvin want to discuss deriere’s, that’s fine, I’ll begin discussing my favorite Ice Girls and their assets.

Brian — I already have Bingo!! Well, unless it’s cheating to start with the newest Rawhide and Custance blogs. You need to refine these rules a bit. Make it a drinking game and we’ll have some rather sloshed bloggers.

By Nikita

April 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

ranallo, what makes you think I wouldn’t appreciate their assets, as well? Hmmm? Hell, one of them is photographed on the Ice Girls page in nothing but a scarf. Rrrowr. Now, if we can get a couple of the players to do similar photo shoots…

And if we played a drinking game that went something like “chug every time a poster repeats the same statement, that wasn’t true or funny the first time and isn’t true or funny now,” we’d be plastered within 20 minutes.

By Tom

April 11, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Damn gone for a week and Waddell has not been fired. Dag blam it

By Tomas Catar

April 11, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Guys, please. Leviolette would be the best think that would happend to Thrashers. Thrashers need a discipline and a strong leader. From what I have seen, this guy has it all.

By HookyBob

April 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Laviolette,…from what I’ve seen on Sports South pre and post game hockey show seems like a good guy (I’m a sucker for feel good hockey bios though). I wonder if he coached Carolina to the cup because of a great young goalie (among other things), or if he influenced that goalie to be great. Also, Sara’s comment raises a red flag. To some extent I fear whoever the new coach is,…is merely “rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic” as long as DW remains GM. Talk about tieing a coach’s hands.

I, like Bill, have been wondering about John Paddock, I think he should be given a good look.

Bloggers have been noting how difficult it may be to attack a good free agent to Atlanta. I wonder if similar reasoning applies to coaching here?

Sage, I think a respected, successful coach will go a long ways to helping us recruit free agents. Sorry Brad. Sorry John.

Brian, with your link (and an untimely loss) I’ve gone from being a ND fan to being a ND fan (read that as from Fighting Sioux to Fighting Irish).

How about AO and Mike Green tonight? Have I died and gone to heaven? Six hours of play-off hockey (largely w unbiased announcers) every night for the next 10 days. Those of you who remember BFS (Braves fatigue syndrom) from the 1991 World Series will know what I am going through. And we have almost 2 months to go.

Life is good.

By Fred

April 11, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

What a sad state of affairs that we are clinging to a “rumor” about a coach who “could end up” here. It was one line at the end of another story from a newspaper 2000+ miles away from here! The guy was probably drunk when he wrote it and couldn’t think of anything else to write!

By NASCAR Dave

April 12, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

RED BERENSON THANKS! I needed the laugh! Me and my girl are bored in our hotel room in Phoenix, and we have played that over and over again, laughing our a*******es off!

How naive are some of you silly fools? Why the hell would he come here? Laviolette. The Canes haven’t even fired him yet. What a stupid “rumour.” Any stupid journalist could create that one… it’s Don FRAUDell a.k.a. DONE Waddell’s USA Hockey buddy. That’s an “easy” first guess. I seriously doubt he would even want to come here!

Until the Thrashers FIRE the IDIOT GM running the show here, NO damn NHL coach WILL EVER have ANY success here. No matter who they are! They are competing in the NHL with an AHL Roster!!! This guy has now finished his 9th year here. We are back where we started in Year 2. In Year 2 we took HEATLEY. 2nd pick. In Year 9 we pick 3rd. How is this Progress??? IT IS NOT!!! Any other job, you would be fired by now for FAILING AT YOUR JOB!

There are plenty of Qualified GM Candidates out there right now. The Atlanta Spirit needs to man up and get rid of this clown. He’s holding our franchise down.

It’s well beyond time to hold him accountable for his Complete Failures at Drafting and Signing Free Agents alone. That track record in itself is absolutely pitiful!

You people need to accept the fact that Kovy’s walkin out of here ASAP. He said what the problems are. It’s the same problem every year. Don FRAUDell fails to “have the right people on the roster.”

How is it fair to allow DWAD to control our 2ND “Rebuilding” Process? IT IS NOT!!! He had his chance. He blew it! He comes up with the buffoonish excuses, and you NAIVE fools BELIEVE it! It’s Mind Boggling!

Don’t get NASCAR Dave wrong… I LOVE MY THRASHERS. Kovy is my favorite player. I want what’s best for our team in the long run. I just cannot take another year of this Incompetence at his job by Don FRAUDell. Enough is enough! This guy is A FRAUD!!!

The LOGICAL choice for Coach is ANDERSON… But we know the ASG can’t use logic… YET. We’ll see if they’re MAN ENOUGH to hold people accountable for their actions (or inactions).

The PIT pick is crap. They’re goin far this year. Glad to Hossa and Dupuis thriving on a team that understands “Progress”. Hopefully someday when Kovy gets out of here he can team up with them on a Cup Winning team, not Sliding into Obscurity STUCK with Don FRAUDell’s TRASHERS, and his “Collection” of 5 Year Plans.

End the Incompetence. Cut this Clown Loose. What a pitiful existence Don’s run this team into.

It’s time to face the facts. Cut ALL UFA’s LOOSE!!! None of those LOSERS are worth bringing back, AT ANY PRICE!!!

NUFF SAID.

By ranallo10

April 12, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this

I just got Bingo AGAIN!

By LAC

April 12, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this

No thrashdog, there IS a difference between winning and losing, you may not be aware of that.

People who want to win in professional sports, no matter the game, will give a GM or coach so much rope to be a sucess or failure, when the latter occurs, changes are made.

You seem to be accepting losing and the status quo… Which in professional sports does not work.

The problem here is we have bad ownership period, guys who really have no business running a professional sports franchise. They, I believe, are more interested in owning the teams than trying to win.

We have no farm system for the Thrashers, we loan players to Chicago through a working agreement, where we have zero control over their development. 99% of the other NHL teams do have their own AHL teams… We do not.

We have a GM, who has been here from the start, and frankly has not preformed to an acceptable level. His preformance warrants his dismissal, however we have weak owners who are afraid to make the proper changes to be winners.

I believe they are afraid of how they might look for firing the GM, or they do not understand pro sports and really do not know what to do and have trusted the team to a man who is simply not up to the job.

I can look at it in a very rational way, also the FIRE waddell way, but your nailing me for my thoughts, like others, is simply because from what I see, you do not want to win and are happy the season ends in early April every year, I am not, I want to see the Thrashers win and it makes me damn mad that the people who control the team refuse to do what is best for the team and the fans… after all thrasherdog… don’t we deserve the best for our team or is losing acceptable to you and rannallo, it is ashame, I know NASCAR DAVE, Sage and others agree, maybe you should too !

By Sage of Bluesland

April 12, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

How do you think Kovy feels right now, after (I would bet) watching Ovechkin score the dramatic game-winner last night in his very first playoff game???

Deep down, you know the truth…Now, whether you are willing to admit it is another matter. Listen to Sage again and remember that Pride is truly one of the most damaging sins out there…

But I digress.

Apparently, if you’re not blustering about Kari’s new mask, Exelby’s derriere, or that we’re ‘really, really only a couple of players from winning the Cup!’, you’re not worthy of being a fan of this team. How infantile.

Oh well, I’ll be sure to remind you—once the crash occurs again—that this has been foreseen by those given very little credit…

Some threaten to stomp away once Kovy leaves—that being the final straw. Well, get ready to stomp, then. Ovechkin has already done something that Kovy will never do in a Thrashers uniform: Win a playoff game (under the assorted “Plans” and “guarantees” of Don Waddell).

I’ll still be here telling all that will listen that it could have been avoided. When will you listen?

By 12345

April 12, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Hey folks… We have not lost for a week now…

Would you say “We are moving in the right direction yet ?”

I think a few here would !

By Jim

April 12, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

Rutherford and Laviolette certainly kept the Canes competitive despite an inordinate number of injuries. Laviolette’s wing to wing style of attack is fun to watch and would certainly be a welcome change to our dump and chase style. Someone posted a comment that if DW coninues to cook the meal, the food will be bad. Amen. We need a new GM as much as we need a new coach.

By ThrashDawg

April 12, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

LAC I really do not know how my observation of you calling Levenson a potty mouth at the same time you manage to use several four letter words in your rant, merits an 8 paragraph response about me being a person that likes to lose?

By Rawhide

April 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

WOW!! - Last night’s games…all four…were great to watch!!! All of them, in essence, one-goal affairs, (discounting the empty netter).

AO’s solo effort to net a game winner…

Two games, to OTs in the Minnesota/Colorado matchup…

Ottawa might just have let their chance slip by after a great come-ack try…

NJ/NYR looking like the defensive battle that was promised, (only the Rangers are out “D”-ing the Devils)…

My right thumb is in an ice pack right now!!! Can’t wait for today’s action to start!!!

By Russ

April 12, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Ranallo - I thought my trade suggestion was viable for both teams. I like Bieksa a lot, but maybe I am over-valuing him. I think he is a legitimate #2 defensman for most teams and would probably be the Thrashers best d-man upon arrival. Granted the Thrashers trading down seven spots would probably lose the chance at the star-quality player, but at #10 in a supposedly deep draft, they should still get a player that will contribute at the NHL level (my opinion of DW not withstanding). Vancouver has a good and deep blueline, and have been weak offensively for years. I would think with the third pick they might take a chance on the young Russian (too lazy to look up his name) that is moving up the draft charts, plus it would free up even more cap room for the Canucks to go after some of the top forwards in free agency. The other thing I like from a Thrasher standpoint is Bieksa is still in his prime (I believe 26 or 27 years old). Admittedly, I have lost patience, and a move like this might look bad if the #3 pick develops into a superstar, but there have been plenty of flops in the top 3 over the years as well. I want immediate dividends from a young, established player like Bieksa rather than waiting 2-3 years watching a young d-man develop, even if their ceiling might be higher. I think the #1 goal of the offseason should be to come up with 2 new top four defensemen to go along with Havelid and Exelby…and they need to be legitimate top four, not someone mis-cast in the role ala Todd White as a #1 center. If someone from this years roster is still in the top four d-men next season, I won’t expect the results from this season to change too much.

By Alan

April 12, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

ThrashDawg - It’s called faux outrage. And just because you and many others have called him on it doesn’t mean he’ll stop. No - he will continue. But he and his ilk will disappear when the Thrashers win games.

Here’s to hoping the team assembles some nice, lengthy win streaks next season, because I’m sick and tired of seeing the mindless drivel.

By Russ

April 12, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Sorry, I meant 2 new d-men to go along with Havelid and Enstrom, not Exelby in my previous post. After the season he had, Exelby might not be in the Thrashers top 40 on the depth chart, let alone top 4.

By NASCAR Dave

April 12, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I know it must be difficult to digest the fact that people with names like NASCAR Dave and Sage of Bluesland are right, and that you are wrong. You shouldn’t do that… Let pride get in the way of logic. We are trying to enlighten you, to make you “see the light.” One day you will thank us. So mark your calendars friends. In exactly 1 year from now, we will be right here - missing the Playoffs again.

Sage, Myself, and Others will be right there too… telling you fools “We told you so!”

NUFF SAID.

By JB

April 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Nascar Dave, your trying to enlighten us?|!?!?!?!?! I think I’ve become dumber reading you, Sage and LAC’s mindless drivel over the past year or so. Be a man and admit when your wrong; enough with this constant bash DW BS and enough with calling the Thrash our team Sage; since when did the Thrashers become your team at all? All you have done is bash this team here and on the Thrashers message boards and I’ve about had it.

I hope DW hires Peter Laviolette and when he does I hope that we win as many games as possible and rack up as much points as possible and all of you naysayers and haters are setting in momma’s basement trying to figure out something negative to type on your keyboards.

Enough is enough, let the man do his job, let the team develop and be real fans; win or lose or grow up and go figure skating. Either way, if I don’t read another negative post out of you three stooges I and everyone else reading this will be better off.

By Alan

April 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Dave - I see no logic in drivel. Sorry. What I see is emotion. Simple as that — emotion. It serves no purpose, though. There’s nothing of substance there. There’s just b*** and b*** and even more b***, but that’s it. B***, whining, p** moaning and complaining is all I see. I haven’t seen one proactive thing from the people you’ve assembled with all year.

I’m no Waddell fan, but I will laugh if he’s here next year and we go farther in the playoffs. I would love to see him replaced as GM, but this whiny crap has got to stop. So you and the rest of you have assembled in solidarity and resolved to not buy tickets? Great. Awesome, even. I’m buying tickets next year, and for as long as I’m in Atlanta, I will buy tickets to see Thrashers hockey. And when I move, I will go to the closest market, and buy tickets to see Atlanta (and Detroit… cough, cough) play in that market. I’m buying tickets next year in the hopes that I can get more people to embrace the sport. Of the three games I’ve been to this past season, I created four new fans. They all saw problems with Atlanta’s game, but they were also rewarded with the excitement of being at a hockey game in Philips. And I hope to do more of this in the coming years.

The point is, you and your fans have your beliefs, and the rest of us have ours. By repeately POSTING IN ALL CAPS AND BOLD LETTERING, you are not convincing us. And even if you started typing like a normal adult, you still won’t convince many of us.

You all have your philosophy, and we have ours. Face the facts: You’re not changing how we spend our money. Your boycott is our gain.

“‘Nuff said.”

By bob (other)

April 12, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

JB, Very well said. The “Three Numbskulls” act like emotional children. None of which own the team. I for one am a STH ,have been one since the start and over that time have invested over 6 figures. Every STH sitting around me has renewed. ASG is made up of successful business people and that’s just it, it is a business. 4 teams in our conference made the playoffs last year and not thsi one, I guess the “numbskulls” must take a short term view with them as well.

I could not agree more with your comments.

By Brendan

April 12, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

In mere moments, the NCAA Men’s Division I National Championship game will begin between Notre Dame and Boston College. It will be televised on ESPN.

If you’re not watching this … you need a good excuse. Like, you’re dead or in jail. And if you’re in jail, break out.

By ranallo10

April 12, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

So you’ll pass on my question again Sage? Figured so…you’re continuing to show that you’re all talk.

Alan — I’ve given up on the fact that no matter what levels of agreement we might actually have with NASCARSage, it doesn’t matter to them unless we type in all caps about how much we despise the GM and the ownership.

LAC — I’m sorry, I never claimed I was content with losing, did I? I think every single person who watched a Thrashers game this season understand the problems this team faces…and all of us are united by the fact that we want improvement. Don’t assume anybody is happy with seeing the Thrashers hold a lottery pick…the happiest people I’ve seen have been NASCARSage and you because you can now say “told you so”.

It makes me wonder what you’re actually hoping for…being correct, or the Thrashers succeeding?

I’m fine with being wrong, so long as the Thrashers succeed.

By Sage of Bluesland

April 12, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Awww, wittle JB is in a tizzy this evening…how cute!

Yeah, win as many games as possible and rack up as many points as possible…Sheer brilliance there, big guy! I just don’t know what we’d do without this type of insight you bring to the table…

My hopes have been simple since draft-day 2002: Don Waddell must go. I knew it then—and it has been confirmed time and again now. Eight years of evidence isn’t enough for some.

Facts versus emotion. Hmmmm.

I will admit that, emotionally, I’m just a bit sad that all of this wonderful playoff hockey is going on and the Thrashers are sitting (note the correct spelling JB) at home. I’m also mad that Donny is still at the helm of his pathetic creation.

Oh well, here’s to Year Nine of Donny’s “Five-Year Plan”…Let’s hope that it’s better than the other eight…

(Just so you know, I can barely keep a straight face!)

By Brian

April 12, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Sage just said five-year plan, I got BINGO!!!. Thankfully too, if I didn’t get it this way I had to get a diaganol if he said Patrick Stefan/#1 pick…

By Rawhide

April 12, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hey! I’m trying to watch hockey over here and a BINGO game breaks out??!!

Don’t make me get involved with this, gentlemen…..PLAY NICE!

By ranallo10

April 12, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

The kicking rule is retarded, that should’ve been a goal.

ND 1 - BC 3, should be 2-3.

By ranallo10

April 12, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

35 seconds later, BC scores. Ridiculous.

By JB

April 12, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Ummmmmmm earth to Sage; if the only argument that you can come up with is the fact that I used “setting” in the wrong pretense then you have major debating issues. Thats the problem with all three of ya; your viamently debate your own points but when someone like myself or Thrashdawg or anyone else makes a counter point well God-forbid the earth just stood still, crops stopped growing and I’m pretty sure NY lost power because water stopped flowing over Niagra Falls.

If you can’t make an educated argument and understand, take in and subjectively view other peoples points don’t bother posting anymore and stop wasting everyone’s time; its pointless if no one can have an educated conversation with you.

By ranallo10

April 12, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

your viamently debate your own points

JB — Do you mean retyping the “points” with italics, emboldened, or by using someone’s name with the word “sheep” attached? If that’s what you mean, then yes, they vehemently debate their points.

its pointless if no one can have an educated conversation with you

Very true…try the tried-and-true method of simply skipping over specific posts once you read the name of the poster. It shaves off about 5 minutes of reading, and 4 potential hemorrhages from changing between bold face and all caps fonts while reading.

By JB

April 12, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, thats priceless. Well put my friend, well put. Does these blogs have an ignore feature like the message boards do?

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ranallo10

April 12, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Brian — I had bingo HOURS AGO, re-read the posts. But since I’ll be out of the country you can attend the next game with Buzilla. Be sure to pretend the “cuban zirconia” is real though, Future Mrs. Buzilla doesn’t know it’s a Cracker Jack prize.

By 12345

April 12, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Gotta chime in on this.

I read the posts and while it does get a little off the wall, I have to agree with Sage NascarDave and LAC. They are correct in calling Waddell and the owners out for their failure to act in a positive manner.

Then there are guys like ThrasherDawg Ranallo and this other bob, who really do not have any passion for the team, only complain about other bloggers and offer no fresh ideas.

I akin them to not wanting to win simple as that.

Since the other bob, is so front and center on how great the team and Waddell are, answer me this… Why in 10 seasons now are we not one bit better than we were a couple years after expansion. Please show me the inprovment. Tampa came in in 1993, won the CUP in year 10 if I am not mistaken. That is progress, what do we have ? A rovolving door of star players leaving to play elsewhere because they know good and well Atlanta is not going to what it takes to win.

If either of you three I mentioned at the start, can show me the improvement, please do, we all want to see, all I see from you three is a losing attitude and trying to bash others for telling it like it is.

As long as we have Waddell we are not going to be one bit good, and that is just what thrasherdawg renallo and that other bob want, Sage NascarDave LAC want to win, as do I, so you other guys need to wake up or go follow some other sport, because your arguements are weak as week old dishwater.

By 12345

April 12, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Also forgot to add JB into the mix, he of bashing, not winning !

By ranallo10

April 13, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

12345 — Apparently you didn’t read any of the posts beyond the people you agree with, and the last four posts. Feel free to scroll farther up to find a few posts of my own where I discuss hockey. Then feel free to read the many complaints people have about the people you just defended. As most say, the DW bashing has run it’s course, move on and contribute to the discussion.

While you’re doing your research, feel free to jump over to any of the other blogs under Rawhide or Custance. You’ll find some of the people you just called out have done the exact opposite of what you feel they are doing…supporting s** hockey.

I don’t feel this organization is “heading in the right direction”. I don’t feel Waddell has done ENOUGH to warrant his continued employment. However, I don’t type this with every post, so I guess you must have missed those opinions of my own.

But if it’s too much to ask of you (reading, comprehending others’ opinions, etc), then feel free to come to your erroneous assumptions about those you singled out and the types of Thrashers fans we truly are.

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

For the continued education of the silly little sheep (well, big-bad Brian this time), I have NEVER complained of the drafting of Patrik Stefan with the first overall pick in 1999—the inaugural pick of the franchise.

As opposed to many of these alleged “fans” (many who actually think that the 2002 draft couldn’t have possibly netted us Rick Nash, who I wanted over the teen-aged years-from-contributing super-risky Kari Lehtonen; Don’t embarrass yourself by ignorantly proclaiming that Nash went 1st overall so we couldn’t have had him—do some simple research or I will expose you for the buffoonish “fan” that you are), I recall the situation very, very clearly: there was NO superstar and the draft was very weak. The Sedin twins insisted on playing together, so that wasn’t a real option. Stefan, outside of his not-too-secret concussion issues, was deemed the most ready player to contribute immediately.

I understood that—and he was also ‘eye-candy’ of a sort and would make a nice poster-boy for the franchise which needed someone to build around. That draft was loaded with busts. It was an extremely weak one from the start.

Funny, though, the draft’s later rounds have ‘never’ produced a whole lot for the parent club…Now, I wonder why that is???

Any “fan” care to enlighten me on that mystery? I have a ‘sheepish’ grin on my face—and an inkling on what the answer to that great mystery is…

Yes, 12345, some here actually want the Thrashers to WIN and be respected, as opposed to continuous league laughingstock. Others are more interested in other agendas—which are so obvious it’s not even funny anymore…

Still others don’t like to hear the absolute truth—one that was told them YEARS ago and still stares them in the face…yet they choose to be lemmings and bewieve all that the organization (shepherd) feeds them…

It’s really quite humorous!

By Tony C.

April 13, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this

I love watching Anaheim lose.

Seriously, looks like they’re going to get called on all those elbows and they didn’t hear whistles on last year.

Also, think the refs are given the mandate “listen, boys at least ONE of our teams has to make it to the Conference finals.” Just watch the type and timing of calls for and against MTL and CGY next game….tell me if you see it or am I just biased?

By JB

April 13, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Sage, I know you just didn’t say we should have gotten Rick Nash in ‘02. How oh smart one would you have proposed we do this, the Florida Panthers had the first overall pick and they traded to Columbus. There is no way Nash was dropping below number one, and there is NO WAY we would have traded Florida; absolutely impossible.

Oh and another thing, 12345 or whatever your name is. I guess that from now on anyone who posts a positive, logical argument to people like yourself we automatically want the team to lose. Do you actually know what a true fan is? I’m absolutely not okay with losing, and I’m not okay with missing the playoffs but thats what happened. We have 28 million under the cap this summer and DW has already said that we are spending it; and are spending it on two top defenseman that will help this team.

Of course I’m probably going to get thrown under the bus for this because I used “facts” in my argument.

By JB

April 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

…….and to make an argument against Sage saying we haven’t had any luck with drafting in later rounds:

Toby Enstrom: 8th Round Choice in 2003 Garnet Exelby: 8th Round Choice in 1999 Darren Haydar: 9th Round Choice in 1999 Brett Sterling: 5th Round Choice in 2003 Colin Stuart: 5th Round Choice in 2001 Spencer Machacek(will have a great shot to make the team out of training camp next year): 3rd Round Choice in 2007

Those are just some of them; so enough with that argument too. Those guys are either on our team or are gonna be on our team next year.

The later rounds in a draft is all about luck of the draw and we’ve had some good luck, of course not all have worked out; but the majority have(see Enstrom and X).

By The Other Bob

April 13, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Hey 12345, please do NOT confuse me with Bob (other)….I, for one, want DW gone and gone NOW!!! Besides, I do NOT work in the ASG office reporting directly to Waddell, so there is a good way to tell us apart.

For that matter, please do not confuse me either with HookyBob, ThrasherBob, BOB, bOb, bOB, JimBob, JoeBob, or any of the other variation of the name “Bob”.

Thank you…

By JB

April 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

For those of you questioning the 28 million we have in cap space; here is a complete breakdown:

Freed Up Space: Marian Hossa: $7,000,000 Bobby Holik: $4,250,000 Steve Rucchin: $2,400,000 Johan Hedberg: $1,150,000 Mark Recchi: $1,000,000 Pascal Dupuis: $880,000 Steve McCarthy: $725,000 Joel Kwiatkowski: $600,000 Mark Popovic: $535,000 Eric Boulton: $525,000 Jason Krog: $500,000 Darren Haydar: $475,000 Kevin Doell: $475,000

Total: $19,365,000

+

$7,200,000 under the cap

+

$3,000,000 Cap Increase of 08/09

TOTAL OF: $29,565,000

By Rawhide

April 13, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Other Bob - Ya know, I was considering changing my handle to RawhideBob…but maybe I should reconsider?

JB - Good numbers…the only variation I would consider there is to factor in Armstrong and Christensen’s salary since they fill part of the “cap void” in Hossa’a wake.

Plus, I am not so sure the team wants to give up on Krog…winner of the AHL MVP and leading that league in points and assists. Those helpers could come in handy next year, we sorely lacked them this past season.

Other than that…yes we’re gonna have a lot of money to throw around this summer.

The question is, can DW use it to attract the blueliners and #1 center we so desperatly need?

Not trying to seem negative…but looking at the way he addressed these issues last summer, and in season’s past… I’m very, VERY skeptical this is going to happen.

However, raising my cup of morning nectar, here’s to the hope that I’m dead wrong!

By HookyBob

April 13, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Rawhide I also wonder if DW can pick, and attract, a good coach.

By ThrashDawg

April 13, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Well, I guess since my name is being used in vain on several of these posts I should respond, hence risking being called a sheep. I do enjoy reading this blog, especially when someone posts an enlightening thought provoking post. I just do not enjoy the personal attacks that are made by certain individuals on this board. It just seems to me that a person can make their arguements about Waddell, the players or the ASG without attacking them personally. I think all of the attackers should understand this considering they seem to take it quite personnaly when they are questioned about what they write. I find it strange they would not feel the same way if they were the victims of such name calling.

By Rawhide

April 13, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

HookieBob - That will be job #1, won’t it?

Anderson?

Laviollette?

Paddock?

Quinn?

There are some options out there….

By JB

April 13, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, if Laviolette is available he is the coach here without a doubt. He has a long standing personal and business relationship with PL and DW knows how he coaches from his time with US Hockey.

If John Anderson was going to be named the head coach he would have been already(see Bruce Boudreau in Washington); the Caps have the same situation as we do with our AHL teams yet Ted Leonsis hired Boudreau and they turned it around; if DW really wanted John Anderson he would be our coach right now.

The jury is out on John Paddock in my opinion though; if a coach can lose a locker-room like he did with as many talented players there like Alfie, Heater and Spezza how can we expect him to not lose our locker-room like Hartley did?

By Rawhide

April 13, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

JB - I completely agree with you regarding Laviolette. If he leaves Carolina today, he would be named coach in Atlanta tomorrow…and I would support that.

John Anderson…that one is a bit of a head-scratcher. It was clear last October he was interested in the job and the Wolves’ GM and owner all but begged DW to give him a chance. However, I still think he is in the running for the job here but will have to wait for the playoffs to be done with before taking the coaching position here. Problem for him is that by that time…if Laviolette becomes available…it may be too late for him.

John Paddock…to me he is another good option to be considered. I guess I do not buy into the the “lose a locker-room” stuff. (Maybe that’s because I don’t believe in letting the inmates run the assylum).

The man is one year removed from guiding those guys from the Stanley Cup Finals…he was 36-22-6 when he was fired and his overall record with them speaks for it’s self.

The reason Ottawa pushed the panic button at the end of February was because, after starting out 15-2, the team went 21-20-6 and were in the midst of a slump.

But look at their record post-firing…7-9-2, added to taht 0-2 so far in the playoffs. They dropped from the #1 seed in the east to #7 and were a game or so from not making the playoffs at all.

Paddock doesn’t seem to have been the problem. And, like BH here, simply was the scapegoat for poor play and branded with the “losing the lock-room” tag that seems to be the catch-phrase when firing a coach.

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

JB—Too bad you didn’t do your research properly…Yes, Florida had the 1st overall pick—but they coveted defenseman Bouwmeester. Columbus coveted Nash, but was sitting at 3rd.

So, Florida induced us (sitting at 2nd) to NOT take Bouwmeester IF they traded picks with Columbus, allowing Columbus to take Nash at the top spot and them [Florida] to take Bouwmeester at 3rd. We agreed, because Donny is so accommodating—and thus Columbus vaulted into the 1st overall position.

The inducement was a late 1st round pick, which became Slater. We took the risky teen-aged goalie who was years from contributing…Of course, Donny blustered it was the player he wanted anyway.

Of course, in subsequent drafts, we’ve heard that tripe from Donny before.

Feel educated? You should. Please stop your ignorant blustering with your alleged “facts”…They, as usual, are dead wrong.

If I were GM, I would have pronounced to Florida that either Rick Nash or Jay Bouwmeester would be wearing a Thrashers jersey after two picks into the draft. Florida would have stood firm at number 1, taking the player they wanted. Thus, Nash would have been ours—UNLESS Columbus would like to have given us a Kings-ransom for him. I likely wouldn’t have budged, unless it was a complete Kings-ransom…

I said this on draft-day 2002 and I’ll say it again. Donny took the player who was YEARS away from contributing in order to simply BUY MORE TIME. Pure and simple. He KNEW that the farm system, if you can call it that, wasn’t going to provide anything in the form of NHL reinforcements anytime soon—so he took the player who would give him what he needed most: time. And, yes, I DO recall all the media (from the ignorant Kincade to the team flagstation 790am, at the time) loudly proclaiming, “Just WAIT [key word here] until this phenom goalie comes up to the team!”

Yeah, our glass-groined wunderkind has set the league on fire, hasn’t he?

Please JB, I implore you, go back to talking of Exelby’s derriere or Kari’s new mask…It better suits your, umm, “talents”…

By JB

April 13, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Unless you have tangible proof that DW made that agreement with Florida just stop; teams from the same divisions rarely if ever make agreements like that; we needed a goalie and we got one and a damn good one at that.

If we had any simblance of a defense in front of him last year he would have been better than he was.

So please stop your ignorant blustering about name calling, your making yourself look like a Grade A ___(fill in the blank, just about anyone word will due).

By JB

April 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, it always seems as if the coach is the scapegoat though; whether warranted or not. Seems as if the same situation is happening at the moment in Carolina; and it seems Jim Rutherford wants change for the sake of change. I would give Paddock a look I guess; and considering Ottawa’s track record on firing coaches maybe it wasn’t all his fault.

But as for Anderson; he would be a great coach here; but if DW has the choice between Anderson and a coach with NHL experience I think we get the coach with NHL experience.

Another guy we should look at is Craig Hartsburg though, he is a great coach and has led the Canadien Junior team to two straight gold medals, played in the NHL for almost ten years and has 23 years of NHL playing and coaching experience as an assistant and head coach.

By NASCAR Dave

April 13, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well. It seems the naive clan gets a bit flustered when faced with facts. These are the same naive fools that think Letemin is not a bust. It’s quite amusing to say the least…

Ranaldo, JB, Blob (Other) think it’s their duty to police the blog. Hahaha. It’s pretty pathetic that they think you are not allowed to post here unless you have “positive” comments.

Well guess what, fools? There is NOTHING positive to talk about. Look, don’t shoot the messengers — Sage, LAC, Myself among others. We speak the truth, and one day you people will truly understand what’s going on here.

JB - Waddell didn’t draft Haydar…. nice try though, and really, is that a good example of a “solid” pick? The guy is a career AHL’er. Nuff said.

JB, I do agree with you on one point though - all the money we “could” free up. It’s there, the problem is I highly doubt Idiot Waddell lets them all walk. He should, but after 9 years, no one here expects him to make the right kind of decisions.

So really, quit attacking the bloggers that speak the truth — we want a team that is dedicated to winning, not a team that simply accepts the status quo.

Do us all a favor, silly children. If you are gonna talk about Letemin’s “cool new mask” or which player is the hottest, take that crap over to the Thrashers website… you’ll fit right in with the positive spinsters posting their misinformed drivel. On these blogs, we like to discuss hockey.

AlanLamb - Please explain this statement you made:

Your boycott is our gain.

Because I think you might be right. A complete and total boycott by the fans is the best way to get the point across to the owners. It is “a gain” to the team and “a gain” to the fans. If you continue to spend your money on this inferior product, you are helping to fuel the fire. The ASG relies on suckers like you. They laugh at your naivety all the way to the bank.

But will the ASG have the b@lls to make Don FRAUDell become DONE Waddell??? We will see…

NUFF SAID.

By Paul

April 13, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

So Braydon Coborn leads the Flyers in +/-? And he just sent a laser of a pass to Umberger?

Nice

By NASCAR Dave

April 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

JB - So we let everyone on that list walk. I’m with you there.

Then, we buy out the contracts of Zhitnik, Larsen, Slater, and Klee. That gives us a cap hit of $9.6 million.

New Total = $19,965.000

Then, you MUST trade away Todd White. This is not up for debate. At the same time, you try to trade away Havelid, who will be on the final year of his contract. With the “alleged” 3-4 New D-Men Waddell says he will “acquire”, there is no room left for Havelid. It is also plausible to trade away Garnet Exelby at this point in time (another bust).

But I digress.

We all know Don FRAUDell by now. He’ll come back with more Klee’s and Tamer’s, trying to go “on the cheap”. It will fail miserably, ONCE AGAIN… and we will all be back here next year complaining about the same things again.

Except maybe this time some of you might actually fight your blind pride and tell Sage, LAC, myself and others “You guys were right.”

It really shouldn’t be that hard to understand the problem here, folks. The facts are facts. The numbers don’t lie. If you can find ANY legitimate reasons Don FRAUDell aka DONE Waddell “deserves” another chance, I’d like to hear them.

Because there aren’t any.

NUFF SAID.

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

JB—Just how in the world do you think we got a pick FROM FLORIDA which we used to select Slater???

Want proof, you buffoon? Read the following:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/draft02/round1.htm

I’ll accept your most sincerest apology…

See, I WAS paying attention to Don Waddell and his drafting maneuvers from day one…Where were you? Not even bright enough to know what is going on with the alleged team he (or she) “cares” about…

Educated yet again…Looking forward to that apology—we’ll see if you have at least some class to go with your boundless ignorance…

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Note: We did NOT get the Slater pick from Florida, as I had thought…The Slater pick came from Detroit through Buffalo and Columbus…My most sincerest apologies to all for that mistake.

However, JB, let me RESTATE what we did get from FLORIDA for NOT taking the player they absolutely coveted:

“Florida trades third-round pick (No. 82 overall, later traded) and 2003 fourth-round pick to Atlanta for Thrashers’ promise not to draft Jay Bouwmeester at No. 2 overall on June 22, 2002.”

JB, since you need some help, the KEY WORDS in that writeup is “PROMISE NOT TO DRAFT JAY BOUWMEESTER AT NO. 2 OVERALL”…See, if you remember correctly (which you’ve disappointed me before so I won’t assume), Donny walked away with Lehtonen—blustering that he got the player he wanted all along…

(Didn’t we hear that about Bourret? That’s our bumbling, blustering Donny for ya’!)

A 3rd and 4th round pick so our GM can still be buddies with a divisional rival’s GM…If Donny were more concerned about doing what’s best for the THRASHERS as opposed to the other GMs (particularly Ottawa) and USA Hockey, then maybe we wouldn’t STILL be league-laughingstocks…

And, JB, just for you—even if Florida went ahead and traded the 1st pick to Columbus (so they could take who they coveted; Nash), then Bouwmeester would be wearing a Thrashers jersey today—or, more accurately, contributing significantly since the 2002 season…Now, would that be so bad???

(Next you’ll bluster about having big, strong, and smart defensemen is overrated and Donny knows precisely what he is doing)

Again, JB, enough “proof” for ya’? I’m really looking forward to that apology.

By HookyBob

April 13, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

So to continue my (and Rawhide-Bob’s) thoughts above,..lets say Laviolette becomes available. Where would the Thrashers fall on his list of preferences? I gotta think Ottawa would be his first choice (maybe Florida would be ahead of us too,..eh?). I wonder if any other teams will have a coaching vacancy with-in the next two months (Toronto)? Might Laviolette follow Rutherford (still a rumor)to Toronto?

That said,…if Laviolette would come to Atlanta I’d support it. I’m of the opinion that a coach with a proven record of success would help us attract better free agents. Would Brian Campbell be more likely to sign here with Laviolette or John Anderson as the coach? I’d still would like to see an ex-snow farmer in the coaching group too. (Has the original Bob been away? I hav)

Paul, I heard that comment about Colburn as well. In fact the Flyers are trying to match Colburn against AO! Makes me wonder if DW might be better at drafting than we give him credit for. Could it be the development of the drafted players that is our downfall.

Pierre McGuirre just said “trade Colburn for Zhitnik,…you’ve got to be kidding me.” Salt in the wound.

BTW: Congrats to BC.

By Rawhide

April 13, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Well, there it is folks…the NBC guys doing the Flyers vs. Caps game took until 5 minutes left in the third to do it but they pointed out the fact that Philly got Cobourn last season from Atlanta for Zhitnik.

I think the phrase used was “are you kidding me”???

They could have also followed that up with “…and Waddell hasn’t been fired yet”?…”Are you kidding me”?

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

I heard that comment (Coburn for Zhitnik? Are you kidding me?!) by the announcer during the Flyers-Caps game…How embarrassing!

But, then again, I’m used to such buffoonery during the Thrashers near-decade of existence. Yet some still wonder why more don’t support this organization!

Oh well, I’m already getting used to Kovy not being here—why would anyone who isn’t either on their last legs or who is really a minor-leaguer want to play here? It’s going to take a truly dynamic ‘something’ to change the fortunes here—and it certainly isn’t the ASG or Don Waddell.

Bank on that thought—free advice from Sage yet again.

It’s completely out of control—and there has been one constant during this run of utter incompetence.

I find it funny to watch other teams rise and fall literally before our eyes (Buffalo and the Caps come to mind, who were good when we entered the league, got bad, and now are good again)—yet all we do is build and rebuild…

(Oh, and talk about pipe-dreams, Exelby’s derriere, and Kari’s new mask…Maybe the Thrashers fans are DESERVING of precisely WHAT they are GETTING? I’m starting to really think so…)

By JB

April 13, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

How many times in a single day can a group of people be called bafoon’s and how many times can someone say “Nuff Said!!” in a post?

This crap is getting old, and I’m about sick of it; furthermore I’m about done reading this site. I’ll get my Thrasher news elsewhere if it means not reading Sage quote bafoonery again.

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Bye-Bye, JB…Good riddance. We’ll see if you stick with this assertion…Your refusal to address the facts will go down with GaVa’s “Don Waddell hasn’t made a mistake yet” statement of October, 2007…

(p.s. It’s “buffoon”…Public or private? Don’t bother—I know the answer to that one)

By bob (other)

April 13, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Sage, You are entitled to your opinion and others are entiltled to theirs. Doing so with integrity and rational fact based commentary seem more civilized. I used to think you were 12 but now it seems 8. What an idiot.

JB-don’t leave. We need some rational voices here.

By Brendan

April 13, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Marc Savard just scored the OT winner for Boston. Montreal still leads the series, 2-1.

By Brendan

April 13, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Devils got an OT winner from John Madden. Rangers still lead the series, 2-1.

Marc Savard scored the OT winner for Boston. Montreal still leads, 2-1. Had either of these series gone to 3-0, it would have been nearly impossible to come all the way back.

Marc Savard looked like he’d just won the lottery after his shot went in.

By JB

April 13, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

I’m not leaving; if I do all of this will go to the circus. I was merely trying to warrant an apology from Sage; however, that is clearly beyond him.

Anyway, don’t count Boston out; its a long road to be sure but they have good pieces and a good team. Montreal is great; but they can be beaten.

How ‘bout Kipper getting pulled after three minutes?

By Rawhide

April 13, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Indeed Savard did look like a kid who was just given the keys to the candy store after that goal.

Interesting side note: 4 of the 6 goals Boston have notched in the series have former Thrashers either scoring or assiting on.

JB - Yeah, Boston bounced back…but remember, my prediction had them winning one game :o)

And, yup, Kipper must have eaten tuna fish for dinner…’cuz his breath was attracting lots of Sharks!

By Tony C.

April 13, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Dude I would’ve pulled kiprusof after the 2nd one….or called timeout at least

By NASCAR Dave

April 13, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

We’ve gotta be on the bottom of Laviolette’s list of places to go.

If he is brought in, the Owners need to promise that if a firing is necessary, Waddell goes before Laviolette. No more scapegoats for Donnie.

This is of course if Waddell is even still around next season… I guess we’ll find out after the Hawks’ season is over.

With Laviolette, if that’s the “deal” - That he has more job security than Waddell, I’m all for it. Otherwise, like I have said numerous times on here before, I prefer John Anderson.

One of my favorite Donnie quotes this year was during the All-Star Game festivities. While talking about Rick DiPietro, Donnie said that had DiPietro been there at #2, he would have selected him over Dany Heatley. I spilled my drink when I heard that one.

But that’s “Our Donnie”!!!

By ranallo10

April 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

RH — Tuna fish for dinner?? Horrible horrible old person joke.

Brendan — I still hold out hope for Boston, but I don’t expect them to win another game. Montreal is the better team, but I hope Boston can mount a comeback.

Sage — Seriously? Without Kari Lehtonen, where would the team be today? Maybe they would’ve been better, maybe worse. The team had no true goalie prospect in their system, and Lehtonen was good enough to warrant that pick. On your linked site, notice the rankings next to each of the players name…he rightfully was RANKED to be picked second. So, since Atlanta WANTED Lehtonen, NEEDED a goalie for the future, why shouldn’t they have taken the player??? They got two picks (3rd and 4th rounders) just for agreeing not to take a player they didn’t want AS MUCH AS the goalie.

I guarantee you Waddell would’ve taken every player available had he possessed enough picks, so it’s ridiculous to think he WANTED Lehtonen but not Bouwmeester. He apparently felt the franchise needed a goaltender to build around, one was available with his pick, and his scouts apparently recommended him more than the other options available.

As I said to Dave on the other blog, it’s easy to look at something in hindsight and say WHY things went wrong, or how YOU would’ve done them differently, but it serves no purpose. What does it prove? What can be done with that point?

I’m not disagreeing with your proposed way of handling the draft (make it known you’d take whomever they wanted, just to force the issue), but I don’t feel that decision would’ve changed anything to this point.

Well, it would’ve changed who was in net giving up 3+ goals per game…it might STILL be Hnlicka, or even Dafoe (shudder).

With this teams lack of development, do you think Bouwmeester would’ve prospered in Atlanta? I don’t.

JB — Don’t leave, three people whom you disagree with aren’t worth leaving and missing the interesting/unique insights of some of the more enjoyable posters (Brendan, Sara, Nikita when not discussing attractiveness, Rawhide…and many others).

By ranallo10

April 13, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

By the way, Zhitnik hasn’t scored so few points in a season since…EVER. His worst season prior to this one was 1999-2000 in Buffalo, where he had 13 points in 74 games. At that scoring clip he would’ve had 11 points in 62 games…3 points better than this past season.

Zhitnik played surprisingly bad this season (duh). There’s no way anyone could have known that would happen…except Holmgren apparently.

By Rawhide

April 13, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Ranallo - “Horrible old person joke”??? Why, I ought to ban you for that! I’m insulted! I’m crushed! I’m…

Oh wait, you listed me as one of the “more enjoyable” posters who bring “interesting/unique insight”.

Well, then…carry on, my wise, studious friend!

By ranallo10

April 13, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — I’m not too worried, your Alzheimer’s wont let you remember who said that in 3…2…1…

(Just playing, Alzheimer’s is no laughing matter. It’s just fun to mess with those who suffer from it.)

By Sage of Bluesland

April 13, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Fair points, Ranallo—but I said it at the very time. Personally, I wanted Nash as the power forward to complement Heatley and Kovalchuk. That’s the beginning of an extremely formidable scoring lineup across a couple of lines.

Did we need a goalie? Yes. Have we needed defensemen as well? Yes. We’ve needed both since inception.

But, I was of the opinion—and still am—that you build enough of the skill positions, the goalie can be had via free-agency. Let someone else draft and develop them. I think that those drafted in the third round have as much a chance as one drafted in the top-ten. I would wager the statistics back that assertion up completely.

They can also usually be developed within the system—even Donny has finally had some luck with Pavelec coming up (finally)…Heck, Cam Ward was also taken late in the first round in 2002 and he has his name on the Cup.

I also absolutely HATED the fact that a Euro-goalie had NEVER been taken so high before—in the history of the NHL draft. I know that and a dime will get you a cup of coffee, but it never sounds good.

I also don’t like dealing with division-rivals and bending over and being so accomodating. But, Donny places a high value on being well-liked by all. I’m not positive where his real interests lie at times.

Plus, it was well-known that he [Lehtonen] was YEARS away from contributing (he was even facing a two-year mandatory military commitment). WTF—I want someone who is contributing now. This is the genesis of my belief his drafting served a very important dual-benefit for Donny: a play for much-needed time. I’ll believe that until I’m no longer on this earth…

As for where we’d be without Lehtonen, I guess we’d be worse off—but I’m not so sure about that. If we could have lured a legitimate goaltender via free-agency (i.e. a Khabibulin type), then things might have been even better. For every good thing Kari does, he does something a bit haywire.

I think Pavelec may be the real goaltender we’ve been waiting for as opposed to our immature glass-groined wunderkind…

By Brendan

April 13, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Fellas, c’mon. We’re all Thrashers fans. When the Thrashers get a goal, I “high five” people sitting around me, even the ones who think Don Waddell hung the moon. The way I look at it, even Menudo has fans. There are probably people who own the complete collection of the Bay City Rollers. I don’t care. Likewise, I can’t get upset if Don Waddell has fan support. I can get upset with ownership for not firing him, after eight seasons with no playoff series wins, and seven finishes in the bottom third of the Eastern Conference during his tenure.

I have a degree of admiration for fans whose attitude is, “My team is right, no matter what. I’ll always stand by them.” I just can’t pull that off. I think we’re on the wrong track and we need a change in direction. But I think we’re smack dab in the middle of an “experiment.” I’m basing that off comments made by the former ASG President, Bernie Mullin. Mullin went on 680TheFan, after resigning. Among many comments, he talked about John Wooden. More specifically, he talked about how, in today’s “win or ELSE” approach, Wooden would have been fired in his 1st two seasons and would not have gone on to have a storied coaching career. Mullin advocated that, under the new salary cap structure, every GM would have a “learning curve.” And it was his opinion that GM’s ought to have a very long appointment, allowing for “on the job training.” Mullin felt that a lot of GM’s and Coaches who got fired could have made significant improvements, had they be allowed to retain their positions.

Hmmn. Interesting theory. But in the practical reality, it isn’t “hypotehtical” money. It’s real money. And if your product turns off a fan base, they’ll find other ways to spend their money. They won’t renew season tickets out of “pity.” Most people value their time. And if they feel their time can be better spent at the movies, or a club, or supporting some other pro sport or collegiate sport, then that’s how they feel.

And I’m a HUGE ADVOCATE of … you have the RIGHT to feel they way you FEEL about things. You don’t have to apologize about renewing your season tickets. Likewise, you don’t have to apologize about abstaining from Thrashers games. Especially, if the reason behind your abstinence concerns the direction of the team or its ownership group. Or, if the price of tickets has priced you out of the arena. If you’re in that boat, I feel your pain. A lot of people’s jobs aren’t secure right now. I don’t know that we’re really in a full-on RECESSION, but if you are exercising more discretion in your disposable income, I can’t blame you. You just want a BETTER product for the way you spend your time.

By ranallo10

April 13, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Sage — Fair points back, that’s your opinion.

I personally feel more comfortable relying upon a drafted goaltender with immense talent and a high ceiling than relying on oft overpaid “proven” goaltenders acquired via Free Agency. Who was the last successful goalie acquired in such a way? Tampa replaced their star goalie with free agent busts (Denis…wow, that somewhat surprised me). St. Louis had to buy Manny Legace to solidify their goalie spot, and to allow Toivenen (drafted before Slater the same year as Lehtonen) time to mature. Is that the smart move? You feel it is, I don’t.

However, Ward’s name is on The Cup. I don’t feel it was for his individual abilities, but rather his team’s abilities AND his hot play over a 16 game span. Skill wise, I’d rather Lehtonen…but if I had to give up Lehtonen for a one-and-done Cup, I might have to think HARD about that one. Ward doesn’t impress me most of the time, but a chance at the Cup…

I’d have taken Nash too, but I don’t think it was realistic. Two picks, Lehtonen, and Dany Heatley is much better than DiPietro, Nash, and no extra picks. Who knows, Nash might’ve been the kid driving the Ferrari in Lenox, and Atlanta could still be screwed.

I don’t want to look it up, but who was acquired by those draft picks? If I have to ask I assume it’s nobody special.

By Brendan

April 14, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, the Los Angeles Kings are, and have been, desperately searching for a goaltender. It’s their most glaring missing piece. The Kings own the 2nd overall pick in this year’s draft. Would it be your assertion that the Kings should bypass Doughty or Bogosian or PietrAngelo in favor of drafting the #1 goalie prospect, whomever that is?

Bear in mind, it will take YEARS and YEARS and YEARS to develop that goalie. Or, should the Kings look to FREE AGENCY, and pay through the nose, if need be, to solve that dilemma? Or, would you advocate that the Kings trade that #2 overall pick for a proven winner?

What if … (I know, you’re cringing already, another “what if scenario”) Carolina decides that, two years absent from the playoffs, they want to do something reactionary and stupid, liking holding a “mini firesale.” And they approached the L.A. Kings to offer Cam Ward for the #2 overall pick. Should the Kings do it? Cam Ward is a Conn Smythe Trophy winning Stanley Cup goaltender. But the cost … is the #2 pick in the draft.

Calgary has erased a 3-0 deficit by replacing Kiprussoff with Curtis Joseph. They have just defeated San Jose, 4-3, to take a 2-1 series lead. The Flames ran Patrick Marleau all night long, bloodying him twice. Though Marleau did get a goal. San Jose Head Coach Ron Wilson did not look pleased by the turn of events. Uhh, why would he? San Jose has no excuse for blowing a 3-0 lead.

By Brendan

April 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Uhh, to be clearn, the Carolina Hurricanes are NEV-AH going to trade Cam Ward. That was just a hypothetical.

By ranallo10

April 14, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Brendan — That’s a big what-if, but my statement is fitting the scenario in which it occurred. I would never condone wasting a high pick for a goaltender ranked lower than said pick, and I wouldn’t recommend trading down just to take a goalie with that pick, unless it’s only a few places and the return is substantial (see paragraph 3).

To my knowledge, there is not ONE goalie prospect in this draft that is ranked in the top 10. So no, I wouldn’t recommend Los Angeles drafting a goalie…they already have a goalie prospect, named Jonathan Bernier. They don’t need another future tender, they’re already developing one.

So for their sake, they do not need to trade for Ward (not much of an improvement over Labarbera in my opinion), and they should draft the defender of their choice with that pick. If I were LA (as you remember, I’m a closer LA supporter), I would either get my heart set on one defender and take him, or I would see if Atlanta or St. Louis is willing to give up a second or third rounder to swap the first round picks and move up one or two positions. I’d then let the defender not drafted fall into my lap, and have an additional pick in my possession. In my opinion the three defenseman (Pietrangelo, Doughty, Bogosian) are all quality picks, so you should get the most out of your pick UNLESS you fall in love with one of the players.

By ranallo10

April 14, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

closer = closet…

By Alan

April 14, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

I see NASCAR Slave blustered something again.

Listen, fool. I want to watch hockey. I want to do it live and in person. And none of your primadonna ranting and raving is going to stop me. You can stand at the box office and attempt to stop me. You can even stand at the doors and attempt to stop me. But you know what? You won’t. I will see games, and I will enjoy the hell out of them while you pout and moan in front of your computer, crying into your beer as you type up more witless tripe to litter the AJC blogs with.

Go get a job, or something better to do with your time. I’m sick and damn tired of reading the litter you post here.

By Sage of Bluesland

April 14, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry Alan, I wouldn’t try to stop you from wasting your money—the enjoyment factor of laughing at you will more than suffice…

I just hope your here next year (and the next) if Donny is still here…and I hope a fool and his money are still parted…

By NASCAR Dave

April 14, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

ALAN Simple question brother. Please further elaborate on your statement:

Your boycott is our gain.

I fail to see the point you are trying to make — But maybe you could “enlighten” us???

By ranallo10

April 14, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

NASCAR — It’s quite simple (I’ll take this one Alan)…by you not attending, I can now scalp tickets off the fat dude next to Subway at half the face value, and all of MY FRIENDS can attend the games you are skipping. Thus, I can enjoy myself at the game while watching a sport I love, hockey. The best thing is that I can enjoy the game even if Atlanta loses, because my friends are with me due to you not attending (obviously not directly, but I assume you understand the point being made).

Thus, your boycott (unpurchased tickets) is my gain (cheaper tickets, more seats available for my selection, leg room to prop up my feet, less hearing “SHOOT IT!” on every touch of the puck, etc etc).

By NASCAR Dave

April 14, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

That’s funny Ranollo.

It may benefit you in the short term, but how does that benefit “Our Team” - The Atlanta Thrashers?

Because with declining ticket sales like that, that just makes it easier for Belkin or whoever to ship our team to Las Vegas.

But I’m beginning to think that might be some of you people’s agendas anyways…

Sorry, I can’t justify spending money like that. I need to SEE progress.

And I’m still waiting on that…

By JB

April 14, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Dave do you not get it; the NHL bases everything they got in who comes through that door at Philips. Thats all they care about; if the team moves(God Forbid It); it will be as much your fault as anyone else who has the insane attitude you do. Being a fan of a pro-sports team(or college) is not just paying for tickets and going to games when the team is winning no matter what; regardless of record at the end of the season.

You make a vaild point that you want to see progress; well I do to, but I’m not gonna act like a bandwagon jumper and decide not to buy tickets when we’re losing and buy a full season ticket package when we start winning. It seems as if it is all or nothing with you.

By NASCAR Dave

April 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

You guys should make up bingo cards with Sage phrases and play bingo. Instead of using 75 numbers, just come up with words or phrases like 5 year plan, bumbling Donny, Coburn/Phaneuf, sheep, and then evertime he says one of them, you mark it off on your board.

BRIAN - Hey brother, I like some of your posts. Especially this one…

I think Scenario 2 is at play here, no?

By NASCAR Dave

April 15, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Thus, your boycott (unpurchased tickets) is my gain (cheaper tickets, more seats available for my selection, leg room to prop up my feet, less hearing “SHOOT IT!” on every touch of the puck, etc etc).

Sorry Ranollo, you can’t have it “both” ways… You can’t whine and complain about the ownership, and then spend your money to support them. If you spend money on the team, you are then benefitting the Owners… So cry about changing ownership, but in fact, you are HELPING them maintain as they are.

That just doesn’t make any sense to me…

By ranallo10

April 15, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

NASCARDave — I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to complain about something I spend my money on?

At what point is one allowed to complain, and not allowed to complain. Your logic shows that the only way you’re allowed to complain is if you drop out all forms of support, ENTIRELY. Only THEN can you sit back from a high tower and lambaste anything that disagrees with you.

So, I’m not allowed to call Comcast and ask them to improve their services, while paying a bill to them? I’m not allowed to send food back to the kitchen, food I paid for, and ask for it to be cooked again? I’m not allowed to buy a gallon of milk, then return it to the store and state that it wasn’t up to my expectations???

I’m sorry, I forgot that the world completely changed in February and the whole “customer service” aspect of life was lost. I didn’t realize that as a paying customer I was not allowed to have expectations for the product I pay for.

You’re right, how silly of me. Next time you’re unhappy with your meal I fully expect you to storm right out of that restaurant and proclaim your unhappiness loudly, for months on end, to anybody that can hear you. I’m sure it’ll be just as effective in evoking change as your current b*** and moaning is doing.

By portland thrashers

April 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

People-listen up. My opinion is that the ownership may want to drive down attendance to where they can petition the NHL for a move to Portland for the Hockey team and to Seattle for the basketball team. think about it-Portland’s been wanting a team and when the Sonics leave for OKC, that leaves open space there. the Hornets left NC for NO and now the Bobcats came in. Plus, if they sell the team-Mr. Belkin really has no grounds for his suit since there will be NO teams in Atlanta to own! Just a thought-the Thrashers spent hardly anything on players-did virtually nothing on the trade date. maybe just maybe….think about it-new place, free rent, etc.

By Woody

April 15, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

LETS GO PENS!!!

It’s good to have a real time to root for. Thank you Center Ice.

C you suckers at the Draft.

By NASCAR Dave

April 15, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Hi Rannollo, I don’t think you “get it.”

You people continue to attack me for stating my stance on Waddell.

You (and Alan) argue that Ownership has his hands tied, thus it’s their fault.

But if you want an ownership change, the WRONG way to go about it is to keep giving them your money!

As long as they keep seeing money coming in, they “think” everything is under control. They “think” the paying customers are satisfied.

Until you make them aware you are not satisfied with their product, they will “assume” that you are satisfied.

In your example, this would be like leaving that restaurant and never coming back, because their service sucked.

In summary, your argument holds no water.

By ranallo10

April 15, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

portland — Wouldn’t you think a sale would not be imminent until the whole ownership fiasco is settled? Otherwise there would be a new struggle to determine what percentage of the sale Belkin is entitled, or if he’s allowed to veto such a sale.

But I wouldn’t put it past the ASG, it’s ALWAYS POSSIBLE they simply want to move the team elsewhere. I do have trouble believing it though, because of where Philips Arena ranked nationwide in regards to entertainment venues.

NASCAR Dave — I’m not so sure you get it. No matter how many times you post your dislike for Waddell, people will not change their opinions to agree with you. It gives me no enjoyment and serves no purpose to sit around here and talk about where I feel Waddell failed or succeeded, or how horrible the ASG is, etc etc. I can say “I feel Waddell was screwed from the beginning, so nothing great will become of this team so long as the ASG is running it’s current business model”, because that’s my opinion. That opinion also means that the ASG COULD lead this team to success if they learn the err of their ways.

Despite what you think, I don’t have to boycott to prove my opinion. I have nothing to prove…it’s an opinion. I pay to watch NHL hockey, and they (the ASG) give me NHL hockey. I might not be the happiest customer every game, but I’m still content enough to watch a game. If that makes me a sheep because I enjoy hockey, then fine. I’m a sheep. I’m also happier with my life because I’m not constantly whining about how much I wish I were more like __ franchise. I support the Atlanta Thrashers, not just when they’re winning.

You might not understand that…that’s fine. I don’t feel entitled simply because I buy a ticket, but you do. Good for you, it’s your opinion, we all understand it. If you want to talk about HOCKEY, feel free to do so. We’ll discuss all day long. If you want to keep complaining about why you don’t like Waddell, just stop. You’ve done the complaining, now move on.

What’s the ultimate purpose of your complaints? Think about that. You’re trying to “enlighten” those who don’t want to listen to you. You’re like the crazy man standing at Five Points who yells “education without salvation is damnation”. No matter how loud you speak, no matter where or when you say it, many people will just ignore you.

So I ask you again, what’s your purpose? Come up with a relevant topic, or something worth discussing that doesn’t involve an witless nickname like “DONE Waddell”, and maybe people will be more open to discussing such things with you.

By Sam

April 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, that post about the crazy man at Five Points gave me quite a chuckle. Just do what I do, when I see Nascar Dave, just skip it. No offense Dave, but you have made your point.

By ranallo10

April 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Sam — You’re probably right, I should do that more often…I often get sucked in to reading them when I see my name referenced.