AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USVancouver Is A Tough Crowd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, I know we covered this a lot the other night, but allow me to revisit the issue in an “official” capacity here. Monday night David Nonis was dismissed of his duties as the general manager of the Vancouver Canucks. How poorly did his team have to perform to cost him his job? Well, let’s examine his the past three season’s worth of work, shall we?
’05-’06: Record of 42-32-8 for 92 points, missing the playoffs by 3 points.
’06-’07: Record of 49-26-7 for 105 points, good enough for the 3rd seed in the Western Conference…making it to the second round where they were ousted by the Ducks who were on their way to the Stanley Cup Championship.
’07-’08: Record of 39-33-10 for 88 points, missing the playoffs by 3 points.
Let’s see, that’s 3 winning seasons averaging 95 points. This past year, the Canucks had the 7th best GAA as a team…yeah, sheeze…what a bum. Toss him out on his ear!
Thank God OUR team didn’t stink up the ice like THAT!
Anyway…
The following was posted on the team’s official web site:
“The decision to relieve Dave of his duties was difficult,” explained Francesco Aquilini, Chairman, Vancouver Canucks. “We want to thank Dave for the many contributions he has made helping to build our organization during his tenure. However, I think this important change in leadership is critical to the future of the team and the direction we need to take. It’s not acceptable to our fans or to us as owners that our team isn’t in the playoffs.” “As owners we made a commitment to deliver the kind of hockey our fans deserve. At the same time, with leadership comes responsibility. So, our search begins today for a new general manager, and our focus going forward is on a winning season in 2008-09.”
Interesting…the ownership felt they needed to change the leadership in order for the team to begin moving in the right direction. Apperently in Vancouver, three straight winning seasons does not constitute such progress. Oh, and they believe that not making the playoffs is…brace yourselves…“not acceptable”.
Also this, “…with leadership comes responsibility”. Fascinating concept, wouldn’t you agree?
But check this out…the last phrase of the statement is, “and our focus going forward is on a winning season in 2008-09.” This is AFTER 3 consecutive “winning” seasons. Hmmm, maybe the definition of success is just a wee-bit different in these parts than it is in western Canada.
Atlanta, Georgia and Vancouver, British Columbia are 2,741 nautical miles apart. However, the NHL franchises of these two beautiful cities could be measures in astronomical units.
NHL Playoff Update
Montreal goalie Carey Price turned away all 27 shots he faced and Patrice Brisebois’ power play goal with 42 seconds left in the second provided all the offense the Canadiens needed as they took a 3 to 1 series lead on the Bruins. Did you see Marc Savard’s nifty save?
Philadelphia held Washington to a Thrasher-esque 19 shots on goal as they beat the Caps 6-3. This was a one-goal game with three minutes in the contest. Daniel Briere scored twice and chipped in a helper for Philly. Washington now trails 2-1 in the series that I hope goes the full seven.
Whoa! Minnesota and Colorado actually played a game that did not require an overtime to determine the winner! Somebody…quick…check for locusts! The end is near! Colorado snowed under Minnesota in a first period, 3-goal avalanche and roll 5-1. Series tied at 2.
San Jose was five minutes away from going down 3-1 in the series against Calgary as they trailed the Flames 2-1. But Jonathan Cheechoo tied it and Joe Thornton netted the game winner with about a dime on the clock. Speaking of a dime…The Calgary Flames were held to ten shots by the San Jose defense. The Sharks give me D-envy!
After dropping the first two at home, the Anaheim Ducks traveled to Big D and took care of business beating the Stars 4-2. Chris Pronger tallied 2 power play goals and had the secondary assist on Todd Marchant’s goal that opened the scoring. The Ducks won despite taking only 15 shots on goal. Man, there’s a whole lot of good defending going on out there, eh?
Hmmm, strong play on the blueline coming from teams that qualified for the post-season. I wonder if there’s a connection there…
Tonight, Nashville and New Jersey look to pull their series even at two-apiece and Pittsburgh will get out the brooms in an attempt to sweep Ottawa right out the door.
Whatcha wanna bet this time next year we are discussing Vancouver in this section of the blog?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By LAC
April 16, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, You said it ALL… After what took place in Vancouver and the never ending circus here, It really illistrates what a mess we have here.
Can ANYONE name any NHL team that would put up with don waddell any longer ?
Just shows everyone that these owners we are STUCK with, are nothing more than The Keystone Cops in diapers…
It is a damn shame when men can’t be real men and act on a problem in a swift and decisive manner, They can in Vancouver and I applaud their OWNERS for A. Wanting to win. B.Seeing a problem (3 winning seasons) and reacting C. Remembering THE FANS COME FIRST !
Meanwhile Thrasher owners are hiding and sucking their thumbs in a feeble effort avoid looking bad, but fellows it is going from Bad to Worse in Atlanta !
Remember it was an F-2 Tornado that hit town, The F-5 is waiting until next season to nail the Thrashers !
By Gavin
April 16, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
I could not agree more! Let’s get this straight. You do a poor job of aquiring talent, poor job of developing that talent, trade away the best of that talent (for Zhitnik no less), do a poor job as coach, yet you are given a vote of confidence. I’m done going to Thrashers games until Waddell is gone! Maybe hitting the ownerships pocket will inspire them to make a change.
By Sage of Bluesland
April 16, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
It is the ONLY way for the fans to make a difference, Gavin. The ONLY way.
The real problem has now shifted to those who continue to subsidize the incompetence. After all, if the restaurant owner—whose food is bad and service even worse—continues to see paying customers, what other conclusion can he/she draw?
The enablers now share responsibility for the ‘continued’ mess that is the figurative joke otherwise known as “Blueland”…
Rawhide hit the nail on the head with this blog. The difference between the two organizations can only be measured in astronomical units…That’s a classic line.
By Tony C.
April 16, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
I just wonder who Aquilini thinks he’s going to get that is going to do a better job than Nonis….? Most of the other guys that immediately come to mind are pretty much busy with their own playoff teams-and I don’t see their owners letting them walk.
Of course, weird things happen all the time.
I think Aquilini pulled the trigger too soon. But hey, if that’s what he expects (playoffs), seeing as how he signs the checks then that’s what’s up.
By Rawhide
April 16, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
LAC I would only take issue with you regarding the “seeing a problem” line…I don’t think a GM who puts a product on the ice that returns 3 winning seasons a “problem”.
However, what it does indicate to me is that the organ-I-zation out there is focused on one thing…and one thing only.
Winning a championship. Winning seasons don’t count. Names on the cup do.
Tony C. - Good points. Of course, another question would be…”would Nonis be a good person to bring in here should a change be made”?
Do you see him as a cast off…or…do you see THREE consecutive winning seasons and playing competitive hockey throughout and think, “Damn, gimme some o-that”!??
Gavin - Welcome, my friend!
By Tony C.
April 16, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Rawhide- From where I sit, I’d gladly trade positions with Canuck Nation. But I think it’s more a case of guy who has a mayonaise sandwich looking longingly at the guy next to him who’s bacon cheeseburger all-the-way just lost it’s bottom bun.
Sure, it’s a hot mess on one guy’s shirt, but it’s an empty, rumbling belly under the other guy’s shirt.
Would you rather have an embarrassing dry cleaning bill, or be embarrassed to sit in the cafeteria during lunch (EVERY day)?
I’ll take the dry cleaning bill, thanks.
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. Do you think Nonis could be conned into coming in here and taking over? Also, I’m curious if anyone else feels that DW is about to stun everyone (in a positive way) with his choice as Head Coach?
P.P.S.-Howabout that SJ-CGY game? I’m tellin ya my DVR is getting a workout this week.
By Homer Simpson
April 16, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Hmmmmmmmm….bacon cheeseburger all-the-way….arlglagloralgorahglorgah!!
By Alan
April 16, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Also, I’m curious if anyone else feels that DW is about to stun everyone (in a positive way) with his choice as Head Coach?
To be frank, no, I do not think he will stun anyone. Hear me out, people…
I’m not one to give DW any credit whatsoever. However, I think he’s starting to “see the light” as it were. Crazy, I know! He knows that we as fans aren’t just unhappy, but very unhappy with this organization and how he has run it since the inaugural season. Therefore, he’s “thinking” bigger, better, and brighter. Mentioning names like Campbell, for instance, as a possible UFA defensive acquisition. He’s starting to think in NHL terms. Finally. It’s about f*** time, am I right?
Following my train of logic here, if he’s thinking about players in NHL terms, maybe he’s also thinking about coaching in NHL terms, as well? No more of this gung-ho “I’ll lead the team” crap. Therefore, he will be looking to add a quality coach. Furthermore, I think he will also be looking for a LOT more input from the coach as far as free agent acquisitions are concerned. The coach will have much more power than Hartley did, and I think this will only make the team that much better this go-round.
Maybe I’m nuts. Maybe some of you will claim I am wearing “rose colored glasses” or some odd nonsense. “How could DW be so smart after being so dumb?” Well, honestly, if he expects to keep his job he doesn’t have much of a choice. Sure, the ASG claim his job is secure. But is it? Isn’t that something you’d expect them to say to save face in the media? And if he fails in this offseason? Well…
Do you think Nonis could be conned into coming in here and taking over?
Yes.
By Crazy Diamond
April 16, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Remember how Bernie Mullin was not fired but resigned? Maybe, now that the season is over, DW can do the same?
By Alan
April 16, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Remember how Bernie Mullin was not fired but resigned? Maybe, now that the season is over, DW can do the same?
Shine on, you Crazy Diamond!
By NASCAR Dave
April 16, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
RAWHIDE I applaud you for your excellent blog today, brother.
I’m still pullin for John Anderson as Coach. He “knows” our young guys. He knows what they can do and on what lines they can play. This is, assuming we ACTUALLY go THROUGH with the infamous “Youth Movement.”
There will be more Coach and GM firings here real soon I’m sure. We just have to sit tight and observe and make the right move at the right time.
NASCAR Dave sez keep an eye out for these next few GM firings too… There might be some “surprises”…
I applaud Rawhide for “Speaking the Truth” and not participating in Sugar-Coated Journalism.
Sage is right again, as always. If you are one of those people that complain about our Owners and make comments such as “The owners need to go”, AND you continue to spend money on the team, you do not have a valid argument. You are asking for one thing, but doing the other.
This is a business, and like all businesses, when your bottom line is affected, you have NO CHOICE but to make changes.
Hit ‘em in the pockets, Thrasher fans. They (ASG) will have to react.
With so many people here BEGGING for a GM change, WHY oh WHY have the ASG done NOTHING???
Waddell sounded extremely nervous yesterday morning on 680. The guys asked him the tough questions point blank, and it was very telling to hear Waddell squirm to give honest answers…
Perhaps Donnie can see the writing on the wall???
We can only hope…
By d
April 16, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, I’m glad you posted the transcript from the Vancourver owner. I was watching a replay of his press conference this morning on the NHL Network and thought this would be a good link for you blog.
What impressed me with Vancouver’s ownership is they are first and foremost hockey fans. Sure, they want to turn a dollar (or Looney), but they are more passionate about winning.
In contrast, we must face reality that the ASG wanted a NBA team - the Thrashers were just unavoidable baggage. I think the ASG will be satisfied with occassionally making the playoffs to ensure enough fans buy season tickets, enabling the club to breakeven.
By Bob
April 16, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
the ownership felt they needed to change the leadership in order for the team to begin moving in the right direction
The Canucks and their fans are very fortunate to have an owner that gets it
I’m not one to give DW any credit whatsoever. However, I think he’s starting to “see the light” as it were. Crazy, I know! He knows that we as fans aren’t just unhappy, but very unhappy with this organization and how he has run it since the inaugural season. Therefore, he’s “thinking” bigger, better, and brighter. Mentioning names like Campbell, for instance, as a possible UFA defensive acquisition. He’s starting to think in NHL terms
Dude, the Emperor wears no clothes and everyone knows it. Waddell’s simply in over his head and please do not delude yourself into thinking he has any chance of signing Campbell or Redden or any other Tier 1 UFA. Ain’t gonna happen
The word is out in the NHL (and has been for a long time) that Atlanta is not a serious hockey organ-I-zation. Hossa leaving was the last straw. There is no way, 0 chance, nada, zilch, that a Campbell or Redden sign here. Ain’t gonna happen
Don’t suffer under the delusion that throwing extra money at him is going to make him sign here, his agent will simply take that offer to another club and get them to up their ante. These guys are Free agents, free to sign where they wish. You think anyone of substance is going to come and play for Waddell? Really?
Ain’t gonna happen
By Alan
April 16, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
and please do not delude yourself into thinking he has any chance of signing Campbell or Redden or any other Tier 1 UFA.
I think your X-Ray glasses were tuned incorrectly. You read way too far into my musings, there.
I suppose if you or anyone else wants to make a mountain out of a molehill, though, be my guest. Just remember that what you’re inferring is something I didn’t say at all - it’s all you, there.
By Rawhide
April 16, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
OK kids,…..I have been in the process of going through some of the previous posts, printing them out for my own keeping and for future referencing.
Anyway, I came across this from last Dec. 15th. It’s the one where I called on DW and the ownership to re-open the coaching search. (BTW, I think I called that one right)….However, that isn’t the focus of my comment here.
What I want you to do is take a look at Alan’s comment he posted on Dec. 16th at 1:20 am….in it he quotes DW as saying that HE knew something needed to be done with the team…and done soon!! I’m trying to find the quote myself, but it sounds familiar to me.
JUMPINJEEZUSONAPOGOSTICK!! - If Don Waddell HIMSELF was saying changes needed to be made….but NO such changes ever came..?????
throwing hands up in the air
I just gotta print and store…stop reading these things over again. I’m gonna have a stroke!
By NASCAR Dave
April 16, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Waddell’s simply in over his head and please do not delude yourself into thinking he has any chance of signing Campbell or Redden or any other Tier 1 UFA. Ain’t gonna happen
There is no way, 0 chance, nada, zilch, that a Campbell or Redden sign here. Ain’t gonna happen
BOB - I AGREE! I said that exact same thing yesterday on CC’s blog. I think I used the terms, “Mark my words.”
This is the problem with some of these naive fans. They will believe ANYTHING Waddell says!
Well guess what, Waddell can say things like that, but until they ACTUALLY happen, I will continue to call him out for what he is — A FRAUD.
Don FRAUDell = What a PERFECT name…
By NASCAR Dave
April 16, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
RAWHIDE I like this post from the blogger named “Brian”.
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/thrashersfans/entries/2007/10/17/goodbyecoachb.html#comment-1676983
By NASCAR Dave
April 16, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the bad link!!!
Here it is… it’s good and accurate…
By ranallo10
April 16, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
NASCAR and Bob — There is a difference between BELIEVING and WISHING. I think everyone here understands the uphill battle this team faces when trying to sign a Tier I free agent, yet many of us WISH something like that could happen. It’s a wild wish, I know, but it’s not so crazy compared to wishing the team was a perennial Stanley Cup contender starting in 2009.
I don’t anticipate Campbell or Redden (preferably Redden) signing in Atlanta, but I sure as hell would love it if that happened.
Rawhide — Vancouver’s market and ownership definitely demand a lot more out of their team than Atlanta’s. They compete with every Canadian team in existence purely because of their location…that’s some stiff competition. They need to win their own market’s attention, and to do so the Canadian’s hold high expectations (such as annual playoff appearances, extending beyond round 1).
I’m surprised that Nonis got fired when he did, but not that he DID get fired. And I’d accept Nonis with open arms, as he’s shown he CAN lead a team to the playoffs (which is what I feel the ASG’s only goal is for this franchise).
And I don’t remember who mentioned it, but isn’t Vancouver owned by multiple people, not one? Several people keep mentioning “owner” singular, which is inaccurate (even if it’s just picking at semantics). I don’t know enough about Vancouver to know that for sure.
By Alan
April 16, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I believe that quote was from the post-game story written on that 7-3 loss. It’s undoubtedly in the archive purgatory, which means your chances of finding it without paying for it are slim to none.
Still, knowing that the writing was on the wall back then - and was acknowledged by VP/GM/Coach/Waterboy/Cheerleader/Usher Waddell is troubling.
By Brian Campbell
April 16, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Why the h&ll would I come to Atlanta? I’ll take less money 3-4 million a season and stay in San Jose for the next 4 years and have a legitamite shot at a Stanley Cup all 4 years. Us players know that the ownership in Atlanta is as big a joke as the GM. They have no idea what they’re doing. Can’t draft, can’t develop, hardly have a relationship with Chicago or Gwinnett. It’s the laughing stock of the league. Half of the current roster there should be in the minors. Kovy has told everyone that he won’t re-sign there when his contract is up. Why would he? He will be a 26 year old STUD in the prime of his career and will be able to name his salary. Word is he’ll be in Detroit or NY. DW isn’t/wasn’t smart enough to lock up players like say Washington with Ovechkin (ten years). Too bad, Atlanta’s a great city. The good news is the Hawks made the playoffs, so you folks in Hotlanta can catch the Celtics for 2 games. Nobody will come there until there is a new GM and or ownership. Good luck, I’ll be counting my cash when we (SJ) win the cup this year.
By A$G
April 16, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
BOB & SAGE OF BLUELAND
100% correct
Anyone can identify a problem. Only wise people solve problems!
Solution from SAGE!
“The real problem has now shifted to those who continue to subsidize the incompetence. After all, if the restaurant owner—whose food is bad and service even worse—continues to see paying customers, what other conclusion can he/she draw?
The enablers now share responsibility for the ‘continued’ mess that is the figurative joke otherwise known as “Blueland”…”
By Bob
April 16, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Good link, Nascar. Too bad neither of those 2 possible conclusions happened, instead we got stuck with:
Door #3: The team sucked once again yet the owners keep Waddell to blow more smoke up the fan’s collective rears while he goes out and signs this year’s Todd Rear-End to fix the defense and this year’s Todd Charmin White to center Kovy.
If it wasn’t all just so damn sad and completely hopeless, it’d be funny.
Us players know that the ownership in Atlanta is as big a joke as the GM
But, but, but we have Blueland, and cheerleaders, and puppies, lots and lots of puppies, and, and, and we have Don Waddell leading us in the right direction, and next year we’ll have a 1/3rd full house of clueless fans who buy anything we shove down their throats, just think, those jokers will never boo you if you take a night off! Now sign here real quick, ok? Look over there, puppies!
By A$G
April 16, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I won’t go even if you give me tickets. I would rather the seat be empty. I want to see real hockey. Playoff hockey. A team that has a chance to win in the playoffs!
By Bob
April 16, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Speaking of solutions at GM, has anyone been watching the CBC or Canadian coverage of the playoffs? In last night’s Sharks-Flames tilt on CenterIce, in between periods on the Canadian feed they had the guys on (who by the way had this sweet telestrator that allowed them to stop plays and break down what was going to happen with sweet arrows and nifty graphics showing how Thornton was screwing up, and what he should have done, etc.) but they talked about the deal with Vancouver firing their GM. Apparently, the Couv’s owner Aquilini or whatever his name is, was good friend’s with a former NHL player turned agent, Lawten?, who has left the player rep business and wants to get into management. Apparently, this guy is well connected with many players and agents and well respected and the Canucklehead’s owner wants to name him GM. What a novel idea to get your club headed in the right direction
Anyone else see that segment or am I the only night owl staying up and watching these Left Coast games?
By Midfield
April 16, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Bob, notwithstanding other motives, there is a message here. The contrast between ownership of Atlanta and Vancouver is that the former believes that they deal with suckers for hockey fans. And as much as I want the team here to be supported and do well, I’m afraid that until unhappy fans force the hand by refusing to spend money on the lemon, it won’t change.
By ranallo10
April 16, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Midfield — I think the situation in Atlanta is much more precarious than in Vancouver, so fan apathy can be subsidized by transient fans. Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto, New York, etc…those games will always sell plenty of tickets, especially if Atlanta is a bad team. I personally think that too little support will put this team into the same position Nashville was in last season, and Atlanta may be in jeopardy of losing their NHL franchise.
I’d also contend that since the ASG own the Hawks, Thrashers, and Philips Arena, they will not be influenced to make DRASTIC changes based on Thrashers fans abstaining from attending hockey games. They’ll feel it in the wallet, I don’t disagree there, but I don’t feel it’ll be of such an impact that they’ll turn the team into the Red Wings Southeast.
This team has been fortunate to have plenty of attendance over the past few season, enough to keep them from being at risk of being relocated…because from where I sit, our attendance is the only thing that keeps this team IN Atlanta. Every Canadian city without a hockey team despises the Southeastern teams, and every prospective owner knows they can make much more money in a stronger Canadian economy if they were to move a cheap/poorly run franchise to a city like Hamilton, or Kitchener.
SO yeah, I think abstaining COULD lead to the changes needed by the ownership, but is dangerously close to leading the team to relocation.
By Smoothie
April 16, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Thank you Rawhide for having the balls to keep plugging away at your effort to expose the “Wizard” behind the ASG curtain. The longer our fans labor under the misconception that it is strictly ownership at fault for this franchise’s rudderless direction, the longer we will be mired in this miserable morass known as league laughingstock and draft lottery purgatory!!
Keep on preachin’ on brotha!!
J-smooth (the white one)
By Eileen
April 16, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I know this sounds like sour grapes, but is anyone a little bit bothered that Hossa got what he wanted? A winning team. He also appears to have finally showed up in the playoffs. I can’t say I blame him for being happy, but every time I hear him refer to “we” (the Pens), it bugs me. Thanks Rawhide for the info on the Vancouver GM. I heard that the other day and couldn’t help but think of Atlanta. I agree with Nascar Dave. I heard Waddell on 680 and he seemed nervous.
By Rawhide
April 16, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
PROGRAMMING ALERT!
I have come to understand that a VERY good Mark Bradley column is due to post later tonight!!!!
Be sure to tune in, folks!
By Ben
April 16, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Eventually this franchise will turn around. As soon as the suit is over they can begin to search for a buyer. I am not an idiot or a c**-eyed optimist, I just love hockey and by virtue of Atlanta being my place of birth I shall always root for the Thrash. Having said that, I say this, I will be a regular attendee at Thrashers games. However I will continue to push for a new GM. Can anyone print up FIRE DON WADDELL* t-shirts using the Thrash’s colors. For legal reasons, I wouldn’t be able to pay you, because their color scheme is copywritten or trade marked. But if you went with neutral colors I could pay you. Anyway my size is XXL and I prefer loose fitting shirts. I really feel that you could make money doing that. Anyway if we could get 18k people wearing FIRE DON WADDELL T-SHIRTS and chanting in unison as we used to before the Tomahawk Chop got dumb perhaps we could take our case to the wider media that though we may be a nontraditional market, we are a savy lot. I do not wish to make this personal, I have no doubt that he is a kind and gentle-hearted man, nor am I saying that is what disqualifies him. Many a decent man has made a huge mark in sports: Don Haskins, Herb Brooks, Bobby Cox, Bill Bradley, Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Marivich, The Great One, Tony Gwynn, John Smoltz, Tommy Nobis, and many more. I just do not feel he is capable of the task which he has been charged to do. I also feel we need to take this to the wider media so that we can make a difference. Also if we started posting in Washington-area papers where these people live and work this might help the cause.
By ranallo10
April 16, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Eileen — I’ve had bouts of the sour grapes too…honestly. I really enjoy seeing Hossa perform in the playoffs due to all the criticism he receives (which I always felt was the misplaced), but I HATE seeing Pittsburgh advance, especially with him on the club.
Everytime I see him in anything but Thrasher Blue or Ottawa Red, I cringe.
By A$G
April 16, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
ranallo10……..The NHL wants a franchise in Atlanta. It is the #9 tv market in the US. They want to be a bigtime pro league. Moving teams to small cities in Canada won’t do. It is absurd to believe that if ticket sales fall alot the owner’S won’t make changes. The $ motivates.
By Bob
April 16, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
And as much as I want the team here to be supported and do well, I’m afraid that until unhappy fans force the hand by refusing to spend money on the lemon, it won’t change
Yep, and I’m already on record with the Spirit that my season tix are cancelled until Waddell is gone AND the new GM is allowed to make the right moves. If enough of us do that, they will change—and don’t listen to the Chicken Littles, they’re not moving the team Ain’t gonna happen
but is anyone a little bit bothered that Hossa got what he wanted?
Nope, actually the opposite. I’m quite proud of him for doing what he did, which was the right thing. He’s an elite top 10 forward in this league, always has been. He saw that Waddell was incompetent and could see that the Spirit wasn’t going to get rid of him, so he got himself out of here. Kudos to him. I’d do the exact same thing if I worked for an incompetent boss, I’d get out to save my own neck.
By curiouser and curiouser
April 16, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
It’s very simple. No-show the games and the owners will sell the team, citing poor attendance. Balsillie will buy it, and we’ll get moved to Hamilton, Ontario or Kansas City.
This is exactly what the owners want to happen. Block the excuse; show up to games.
By Bob
April 16, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I have come to understand that a VERY good Mark Bradley column is due to post later tonight!!!!
Excellent news, thanks for the heads up. I’ll guess that he’ll be holding the Spirit boy’s collective feet to the fire, and good for him if he does. Even better if he calls for Waddell’s head on a platter.
By ranallo10
April 16, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
A$G — I agree, this market is perfect for a professional franchise. But that doesn’t mean hockey would succeed here. It’s done well so far, I simply stated that I’m worried such a thing could happen. This ownership group IS making money off the Arena, right? It’s ranked 2nd in the US for entertainment venues. The Hawks are going to make them money, as Atlanta has something like the NBA’s largest viewing audience. TV revenues are going to be made off this team, and the Thrashers will make money off the aforementioned transient fans. Even during the last few horrible games, there were at least 10,000 people present, and in the 14,000s being reported as having purchased tickets. This in the midst of the worst season since the lockout.
But I don’t deny they’ll feel the lack of attendance in their wallet, I just am critical of how drastic of changes THEY will make due to fan alienation.
Bob — I said “could”, not “would”. It’s a possibility, you cannot deny that. Just like it’s a possibility that Don Waddell isn’t fired…nothing is set in stone. Talk to a fan who was here for the Atlanta Flames, and Atlanta Knights, and see how comfortable they are with a failing franchise with low attendance. Hell, the Flames and Knights were successful teams, yet they couldn’t stay here.
By A$G
April 16, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
curiouser and curiouser……….. Wow that is insane! If they don’t want to sell tickets why would they buy airtime for comercials on tv?
Do you always believe people when they say special “today only”! Even if the trash leaves another franchise would be here asap.
By Tony C.
April 16, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
‘nallo-
I’m sure someone will mention the leas of the Flatscreen as a reason why the team won’t leave, but I’m thinking ASG would be only too happy to spin Le Thrash off the Hawks/Phillips core investment.
Will Uncle Gary make the morons stop?
I think if MLB can run the Expos right above death for three years, the Betteman will be able to kep Le Thrash afloat for at least one season. I’d love it if they took the franchise away and made Colin Campbell the director of the trust. We’d have one good season on the way out the door.
Wow that was gloomy
By The Right Direction
April 16, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I’m not so sure the Spirit are eager to spin the Thrashers off based on recent emails I have received from the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks are in the playoffs for the first time this decade and they can’t sell out the games without having a Select-a-Seat day Saturday afternoon.
That’s right. The Hawks are playing the Celtics in the playoffs and can’t sell out the arena.
So if the Spirit are betting on the Hawks to save their butts, their @$$e$$ are handing out.
By ranallo10
April 16, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — I agree, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the ASG lose dead weight (Thrashers) in an effort to retain the “Flatscreen” and the Hawks. I’m not saying it WILL happen, but the way the ASG has treated this team leads me to believe that such an action is not out of scope.
And I doubt Bettman will do anything, he has not impressed me in any regards with the way this ownership fiasco has gone…how, as commissioner, can you let this infighting go on for so long?? At the outset of this conflict both he and Stern had the ability to put a stop to the situation, but decided to sit back and let the owners have at eachother. Look how everything has turned out…oh wait, IT HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED!
By NASCAR Dave
April 16, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Come on Mark Bradley… You can do it man… Don’t hold back - Enough is Enough… No more excuses, No more false promises… No more incompetence… We have had enough… Some of us will cry the day Kovy goes to Detroit… Expose the FRAUD - Don FRAUDell!
By Brendan
April 16, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Welcome to the party, Gavin.
By Tony C.
April 16, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t you ever talk about #17 playing for the deadwings.
Ever.
Blasphemy is not appriciated.
By Ben
April 16, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I was quite serious in my above post. Any out there who has access to a silk-screen printer please post a web site or email.
By Sage of Bluesland
April 16, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Be forewarned, Mark Bradley has done nothing but kiss our bumbling Donny’s rear for years. Jeff Schultz is the only AJC writer with the courage to even come close to the truth about the current, pathetic state of the Thrashers.
Custance was finally getting it late in the year—but his hands are tied if he wants to keep getting “information” from the organization. He’s not much more than a gelding now.
Bradley—eerily similar to his love affair for the equally buffoonish Pete Babcock (who, as Hawks GM for a near decade, ran the team literally into the ground)—must be an easy sell-out and has actually APPLAUDED the job Donny has done.
How misguided! A sell-out is easy to spot—just think Kincade and you have an idea…
If Mark Bradley has ‘finally’ joined the just crusade, then I’ll be shocked. Shocked.
By Rawhide
April 16, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Ben - I think the guys at The Nasty Nest were working on some sort of tee shirt design like that.
Go to the “Nest Forums” and message boards and see.
Sage - Here is Bradley’s piece.
Hardly a butt-kissing job,….but not excactly a “Fire his A$$ now” statement.
By Sage of Bluesland
April 16, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Rawhide—I predicted that one as well…It was nothing but an rear-kissing job by the pitiful Mark Bradley.
It IS interesting to see that Donny hasn’t stopped his usual lispy blustering…He’s just more selective in who he runs his buffoonish mouth to (since Bradley still continues to bend over for him, Donny loves talking to him).
He STOPPED talking to Schultz long ago.
I just wonder what Mark has sold out for…upgraded tickets…luxury box…He did the same fwag-waving for the equally buffoonish Pete Babcock (for those who care to remember).
Pure smoke-and-mirrors…for the little-bo-peep crowd…
(and you know who you are)
By NASCAR Dave
April 17, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
However in typical AJC fashion, look for the Jeff Schultz counter column to come the day after Bradley’s. Schultz will tell it like it is. Like Rawhide, Schultz won’t sugar coat it.
Silly old Donnie must be doing his “Puff” interviews this week… On 680 AM Tuesday, Bradley today… But each time, he refuses to accept responsibility. It’s really quite funny…
By Sharon
April 17, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
Well, well, so the Grim Reaper returns for yet another season. Waddell’s been swinging the sickle of stupidity at this franchise for an eternity. Wait, is that a goal horn I hear? No, damn, it’s the death knell.
Ok, that might be a bit of high drama, but have you seen the low returns? I won’t be investing another dime in this team until I see some signs of life, some real commitment from ownership. Don’t fear the Reaper, my a*.
By Sage of Bwuewand
April 17, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
The only reason some of us “subsidize” the franchise is because we’re afraid of it BEING MOVED!!! If this were an older and colder hockey market, maybe that would make sense, but we hear enough speculation about the Hamilton or Winnipeg Thrashers, that we’re willing to still go to games. No better way to teach ASG a lesson than incentivizing them to sell the team right into another market, right??
By Alan
April 17, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
I buy tickets because I want to watch live hockey. You can call it subsidizing the team if you want, but it’s not about that to me.
I want to attend more western conference games, too. Luckily, the schedule this coming season is going to give us just that.
It’s all about the game to me. The excitement of just being there. It’s just not as exciting when you’re huddled around a television, dontchaknow.
Grim reaper? We don’t have to worry about that quite yet. So long as the ownership status of the Hawks and Thrashers are tied up in court, they’re not going anywhere. And even then, Bettman won’t let any teams leave the region, opting to expand before moving teams.
So if you all think not attending games will get what you want, hey, who am I to argue? I’m pretty sure they make money if you watch them on TV as well, anyway. I’m more of an action kind of guy, so I’ll attend games in a “fire waddell” tee before I sit at home and watch TV. Active protest has always been my thing.
For some of us, it’s not about subsidizing a bad product. It’s about the environment, the experience.
This is hockey, gentlemen.
By Bob
April 17, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure they make money if you watch them on TV as well
Actually no, in the NHL, the vast majority of the revenue comes from ticket sales and the corporate ads you see plastered on the ice, boards, and electronic boards at the games. The NHL gets little to no TV revenue, even more so with the Thrashers. I think the numbers were something ridiculous like 1800 homes in Atlanta tune into SportsSouth to watch Thrashers’ games.
Waddell’s been swinging the sickle of stupidity at this franchise for an eternity
Classic!
By Rawhide
April 17, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Sharon - Great “reaper” Comment! Maybe next season, when goals are scored against us, instead of playing Tom Petty’s “Won’t back down”….the can play this instead….with pictures of DW on the big screen saying things like, “only a few players away” and “we are already 20 points ahead of [Philadelphia]” and “we need to get better on defense”, and such…
By Alan
April 17, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Bob - The NHL gets “little to no TV revenue” - that’s indeed a fact. However, “little” is still more than “zero.” This tells me that money is still being made off of the “1800 homes” watching the game on SportSouth.
How much of that money does the Thrashers see? I doubt we’ll ever know. But I’ll bet we get more than our fair share of it, with revenue sharing and all.
At least now, with nothing to do at work, I have some time to devote to researching this topic… unless something pops up.
By PJ
April 17, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I was hearing on the radio this morning how Ottawa started out the year so well and that there was “locker room” problems that led to their demise. That being said, does that mean that they will be looking to move alot of players? Also mentioned this morning was that Commodore (27) was not interested in staying in Ottawa. What do you all think of him? Redden is 30, and will cost a fortune. Is he worth an extended 6mil plus contract? They’ve got Chris Kelly and Cory Stillman UFA as well.. Your thoughts??
By Thrasher Ryan
April 17, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Whattup RH! We just got back from Nashville where we had a helluva fun 3 days!
The place was a rockin’ man!
Dead Wings lost twice, just like I said they would…
Now hopefully my other picks will pan out - Boston, Washington are staring to worry me.
RH—How dare you go against the old team! You’re really going all the way with the Sharks, man? Come on Rawhide!
GO FLAMES!!!
By Bob
April 17, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
That was probably fun in NashVegas, what is that they chant after the Preds score a goal. I can tell “it’s all your fault, it’s all your fault, it’s all your fault…” but then I can’t figure out the rest of it
By R. Stroz
April 17, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Well Mark Bradley proved P.T. Barnum right.
I wonder if Bradley is in the market for a nice used car that only needs a few good parts: a YUGO.
By Jameson
April 17, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
PJ- I doubt it’s likely to happen, but I’d smile if I heard that we signed Commodore to 3 years for around 2.5-3 per.
By HookyBob
April 17, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Rawhide I’m watching the Flyers-Caps game and notice the fans, dressed in team colors, wearing orange wigs, faces painted, and screaming so that they’ll be hoarse the next day. This is what hockey fans live for. For them life is good. It painfully obvious in every game I watch now. My heart aches for this. Sadly, the only way to do this via the TV. (The Thrasher-Ryan option is not available to me.)
I want ownership and mgmt that also want this. $10 M under the cap, no drug problems, and really nice guy for GM doesn’t do it for this fan.
Has our, really nice guy, GM had any success with Hockey USA (other than to be known as a really nice guy).
Oh great,..the announcer is talking about what a great career Coburn has ahead of him. Thanks a pantload mister nice guy.
By PJ
April 17, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
What a tremendous end to the Philly-Wash game. I couldn’t help but notice that our (Can’t survive a back to back game) Thrashers could never have endured a OT like those boys just played. I sure hope they don’t wait until training camp to get in shape…..
Hookeybob You what they say about nice guys…
Jameson Yea i know, but it’s fun to speculate. If Comme thought Ottawa was a joke, can’t imagine what he’d think of Atlanta.
By Sage of Bluesland
April 17, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Oh, how I envy the fans whose teams are in such exciting struggles for their playoff lives!
Our lone playoff existence was over before it began—with our glass-groined wunderkind dying his hair blue and our bumbling GM strutting around like a peacock…An 0-4 embarrassment and shellacking by the Rangers was our “reward” for believing in that figurative joke otherwise known as “Blueland”, led by Don Waddell.
You remember Donny—he who worked for owners who have (and I quote) “never” turned down one of his requests—this was his deliverance of a near decade of his “work”.
Donny, who saved his own wretched skin again by firing the coach (as predicted by Sage)…Donny, keeping in his habit of sticking his foot in his mouth, blustered yet again that this year’s team was better than last years.
And still the excuses are made.
Oh well, you better believe that Kovy isn’t stupid. Ovechkin has already done something that Kovy will NEVER do in a Thrashers uniform: win a playoff game. Don’t doubt for a single minute that Kovy isn’t beside himself with frustration.
Yet some have threatened to stomp off if Kovy leaves (like Hossa, part two)! The problem is, the real fans will have been long gone by then…
What took you SO long? Why have you continued to subsidize the incompetence of Don Waddell?
It’s too bad—but never forget who ran this franchise into the ground. I’ll tell you one thing: I’ll continue to tell the truth—and I’ll continue to laugh at the enablers…
By LAC
April 18, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
Damn SAGE Brother, Nobody says it Like SAGE says it PERIOD.
All truth, NO fiction, NO excuses just The Facts and Facts don’t LIE… like Mr.Potty Mouth loser levenson or wimp LIAR rutherford snydel, the GOOF of the group, yeah snydel YOU ARE A LIAR OF THE HIGHEST ORDER !
We all remember, don’t we Sage, Bob, NascarDave his famous remarks opening night, and I QUOTE HERE.
“We are doing EVERYTHING to bring The Stanley Cup to Atlanta.”
That rutherford was a bald faced LIE, you and your little group of thumb suckers are such pussies it’s amazing to watch. You all hide from THE FACTS and refuse to believe the truth. We fans see it, why can’t you… TOO STUPID I would guess.
Everything Sage says is On The Money, and those losers like gavahokie, better wise up and see waddell for what he is a complete fraud and master of disaster.
I wonder what illgotten scheme he is planning within his sinister mind to make this team even WORSE that last season.
Fact is waddell you are a Ledgend in Your OWN mind, not the real fans, with REAL Thrasher fans you are a liar, a fraud, a stool pigeon, a loser and a total JERK.
Who gives a $hit if you are nice, I want to WIN, you do not and stronger action against you must be taken so OUR team will WIN, with you waddell we are DOOMED to the NHL celler forever !
Keep up the GREAT work Sage your prospective of this debacle is amazing Thanks !!!!!!!
By Thrasher Ryan
April 18, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
what is that they chant after the Preds score a goal. I can tell “it’s all your fault, it’s all your fault, it’s all your fault…” but then I can’t figure out the rest of it
Bob—I’m not really sure, either. It’s actually quite frightening in a way to a “newbie” — EVERYBODY in the building chants it. They blow Blueland away in Crowd participation. By far. The place itself is rather small and cozy… Everybody we met were extremely friendly.
The best comparison I can make is that it is very similar to a College Football game atmosphere.
We had nosebleeds, so we ended up in the section with all the drunk college kids. It was pretty fun, no doubt!