AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWe’re No. 19! We’re No. 19!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That’s right folks…you thought we were number 28 in the NHL…Nope, guess again. We are No. 19!!
ESPN has put out this year’s “Ultimate Standings: Fan Satisfaction Rating”. It ranks the 122 professional sports franchises in the NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL based upon how well they provide a quality product for you, the fans… for all of the time, love and money you devote your favorite team.
The Thrashers rank 19th best of the 30 NHL teams and #70 overall, (last year Le Thrash held the 55th position). The two areas that scored closest to the bottom for the team are coaching, (101), ownership, (94) and players, (93). What was the highest? Stadium Experience was 34th best. Yup…. Blueland ROCKS!!
Cited as “what went wrong” this season…”First, GM Don Waddell Fired Bob Hartley after Atlanta’s 0-6 start and took over the coaching duties, (in the end, a bad move)”.
Ya think?
So, how did the other three local teams make out? Well, the Braves came in at 21, the Hawks at 86 and the Falcons are 119.
Oh, and the Toronto Maple Leafs? 121…ahead of only the New York Nicks.
Looking For A Career Change?
There are many among us who feel as though they could do a much better job at general managing the Thrashers than Mr. Waddell. Well, here’s your chance to prove it!
Train to be a real-life, honest-and-for-true GM or scout for just $1,450.00, ($45 additional for international book shipment). Hurry now, payment plans are available starting at just $495.00 per month!!!
The course is only 8 weeks long. So, sign up today and you can be ready to go by the beginning of the season should the position come available!
Or, you could just start selling port-a-potties and work your way up…it’s been done before.
CC On HFRadio
Holly Gunning, who does a great job at Thrasher Prospects Annex, found this interview that our own Craig Custance did on HFRadio. The link takes you to the site where you can listen to CC speak about the upcoming draft and the young players in the system. It’s about 8 minutes or so.
Nice job, Holly…thanks for finding and sharing!
I Only Have One Question
Yahoo Sports’ Thrashers Team Report pretty much sums up the past season for Atlanta, (as if we really needed it). But after reading it…I do have one tiny, itsy-bitsy question.
Who was the first and second worst front office boss?
Colorado Cardiac Cases
After Thursday’s 4-3 loss to Detroit in the first game of the series, six of the seven games played by the Colorado Avalanche in this post season have been one-goal affairs. The first three were of the overtime variety. I certainly hope the cardio wings of the Denver hospitals are well staffed!
Must Have Had A Dinner Date
The Montreal Canadiens’ Tom Kostopoulos netting the game winner just 48 seconds into overtime to fell the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in the opening game of their second round series. I guess he had a dinner date or was double-parked. Either way, he made sure the match did not go too deep into the night. Helping Montreal’s cause was their defense keeping Daniel Briere and Vaclav Prospal off of the score sheet.
Just Toying With ‘Em
After spotting the New York Rangers a 3-0 lead in the second period, the Pittsburgh Penguins then got down to business netting four straight on their way to a 5-4 win. Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis were both in on the scoring action. Dupuis scored Pittsburgh’s second goal on a pass from Sidney Crosby and Hossa’s came from a wicked-sharp angle. The Pens first and second goals were separated by 14 seconds and their third and fourth were but 20 seconds apart. Evgeni Malkin notched the game winner
Star-Struck Sharks
The Dallas Stars were only able to get 18 shots through on goal against Evgeni Nabokov and the San Jose Sharks, but that’s all they needed. Brenden Marrow scored at the 4:39 mark of overtime to take game one of that series Friday night…er, make that early Saturday morning our time. It was his second of the game and 5th of the playoffs. Jonathan Cheechoo had tied the game with 3:02 left in the third to send the game into the extra period.
OK, so that’s four games so far in round two…all decided by one goal and half of them requiring overtime. Maybe Denver isn’t the only city that will need the cardio wings of their hospitals fully staffed and at the ready.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By ranallo10
April 26, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this
Who was the first and second worst front office boss?
I’m going to guess they meant the GMs for Tampa bay and Los Angeles, based on final standings.
By Alan
April 26, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Fun facts about the NYR-PIT game. First, it’s only the second time in the playoff history of the Rangers to lose when having a three goal lead. Consequently, it’s only the second time in the Penguins playoff history to come back from three down and win it.
By Sara
April 26, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
And in other hockey news, Mr. Mac, majority owner of the Blue Jackets, passed away yesterday. Condolences to his family and the organization. Columbus is the one team worse than the Thrashers all-time in that they have zero post-season appearances to date. Mr. Mac recorded a video for the fans for the final home game of last season in which he thanked them for their support. His words: “You have done your part but I’m not sure we have done ours.” Honesty like that from an owner will always be respected and admired - given it is seen so infrequently, especially around these parts.
By HookyBob
April 26, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Rawhide: They must have updated the ESPN poll since you posted. We are now at #70. (I see the Habs at #73 so I gotta question the survey.)
I have been enjoying the good hockey being played in the second round. Scores are a bit higher than I would have expected though. Sadly,…it makes me think (or is it realize) that the Thrashers are further from being a true contender.
What is the bloggers opinion on Doug Armstrong…former GM for the Dallas Stars? I know I may be getting ahead of myself,..but I can’t help thinking about potential replacements.
By HookyBob
April 26, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Nevermind,……. I misremembered Rawhide’s ESPN ranking of the Thrash.
Wings-Avs game 2 only 15 minutes away.
By Alan
April 26, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
5-1 Detroit win! Now that was a fun, dominating game to watch.
By Brendan
April 26, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
I’m glad Philly redeemed themselves. But truthfully, I thought Philly deserved to win Game One and Montreal Game Two. So, in a way, I think it apt that the series is tied, 1-1. I loved the fighting at the end. It reminded me of 1976!, when the Flyers were driving for three in-a-row.
By the way, the Hawks were up by 15 against the Celtics with 7:15 left in the game. Teh ESPN announcers have praised the Philips Arena crowd on at least three occasions. “The chant is ‘Let’s Go Hawks!’ There was some concern in these parts about a 50-50 crowd split. But the Hawks fans are here in abundance.” Later, “The crowd is alive. As far as fan support is concern, Atlanta gets a ‘10 out of 10,’” said the ESPN crew.
If the Hawks hang on, it’ll mark the ASG’s first ever playoff victory as owners of the Hawks and Thrashers. Bibby and Josh Smith are having the night of their season.
By R. Stroz
April 26, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
The Hawks must be headed in the wrong direction.
By Sage of Bluesland
April 27, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Well, it seems as if the Hawks have done something that the pitiful Thrashers can only dream of: win a playoff game.
(and don’t discount the fact that the Hawks are an 8-seed going against the top team in the conference and our laughable Thrashers were ‘division-winner’ as bumbling Donny crowed and strutted).
Yep, the difference between the two teams is apparent for all to see—at least those who ‘want’ to…The sun is rising in Hawksland while it’s dead midnight in Don Waddell’s blustering creation…
When will you wake up and stop subsidizing the incompetence? Those who do are part of the problem, not the solution…
By Brendan
April 27, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Rangers vs. Penguins is coming up.
Good for the Hawks. That’s a win vs. the #1 seed. Who knows?, the Celtics might just win the NBA title. And if they, the ASG can say, “but we dealt them a loss along the way.”
If anything positive comes out of last night’s Hawks win, it’s that the ownership might to start to feel better about spending money to get better results. I said, “if.”
By Nikita
April 27, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Oh my god, was I angry about that 2nd Rangers/Penguins game. The Rangers got ^%$#ing ROBBED.
GREAT Hawks game.
It’s almost painful watching the Avs get slaughtered, but let’s be honest — we knew it was gonna happen.
By GaVaHokie
April 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Do I dare pose this question?… was that the first playoff win (Hawks over the Celtics) by a home team in the history of Philips Arena?
By Brendan
April 27, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
I believe the answer is “no,” Hokie. The Georgia Force won two games at Philips Arena en route to losing the Arena Bowl in either 2005 or 2006. I can’t remember anymore. But I think the Georgia Force actually won their Conference Championship at Philips Arena. I won’t swear to that, however. If it’s true, an actual “championship game” has been won at Philips Arena. Probably not what the ASG envisioned for Philips Arena, however. I’m not even sure who owns the Georgia Force. Might be Arthur Blank. I have no idea where the Women’s Professional Football team plays, but the Atlanta (female team) XPlosion won the Super Bowl either last year or the year before.
Yes, all riveting stuff, to be sure. Pass the sugar.
By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!
April 28, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
Any updates on the rumor of Peter Laviolette becoming Thrashers Head Coach?
By Tony C.
April 28, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this
Dude, if Armstrong’s desperate enough for a gig, get him but I can’t think he’d be an easy sell for the AG…he’s used to dealing with Tom Hicks, who’s financial commitment to winning is unquestioned-Think about it he;s still paying A-Rod! I don’t see him really warming to the challenge of all the extra contortions the decision process takes with ASG…I just thought of something-are they still not allowed to write long contracts? I remember reading about a 4-yr limit to player contracts??? Anyone?
I would, out of a lot of sappy emotional stuff love to get Cliff Fletcher back-that’d be bad@ss.
By Alan
April 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Personally speaking, I think I’d rather see Anderson as the head coach over Laviolette. At least we know Armstrong is committed to playing our young guys, and we know he can bring with him a true blue system to play instead of the meandering on the ice we did night in and night out last season.
We might be lacking just “a few pieces” but I think the biggest ones are a system and defense.
By NASCAR Dave
April 28, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
HA HA HA!!! Billy and Woody now have outdone Don FRAUDell!
The Hawks have actually WON a playoff game!!!
The Hawks must be “Moving in the Right Direction”… Wouldn’t you say?
You have to be one pathetic loser to to actually look WORSE than Billy and Woody!!!
But Don FRAUDell has done it… the pathetic loser he is!!!
By ranallo10
April 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Alan — From what I’ve seen of the Chicago Wolves (little I’ll admit), and from what I can discern from their stats, I might have to disagree with you regarding Anderson “playing our young guys”.
One of the problems has been the “win now” mentality of Chicago, and how it seemingly impacts the few prospects who have extended stints with that club. Anderson rides his vets (Krog, Haydar, Martins, Kwiatkowski), and gets them to produce at a high level…for the AHL. We’ve all seen those players play in the NHL, and they’re fringe players (I’d argue Krog and Haydar could play fine on a second line, similar to Kunitz). Can Anderson really parlay his AHL successes to the NHL level? Or would we watch another version of Bob Hartley?
I like Anderson, but I think most of the current NHL head coaches would be a better option, as they’ve proven success at the NHL level (with the current rules in place).
Laviollete is not available, so I will still keep Anderson as my first choice.
Brendan and Hokie — I can’t remember when, but I watched the Georgia Force win a playoff game at Philips. So, no, this isn’t a venue first (as Brendan clarified as well).
Sara — That man was DEFINITELY financially committed to his team. He loved the Columbus area, and has been a part of at least 5 professional franchises in differing sports, most in that area.
By Alan
April 28, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t know, Dave. Basketball really isn’t my thing. Congratulations to them, of course, but really… is this a basketball blog or a hockey blog? With all this talk about the Hawks here, I really can’t tell anymore.
By GaVaHokie
April 28, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Alan… come on, you know how much we love basketball. It’s such a riveting sport… when they put the ball in the basket?.. The dribbling is my favorite part.
By NASCAR Dave
April 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
ALAN Re-read the comment… It’s related… They are both ASG teams, correct?
HOKIE I like when the announcers use the phrase “Score the basketball”… LMAO.
All I’m sayin is Billy/Woody have done something Don FRAUDell was UNABLE to do - WIN a PLAYOFF game.
I could see how Billy might keep his job… Woody I’m not so sure about… and FRAUDell… well, HELL NO!
NUFF SAID.
By NASCAR Dave
April 28, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Really, I could care less about the Hawks. For decades here, they have been the city’s LOSER sports team. ALWAYS losers. ALWAYS.
I just think it’s kinda ironic that Don FRAUDell has now turned the Thrashers into our LOSER sports team.
It’s just mind-boggling to see the Thrash suck a$$, and the Hawks doing well.
So, who’s fault is that???
By Alan
April 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Dave - You misunderstand. My beef isn’t that the two aren’t related (because of the ASG - a weak relationship IMHO; I digress). My beef is that it’s basketball. Congratulations Hawks, I hope they manage to go far and pull an upset against Boston. But why turn the Thrashers blog into a Hawks love-in? I don’t really care about the Hawks. I haven’t sat through a Hawks game since 1987, and I recall it being one of the least riveting experiences of my life. Opinions will, of course, vary. Maybe some people like mixing basketball into a hockey blog?
I think basketball would be far more interesting if it were more like hockey. Maybe have the players skate on the ice instead of running from one end of the court to the other? Or how about some heavy hitting? If two basketball players got into a fight on the ice, what would we call it? I don’t think they wear gloves, so it can’t really be called “dropping the gloves,” now can it?
Hokie - I like the part where the crowd cheers after the ball was put into the basket, myself.
By Rawhide
April 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I like the way my oldest tax exemption talks about basketball…
“Oh look, someone scored a basket. That hasn’t happened in…seconds”!
Little smart-a$$…I wonder where he gets that from….
By LA KINGS FAN
April 28, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
The Coach you guys need is working for ESPN right now — Barry Melrose. I have much respect for the man after what he did for our team. Plus, he really seems to like your team — he talks highly of them an awful lot.
By Alan
April 28, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
“Oh look, someone scored a basket. That hasn’t happened in…seconds”!
Exactly! It’s far too easy to score. If you change the game’s dynamic a bit, it’d become harder to score and thusly more exciting when there is a score.
Why, perhaps it’ll become so hard to score, the home team scoring might set off a noisemaker of some sort to signify that they scored and the opposition did not.
By I really want to believe in Blueland
April 28, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Maxim Afinogenov from Buffalo could use a change of scenery. While he can be a streaky player (hey, sounds like a Thrasher type), maybe playing along fellow Russian Ilya, he might elevate his game to a more consistent level and become a major threat to a weak Atlanta offense. Find a center for Kovy and Max and you got a potentially dangerous top line to work with Colby, Christiansen, and Little on that 2nd line. We have plenty of 3rd and 4th line guys to fill out the rest of the team.
By GaVaHokie
April 28, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Alan… I like it when they shoot the ball from “downtown”.
By I really want to believe in Blueland
April 28, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Max Afinogenov from Buffalo needs a change of scenery, he could be a nice complement to Kovy on that 1st line and could probably be had for cheap. Maybe uniting him with fellow Russian Ilya will jump start him to more consistency, he has the talent. Find them a center and thats a potentially dangerous top line to play along with the 2nd line of Armstrong, Christiansen, Little. We have plenty of options to fill out the other 2 lines. Solidify the D and the actually “team” has some hope. Get a coach with a system, respect of the players and maybe things could turn around more quickly than many expect.
By NASCAR Dave
April 28, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
HOKIE Just SCORE the damn BASKETBALL!
We need more players who can score the basketball!!!
By GaVaHokie
April 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I wonder if NJ is still willing to trade Brian Gionta? The Devils could put themselves back into the Hossa sweepstakes this summer.
I’d be fine with either Afinogenov or Gionta.
By ranallo10
April 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Alan — There’s a little known sport (in the US) called Team Handball. You might enjoy that. It’s a combination of basketball (less “carrying”, but still dribbling), soccer (shooting on a 6x8 net with a goalie sans pads), and has plenty of contact and action (stopping momentum, jump shots, etc).
I mention it because Dirk Nowitzki once commented about basketball as being hard for him to adjust to because there was so little contact…he was used to Team Handball.
Anyways, on to hockey…
Really want to believe — What would you think would need to be given for Afinogenov? Do you think he’d re-sign a contract to stay in Atlanta (he’s signed through 2009 for $3.5M)? I would be fine with that second first-rounder in exchange for Afinogenov, then using all the UFA money on a defender.
By NASCAR Dave
April 28, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Which is dumber???
Blueland or The Highlight Factory???
NASCAR Dave thinks they are both stupid… NASCAR Dave sez quit worrying about your marketing slogans and worry about putting a decent team on the Ice/Hardwood.
And get a New GM for the Hockey team.
By Alan
April 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
ranallo - Very interesting. I’ll have to see if I can find some games online and give ‘em a looksee.
Dave - “The Highlight Factory” is by far dumber.
By GaVaHokie
April 28, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Ranallo… I’m not sure it would necessarily cost us that first round pick for Afinogenov. I think Buffalo has made it fairly obvious they’d like to move his salary. It might even give them a shot at retaining Brian Campbell… they also need to qualify Bernier.
I’d offer them a 2nd rounder and a prospect.
By ranallo10
April 28, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Hokie — Understood, would that cost someone like Sterling? If so, I’d say no to the offer. I don’t think it’s wise to give up on a current prospect for a one year rental (I highly doubt Afinogenov would re-sign in Atlanta).
Anyone have thoughts about Little being paired with Kovalchuk as his center, given the chance to create chemistry? I’d like to see how those two develop as a tandem.
By Alan
April 28, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I would give that a look too, ranallo. See if any chemistry does develop. I might be one of the only ones, but I’d also like to see how Christensen fares as Kovalchuk’s center.
By ranallo10
April 28, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Alan — Christensen is one of the better face-off men on this current roster, so I wouldn’t mind that pairing. I think it’s overachieving for either player (Christensen or Little) to be a top line center, but it’s what we’ve got.
I think Christensen, Armstrong and Kovalchuk could be a serviceable top line, but would have two second-line quality players.
By Gary
April 28, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Don’t fret Atlanta fans! You can still cheer for Your Atlanta Hawks tonight at Philips Arena! In the Playoffs!
Tickets are still available, but they are going fast! On Saturday it was Standing Room only!
Come watch tonight as J Smooth, J Chill, JJ, and Bibby CRUSH the Boston Celtics!
There are winners in this town, so quit whining about the losers and come support Your Atlanta Hawks!
LETS GO HAWKS!
By Brendan
April 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
The Hawks actually gave an inspirational 1st half. I believe they erased a 13-point deficit to get up to an eight-point lead. They finished the half leading by three. Lots of physical play. Coach Woodson got animated enough to interject himself on the court to restrain one of his players. Well, at least the Hawks can say they strung three decent halves together.
The Philadelphia Flyers are up, 3-2, on Montreal with 4:30 left in regulation. I missed most of this one. Apparently, Philly led, 3-0, but the Habs popped in two quick ones, possibly on the PP.
If the Flyers hold on, win, and take a 2-1 lead in the series, they’ll have to look back to Game One, where they were 27 seconds away from a win—a win that would have them up, 3-0. And 3-0 … is a virtual stranglehold on a series.
I’ve got the Flyers in seven, in my only upset pick of the second round. But this game is far, far from over. And 2-1 doesn’t mean anything. If the Habs split in Philly, that’s exactly where the series is supposed to be, in theory, headed back to Montreal.
By GaVaHokie
April 29, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Ranallo… hate to say it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Afinogenov came here and, as usual, plays better with Kozlov (just like Hossa). Which is still worth getting him in my book.
I still think the most effective players for Kovy are bruisers and aggitators… Kovy with Sean Avery and Thorburn would be an example of what I think would work.
By ranallo10
April 29, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Hokie — I wouldn’t be surprised by that either. I think Kozlov needs a scorer on his line so he can sit back and make pretty passes, while occasionally (once every 10 games it seems) scoring an even strength goal himself.
I don’t personally feel Kovalchuk needs TWO bruisers, but I’ve been seeing a trend around the NHL of one big man playing with a top scorer. Fedoruk with Gaborik, Laraque with Malkin, Ruutu with Staal, etc. It seems other teams enjoy having an enforcer on the ice at the same time as their top player, yet they utilize that enforcer in an effective scoring manner (much like Thorburn at the end of this season). So, if Thorburn (or an Avery type) were to be placed on Kovalchuk’s line, I still think he’d need another shooter on the line to alleviate the Cover Kovalchuk defensive scheme.
I know that’s my preference (to have two scorers on one line, with an able bodied forechecker), especially when the forechecker is willing to be in front of the net for screens.
By GaVaHokie
April 29, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Ranallo… going with that scenario. The top three lines look like this (I still think chemistry will be an issue)
Kovalchuk Little Thorburn
Perrin Christensen Armstrong
Kozlov White Slater