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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What’s John Anderson Got Cooking?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of the names being kicked around here as we discuss the Thrashers coaching position belongs to one John Murray Anderson, the head coach of the Thrashers’ AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves. So, it’s only natural as we continue our vetting of the candidates that I run his name under your nose.
But, my friends, if Anderson is offered the job behind the bench…his name might not be the only thing of his running under your nose…it could be the smell of some mighty fine food. You see, John Anderson is also a chef.
Yup, the former NHL player and current coach cooks up more than just wins it seems. He is also founder of “John Andersons”, a diner located near the intersection of Youge & Hendon streets in Toronto, Ontario and it is home of the “Banquet Burger”. There is also a second restaurant in Mississauga, Ontario that sports the “Big Puck Burger” and “John’s New Specialty”, souvlaki on a sesame-seed bun!
Oh, Gawd…Somebody get me a bib!
Folks…I smell a great future possibly in Blueland. Maybe he could be persuaded to open a new place in or around Philips Arena. We could all meet up at “John’s Place” near the rink…dine on big, fat, juicy grilled patties of shredded bovine flesh…washing it down with a cold brew…then it’s off to the Big Screen to watch the Thrashers grill the competition!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm….. Burgers and hockey! Utopia!
Anyway, Anderson spent 12 years playing in the NHL, splitting that time between the Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers. The right-winger amassed 282 goals and 349 assists in that time. His career best numbers came in 1982-83 with the Leafs when he notched 31 goals and 80 points in 80 games played.
John Anderson has lead the Wolves to 4 AHL championships finals winning three of them, (1998, 2000 and 2002). In the eleven seasons he has coached the Wolves, they have failed to qualify for post-season play but once, (2005-2006 season).
Not surprisingly, Anderson has won more games then any other Wolves coach, both in the regular season and playoffs.
To some, the biggest selling point to John Anderson is…besides his record at the AHL level…the fact that so many of our young stars have played in the Anderson system while in Chicago. If he could win with them at that level…would it not be logical to think he is the right man to lead them now at this level?
Personally, should he be tapped for the job, I would welcome the news. However, I would also scratch my head in wonderment as to why he wasn’t asked to take the job last fall when the job became available seeing that he made it very clear he was interested and the Wolves owner and GM openly gave their blessing for the Thrashers to talk to him.
And a question for you…should Anderson be hired on, should he be allowed to bring his assistants down with him, if he’s so inclined? After all, part of his qualifications is the “system” he operates that is so successful. Shouldn’t he be able to have his lieutenants helping him to implement such a system with this team rather than trying to sell, teach, explain it to the current staff now?
Regardless, if the team is looking to bring in a new face to the NHL coaching ranks … rather than hiring a cast-off from another team…Anderson just might be the right choice on the menu for the Thrashers. He’s been well seasoned in Chicago and ready to fill the ASG’s order.
Conference Playoffs Set
By now you know that the conference finals are set. It’s a Keystone State Eastern finals and double-Ds out west, (Dallas and Detroit). The Wings and Stars hook up in game one Thursday…Pens and Flyers on Friday night.
If you’re looking to me for any prediction as to how these matchups will unfold…forget it. I’m officially out of the playoff prognostication business. I went 4 for 8 in the first round and 2 for 4 in the second. Worse, the two teams I predicted would reach the finals, Montreal and San Jose, are out! So for now…I’m just a spectator.
I am, of course, handling this with my normal grace and dignity.
Apparently Not A Fan Of Either Western Finalists
And finally, let me dump this on you from Big Shooter over at the Blueland Chronicle. Absolutely priceless!
Why do I think of the Islanders when I look at this?
