AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHossa And The Beast
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thrashers beat writer Craig Custance put out this fine article last Friday about Marian Hossa’s performance during the playoffs with the Penguins. As per usual, a bang up job by CC. But what really caught my attention was the secondary piece in which Hossa’s agent, Ritch Winter, indicated that the winger’s “level of interest of returning to Atlanta would be higher” if Brad McCrimmon were to be the man behind the bench as head coach.
First of all, I think the chances of Hossa returning to the Thrashers are about as the same as Barack Obama picking Rush Limbaugh to be his Veep running mate. But the comments are interesting considering that, if memory serves me right, this follows Kovalchuk and Recchi in support of McCrimmon to fill the coaching void…if indeed Hossa does feel that way.
When those two made the comments toward the end of last season, I passed it off as nothing more than polite, professional “yadda-yaddas”. After all, wasn’t McCrimmon the supposed defensive specialist on a team that finished dead last in goals allowed and shots allowed? The way I see it, if last season was a type of “try it before you buy it” period when it came to McCrimmon…then the results should speak for themselves.
That being said however, if indeed Hossa were to consider allowing Atlanta the privilege of spending $10 million a season or so for his services if The Beast were to be given the job behind the bench… as Winter would have us believe… then what do we make of that?
I mean, if Hossa is so high on McCrimmon being coach of the Thrashers, why didn’t he help this cause more last winter when he had the chance to make a direct impact on that decision with his play?
Also, if McCrimmon was to get the job, and Don Waddell remains as general manager, then isn’t the organ-I-zation pretty much the same as the one Hossa shunned by refusing to resign because it wasn’t heading in the right direction?
While I would enjoy seeing Marian in Thrasher blue again…playing the way he has during the playoffs with the Pens…I just don’t see it happening. No matter who the coach might be.
One last point on this topic: Even though the season unfolded in an un-good way, there have been at least three top players who were a part of the team that have given The Beast a show of support. So is it simply the polite “yadda-yaddas” as I indicated earlier…or is there something more to it?
SCF Game One
Not a lot of analyzing needed for this one. If Pittsburgh is only going to get off four shots in the second, three in the third…19 overall…if they are going to squander five power play chances, then they’re not going to win too many games, (just ask last year’s Thrashers). And they’re certainly not going to win too many doing so against the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Chris Osgood was sharp when he was called upon in shutting out the Penguins and Motown was pretty much clicking on all cylinders Saturday night.
Game two Monday. Is it too early to call that a must win for Pittsburgh?
Wolves Kick Marlies To The Curb
The Chicago Wolves disposed of the Toronto Marlies by way of a 4-2 win in game five Friday night, winning the AHL Western Conference title. Darrin Haydar, Kevin Doell, Bryan Little and Joel Kwiatkowski each scored goals and Jason Krog contributed with two assists. Opie stopped 23 of the 25 shots he faced.
The Wolves scored four unanswered goals after spotting the Marlies a 2-0 first period lead. Jiri “Lusty” Tlusty assisted on one of the Marlies’ goals …(yes PJ…I worked that one in just for you).
Chicago will now play the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins who qualified for the finals by beating the Portland Pirates in seven games for the Eastern Conference title.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By B. Thenet
May 25, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I would rather get 2 $4 million players than have Hossa back here. That would make us a better team.
On Beast, I don’t know if supporting him is some backhanded slap to Waddell or what. Why on earth professional athletes would want to back a guy who REFUSED to take the head coach position last year is beyond me.
I don’t think Beast showed much responsibility for his part in the teams poor season last year, I think most of our defenseman have taken a step back due to his influence, and I couldn’t care less what all the players say about it.
The players will be happy when we win more than we lose. I don’t think McCrimmon can do that.
By Sara
May 25, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
RH I made the same type comments over on the Nest after I saw Craig’s article. I’m just having a real disconnect between the performance of the team (D in particular) with Beast here versus the fact that three highly-respected players think he should be the guy. Obviously we are all on the outside looking in, so therefore there are plenty of things we don’t know. Btw, Winter indicated that Hoss had already shared his opinion on the matter with upper management. And I would have to say that I don’t think Don intends to follow it - otherwise I think he would have acted by now.
Winter also discussed the fact there are some prime FAs available this year that could significantly improve this team in a quick amount of time. However, those big impact players aren’t going to come cheap, and we can only afford so many top-dollar players. Ilya’s contract is only going to go up. If we pick up one or two other big name FAs, Hossa isn’t going to fit under our cap. At this point, if we are going to spend big money on a player, it needs to be one (or two) for the blueline.
By PJ
May 25, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rawhide, GO LUSTY!! Oh wait,… GO WOLVES!!!
By Midfield
May 25, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, see if you can corroborate any of this: I heard a persistent rumor that the season killer was the infamous All-Star event in Atlanta. I heard that veteran players and coaching staff were all disgusted by the way Don conducted himself during the event by trying to steal all the lime-light and treating everyone else as garbage. Again, this is just what I heard, in case anybody is itching to accuse me of generating malicious rumors.
By Bob
May 25, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Actually Midfield, I’ve always thought that Waddell was a class act, but just incompetent. But, and this is complete heresay as it was told to me at the pool today by a guy that plays golf with Mellanby, that the Wad is not well liked by the players and thus the call out for The Beast as it’s a slap in the face to Waddell by the guys in the room that are saying “even he knows more than this joker”. TIFWIW, which is what you paid to read this blog entry, but there it is.
It reinforces my thinking that nothing meaningful changes here until Waddell is gone.
By Brendan
May 26, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
I have the feeling that Waddell won’t re-sign Kari until AFTER the draft. But I’d bet he’d make it a top priority immediately following the draft. Why risk the July 1st offer sheet? Especially if it can be avoided.
Oy. I heard you. Yes, I did. “But Brendan, it’s such a waste for another GM to offer Kari an offer sheet. It’s overpaying for an unproven goaltender, if the Thrashers don’t match it. Which the Thrashers almost certainly will.”
The draft pick compensation for an offer sheet for Kari will most likely be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. Barring an offer truly absurd. And if the team is Detroit, that means picks #30, #60, and #90 in this Summer’s Draft. Raise your hand if you think the Thrashers scouting dept. will find a player in the caliber of a 2nd overall selection, which is the “pedigree” that Kari represents, picking from those positions in the draft. Put … your hand … down.
A larger issue, for me, is battling the perception that the team is “cash-strapped.” Our “Opening Night” budget for 2007 suggests that we are cash-strapped. Exacerbating that are the stinging recent Free Agent losses of Savard, Hossa, and Kaberle. And there’s speculation that Kovalchuk will follow. Said another way, the players don’t think Atlanta has the financial resources or decision-making capacity to land the Stanley Cup anytime soon. And there it is.
So??
So, that “chums up the waters” for “poachers.” When an organ-I-zation is viewed as “cash-strapped,” or is flush against the cap, Kevin Lowe pounces with an RFA offersheet. And so could any other “like-minded” GM. Buffalo lost a few guys … possibly because their players believe the team was either “not committed” or “cash-strapped.” Guys like Grier, J.P. Dumont in 2006, then Drury and Briere in 2007. Now Brian Campbell. Kevin Lowe saw an opportunity to poach Tomas Vanek. Luckily for Sabres fans, it meant this would be one budding Superstar that the organization could keep. Even if it took “shaming them” into locking him up, rather than any action consciously undertaken of their own accord.
Now, ask yourselves THIS QUESTION?: How would it look if nine (9) seasons into their existence, the Thrashers have lost a 1st overall pick and both 2nd overall picks? That’d be three of the big four (3/4) pieces that served to be the FOUNDATION of the franchise’s building blocks.
Who just said, “Yikes,” while adding, “with Kovalchuk looming in 2010?” Allrightee then. This is why Waddell pretty much HAS to land Kari’s contract before July 1st, or match ANY offer that comes Kari’s way.
Now, I just heard someone else yell, “Hey Brendan, I WANT the RFA offersheet! It’s the ONLY WAY we’ll lock Kari up longterm!” Fair enough. If you’re Lehtonen fan, you might just want some other team to offer 5-7 years, “shaming” the Thrashers into matching the offer. And if you ARE a Lehtonen fan, you probably also think he’ll be worth $5 million-a-year down the road, maybe even MORE than that. If so, such an offer could be viewed as a “bargain” down the road.
That’s what happened with Kovalchuk in 2005. Waddell overpaid for him by $1.5 million, after a lengthly holdout. Today, few would argue Kovalchuk’s value is not worth $6.5 million in cap hit. If Kovalchuk hit the market today … well … let’s just drop it right there. If you think Hossa will get paid this Summer, ya ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!
So, matching an RFA offersheet could, theoretically, have a silver lining, if Kari turns into the goaltender that he was projected to be. And I’d argue that we must give him a solid defense to uncover that reality. Thus far, we haven’t given him “much.” And I wouldn’t blame Kari one little bit if he did affix his signature to an offersheet. Players are jumping off the SS Thrashers.
“Psst, Brendan!” What? You left something out. What? “Maybe Waddell is dangling Kari as ‘trade bait’ during the 2008 Draft. If no one takes the bait, Kari’s still restricted. In a ‘worst-case’ scenario, he’s lost to the RFA offersheet with draft pick compensation for Atlanta. And this way, Waddell doesn’t have to address any potential ‘no trade clause’ in the contract negotiations that might arise if negotations started on May 25, 2008.” Fair enough. That’s probably a valid point. But it doesn’t lessen the price of the contract any, the way that re-signing Kari in January or February could have done. Bygones.
By Midfield
May 26, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
You know, Brendan, all of this becomes a tactical minutia in the background of a colossal strategic breakdown. It appears that the level of discontent with the front office - and the ownership group, for that matter - is insurmountable. These clowns should look for their exit strategy, and Bettman should be getting ready to take the franchise over to salvage it.
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 26, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Great story from the Detroit Free Press today about the role players from the Wings sticking around all of these years Under this current ownership group and GM with the Thrashers, I don’t see that kind of thing happening with them.
By Brendan
May 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Well, and succinctly put, Midfield. Unlike my post.
By Tony C.
May 26, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Wow.
I’m just at a loss for words right now. I just don’t even understand why Winter would even think that Hossa would come back here.
Also, leads one to wonder exactly where Beast’s “pay grade” stops??? Was his authority undermined that much…or is it just a desire to have the inmates run the asylum?
La la la…one thing that immediately comes to mind reading that article WingsFan is that Illitch wouldn’t put up with this crap for a week, let alone 7 months.
By kracker
May 26, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Well…more evidence, albeit anecdotal, about what a cancer DW is for this team on all levels. Even his good relatioship with the owners - normally a good thing - is bad for the team because it is these owners. Instead of telling them what has to be done to make the team successful, Waddell is a convenient yes-man facilitator for the ASG. Or so it seems to me.
All I know is, it is less than four weeks until the draft and we still have no coach and no new GM and haven’t hired the wise hockey councel that was talked about for the last two months.
What do they do if the Grand Plan of interviewing all the coaching candidates right after the playoffs are over fails and no qualified coach will accept the job of working for this GM and these owners? Then I guess it’s the junior league guy, whomever that can get at the last minute.
By Sage of Bluesland
May 26, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Maybe when that lisping buffoon of a GM finishes what he (never) started and completely runs this franchise into the ground, then the sheep will finally take notice…
…and STOP subsidizing the incompetence…
By Tony C.
May 26, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
listen, Sage, I feel you.
Granted I’m a lot more rah-rah on these pages, but yes, I believe that the FUBAS Group might listen if they felt a significant hit to their wallet from a hockey boycott.
But let’s be honest.
They stand to make MUCH more $ from the NBA side of things. Without taking anything but the two league’s revenue-sharing results into account, it’s pretty much a slam-dunk (pun intended) as to which side I would put more of my resources into.
Unless we get some super-competitive type running the hockey side ( a la Leonisis or Ilitch) from the FUBAS Group, or the NBA suddenly declares bankruptcy it makes more sense for them to concentrate on the Hawks first.
Don’t take this as a defence of the FUBAS Group, but rather an objective look at where they may be coming from.
By kracker
May 26, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
So will Roberts get suspended for slugging Franzen in the face?
By stendec
May 26, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Hi fellow Thrasher fans. I first deemed to root against the Red Wings on principle. However, the thought of Maryann Hossa hoisting the Stanley Cup above his head after dogging (sorry Falcon watchers) it in Atlanta this season torpedoed that notion. It is now 2-0 Octopussies in series. Maryann and cohorts have gone for 120 consecutive minutes without a goal. My heart breaks. NOT! My disgust of Maryann knows no bounds. Even to the (unrealistic) dream that perhaps the Pens will not score at all in this series. Then maybe Maryann would get a small taste of the anguish Thrasher faithful were forced to digest all season long. So, so, so, GO WINGS! Hurts to type that. Good night friends.
By Brendan
May 26, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Wow. The Red Wings are doing everything right. They’re outscoring the Pens, 7-0, in this series, and there’s still some time left on the clock for one more. Chris Osgood hasn’t had to be “stellar.” But he’s made the saves he had to make.
Wait, Osgood is down on the ice! What the heck happened there?? Anywho, I won’t mention the “S” word, as I don’t want to be accused to “jinxing” anything.
I’ll repeat. No team is technically “in trouble” until they lose a home game. But make no mistake, if the Penguins lose Game Three, it’s OVAH. O-VAH! And unfortunately for the Pens, I don’t see that anything has changed from Game One.
So … it’s back to the drawing board. And, perhaps, with their home fans swinging towels and decked all in white … it might turn the tide. Pittsburgh hasn’t lost at home in a while. Tonight, Crosby, Malking, Staal, Hossa … they seemed invisible. Credit the Red Wings’ Defense. It’s been there, cover quick, with no excuses.
In 2003, Anaheim lost Game One and Game Two in New Jersey, by shutout, but won Games Three and Four and Six to force a Game Seven. This series is seems a bit similar, at this juncture. I hope the Penguins can make this a series. Otherwise, it’ll be a fairly boring “Championship Video” when the NHL puts it out in October.
And now it’s “official.” Osgood has the shutout. 3-0. Impressive. First Nashville, 4-2. Then Colorado, 4-0. Then Dallas, 4-2. And now, they’re at 14 wins. Simply put, the Penguins must win four of the next five (4/5) games. It’s not impossible. But it’s a big hill to climb. Game Two winners almost ALWAYS skate the Cup. Detroit has won Game Two.
So? So it’s “officially” the Red Wings series to lose, at this point. They are completely in the driver’s seat. Two more home games, potentially, left to play and needing only to win two of the next five (2/5) games, Detroit can skate the Cup. If Detroit doesn’t do it, it’ll be a long, painful offseason. And Babcock isn’t re-signed yet to return as Coach.
That said, I’d be feeling pret-ty good right now, if I were a Red Wing fan. Pittsburgh hasn’t even scored a goal, and Detroit hasn’t given them a ray of hope yet in this series. This is “dominating” hockey by Detroit. Right now, they look like Champions. Let’s not forget that they won the President’s Trophy, too. And they had the best defense in the league. And what wins Championships?? You got it.
By Midfield
May 26, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Pens will look for a more favorable match-up for Crosby line and - more improtantly - Malkin, since they will have the last change in Pittsburgh. If that won’t work, they’re toast.
By TableHockey
May 27, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - You summed up very well my thoughts on the Beast. We need major changes in the coaching staff. We need someone who will completely change the program because the current one ain’t working!
I like Anderson from Chicago because it would bring a new level of continuity between the Wolves program and the Thrashers program. BUT there is always the possibility the he isn’t ready to make the jump to coach in the big league.
As far as Hossa is concerned the only way he would ever come back to Atlanta is if he wins the cup with the Pens and no other team wants him as a UFA. Neither of which seems likely at this point.
By Sara
May 27, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Another awesome game! Sad part is, the Wings didn’t even play that well themselves. Hopefully, they’ll turn it up to full speed the next two games and sweep these whining losers right out. Biggest bunch of unprofessional crybabies I’ve ever seen. They don’t even deserve to scrape the ice for the finals, much less play on it (or pretend to). To think I used to actually like Pittsburgh - not anymore.
By Russian
May 27, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
First of all I do not want to see BEAST in Atlanta at all. He had a team since 10/18/2007 when Hartly fired. What did he do? NOTHING. Yes I know he was not Head Coach, but he ran all practices and he made dissision who is going to play and how. Don was named as Head Coach, but real person who worked with team was Beast. I DO NOT WANT Him. About Hossa. Yes he is playing very good now. He might back to Atlanta IF he get Cup this year and does not care winning Cup anymore. IF he wants to get huge pay check every month.
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 27, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Have y’all seen all of the whining by the Penguin players about Osgood ‘acting’ after he got hit? Such class. Sounds like a bunch of sore losers if you ask me. Even if he was ‘acting’, he wouldn’t have to if Penguin players didn’t go near him when they are losing. Classless bozos.
By Alan
May 27, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Wings fan - Osgood wouldn’t have to embellish anything if the officials wouldn’t act so biased. Now, those who haven’t paid any attention at all to the Wings may ask “how are the officials being biased?” Well, look no further for just one glaring example from Game One of this series.
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Well, it looks like it’s gonna all work out…
John Anderson will lead to Chicago Wolves to victory in the Finals, and then he will be named Atlanta Thrashers Head Coach… Perfect Timing as well.
Then that just leaves moving ‘ole Donnie either out of the organization entirely, or in a different role…
THEN, we “might” be “moving in the right direction”…
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Is this a THRASHERS blog, or a WINGS blog???
I can’t tell anymore…
How long before one of these traitors speaks of the “sweep”???
NASCAR Dave sez Pens win the next 2 games…
NUFF SAID.
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Have y’all seen all of the whining by the Penguin players about Osgood ‘acting’ after he got hit?
NOPE… But I did see Gary Roberts sucker punch your boy in the face… That was AWESOME!!!
You WINGS fans are PATHETIC… 2 shutouts, and you are WHINING about unfair officiating???
Absolutely hysterical…
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
First of all I do not want to see BEAST in Atlanta at all. He had a team since 10/18/2007 when Hartly fired. What did he do? NOTHING. Yes I know he was not Head Coach, but he ran all practices and he made dissision who is going to play and how. Don was named as Head Coach, but real person who worked with team was Beast. I DO NOT WANT Him.
I AGREE 100%… Just Say NO to the Beast.
Hey RUSSIAN… What do you think of FILATOV??? Should we draft him??? I think he’s kinda small, but he could eventually take Kozlov’s spot…
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Hopefully, they’ll turn it up to full speed the next two games and sweep these whining losers right out. Biggest bunch of unprofessional crybabies I’ve ever seen.
Oops… I missed it the first time through…
There you go, SARA just hooked you traitors up with your JINX!!!
HA HA HA… LMAO!!!
NUFF SAID.
By R. Stroz
May 27, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Although completely off subject, I just found out my son graduated with honors.
By Russian
May 27, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
to NASCAR Filatov is big question. He has very good skating skills as most Europian players, but he is not strong and big player. This is a first my concern about him. Second one, you know how is bad our system to work with young talent. We know lot of examples: Corbun, Stefan, Kari and etc. I just do not want to waist our draft pick to Forward who will go somethere after plays in Chicago couple season. We need D-men. Actually, we need smart GM, succesfull Head Coach and One owner (not of bunch owners).
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 27, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Who’s whining about the officials? The disallowed goal in game one was more of a reputation call on Holmstrom. Sometimes you get the call, sometimes you don’t. That’s life. The Wings bounced back like good teams do, but this series is far from over. … NASCAR Dave, are you a Dale Jr. fan?
By Alan
May 27, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, Stroz! The next time we end up at a game together, I’m buying you a celebratory beer.
By Rawhide
May 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
RStroz - Congrats!!! Obviously, the boy takes after…mom.
Wings Fan, Alan, Sara and all other Wing-dings out there…you guys have to be feeling good about those past two games. They were about as complete a performance as any Detroit fan could have hoped for.
By Midfield
May 27, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
The most pathetic thing to watch is how Crosby gets into scrums. Modus operandi: wait for an official or a linesman (better an official) to skate near by; give an opposing player a shove; get behind an official and make a “get those b******* of my back already” frown.
By Alan
May 27, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
You’re right, Rawhide, I am feeling really good. I’m not ready to pull out the ol’ broom just yet (I’ve been saying Wings in 6, after all), but it would be great to see Detroit put on a couple more clinics en route to hoisting the cup.
I hope to one day feel just as good about the Thrashers. Let’s face it, I’m in Atlanta. Even though they stunk up the ice many times last season, I still love the Thrashers. I am a Thrashers fan. And I’ll take that with me wherever I move to (even if it’s back to Detroit).
By Sara
May 27, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Dave it wasn’t said as “we’re so good we’re gonna sweep these monkeys” - I said it because I think the Penguins are completely lame crybabies who are looking to blame anybody but themselves for the fact they are getting their @sses handed to them. They don’t deserve to win a game - at this point, they don’t deserve to score a goal. Maybe next go-round - if they’ve grown up any.
Even their own beat writers are all over the team for being lame enough to blame the officiating or the Wings for “cheating.” The Wings aren’t angels (show me a team that is), but they don’t have to cheat to win…or whine.
By PJ
May 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
RStroz Congratulations!! You must be so proud!! Now you can buy him that new car for graduation!!!
By PJ
May 27, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
What the puck Congratulations kid!!! (you owe me)
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Stroz — Does that mean he’s going to put his hat into consideration for the Atlanta GM position??
(Congratulations though, clearly Mom helped him with the cramming sessions)
By whatthepuck
May 27, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
hey all of you need to harass my dad so he will buy me a car i need wheels bad guys lol
By Alan
May 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
whatthepuck — Nice try, kid, but with $4/gal fuel (and rising), you might be best served using something a little less fuel based, don’t you think?
My policy always has been: If I can’t afford to pay for maintenance, I don’t need one. Fuel costs factor into that. Hence why I use MARTA instead.
I don’t know where you live or if MARTA or GRTA goes out that far, but what I do know is that a bicycle can help you get around practically anywhere. And since the only fuel you need for that thing is food, it’s win-win.
Just some, ah, food for thought.
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
whatthepuck — Alan’s a hippy, don’t listen to him. Get yourself a Hummer III and use premium gasoline, being sure to spill plenty at the gas station as you fill up your tank every other day. While you’re at it, try to stand on some baby seals being eaten by melting polar bears, then club the polar bear.
(Alan — in case you couldn’t tell, this was in jest)
By kracker
May 27, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Sounds like pretty solid advice to me, ranallo. Better yet, though, wtp should get a Hummer II or an original I if he can find one. (Maybe Ahnold will sell his.)
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
WTP - After Kasey Kahne drove his DODGE CHARGER to victory lane in Charlotte this weekend, your Dad said that what he wants to see you “roll” in…
But he said he would like to see you get a job first. I hear Waddell’s job is in jeopardy, so you might want to get your application and resume in quick.
SARA - Can’t argue with Cindy Crosby being a whiny crybaby, but you just jinxed the Wings… Talk to me after 2 more games, and remember, you heard it here first!!! :-)
RUSSIAN - I agree 100% with this: We need D-men. Actually, we need smart GM, succesfull Head Coach and One owner (not of bunch owners).
By Alan
May 27, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
ranallo - I think you have that backwards. You see, you’re supposed to ride the polar bears while clubbing baby seals.
(I could see the jest immediately, and reading your disclaimer only made this less funny. A baby seal cries.)
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
In the age of the internet, disclaimers are oft needed with the absence of a sarcasm/jocular button (patent pending).
And I prefer to assist the baby seal’s demise by keeping it from moving, then clubbing the melting polar bear (after digestion of course).
By whatthepuck
May 27, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Alan it would be a problem sence u drive a ferrari no wonder ur feul econ sucks lol
By Tony C.
May 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Screw that. The kid needs this
It’ll run on biodeisel (I think)
By Rawhide
May 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Yeah, all that whining coming from the Pens locker room sounded like a Democratic National Convention…. HA!!
(ahem)…
Anyway…. they’ve been given their share of breaks in the series so far, so they should just SHADDUP and play hockey.
By R. Stroz
May 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
The real question is how was WTP, otherwise known as my son, able to get thru school without learning to spell.
Then again, how is DW a GM and doesn’t know how to manage?
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
The real question is how was WTP, otherwise known as my son, able to get thru school without learning to spell.
Like father like son…(“through”)
By GaVaHokie
May 27, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
You should get one of these, it’s pretty fuel efficient, it runs on oats.
By kracker
May 27, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Oh, BTW, it looks like the Hawks will have a new GM after only a few weeks of being GM-less. So the ASG can act responsibly when they want to - tho not too wisely. What decent BB GM will agree to keep a coach he doesn’t favor?
By erock
May 27, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
WASHINGTON Re-signed right wing Matt Bradley to a three-year contract.HAS THE THRASHERS SIGNED ANYBODY YET ??
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
erock — The Thrashers signed Arturs Kulda and Rylan Kaip…does that count?
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Hokie — While definitely efficient, those still have pretty nasty/harmful “emissions”. Plus it definitely hinders the graduate’s potential dating life…
By whatthepuck
May 27, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
ill take the tank as long as it comes with live ammo of course lol
By Gary
May 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
I’m still waiting on some details and confirmations, but Hawks/Thrashers fans - keep these names in mind for the next 10-15 days: John Anderson, Dave Nonis, Chris Grant, Steve Smith.
Gary (Secret Squirrel)
By ranallo10
May 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
WTP — Sorry bud, it’s been neutered. I don’t think a turret-less tank is as much of a chick magnet as you might imagine. A Nazi magnet, maybe.
By Alan
May 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
When did I become the owner of a Ferrari? And why haven’t I sold the f*** yet? My money problems could be over and I don’t even know it!
(Actually, the car I was driving was a 1990 Nissan Maxima. Gave that one up for the bus because at the time, it was saving me $80/wk in fuel. It’s now saving me closer to $200/wk. Thanks, C-Tran and MARTA!)
By GaVaHokie
May 28, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
I’m still waiting on some details and confirmations, but Hawks/Thrashers fans - keep these names in mind for the next 10-15 days: John Anderson, Dave Nonis, Chris Grant, Steve Smith.
I was just reading how the Toronto job is not as appealing as most would think… I for one SURELY don’t see that job appealing at all… anyone coming into that job this year runs the risk of being replaced with Brian Burke next summer.
I think it’s down to St. Louis and Atlanta for Nonis’ services.
At this point, I don’t see what could stop John Anderson from being the coach of the Thrashers next year.
By ranallo10
May 28, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Hokie — It’s being reported that one of the sticking points for Nonis is that he wants FULL decision making power over the hockey operations…I don’t see him getting full power if he came to Atlanta. He doesn’t seem to want to be an advisor, he seems to want to be the person calling all of the shots.
So, unless Waddell is fired, I can’t imagine Nonis taking a position in Atlanta.