AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US422 Million Miles Away
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That is how far NASA’a Phoenix Mars Lander traveled from Earth to Mars where it landed over the weekend. That is quite a distance.
However, it pales in comparison to the gap that seems to be separating the level of play between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals.
In six periods the Wings have outscored the Pens 7-0 and have outshot them 70-41. In fact, the Wings have dominated Pittsburgh in just about every stat except for post-game whining and crying.
This is not to suggest that Pittsburgh is not a worthy participant in the finals. Certainly the Penguins have shown that they are strong enough to be considered among the top two of the thirty teams in the NHL. Their march to the finals was as strong as any playoff push I have seen of late.
But the distance between the best team and the second best…at least right now… is about as vast as that of third and fourth planet in our little solar system.
The Penguins will have game three on Wednesday night and game four on Saturday to close the gap. Personally, I think they have to win both or it’s over. Going back to Motown down 3-1 for a game five…un-good.
Dollar For Your Thoughts
Atlanta councilman Jim Maddox has proposed a $1 surcharge on all tickets to major sporting events and concerts. Well, I guess that’s easier than…gee, I don’t know…cutting excessive spending, maybe?
Anyway, it seems as though it would be used to offset the cost for police and other city workers that are needed to work these events. Other cities have done so as well, and for more than a buck.
But the question I have is…if/when the city gets their financials back in the black, are they gonna drop the surcharge then?
Sure they will, right about the time that they tear down the tollbooth on 400 that was placed there until the road was paid for.
Wolves Go On A Penguin Hunt
Here are links to the Chicago Wolves and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins playoff stats. The two teams are set to drop the puck Thursday night in game one of the Calder Cup Finals.
Jason Krog leads the league in post-season scoring, (9 goals and 19 assists). Ondrej Pavelec’s .928 SV% and 2.17 GAA is a bit better than the Penguins’ John Curry, (.908 & 2.47)
The AHL’s Eastern Conference champs do, however, lead the league in hyphens and forward slashes.
Bettman Considers Pad Size
If things are left up to commissioner Gary Bettman, the size of goalie pads will continue to decrease. Interesting photo of the commish, however. Maybe we could do a “Caption This” with it?
Mine would be: “I swear, before my selective surgery… my ears were THIS big”.
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Sage of Bluesland
May 27, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
If that’s the distance between the Wings and the Pens, then what is the distance between our own pitiful, Don Waddell-led, Thrashers and a playoff series victory???
(and you thought that light went a long distance in a second!)
Silliness! Stop subsidizing the incompetence of our bumbling, lisping Donny Waddell…
By Sage of Bluesland
May 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
And, on another note, who here is actually old enough (I don’t think too many) to remember the 1996 World Series, where the Braves were coming home for the final games ever to be played in Fulton County Stadium, up 2-0 on the N.Y. Yankees (and smoking them at vaunted Yankee Stadium, no less)???
Anything can happen. Arrogance doesn’t become you—it’s only exceeded by Ignorance…
By NASCAR Dave
May 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
DANGIT RAWHIDE!
You just couldn’t do it, could ya’?
Couldn’t do a brand spankin’ new blog without mentioning Jason Krog…
What is your infatuation with this guy? Look, he had his chance here - scored 1 goal (vs. Nashville I think)…
He is career AHLer… and that’s about it!
Don’t take it personal, RH. I’m just teasing you a bit because you have mentioned him in the past 3-4 blogs — everytime!!!
GO HOSSA!!!
By Ben
May 27, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Sage:
I tend to agree but ol’ mo is going to have to move and I mean a ton if that is what we can expect from the Pens. Also, in baseball you have got to get all 27 outs. You also must realize by now that in any given game, anything can and does happen.
In a separate matter, why has there been no news on the coach or GM fronts?
By Rawhide
May 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Sage - ‘96? I remember it well… escpecially the game 4 blown lead debacle… yeck!
NascarDAVE - Krog has been mentioned because I have written about the Wolves and their run for the Calder Cup. It’s kinda tough to discuss their success without mentioning the player who is responsible for all those points in the playoffs.
As for him being a career AHLer…I agree, I think his time has come and gone…at least with Atlanta.
Ben - Why no news about GM or coaching positions? This is only my speculation, but I think it’s because the organ-I-zation has made up it’s mind that DW will remain as GM and Anderson will be coach once Chicago is finished in the AHL finals.
And that might be as soon as a week or so from now if…JASON KROG…keeps playing well. (Sorry Dave, I couldn’t help myself).
By HookyBob
May 27, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Rawhide: You might consider hiring a body guard. If Krog reads that you think “his time has come and gone with the (lowly) Atlanta team.” He may come after you.
Caption for the Betman picture: “It would take a gag this big to keep me quiet.”
Ben: I think DW has been too busy rubbing elbows at the World Championships to work on something as minor as picking a coach. He may not be back yet,..I read somewhere that he is now “evaluating” young talent on the Wolves. Or…
Alternatively, one rumor has a juniors coach, whose team is still in the play-offs, as being the heir apparent to the Thrashers job. I’d rate this rumor pretty high as a lot of things seem to fit.
Does anyone remember the 97 Stanley Cup final? I thought there may be a sweep,…but it was the Flyers who looked soooo…… strong,…not Detroit. Still, this year the Wings dominance surprises me. Beating, let alone completely stifling the Pens offense, seemed very difficult. There are a few common threads to both series (thanks Wingsfan in Ga)such as Lidstrom, Draper, McCarthy, Malthy(?), and Ozzie (he’s so good).
To paraphase Rawhide,..Wednesday is do or die for Pittsburgh. And they haven’t shown a lot of life the last week. Scoring first may be the key.
By my count 129 days until the puck drops on the Thrashers next run.
By Tony C.
May 27, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Seriously though, I think if/when the wings win, that Osgood should get the Conn Smythe.
He’s been solid for most of his career, but this postseason he has been a difference-maker. Just look to this Finals to see at least three pucks he kept out that required above-superior results (the fluttering puck off Crosby’s shoulder on the PP in 1st period of game one comes to mind). In the Dallas series, he stole a game from a Dallas team that had (for the night at least) solved the Redwings skaters but not Osgood.
I really think he should get it, and if Franzen gets it and makes no noise in the Finals, then the guys who award that trophy are dumb.
By Ben
May 27, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Mr. Rawhide, Sir:
Thankyou.
BTW, why on Earth, in all seriousness is D-WAD still here? My thought is, either the owners truly do not care or they are out of their depth as hockey owners. Or is he not all that bad? I mean was Stefan really his fault? It was a thin draft.
By PJ
May 28, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Rawhide Remember, men only get more distinguished and since I can’t carry a tune…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha3Pyt4wsGA
Happy Birthday!!!
By LAC
May 28, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, sorry to hear Mr.Potty Mouth, geron, snydel, turner all the LIARS are still here on earth and not on Mars… Would be The Best thing that could happen to this franchise.
Sage right AS ALWAYS, WTH is STUPID waddell doing, hiding I say.
The team stinks to high heaven, we have NO coach, the season ended WHEN ???? We have complete worthless LYING owners. What do we have to look forward to ?
We are losers period, thanks to waddell The Master of Complete Disaster, no plan, no hope, no nothing… waddell HAS TO BE FIRED he has killed this franchise to the point no star players will come here, he shows NO leadership, we ALL can see it why not the stupid owners… Gee wish they were cooking om Mars !
When will this mess start to turn ?
There has been not one single thing happen since the buzzer of the final game on April… nothing ?
Can ANYONE name another NHL team that would have allowed waddell to stay following the last game…
I want AJC to put up a vote for us to vote on.
Simply ask, Should don waddell be fired Yes or No and let the fans have a say…
The Ron Wilson one has been up for a week…. Come on Rawhide work your magic on that one !
By Tim
May 28, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
Tony C. Beside Osgood who have been superbe throughout the series, I believe Nick Lidstrom will have a chance as well to get his hand on the Conn Smyth. The way he is tailing Syd the Kid is just priceless.
By MB
May 28, 2008 4:34 AM | Link to this
Tony C., Osgood may well end up with the Conn Smythe based on his tremendous stats, but he’s really not being asked to do a whole lot. He’s facing few really good chances and when there’s a juicy rebound his teammates clear it out of there for him. He’s been solid, but hardly remarkable.
And that’s what’s great about Detroit…everyone does their job and does it well. Definitely some high skill guys on the team, but they don’t have to rely on one or two guys (heck, one or two lines,) to win.
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 28, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
What a bunch of whining. You know it’s your last resort when you whine as much as Therrian is doing. He should coach his players and not whine to the media. I’ve said it before, this series is not over. …Hookybob, you’re welcome (even though I don’t remember what I said). Although to correct a few names - it’s McCarty and Maltby. … Also in 1997, the Flyers held a huge pep really and said they were the real hockeytown and boom, they got swept. Pittsburgh held a huge pep rally, talked a bunch of trash and had columnists bash Detroit and here we are, which proves yet again that pep rallies and fans talking trash doesn’t matter. Stay classy Pittsburgh. Oh Pennsylvania sports teams how I dislike you.
By Rawhide
May 28, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
PJ - Thank you…
Ben - You’re welcome…
LAC - If memory serves me correct, I think they had one like that a few weeks back. However, I shall endeavor to see what I can do about that.
By GaVaHokie
May 28, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
I’d say John Anderson is getting one hell of an audition right now. I’m sure Waddell is watching closely at how Anderson manages the team through the playoffs, what adjustments he makes… and how he uses the prospects… very important.
By GaVaHokie
May 28, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Rawhide… they did, but I think it was phrased “What do the Thrashers need?” A new GM, a new Coach, etc.
I’m sure those polls are taken very seriously. :) I’m sure they’ll print out copies and pass them around the board room. “Wow, 367 fans think Waddell should stay, while 743 think he should be fired. Gentlemen, I think we have our answer.”
By GaVaHokie
May 28, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Rawhide… not sure if you noticed yet, but you made Spector’s blog today.
By ToF
May 28, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Have you guys even seen the plays that Therrien was questioning? They were blatant dives! Sykora barely touched the man. Seriously though, everyone is making it sound like that was the entirety of Therrien’s press conference. It was like 3 freaking sentances, BFD. Anywho, Osgood does not deserve the Conn Smythe, he has barely been tested. Check these stats from Mirtle if you dont belive me
By ToF
May 28, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Alright, let me clarify something before I get murdered on here. I don’t mean to say that Osgood’s diving is the cause of the Pens loss. They have been getting outworked and outplayed, pretty simple. However, from a general standpoint, you can’t let shenanigans like that go (on either team). In case you guys missed it, the Dive he took on Sykora caused a pretty big ruckus at the end of a game that was pretty much over. That makes the game one step away from getting out of control, something that falls on the refs to not let happen. If diving goes uncalled for the rest of the series, I wouldn’t be too suprised if Therrien acted like a !@#$ and sent out BGL to take someone out. That is why he gets a paycheck.
By LAC
May 28, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Thanks Bill, I have to say that you have been THE BEST this past season and into the summer with your blog.
I think we ALL should vote to have RAWHIDE Night one night next season with you dropping the puck.
It has been a thought provoking blog, with many points of view offered in a professional manner.
I believe most all agree Bill has shown us the misgivings of this ownership mess and the GM who can do NOTHING right.
I can only hope you will continue your fine work for all of us and maybe, just maybe… These owners will finally wake up and hire Nonis & Wilson ASAP and finally…
Start the ball rolling in the right direction rather than down the toilet like it is right now.
Thanks !
By NASCAR Dave
May 28, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
BILL TILLER for GM!!!
With JASON KROG as Assistant GM!!!
NUFF SAID.
By Jane Curtain
May 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
This just in….
The Hawks have reached an agreement with former Seattle general manager Rick Sund, who will be announced Wednesday afternoon as the team’s new general manager.
By Dan Aykroyd
May 28, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Jane… you ignorant slut!
By T-Bone
May 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Heard Dan Kamal on XM Radio on Monday. He’s apparently doing some work on the side during the Finals and they asked about any info re: Thrashers coach, GM, etc. He had nothing, and I don’t believe he was being coy. I really believe it’s business as usual for Don and the owners and before you know it this year’s Todd White and Ken Klee signings will appear and owner pronouncements of building towards a Stanley Cup Run. Can anyone honestly name a more dysfunctional, poorly run organization in hockey right now?
By ranallo10
May 28, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
T-Bone — The Tampa Bay Lightning. They’ve had two failed attempts at purchasing a franchise that very recently won the Stanley Cup. They have a good coach, an above average GM, and three bright stars on their roster (four prior to this season’s trade deadline). Yet, somehow they found themselves in dead last in the NHL standings…
Just tossing them out there for you.
ToF — There was no reason Sykora should’ve been touching Osgood, right? Sykora didn’t have to initiate contact, but once he did Osgood did the same thing Fleury did every time Avery got around him (folded it up like a tent). As the rules stand, there should be no reason the goalies are touched anywhere around the net. Last round Malone got a goal out of initiating contact with Biron, the stick came loose, and a goal was scored…if I was a goalie and saw that, I’d think twice about acting as if I’m dying (since the refs won’t call it unless I do that).
Besides, the point is that the game wasn’t lost due to Osgood hitting the ice, but yet Therrien decided to make it public that was ONE of his complaints about the game. Perhaps he should’ve complained a little more about how much his team was outplayed and under prepared, and a little less about the things he has no control over?
Hokie — I agree with your tongue-in-cheek comment about the polls, but I noticed recently that Michael Turner (recently signed RB for the Falcons) noted that two things helped convince him to skip his discussions with other teams and sign in Atlanta:
1 — The crowd response to his appearance with Blank at the Georgia Force game.
2 — A fan poll on the AJC boards in which it was overwhelming supportive of the Falcons signing Turner.
I was shocked by it, but it was from his mouth. I know there’s a difference between a poll stroking someone’s ego and convincing an ownership group to fire an individual, but in this example the fan poll influenced a decision.
By R. Stroz
May 28, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
FUBAS(Fouled Up By Atlanta Spirit) have found a more dysfunctional basketball team than the Atlanta Hawks, the Seattle Supersonics and hired their former demoted GM.
So, to put things in perspective, FUBAS should be hiring the former dysfunctional GM for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Doug MacLean, any day.
By T-Bone
May 28, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
OK, this is from Eklund so take it with many grains of salt but he has Ron Wilson coming to coach the Thrashers. Ok, shoot away.
By polskidawg
May 28, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
422 Million Miles Away - Osgood has been good, but the defense has been better. The day the Red Wings drafted Nick Lidstrom should be a city holiday - every year.
Dollar For Your Thoughts - Sure they will, right about the time that they tear down the tollbooth on 400 that was placed there until the road was paid for. Kind of like the federal income tax, eh?
Wolves Go On A Penguin Hunt - Wolves in 5 games. They win to win, not develop talent, assuring that they will be a factor 8 of every 10 years.
Bettman Considers Pad Size - Maybe we could do a “Caption This” with it?
Mine would be: “The gulf between from the best, let’s say the Wings on my right, and the worst, let’s say the Lighting, Kings and Thrashers on my left…is THIS big”.
By kracker
May 28, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
T-Bone The Ron Wilson poll has been up for over a week, seems like, so maybe CC/RH have the word unofficially that it is Wilson. Though, with Wilson there is no reason to wait. He is available any time.
I suppose we will find out before June 20th.
By R. Stroz
May 28, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Governmemt Taxes 101
A government tax or fee is never removed once in place.
The MARTA tax was going to be removed after a couple of years, once the start up costs were covered.
By Tony C.
May 28, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Ok, my point about Osgood for Conn Smythe is-no he hasn’t been spectacular-that’s not his fault. He has however, made all the stops that’ve been asked of him, including some very weird bounces in which he has been unflappable.
Not even counting how well the wings responded to Osgood being named the starter. The guy has only lost twice since being named the starter, and you could argue that Detroit does not advance past Nashville if they stayed with Hasek.
Do you think that Detroit would not have been able to score without Franzen? Really? What about play good D without Lidstrom? (you’ve got a much stronger arguement there, but I still think they would play well-look at the effort they get from Brad Stuart-way better than anytime else in his career) But how did they do with Haek in goal??? Who did they put in and then go on to win 8 or 9 straight games? Osgood.
Trust me, I’m not a big fan, but I think he’s way more important to the Redwings’ success than Franzen, who it seems a lot of media types have annointed the winner already.
Now Lidstrom is hard to vote against. The guy is never out of position, shuts down the other teams’ best guys, oh and he’s got a timely goal or 5 in his stick. Solid choice.
By GaVaHokie
May 28, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
kracker… I believe Wilson said he was going to take his time on deciding what to do next year. So, the wait works out both ways. It gives us time to evaluate John Anderson and it gives Wilson time to unwind a bit.
By Tony C.
May 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Oh and I think it would help if ATL had more girls like this. Of course it all follows if Le Thrash was a winning team.
Oh, and I think the redwings learned their lesson about leaving Hossa alone back in February. You look at how they defend the Crosby line-no room for he or Hossa-they kind of leave the RW to cover Dupuis or whoever is @ LW on that line. Just taking away room from Crosby & Hossa-which is really impressive-Hossa is one of the best stick-handlers in small spaces I’ve seen.
By GaVaHokie
May 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Maybe the silence of it all is Waddell already has Wilson in the bag and is just giving him a little vacation time before throwing him to the media… Waddell could announce it this week, and then they’ll start prepping for the draft.
… just a thought.
By ranallo10
May 28, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — Atlanta has…Lil’ John! Kristen Bell definitely can’t get a “WHAT!? YEEAAHH! OOOKAAAAY!” cheer going in an arena.
But good lord, she’s a nice fan to possibly sit next to.
Re: Conn Smythe — Without Osgood and Lidstrom the Red Wings would be out of the playoffs. Franzen and Zetterberg are 3rd running, assuming the Wings win it all. If Pittsburgh makes this a solid series, then Crosby is in the running due only to his media pull. He’s the perfect “awww, too bad you lost, here’s a trophy to make you feel better” pick (kinda like Giguere).
Hokie — I doubt it entirely (unannounced hiring of a quality coach like Wilson). That sort of hire would be trumpeted from the beginning…it would make it known that Atlanta can STILL convince quality coaches to take on the daunting task of molding a competitive team out of this roster. I’m sure a Ron Wilson signing would speak louder to potential FAs than a John Anderson signing. But I understand your point.
By kracker
May 28, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
It’s probably more like Wilson/DW haven’t reached agreement or that Wilson isn’t ready to commit at the moment. Wilson surely has more offers than Atl to consider and may well be bent on relaxing for a couple of weeks longer also. Unless Wilson is a jr. player encyclopedia or he brings such a person/data with him at the hiring, he probably goes with DW and his scouts for input for the draft and bases his recommendations on that. For the highly rated prospects, he would already have a preference, I would think.
It’s not too late on the NHL FAs at this point, yes? There is no talking to them allowed until July 1, I believe. Of course, the FA could be thinking more favorably about playing here with a Wilson announced as coach and he and his agent could look over the Atl suituation in depth, etc., so in that regard, having no hi-profile coach is un-good. Not having a coach could also affect attracting non-NHL FAs and getting your own RFAs resigned.
By B. Thenet
May 28, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, not sure if this was mentioned but your take on Pavelec was picked up by Spector in his Hockey Rumors section today.
Craig is going to be SO jealous.
By R. Stroz
May 28, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
It’s Rawhide’s Birthday Everyone
By Tony C.
May 28, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
ranallo-no, she might not be able to get the crowd going with “OOKAAAAAAY!!!” (Which if you’ve been to one of those And1 stops @ run&shoot is really cool. I would love it if we could get the Flatscreen crowd to do it before the puck drops-I doubt it, too many people just see/hear hip hop and are against it no matter what…especially our transplanted yankee brethren that came to ATL to get away from “urban” influences in their community-oh the irony)
But I tell you what, I think Ms. Bell with The Cup as a handbag would be a pretty good PR move for Le Thrash….she certainly would get a cheer from my section.
Seriously, she’s smoking hot AND knows hockey? More please.
By ranallo10
May 28, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — Dude, she mentions taking a sponge bath in The Cup and the thing YOU’RE excited about is her using it as an accessory??? Dude…get your priorities straight (pun intended)!
By Alan
May 28, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 - I would be happy to assist her with that sponge bath… ;)
By Rawhide
May 28, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
B Thenet - I did not see that, really?
If you are referring to Spector a FoxSorts, I didn’t find it…can you post a link?
Kracker - I haven’t heard one way or the other…but I would really like for it to be Wilson.
RStroz - Yes….shorter of breath and one day closer to death….
By kracker
May 28, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Happy Birthday, Rawhide!! Is a hockey present most on your wishlist? Er, after the new weed-whacker from your better half, of course.
By HookyBob
May 28, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Rawhide: Hap..Hap…Happy birthday. You earned it, having made this a better(well,less awful) year for many, many Thrasher fans.
Talking Con Smythe,…can the coach win it? Detroit’s success appears to me to be superb defense at all levels. Two players up for best defensive forward of the leauge. All world defense in Lidstrom, great potential Kromwell, Stuart, etc. High competence in goal,… especially when called upon rather infrequently. (Does anyone remember the old Russian teams that only shot when it was a really great opportunity? The idea being the goalie wouldn’t be in a groove.) Anyway, I’m thinking the coach should get a lot of credit for this precision, cohesive, blanket coverage.
If a coach can’t win it,…I’d go with Lidstrom, the captain, who more than adequately filled Stevie Y’s skates. Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t he finish 2nd in the Norris voting award 4 or 5 times before he finally won it?
Gotta go,..game on.
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 28, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
NBC loves Pittsburgh. The announcer lost a load when Crosby scored. The pregame was all Penguins. This is the first time in several years I have said this - but this coverage is blatantly one-sided. … Did you guys know the leading playoff goal scorer and leader in points plays for Detroit? Wouldn’t know that while listening to NBC, yet it’s been said several times that Crosby leads the playoffs in assists. Absolute horse sh— … God I miss ESPN/ABC
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 28, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
As for the $1 surcharge, if that goes through, I’m done going to Atlanta for games. Why should I be punished because of the bozos running the city? I’ll just go to Gwinnett.
By HookyBob
May 28, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else suddenly think this series may go 7 games? Yahooooooo..
By kracker
May 28, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
nope
By stendec
May 28, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Maryann Hossa and pals only prolonging their agony. So what if series goes six or even seven games? Red Wings still vastly superior unit. No way Pens will steal one in Hockeytown. Will be fortunate to win out on home ice! Hope Maryann stays goal-less! His apathy while in Thrasher uniform will not be forgotten in these quarters. Did like his pre-game interview. Nice beard. Go Octopussies. Or is that Octopisses? Oh well. Cherrio all!
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 28, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
There is their one win for the series. We all knew it would happen. Wings rebound in four and take it in five.
By stendec
May 28, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Missed opportunities. Wings will not misfire so badly in game four. Inability to pull goalie in closing seconds demonstrates team has not had experience in that particular area this season. Oh well. Three down. Two, at least, to go. Pleasant dreams all.
By Bob
May 28, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Happy B-day, Rawhide.
Crosby and Hoss were magic together tonight, just took the game over.
Game on, boys.
By MB
May 28, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Man, what an amazing, exhilirating, exhausting game…good stuff.
Osgood showed me more tonight than he did in the two wins.
Hossa’s had so many chances and he just can’t bury ‘em. He’s fortunate Crosby was there tonight to put in his whiffs.
Can’t wait for Saturday.
By Ben
May 29, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
happy happy Rawhide,
Please do it again next year! Don’t bail like Hoss.
By B. Thenet
May 29, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Here you go Rawhide, 3rd story from the bottom
By GaVaHokie
May 29, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, I pointed the Spector article out to you yesterday, I have the link above… you must have missed it.
By Rawhide
May 29, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
B Thenet - Thanks! How nice is that?
Hokie - Yes, indeed you did I see…so thank you as well.
Ben - I’ll be here…you make sure you are as well.
By Tony C.
May 29, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Ranallo-re-read my post…I was talking about a Thrashers PR photo-op type thing.
I’m pretty sure that every guy on here (with possible exception of the queer-eye habs-guy) was more interested in the bath…I mean I don’t think you could figure out a way to make a PG or PG13 even photo op outta that.
I’ve just been thinking about how they’re going to try and market the team next season? Are they sticking with Blueland? I think they should. It’s not that bad a concept, except instead of depicting the commercials like some lord of the rings knockoff, they should just have guys invading from the north-that’ll always go over well in this market; rallying to defeat northern aggression.
Or Ms. Bell bathing in The Cup.
Oh and to all you deadwing d!ckriders: You guys didn’t allow a goal for TWO GAMES and you’re upset/surprised that the TV people are trying to pump up the Penguins? C’mon! If I’m trying to sell people on advertising during my hockey telecast, I sure as hell am not going to point out the fact that so far, the Finals have been a one-way street. People want to see competition, not abject domination-impressive as it is, it doesn’t sell nearly as well as “the top two teams in the league ‘duke it out’ for Lord Stanley”…I mean who’s gonna tune into “Watch Detroit mercilessly crush Sid & Co.”? Just deadwing fans.
They’re trying to go up against the #2 most popular professional sports league ON THE PLANET [NBA] (and no the NFL isn’t #1…EPL is)-they want to get as many people as possible to watch. And watching the big kid beat the tar out of the little kid gets boring. quick.
do Yall really think Wilson will sign here???
By Wings fan in Ga.
May 29, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Exactly, they didn’t give up a goal for two games, so how about some mention of the Wings defense or Osgood? I have no problem if they want to profess their love for Crosby, he is a great player, but there is another team playing with great players too. Talk about the other team some. Not everyone in America is a Penguins fan. There is a such thing as overkill, and that happened in game three.
By GaVaHokie
May 29, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
do Yall really think Wilson will sign here???
Yes, I do… just a matter of what the asking price is and how that weighs against the Anderson option.
Wilson has coached in the SE before (Washington) and had a lot of success. He’s also good friends with Waddell.
By Dan
May 29, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Ummmm….3-2 Sid the Kid takes over. Since the Thrash can’t seem to find a coach I have to go back to my original team. Let’s Go Pens!
By T-Bone
May 29, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Bob, I think you mean Hoss got bailed out by Sid. Two or three point blank opportunities and he went all Pascal Dupuis on his finish (or lack thereof). Although I will say he got hooked on the one in the slot without a call, and he was in the middle of the action for sure. I’ll give him that much. But, you get paid $10mm/year or something close to that to finish.
By ranallo10
May 29, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
do Yall really think Wilson will sign here???
Personally no, I don’t. He would fair much better in Ottawa, in my opinion.
I understand the Crosby love-fest, but as a hockey fan (one already tuned into the broadcast) it serves no purpose to constantly tell me and show me how spectacular the guy is. They showed a close up of Crosby after an almost goal, and he wasn’t even on the ice, much less involved in the damn play! Seriously, I’m already watching the game, I am fine with you highlighting a good play, but when you focus SOLELY on a single player (Crosby, Zetterberg, anyone) it becomes annoying as all hell.
Ever watched a Montreal game in English, where they gave a love-fest to Carey Price and his “quick glove”??? If not, I’m sure you can understand what I mean.
For the fans not tuning in, fine, sell the “phenom”…for the fans watching the game, give fair nonbiased hockey. Don’t sugar coat everything like Darren Elliot, don’t be a homer like the Carolina/Tampa Bay announcers, and don’t be a “OMG it’s CROSBY!” type broadcaster. It’s not hard, it’s just hard to find one or more that can do that.
By ToF
May 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Supposedly the Thrashers have started discussions with Ilya Nikulin. Here is a report Its in Russian, so have fun interperting it through a translator. The gist is that he is FINALLY ready to leave Russia for NA and wants to try his game in the best league in the world.
By Brendan
May 29, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I’m just glad it’s a series again. And Mike Ilitch just did “cartwheels.” It means he’ll get another $2-2.5 million in PURE PROFITS for Game Five ticket sales of the Finals in Detroit.
The Penguins situation has not changed. If they don’t win Game Four, it might be the last time their fans ever see their team this season. Imagine if the Pens do win?
Still with me? That creates a six-game series, at a minimum. It makes for more compelling viewing, for some casual “outsider” hockey fan. The pressure is back on for Detroit in Game Five. I’m sure they don’t want to return to Pittsburgh with their backs against the wall.
But truthfully, Detroit hit some goal posts and missed two GLORIOUS chances to score. I could easily have seen how Detroit might be up, 3-0, right now. I want to see a series, so I’m glad Pittsburgh won. But will Detroit fail to “cash-in” their chances in Game Four? This series could be over in five.
I do think it was good for Crosby to score those two goals. If the Pens got swept, and Crosby didn’t get any goals or points, it would look very bad. Hossa got two assists. What’s that, 21-points now? That’s not a bad playoff campaign.
If you look back, through all four rounds, at the goals that broke the other team’s back, Hossa either scored or assisted on a lot of them. He even had the OT winner that closed out the Rangers. If the Pens win the Cup, could you say, definitively, that Hossa is NOT a Conn Smythe candidate?? I wouldn’t put $$ on that. But the series is far from over. What if Hossa scores the OT winner in Game Four? And the Pens take the series in seven games? Wouldn’t that OT winner back in Game Four be the “turning point” of the series??? I’m jusssss sayin’. I think the Conn Smythe Trophy is still very much up for grabs for at least 3-4 players.
By R. Stroz
May 29, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Russian - Can you translate ToF’s link on the Nikulin article?
By B. Thenet
May 29, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Nikulin would immediately come in as a Top 4 defenseman for the Thrashers, I believe he led all Russian D in ice time during the World Championships.
The only question is if THIS is the year that DW finally gets him to sign on the dotted line.
By kracker
May 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
The only question is if THIS is the year that DW finally gets him to sign on the dotted line.
It would be helpful to know that before the draft and FA signing period.
By GaVaHokie
May 29, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Here’s the translation…
Ilya Nikulin: ideas фикс to leave for ocean are not present
29.05.2008 22:37Защитник modular Russia and Kazan ” Ак ” and modular Russia Ilya Nikulin has told the Leopard about the plans for the future, in particular, about possible transition to “Atlanta”:
By GaVaHokie
May 29, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Here’s some video on Ilya Nikulin.
Video 1
Video 2
By GaVaHokie
May 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Sounds to me like he’s under contract with Ak Bars and he has no immediate plans to come to North America. He likes the idea, but nothing is in place.
By ToF
May 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to see Hokie did exactly what I did and ran it through a translator. Its kinda brutal to read, but you can get the gist of it.
By Ben
May 29, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t really make me drool. The T-Birds could get someone just as good who would actually come here. Remember that this no transfer thing could get rather pesky.
By Alan
May 29, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Remember that this no transfer thing
What about it? He wants to be here.
Sure, “the no transfer thing” could bite us - and any other NHL team - in the a* should the players decide to go back home. But to get a #4 defender just like that? How can anyone turn that down, when we have defenders like Exelby, Klee, and Zhitnik?
At this point, we shouldn’t be asking ourselves if we can do better than him. We should (Zhitnik) be asking ourselves (Zhitnik) who we can waive (Zhitnik) to give the new Ilya a spot on the roster. Did I mention that I would like to see Zhitnik waived?
By Russian
May 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
to GaVaHokie WOW. I am shock. Do you speak Russian? Your traslation is 100% correct. Yes he wants to play in NHL, but he has contract with AkBars. I will say that we can get him 50/50. He does not pay taxes in Russia. I think he has contract for $1mln, that means Thrasher need to pay him at least $2 mln
By Thrasher Ryan
May 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Russian—He (Hokie) probably ran it through Google Translator. I hope that guy (Nikulin) comes here; I’ve been waiting on him since the 2000 draft. We might as well overpay him, since we already overpay everyone else!
Speaking of overpaying, did everyone see this?
Maybe we can tell Terminator Bobby that that is his walking gift to get the hell out of town!
By Russian
May 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Oh Yes. Our Capitan got Paid a Lot. I hope Don did not sign him to next season.
By Ben
May 29, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Alan,
His team has a say in this too.
By Tony C.
May 29, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
eH,. Look at it this way; maybe it’s a lot easier to sell FrankenBobby on playing here for say $1.5M>/per?
I dunno. I know he never drops the gloves but he’s one of the few guys in blue that has grit and the frame to do something with it that I saw skate for us last year.
Russian- How do you feel we could enhance our chances of getting Nikulin besides overpaying him? I’m looking for any cultural insight I suppose. I know #17 & Slava-Matic love going to NYC because they get to hang out in the Brooklyn enclave and “official” Little Russia in Queens…I know I’ve met a fair share of Russian people in my area (North Fulton), but does Atlanta have anything close to a noticeable Russian presence or neighborhood?
By Alan
May 29, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
His team has a say in this too.
You’re going to have to explain what you mean by this, Ben. It’s not that I don’t understand what you’re saying. It’s that it spits in the face of everything I’ve seen.
By Bob
May 29, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Anyone else watching the Wolves dismantle the Baby Penguins in the Finals right now? It’s on the NHL Channel, I wonder if they’ll show the whole series? Pavelec wasn’t tested much in the 1st but looks real calm in there. The Stuart-Doell-Lavalle line looks great and like they come come up en masse and skate on our third line next year. I like the work out of that line.
Ostrick looks pretty good as well. Valabik, not so much improvement in my eye, but Anderson said on the Sirius Hockey show today that he thought Valabik starts for Atlanta next year. He thought Little could as well if “he ever learns how to harness his speed and use it effectively”.
By Brendan
May 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Bryan Little just scored, from LaVallee, to make it, 5-3, in favor of the Wolves. It was a very difficult shot, from an obscure angle, into an essentially open net. He went “five hole” on the defenseman, who made a valiant attempt to make the save. I tuned in mid-way through the 2nd period. Right now, there’s 15:00 left in the 3rd. Sipotz just went to the bench. I forgot we still had him in the pipeline.
By Brendan
May 29, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Pavelec looks very steady and experienced in net for Chicago. Really, truly … I expect him in camp to try to wrest the #1 goalie spot from Lehtonen.
And if that hurts Lehtonen’s feelings … he’s got to realize the situation he’s in. He’s not Marty Brodeur. I feel bad for him in that … he’s trying to make a household name for himself with a swiss cheese defense in front of him, specializing in ‘whack-a-mole,’ (TM, Poster Sara, all rights reserved.) Folks, I’m not going to blame Kari Lehtonen for signing any RFA offersheet that comes his way.
By Tony C.
May 30, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this
Good points Brendan
By GaVaHokie
May 30, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Russia… I worked with the KGB for about 5 years. Just kidding… I ran it through a translator. :)
By ranallo10
May 30, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Brendan — Technically Sipotz is property of Chicago, not an Atlanta prospect. Fahey, Sipotz, Deveaux, Martins, Fretter, Anderson, etc…are all players signed by Chicago and not under contract with Atlanta. Essentially, they’re still “unrestricted” free agents.
By Brendan
May 30, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
A-HA!!! Then I was RIGHT to doubt that he was still in our pipeline!! Outstanding!!!
(Well, unless we sign him as an unrestricted free agent.)
By ranallo10
May 30, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Brendan — I don’t anticipate such a signing…he’s of no use to the current defensive pipeline, in my opinion.
But yes, you were “right”.
By Brendan
May 30, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
In Game One, Sipotz didn’t look too good. But, it’s far from what I’d call an adequate “first hand” sampling. If Waddell were seriously impressed with him, I suspect we’d have seen him as a “call up” at some point by now.