Ice Man

By Alan

May 30, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Interesting article, Rawhide. And you know something? I don’t really have a problem with that idea in general.

It’s funny that he picked two expansion teams that had little to nothing to do with the lack of presence of NHL teams in Canada, as well as the one team that did leave Canada for the dirty dusty desert known as Aridzona.

So, what about some of the other teams out there that have financial problems, Rick? He knows there’s a team in a spot of money trouble in Buffalo, right? Of course he does. He just sees fit to pick at the southern states because in his mind, he feels that people in the south don’t really know anything at all about hockey.

If he crawled out of his blue and white pajamas and left the cozy enclave of Leafs nation, perhaps he would get a better look. But that’s asking too much, isn’t it? Imagine that - a real columnist doing real research. I’m giving myself a headache just trying to fathom it.

By Tony C.

May 30, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this

Rick Westhead is a punk.

Sure the idea isn’t bad, but wouldn’t a stronger US market benefit his plan more? If there are more destinations for this deluge of canadian money to reach, wouldn’t there also be more people to collect from?

Oh well. Yet another haterade swilling frostback from Leafs nation. Thank goodness that established market has a team that’s leaps and bounds better than Atla-wait? you say they sucked last year? As well as the year before? oh well.

By LAC

May 30, 2008 5:11 AM | Link to this

Yeah Rawhide… Wish I was as lucky as Holik, a washed up player getting millions for nothing, at least it is not Atlanta paying it. Should count against NYR cap I think.

Glad to see Wolves winning, seems so odd they do and we can’t just, so odd.

Guess when you have a Winner for an owner and a quality coach, and everyone on the same page… It does indeed work… What do we have here… A BIG MESS.

I noticed in a Q/A with Gary Bettman before the opening of the Cup final, some idiot asked about small market teams… He cited Nashville and ATLANTA… Hello Atlanta is, I believe the 8th largest market in the USA, some people just cannot accept the fact we have hockey here.

Lastly, what night this coming season will be RAWHIDE night ?

Let’s see Bill Tiller drop the first puck… I say do it Thrashers, it would be something right in an otherwise worthless franchise, owner & GM wise.

Finally, asked about a waddell poll, the Wilson has been up for about two weeks, the on poll had four choices, I would like two, should waddell be ifred, YES or no…Keep us informed !

By Alan

May 30, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

For once in a blue moon, LAC, I believe we’re in agreement. Sure, we’re not a “traditional market,” but a lot of people here are from traditional markets. Then you have other people who were once curious about this newfangled thing called hockey and went to see a few games. Now they’re hooked. Imagine that! True homegrown southern hockey fans! And in another five to ten years (minimum), we’ll start to see homegrown talent make their way from the baby Thrashers to the big club.

You can’t judge a teams success based on the here and now or even the past ten years. It takes a lot of time to penetrate an off market with a sport many people only thought of as an olympic event or a sporting anomaly. Atlanta has the fortunate position of being a destination of a vast number of people from such hockey heavy locales like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and New York, just to name a few. As a result of Atlanta having their own team, many of us from those other markets really warmed up to hockey here (for me, the “warming up” period was instant). Sure, there might be a few of us (Sara, Wings Fan in GA, among others) who will continue to support their hometown teams. But I think we all agree that when it comes to the Thrashers and Atlanta, we’re here now. We support them. And no whiny opinion columnist from Toronto is going to change the way hockey is done in the NHL. After all, I hear Florida has two teams, and one of them isn’t doing so hot monetarily while the other one is being sold.

C’est la vie.

By GaVaHokie

May 30, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Rawhide… it’s interesting because I’m starting to see DeBoer listed as a candidate for the Ottawa job as well.

By B. Thenet

May 30, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers were 20th in attendance, and 3rd worst in performance. There are many NHL teams in worse condition than Atlanta.

The Canadian teams better be putting all their profits in high yield investments, the Canadian dollar will not be holding its own vs. the US dollar for that much longer

Sooner rather than later we will resume the status quo in the NHL where some of the 6 Canadian teams have problems keeping up with US teams financially. Funny how only a few years ago we had a owner lockout, in part due to some of the Canadian markets complaining over their inability to compete in an NHL without a salary cap.

Oh, and good job Wolves. Lavallee and his linemates Doell and Stuart had a great night.

By GaVaHokie

May 30, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Wow, I just read the Holly Gunning article… great stuff. I would tend to lead AWAY from Deboer after reading that. He sounds like the “Tom Coughlin” type… a loud wind-bag that doesn’t relate to his players.

If he can’t create a winning atmosphere right off the bat, it could make for some miserable times.

And I know what you’ll say Rawhide regarding Coughlin, but consider the atmosphere in NY the few years before they were contenders.

By glovesave29

May 30, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Let’s really tick off the Toronto media - start a chant at all games vs. the Leafs…much like Isles fans used to do when the Rangers were in town and they chanted “1940”. We can repeat - ad nauseum - “1967”. Sure, it doesn’t have the same ring to it, but the meaning is the same. Their beloved Leafs - 41 years of futility and counting.

By Bob

May 30, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know if the NHL Channel will show the remainder of the Calder Cup Finals? That was nice to watch the kids in action.

Lavallee-Doell-Stuart was a great line. I could bring that line up and just drop them en masse into our lineup as our third line next year. They were all solid all night and brought tremendous effort and skating.

Little is still going way too fast and doesn’t have good puck awareness or linemate awareness, Anderson said he’ll make it in the NHL when he learns to harness his speed, but it’s hard to teach instinct, no? That worries me. He’s got a bit of Slater in him (go fast and accomplish little, although at the AHL level his skills do give him success).

Valabik does not impress me. I heard John Anderson on Sirius talking about how much he’s improved his skating, etc. I just don’t see it. I saw a lot of standing around and reaching, no improvement in puck movement.

Now Oystrick impressed me, I liked the way he skated the puck up ice and jumped into plays. I’ve heard about Kulda being a hot upcoming one, but didn’t see much out of him, he seemed overwhelmed. Kwiakowski is their best dman. And Sipotz? Oof. He’s awful, I wouldn’t be suprised to see him sit the rest of the series, he took 3 bad penalties and pretty much singlehandedly put the Baby Penguins back in the game.

Pavelec let in a couple softies, he could use some more seasoning I think, sitting on our bench as #2 isn’t going to help his development, remember, he’s only 20.

One big lowlight. The Wolves look like one big lowbudget porno crew. What is up with the 1977 Playoff Porno Staches they have workin? I fully expected to see Dick Slammer and Jack Hammer stitched on the back of their sweaters. Oof.

By GaVaHokie

May 30, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Brendan… I think several (if not all) AHL teams do the mustaches. A lesser version of the playoff beard.

All I remember about Oystrick was from preseason last year… he was horrible. He created 3 turnovers that lead to goals. He would have had to improve dramatically for him to have any Thrasher consideration this season.

By B. Thenet

May 30, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

The Wolves shaved their beards off and went to just mustaches when they were down 3-2 in their series with Rockford to change their luck.

The Wolves actually are selling shirts that say Fear The Stache featuring their logo with a mustache on it.

By Bob

May 30, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

The Wolves shaved their beards off and went to just mustaches when they were down 3-2 in their series with Rockford to change their luck

That makes a little sense then, but they look so weird especially when you look at the Baby Penguins with their full beards like you’re used to seeing on all the teams. Speaking of staches, does John Anderson remind you of a baseball player (retired now)? Kudos to whoever comes up with that one, I couldn’t stop laughing about it last night every time they showed him on the bench with the stache he has workin.

By GaVaHokie

May 30, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Wow, this is just shameful… I hope for Wheeler’s sake he’s getting bad advise from his Agent. If you’ll recall, this is the kid that Gretzky went WAY off the board for in the 2004 draft. He was ranked much lower than where he was taken. Commentators criticized Gretzky (in his first draft with Phoenix) for taking him so high and not atleast trading down first.

By Alan

May 30, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hokie - DeBoer was also listed as a potential candidate for the Florida job as well.

All - Here’s an interesting perspective from Winnipeg. There’s a difference between this article and the one out of the The Star’s pompous opinion writer, though. See if you can spot it.

By GaVaHokie

May 30, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Alan… Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

By Alan

May 30, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

That wasn’t the one I was thinking of, Hokie. A little less obvious.

By Brendan

May 30, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Hokie, I think it was Bob who commented on the “porno stashes.” But hey, who I am to criticize anyone’s stash of porn? I’m a big believer in the 1st ammendment, free speech, and the right to freedom of expression.

I say life is meant to be enjoyed. No one can tell you how to go about your own “pursuit of happiness.” So, have at it!

By Midtown Marvin

May 30, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Oh, Brendan…Amen THAT!!!

And I say…pursue away, ya’ll!!!

By Sara

May 30, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Just a quick blurb - according to Damien Cox at the Toronto Star, Barry Melrose will be replacing John Tortorella behind the bench in Tampa. The Mullet’s back!

Oh, link, sorry. Here

By Brendan

May 30, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Good for Barry Melrose! And a reported $2 million-a-year, to boot! And this was GM Jay Feaster’s decision? That might be MORE money than what Feaster is making. I’m not too sure. Anyone know???

Of course, I’ve yet to hear that Tortorella has been fired. Which makes leaks like this one particularly disheartening, if there’s any truth to it. The columnist is a “stirrer” of spin. Think about it. As far as John Tortorella knows, he’s the Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. For the media to report that Tampa’s new coach is Barry Melrose … is not an appropriate way to go about running any organization. If they want to change direction, fine! Fire Tortorella. Thennnnn go interview for a Head Coach. And then select Melrose. But to interview for a position not yet vacant … is a slap in the face to Tortorella. And no matter how much Tortorella detractors might think this is “karma” for Torts, it’s still … just plain wrong.

It’d be one thing if Tortorella has already cleared out his desk … and been told he’s not coming back. If there’s an ounce of truth to this report, is this any way to treat a Stanley Cup-winning coach?

By Lanny McDonald

May 30, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Hi Rawhide. I think we might need this guy on our team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwW27czpq8w&feature=related

By Russian

May 30, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

It was same as our D-men in last season. Same moves, slow motion. Funny video. :-)

By ranallo10

May 30, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

(from TSN):

We have a new workout star, Zach Bogosian of the Peterborough Petes, who is ranked second in North America by the CSB. It’s hard to say who was more impressive, Colin Wilson or Bogosian, but suffice to say both were outstanding.

Bogosian did 19 on the bench and 60 sit-ups, which was the most seen by TSN (though we did not see everyone). Most impressive was his work on the bike. There are a series of trainers here and they constantly shout “encouragement” at the riders as they ramp up the VO2 Max test. Most players just put their heads down and pedal, but not Bogosian. He was very vocal, giving it back to the trainers as though they didn’t have enough resistance on the bike to hold him back. He dropped jaws all around the room with that performance. When Bogosian did his vertical jump, one scout shouted out an expletive in pure marvel. He really got up there.

I like the sound of this kid. Doughty followed him up and had a “decent workout” according to TSN.

By Alan

May 30, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

I would be happy with either Bogosian or Doughty. Though, at this point, I want Bogosian.

By R. Stroz

May 30, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

The bear moves better than Zhitnik and Sutton!

By Rawhide

May 30, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

LAC - Rawhide Night at Philips with me dropping the puck? Hmmmmm, I like it…I like it!

Lanny - Great video clip!! I agree with Russian…looked too much like the Thrashers blueline this past season.

Sara - The Mullet is back, indeed….(if true). As was pointed out above…Torts hasn’t been fired yet. But, if true, I like it for two reasons…1. I like Melrose and 2. It means we don’t have to look at Torts behind the bench 4 times a year!

Bob - I turn my back on the blog for just a few short hours and you get a conversation running about “porno staches”???

Nicely done! Glad I can leave and know that the level of discussion doesn’t drop off!!! LOL!

By Tony C.

May 30, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

DAMN.

I had really hoped the Doughty hype-machine would allow Bogosian to drop to us.

I have yet to hear anything negative about this kid, and from what I hear, there’s several guys who just plain don’t go into the corner if he’s on the ice. I would love to have a guy on our blueline that can put that kind of fear/respect in the other guy.

By Wings fan in Ga.

May 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

If it’s not true that Melrose will coach Tampa, then why not bring Melrose to Atlanta?

By Alan

May 30, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

The better question, Wings Fan, is why bring him to Atlanta? He hasn’t coached in a pretty good amount of time. I’m not sure what I would - or should - expect of someone who is probably pretty rusty and has spent quite a bit of his years working for ESPN.

Sure, he seems to really like the Thrashers, but that would be the only incentive that I can see. We need a coach with results we can see. Does this coach do well in the “new NHL?” Or was his last stint coaching sometime during the the “old NHL?” Matter of fact, I don’t think he’s coached since before the 94-95 lockout.

Two very big thumbs down.

By Brendan

May 30, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

If any the rumblings are true that Doughty wants to play in Los Angeles, and that Los Angeles is extremely receptive to that idea, then there’s good chance that Bogosian falls right into Atlanta’s lap at #3 overall.

Stop. Tampa’s not going to pass on Stampkos. If they did, it’d raise many eyebrows. And Los Angeles would probably, at that point, tell Mr. Doughty that the plans have changed and that they’re taking Stampkos. When Atlanta selects 3rd overall, under this scenario, the choices could be very wide open. I wouldn’t put one nickel on that scenario happening.

By Wings fan in Ga.

May 30, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

True he hasn’t coached in a long time, but he hasn’t been living in a cave. He knows what is going on in the league because of his work at ESPN and he would be worth at least eight more wins, which would have gotten them in the playoffs the year after the lockout. Plus some of the younger players might think, ‘Hey, he coached Gretzky, he might know what he is talking about’ as opposed to what Waddell brought to the table, which was pretty much nothing. While I don’t think he will leave ESPN, if he does end up in Tampa, I would like to talk to John Tortorella. If you can win in Tampa (and we all know what kind of franchise that was in the 90s), you can win anywhere. Has anyone suggested Gordon Bombay to be coach?
… Something completely random, slap-shot.com is selling the movie Slap Shot 2 for 25 dollars. 25 dollars! Who would buy that for 25 dollars? That site does have an Ogie Oglethorpe jersey, which makes it an awesome site. “Now you can be a Syracuse Goon” says the site. Good stuff. Old Tyme Hockey!

By LAC

May 31, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

I see where don waddell is at a prospects combine going over young players for the upcoming draft.

They quote ole don as asking the prospects questions that will factor into the decision on draft day.

The more I thought about it, shouldn’t it be the prospects ASKING THE QUESTIONS… Like

Do you have a coach ? Well no not at this time.

Do you have leadership from The Owner of the Thrashers ? Well no, we have several owners, but I never know where one will be from day to day.

Why do your star players call for change, ask for change and you bring in players over 35 or 40. Well, Mr.Hossa wanted to play in the playoffs and we would not make the playoffs, so we traded him and we are too cheap to bring in real UFA’s so we rely on todd white and ken klee to lead us forward next season.

I hear complaints about you being GM and I see you have never had a solid defense, ever, why would I remotely consider playing for Atlanta ?

Well you need to know we are moving in the right direction and we are moving forward, this should show a young prospect like yourself that Atlanta, while not a winning team, can offer you the chance to hone your skills, so when you reach UFA status, you can go play for a really well run team who wants to WIN, we only want to sell Season tickets. But as our hockey owner levenson stated, We Are Moving in the Right Direction.

Does levenson know what hockey is Mr.waddell ?

Well he is learning, finally after three years of ownership he knows what icing is and how to PI$$ off STH’s.

So, Thank-You mr.waddell for your time, I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt the Thrashers are LOSERS and with your owners and your inability to be an effective GM, you have doomed this franchise for many years to come and I want NO part of it period.

But wait… We are moving forward….

Too bad waddell I am a defenseman NOT a forward, you just showed your GM abilities in a first-class manner.

End of interview… Gee Whiz… Why is waddell still here, he is such a LOSER !

By ranallo10

May 31, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this

LAC — I’m sure the agents and the players have conversations about the direction of the team prior to signing an entry-level contract. If that player isn’t pleased with who drafted them, they’re not FORCED to sign the contract. Simply do not sign, and they’d be sent back into the draft. Or they could pull a Wheeler and sign but not re-sign, then become an unrestricted Free Agent by age 20-22.

A draft pick’s hands are not tied by whomever drafts them, so they can give plenty of notice to Atlanta (for your scenario) about how dumb they think the situation is for this team, and how little they want to play here.

But also remember, most prospects will take 2-3 years AT LEAST to make it to the NHL. Will the situation still be as it is now (GM = Waddell), or will the 2011 court ruling in favor of Belkin change the shape of this team’s ownership and “direction”? The players and their agents have to think about such things before making a decision…as of now, I’d bet money that Waddell is NOT employed as GM in 2010.

By LAC

May 31, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this

Interesting point rannallo, could be like Lidros did when he was drafted.

This team is showing NO signs of life to the fans or anyone else.

Two months following the season and NO coach, just seems so crazy, almost everyone can see THE problem, yet the people in controlturn away from making the correct decision.

Nonis & Wilson should be HERE and IN CHARGE !

By Brendan

May 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

NHL TV announced that it will carry all seven games, if need be, of the AHL Calder Cup Finals. Game Two is Sunday, if you want to check out the Thrasher prospects.

By Alan

May 31, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Here’s the Bolts Report’s reaction to the prospect of a Melrose coach for the Lightning, among other Lightning related stuff that isn’t quite as interesting.

By stendec

May 31, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Maryann Hossa scored a goal. Whoop-de-doo! Will it be enough? Teams deadlocked 1-1 late in second period. Stay tuned.

By stendec

May 31, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Each team has one goal after 40 minutes of play. Pens anemic. Octopussies apathetic. Fans in stands apprehensive. What drama! Stay turned for final (perhaps) 20 minutes. Have wakeup call in event of overtime.

By stendec

May 31, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

When did Kari Letemin join Pens? He didn’t? Well, it was a bone-headed softee by goalie wearing Pen on uniform that staked Octopussies to a (insurmountable?) 2-1 edge early in third period. Over? Probably. Pens appear to be out of energy, guidance and enthusiasm. If these shadows remain unaltered series will end in five games. Poor Maryann. Does not feel good, does it? Only taste of anguish Thrasher fans felt as you coasted while in Atlanta this season. Hockey justice?

By stendec

May 31, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Stick a fork in Pens. They are done! With a capital “D”. So much for Maryann Hossa and Cindy Crosby!

By Midfield

May 31, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Apparently, Pens’ demands for calling interference only meant for calling interference on Detroit. Obviously, Pens themselves should be exempt from being called interference against them. After all, the Canadian savior and the hero wears Pens uniform. Beware, you, insolent officials!

By Wings fan in Ga.

May 31, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

One more win, good times. … The more Michel Therrien talks, the more I don’t like him. I wonder how much whining he will do by Monday. Wings coach Mike Babcock took the blame for the game three loss, and Therrien just did more whining. Even if I wasn’t a Wings fan, I would want Pittsburgh to lose because people like Therrien shouldn’t have their names engraved on the Cup. GO RED WINGS!

By B. Thenet

May 31, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Dead on Midfield. The Pens got away with murder out there tonight. Holding sticks, hitting players who did not have the puck, it bordered on the absurd.

This thing ends on Monday night.

By Brendan

May 31, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Hossa has ten (10) goals in eighteen (18) games. I’ve lost track of his points. It’s in the viscinity of 22, I think. It’s better than a point-per-game. I think GM’s have forgotten that Marian Hossa had a regular season. And if they do remember it, it’s that … “Well, he was in Atlanta, where not even the stripes of their uniforms are going in the right the direction.”

By Midfield

May 31, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

I did not know that Hossa had a regular season, Brendan. I thought he was taking power skating lessons during regular games.

By Alan

June 1, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Brendan - You’re forgetting the fact that this “Marian Hossa” fellow mailed it in during the regular season here with Atlanta. More and more I’m thinking he did what he did because the Wings let him, and because he was auditioning for a trade.

I was happy to see Atlanta win that game, don’t get me wrong. But Hossa didn’t do much for this team. He’s an accessory, not someone who can carry a team to the cup finals. Hossa didn’t do that this year in Pittsburgh.

And judging by the way Pittsburgh played out there tonight, they don’t deserve to win the cup. They got away with murder. I might be a Detroit fan, but even Midfield, B. Thenet and some Pittsburgh fans I know saw what we all saw. They were disappointed in the classless Pittsburgh play, too.

By Brendan

June 1, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Hossa’s value increased in these playoffs. While he was never in jeopardy of making less than $7 million-per-season, I think he made a case for himself to be worth closer to $9 million. His goal tonight was a thing of beauty.

Hossa’s heart was never in this season. I think Hossa was surprised that Atlanta didn’t trade him during the offseason, when they couldn’t come to a contract resolution in early July.

The main thing I blame Hossa for … is not telling Waddell and the ownership, back in April of 2007, “Look, I won’t re-sign here until you do “x, y and z. And if you’re not going to do ‘x, y and z,’ in this offseason, you might as well trade me at the June draft or on July 1st.”

Instead, the “Hossa situation” languished on and on and on … as a source of distraction and uncertainty throughout the year. It hurt the morale of the team. When fans and players alike starting wondering, “Why won’t he sign?,” it’s a tell-tale sign that there’s something wrong.

Okayyyyyyyy. You’re right. I don’t know that Hossa didn’t tell them that. Maybe he did. But if he did, how does management just choose to IGNORE something like that?? Oh, that’s right, whoever said, “Gotta sell tickets.”

By Alan

June 1, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Brendan, but I blame Hossa for not putting his all into this season. You play for the team you’re on, not for the team you wish you were on.

I certainly won’t “boo” him, when he returns to Philips Arena as a visitor. That’s not my style for any player. But he showed this season in Atlanta what kind of player he really is. And this will reflect negatively on him.

By Brendan

June 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

The AHL Calder Cup Finals, Chicago Wolves vs. Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins resumes at 4:00 PM, on NHL TV.

Alan, a lot of people share that belief. It was R.Stroz who said that Hossa stopped dropping his shoulder when he drove to the net while playing as a Thrasher.

By NASCAR Dave

June 2, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

That’s just too bad SARA jinxed the Wings by talking about the (non) sweep…

Pens will win tonight 4-2…

Did everyone see how Colin Wilson (C - USA) is moving up the draft rankings??? Remember, that’s who NASCAR Dave predicted ‘ole Don FRAUDell will take…

Plenty of other needs, and FRAUDell will be stubborn again and screw up this draft for us too!!!

It’s time to trade LETEMIN too… LA Kings are interested…

Do we have a coach yet??? What about a GM??? Do we have a plan yet??? Is ANYTHING going on???

NUFF SAID.