AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSend For The Fat Lady, A Fork And A Bugler
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The gravitationally advantaged lady over there in the corner…she’s warming up her vocal chords and has got a fork to stick into the Penguins. The Red Wings now have the chance to close out the series Monday night at home thanks to Saturday night’s 2-1 win in game four.
It was the first time Pittsburgh has lost at home this the post-season, but it may very well have sealed their fate.
The Wings have outscored the Pens 11-4 in the four games and have outshot them by an average of 33.5 to 22.0. To place that into some proper perspective…the Thrashers finished last in the league in SA/G with 33.9 and in S/G with 25.8. That the Red Wings are dropping those types of numbers on the Eastern Conference champs speaks volumes as to the dominance of the team that is on the cusp of hoisting the cup.
Wasted in the effort was Marian Hossa’s first ever Stanley Cup Finals goal. It came early in the first and gave his team a 1-0 lead. From that point on, Chris Osgood gave up nothing…zero…nada…zippo…not a darned thing!
Are the Penguins facing an “impossible” task? No, nothing is impossible. But consider this…Pittsburgh now is faced with having to win three straight games…two of them in Detroit, a place they have yet to find a way to simply score a goal thus far in the series.
So…get out the fork and summons the chubby chick with the operatic voice…send for the bugler that he might play taps. This is all but over.
A More Serious World
Harvey Korman, as I am sure most of you know, is that character we see on the big screen in Philips Arena at the end of the “Unleash The Fury” video who opens his arms wide and encourages the team to “Go do that voodoo that you do SO WELLLL”!!!! The clip is from Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles”, (One of the funniest movies ever made).
Korman passed away on Thursday due to complications from the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four months ago. He was 81.
If you’re as advanced enough in years as I am, you probably remember him from the Carol Burnett Show and I’m sure you can recall the skits he performed with her, Tim Conway, and Vicki Lawrence. I would laugh so hard that my stomach muscles cramped during so many of those shows. Whether it was watching him attempt to keep from cracking up during routines with Conway or any of the countless hysterical skits with the rest of the cast…Korman’s comedic delivery was nothing short of brilliant.
Then there were his roles in Brooks’ slapstick and bawdy movies where he portrayed such characters as Hedy…oh excuse me, Hedley Lamarr… in “Blazing Saddles”, or as Count The Money, (NO, NO! Count De-Mon-A… De-Mon-A) in “History Of The World Pt. I”…or as Dr. Montague in “High Anxiety”…all classics indeed! Upon hearing the news of Korman’s passing, Brooks said, “A world without Harvey Korman - it’s a more serious world”.
Indeed.
So, next season…when that pump-up-the-crowd piece flashes up there and Hedy…excuse me, Hedly…Lamarr looks down upon us…let’s scream it out loud.
“NOW GO DO THAT VOODOO THAT YOU DO SO WELLLLLLLLLLL”!!
You Want Wilson? Well, So Might Toronto
Mortimer Peacock of The Blueland Chronicle has posted 10 reasons why Ron Wilson should be the new head coach of the Thrashers. I agree 100% with his desire to bring in the former San Jose Sharks coach. However, he and others who share this opinion might be very discouraged to read that Toronto may be trying to woo him there.
All that being said, as each day passes without a decision as to who will be the man behind the Thrashers bench, the more I believe that the organ-I-zation is simply waiting for John Anderson to finish his work with the Wolves to announce his hiring.
At least…that’s the only logical reason I can think of for the delay.
And Finally
As you all know by now, Craig Custance will be leaving us to take on the duties of national hockey writer for the Sporting News. Craig will no doubt be a great asset for them and many more hockey fans will now have the opportunity to gain from his reporting.
However, he will be missed dearly around here. We’ve all benefited from his insight to the game and his reports and blogging have been nothing short of outstanding. The bar he has left behind for whomever follows in his steps is quite high.
Godspeed Craig…we look forward to reading your reports in the Sporting News.
Comments
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By Sharon
June 1, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Let’s Go Red Wings!
It looks like they’ll win the Cup, and be the first team to do it with a European captain. That’s great for Lidstrom, he’s earned it. And cheers to Osgood, he’s had a helluva season.
Ok, so what’s a good excuse to get out of work on Monday night? Haha
By Alan
June 1, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
Sharon - I’ll be looking for an excuse to get out of work on Tuesday morning, myself, should the Pens fail to come up with a solution to the Wings’ arena.
By Sharon
June 1, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
Let’s Go Red Wings!
It looks like they’ll win the Cup, and be the first team to do it with a European captain. That’s great for Lidstrom, he’s earned it. And cheers to Osgood, he’s had a helluva season.
Ok, so what’s a good excuse to get out of work on Monday night? Haha
By Sharon
June 1, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
That’s weird, a double post an hour apart. That’s what I get for clicking Refresh. I guess. My bad.
By Rawhide
June 1, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Sharon - How about this:
Dear Sharon’s boss,
Please excuse Sharon from work Monday June 2. She is suffering from a rare illness called “My-teams-gonna-win-the-cup-itis”. It is a rare ailement tht inflicts 1 in 30 hockey fans aout this time of year every year.
She will be fidgety, will pace to and fro and scream out loud at the TV. It is best if she is able to do this away from work.
Hopefully, we in the Atlanta area will suffer this in the not-too-distant future.
Thank you, Rawide
Alan - Will you be needing a note as well?
By sisu
June 1, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
The only reason we do not have a coach must be so that the coaching staff from the Wolves will come to the ATL. :)
By HookyBob
June 1, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
CC: Your gain is the Thrasher fans loss. Thanks for all you have done for hockey in Atlanta. Hopefully you’ll have ample opportunity to write about the Thrashers for TSN (maybe we aren’t losing after all). I wish you the best.
By polskidawg
June 1, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Send For The Fat Lady, A Fork And A Bugler - Nick Lidstrom. And a dose of Franzen. But, don’t worry too much for the Pens, because their young and with some wise moves (keep Orpik, Malone, don’t hamper the finances by keeping Hossa) they’ll be back year year.
A More Serious World - I can’t agree any more than your assessment. Conway and Korman were hilarious.
You Want Wilson? Well, So Might Toronto - At least…that’s the only logical reason I can think of for the delay. There’s logic being used by the ASG?? When? How?
And Finally - Well put RH.
By Alan
June 1, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - As much as I want one, I have to pass. We’re working on a large order of laptops for the future pro athletes at Georgia Tech currently, so unless I’m dead or dying, I really shouldn’t take Tuesday to recover from the celebration.
By kracker
June 1, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Alan Should be a small order…sorry, I couldn’t resist. Enjoy the series.
By Brendan
June 1, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
If it is going to be John Anderson, the AHL Finals are still only at Game Two, which can be seen today at 4:00 PM, on NHL TV. We’re still potentially a week away from contacting him for an interview or a coronation.
Meanwhile, the June 20th draft is now rapidly approaching. I think Waddell will re-sign Kari sometime between June 22nd and July 1st.
By Alan
June 1, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
kracker - HA! Well, all I have to say is the number of laptops they ordered from us is more than triple the number of computers we’ve built this month.
Take that how you will.
By kracker
June 1, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Brendan Yep, I’m hoping for a Wolves sweep if it is to be Anderson…time is getting short. DW surely must have an unannounced agreement from someone.
Alan Tell them they get a priority status if they buy Thrashers season tix.
By Ron
June 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
John Tortorella is going to be the Thrashers next head coach. Don W. is just waiting for the new owners of the Lightning to fire Torts. Don W. has a relationship with him through USA Hockey. Torts is the head coach of the 2008 USA World Championship team. Sorry, no John Anderson.
By Rawhide
June 1, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Wolves up 2-0 after one…Haydar with a pair of goals.
Ron - Not saying it isn’t true…’cuz anythings possible…but we heard the same thing about Laviolette from Carolina…so…
Besides, I would be suprised to hear that this was Waddell’s plan all along…waiting for a coach of a division rival to be fired on the rumor The Mullet is going there…or that he’s waiting on Anderson, but throws him overboard for Torts.
Especially when there is a Wilson out there…and D-Dub and Ron have a friendship as well.
Again, not saying it ain’t true…just find it hard to believe…even with this bunch. I guess we’ll see.
There would be a plus side in bringing him in, should that be the case…I’m sure he would have a bit of a chip on his shoulder in regards to TB…also he is very familiar with the SE division, of course.
That being said…I would rather have Wilson, or Anderson…or Quenneville…but that’s just me.
polskidawg - There?s logic being used by the ASG?? When? How? - You caught that tongue-in-cheek crack, eh?
Alan - Ok…but if you change your mind, just lemme know…
By ranallo10
June 1, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Wolves win…Haydar had a good night, as did Pavelec. Stuart had the game winner, two periods after being knocked out and crawling to the locker room.
By Alan
June 1, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Haydar became the Calder Cup all-time leading goal scorer and point scorer today. Congratulations for him!
By ranallo10
June 1, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Seriously, Therrien looks and sounds like he’s either ABOUT to cry or just finished crying (I’m watching interviews of Babcock and Therrien now on NHL TV).
By Brendan
June 1, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
I think that’s a nice footnote in Darren Haydar player profile. I’m the sort who thinks that any achievement is a good thing.
The other way of looking at it is … nobody remembers who the all-time IHL playoff scoring leader was. You’d have to look that up. It’s not a “household name.” The other thing is … who remembered Jody Gage? Or Willie “what’s his face,” from 1972?
Darren Haydar hopes to be remembered for what he might do in the NHL. He will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. Lest he’s already signed some contract that I’m forgotten about. I hope he can get another chance at an NHL club.
Jeff Schultz accused Don Waddell of “building a minor league club.” Well, no one can argue can argue that he doesn’t do a good job of it at the minor league level. He even helped (Wolves GM) Chevadayoff a bit with a trade deadline move last February.
By Tony C.
June 1, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t know who said it, but I really like the idea of just dropping the Doell/Stuart/LaVallee line en masse into our lineup as a 3rd/4th line combination…I realize that the level of play in the NHL is going to be higher than the AHL…but that combo looks to be very familiar AND confident in each other-the type of synergy Le Thrash have lacked ever since DW broke up the “Gods” line…and best displayed recently by the SlavaMatic-Hoss-Belly line in the 2k6-2k7 season.
Watched the 2nd half of the AHL game today, I was very impressed with the Stuart line, as well as how improved Oystrick’s play seems when compared with his showing during camp this past season…
The 4-2 score was not indicative of the game-both of the WBS goals(PP) came off of some pretty tacky calls.
By ranallo10
June 1, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — Iffy calls at best, I agree. That entire game was dirty at best for W-B/S, and I cannot understand how they were kept out of the box as much as they were. Smith’s “oops, my stick hit your face” was the epitome of classless hockey, and no “Captain” should be caught doing that.
I expect Stuart and Lavallee to be in Atlanta soon enough, but I don’t think Doell’s OVERALL contributions are of high enough caliber to get him into the NHL on a consistent basis. He’s fine in the faceoff circle, and a good defensive player, but that’s about all I saw out of him in his short Atlanta stint.
And I believe Bob was the first mentioning bring up that line en masse. Personally, I’d have no problem seeing Slater, White, or Perrin between those two.
By Russian
June 2, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Last Russian news about Filatov. GM Kings got talk to him face to face. Looks like he is going to a King. Also he said that he wants to play in NHL in any team. He will try to get spot on Roster. I hope, my wife get present to her Birtday today. Detroit will win Game 5. She does not care about hockey much, but I do. :-)
By Bob
June 2, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
I really like the idea of just dropping the Doell/Stuart/LaVallee line en masse into our lineup as a 3rd/4th line combination
Yep, I didn’t catch yesterday’s tilt, but in Game 1, I was very impressed with the synergy and great work out of that line. Bring them up and drop them into our third line.
By YouHeardItHereFirst
June 2, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Torts to Thrash Hartley to Tampa
Watch - Listen - Learn
By Alan
June 2, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Detroit will win Game 5.
Now that’s what I like to hear! Go Red Wings!
By GaVaHokie
June 2, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz accused Don Waddell of “building a minor league club.” Well, no one can argue can argue that he doesn’t do a good job of it at the minor league level. He even helped (Wolves GM) Chevadayoff a bit with a trade deadline move last February.
Was that the Giroux for Motzko deal?
He also made a deal in February of ‘07 for Andy Delmore and Andre Deveaux… trading Wanvig and Baby.
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 11:13 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.
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Last Russian news about Filatov. GM Kings got talk to him face to face. Looks like he is going to a King. Also he said that he wants to play in NHL in any team. He will try to get spot on Roster.
RUSSIAN - That’s too high for LA Kings to take him at… but, I was thinking that myself (that LA will go with a forward, Not a D-Man)…
If the Thrashers play it right, they could trade down a few spots and get 1 of the D-Men AND Filatov… Don’t hold your breath though… that’s asking Waddell to use his brain!!!
If Arturs Kulda and Ilja Nikulin are here, do we really need ANOTHER D-man??? What if Zubarev is also ready???
Just throwing all the options out there…
By ranallo10
June 2, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
If the Thrashers play it right, they could trade down a few spots and get 1 of the D-Men AND Filatov… Don’t hold your breath though… that’s asking Waddell to use his brain!!!
That’s also asking for Lombardi and at least one other NHL GM to be a complete moron.
Don’t worry, I’m not holding my breath.
As for Kulda, Nikulin and Zubarev…are you saying you’re content with Waddell’s pipeline of youthful defenders, or are you just saying it to have something to discuss? In my opinion, there is never such a thing as TOO MANY quality youthful defenders.
And Colin Wilson seems to be a physical specimen, plus a quality center. If Waddell traded down and acquired a quality player in return for swapping picks, or received several compensatory picks (high rounds, like 2nd or several 3rd), I would not cry over drafting Wilson.
By GaVaHokie
June 2, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
*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!!!*
“We have two picks, so we feel that with the third pick, we can get a player that can be inserted into the lineup right away and that’s important for our team,’’ Waddell told NHL.com. “That pick will most likely be a young defenseman, which will be vital for our franchise.’’
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the link HOKIE!
Let’s see if he can keep his word…
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
As for Kulda, Nikulin and Zubarev…are you saying you’re content with Waddell’s pipeline of youthful defenders, or are you just saying it to have something to discuss? In my opinion, there is never such a thing as TOO MANY quality youthful defenders.
Ranaldo - It’s really just a topic for discussion other than these traitors talkin’ Red wings jive, ya’ know???
NASCAR Dave likes BOGOSIAN and FILATOV…
BOGOSIAN and KULDA have been partners before. If we can get NIKULIN to come here, great. And ZUBAREV, I was wondering what his latest status was… Where is he playing now???
FILATOV will go in the Top 5 picks… The only way we get back in the Top 5 is to trade the Penguins pick with LETEMIN.
NASCAR Dave just fears the day I hear that Don FRAUDell selected Colin Wilson with the #3 pick…
Good god…
By ranallo10
June 2, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
NASCARDave — I hear you, but I guess the Stanley Cup conversation doesn’t bother me as much.
My pick is still with Bogosian, and the combine has thus far only strengthened that opinion. I actually am beginning to like Wilson MORE than Filatov due to what’s coming out of the combine. The understood meaning that more picks could be acquired by dropping back and still taking Wilson, and the response he had in the article Hokie linked, both make me confident he’d be a fine pick IF somebody swept Atlanta/Waddell away for that #3 pick. But I’d be happy with any of those players, because honestly this is one of those drafts where I feel there is no “wrong” decision, but just ones that make the most sense for the franchise. Where this franchise is right now, can you say there is any spot where the team is NOT in need of a highly touted prospect?? Ironically, I’d say goalie is the only one.
My preference is with drafting Bogosian, re-signing Lehtonen, and drafting Toews with that second first-round selection.
I don’t think Los Angeles is interested in Lehtonen enough to trade a top 5 pick…just look at how we (Atlanta fans) are valuing our #3 pick. I can’t envision any top 10 team being willing to trade away their first pick for a still young and relatively unproven (at a high level) goalie. The fact that Atlanta hockey fans have a nickname for him that is definitely unbecoming doesn’t support the idea that he’d garner high compensation.
By Russian
June 2, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Zubarev played as same team as Nikulin (AkBars). He played 39 games last season and get 7 points (3+4). I am not really impress about him yet. He is 21, 6’1”, 195 lbs.
By ranallo10
June 2, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hokie — I know you frequent the HB and Spector’s sites, so I was curious if you’ve gotten a sense of any of the Atlanta players that we should have on trade alert. I’m more interested in the players leaving, I can make insinuations for that on my own, there’s no need for Eklund to do it for me.
White, Exelby, Perrin and Zhitnik are all on that trade alert list in my mind. If any prospects were moved I could see Valabik or Sterling involved (I don’t want to see either traded).
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
RANALO - With the 3 D-Men at the top of this draft, this could turn into one of those drafts like the Coburn/Phaneuf/Suter draft.
You have to pick one of them, and hope you pick the “right” one.
White, Exelby, Perrin and Zhitnik are all on that trade alert list in my mind. If any prospects were moved I could see Valabik or Sterling involved (I don’t want to see either traded).
I agree mostly… 2 of those guys are “Off-Limits” though — VALABIK and PERRIN.
We have NEVER had a big a$$ D-Men like Valabik, and now that we do, it is WAY TOO EARLY to give up on him just yet…
Zubarev played as same team as Nikulin (AkBars). He played 39 games last season and get 7 points (3+4). I am not really impress about him yet. He is 21, 6’1”, 195 lbs.
Thanks RUSSIAN. That’s what I was looking for. At least he is over 6’ 0” feet tall! NO MORE MIDGET WIMPS!!!
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Is anyone up for a “what day the Thrashers name a coach” pool.
The rules are simple. Pick a date, if you win, everyone that plays agrees to purchase the winner one beverage at a Thrashers game next season.
So, who’s in?
By Bob
June 2, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Tuesday June the 10th. I’ll have to forgo the beer as we gave up our season tix.
My thinking is the Wolves pull out the series win at home next Sunday, Mondays the parade/celebration, Tuesday Waddell signs Anderson.
So, no one else got my drift on what former MLB player John Anderson looks like, eh? Thurmon Munson, anyone?
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Bob - No need for season tickets when we can purchase the tickets for half price once the season starts.
Besides, if I win, everyone gets off cheap since I only drink Coca Colas at the games.
By Alan
June 2, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
You seem to be taking it awfully hard that Hossa has only one goal in the SCF, Dave. I can’t speak for the others, but there are some people here who know I’m from Detroit. Since I can’t support my home team in the finals, I’m going to support my hometown team.
Don’t be mad that Detroit has done a damn good job at shutting Pittsburgh down. This is still a damn good series with some very fine hockey being played.
Moving on: I will defecate bricks should Valabik end up traded. I should hope that Waddell has the common sense to keep him around.
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I would rather throw bricks, with razors attached, at DW if he trades Valabik.
By GaVaHokie
June 2, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Ranallo… I’m not necessarily sensing anyone is on the trading block besides Zhitnik… I think Sterling could be had. But, if Anderson ends up being the coach, I think he’ll be given an “overstocked shelf” to pick from…
I wouldn’t expect much to happen trade-wise before training camp. I’m thinking Zhitnik might be a part of something to get us back in the 2nd round… if Anderson is the coach, I’d expect Kwiatkowski resigned and Popovic or McCarthy hitting the pavement.
Perrin’s not going anywhere.
Personally, I would trade Pavelec, Exelby and the Pittsburgh pick if it would get me BACK in the Top 10 where I could add Filatov, Colin Wilson or Alex Pietrangelo… call me crazy.
That being said, I think the price tag to get in the Top 10 is even higher than that.
D-pairings (if everything goes right)
Enstrom Havelid
Nikulin Klee
Bogosian Valabik
Kwiatkowski
By GaVaHokie
June 2, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I guess looking at my own D-pairings, I expect Exelby to be gone.
I’m not so sure of that either, considering his experience with Anderson as well.
I think the key issue will be Nikulin… if he gets a contract, there’s going to be a shake-up. There’s no question marks on this guy coming over like there was with Enstrom… Nikulin is bonafide.
By GaVaHokie
June 2, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Damn… Sami Kapanen just did the Flyers a huge favor. Hopes of stealing Jeff Carter out of Philly are dwindling.
By kracker
June 2, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Stroz You may have to do it like a baby pool: Date, time listed on Thrashers website article and contract length. Unless you want us to guess the guy’s height & weight, haha.
The next three games are in Pennsylvania, so I guess Thursday the 12th, going with the Wolves winning in 6 and the coaching announcement a couple of days later.
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Regarding Detroit:
They finally shut me up.
Tres Kroner in e-motherlovin’-ffect.
They way that they (specifically &spectacularly Zetterberg) shut down that 5-on-3 was incredible.
Seriously, that was some of the prettiest hockey I’ve ever seen. Incredible. Granted, Pittsburgh’s reaction helped, but the audacity and confidence they showed on that kill was incredible…I mean 5-on-3 in The Cup Finals, and what the hell, I’m going to make a rush and take a shot @ a shorty, oh and then I’ll get my own rebound and skate away to finish the kill? If the Penguins don’t rally, that 1:35 basically just ended their season.
Osgood looked good again, but based on that PK, I’m re-evaluating Zetterberg & Lidtstrom as my Conn Smythe finalists.
If I’m Therrien, I’m getting Malkin & myself Rosetta stone Russian-to-English/English-to-Russian… The language barrier needs to be crossed and not by a helpful teammate (Gonchar)… The coach needs to be able to articulate his own thoughts and motivations to the player-even the best intentioned teammates may twist your words during translation. They need to make this a priority, because he was a liability out there on the biggest PP of their season-that cannot be repeated next season.
As far as penguins go-how impressive has Orpik been? It seems like the guy just keeps getting better and improving every round.
By GaVaHokie
June 2, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
As far as penguins go-how impressive has Orpik been? It seems like the guy just keeps getting better and improving every round.
Very impressive… but it’s also driving his price tag up… he’s a guy I’d like Waddell to sign this summer. As well as Ryan Malone.
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
You seem to be taking it awfully hard that Hossa has only one goal in the SCF, Dave.
Uhhh, what??? Dude I could care less how many goals he has.
All I said was that SARA jinxed the (Non) Sweep.
Yes, I am rooting for Hossa because he had the common sense to get out of this $hithole while he COULD… He called out Don FRAUDell AND the ASG clowns…
And yes, ALAN, my comment still stands… DO NOT call in sick to work tomorrow, because the Pens WILL win tonight, AND those NERDS on North Avenue need your help bad…
Who would’ve thought that drugs are now an issue with the Nerds???
As Bob Dylan once said, “Times… They are a changin’…”
NUFF SAID.
By Alan
June 2, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Dave, you clearly misunderstand, or you had a few too many beers with lunch. You referred to the Wings fans here as “traitors.” Why, pray tell, are we “traitors?” Because we don’t support Pittsburgh just because Hossa is a Penguin?
Come on. I expect an honest answer here. Leave references to drugs or nerds or whatever you were rambling about out of it.
By Brendan
June 2, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Eric Perrin is eligible to be re-signed by the Thrashers on July 1st. Though his contract won’t expire until June 30th, 2009. If nothing else, Perrin would appreciate that the Thrashers offered contract negotiations this soon. It’d be an unmistakeable sign that they really want him to be a part of their future. It strokes a player’s ego a bit. Perhaps, such a gesture would be enough to prompt the Center to remain on for a few more years.
Of course, Perrin may be thinking along the lines that most players do. Namely, that they want to play for an organization that will challenge for the Stanley Cup and they want to get paid as much as the “free market” will bear. Perrin could decline contract negotiations this Summer.
At this point, someone will chime to say that sometimes being “too proactive” with the approach can lead to mistakes. And that’s certainly true. What if Perrin lays an egg next season? Entertaining the “proactive approach,” you’ve got him locked up on another two-year deal. People will say, “You jumped the gun on the Perrin contract when there was no need to.”
Others will argue, “Perrin’s price will only go up when the 2009 offseason arrives. You’d be BETTER SERVED to lock him at the discounted July 2008 price.”
Still others will argue … “Maybe it’s best to just wait and see at Christmas time what kind of season Perrin is having before offering him a contract extension.” That’d be fine, except that Waddell doesn’t negotiate contracts during the season as a matter of policy.
Still more will argue … “Geez Louise. He’s the 3rd line Center. He can be replaced. And whatever it’s going to cost to re-sign him won’t break our budget. Let him play out the season. And his performance will dictate his price. If you still like him, pay it. If not, let him hit the open market. You’re not precluded from re-signing him as an unrestricted free agent.”
Prior to last season, Perrin was sweating his contract, based on Craig Custance article I read. He was just hoping for a little stability for his family. With that in mind, I think it gives Atlanta a bit of an edge in Free Agency. That is, ifff the Perrins like it here in Atlanta. I don’t know if they do … or they can’t wait to leave. If it’s the latter, Perrin probably won’t re-sign here, even if the Thrashers took the proactive approach.
Just out of curiosity, who’s in favor of re-signing Perrin this July?
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Um… Alan it’s the same as people who’re NYY fans just to be fans of “the best”. At least that’s how I equate 75% of the non-native deadwing fans.
Although I forgive the people who make their sports team allegiances based off of coolness-of-logo/mascot factor. the Winged wheel is pretty cool.
But the folks that jump on the bandwagon are annoying.
Also, people that show up to a thrashers-vs-hurricanes game in a deadwings sweater are freaking annoying. I mean, yeah you get a pass if it’s a Kozlov “13” or Mr. Hockey’s “9” there is no reason to wear it.
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Apologies-web filtering thinks anything AJC is evil?
Anyway, my above post is kind of disjointed- There should’ve been the followiong included:
“I don’t think you’re a traitor but severely misguided may be an understatement. Perhaps it’s because ATL has more deadwings fans than Thrashers fans, more NYR fans than Thrashers fans…it gets old for transplants over 10+ years removed continue to root for a team they’ve only seen once or twice on their home ice.”
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
ALAN - Tony C. summed it up well…
Now that the Wings are in the Finals, we now have a bunch of people on the THRASHERS blog posting “Go Wings”, etc.
Don’t forget, these people haven’t posted ALL SEASON (Wings Fan in GA)…
So, ummm, yeah… bandwagon is the correct term.
Friggin Wings couldn’t even fill up Joe Louis Arena… More people showed up at the Pistons defeat at Auburn Hills…
Will it fill up tonight, or will there be MORE EMPTY SEATS???
You are not a TRAITOR because you no longer support Hossa (who was only trying to better himself… that’s what happens when you reach UFA status, Alan)… you are a TRAITOR when you consistently pollute a THRASHERS blog with Pro-Wings propaganda…
The TRUE Thrasher fans here have had a tough season… VERY tough. The last thing we need is people rubbing it our faces about how much we suck and how the Wings are so much better than us, etc.
So, ALAN, if Hossa was traded to the Wings and not Pitt, would you STILL hate Hossa??? I think not…
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
In other news; I told ya my boy Hainsey is available
Now, I don’t know about $4.5M/per but I do think he’s worth $2.5-3M/per.
The pick of the FA “O-fensive defenCemen” to me, is Liles. But I think that Hainsey is the better fit for ATL as he brings a little bit more lumber to the rink than Liles does-of course Liles doesn’t look like he’s finished growing either.
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Also, can we please take the Wilson poll down, now that this has happened???
By Alan
June 2, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
You’re welcome to think what you want, I suppose, Tony. Let’s think about this though, shall we?
Firstly, I agree - unless you’re wearing a Kozlov sweater, you shouldn’t be wearing a Wings jersey to a game when the Thrashers aren’t playing the Wings.
Secondly, if you see me at a Thrashers game, you can believe I’m cheering for the Thrashers.
I just find it unbelievable that people would expect those of us from markets who fielded playoff teams this season to simply give up those allegiences. Like I said above, my home team is not in the playoffs, so I will cheer for my hometown team. To refer to me and others who feel as I do as “misguided” for that doesn’t make any sense to me.
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Is anyone up for a “what day the Thrashers name a coach” pool.
The rules are simple. Pick a date, if you win, everyone that plays agrees to purchase the winner one beverage at a Thrashers game next season.
Hey I think you mis-typed what you meant to say…
It should say: Which will happen first? Thrashers name a Head Coach, or Hillary Clinton drops out of the Presidential Race?
Man, that’s a tough one…
By kracker
June 2, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Here’s another rumor: Mike Sullivan to coach Thrashers?
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
And uhhh. take me offline in any finger-pointing (in particular) I paint in broad strokes dude, and besides Alan is all right-way better than some other folks from Michigan we have had to deal with on these boards.
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Again, I’m not making accusations here kids, I just get steamed when I see somebody who has grown up here in ATL rock some other team’s gear because they lived there until they were two.
In fact I think I wrote a novella about this phenomena a couple of years back.
I grew up here, and the lack of passion amongst my fellow Atlanta sportsfans is embarrasing. I’m not trying to point fingers or make any sort of assumptions or make any aspersions.
I will be happy to hang out and cheer on our Thrashers together…with anybody that will cheer especially someboedy from out of town who’s adopted my team as their own.
By NASCAR Dave
June 2, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Alan is all right-way better than some other folks from Michigan we have had to deal with on these boards.
I agree.
To clarify, none of my rant was directed at Alan, per se… It’s the whole flock of Wing-Dings that all of a sudden showed up.
Alan is a Thrashers fan, this I know.
But there are some teams NASCAR Dave just LOVES to HATE… GA TECH (NERDS!!!), NY YANKEES, and DA’ WING-DINGS…
4-2 Penguins win, Hossa scores at least 1 goal and Dupuis Almost scores 3 times…
I hear Laracque is back in tonight too… I would love to see a FIGHT… something the WINGS are afraid of!!! LMAO!!! Who is their tough guy??? GRANDPA CHELIOS??? LMAO!!!
GO HOSSA!
By Brendan
June 2, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
I hope the Penguins win tonight. The reason? This way we get to see more hockey. I’m not in a hurry to see the season end. That said, it won’t prevent me from wishing the Red Wings and their fans “good luck” in their quest for the Cup.
By Rawhide
June 2, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Tony C - Toronto hires Wilson ‘eh? That took them…what…26 days after letting Maurice go???
It’s only taken us….229 and counting….
RStroz - As for the “Coach Pool”…when are you considering the “winning date”? The day the news breaks…or when he is “officially” announced by the team?
I think Chicago wins in 5…that would be Saturday night. I say news breaks on Monday evening the 9th and he’s announced on Tuesday the 10th.
NASCARDave - Hillary won’t drop out…but look for her to “suspend” the campaign after Tuesday’s primaries in SD and Montana…however…I think what the more interesting question could be, what will happen first…the Thrashers name a new coach or Bob Hartley is hired by a new team???
I keep hearing his name being buzzed around for the Ottawa job.
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
The winning date on the “Coach Pool” is defined as the date the Thrashers officialy hire a coach.
By Rawhide
June 2, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
OK then…put me down for the 10th…
By Tony C.
June 2, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
I’m taking the afternoon of the 12th.
Also, looks like Ottowa is talking with DeBoer as well according to The Sun
By Alan
June 2, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks for that, Tony and Dave. At least you know that for me, and for the time I live here, the Thrashers will always come first. And when I move, the Thrashers will still have a place on the list of teams I root for. Just as the Red Wings do.
I honestly can understand some of the frustration with all the folks who’ve come from other markets, but it’s something every market has to deal with. Some of those people will never shed an allegiance to a team, while others will grow to love their new team. It’s just a part of life in a sports market. Especially one as large as ours.
By kracker
June 2, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
WOW What a great 3rd period! Pens were out…but qot quite yet.
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Observations:
Is it just me or does Malkin seem big, slow, and stupid?
Did Pittsburgh just do their impression of the Thrashers?
Get a lead, blow the lead, suck for all but thirty seconds of the third period, and then tie the game.
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Other Observation:
I’d take Orpik over Liles on the UFA market.
Orpik stock is starting to jump.
By Alan
June 2, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Stroz - They’ve got both Hossa and Dupuis. It’s possible that mojo rubbed off.
Unfortunately for that duo, there are no shootouts here.
I hope someone wins this early, because I can’t take a lengthy OT session tonight.
By Brendan
June 2, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
How disappointing for the Pens not to handle business in regulation time, when they enjoyed a 2-0 lead. Pittsburgh couldn’t have hoped for a better start. Then Crosby misses on a partial breakaway. On the ensuing rush, Detroit scores to cut the lead to 2-1. The Red Wings came on in the second period, to put themselves in a position to try to force overtime in the 3rd period.
They did more than that. They tied it, then fairly quickly took the lead. The Red Wings were utterly dominating! And I do mean DOMINATING. Every play. Every puck battle. The Penguins looked timid. I thought it was over. But what a game Hossa has delivered. Talbot got the tying goal with less than a minute in regulation.
What a DOWNER for the Red Wings fans, who were counting down the second to their Cup win. There’s 10:45 left in the 1st overtime as I post this. I think the Penguins just got their 1st shot on goal in the OT.
If the Wings win, I like Franzen, Filppula or Lidstrom for the winner. For Pittsburgh, I like Hossa, Crosby or Gary Roberts.
By Brendan
June 2, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Double Overtime. Pittsburgh fails to convert on a PP, late in the 1st OT.
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Alan - No sleep for you.
By Rawhide
June 2, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Alan - You might be needing that note after all!
By Alan
June 2, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - I’m already going on 40 hours of no sleep. I’m going to end up falling asleep before the end of the game at this rate.
By R. Stroz
June 2, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
We are all going to need notes.
By PJ
June 2, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
I got the coach pick for Friday the 13th,and I’m kinda hoping the Pens win tonight just to prolong the season, one more game. (sniff, sniff, tissue please) Besides my original prediction was Detroit in 6.
By Brendan
June 2, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
How are you hangin’ in there, Sara? I tell you. I’m glad I don’t have a dog in this fight. This has been grrrreat to see, from a “neutral” perspective. More on that in a minute. But if were a die-hard Red Wing fan, I’d be on pins and needles. The good news is … your Red Wings have been the more dominant team through four (4) periods. Keep up the pressure … and the chances will come. Fleury really is the difference right now.
If you’re a Pittsburgh fan, you just tell yourself, “doesn’t matter how we get it. It only matter THAT we get it.” If this series goes back to Pittsburgh, there’s more than just a “glimmer of hope” for the Penguins to force Game Seven.
Okay. If you’re a casual hockey fan, shouldn’t a game like this pique your curiosity? I’d say the answer is “yes.” But are they watching?? I can only hope so. This is the single most important game played all year. It’s the one with the Cup on the line. At least for Detroit. And it’s headed to double overtime.
What MORE do you want???? Even if the Pens lose, and the official series score says, 4-1, for Detroit, this was an entertaining series. The first two games were blowouts, 7-0, combined score for Detroit. Since then, we’ve had nothing but one-goal games.
Hey, it’s started!! Grab your popcorn and your brewskis and find your comfy chair. And call in “sick” already. Do it NOW!!
By HookyBob
June 2, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Whenever this game ends,…its going to take me awhile to calm down afterwards. Sleep will be short tonight.
By Brendan
June 2, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Jarkko Ruutu just hit the goal post for Pittsburgh! What unlikely goal scorer he would have been!
By Brendan
June 3, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
I’ve counted at least two shots on goal by Hossa in this period. Sykora just took a penalty for Pittsburgh. There’s just over 2:00 left in the 2nd overtime. The Wings can end it here.
By R. Stroz
June 3, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Roll Call - Who’s still watching?
By Alan
June 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
I’m still awake. I can’t believe I’m still awake, but I’m still awake.
My body already hates me. I figure I can’t do much more damage.
By Rawhide
June 3, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
How many of you freaked when th Rite-Aide commercial popped on the tube with about 20 seconds left in the 2nd OT???
I thought NBC had another “Heidi” moment on their hands…
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
What is up with these lame a* penalties in overtime? These refs need to go. Other than that, good game thus far…
By Alan
June 3, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
I can understand the Zetterberg penalty in 1OT. I call b****** on the Cleary penalty in 2OT. That was an awful call.
By R. Stroz
June 3, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Which will happen first?
a) the game ends
b) the Thrashers name a coach
c) the NHL draft
d) Hillary Clinton wears a skirt
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, I was cussing at the TV about to find NBC’s number to cuss them out when that happened. I know they love Tiger Woods, but I didn’t know they would cut it off because Woods said nobody watched hockey. Sheesh. My heart can’t take it and commercials popping in doesn’t help.
By Brendan
June 3, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
I just got back taking a shower. Yes. I needed one. That’s how animated I’ve been watching this game. And now, I’m drinking a diet Cherry Coke. It has caffeine in it. I hope to be up a whole lot later!! What a game!!
Thoughts turn now, to Uwe Krupp, who ended the 1996 Cup Finals for Colorado with a quadruple OT winner. Or was it a triple OT winner?
Earlier in these playoffs, Dallas closed up San Jose with a 4-OT series clinching winner. I didn’t make it in that one. I fell asleep during the 3rd OT intermission.
17:55 left in the 3rd OT, as I post.
By HookyBob
June 3, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Game on,…Pittsburgh tomorrow night!
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 3, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Jiri Hudler is a b*******. See you guys for game seven.
By R. Stroz
June 3, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
The fat lady is eating cheesecake with a spoon while listening to Kenny G.
By Brendan
June 3, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Sergei Gonchar returns for the PP. Sykora, who said he’d score the goal, did it! A PPG, after Hudler got a 4:00 double-minor for a highstick that resulted in blood.
The series … continues. And rightly or wrongly, the voices will now surface … “Championship close out the final seconds of a game. Detroit did not do that.”
Yeah, well … the Red Wings are perfectly capable of winning Game Six in Pittsburgh. Mario Lemieux jumped for joy. It’s another $2.0 to $2.5 million in PURE PROFIT to his ownership group.
I’m just glad we’re going to have some more hockey! By the way, Hossa had six shots on goal. He tallied a goal and an assist.
By Alan
June 3, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
I’m not all that surprised. Something had to give. Hudler took an awful penalty there. CONTROL YOUR DAMN STICK! Egads, man!
Ah well. Wednesday. 8pm. The Igloo. NBC. (Or CBC, if you’re streaming it online.)
See you all then. I’m off to get my first sleep in 42 hours. Too bad it’s only going to last six hours.
See you crazy cats in the morning.
By Brendan
June 3, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Make that “Championship teams close out the final seconds of a game.” Hey, when the Red Wings started chanting, “We want the Cup!” with 6:47 left in regulation, in a one-goal game, I kept thinking, “That’s premature. Don’t jinx it.”
In 2006, few thought Edmonton would force a Seventh Game in that series with Carolina. Then the Hurricanes suffered some key injuries to their blueline. All of a sudden, Carolina wasn’t even assured of being the favorites in Game Seven. The injured players played. And Carolina won, 3-1.
In 2000, Dallas won Game Five over the Devils in triple overtime on a goal by Mike Modano. That Stars win forced a Sixth Game in Dallas. That game, too, went into overtime. Double overtime, actually. Jason Arnott scored the Cup-clinching goal for New Jersey.
I still like Detroit’s chances in Game Seven. I can’t imagine a tougher challenge for a road team … than to have to go into “Hockeytown” to win the Cup in Game Seven. I just can’t imagine Detroit losing that game. Before the series, I agonized over Red Wings in seven vs. Pittsburgh in six. I took the Penguins in Six, which obviously is a statistical impossibility at this point.
By Brendan
June 3, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Ahhhhh. Why does it double-post? I hit it once. Anywho, that Uwe Krupp goal was in triple OT in 1996. It just seemed longer, since it was the only goal of the game.
Well, they say no team is in trouble until they lose a game on their home ice. Now both teams have lost on home ice in this series. It’s a series now! I still say the Red Wings have dominated the play of this series. Let’s see what the Penguins can come up with Game Six.
By Brendan
June 3, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, I like Holly Firfer and all. But when that Rite-Aide commercial came on, I screamed, “noooooo.”
Luckily, someone caught that and the commercial stopped just a few seconds into it.
By Sharon
June 3, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
Wow, what a long game. It was exhausting just watching it!
On a related note, I’m kind of surprised by some of the comments on here. Is it that shocking that Wings fans living in Georgia would actually post here? On a blog talking about the Finals? I always thought hockey fans were more inclusive than that. I imagine if they found the blog it’s because they’re also Thrashers fans.
Oh yeah, Go Wings!
By Tony C.
June 3, 2008 4:20 AM