AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe Best Team Won The Cup
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With sixteen teams qualifying for the playoffs, many times the eventual winner isn’t the one who came into the tournament as the best team in the league. Sometimes the goalie of a lesser team gets hot and he carries the team to the championship. Sometimes a squad just peaks at the right time or the President’s Cup winner gets ousted by a team that simply matched up against them well.
This year was not one of those times.
The Detroit Red Wings were the best team in the 2007-’08 NHL season and they were the team that lifted the Stanley Cup following Wednesday’s 3-2 game six win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Their 115 points led the NHL…seven better then the second highest point total. Their 3.15 goals per game was tops in the league as was their 2.18 goals against. Also, their 34.4 shots per game average and their 23.5 shots against average set the mark for best in the league.
Last season the Anaheim Duck lifted the cup following the playoffs, but they entered them with two teams having better records. The year prior, Carolina earned the NHL championship after finishing the regular season tied for the third highest point total. In fact, the last team to win the President’s Cup who went on to hoist the Stanley Cup the same year was in 2002 when it was done by…The Detroit Red Wings.
The game ended with Chris Osgood sprawled out across the goal mouth with Marian Hossa trying to jam in a rebound just off to the right side of the net. The puck squirted back through the crease as time expired. Replays showed that if the puck had made it past the Detroit keeper and across the line, the clock had already gone to triple zeros…so it may have gone for naught anyway.
The Conn Smythe trophy was awarded to Henrik Zetterberg who finished the playoffs with 13 goals and 14 assists, including a goal and a helper in game six.
So then… congratulations go out to the Wings players, coaching staff, front office and entire organ-I-zation. Also, nods go out to Sara, Sharon, Alan, Wings Fan in Ga and the rest of the Red Wing fanatics that frequent this blog.
You gotta be feelin’ good today!
It’s Only A Flesh Wound
Broken nose…stitches to the face…chipped tooth? None of that was going to keep Pittsburgh’s Ryan Malone down.“Actually it’s not too bad, it could be a lot worse”, said Malone of the injuries incurred after taking a slap shot to the face in Monday’s game five of the Stanley Cup Finals.
He returned to the game later to help his team to a 4-3 triple overtime victory. He played without a visor Wednesday night in game six.
The 28-year old left-winger and native of Pittsburgh will be a free agent this summer.
Wolves One Win Away
The Chicago Wolves now have a three games to none lead on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after Wednesday’s 6-1 win. W-B/S took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission having outshot Chicago 12-5. But it was all Wolves in the second as they scored five times on nineteen shots.
Jesse “I know NOTHING” Schultz scored a pair of goals for Chicago. Joel Kwiatkowski, Jordan Lavallee, Matt Anderson and Mike Hamilton also scored. Opie turned away 24 of the 25 shots he faced.
Game four will be played Friday night at Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.
Tampa Says Ta-Ta- To Torts
As had been widely rumored, the Tampa Bay Lightning sent John Tortorella packing following their disappointing 71-point season. It was the first time since 2002 that the team had not qualified for the playoffs. The move makes way for the rumored hiring of Barry Melrose as his replacement.
Tortorella’s overall record with the Lightning was 239-222-36-38 and they won the cup following the 2003-’04 season.
Now that Torts is officially on the market…what are your thoughts on considering him for the job here? Personally, I’m not a fan, but there are some up-sides. He is very familiar, of course, with the Southeast Division… he has a history of winning and would bring a certain edge with him that some may deem necessary to turn this team around.
So…what are your thoughts?
Rut-Roh, Boots
Nashville Predators Co-Owner “Boots” Del Biaggio is being sued. He is accused of defrauding a bank in order to secure a $10 million loan that he used to buy an ownership stake in the Preds.
This is familiar territory for the 40-year old Del Biaggio as three separate lawsuits accuse him of providing forged documents in order to procure multimillion-dollar loans that he has not repaid.
Toronto Waits For Wilson
Ron Wilson is taking his time thinking about the Leafs coaching offer. It was reported that he was offered the job earlier this week and now it seems that the Leafs are looking for an answer by Monday.
Can’t say I blame him for mulling it over…Leafs Nation is a bit of a grumpy place these days as they are about four decades removed from their last championship. Toronto’s going to be a pressure cooker for whomever takes that job. Better to make 100% sure it’s what you want to do before jumping into those waters, I suppose.
Hey Ron…should you choose not to take the gig in Toronto, we still have a job opening for ya here….
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Brendan
June 5, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
I don’t say this enough: “Rawhide, that was an excellent blog.” What more is there to add?
Okay, I’ll toss something out there. Did the Conn Smythe go to the “right” player? Or do you think there was someone more deserving than Zetterberg? Like maybe Osgood or Lidstrom? Or perhaps you liked Franzen? Or Datsyuk?
By Alan
June 5, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
I think the broken nose he suffered was more a result of running into a speeding freight train known as the Kronwall, Rawhide. Faster than your traditional freight trains, and best of all: it doesn’t run on diesel.
He looked really good out there, though. Makes you wonder if Atlanta can pick him up. Who knows? We already have Crusher, Army, Recchi, and Hedberg. He’d be a perfect fit here, with all the other former Pens we have.
By LAC
June 5, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
THE Wings played perfect hockey and deserve theCUP.
I guess, if it any solice… Only one played a perfect game against them in Detroit… This past season.
Atlanta 5 Detroit 1.
Do we have a NEW Coach yet ?
How about a new GM ??????
Just shows what a complete mess this Atlanta franchise really is…
By Alan
June 5, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
LAC - Let’s wait until after the Wolves finish their Calder run to start asking about where a new coach is. Atlanta probably wants to interview Anderson for the job.
By John W.
June 5, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this
Wow, maybe the Pens should just have just played without their goalie for longer periods considering how well they seem to pick up their game in the closing seconds of Games 5,6 and how horrible Fleury looked in Game 6(even if he was not to blame for the first goal). Fleury, for all the hype, had only one excellent game and one very good game and 2 games with very weak goals(Games 4, 6) in this series. Osgood outplayed him.
HOSSA looked really good. Hossa raised his value by a million/yr after his performance these playoffs. I dont understand why Malkin didn’t play half as good in Games 1- 5.
Imagine if Osgood did a Fleury on Crosby’s last ditch effort or if Hossa was just a couple of steps closer to the net when Crosby let his shot go. Another OT game. That would have made for a great series.
After a joke of Games 1 and 2 where Detroit schooled the Pens, Games 3-6 were all close exciting games.
By Tony C.
June 5, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
I have to second Brendan:
You run a bad@ss blog, Mr. T!!!
I agree; the best team did win. I was all Osgood for the Conn Smythe (and trust me, it feels stranger than strange saying that), but after Zetterberg’s virtuoso PK performance in Detroit and the show he put on tonight in Pittsburgh, I think he is very deserving.
I wonder how much Pitt will offer Dupuis? Therrien really leaned on him the last few games…Even though the cement-handedness will cost him, I think he’ll be asked back.
I betcha Hoss ends up in St. Louis. They’ve got the $$$-a great fanbase (seriously, they love ALL their teams up there-even the Rams), and he would be the star player. Plus what’s not to like about their organization? They just got a very capable GM in addition to the one they had, and Davidson has shown that he’s not afraid to make moves to help his club. Good D, solid goalie, some nice youngsters coming up-and their front office doesn’t sacrifice the next three years for three weeks.
At least that’s my opinion.
By LAC
June 5, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this
Alan… You may be correct.
Anderson would not be a bad coach, would be very interesting to see if several of the Wolves players could translate their winning ways to Atlanta.
They seem to be a strong fast team, maybe Anderson could run the same type ship here… But I feel if waddell is still hanging around, he will stiffle anything positive we muster.
We just have to turn this mess around, quit bringing in holik’s and recchi’s and get it done with younger palyers with winning in mind not just a paycheck…
By John W.
June 5, 2008 6:20 AM | Link to this
If Hossa is smart, he will stay with Pittsburgh if they offer him something competitive even if it’s not the highest. He will enhance his superstardom by playing along with Crosby who gets double and triple teamed by teams like Detroit opening up a lot of space for him. Pittsburgh really worships it’s Steelers and Pens players. He can make a few hundred grand a year in extra endorsements. If I am making 7M -9M range, then I will take the opportunity to go to the most cups over making an extra million.
If he goes for the money, I would say NYR would be a no brainer. Otherwise any big money Canadian team with a good center.
The Red Wings organization is pure genius. For them to build such a top notch roster out of middle round picks is amazing. While Pittsburgh is going to deal with Fleury on a rich contract, Detroit has the veteran Osgood locked up for 4 years at 1.5M per year.
By Alan
June 5, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
That’s true, LAC. With Waddell still running the ship, I’m looking overboard for hints of icebergs possibly being submerged in the water. Sorta like playing hide-and-go-seek in the middle of a mine field.
I say that perhaps he is waiting for Anderson because it’s the only logical explanation I can think of. Why else would we go almost 2/3rds of an entire year with no coach, if he were waiting for …oh, pigs to fly? Or strawberry sherbet to fall out of the sky and into the hands of every man, woman, and child? At that rate, we would never see a new coach again.
Before ramping up complaints about our lack of coaching, I think it’s only fair to let the Wolves strut their stuff. If they take the Calder and we still haven’t heard anything about a change here in Atlanta… oh, in a week or so, then we can be justifiably angry with the lack of conclusive searching for a coach.
For now, I’m content with watching the baby Thrashers and the baby Pens go at it, and hoping someone can take the helm of this misdirected ship. We have a pretty good level of talent, here, but none of it seems to be used properly. That is our number one problem at the moment, I think.
By Sam
June 5, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
Torts would be excellnt in Atlanta!! He would have done even more in Tampa Bay with a number 1 goalie since the Cup win. That’s not his fault, but that of GM Feaster. Torts would get Kovalchuk on his game every single night just like he did with Lecavalier. His tough approach is just what Atlanta needs. It would be HUGE for the franchise. Let’s face it, he made the playoffs every stinking year since the 2002-2003 season until last year. I think the fans of Atlanta would like that streak.
By Lew318
June 5, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Rwahide:
Hope this question finds you well. SO, WHERE THE DEVIL ARE WE IN HIRING A COACH?
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 5, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, thanks for holding off on the article. Go Red Wings.
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Sometimes I wonder why I stopped being a Red Wings fan.
Now that that is over… the hockey world can finally move on to more draft news!
By Buzilla in CT
June 5, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Hello from the great state of Connecticut!
Just got my internet and cable back and was treated to the AHL finals game on NHLnetwork. I wound up watching a lot more more of the AHL finals over the NHL finals. After the Wolves were blowing them out after the 2nd (and it was clear that Boris wasn’t going to put his fist through anybody’s face) I did watch most of the NHL’s 3rd period.
Hossa is amazing. In the back of my mind I would have loved for him to get his cup and then we overpay to get him back (I know this isn’t going to happen). Hopefully he just doesn’t go to a team that I hate. If the Rangers get him because Jagr retires I will puke.
Thank God for the Hockey package! I still get to see Thrasher games!!!!!
I’ll let you know when I come back down for a game Rawhide
By Bob
June 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Wings. The best club did win it.
Hossa had an amazing playoffs. He finished 2nd in total pts in the playoffs with 26 total pts to Crosby’s 27. And he finished 2nd in goals scored with 12 to Franzen’s 13 goals potted. I think the man is going to get his payday, and well deserved.
We do not need Torts here. Look what he couldn’t accomplish in Tampa, we need a whole different direction.
Ron Wilson may not want the Toronto job. He hates the media. And Toronto is the center of the media madness in hockey, it’d drive him crazy.
By Sara
June 5, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Well…I’ve stayed away. In fact, I banned myself from all hockey coverage since Sunday, outside of games 5 and 6. But all I gotta say now is WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! :D You know, and I know you know, that we Wings fans are sooooo spoiled. I thought about that alot last night. 4 Cups in 11 years…when so many franchises have never even won one, or have gone years (cough 1967 cough) without one. It’s something that, especially being a Thrasher fan, I can really appreciate and be thankful for. I’ve never understood Wings fans like PNS that can be so arrogant. Tides can turn in an instant, so be thankful for the blessings you have.
And now, much to Dave’s delight I am sure, I shall close this chapter of Wings talk and move back on to focusing solely on the Thrashers. (Except to say congrats to former Thrasher Mark Hartigan for his part in the SC-winning season in Motown.)
Coaching, ahhhh coaching. Torts = big BIG BIG HUGE NO. The guy’s a complete jerk, a whiner, and runs his mouth too much at his players and about his players. Not what we need. Now granted, he is the only former NHL coach candidate with the prized hardware on his resume but I still don’t want him here. Honestly, I don’t think Tampa’s that great of a team. They ended up with the first overall pick for a reason and that reason is basically because they stunk worse than anyone else last year. So the same guy led them from first to worst? Even losing Bulin doesn’t explain that complete nosedive.
Nope, I’m still sticking with Anderson as THE guy. I think it solves a LOT of problems all at once - gets us a good coach who knows our players, has a system that at least produces championships at some level, and, potentially most importantly, can merge the two clubs into one cohesive organization that supports itself. What a concept THAT would be.
Lastly, I have to give props to the Penguins for showing some amazing heart in this series. Ignore your whiny-arse coach, though, and man-up a bit more and perhaps next time it could be you doing the powerlifting after the game. Assuming we don’t come cherry-picking more of your roster. (Btw, Alan don’t forget that Thorburn also came to us from the Pens.)
And finally, very finally, I must say to one Mr. Hossa - HAHA!! OK, now that that’s out of my system, more power to him in the rest of his career…and may the Thrashers get to the Cup before he does.
By Buzilla in CT
June 5, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Saw Anderson for the first time last night. Gotta love the fire engine red handle bar mustache…
That’s what this team needs more of…mustaches
By Stan Drulia
June 5, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
They showed a shot at the end of the game where Hossa was just laying on the ice against the boards… he looked like a player who saw the possibility of a Stanley Cup but then had it yanked away… Something he would not have seen in Atlanta, at least not while he is still a valuable player. Go Hossa! Hope next year finds him staying on the Pens… he seems to be a great fit there.
By d
June 5, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Did anyone notice how the announcers during the Wolves game last night were gushing over Boris? Perhaps we have under estimated his chances of sticking with the Thrashers next season.
Also, was it just me, or did AP look a bit shakey in the net last night?
By Buzilla in CT
June 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I thought he looked fine
By Bob
June 5, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
d, those are the Chicago announcers you’re listening to on that broadcast. Kind of like listening to Derwood Eliot gush over Andy Sutton a couple years ago.
Pavelec looks ok at the AHL level, but he could use another year of seasoning down there. It will do his development no good to sit as backup to Kari next year.
By Alan
June 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Hossa had an amazing playoffs. He finished 2nd in total pts in the playoffs with 26 total pts to Crosby’s 27.
Hossa did have an amazing playoffs, and I hope this is the kind of experience he can build on. Who knows where Atlanta would have been if he put forth as much effort here as he did in Pittsburgh?
However, he finished third in points. Crosby and Zetterberg were tied for first, both with 27.
By Pucksdeep
June 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Rawhide, you never let us down. Awesome blog my friend. And an awesome game last night but a heartbreaker indeed. I sure was pulling for my MVP, Marian Hossa and those Penguins, but it just wasn’t to be and that was one dejected man when it was over. That shot of him sitting there against the boards after his last ditch effort just wouldn’t go in, was pitiful. To come that close after all the events of this season has to hurt. “There’s always next year” just doesn’t seem to fit here.
And I must have missed something, but what does Sara have against Hossa?
Go Wolves!
By Rawhide
June 5, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Buzilla in CT - Great to see you’ve made it safely to the Constitution State!!! Please don’t be a stranger, my friend, and do let us know when you’ll be back down here!
Brendan & Tony C - Thank you kindly…but the two of you and the rest of those who post here make this blog what it is. Case in point…the past two blogs have seen over a hundred comments posted to them each. That ain’t too bad for a “non-traditional” hockey market…especially given that our team hasn’t played in 2 months.
Lew318 - You know as much about that as I do…I think it’s obvious that they are waiting for Anderson to get done in Chicago. Hopefully that will be this weekend.
Stan Drulia - That was quite a picture of Hossa sitting propped up against the boards. He played his heart out and I really enjoyed watching him and Dupuis this spring. I agree he looks to be a good fit there. So, he and the Pens have some thinking to do. Do the Pens want to shuck out the big bucks to keep him around 3 or 4 more years knowing they have other big names to cough up money to? Is Hossa willing to maybe take a couple mil less there knowing what they can do together? We’ll soon find out, I guess.
By Buzilla in CT
June 5, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Hossa can grow a pretty good beard huh?
By Alan
June 5, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
And I must have missed something, but what does Sara have against Hossa?
A lot of us are bitter still that he dragged a* here, only to go elsewhere and actually put forth some effort. I saw him do things in Pittsburgh that he never did with Atlanta. I’ll wish him luck and all that, but I’ll also wish Atlanta wins the cup before he does.
By Lanny McDonald
June 5, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
That’s what this team needs more of…mustaches
Yes, I agree my friend.
By kracker
June 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Sorry but for my part, if Anderson is to be the Thrashers HC, he gets the remainder of the night and perhaps the next day to celebrate the Calder, then he needs to get his butt to Atlanta to be interviewed, do the negotiations and get signed asap.
The draft is 16 days away, so he simply can’t have the luxury of relaxing a week or 10 days following the Calder. Even if the Wolves close it out tomorrow or Saturday, for Anderson to wait a week or so to talk to Atlanta is pushing us too close to draft day.
I really do want Anderson, if he is the guy, to get the players he wants in this draft. He can’t properly prepare for that with DW and the draft team in only a couple of days before the draft. So GO WOLVES and beat W-B/S tomorrow!
By Alan
June 5, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Remember what we were talking about yesterday regarding the news from the Balsillie camp? How they had “discussions” with at least eight US franchices about selling (including our own Thrashers)?
Well, allow Dallas to come out publicly and call Balsillie on his statements. ASG, you can come out anytime now. And tell the truth. Did you or did you not talk to Balsillie about selling? Did Belkin do it? As die-hard fans of the Thrashers, we as fans deserve to know this kind of thing.
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
kracker… you can pretty much assume that Waddell and the scouts will be running the draft, regardless of who and when they hire a coach.
I can’t imagine any coach can step in at this time with a full grasp of the team, it’s prospects, what the system is going to be AND what players are available in a 7 round draft.
Outside the Top pick, I think Anderson’s out of his league in evaluating this years prospects.
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Buzz… good luck in CT. Sorry we didn’t get to hang out before you left.
In coaching news… from one of the Hockeybuzz bloggers. Hartley to coach the Senators.
By Hip Czech
June 5, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
From an article talking about the Detroit ‘system’:
‘…the emphasis the Red Wings have on defense, which is the personal stamp Holland puts on things. You can talk about puck possession and skill all you want, but the Red Wings skated around their rink with the Stanley Cup because of their ability to prevent goals, a category in which they were ranked first during the regular and again in the playoffs.
The irony is that Holland, a former goaltender, doesn’t believe the netminders are worth all that much in the scheme of things. That’s why he spent millions on Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski and Niklas Kronwall this season, but only $800,000 on Chris Osgood, the goalie who carried Detroit through the playoffs.
“The way I look at it is you spend the big money if you get one of the top five goalies in the league, but if you can’t, there’s no real point,” Holland said. “There’s not much of a difference between say the seventh or eighth best goalie in the league and the 15th in terms of performance, but there is a big difference in terms of money, so we invest in defensemen.
That’s why I really don’t care whether we sign Lehtonen or Hedberg…let em go (unless you really think Lehtonen is a top 5 goalie), you can always find a goalie for cheap.
The problem is we don’t have any defensemen on this roster that we can build around…Coburn might have been one, maybe Enstrom, but he is not exactly a pillar of defensive strength.
So we either have to sign a couple stud FA defensemen or wait for this years first round picks to mature.
Which leaves us where? Who are the players on this roster you would build on for the next 4 or 5 years? Kovalchuk is the best shot (if he continues to improve on D), Enstrom might be a good 3-4 defenseman but his size probably limits him from being a top 2 D, other than that?
I think the high-water mark was after the 05-06 season…lock up Savard, Kovalchuk, Hossa, and Kozlov as the forwards and then bring in a couple more D to complement Havelid until Coburn arrived.
Sorry for the length of this, I realize it is rather Brendan-esque. But I’m having a beer for lunch and the juices are flowing.
By R. Stroz
June 5, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie
I think Anderson’s out of his league in evaluating this years prospects.
Do you think Anderson is more out of his league than Dan Marr?
Marr is a proven idiot as you have pointed out numerous times.
The issue with Anderson is what direction he sees for the team. Does Anderson want to bring up players such as Haydar, Little, Lavallee, Sterling, or Valabik. And if so, how do you draft to make the pieces fit together properly. What are the plans for Esposito?
Anderson must have some input on these matters, especially in the early picks.
Can the Thrashers survive many more years of Waddell and Marr determining the future?
Isn’t the Get Smart movie coming out soon. Does Dan Marr have the lead roll?
By John W.
June 5, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Let’s be thankful our local NBC channel did not shunt the games over to their sister network MYATL or whatever crap because I am not sure everyone has access to the HD feed on that channel. Seattle pulled a stunt like that and NHL fans there complained about the lack of HD capability on the sister channel over there. I wonder if attitudes like that prevents hockey hellholes like the home of the Florida Panthers get franchises while a logical place like Seattle doesn’t.
I wonder how the local ratings were compared to nationally. In shocking news, Vegas had one of the top 10 local ratings in the entire country for the early games of the finals. Not surprisingly, the southern cities did not figure anywhere in that.
With the economy being so bad, the Thashers can expect more people to just buy from season ticket holders individual game tickets instead of waasting a few grand on a subpar team playing a few subpar teams among the many teams they play along the way in a subpar economy.
Why anyone would foolishly spend on a season ticket is beyond me. The smart thing is craigslist or stubhub or ebay.
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Omigosh… breaking news… the Stanley Cup has been Stolen
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
In shocking news, Vegas had one of the top 10 local ratings in the entire country for the early games of the finals.
Hmmm… I wonder why people in Vegas would be watching a sporting event. :)
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Do you think Anderson is more out of his league than Dan Marr? Marr is a proven idiot as you have pointed out numerous times.
I understand the joke :) But no, I’d much rather have Dan Marr picking rather than Anderson, essentially, “throwing darts at a sheet of paper”.
While I’m not a fan of Dan Marr, I’ve also said I think Waddell and Marr are getting better at evaluating prospects.
By TableHockey
June 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - thanks for the great blog!
Oh man hurry up with the new coach announcement and the draft - I’m already going into hockey withdrawals.
I agree with Tony C. - I had hoped we could get Dupuis back in Atlanta but I think his performance and his price tag makes him a keeper for Pittsburg.
On Hossa I still have mixed feelings. He obviously sand bagged most of this season waiting for the trade deadline which I find really lame. But one could certainly argue that his heart was never here with the screwing the Sens gave him.
It’s a moment of truth for him - whats more important - the cash or the cup? If its cash he goes to the highest bidder if its the cup I think he should resign with the Pens. Even if its for less than he’s making now. With their young players they will be back contending for the cup for quite a while. Or he could take an offer from the wings - they stand to lose quite a bit come free agency.
By Buzilla in CT
June 5, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Hokie -
I am sorry we couldn’t get together before I left. It was pretty crazy with all the packing and stuff. I’ll let you know when my phone number changes.
Go Visa
By HookyBob
June 5, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Stroz: Would repeat the question for the pool on when a coach is named? (Thats the one for the adult beverage, right?) I can’tseem to find it in the earlier blogs.
By R. Stroz
June 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hooky Bob
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.
Additional Rule:
The “Coach Pool” entries must be posted before Friday at 5:00 PM.
Also, the offical date is the determining date.
And I thought the rules would be simple.
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Is anyone up for a “what day the Thrashers name a coach” pool.
I want to say next Friday, but then I noticed it’s Friday the 13th… not sure if that’s a good omen, but I’ll stick to it.
Friday, June 13th.
By Sara
June 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Pucksdeep Alan pretty much covered the explanation but I’ll flesh it out a bit. For one, the whole thing with Hossa got dragged out far too long. He should have just said something sooner that he absolutely wouldn’t have signed. Way too much drama for the fans but especially for the other players in the locker room. And while I can respect the fact that any athlete wants to play for a winner (and the Thrashers cannot yet be called that), it does still smart to have one of your best players ditch town because he doesn’t believe or think the team is good enough (whether it’s true or not). After all of that, it would have really upset me to see him win the Cup this year. And yes it’s petty but I’d love to see the Thrashers organization win one before Hossa the individual does.
Which could be worse … I still hope Heatley NEVER wins a Cup.
By Buzilla in CT
June 5, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Wednesday June 11th 3:00 o’clock
New Coach: Anderson and his handle bar mustache
Result: ticked off bloggers. Waddell to blame for global warming and the 7 year itch
By NASCAR Dave
June 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
By Nix
June 4, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Wow NASCAR Dave! You actually called that Malkin goal.
Yep. More people should listen to NASCAR Dave. I tend to be correct most of the time…
I agree with Tony C. - I had hoped we could get Dupuis back in Atlanta but I think his performance and his price tag makes him a keeper for Pittsburg.
No way brother! We TRADED him. He’s not gonna come back here… Why would he show any loyalty to a team that traded him away??? Plus, we don’t need him… He can’t finish, and we already have that here (Slater), who should be traded away anyways… but won’t be, because he is a Don FRAUDell favorite, and he is an American from Michigan… Right up Donny boy’s alley.
By ranallo10
June 3, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Bob and NASCAR Dave — Feel free to disagree with dj all you want, but his opinion of goaltender interference carries a little more weight (in my opinion) due to the fact he’s both a hockey player, and a goaltender.
What position do either of you play???
RANALDO - Sorry I missed this one… The position I play is armchair GM… and i’m BETTER than the wacko nut-job that the ASG PAYS to do it!!!
By GaVaHokie
June 4, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Notice that Ron Wilson still said he wants time to think about it… so, as I’ve said before, patience.
HOKIE - Wilson is NOT coming here. If he was, he would have been signed already. Sorry dude, you’re gonna have to deal with JOHN ANDERSON.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 4, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
One more thing, Dave. Don’t think. One - your description is wrong and two, thinking causes headaches. … Are one of those people who thinks Kyle Busch’s contact with Earnhardt Jr. at Richmond was intentional? Did that break your heart?
This is off-topic, but I must reply… WINGS FAN, I was at that race, just like I will be at the race this weekend (packing the RV as we speak), and yes, Kyle could have given Earnhardt plenty of more room, but he didn’t… So, yes it was intentional. And I am not a Dale Jr. fan, so I have no dogs in that fight (Hi GaVaHokie ;D)… but my girl likes him, so I did have to hear about it for a week or so. But no, it did not break my heart.
You guys can call them De-toilet, or the Dead Wings, but you can also call them one more thing - the 2007-08 Stanley Cup Champions!
Yep. True that, Wings Fan. Congratulations. Detroit won a hard fought battle. Maybe they can do it again in 6 more years… does 2014 sound good to you???
OK… so maybe now we can start talking THRASHERS??? Deal?
Have a good weekend everybody, I’m off to the Pocono woods of Pennsylvania. Maybe I’ll stop in Pitt and grab a Hossa Penguins jersey… Think they’re half-price yet??? LOL.
PEACE.
By ranallo10
June 5, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I’m going with Thursday, June 12th, 2pm EST.
Waddell is found to be the root of all forms of cancer.
Congratulations to the Wings, I’m glad to see the first European to captain a team a Stanley Cup win is Nicklas Lidstrom. I’d clone him before I’d clone Sidney Crosby.
Buzz — I’m assuming the ‘stache will be gone after the series is complete (and hopefully the Calder Trophy won). Did you see Brett Sterling’s attempt at a mustache (during his second period interview of last night’s game)?
Hokie — I’d be happy with Sullivan, more so than most NHL “experienced” head coaches. Anderson is still my first pick, even though his defense in Chicago seems to have issues getting the puck out of their own zone…the upside is that once they’re OUT of the zone, the puck seems to gravitate towards the inside of the opponents net.
Sullivan wouldn’t beat out my top two (Anderson and Wilson), but he’d be well before Tortorella or Quinn.
Re: Pavelec — The defense hasn’t been keeping Chicago in the games, Pavelec has. Granted, with that offense and the good but not great defense, Brathwaite could be helping the team. But Pavelec’s play has been rather stellar. Take your possibly last chance at watching him play in this next AHL game. Same with Bryan Little (28). Oystrick (22) and Kulda (32) have been rather impressive, take a chance to check them out too. Some people are just naturally haters.
By FormerIslesFan
June 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Here is the Hossa pic of his sitting by the boards that was mentioned earlier.
That is a dejected looking former Thrasher…
By Smoothie
June 5, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
I’ll go with Tuesday, June 17th @ 11 am EST
New Coach = John Anderson sans stache
Result: true youth movement as DWad realizes that some of his power has been usurped by Gearon and the other a$$-clown in charge; it’s his final chance to save his job and Anderson leads Thrashers to a 10th place finish in the Conference next year
Ultimate Result: sianorah Waddell!
By GaVaHokie
June 5, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
HOKIE - Wilson is NOT coming here. If he was, he would have been signed already. Sorry dude, you’re gonna have to deal with JOHN ANDERSON.
My point was, for all of you screaming for a coach to be hired already, Wilson’s not ready yet… Wilson was offered a job and he still needs time to think about it.
Now, regarding Tortorella… it could be uncomfortable in the lockerroom after what he said about Perrin last summer.
By kracker
June 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I previously picked Thursday, June 12, so I will stick with that.
By kracker
June 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
On Hossa (and Zhitnik) it’s even simpler in this respect: You are being paid a vast amount of money to play hockey for the Atlanta Thrashers. Honorable conduct demands you earn it every game, to the best of your ability. Not to mention playing hard for your team mates and for the Thrashers fans and for your personal fans. And yourself.
By ranallo10
June 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
FIF — Find a picture of his smile after the game tying goal from Game 5. You can tell from both photos he was in this for one thing (The Cup) and not what many people claim (the paycheck — often used as the reason he “half-hearted” this season in Atlanta, in their opinion).
I understand everyone’s frustrations towards the man, I truly do, but I think it’s completely unfair to ASSUME he played at anything but his level best while he was a Thrasher. Only he knows how he played, everything else is speculation, or opinion. The man’s a good player, and unfortunately he did not want to continue his time in the NHL with OUR team.
I will admit I was wrong about something though…I’m much happier knowing the organization got something out of Hossa than thinking we could have at least made a playoff appearance (the idea being that would “convince” him to stay in Atlanta). I feel he doesn’t want to be here (he basically said as much by not re-signing), and was appropriately traded. Waddell did good by getting quality players/picks in return AND not burning a bridge with a good player (and his tough agent), which could help the team in the future (doubtful at best) with regards to signing other Winter represented players and/or signing Hossa again.
No, I don’t think Hossa will sign here, but until he doesn’t sign it’s still in the realm of possibility.
Hokie — The fact that Tortorella is a complete a***** could also be uncomfortable in the lockerroom. I’m just saying…
By Mark
June 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
On the matter of Hossa and his future signing. I predict that he’ll drop his ticket value and stay in Pittsburgh. Probably a 2 year contract with his option for a 3rd so as to have a strong run at the cup again. As well as he’s still young enough to pull in another big money attempt. But another factor is that he doesn’t have to step in and be a leader as he was asked to do in Atlanta. In Pittsburgh they have a strong leadership group (Crosby,Staal,Malkin, etc.) to where Marian would only have to play his game. In Atlanta with it’s low level of leadership (Kovalchuk WAS the leader and not the man wearing the C this past year) Hossa always looked uncomfortable when called upon to lead. I think his mind was truly made up on leaving when Thrashers management did make a strong enough answer to Hossa’s call for the right pieces for this past year. As a result Hossa played decent, but not at the fullest potential that he was capable. If he had played with the same level of commitment as Kovalchuk then there’s no telling where Atlanta would have ended up. Certainly not the soap opera that was.
By LAC
June 5, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Hossa, an impending unrestricted free agent, knew his days with the Thrashers were numbered. Disappointed in the direction of the also-ran club that had won the Southeast Division a year ago, Hossa didn’t enter into serious negotiations with Atlanta and wrote his ticket out of town.
It still stings that a proven player like Hossa, who sees good and well what a mess there is in Atlanta and wanted NO more of it. He moves on and is rewarded… It still is a mystery to me when the evidence is so strong, where the problem is with this team, waddell, and he is STILL allowed to stay ????
Not another NHL club would have put up with him for a minute following this past season, his record is terrible and so is the outlook for the future…
I guess we can look forward to nikko kapenan, modry and holik returning, with waddell’s eye for talent and with them todd white and ken klee leading the charge this coming season, we can look forward to maybe… winning the number #1 pick and getting Taveres…
But Hossa played GREAT in the playoffs and hope he lands a great deal with a team with an OWNER and GM comkitted to winning, something they know nothing about in Atlanta !!
By HookyBob
June 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Stroz: Thanks for the clarification on the pool question.
So to make it a hanging curve: The day the Thrashers name a new coach is the date they issue a press release with the new coach’s name, have a press conference, or otherwise notify the public that they have hired a new coach. :)
BTW: 118 days til the puck drops on the next run for the cup.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Deal.
2014 sounds good to me. That is just at the end of the five-year grace period. Just as long as I don’t have to wait 40-plus years, or even worse, 100 years because if it’s that long, I won’t be around to see it.
Now, the Thrashers have my permission to win the Cup in the next five years. But first, they can fire Waddell, get rid of the ASG, find a coach, draft the right draftees, sign a free agent or two (follow Philly’s lead from this season by going from worst to first, yes Atl. wasn’t the worst, but it was close enough) and make the postseason. Once you get into the postseason, you never know.
One more thing, please Hockey Gods, make Hossa sign with Detroit!
By R. Stroz
June 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Hooky Bob - You hit the hanging curve out of the park. :)
By Rawhide
June 5, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Well, this didn’t take long…seems as though San Jose has an interests in Torts.
From one bay area to another.
By Tony C.
June 5, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I think Sullivan would be a good choice if Anderson doesn’t get the gig.
Maybe then, our guys would finally figure out the other “Tampa Two”….Lord knows Hartley and Beast never got it to click for the boys….
By HookyBob
June 5, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Stoz Should we ever cross paths in the real world. You can count on me for the first round.
By LAC
June 5, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
I noticed one item, maybe others can expound more on it.
There is a window coming up before the draft, where teams, like Atlanta, CAN buyout players and send them on their way.
Does anyone know the dates, I believe it is only a week… 7 days.
Second, how much would count against the cap for the upcoming season ?
zit/white/klee/larsen/slater should all be goners asap…
We shall see, but worries me to think those same losers from last year are waddell’s plan for the future… come on don step down PLEASE!
By Tony C.
June 5, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Buyouts all count against the cap at like 2/3 opf contractual value.
I don’t have my copy of the CBA in front of me, but I believe that is right
By PJ
June 5, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Rawhide Great blog, as usual.
To Sara all the Detroit fans, Congratulations! Both teams fought hard but Detroit played better.
As for Tortorella….Oh Heavenly Father, please don’t let that happen to the Thrashers, AMEN.
Rstroz and Hookybob GavaHokie and I both picked Friday 6/13. Does that mean we share the winnings if we guess right?
By Alan
June 5, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Only he knows how he played, everything else is speculation, or opinion.
I don’t normally disagree with you, however, I must disagree here. It’s downright obvious that he dogged it here. Look at footage from 06-07 and see how well he played. Then look at some footage from games he played against teams not from Detroit. See a difference? Then, watch footage of him as a Penguin as opposed to a Thrasher. In some cases, he played harder for Pittsburgh than he did for Atlanta in 06-07.
I do agree though, that he was in it only for the cup, not for a big salary payday. He just wants a cup.
My beef with him is how he dogged it all season long as a Thrasher. That’s the only reason. I like him as a person, and I will never boo him in the stands because I respect why he wanted to leave. But you just don’t dog it, you play with some strength and intensity and hope your actions are what helps turn things around for the team you’re on.
Best of luck to him, wherever he ends up. And I do hope he sees his dream come true someday. The Thrashers, however, are first in my book. He didn’t want to stay here, and that’s cool. I hope the Thrashers win a cup before he does, though. That’s not thinking ill of the player himself, that’s just supporting your team.
By Tony C.
June 5, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I have to side with Alan. I mean yeah, I can understand not wanting to play for a team that is more retirement home than competetive club, but to claim that he was giving 100% from October-January borders on the insane.
I would give more credence to him playing with a nagging injury or mono or whatever if it wasn’t so apparent that he found an extra set of gears once he changed out of Thrasherbleu and into the Gold&Black of Pittsburgh. Just look at his play against…oh say, the Islanders from the 1st half of the season with Le Thrash, then look at his play against them when he’s with the Penguins.
I won’t boo him, but I lost a good chunk of respect. I understand the motivation to only play @ 75%, but I surely don’t agree with it.
GO BLUE !!!
By Brendan
June 5, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Over six months ago, I speculated that Hossa would sign with the Red Wings. I stand by that post. I believed that thennnnn as I still believe it now. If I’m wrong. Then I’m wrong. I’ll even tell ya the dollar amount. Seven years /$56 million, for an $8.0 million cap hit. And believe you me, that’s a discounted rate. After 12 goals and 20-something odd points, plus timely goals and assists, Hossa has shown himself to be a valuable playoff commodity. At least in a “contract year.” But, nobody can take away his playoff performance this season. He was dominant. He didn’t have to make any excuses for his performance.
Why Detroit? Stay with me. We got lots of quotes from Hossa during the season about his contract negotiations. Some of the best ones were heard on 680TheFan. One stood out above all. “I only get to be a free agent ONCE in my career. I have to make sure I make the right decision.” That struck me as an odd statement, given Marian’s age. He could sign three (3) more UFA contracts before he retires.
Then, I looked at the reasons he didn’t sign with Atlanta. He wanted good ownership. Nope. He wanted a financial commitment to spending towards the cap limit, so that the organization could realistically challenge for the Cup on an annual basis. Nope, not here. He wanted good management. Well look, let’s not get P.E.T.A. involved. I’m not gonna whip a dead horse. Hossa wanted a traditional market, where hockey has a commanding presence. Nope. This is football country, where perhaps college is even bigger than the pros.
Allrightee then. Does Detroit have good ownership? Check. Does Detroit offer a commitment towards spending to the cap limit, to challenge for the Cup on an annual basis? Check. Does Detroit have good management, which includes hiring competent scouts and coaches? Check. Is Detroit a traditional market, with a commanding hockey presence? Umm, they don’t call it “Hockeytown” because they lost a bet. It’s an “Original Six” market. It doesn’t get more “traditional” than that.
In a few short weeks, July 1st will arrive. If Hossa does sign with Detroit, I’ll be the least surprised person on this blog. Personally, I hope he signs with Pittsburgh. That way, we get to see constant reminders within our own conference about how we had Heatley and then we had Hossa. Bygones.
Sooner or later, the light bulb will illuminate as to why they got away. Sadly, the ownership may have already seen they light. They just don’t care. They’re in it for the money. Buy low. Sell high. It’s a time-tested successful formula. Who can argue that they won’t make money? By my calculations, they’ll sell for a minimum of $181 million after purchasing for $131. That’s a $10 million yield, on average, per year, for five “caretaker” years of stewardship. None of my investments are doing that well.
By Midfield
June 5, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Get a grip, people. The fact that we’re - “Thrashers fans” (I presume that’s the reason we’re wasting our life on this blog) - being screwed in our faces by owners and the front office should not be enough reason to tolerate an overpaid primadonna screwing us up on top of all that. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him sitting on the ice dejected as he was yesterday night. You have a problem with that? I always can DVR this spectacle and watch it again. Goes awfully well with a glass of fine red wine, you see.
By Brendan
June 5, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Tony C., it’s difficult to perform at your best when you are completely demoralized. Which, arguably, is how Hossa felt after being told that the Tier One Center he requested turned about to be Todd White, with Eric Perrin as “insurance.”
Huh?
Okay. Imagine that you’re dating someone. But you don’t love them anymore. And every day, it gets HARDER to HIDE that fact. You decide not to end the relationship until after the Christmas Holidays, but it’s “priority One” come January 2nd.
Still with me? How do you hide your reaction to your lover’s suggestion that you vacation together in Tahiti at the end of January? It is what it is.
There’s a line from an R.E.O. Speedwagon song. I’m probably butchering this. But it goes something like this: “Although I could feel something comin’, it came as such a surprise. I should have noticed when you put out the fire, instead I just closed my eyes.”
Sounds a lot like the Hossa-Thrashers negotiations to me.
By Brendan
June 5, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Does everyone know what “shadenfreude” is? It’s not really a good thing. It’s understandable, however.
By Midfield
June 5, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
You can even open a soup kitchen for the abused millionaire pros who throw fits when they don’t get what they want. I’m not buying any of that. Hossa is an MIA and I’m glad that he hasn’t got the cup - even with his fresh underworked during the regular season legs. And - hear me out, please - this does not in any way excuses the Spririt boys or Don Waddell for their gross incompetence and gross failure to exercise their fiduciary duty to Atlanta community. Separate issues altogether.
By Alan
June 5, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Brendan - At least Perrin turned out pretty good for us. Better than I expected, at least.
White, however, was a very bad move.
By R. Stroz
June 6, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Hopefully, Thrashers management isn’t blissful (as in ignorance is bliss) enough to offically announce a new coach on Friday the 13th, unless of course, the coach’s first name is Jason.
By Brendan
June 6, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Well, I think we can look at White and Perrin to make an argument that says, “We got good ‘bang for the buck.’” Which simply means, “for what they were paid, they delivered. Perhaps a bit more.” But finding good value isn’t the sort of thing that keeps Savards, Hossas, and Kovalchuks in Thrasher colors.
Marquee players want fellow Superstars, or budding Superstars, on their line. I realize, “the salary cap is there to PREVENT that sort of thing.” Yeah, well … teams seem to find a way.
We can look back and argue that Drury, Briere and Gomez didn’t live up to $7 million expectations. At the same time, we can’t simply IGNORE that acquiring those types of players is what it would take to keep Hossa around.
Okay. A little more specifically, what Hossa was also looking for was the organ-I-zation’s ability to attract Tier I players to the market, as well as a willingness on the ownership’s part to spend at or near the cap limit on “Opening Night.” When Hossa saw that wasn’t going to happen, the writing was on the wall. Hello, Detroit. Or some other market with similarly existing conditions. Bygones.
I’ll readily admit that there are plenty of primadonna athletes, who need their egos stroked. Part of being a GM, though, is knowing and understanding your player’s needs and tendencies. Pittsburgh’s GM, Ray Shero, has got to look at the Malkin situation and present a contract on July 1st. Or Malkin’s “feelings” are going to be hurt. At least, potentially. Letting Malkin know, straight out of the gate, that he is “offseason Priority One” … will at least start the ball rolling.
Keep in mind … these Russian guys can just bolt for the Motherland when their contracts are up, where they’ll get to play “tax free.” Shoot, isn’t this what Fred Brathwaite did?
By R. Stroz
June 6, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
If the Thrashers throw a free draft party on June 20th at Philips, in the same manner the Hawks usually throw a draft party, who is up for crashing the party?
I’m in!
By R. Stroz
June 6, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
We could call the draft party:
Crash and Catch a Draft Party
Multiple interpretations intended.
By R. Stroz
June 6, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Brendan - We can only hope Zhitnik bolts for the Motherland, and Mother wants him back.
By Sharon
June 6, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
I have mixed feelings about seeing Hossa in a Wings jersey. I’m sure he’d be stellar on that team, but it just emphasizes his lack of effort with this team.
I don’t blame him one bit for leaving, but I do blame him for sandbagging it. He’s a professional, he had a contract. He didn’t honor it.
Maybe my feelings aren’t so mixed after all.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Rstroz and Hookybob GavaHokie and I both picked Friday 6/13. Does that mean we share the winnings if we guess right?
I’m sure we can split the winnings… I think 10 Gorin beers before a game would probably kill me :)
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Get a grip, people. The fact that we’re - “Thrashers fans” (I presume that’s the reason we’re wasting our life on this blog) - being screwed in our faces by owners and the front office should not be enough reason to tolerate an overpaid primadonna screwing us up on top of all that. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him sitting on the ice dejected as he was yesterday night. You have a problem with that? I always can DVR this spectacle and watch it again. Goes awfully well with a glass of fine red wine, you see.
Well said Midfield… I’ll take a highly motivated Armstrong and Christensen over a primadonna any day. I don’t care how good he is. Throw in Malone and Orpik this summer and that’s a team I can be proud of. Or at least respect it. I want guys who can throw down the gauntlet… give me Franzen while you’re at it.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I’d like for them to have the Draft Party at Jillian’s again… but until I see that someone is actually TELEVISING the draft, I’ll probably be sitting infront of a computer somewhere. :(
By Buzilla in CT
June 6, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
I will always like Hossa.
I kind of hope the Devils sign him
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Has everyone noticed the Habs troll is gone? He/She has been blocked by the editor… you’re welcome! ;)
Of course, they’ll probably find another hole to crawl out of eventually. But let this be a warning, whoever you are, and let that go for everybody on this blog. Let’s continue to be civil.
By Bob
June 6, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
I have no problem with Hoss. It’s pretty obvious that he had told the Thrashers he was out of here, and they wouldn’t trade him. Why do you think he changed agents early in the season? To facilitate a trade is my guess.
So, put yourself in his shoes. You’re at a job, you know your boss is a complete incompetent boob and you want out of there, but your boss won’t transfer you to another department. I’m sure you’re going to just try your best and work your a* off for that boss, right? Wrong, you’re going to bide your time, do the minimum to get by until you finally get out of there at the end of the year.
Hoss played his a* off for us the year before, he was our best player. But then he watches Waddell screw up once again bringing Todd White et al in, and you want to blame him for being demoralized? Hell, most of us are demoralized.
By Buzilla in CT
June 6, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
What did you do Hokie to get rid of Habs whatever?
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Here’s something to chew on:
‘08 - ‘09 salaries:
Henrik Zetterberg - 2.9 million Todd White - 2.45 million
By Midfield
June 6, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Bob, just in the off-chance you’re talking to me: I’m not blaming Hossa for being demoralized. I could not care less about his morale. I’m blaming him for not doing his job he’s being paid millions of dollars to perform. If you’re on to be a sucker willingly subsidizing his life style with no strings attached, be my - or should I say - his guest. I’m out.
By Pucksdeep
June 6, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Who wants to bust their hump for a sub-par franchise like the one Hossa was playing for, before he was lucky enough to be traded to a true contender?
Don’t get me wrong. I support our team, I buy tickets to games, I buy the darn T-Shirts and I have no voice the day after attending b/c I’m out there cheering for the boys in blue, but I am not oblivious to the fact that our club is a long way (say 10 or so players, a coach, a GM, owners, managers) from being a great team, a great competitor. Outside of Ilya and random other flashes of brilliance, Hossa had no supporting cast here and everyone knows that and talked about it all season long. Heck ‘ol Donny Boy pilfered Chicago’s AHL roster on multiple occasions just to fill our NHL roster. So what good would it have done him or the team if he alone had busted it EVERY shift (you know, like all the other players did apparently). I personally don’t agree that he sandbagged. There was almost no one to play with him, no one to help him (and Kovy) make plays and there certainly wasn’t any defense to help keep them in the game. He played to the level of the team he was on and that’s exactly what he did in Pittsburgh so yeah, there was a vast difference in his results.
Folks we had and still have no coach, a very questionable GM and severe ownership issues. The real question is, why would he have re-signed? What player in his right mind would CHOOSE to stay in an environment like the one we have here? Hossa didn’t fail the Thrashers. The Thrashers failed Hossa. He had a ticket out of here and he sat on it till he was given the opportunity to punch it and as bad as I want to be able to see him down at Phillips skating in blue, I don’t fault him for his choices.
I’m a pretty big fan of Hossa’s by the way, but everyone has their right to an opinion.
Well said, Bob.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Henrik Zetterberg - 2.9 million Todd White - 2.45 million
Not for long… Zetterberg will be in the $8 million range very soon… Todd White will NEVER be.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Also, if you want to compare… Crosby’s base salary was $850,000 this season.
By R. Stroz
June 6, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
The average human head weighs eight pounds. :)
By Sara
June 6, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hip Czech Zetterberg is still under an RFA contract, White is not - very different thing.
Brendan Hossa wishes Detroit would sign him. But, alas, they will not. Can’t afford him. Detroit spends the bulk of its money on its blueline (concept). What big money they will spend on forwards is half already committed to Pavel and the other half is about to be committed to Z. While Hossa would be a great fit for the Wings (can you say 3 top scorers = Selke trophy finalists?), he isn’t going to fit under the cap.
By Alan
June 6, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Henrik Zetterberg - 2.9 million Todd White - 2.45 million
Both of those are the result of prior contracts signed. Zetterberg is worth a whole lot more than 2.9M.
Don’t be surprised to see him take a discount to continue playing with the Wings, though.
White? Well, is there any way we can convince Minnesota to take him back?
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Just FYI… the buyout period on players contracts doesn’t begin until June 15th. It’s supposed to be 48 hours after the Stanley Cup, but that’s only if the Cup is handed out after June 15th. Hard to believe that this years Cup was 9 days ahead of schedule. :)
Here’s an interesting read on the state of the Penguins and Red Wings for next year. The Red Wings could have the same exact roster for the next 3 years… sheesh. You might not have to wait until 2014 Wings Fan in Ga.
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Zetterberg is definitely going to command a huge pay day after next year…but my point is Detroit was SMART enough to lock him up at a reasonable rate early on…his salary numbers are:
2.400, 2.600, 2.700, 2.900
for the past 4 years. So big props for signing him back in ‘04-‘05 to a 4 year deal worth a total of 10.6 million.
So, far comparison sake (this is hypothetical folks)let’s say Armstrong and Christensen turn out to be the next Datsyuk and Zetterberg (still hypothetical)…if we had some real management we would sign them now (if you can, can you sign players before their RFA year?), or at the latest after next year when they are RFA to a Zetterberg type contract.
When’s the last time we tied up a good young talent for 4 or 5 years, besides Kovalchuk? Anybody?
That either shows we don’t draft the young talent to lock up, or we don’t recognize the young talent to lock up.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Not to mention Zetterberg’s incredibly goreous, pop-star girlfriend.
By Alan
June 6, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Hokie - To top it off, there is apparently discontent in the Penguins’ ranks with Therrien. Orpik is quoted as saying he will not re-sign with Pittsburgh if Therrien remains in the coaching position. The Thrashers should take note of this, and I would advocate pursuing Orpik, if for no other reason than to see if we could get him to come here.
Before you naysayers pipe up, just don’t. It’s unlikely, but you never know if you don’t try.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Alan… yep, I read that yesterday as well. Lemieux isn’t impressed with Therrien either, so he’ll probably get booted. Wouldn’t be surprised if THEY end up with Ron Wilson.
By GaVaHokie
June 6, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Hard to believe that this years Cup was 9 days ahead of schedule. :)
And by 9 days, I mean 11 days… I was looking at today’s date. :)
By Tony Hrkac
June 6, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I just got a call from Don Waddell. Something about a Center for Kovy. Hmm.
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
My offseason wish list, based on the following holes:
Kovy - FA center - Armstrong Kozlov - Christensen - FA RW Perrin - Little - Thorburn Wolves player - White - Wolves player
Havelid - Enstrom FA D - Popovic Exelby - McCarthy (or 2nd FA)
based on age and probable salary demand here are my FA picks:
C - Mike Ribeiro
RW - JP Dumont, 2nd choice Trent Hunter (that guy always kills us)
D - this one’s tough, we probably need a physical D guy…maybe Orpik, though he’s bound to be overpaid after the SCF. I like Rozsival, Hainsey, Streit, maybe Liles, Schultz, Kalinin, Jackman…there are a lot of FA D available.
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
sorry…the two websites I looked at for FA players both had Ribeiro listed…I see now he signed a 5-yr deal.
Have to find a FA center…
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
ok…so Hunter and Dumont both signed as well…yeesh, where is a good site that lists available FA by position?
The 2 forward positions we need a FA for (center and RW) look to be pretty thin. There are still a ton of FA D-men though.
By kracker
June 6, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Hip Czech - Free agents by team
I will look for a by-position listing.
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks kracker…try to make it as idiot-proof as possible. At the rate I’m going they may hire me as GM.
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Brendan- To use your “dating” scenario as an analogy for the Hossa situation;
When your sweetheart requires you to go visit her side of the family, but finds an excuse every time you bring up visiting your family, for 18 months, well you might tell your significant other “hey this is important to me”. When they still continue to ignore your requests, you get out. Granted untangling your financial affairs etc. will take a while, but you can do it without stringing them along because it makes you feel bad to let them know they blew it. I have no sympathy. Grow a pair and tell people what you want, and what you’re prepared to do either way.
Now, if it was something where DW & FUBAS knew Hossa wasn’t re-signing, and they kept him on the team in hopes to drive up his trade value, then I completely understand and can even endorse his half-@ssed play. But that is the only scenario where I feel where he’s coming from.
But to drag things out so that you’re not “the bad guy” is B.S.-it’s not like DW couldn’t have gotten damn near the same package last summer. Maybe not with Esposito thrown in, but I betcha we could’ve gotten a very similar deal from a lot of different places.
That’s my point.
Or it may be that Hossa was hoping against hope that DW would hear the “pop” noise…I find it hard to believe, but it might have been the case.
I know if it was me, and I had told DW “Look Gomez & Briere are going FA this summer-get us one of them. Then DW comes back and says:
“yeah for the center you guys asked for I got…Todd White!”
That would be when I tell him:
“I’m holding out until you trade me to an organization that understands what “top-tier” means.”
Now of course they could counter with a breach of contract suit unless I play…Who knows? I do know that I feel that somebody handled that situation horribly, and until somebody comes out and accepts responsibility, I blame both parties.
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Dude-
Ribeiro has been locked-up long term since about December 2K7, again a great FA center that Either DW passed over because of the price tag, or lack of ability to judge talent (for the record, his [Ribeiro’s] antics in the playoffs a few years ago are a sufficiently daming incident for a lot people).
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Also, what about Hlavac or Vrbata???
Of the two, I think Hlavac’s the move, but Vrbata is coming off a career year as well….
By Hip Czech
June 6, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Tony C ….yeah I realized I was looking at bad 2008 FA sites after I posted the Ribeiro/Dumont/Hunter list. Sorry ‘bout that.
Hey, I guess I can pick them though if their teams deemed them worthy to be resigned long-term.
With no real FA center out there (maybe Langkow, but he’s 30) maybe we look at a trade (hello Mike Cammalleri again). We certainly ought to be able to pluck a couple decent FA defensemen.
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Also, another point is-you saw guys like Dupuis busting their @ss every game,(I’ll give you the fact that Perrin was basically playing the entire season with some fire to prove he belongs @ the NHL level) Where you see a guy name hossa bust his tail maybe once every ten shifts… while I sympathize about working for corporate idiots (trust me I know the feeling as well as anyone). I don’t let the fact that my boss is barely competent impact my own sense of pride in my work and the type of work I produce. Now, I would think that working for boobs for under $60K/year is waaaay more frustrating than working for boobs where I get free gear, top-notch medical, performance bonuses that include limited immortality and a base salary of +/- $7M/year.
I’m just saying.
By Sage of Bluesland
June 6, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
While I didn’t get to watch too much of the Cup finals, what I did watch was very exciting and only wish that we in that figurative joke otherwise known as ‘Blueland’ (as created by that bumbling, lisping idiot Don Waddell) could experience a mere percentage of that type of excitement.
It will remain a fantasy as long as Donny is making important decisions adn the ASG continue to own the franchise.
It’s a real shame. The reality is that we are nothing more than schedule fodder for the ‘real’ teams of the league.
The sooner the sheep accept that reality, the quicker they will finally arrive at the correct decision concerning their support of the incompetence…
By R. Stroz
June 6, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Tony C. - You are the man.
You admit that you working for boobs.
What size?
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 6, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Look at the photo of the Red Wings team shot with the Stanley Cup. Notice Dominik Hasek flashing the backwards No. 2. Is that the international f you sign?
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Stroz- ‘C’ s baby, Bouncy ‘C’s!
Trust me, I know these guys are jackalopes in this region, but there have been some decrees from HQ that should (key word there) improve overall service level-I’m still holding my breath to see if HR raises the bar on who they hire-if they do I’ll give the directive more credence.
WFiG: Yeah…it is…started in England, but I think it’s pretty much international now. I wondered how bad his ego might’ve been bruised; of course he may just be showing his # of Cups.
By LAC
June 6, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Hossa expects his agent, Rich Winter, to start talking with Shero soon.
“I’d rather take less and play on a good team,” Hossa said. “Hopefully, I can return here and be part of this organization but, with the salary cap, I know how hard it is. There’s lots of players to be signed, so we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
These comments on NHL.com by Hossa, speaks clearly about Atlanta Thrashers…
We are NOT a good team, we do NOT have good ownership and we sure as HELL don’t have a GM who knows anything about professional hockey…
Just speaks so well of our Atlanta MESS… it makes me sick.
By destruction+
June 6, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope when walking up to the stage in Ottawa, Waddell slips, falls, cracks his head open, no more Waddell.
From that point we start moving in the right direction.
Then get all the ASG guys on a plane… oops, is that our only hope for the future with this team ?
Or we can all stop going to any games. It is just sick to watch how this franchise operates, they are… well it leaves me speechless.
By HookyBob
June 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Rawhide & Bloggers: Thanks for keeping my hockey withdrawal symptoms to a minimum. It is now time to turn our attention to next year,…via the draft and free agent (or RFA) signings.
Brendon: Excellent breakdown on why Hossa could end up in Detroit. I guess there is only one team with a better chance to win the cup than Pittsubrgh and Detroit just proved who it is. But let me ask the question,.. If the signing contract $s are the same (and he has a choice), is Hossa better off staying with Pittsburgh or Detroit? The Pens are young,… but maturing in a hurry.
Hokie: Those are some great links you gave us. (I’d like to see a list of your favorites.) Anyway,.. if both Orpik and Staal don’t want to remain Pens with Therian as the coach,..should Atl go after them? It would address two of our biggest weaknesses. Ex-Pens have proven worthwhile investments to us in the past.
Tony. The ASG are the “real Jackalopes.” (thats an oxymoron,..eh)And poor ones at that.
Finally, watching the precision machine that the Detroit franchise, emphasizing mgmt, is,.. Does anyone else find it incredulous that this is where DW spent his formative years?
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 6, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Tony C., thanks. Hasek told the Detroit Free Press that he can’t enjoy this year’s like he did in 2002. Of course, he was the starter in 2002, so I don’t know what to think. Hopefully someone will ask him about it.
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Hooky- Not really, and I’ll tell you why:
Say whatever you want about DW’s abilities, you cannot fault his ability to bring things in on a fixed budget, and his player-for-player trades have been pretty good to above avergage. Now, let’s figure that DW wasn’t given permission to bring the best of their scouts and other front-office guys-which is a reasonable assumption; you can see where DW shines, as well as where the other folks in Hockeytown were instrumental in building the Deadwings….also, let’s not forget that Illitch spent ugly money on FA additions prior to the lockout. So it stands to reason that is where some of DW’s over-paying ways come from.
He’s got his strong points, but I think when place on his own outside of the Holland-Bowman braintrust and without Illitch’s deep pockets to sweep mistakes under the rug, his flaws become even easier to spot.
Pleas don’t take this as an endorsement of his tenure, just a possible explination.
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
From the AP article:
Hossa, an impending unrestricted free agent, knew his days with the Thrashers were numbered. Disappointed in the direction of the also-ran club that had won the Southeast Division a year ago, Hossa didn’t enter into serious negotiations with Atlanta and wrote his ticket out of town.
Ok? That’s what I was getting at.
By Tony C.
June 6, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Meaning, unless DW held him hostage to play out the string, he could have and should have made a trade happen BEFORE the season started. Now depending, on who you listen to, either Hossa played coy with the front office, or the front office held him hostage to his contract and he was enough of a pro not to air the dirty laundry in the media.
Somehow, either scenario or both simultaneously seem plausible to me.
By Sara
June 6, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Tony C I think you are definitely on to some things re: the difference between DW’s Thrashers and the Wings. Folks, money is about more than just working the cap. It’s also about how much you pay everyone else on the staff. I would love to know how much money Detroit spends on their scouting staff compared to the rest of the NHL (and us in particular). They keep a number of scouts in Europe (hence the reason they cherry-pick so many guys late - they are waayyy more familiar with the Euros than most other organizations are). Not too mention how much do you think they pay Holland, Scotty Bowman, Stevie Y, Jimmy D, etc etc. I can guaran-darn-tee ASG isn’t spending that kind of money on the support staff that makes an organization work. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if the only reason we don’t have a coach yet is because ASG is waiting to see if someone else picks up Hartley (thus negating his contract) to figure out if we can afford one of the other NHL guys or “have” to go on the cheap with an AHL guy.
If there is one thing you learn being a Wings fan (or really even just an observer), it’s how an organization should be run. It’s a class act from top to bottom with smart, loyal, and dedicated people who in turn bring in smart, loyal, and dedicated hockey players. That’s been the key to their success for the past 15 or so years.
Btw, I have a story for all the people who love to spout the “5 year plan” line. When Yzerman’s jersey was retired, in his speech he talked about how when he was drafted by the organization they had a plan to win the Cup in five years. It took them 14. In other words, crap happens. But you keep working at it and believing, and doing the right things long enough, and things have a way of working out. That’s not an across the board endorsement of the higher-ups in the Thrashers organization, but something to think about.
Ultimately, I’m not sure what it’s going to take to turn this franchise into a perennial contender (goal one) and a Cup champion (goal two). But I can tell you it has to start at the top with the right organizational culture, and considering the legal fiascos and the fact our most involved owner appears to be a complete knucklehead, we’re in a huge pile of dung.
And on that cheery note, I’m outie for the week and on my way to Florida. :)
By ranallo10
June 7, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Hokie — I believe the draft will be televised on the NHL Network.
By Brendan
June 7, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
Well, I just finished watching Game Four of the Wolves-Penguins. There will be Game Five after all. The Penguins winning goal was sort of a fluky carom off the defenseman, off the goalpost, into the net. The goal came early in the 3rd period, but the Wolves never found the equalizer.
Regarding Hossa, I really think people are going to have a wide array of emotions about him. And that’s probably as it should be. I think people are free to feel HOWEVER they do about him. He has his fans. He has his detractors.
I think Tony C. and Midfield bring up good points about players being paid, in Hossa’s case, very HANDSOMELY, to consistently perform a job. Was Hossa consistent? I’ve heard it said that he was consistently “inconsistent.”
Hossa is also the type player who, when he underperforms, is thought to be injured. Unfortunately, I don’t know that we’ll ever hear the truth about it. I can remember, at the end of the 2007 season, that 680TheFan reported that Hossa was going to have some offseason shoulder surgery.
Hossa denied that report and didn’t have any offseason surgery. When this season rolled around, and he didn’t seem to be dropping his shoulder much to drive to the net, the speculation returned that there was possibly an undisclosed injury.
Hossa looked just fine to me during these playoffs. Every player plays “hurt.” If they’re not hurt, then they’re not really playing. It’s the playoffs, for cripessakes. You suck it up and tough it out, knowing that you have all offseason to heal.
I can appreciate that some people feel that a player making $7 million doesn’t have the right to be demoralized. I thought the correct thing to do, right after the 2007 sweep in the playoffs, was to approach Hossa about his needs and concerns. After hearing what those were, I think the Thrashers had to formulate a plan to meet his objectives or to trade him for maximum value during the offseason.
We’re there again, whether we want to admit it or not. If Atlanta really does intend to try to re-sign Hossa in this offseason, they’re negotiating from a very weak position. What has changed?? You might want to presume that a Head Coach will be in place by July 1st for Hossa’s “evaluation.” I don’t think it’ll impact Hossa’s decision on a new contract. I think he’ll give Pittsburgh serious consideration, and a discount. But, my feeling is that Detroit can get him on a sweetheart deal. Hossa has said, many times now, that this next contract isn’t about the money, but rather is about making a commitment to a team that’s headed in the right direction. Ummn, not as Bruce Levenson defines it, however.
Let’s not forget something ELSE here, too. This choice of a Head Coach impacts Kovalchuk’s future contract decision as well. I’ll readily admit that Kovalchuk may be just as TRAPPED as Hossa was this season, tied and bound by a contract he must honor. If Atlanta has any chance of retaining #17, this choice of a Head Coach could impact that decision.
By Brendan
June 7, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
Well, I just finished watching Game Four of the Wolves-Penguins. There will be Game Five after all. The Penguins winning goal was sort of a fluky carom off the defenseman, off the goalpost, into the net. The goal came early in the 3rd period, but the Wolves never found the equalizer.
Regarding Hossa, I really think people are going to have a wide array of emotions about him. And that’s probably as it should be. I think people are free to feel HOWEVER they do about him. He has his fans. He has his detractors.
I think Tony C. and Midfield bring up good points about players being paid, in Hossa’s case, very HANDSOMELY, to consistently perform a job. Was Hossa consistent? I’ve heard it said that he was consistently “inconsistent.”
Hossa is also the type player who, when he underperforms, is thought to be injured. Unfortunately, I don’t know that we’ll ever hear the truth about it. I can remember, at the end of the 2007 season, that 680TheFan reported that Hossa was going to have some offseason shoulder surgery.
Hossa denied that report and didn’t have any offseason surgery. When this season rolled around, and he didn’t seem to be dropping his shoulder much to drive to the net, the speculation returned that there was possibly an undisclosed injury.
Hossa looked just fine to me during these playoffs. Every player plays “hurt.” If they’re not hurt, then they’re not really playing. It’s the playoffs, for cripessakes. You suck it up and tough it out, knowing that you have all offseason to heal.
I can appreciate that some people feel that a player making $7 million doesn’t have the right to be demoralized. I thought the correct thing to do, right after the 2007 sweep in the playoffs, was to approach Hossa about his needs and concerns. After hearing what those were, I think the Thrashers had to formulate a plan to meet his objectives or to trade him for maximum value during the offseason.
We’re there again, whether we want to admit it or not. If Atlanta really does intend to try to re-sign Hossa in this offseason, they’re negotiating from a very weak position. What has changed?? You might want to presume that a Head Coach will be in place by July 1st for Hossa’s “evaluation.” I don’t think it’ll impact Hossa’s decision on a new contract. I think he’ll give Pittsburgh serious consideration, and a discount. But, my feeling is that Detroit can get him on a sweetheart deal. Hossa has said, many times now, that this next contract isn’t about the money, but rather is about making a commitment to a team that’s headed in the right direction. Ummn, not as Bruce Levenson defines it, however.
Let’s not forget something ELSE here, too. This choice of a Head Coach impacts Kovalchuk’s future contract decision as well. I’ll readily admit that Kovalchuk may be just as TRAPPED as Hossa was this season, tied and bound by a contract he must honor. If Atlanta has any chance of retaining #17, this choice of a Head Coach could impact that decision.
By Sunny
June 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Hossa:
“If I wanted to make a couple more dollars I would probably just re-sign with Atlanta”
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_571463.html
By Sunny
June 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Todd McClellan, assistant coach in Detroit, is being interviewed in Atlanta this week:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080608/SPORTS05/806080703/1053/SPORTS05