AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAnderson Watch Officially On
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Don Waddell and the Spirit Group, LLC, (or ASG or ASLLC or whatever the heck some of you are calling them now), were waiting for John Anderson to wrap things up with the Chicago Wolves before making a move… well, that time has arrived.
Tuesday night, the Chicago Wolves won the Calder Cup by defeating Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 5-2 to win the series in six games. Jason Krog turned the hat trick and threw in an assist for good measure while Nathan Oystrick and Brett Sterling each netted one in the win. Joel Kwiatkowski had three helpers and Jesse Schultz, Bryan Little and Arturs Kulda all chipped in with assists of their own. Opie stopped 25 of the 27 shots he faced.
So, the coach that openly expressed a desire for the job, (with the blessing of the Wolves GM and owners), the day after Bob Hartley was fired…238 days ago…very well may get his chance to interview for it in the days to come.
Thrashers fans have been waiting a while for this decision as well. Since Hartley’s dismissal, we’ve watched as the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs have fired and replaced head coaches. Florida, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Ottawa…and now Los Angeles… still are seeking new head coaches. However, if rumors are to be believed, the Bolts will soon hire Barry Melrose, San Jose seems to be interested in Tortorella and the Senators have their eye on a couple of candidates including Hartley.
But none of the above mentioned teams have gone…or will go… as long as Atlanta has between firing and hiring coaches. And wouldn’t it be ironic if Bob Hartley were to gain employment as a head coach before the team that fired him found his replacement?
This year’s AHL championship is the fourth won by Chicago with Anderson behind the bench and he has pretty much proven all he can at that level. So, what better time for him to step away from the team and take on the new challenge of coaching an NHL franchise. Especially one that has so many players in its employ that he is so familiar with?
If indeed Anderson is the choice and the team has simply been waiting him out…then let’s get him in, get things started and get going. There is much work to be done and the days are getting fewer.
The Rawhide Jinx
As you might recall, I indicated that I pre-wrote a blog congratulating the Detroit Red Wings during the third period of Stanley Cup Finals game five. As you will also recall, the Penguins then tied the game late in the third and eventually won it in three overtime periods causing me to re-write the entire darned thing!
Sara, Alan and Wings Fan in GA have since forgiven me for slapping the jinx on their team. At least I …think…they have.
Anyway, I think I can now take a small, tiny, minuscule amount of credit for last night’s win for the Wolves as I began to prepare a piece that discussed their “loss” in Tuesday’s game six. I started to type it out after their opposition erased a 2-0 deficit to tie the game. I figured…if the Wolves did lose, then Chicago’s “pucker factor” had to be increasing exponentially and I wanted to get a jump on things and get it in the can.
Alas, the Rawhide jinx worked against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Wolves prevailed.
Hmmmm…how else can I use this ability? Maybe a blog about how the Divine Mrs. R is giving me a necktie and would NEVER think of getting me lower level full season tickets as a Father’s Day present???
Information Overload Portion Of The Blog
Vancouver forward Trevor Linden will be announcing his retirement after 18 seasons in the NHL.
Ron Wilson and the Maple Leafs made it official on Tuesday, as the former Sharks’ coach became the 20th coach in Toronto since they last won the Stanley Cup in 1967. Wonder why they rushed into this? I mean, people have only been talking about this deal for a week!
Darren Eliot, a former net minder himself, chimes in on the goalie equipment discussion.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By kracker
June 11, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
I’m down for the 12th in R. Stroz’s coach pool.
My favorite moment last night was that great 2-line pass from Kulda on Krog’s goal to pretty much put the game away! Congrats to the Wolves!
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
If Anderson gets the job, all the Thrashers should be required to maintain “the Chicago Wolves Mustaches” for the entire season.
By Buzilla in CT
June 11, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
First?
By GatorGuy
June 11, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
If they do hire John Anderson, would we be doing something crazy like having the same system in Atlanta as we have in Chicago? Or is that just crazy talk?
By Buzilla in CT
June 11, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Damn…
I really wanted to be first in a blog that mentions jinx’s.
Anyway, I really would like to see Anderson get a chance in the NHL. If we don’t, another team will. I am 75% sure that he will be DW choice. It is the only explaination of why it has been taking so long to select a coach(other than the ineptness of DW..right NASCAR/LAC/Sage/etc.?)
If they already had a tenative deal in place, Anderson wouldn’t want to make that public. It would be a distraction from the Wolves in there quest for the cup. I bet that by the end of this week he is announced as the new head coach.
I have to tell you, I really enjoyed watching that game last night. It was great to see baby Thrashers learning how to win. They all looked great. Granted it isn’t the NHL but some of those guys look pretty ready. Most of all Anderson.
Word
By Buzilla in CT
June 11, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Oh…
check out this article about our Captain (or ex-captain)
Two former Rangers are still on the New York payroll.
The Rangers will have to pay forward Bobby Holik, currently with the Atlanta Thrashers, $3.5 million over a contract dispute in 2004-05, according to a report on TSN of Canada’s Web site.
The Rangers had argued that Holik needed to play to earn his signing bonus after the lockout that canceled the 2004-05 season, but an arbitrator disagreed and ruled in favor of Holik, according to the report.
Rich get richer…
at least it is at the expense of DA Rangers
By Bob
June 11, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
My concern with Anderson is that I don’t really know what is the system there? From what I can tell, Chicago’s MO is to go get overaged AHL vets to win, while most of the other AHL clubs are controlled by their NHL overlords and required to develop their talent.
Look at the MVPs? Haydar and Krog. Both guys that Waddell signed, but both overaged, didn’t cut it in the NHL and both Krog and Haydar are already signed and going to play in the Russian league next year. Sterling the next highest scorer, he couldn’t cut it in the NHL. Best dman is Kiwi, who’s an AHL vet and not a prospect of ours.
So what is the system? I watched most of the series and saw a lot of what we played here that we’ve shown doesn’t work at the NHL level, forwards rushing up ice and a lot of offense, but not too responsible in the own zone. Pavelec looks good, like the real deal. Valabik, I just don’t know, he may turn out well down the road but I didn’t see that much out of him now, mabye a third pairing guy for us next year. Kulda could be good but he was pretty raw. Little does nothing to impress me, his skills allow him to score some in the AHL, but I just don’t see him as a top line center for us in the NHL.
The guys I liked the most on that club are Lavallee-Doell-Stuart, and they’re 3rd/4th line guys.
I just don’t know about Anderson up here since Chicago has won because their owner as spent more on his clubs and run his club to win, not to develop kids as the farm club.
I would much prefer the Wings assistant, he taught a puck possession system that was very, very effective at the NHL level. That’s what we need.
It was very fun to watch the locker room party after the game. Did anyone hear the Wolves owner saying “the Atlanta way works!”. Pretty funny stuff there, it sure does work out well…for them.
By J(Z)
June 11, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Yeah being able to watch the postgame party was pretty cool. Seeing the Wolves TV reporters chugging beer and champaign while having it poured on them was funny.
Now, for the head coach, part of me thinks Anderson would be a good fit, bring up a good chunk of guys from t he Wolves and give em a shot. I don’t think guys like Haydar and Sterling have been given enough of a chance in the NHL, especially for the systemless Thrashers. Anybody catch the cheapshot last night by the announcers questioning why Krog was never promoted? Saying thats why they didn’t make the playoffs and we did! haha.
On the other hand, a fresh start with McLellan might also be a good thing, and might be more what this team needs. As someone mentioned yesterday, you gotta wonder why no other NHL team has given Anderson a job.
I can’t believe there’s no more hockey for 4 months! I can’t wait for the NBlAme finals to be overwith, so sick of all the basketball coverage already!
By LAC
June 11, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Boy Great post Bob, right on with that one… I agree about Little, just does not seem to be NHL material, really did nothing up here, was a fill in following the trade of Hossa, for the most part.
I guess Anderson should get a chance, but does HE want to come onboard a sinking ship ?
We shall see in coming days if anything indeed DOES take place…
By Buzilla in CT
June 11, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Bob,
I see your point, but doesn’t Waddell have a history of bringing in old washed up NHLer’s to fill out his roster? Since Anderson has experience with these kinds of teams and the fact that he knows first hand the talents of our younger Thrashers he may work out. I would not be upset in the least if we got McLellan, but if he is as good as everyone thinks he is, why would he come here? Anderson is the only one that has opening expressed interest in the job. That says a lot to me. I want a guy that wants to be here.
As far as your comment as to what kind of “system” they play I would tend to agree with you. It is an overly aggressive style that will lead to a lot of odd man rushes. Strong goaltending can cover some of that but I agree a more defensive minded system is what we need. But who is to say what kind of NHL coach Anderson will be if not given that shot. Maybe he adjusted his system to suit the types of players that he has. If Waddell goes out and drafts/trades/ or signs a top flight defenseman maybe Anderson is good enough to work with that.
If I had a team filled with a bunch little offensive minded forwards and Kiwi is my top defender and I have a stellar goalie, I would tend to try and run and gun with teams too.
I would just hate to see Anderson wind up behind the bench succeeding another team.
By B. Thenet
June 11, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
There is no question that Anderson is a winner.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The current trends in the NHL are with him, AHL coaches have been taking the league by storm as of late. I know there are some people who follow our prospects who are not big on Anderson getting the nod.
By 116B1
June 11, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the issue of the “system” is such a big deal. Any coach hired is going to bring their own system. For too long Kovalchuk has been a square peg in a round hole. I think he’d thrive under Anderson’s system. I am also not sure what NHL team gets 10 new AHL players every year. I think most clubs get about 2-3 new players, with some coming from Europe or direct from Junior, Enstrom being the case in point there. Popovic definitley should have played more than he did. I’m thinking we’re sending you 3 in the fall: Valabik, Little and Opie.
By Patrick
June 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Hey, hey! Keep your hands off our coach! :-D We like Anderson up here in Chicago. He’s the coach we wish the Blackhawks had for all these years. But I’ll settle for him coaching for the Wolves (and more affordable tickets, too)
Now obviously, if Anderson wants to coach in the NHL, we’ll be sad, but we’ll wish him the best of luck and still cheer for him. How can you hate the guy who brings you 4 Cups (2 Turner, 2 Calder) for wanting to go to the show?
The model for teams owning their minor-league team will never go with any NHL franchise and the Wolves. They have too much of a good thing going up there in Rosemont. Attendance has actually been DOWN in the last 3 years, but they’re still one of the top draws in the league. 8K average is still pretty good. (just shy of 10K for last night’s game, wish it was on a weekend)
On the bright side, the Thrashers could make a play for the Rochester Americans. The Sabres walked away from their affiliation with them. Get in there before the Ducks (who lost their affiliation with Portland to the Sabres) get them.
By Bob
June 11, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I know there are some people who follow our prospects who are not big on Anderson getting the nod
Do you know why that is?
The model for teams owning their minor-league team will never go with any NHL franchise and the Wolves. They have too much of a good thing going up there in Rosemont
Yep, that’s my point exactly. It’s great for you guys, but it sucks for us as Chicago isn’t there for the #1 reason of developing our prospects, like other NHL clubs enjoy and thus have a seamless transition of guys coming from their AHL club to the NHL club. The systems are the same, the GMs of the NHL club control what the AHL clubs do, the coaches from the AHL club can step up and into the NHL job. This is where there is a disconnect in thinking that “well, other clubs brought their AHL guy up and it worked”. Those other clubs controlled their AHL affiliate and thus the transition was seamless. Not true with us and Chicago.
Attendance has actually been DOWN in the last 3 years, but they’re still one of the top draws in the league. 8K average is still pretty good. (just shy of 10K for last night’s game, wish it was on a weekend)
I thought it looked pretty empty up top last night, interesting to hear that your draw is down, lower than the Blackhawks now, right? Do you attribute that to Bill Wirtz’s demise and his son being more fan friendly? Congrats to you and all Wolves’ fans, players, and mgt. on a great win, must be a great feeling for all today, enjoy it.
By Alan
June 11, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Sara, Alan and Wings Fan in GA have since forgiven me for slapping the jinx on their team
Pft. I blamed Detroit for the hideous breakdown in defense for that game 5 loss. Your blog was merely coincidence! :P
As for coaches, as I said last night, my short list is two names long.
Anderson and McLellan.
Either one of those would make me happy.
By NASCAR Dave
June 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
It will be JOHN ANDERSON.
He is the cheapest option available… Don’t forget the ASG has to hire a New Coach to replace Mike Woodson also… Money is the major factor here… ASG has to spend WISELY… This will affect us in the Free Agent Market as well, big time… Conservative times, no room for bad deals…
We may see an end to Waddell using Thrashers’ payroll to pay Career AHL players on a team not affiliated with the Thrashers (Wolves)… Maybe.
Wastful spending is not just in Washington DC… it’s here being rubbed in our faces by that bumbling idiot buffoon, Don FRAUDell…
NUFF SAID.
By Tony C.
June 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
What do yall think about Pat Burns???
By GaVaHokie
June 11, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
He is the cheapest option available… Don’t forget the ASG has to hire a New Coach to replace Mike Woodson also… Money is the major factor here… ASG has to spend WISELY… This will affect us in the Free Agent Market as well, big time… Conservative times, no room for bad deals…
“I’m free to hire whoever I want to hire,” he said, and “the term of the contract is wide open.”
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - Just like he could get whatever center was needed last year because the owners never turned down a contract.
The term (the time period) of the contract is wide open, not the checkbook.
DW is crafty that way. George Orwell called it double speak.
By Wings fan in Ga.
June 11, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Yes Rawhide, all is forgiven here. Now if you can work your jinx magic again and say Marissa Miller won’t ever come see me, maybe, just maybe…
And congrats to the Wolves. My prediction for new Thrashers coach is …
By GaVaHokie
June 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Price is secondary with coaching… if you don’t think Ron Wilson will make any more of a difference than John Anderson, than yes, you take the guy who will accept $800,000 instead of $1.5 million. But if Ron Wilson is a “hit it out of the park” coaching candidate, then you pay him $1.5 million.
I think all the coaching candidates are pretty equal… so I see price as a tie-breaker, not a qualifier. Coaches are cheap. They’ll blow far more money on buying out Zhitnik this summer.
Drury, Gomez, Briere… which one did you want to pay $7-$10 million to play here last year?
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - Gomez because he is younger than Drury. Also, Drury wouldn’t play for Hartley. Briere is a flopping pansy.
My earlier point is you have to watch what DW says carefully. DW implied he has an open checkbook, but that is the case.
Otherwise, we would have Gomez instead of Charmin.
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie - We have always agreed to disagree concerning Waddell.
I think the issue breaks down along these lines, let me know if I’m wrong.
You think DW is doing the best he can with the owners he is dealing with.
I think DW is a yes man with no spine.
By GaVaHokie
June 11, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
You think DW is doing the best he can with the owners he is dealing with.
Correct.
Otherwise, we would have Gomez instead of Charmin.
What makes you think we’d have Gomez?
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie
Drury, Gomez, Briere… which one did you want to pay $7-$10 million to play here last year?
My pick of the three would have been Gomez. If the money was right, Gomez would realize he and Kovy would put up excellent numbers. So why not?
By Chad
June 11, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
HIRE TODD MCLELLAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched most of the Wolves games during the Finals and I’m sorry; they just looked tooooooooo much like we did for the majority of the season. Too sloppy in their own zone, giving up multiple odd man rushes, leaving Pavs out to dry. It just seems to me that all John Anderson is concerned with in his coaching style is the offense(by no means don’t get me wrong here, you need an offense to win) but that seems like all the Wolves gameplan is. You have to have a coach that is going have a good offensive gameplan, but also have a solid defense at the same time.
I just don’t see John Anderson implimenting a solid defense that would take us the extra mile and get us back into the playoffs. That and it scares me to the point that he is willing to play older, career AHL tweeners who can’t make it in the NHL instead of developing our talent. I honestly think we need to drop the Wolves like a hot potato and let the Rochester Americans take over(they were just dropped by the Sabres yesterday). Randy Cunneyworth is a genious when it comes to developing talent and thats what this team needs.
Oh, and SIGN TODD MCLELLAN!!!!!!!!!!!
By ranallo10
June 11, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Rumor has it DeBoer has been hired by Ottawa…it’s still rumor at this point.
By Brendan
June 11, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
How much coffee would you SPEW out if you learned Bob Hartley would be returning to the Thrashers bench?
What? He’s still under contract.
I just wanted to put a chuckle into your day. Carry on, now.
By GaVaHokie
June 11, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Rumor has it DeBoer has been hired by Ottawa…it’s still rumor at this point.
Ummm… why would Melnyk have DeBoer visit him in Barbados as a “continuation” of the interview process? Sounds a little gay to me.
By GaVaHokie
June 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Scouting video is up now… just click on the player and then on the video tabs.
By Alan
June 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
How much coffee would you SPEW out if you learned Bob Hartley would be returning to the Thrashers bench?
None. I would not be surprised to hear this.
However, I would probably spew out about a pot full of coffee if I learned the ASG fired Waddell and re-hired Hartley …as GM.
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
See if this sounds similar. No coach under contract for next season and no RFA signings.
Can you name the team?
The Atlanta Hawks.
So neither the Thrashers or Hawks have a coach under contract for the next season or has either team been able to re-sign their high RFA draft picks.
FUBAS SUCKS
By R. Stroz
June 11, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
McLellan goes to the Sharks.
By HookyBob
June 11, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if we are considering the Detroit Red Wings assistant coach responsible for defense? I saw his name mentioned in an earlier blog but don’t recall it.
If the choice is between McCellen and Anderson,…I’m on board with Bob,..but I’d prefer a head coach known for defense. No matter how good our goalie is,..our defense needs improvement.
Stroz,…Gomez would have been my choice as well. Different reason though…I think Scott is a better setup guy (a la Mark Savard) than either Drury or Brierre. He is also a pretty good finisher,….and I think he is pretty good in the corners too. (Are there really any corners in a rink?)
Awards tomorrow night?
By Rawhide
June 11, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Yup…McLellan goes to San Jose.
So, I guess the Anderson Watch is On-er now!
By Tony C.
June 11, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Yeah Gomez would’ve been my target as well-although he did say he wanted the limelight (the guy’s been on General Hospital I think!), but last year we might’ve been able to get him with the lure of #17 and/or Hoss to work with, show him video of he and Mogilny on the same line, and then say “#17’s even better.” We might have gotten him, but we’d have hamstrung ourselves with his contract.
Anyway, I forget if I said what time for my pick but I want afternoon 13 June.
By Nikita
June 11, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
I’m psyched about Anderson, and very excited about the Wolves as well — I saw several of the playoff games, and a few over the season. Their system appears to be offensive-heavy, but the defense isn’t bad. In fact, it left me wondering if Kwiatkowski did so poorly with the Thrashers because of Atlanta, rather than Kwiatkowski. There is a system in Chicago, and the defense works a lot better than the Thrashers’ does.
I’d love to have Gomez. Is that possible?
Is anyone going to the draft party thingy?
By Rawhide
June 11, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
There is a system in Chicago, and the defense works a lot better than the Thrashers? does. - and who’s doesn’t?
Sorry Nikita, you set yourself up for that one :o)
I’ll be there….who else is headed down?
By HookyBob
June 11, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
I’m hoping to make the draft thingy, or at least Taco Mac’s beforehand. Look for a big guy in a “Class of 67” hat. I’ll wear my Belfast Giants jersey to remove any doubt.
By Nikita
June 11, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there and I’m bringing my girl homies, who I’ve converted to fandom. Give me cred, ya’ll — I weaned them off the Braves and onto the Thrashers. My goal is to have a posse willing to make the road trip by the first game. Oh, and to qualify to sing the national anthem by then as well.
Have any of you been to the draft thing in previous years? What should I expect?
Also, you may have noticed I’ve been away for a while. Among other things, I was in Chi-town last week.
Rawhide, too true. And very embarassing.
By kracker
June 12, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Tony C. Anyway, I forget if I said what time for my pick but I want afternoon 13 June
So, like the politicians, you want to release the news late on a Friday afternoon so it get little notice?….smart move.
By GaVaHokie
June 12, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Have any of you been to the draft thing in previous years? What should I expect?
I’ve been to the last two… while I prefer having it at a restaurant/bar, Philips can be fun. Bring something you want autographed. There should be a few players on hand. I’m guessing Thorburn and Lehtonen since they’ve been in town doing summer camps.
By Rawhide
June 12, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
I understand that Eric Perrin will be there as well.
By Alan
June 12, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
I checked the times, and should everything go according to how I have it worked out in my head … I shouldn’t have an issue getting home from draft night. So yeah, I will be there. I plan on leaving work early so I get to Philips at around the time the doors open. I’m sure Stroz and I will be in communication, so I’ll be able to find everyone.
I’ll be the dude wearing the Red Wings hat. At least until I buy a Thrashers hat. I’ve got to have something to have autographed, after all, and an Eric Perrin signature on a dirty Red Wings hat just isn’t the way to go. I’d love to be able to buy a sweater, but it doesn’t seem possible with the way my finances look.
By kracker
June 12, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Oh, I just noticed the boss’s birthday party is on Saturday evening, not Friday evening so I should be there :)….I maybe will bring a scarf to be signed, maybe a sweater if there will be several players.
By Rawhide
June 12, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Well…there is SOMETHING happening at the ASG…or ASLLC…or FUBAS…or whatever!
Mike Woodson has been extended a two year deal to remain as Hawks coach. So, that team has seen the departure of a GM…hiring of a new GM and now contract extention of the coach…all in about 30 days or so.
Meanwhile…the Thrashers fans are still waiting for some type of movement to name a coach … something we have been looking for for…240 days!
By Alan
June 12, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
With McLellan and Wilson firmly out of the picture, I would say that I would be disappointed if Anderson isn’t named coach.
By The Other J.B.
June 12, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Check out this quote from an article in the Ottawa Sun:
“Many believe DeBoer is the best coach outside the NHL. The Atlanta Thrashers considered speaking with him as well, but sources say they’ve virtually settled on hiring Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson, who won an AHL championship on Tuesday.”
…Sounds promising
By The Other J.B.
June 12, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Sorry, here’s the link:
http://ottsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Senators/2008/06/12/5849276-sun.html
By PJ
June 12, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
“Rawhide You should all show up on Friday with novelty handlebar mustaches. It sends a message, don’t a think?
Tony C You share 6/13 with me and Hokie but to be honest with you, it’s not looking too likely.
By The Other J.B.
June 12, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Before midnight tonight.
By ranallo10
June 12, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Stroz — Can you give us a wrap up of who has what dates for this coach’s pool?
Rawhide — Where’s the Awards Ceremony prediction blog??
By ranallo10
June 12, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
For those interested in predicting, you can find your NHL Awards finalists here
Here are my predictions (note, they’re not all who I want, but who I think will win):
Hart — Ovechkin
Vezina — Nabokov
Norris — Lidstrom (it’s highway robbery if Phaneuf gets this award)
Calder — Backstrom (if he wasn’t injured for 15+ games, I’d say Toews)
Frank Selke — Zetterberg
Lady Byng — Datsyuk (because he’s got a Y in his name…duh)
Jack Adams — Babcock (though I think Boudreau will steal it, I think Babcock is MOST deserving due to the total dominance Detroit showed).
Masterson — Blake (kinda hard to argue with someone persevering over any form of cancer)
Lester B. Pearson — Ovechkin
By Rawhide
June 12, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
ranallo - I think you just initiated the awards ceremony blog.
And, well done, I must say!
By ranallo10
June 12, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Well I figured SOMEONE had to do it…start a clean thread or predict away, I’m curious what players/coach people around here feel are worthy of awarding.
By Brendan
June 12, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Hart Trophy, for played adjudged to be the most valuable to his team. Well, if I had a vote, it’d go to Ilya Kovalchuk, without whom, the Thrashers couldn’t have even finished 28th overall. I think the award will go, as it should, to Alex Ovechkin. There’s no doubt what he means to the Capitals. In the playoffs, which isn’t a consideration for this award, he led the Capitals back, from down, 3-1, to force a 7th game, which the Flyers won in overtime.
Lester Patrick Award: Either Mike Modano or Daniel Alfredsson would be a good choice.
Vezina: Nabokov. I won’t blame anyone for saying Brodeur, but the Devils have a system that is beyond compare, defensively. I actually think Chris Osgood merited serious consideration for this award. He wasn’t nominated. Bygones.
Norris Trophy, for best defenseman: Lidstrom. My second choice would have been Zubov.
Calder, “Rookie of the Year”: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks. I like Jonathan Toews quite a bit, too. Backstrom is an excellent choice. Any nomimee is worthy, in my opinion. It speaks volumes about the Calder that three players have a legitimate shot at winning it.
Lady Byng, for most gentlemanly conduct: Jason Pomminville. What? Jason Pomminville. But he won’t win it, Buffalo didn’t make the playoffs. So, I’ll say they give it to Datsyuk.
Selke Trophy, for best defensive forward: I would vote for Marian Hossa, who wasn’t nominated. I’ll go with Zetterberg. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Datsyuk take home this trophy, however.
Jack Adams, for best Coach: Bruce Boudreau. This award is handed out based on regular season play. If it included the playoffs, Mike Babcock would win this awared without an argument. The Red Wings had the best defense, one of the best offenses, some of the best special teams, they won the President’s Trophy, and then they won the Stanley Cup. Dominance. But let me ask you something? (Everyone leans in.) Do you really think the Red Wings playoffs aspirations were ever really in doubt, given their lineup? Okay, they had a disastrous December. But we knew they’d rebound. Can you say the same thing about the Washington Capitals? Folks, the Capitals made the playoffs on the final game of the regular season, as beneficiaries of a Hurricanes loss at home to Florida, to win the Southeast Division.
Who is Bruce Boudreau???? It’s a fair question. The answer to which is: The guy who coached more than 1,000 minor league games before being summoned to the NHL, pressed into service, to save a faltering club, which he did. And led them to an improbable championship. Bruce Boudreau may not win the Jack Adams Award, but he should.
Masterton Trophy, for perserverance. Well, it’s gotta be Chris Chelios. What is he, 44?
Lester Pearson, for the best player in the league, per the NHL Player’s Association: Alex Ovechkin, with honorable mention to Evgeni Malkin, who saved the Pittsburgh Penguins’ seed position when Sidney Crosby went down with a high ankle sprain.
Those are my opinions. I could be wrong. I welcome yours.
By Trixie (Rawhide's secretary)
June 12, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Please check your e-mail.
Thank you.
By R. Stroz
June 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
If memory serves me, nobody picked later than June 13. So, if no coach is officially named by the Thrashers tomorrow, there is now winner.
If I’m wrong, whoever picked after June 13, please speak up and reference your posted pick date.
By Brendan
June 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I never made a pick. But my smart-alec pick was “after the draft.” If it’s not too late, I’d like to enter that one now.
By Jameson
June 12, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
What? Waddell isn’t up for the Jack Adams?
By HookyBob
June 12, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Mr Stroz: I beg to differ with you on the pick date. My date was,. the day the Thrashers hold a press conference and introduce the new coach, issue a press release, or otherwise notify the public that they have hired a new coach. (that’s not verbatim,..but close)
Me thinks this is consistent with your response that… the team that scores the most goals… will win the game when I asked bloggers what they thought would determine who won game six. :)
Lest you forget though,…the first round is on me.