AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June
June 2008
Zhitty Zhitty Bye-Bye
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When I first saw the TSN report that the Thrashers had waived Alexei Zhitnik, my first thought was to comment on it right away. However, upon further review…I figured it might just be prudent to wait 18 hours to allow general manager Don Waddell time to deny the report first.
That time now having passed…
Apparently the Thrashers have waived the veteran defender. If no team picks up the 35-year old then the team more than likely will move to buy out his contract on Monday.
I guess someone in the organ-I-zation has indeed been talking about the possibility that Zhit will not be a big part of the team’s future… contrary to the comments made by Waddell just a week and a half ago.
Certainly, Zhit wasn’t solely to blame for the blueline’s poor performance and maybe he received more scrutiny for it than he deserved. Regardless, this is a proper move to make in an attempt to help revamp a defense that was…well…just awful last year. It’s a move that was needed in order for the team to…move in the right direction.
Ya know, given the fact that Waddell denied the report that John Anderson was being hired as the new coach the night before it was announced he was indeed hired…and now this reversal on Zhitnik’s situation…I’m kinda hoping sometime later this week we read somewhere that Waddell is denying reports that the team has signed free agent defender Brian Campbell.
More Things You Might Want To Know…Or Not
In the same TSN piece about Zhitnik, it was reported that Todd Bertuzzi had cleared waivers. Personally, I like the thought of the 33-year old winger in Thrasher blue. He certainly would bring some fire and passion to Anderson’s O-fense.
Jeff Carter won’t be a free agent this summer as the Flyers have signed the 23-year old center to a multiyear contract. Carter has 66 goals and 132 points in three seasons. He added 6 goals and 5 helpers in last spring’s playoffs.
Darren Eliot thinks new Tampa Bay coach Barry Melrose will feel right at home in the Southeast Division. As well as discussing the Tampa Bay Mullets new coach, he also takes a look at the three other southeast teams with new coaches since this time last year.
Terry Frei of the Denver Post has this interesting read on Jose Theodore. I post this if for no other reason than to share with you the line that reads, “If former vice presidential candidate Lloyd Bentsen had been a hockey fan, he would have looked at Theodore and intoned, “You’re no Patrick Roy.”
It looks like the Mullets have acquired the rights to left-wingers Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from the Pittsburgh Penguins in return for a conditional draft pick next summer.
And finally…we have this “fluff” piece regarding a major league ball player who has landed on the 15-day disabled list. His injury coming from… a pillow. While reading this, keep in mind the image of the afore-mentioned Ryan Malone taking a puck to the face, getting stitched up, then returning to play in game five of the Stanley Cup finals.
Thrashers Department Of Defense Needs Upgrading
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have to say, the lineup exercise from earlier in the week really brought out some excellent suggestions for putting the team together based on who is currently on the roster. What it also did, I believe, was highlight some serious deficiencies that will need to be addressed over the next few weeks, (DUH4).
So, well done one and all.
Today I want to focus in on the defensive concerns. There is the need to bolster the blueline that let up more goals and more shots per game then any other team. I think two additions are in order to properly address the situation. Two obvious choices are, of course, Brian Campbell and Wade Redden. However, no one here is delusional enough to think that both are going to land in the ATL…if for no other reason then those two players would eat up somewhere in the neighborhood of $15-17 million in cap money alone.
But, let’s just say Don Waddell does land one of those big fish… and either will do fine. Who else could we bring in to firm up the defensive corps? There are several options out there… Michal Rozsival or John-Michael Liles definitely come to mind…but to get the conversation rolling I’ll suggest someone like…oh, let’s say… Brooks Orpik, the 6’-2” 21p-pound native of the bay area who played in 78 games for the Pens last season netting a goal, 10 assists and finished a +11.
Thus, the Thrashers defensive would look something like this:
Campbell or Redden paired with Orpik…Havelid with Enstrom…Bogosian with XLB and Boris as the 7th man.
Ken Klee’s $1.25 million hit to the cap could be freed up via trade to help pay for such a move. Of course, Exelby could be substituted here as the trade-bait with his $1.4 mil salary, but I’ll say Klee goes simply because Exelby is familiar with new coach John Anderson, (There is something to be said for that, ya know).
Now some may point out that Orpik might not be a top line defender, more like second line…and I would agree. But I just hate the idea of splitting up the Swedes. However, if forced to, I could see Enstrom pairing with Campbell/Redden and Orpik with Havelid.
Again, Rozsival, Orpik and Liles to me are all viable options. I’m sure there are others you’d like to share.
Oh by the way, if you’ve taken the notion that my assumptions here all begin with Zhitnik being waived or bought out…you would be correct!
Weekend Reading Assignments
Speaking of defenders on the market…there is this particular piece by Adam Proteau reposted in The Hockey News from last May. Besides the five players he focuses on, what caught my eye was how he describes Don Waddell’s mindset regarding the Zhitnik/Cobourn deal.
Scott Niedermayer and the Ducks agreed on a deal that will return the defenseman to Anaheim for the 2008-’09 season.
Sean Avery has found an interesting way to spend his summer.
I plan on taking the tax exemptions to see Mike Myers in “The Love Guru” over the weekend. As I’m sure you all know, it is set around our beloved sport of ice hockey. Well, recently Adam Proteau, (again), put out a list of the best and worst of all hockey movies for ESPN.com. “Youngblood”….YUCK!
Mike Brophy thinks that the Bolts still have a long way to go before returning to contention…even with the drafting of Steven Stamkos.
Soccer great Pele being mugged in Brazil? That’s like Wayne Gretzky being held up anywhere in Canada! Kids these days, I swear…absolutely no respect at all!
And finally… I have a feeling I know where Jethro, Cuzin’ Cletus and Jim Bob will be hangin’ out this weekend.
Who’s Line(Up) Is It Anyway?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Next week the much-awaited free agency season will be upon us. As we have discussed previously, a big defensive signing… possibly two… is what the Thrashers are in need of. Although purely speculative, there have been some rumors swirling around the blogosphere regarding Atlanta’s chances to land Brian Campbell. (Oh please, God…Oh please, God). Also, there is the issue of providing a first line center for Kovy. Although the UFA pool isn’t quite as deep for that position as with defenders, there still are options.
But before we get too carried away with our summer wish lists, let’s take a moment to see where we are now as far as the roster goes. For this exercise, we shall only be taking into consideration players that will not be UFAs this summer. Thus Mark Recchi, Bobby Holik, Steve McCarthy, Eric Boulton, etc. are not considered.
In goal, we are set. The trio of Kari, Moose and Opie will do just fine, thank you very much. It is easy to surmise that Lehtonen and Moose start one-two while Pavelec spend his time in Chicago to be called upon if need-be. This, of course, assumes a trade is not made involving one of the three.
And now… on to the blueline. Technically speaking, Alexei Zhitnik is still on the roster, so he must be considered. Hey, hey…settle down…again, we’re considering the current roster at this time. So, the six defenders look much as they did last season, with one big addition…Zach Bogosian. I’ve heard a few people that I have spoken to question whether or not he may need at least some time with the Wolves before being tossed into the flames. Prudent observation as that may be…I would be surprised not to see him here opening night.
Thus, the way I see the defensive corps today is with Havelid and Enstrom pairing up again. I would put Klee and XLB together then have the third line made up from the following three…Bogosian, Valabik and Zhitnik… who is my odd man out here filling in due to injury or illness. This leaves Pops odd man out.
Moving forward…I see a number of centers on the roster, but not one I think is the sure-fire number one to anchor Kovy’s line. But that isn’t to say someone in the group won’t rise to the occasion. I personally think that Erik Christensen could be given the first crack at it, putting Kovalchuk to the left and Armstrong to the right. Second line could have Little centering Kozlov and Larsen. Third line would have Eric Perrin with Thorburn to the right and Stuart to the left. My grinders would be Jimmy Slater or Todd White with Joe Crabb and Sterling on the flanks…maybe Joe Motzko? Yikes. Me-thinks something has to be done here.
Admittedly, that line up contains a bit of patch work out of necessity and there can be some mixing and matching beyond what I listed. And obviously, if the team makes a deal with Campbell or Redden or some other defender of that ilk then there will be players to move. The same is true if the Thrashers bring in a center specifically for that top line.
Maybe those signings create the need to move out, say, an Exelby or White or Klee or Zhit, (good luck), who could be used to bring in via trade a couple wingers for the bottom lines?
But, as I stated earlier, this is about where we stand today heading into the signing season.
So, make your own lineup. Then show me where you plug in the player(s) you would like to have brought in. Also, who ya gonna offer up on the trading block to sure up the lines?
My first move? Easy…buy out Zhit.
Happy Birthday Thrashers
Today, June 25 is the eleventh birthday of our Atlanta Thrashers. On this day in 1997 the NHL awarded our city with the 28th franchise in the league. After that, the Atlanta Hockey Club, Inc. formed the Blueline Club and began collecting $100.00 membership fees that went toward the purchase of season tickets.
Last Monday…the 23rd…marked the 10-year anniversary of Don Waddell being named as the general manager of the team.
And Finally…I Knew There Had To Be Something To It
Most who read and participate in this little blog-forum thingy seem to share the same type of smartassinitis that I’ve been told I am afflicted with. Well, come to find out that this is due to the fact that we seem to have little to no issues with our parahippocampal gyrus.
Uh-huh…but that should come as no surprise to any of us.
Because if indeed, as Dr. Katherine Rankin points out, the art of sarcasm is a product of the evolved mind…then most of us here are quite the evolved creatures indeed!
Post-Post Edit - I show Pops as an RFA and included him, however as has been pointed out his return is most unlikely.
Don’s Summer “To-Do” List
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don Waddell entered into this off-season with three major chores on his “To-Do” list. Over the course of the past several days he has been able to cross off two of them.
First, there was this little matter regarding a head coach. Waddell took a little while getting around to it but in the end the selection of John Anderson was, in my humble opinion, a very sound choice. As has been stated previously, he has proven his worth at the levels he’s coached thus far…he already has a working knowledge of many of the players on the roster as well as those who will be striving to gain such positions during training camp and pre-season.
I was also impressed with his interview on 680 The Fan just hours after being announced as the new coach. Our own Mike Knobler has a very good write up on him as well.
I must admit that I was surprised to read a few negative comments after his hiring. The main argument against him is that he has no NHL coaching experience. While that is true, even the most successful coaches in the history of the NHL could have the same thing said of them at the very beginning of their coaching careers.
Besides, if the Thrashers had picked someone like…oh, let’s say Joel Quenneville or Ron Wilson…then there would have been some upset that we hired a retread that was let go because they couldn’t reach the top with their former clubs.
So… whatchagonnado?
Now, as D-Dub takes his pencil and draws a line through this particular item on the list of things to do this summer he can also draw a nice smiley face next to it for a job well done.
Next, there was this whole draft-thingy over the weekend. Now, there are many here among us who have expressed concerns over some of Waddell’s past performances in the NHL entry draft…myself included. However, I’m going to give The Don some props here as well.
For one thing, he didn’t trade away picks for players other teams were looking to cast off. But I gotta tell you…when it was our turn to select and the announcement came from Gary Bettman that a trade had just been made, I felt my stomach turn. I mean, if the Thrashers were about to trade away their chance at such a promising blueliner, then the player we got in return better be named Crosby or Ovechkin…and that ain’t going to happen.
As it turned out…it involved other teams and Don Waddell then made his way to the podium.
Whew!
Anyway…the selection of Zach Bogosian was greeted with a lot of cheers from the crowd who came out to Philips for the draft party, (which was very nicely done by the organ-I-zation, I must say). The sounds of approval were probably just as much from relief as it was for the player himself. But in the end…all seemed pleased with the selection.
I am very excited at the thought of watching the 6’-2” 197-pounder throw his weight around next season. Sure, he’s going to have to learn some lessons in his rookie season and there will be mistakes made…this is to be expected. But there are times when a good open-ice check or solid defensive play can really jack up a team. And last year, we really didn’t have much of that. Bogo should play a big part in bringing a more physical aspect to the team’s defense.
As for the remainder of the picks, I really have no problems with any of them. The 29th selection was for Daultan Laveille, a 5-11” 163-pound center that shoots from the left side. I’ve read a few comments questioning this pick. Mostly these were from some who felt the team should have selected a player that could be of benefit this coming season. But let’s be honest here, after the first ten… maybe dozen… draft picks, the chances of finding players that can land roles with the NHL club in year-one are greatly reduced. By the time one gets to 29th, while there are still great talents to be snagged, these are players that still need some seasoning.
After no pick in the second round, the team then moved to restock the prospect pantry by selecting a pair of right wingers, a left winger, a goalie then another defender. One of those wingers, Vinny Saponari, is a local kid who will play this fall at Boston University where older brother Victor now plays.
Whether or not these picks pan out will take a few years to determine. But in the end, they have been given an opportunity and it’s just as much up to them to take advantage of it as it is the organ-I-zation’s to develop them properly. Here is hoping both parties do so.
Regardless, I think Don Waddell and the Thrashers did very well overall. Again, another smiley-face as this second task gets lined-out.
Ah…but that brings us to the third big chore. And this, my friends, may very well be what determines whether or not this upcoming 2008-’09 campaign is a success or not.
Uh-huh…the unrestricted free agent season.
The Thrashers find themselves in pretty good shape when July 1 comes around given the amount of money they have to throw around. And they are gonna need to dip into to quite a bit of it in order to convince the Brian Campbells of the league to turn their heads our direction.
The team needs to lure a couple of high-caliber UFAs into the Blueland fold to properly round out the summer’s activities. That might be a pair of defenders or a defender and top-tier center combo. Either way, with the funds available we should be able to address the concerns in this phase of the operation
Now, this is indeed Don’s job to do. However, it will also take the Spirit Group’s willingness to allow Waddell to spend what he needs to get the job done. And it is a task in which failure is sooooooo not an option.
Like I said…what happens after the first of the month, by way of signings and/or trades, will go a long way in determining how the season unfolds in a few months. Just as important, it may determine how many of you out there are going to rethink your decision to re-up your season ticket packages.
Two down…one to go on Don’s summer “To-Do” list. Let’s hope there is another smiley face to be drawn.
John Anderson - Come On Down!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A new chapter in Thrashers history has begun as John Anderson has been named as the third head coach in the franchise’s history. Anderson, as we all know, comes to us via the Chicago Wolves where they just wrapped up the Calder Cup earlier in the month.
Atlanta joins San Jose, Florida and Ottawa as teams ushering in a new crop of NHL head coaches.
It would be tough to find a coach more ready…more prepared to break into the NHL ranks as Anderson is. He’s pretty much proved all he can at the AHL level leading the Wolves to 6 AHL championships finals… winning four of them, (1998, 2000, 2002 and 2008). The Wolves have failed to qualify for post-season play but once, (2005-2006 season), during the time they were coached by Anderson. Not surprisingly, he has won more games then any other Wolves coach, both in the regular season and playoffs.
Anderson’s Wolves last season scored 300 goals in the 80 game AHL schedule. That easily led the league…the second best total was 280.
As a player, Anderson spent 12 years playing in the NHL, splitting that time between the Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers. The right-winger amassed 282 goals and 349 assists in that time. His career best numbers came in 1982-83 with the Leafs when he notched 31 goals and 80 points in 80 games played.
To me, this hiring is very welcome news. This team needs a coach who knows how to step in here and start moving the program forward from day one. This man can do just that, in my opinion…especially given his experience with the players that have come through Chicago on their way here.
Others who have to be very happy with this selection are the players who will be trying to land permanent jobs on the big squad during the upcoming training camp and pre-season. The Haydars, Sterlings, Stuarts, Littles, Valabiks have to know that they will be given more than a fair shake with the coach that they know…and who knows them…so well.
So, welcome John Anderson. Good luck with the team you have been charged with to lead…TO THE STANLEY CUP!
NHL Draft-A-Paloosa
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m a day early with this blog, I know…but I wanted to give you all time to post your predictions of draft order and/or possible deals. Then, as the weekend unfolds, we can discuss how it all pans out.
Although we were led to believe that a coach would be in place prior to the draft…it looks like that won’t be the case. In fact, the first three picks will be from teams currently without a coach.
Regardless…NHL Draft-A-Paloosa 2008 is ON!!
Here are three entries regarding this weekend’s activities for your review and discussion…one from ESPN…another from The Hockey News…and then this one from TSN. All three… surprise, surprise… have Steven Stamkos slipping on a Lightning jersey to start things off…pretty safe bet there.
Depending on which way the L.A. Kings go, the Thrashers will have either Drew Doughty or Zach Bogosian available to select with their third pick. Some have deemed Doughty the defenseman most ready to play in the NHL off the bat and Bogy looks to have the edge in physicality. Either would be a solid pick…and could help the Thrashers defense right away.
But there are other prospects out there that could be considered. Staying with the blueline theme, Alex Pietrangelo and Luke Schenn most likely won’t last past the first half dozen or so picks. And then there is Russian Nikita Filatov, who will probably be the first non-defender picked right after Stamkos. If the Thrashers are looking to choose a center with their first pick, there is Colin Wilson of Boston University.
But, when you have the needs on defense as the Thrashers do, and you have such promising players available…you gotta pick a blueline player.
If I had to render a guess, I’d say Bogosian would be the one who gets his ticket stamped for Blueland.
Also in the first round, the Thrashers are scheduled to pick 29th…the selection gained in the trade deadline deal with Pittsburgh. Personally, I would like to see the team continue addressing defense…maybe a center. But that also depends on what talent is still out there pending the previous 28 decisions.
Oh, and don’t forget the draft party at Philips Friday night. Doors open at 6:00 and the draft begins at 7:00. See ya there.
And In Other News…
How many of you felt a cold chill run down your spine when you read between the lines of Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent in Jeff Shultz’s latest article?
If you were hoping the Thrasher might be able to provide Ilya Kovalchuk with a top line center by the name of Daymond Langkow…sorry.
Igor Larionov and Glenn Anderson are heading to The Hall of Fame!
New to the Vancouver Canucks coaching staff…Ryan Walter as an assistant.
Never Been Talked About
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By now most of you have seen this article by our own Mike Knobler in which Don Waddell indicates that not only will Alexei Zhitnik be a “big part” of the Thrashers future…but also the option of buying out the defender’s contract has “never been talked about”.
Exactly what has “never been talked about”?
“Never been talked about” … the possibility that maybe, just maybe, the team could cut it’s losses by buying out the $3.5 million contract that hangs as heavy around the neck of the Thrashers payroll as his the cement that seemingly lined Zhitnik’s skates last season?
“Never been talked about” … the possibility that the money saved from the buyout of such a contract could then go directly to the salary of the player selected by the team with the third overall pick this Friday?
“Never been talked about” … the possibility that freeing up the spot on the Thrashers blueline for one of the younger, faster defenders in the system…or, dare I say it, at top-tier free agent?
“Never been talked about”… the possibility that maybe…just maybe… the soon to be 36-year old legs of Zhitnik are going to have their challenges trying to keep up with the Crosbys and Ovechinks and St. Louis of the NHL? Even more so then last season, maybe?
“Never been talked about”… how puzzling the idea is to put back into the lineup a player who’s on-ice production was so poor last winter that Don Waddell himself, acting as interim-coach, removed him from the lineup for the last few weeks of the season.
I can deal with, “It’s been kicked around, but I don’t thinks it’s the best option”. I can even handle, “It’s been discussed, but we still have options”. But to hear the man in charge say that the topic has “never been talked about”…come on.
There are a number of options available in regards to Alexei Zhitnik. Try and trade him…waive him and hope someone picks him up off the wire… buy out the contract. All viable options. But how many out there are buying into prospect that Zhit is going to play a “big part” in the future of the Blueland blueline?
Moose Not On The Loose
Also yesterday, the Thrashers officially announced that veteran goalkeeper Johan Hedberg will return next season. This is welcome news indeed as a team cannot be too deep in goalie talent.
This is one aspect of the team that the fans can feel reasonably comfortable with. Kari, Moose and Opie make up a very strong trio to go into training camp with.
Also, it has been a basic philosophy of many that you build a successful hockey team from the back forward. We now have the goalie situation in fine order…now we need to move forward to the blueline. Just imagine the shape the Thrashers would be in if our defense was in as good condition as it is between the pipes.
From the back forward…now THAT’S moving in the right direction.
Meanwhile…Back At The NHL Ranch
Nashville move to lock up their fine, young defender Ryan Suter for the next four years. Now that’s moving in the right direction.
The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Al Coates as their player personnel director. This appears to be a fill-gap between now and next summer when they can hire Brian Burke as their general manager.
And finally, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was honorable enough to hold up his end of the bet he had with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Grenholm in regards to their team’s match-up in the Stanley Cup Finals.
All’s Quiet On The Coaching Front
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s still very quiet on the coaching front today. Some may say…maybe too quiet. Obviously it’s frustrating to be sitting here in that latter part of June with still no head coach named yet, especially when we see others placing new bench bosses all around us.
And yes, I’ve even lampooned the fact that we are 240-some odd days into this process. However, there are a couple of logical reason why the information from Camp Spirit Group is sparse, to say the least.
First of all, the last thing in the world this organ-I-zation needs is to be given the Bill Parcells treatment the way the Falcons were last winter after Bobby Petrino packed up his skirts and pacifiers then ran out of town to the pig farm at Fayetteville, Arkansas. Even prior to Parcells playing Atlanta before heading to the tropics of Miami, Bill Cowher made it clear he wasn’t interested in taking over the team himself. Of course, if the former Steelers coach had come here…we would have had a “Cowher” following a “coward”. But, I digress.
To have it known that any potential coaching candidate(s) were sought after only to then tell Don Waddell and the Thrashers, “Thanks but no thanks”, would be embarrassing indeed. And it’s a situation to be avoided at all cost.
Also, the new coach doesn’t need to have the collar placed around his neck that reads, “I was the third choice”. Fans would know that and, more importantly, so too would the players. This is especially true given the fact that one of the most important things the new coach needs to instill into this team is a sense of discipline. Hard to do that if they know the guy blowing the whistle at practice really wasn’t even the front office’s first choice to begin with.
We know that Waddell was set to meet with Tampa Bay assistant coach Mike Sullivan last weekend. One would also have reason to believe that John Anderson has officially been considered in the past week or so since the Wolves season came to a successful end. But, outside of that, no real news has been forthcoming.
End the end…the important thing is to hire the right person. One that makes us all believe that the wait was worth it.
The Hockey News Buffet Line Is Now Open
Is Marian Hossa worth $50 million over seven years?
John Tortorella has been rumored by some to be heading here. But, Damian Cristodero thinks L.A. is his last option..
Will the expiration of the transfer agreement between the NHL and IIHF mean open season for European free agents?
You think Atlanta has issues this summer? Try being a Nashville Predators fan.
The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Ryan Potulny to a 1-year contract.
And finally…ladies, think you have what it takes to be a member of the Atlanta thrashers’ Blue Crew? Well, here is your chance.
Is Sullivan A Consideration To Defend?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yes, Blueland…there is indeed something going on in the Thrashers front office regarding the coaching situation.
Friday afternoon we learned that general manger Don Waddell had gained permission to speak with Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Mike Sullivan. As you may recall, his name had been tossed around here last fall once the coaching position became open but, if memory serves, Waddell was not given Tampa Bay’s blessing at that time.
The 40-year old Sullivan, who was born in Marshville, Massachusetts, has been the assistant coach in Tampa Bay for but one season. However, he has made a killer impression on the Bolts…as in penalty kill…as he focused his efforts to the Lightning defense and the PK.
If you take a glance at the stats from last year, the first thing that probably pops out is the 267 goals that Tampa Bay let up. That’s un-good…in fact, the only team to give up more goals was…you guessed it…the Thrashers. But looking beyond that you will find that the Lightning defense…one that let up the second most goals in the league… only gave up 28.2 shot per game on the average, 11th best in the NHL. That compares with the 33.9 SA/G that Atlanta surrendered.
Also, the penalty kill for that defense was 82.0% effective, 18th highest in the league. The season before it was 78.5% and 28th in the league. It was also 3.2% better then the 27th ranked PK owned by our Thrashers in ’07-‘08.
In his two seasons as head coach of the Boston Bruins the numbers are similar regarding these stats. In the 2003-’04 season the Bruins defense held teams to 27.8 shots per game and killed off penalties at an 83.5% rate. That team qualified for post-season play with a record of 41-19-15-7. His next season, following the lockout, was not as successful as the Bruins dropped off to 29-37-16. However, the PK remained strong at 83.7% even as the SA/G rose to 32.1.
Sullivan played his college hockey at Boston University scoring 61 goals and 77 assists in 141 games played. He was the 67th overall pick by the New York Rangers in 1987 and played 11 seasons in the NHL splitting his time between San Jose, Calgary, Phoenix and one season with his hometown Bruins. The center netted 54 goals and 82 assists 709 games played and 4 goals and 12 points in 34 playoff games.
He has been an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic team and head coach of the 2007 world championships squad…so he has gotten to know Waddell during that time.
Sullivan also coached the Providence Bruins of the AHL for 71 games during the 2002-’03 season where they played to a 41-17-9-4 record. Toward the end of that season, he was called to Boston to finish that season as an assistant coach.
Late Friday night the TampaBay.com article announcing Atlanta’s interest in Sullivan was updated to indicate that he still was unsure of whether or not Waddell’s interest was for the vacant head coach or an assistant position. But that brings up an interesting thought in my mind. Could the Thrashers GM be thinking of bringing him in to assist John Anderson? Now that’s a juicy thought, eh?
Other questions to ponder…if the Thrashers are interested in Sullivan as a head coach then what does that say about the John Anderson situation? Did the team decide to not go with the Wolves coach who is so familiar with many of the players on the payroll and has openly stated his interest? Did Anderson change is feelings toward leaving Chicago for a chance with the NHL Thrashers? If the latter is true…then what does that say about the Thrashers if a coach passes up such a chance at breaking into the NHL after a decade’s worth of success in the AHL?
Of course, it’s also possible that the team is simply trying to make sure they explore all options to ensure the best choice is made. Hey, it’s a plausible scenario, right?
So…Anderson coach? Sullivan coach? Anderson & Sullivan…coach/assistant coach?
Either way…stay tuned. This may get interesting in the next few days.
Weekend Reading Assignments
Toronto looks as though they will keep the GM with the “interim” label…at least for a little while. Why not, he helped land a good bench boss for the Leafs.
Al Cimaglia of Hockybuzz.com seems to disagree with those who feel that the Thrashers have not been served well by their relationship with the Chicago Wolves.
NHL player’s average salaries have risen to above pre-lockout levels.
The Penguin’s Evgeni Malkin is expected to sign a contract extension with Pittsburgh via collective bargaining and Marc-Andre Fleury will not become an RFA as the Stanley Cup runners-up have filed for arbitration.
There’s been a Russian takeover in Washington D.C.
And finally…The Falconer was able to get his hands on a screen capture of that much talked about headline that appeared briefly on the Thrashers web site…the one announcing Moose had re-signed with Atlanta. The story apparently has some legs to it as it shows up in Allan Muir’s Inside The NHL piece.
Blueland Held Hostage - Day 240
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sitting at the anchor desk…Rawhide waits for the Nightline music to complete the intro, performs the meaningless last-minute shuffling of the papers…looks up at the camera…and in 5…4…3…2…1…
Hello and welcome to Blueland Held Hostage - Day 240. We are now closing in the eight-month mark since the Thrashers have had an actual head coach. That’s two-thirds of a year, and still…no end in sight to the continuing coaching crisis that has engulfed Blueland.
We turn to our reporter in the field, Brendan, standing outside of Philips Arena with an update. Brendan, what do you have for us?
Camera turns to the well-groomed field reporter, hair finely combed back, wearing trench coat and holding a microphone.
“Rawhide…I’m standing here in front of the home of the Atlanta Thrashers…Blueland… where there is absolutely nothing more to report than what you just said. Back to you, Rawhide”.
Uh, Brendan…nothing?
“No…not a thing”.
Is there any news of meetings…phone calls…text messages…to possible candidates?
“No… back to you”
Any e-mails, any…
“Nope…not a thing. Back to you, Rawhide”.
No rumors?
“Nope…I gotta whole lot of nothing here, Rawhide…back to you”.
Pregnant pause
OK, then. Thank you Brendan for that…intriguing…in-depth…report. We’ll check back with you later in the program.
“Why”?
Because, Brendan…that’s what we do. You give your report…then we check back with you later for an update. Thanks, Brendan. Now everyone, moving forward we….
“But there won’t be anything to update. There is absolutely nothing to report here”.
But if something develops in the next few minutes…
“Not gonna happen, so no need to return to me”.
But Brendan…isn’t it remotely possible that…?
“Fine…whatever… check back with me later if you must”.
OK, good. We’ll be sure to do that. Now, moving on we will discuss..
“But I won’t have anything to say. I’ll just be standing here like one of the homeless guys…only I’ll have a microphone in my hand. So, I’ll just have the crew make a tape of me saying, ‘there is nothing new to report on the coaching front…back to you, Rawhide’…and you guys back at the studio… the nice air conditioned studio with catered lunches and pretty girls primping you with make-up…you guys can just run it on a loop all you want. It will be just as effective. Back to you, Rawhide”.
Fine…thank you Brendan…that will be all.
We now turn to our in-studio guest, RStroz and Puckjunque. Stroz, PJ…welcome. First you, RStroz…what do you feel is the overall affect on the average Bluelander in the midst of this crisis?
“THANK YOU RAWHIDE… I THINK THIS GOES STRAIGHT TO A FAILURE IN LEADERSHIP. IT IS A CLUSTER-FLOP…”
Whoa….Stroz…the bullhorn…we don’t really need that in here. I’ll turn to you PJ…same question.
“Well, it seems to be dragging down the spirits of us all. We see teams like Toronto, Washington, Colorado, San Jose…they all handled their coaching changes in a very smooth, organized way. Almost like, you know, someone had a clue as to what they were doing from the very beginning. My sense regarding our coaching change is…well…I just don’t know”.
“THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS GONNA SAY”!!!
Somebody, please apprehend that bullhorn! - Ah, thank you…thank you both.
That’s about all the time we have for our program. In closing, we have several independent reports from the field. They will be filed below…
Thank you…and good night.
Anderson 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.
It’s So Hot… We Need A Cold Draft!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First of all, I want to officially welcome Mike Knobler as the new Thrashers beat writer for the AJC. As you probably know, Mike moves over from covering Jaw-Jah Tech football and I’m sure he will continue his fine work with us over here!
So, welcome Mike…NOW, GO MAKE SURE THE THRASHERS SUITS GO GET US A COACH!
Draft Party At Philips
It’s hot…how hot, you say? I’ll tell you how hot it is. It’s so hot that the cows are giving evaporated milk! It’s so hot…that the trees are whistling for dogs!
Yup…it’s been a tad toasty outside lately…so how better to beat the heat than to head down to Philips Arena with all our Blueland buddies for the NHL 2008 entry draft party next Friday night, June 20th!!!! That’s right…Blueland in June.
Draft-A-Paloosa ’08, (as I have dubbed it), will be held at The Philips Experience and the doors from CNN Center will open at 6:00 that evening with the draft scheduled to begin at 7:00. From what I have been told from my super-secret contact within the organ-I-zation, (yes, I have one of those now), the concessions in the arena will be open…and it’s entirely possible that some Thrashers personalities will be available.
This will also be a great chance to check out the new Taco Mac, if you have not already done so.
So, come get out of the heat…pick up a cold draft and come watch the NHL draft picks!
Penguins Pecking Away At Wolves
Tuesday night the Chicago Wolves will host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in game 6 of the AHL Finals. The Pens have worked their way back into the series by winning the last two after dropping the first three.
If need be… a game seven would be on Thursday night in Chicago.
Sense? We’ll Have None Of THAT Around Here
Ross McKeon of Yahoo Sports posted his final 2007-’08 power rankings, for what it’s worth. As for the Thrashers, he placed them at 28th…DUH… and he figures that Ron Wilson being tapped for the coaching job here just made too much sense.
Ya think?
Other Items Of (Possible) Interest
Dominik Hasek announced his retirement Monday. Next stop for The Dominator…the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Spector think Ray Emery just might have worn out his welcome with the Senators. Zhitnik is also on the list of possible team buy-outs this summer. Please…don’t tease me like that!
In Carolina, Peter Laviolette’s coaching staff is getting a make over.
CTV saves “The Hockey Theme” song. Yes, Canadians from far and wide can now rest easy as “Hockey Theme Held Hostage” comes peacefully to an end!
Mike Milbury has a few choice words for Tiger Woods and his “I don’t think anybody really watches hockey anymore” comment. Tiger should concentrate more on his puts…and not acting like one.
Detroit’s McLellan To Meet With Thrashers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here is a story that’s popped up…Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan will meet later this week with Thrashers GM Don Waddell according to Freep.com, the on-line version of The Detroit Free Press.
The piece indicates that McLellan will do so after also meeting with the San Jose Sharks in regard to their coaching vacancy.
If indeed the Thrashers are intending to speak with John Anderson once he is freed up, then the two might just pass each other the hallways seeing that the Wolves’ playoff series with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will wrap up either Tuesday night or Thursday.
So, what are the thoughts out there in regards to the possibility of having the assistant coach of the Stanley Cup winners behind the Thrashers bench? Obviously, he is a big part of the success of that club…can he bring a part of that down here with him?
Babcock Hears…Cha-CHING!
Also, as you will see in the short write-up…the Wings are poised to offer head coach Mike Babcock a multi-year deal that that will raise his salary from just under $1 million per year to about a mil and a half per season.
Winning has its rewards!
Careful With That Cup
The Stanley Cup took a tumble Friday night at Cheli’s Chili Bar, a downtown Detroit restaurant owned by Chris Chelios. The cup was slightly dented as members of the cup winners paid a visit to the establishment with it in tow.
As I’m sure you all know…this isn’t the first incident involving Lord Stanley’s cup.
Other Assorted Items To Discuss
Ron Wilson and the Toronto Maple Leafs finally seem to be close to a deal. A few issues still need to be pounded out, but an announcement should come anytime now.
Ross McKeon of Yahoo Sports writes about some tough choices that face Pittsburgh Penguin’s GM Ray Shero. For that matter, Allan Muir of SI.com also discusses these issues as well as the future of Michel Therrien in Pittsburgh.
Blake Wheeler, the 2004 Phoenix Coyotes draft pick, has opted for free agency… turning down the team’s contract offer.
This was posted on the blog over the weekend, but I thought I would add it here as well. Red Wing forward Johan Franzen missed games with a bruise on the brain. Fortunately, it is not expected to affect him in the long run. Here’s hoping he recovers fully over the summer.
Lecavalier ‘09 = Hossa ‘08?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This coming season the Tampa Bay Lightning will pretty much be in the same boat with Vincent Lecavalier as the Thrasher were with Marian Hossa last season. He is slated to be a UFA at the end of the ’08-’09 NHL season and the Bolts could be looking to move him come the trade deadline.
Orrrrrrrrrrrrrr……. maybe, just maybe the Lightning could be interested in entertaining offers for the 28-year old Lecavalier to unload his $7.16 million salary this summer. See, it sure looks like the future for that team is found in Steven Stamkos, so why not free up the space and the money for him… and get a little something in return for it as you go into the season?
If indeed Tampa Bay would be of mind to move the center now rather than later, what do you think of providing Ilya Kovalchuk with Lecavalier as the answer to his request for a true top line center? If you like the thought, then what would… and/or who would… you be willing to part ways with to bring him in?
Would it be a prospect and our #3 pick in the draft? If so, that would give the Bolts 2 of the top 3 picks…that sure would help them in their rebuilding effort. Would it be the pick we got from Pittsburgh in last February’s trade deadline deal along with a starter, say Ken Klee or Todd White? Maybe both?
Either way…we would have to part ways with something of value for a player with one year left on his $7 million-plus contract. But I have to tell you… the thought of him centering a line with Kovy is quite enticing to me.
Of course, the other option is to pass on it altogether because he might not sign with us after the season. That seems to be the most common excuse around here as to why certain deals should not go down. If that is your stance…and it is indeed the truth…then isn’t that the most damning piece of evidence as to the failure of the current GM and the futility of him remaining at that post?
Ah, but I digress…
Anyway, back to Vinny Lecavalier… the Bolts certainly may not even be interested in moving him. Even if they were, they could be very reluctant to do so inside the division. But, the Thrashers may need to make some type of deal like this in order to provide their star player with the one thing he needs and has made very clear he wants…a top line center.
And if Kovalchuk doesn’t get it…and next season turns out anything like last…then Hossa ’08 = Lecavalier ’09 could also equal Kovalchuk ’10.
And who likes that equation?
Anderson Watch Put On Hold
With Friday night’s 3-2 game four loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Chicago Wolves will have to wait until Saturday night to claim the Calder Cup at the earliest. It also prolongs the start of “Anderson Watch” in Blueland as many feel the Thrashers are waiting for him to finish up in Chi-town before asking him to come on down to the ATL.
Darren Haydar scored both Wolves goals in the loss.
Other Odds And Ends
Glen Wesley, the last remaining original Carolina Hurricane, is retiring after a 20-year career. He has been rewarded with a front office job and the Canes have stated that his No. 2 jersey will be retired.
Scott Burnside of ESPN.com feels as though Sidney Crosby has proven himself worthy of all the hype during Pittsburgh’s great playoff run.
Looks like you and I weren’t the only ones watching the Penguins and Detroit. This is very promising news for the league.
A few days ago we discussed how Nashville Predator’s co-owner William “Boots” Del Biaggio III had been accused of load fraud. Now…Boots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The CBC has decided to change the theme song to the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. Big deal, it’s just a song, right? Well, not to some people.
The 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….
Thirty-Four and Three-Tenths Seconds
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
34.3 seconds…that’s what separated the Detroit Red Wings and their fans from partying at Joe Louis Arena on Monday night. But that’s when Pittsburgh’s Max Talbot shoved, hacked and chopped the puck past Chris Osgood to tie the game at three and send the game into overtime. Actually, make that OT X3.
Petr Sykora then scored 3,003 seconds into overtime to send the series back to Pittsburgh for a game six. The game-winner came as Detroit’s Jiri Hudler was sitting in the sin-bin serving a 4-minute high sticking call. Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar assisted on the goal.
Pittsburgh had been held to just 18 shots in regulation by the stout Red Wing’s defense and was outshot 24-14 in the two and a half overtime frames…13-2 in the first OT alone. But Marc-Andre Fleury was equal to each volley fired at him and he gave his team all the time they needed to extend the Stanley Cup Finals to another game.
Marian Hossa helped the Pittsburgh cause with a goal and an assist. Pascal Dupuis had a helper on the goal.
Detroit had spotted Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead early on goals by Hossa and Adam Hall. Detroit’s Darren Helm scored in the second then Pavel Datsyuk and Brian Rafalski tied the game then put their team on top 3-2 with just over half a period to hold it.
They almost made it.
Now instead of gulping champagne from the cup, the Red Wings will have to motor their way back to western Pennsylvania for a game six Wednesday night…with the fat lady, the fork and the bugler in tow.
Twenty-Six Days
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made an offer to former Sharks coach Ron Wilson to be their man behind the bench according to TSN. Of all of the available bench bosses that have head coaching experience in the NHL, Wilson is the best of the lot, IMHO, and the Leafs just got a whole lot better if indeed they have landed him.
It took Toronto a whopping 26 days to take care of this business after parting ways with Paul Maurice. A few weeks back, Colorado went 13 days between seeing Joel Quenneville depart and naming Tony Granato has head coach.
Meanwhile, the Thrashers are into day 230 of the great coaching quest of ’07-’08.
But The Wait May Soon Be Over
If indeed the Thrashers are waiting for John Anderson to complete his duties with the Wolves, then that wait may be nearing an end soon. Chicago has taken a two games to none lead on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins following Sunday’s 4-2 win.
Games three and four will be played in northeastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday and Friday with a game five to be played on Saturday, if necessary.
Send For The Fat Lady, A Fork And A Bugler
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The gravitationally advantaged lady over there in the corner…she’s warming up her vocal chords and has got a fork to stick into the Penguins. The Red Wings now have the chance to close out the series Monday night at home thanks to Saturday night’s 2-1 win in game four.
It was the first time Pittsburgh has lost at home this the post-season, but it may very well have sealed their fate.
The Wings have outscored the Pens 11-4 in the four games and have outshot them by an average of 33.5 to 22.0. To place that into some proper perspective…the Thrashers finished last in the league in SA/G with 33.9 and in S/G with 25.8. That the Red Wings are dropping those types of numbers on the Eastern Conference champs speaks volumes as to the dominance of the team that is on the cusp of hoisting the cup.
Wasted in the effort was Marian Hossa’s first ever Stanley Cup Finals goal. It came early in the first and gave his team a 1-0 lead. From that point on, Chris Osgood gave up nothing…zero…nada…zippo…not a darned thing!
Are the Penguins facing an “impossible” task? No, nothing is impossible. But consider this…Pittsburgh now is faced with having to win three straight games…two of them in Detroit, a place they have yet to find a way to simply score a goal thus far in the series.
So…get out the fork and summons the chubby chick with the operatic voice…send for the bugler that he might play taps. This is all but over.
A More Serious World
Harvey Korman, as I am sure most of you know, is that character we see on the big screen in Philips Arena at the end of the “Unleash The Fury” video who opens his arms wide and encourages the team to “Go do that voodoo that you do SO WELLLL”!!!! The clip is from Mel Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles”, (One of the funniest movies ever made).
Korman passed away on Thursday due to complications from the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four months ago. He was 81.
If you’re as advanced enough in years as I am, you probably remember him from the Carol Burnett Show and I’m sure you can recall the skits he performed with her, Tim Conway, and Vicki Lawrence. I would laugh so hard that my stomach muscles cramped during so many of those shows. Whether it was watching him attempt to keep from cracking up during routines with Conway or any of the countless hysterical skits with the rest of the cast…Korman’s comedic delivery was nothing short of brilliant.
Then there were his roles in Brooks’ slapstick and bawdy movies where he portrayed such characters as Hedy…oh excuse me, Hedley Lamarr… in “Blazing Saddles”, or as Count The Money, (NO, NO! Count De-Mon-A… De-Mon-A) in “History Of The World Pt. I”…or as Dr. Montague in “High Anxiety”…all classics indeed! Upon hearing the news of Korman’s passing, Brooks said, “A world without Harvey Korman - it’s a more serious world”.
Indeed.
So, next season…when that pump-up-the-crowd piece flashes up there and Hedy…excuse me, Hedly…Lamarr looks down upon us…let’s scream it out loud.
“NOW GO DO THAT VOODOO THAT YOU DO SO WELLLLLLLLLLL”!!
You Want Wilson? Well, So Might Toronto
Mortimer Peacock of The Blueland Chronicle has posted 10 reasons why Ron Wilson should be the new head coach of the Thrashers. I agree 100% with his desire to bring in the former San Jose Sharks coach. However, he and others who share this opinion might be very discouraged to read that Toronto may be trying to woo him there.
All that being said, as each day passes without a decision as to who will be the man behind the Thrashers bench, the more I believe that the organ-I-zation is simply waiting for John Anderson to finish his work with the Wolves to announce his hiring.
At least…that’s the only logical reason I can think of for the delay.
And Finally
As you all know by now, Craig Custance will be leaving us to take on the duties of national hockey writer for the Sporting News. Craig will no doubt be a great asset for them and many more hockey fans will now have the opportunity to gain from his reporting.
However, he will be missed dearly around here. We’ve all benefited from his insight to the game and his reports and blogging have been nothing short of outstanding. The bar he has left behind for whomever follows in his steps is quite high.
Godspeed Craig…we look forward to reading your reports in the Sporting News.
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