AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIf I May Say This About That
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indulge me, please, as I say this about…
About Waddell On A Short Leash
In this recent article, Allan Muir of SI.com reviews the changes in the Southeast Division. Regarding the Thrashers, he seems to conclude that Don Waddell is on a short leash.
Sure, logic would dictate that someone who has been the sole general manager of a franchise that over 8 seasons has made the playoffs but one time…has yet to win a playoff game…has had to fire two coaches that he has hired…who just last season watched five years of measurable progress wipe away…who watched prolific scorer Marian Hossa refuse to re-sign because he was convinced the team was not heading in the right direction…who was unable to lure in the talent of Brian Campbell even though he offered more money than the team which did sign him…who’s franchise that was built primarily on his decisions was pretty much b-slapped by Dan Boyle when he capitulated and waived the No Trade Clause of his contract for fear he could be waived and picked up by that team…yes, logic would dictate that such a GM would indeed be on a short leash.
However, logic and Thrashers’ ownership, at least in regards to hockey, do not always dance cheek to cheek. The only real logic that applies here states that if there hasn’t been a move made regarding the Thrashers general manager position after a decade’s worth of “success” experienced by this organ-I-zation capped off by last season’s “steps in the right direction”…surely a slow start out of the gate next month will not be what it takes to get ownership to consider that maybe…just maybe…something needs to be addressed regarding the one main aspect of the team that has remained consistent throughout the decade-long existence of the franchise.
Besides, the Atlanta Spirit, L.L.C. seemingly have a self-imposed limit of one GM firing every three years…and they used that up last spring on Billy Knight after his Hawks team actually won 3 playoff games against the eventual NBA champions.
So, regardless of what type of start the Thrashers get off to, Waddell…for better or worse… is on no shorter leash then he was last spring. In fact, I’m not convinced he is on any leash at all.
About Hockey Moms In The Spotlight
Unless you’ve been living in a cave on a remote island somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean, you know that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could become the first female Vice-President of the United States. If successful, she would shatter the second highest glass ceiling in our society.
Regardless of your feeling toward Palin, your political bent or interest in the subject at all, I think you’ll agree that one positives here is the fact that some well-deserved light is being shone upon the fantastic hockey moms out there…given that she is one herself.
Maybe your mother falls into this category…maybe you know one personally…maybe you are a one yourself.
Me? I’m married to one.
The moms that I know from the rink are wonderful people. When they speak of the schedule they keep, it’s not done so with slumping shoulders or “pity me” attitudes. Quite the opposite, in fact. Their faces light up as they happily discuss their children and the game that they love. These moms are among the most organized, bright, energetic, lovely ladies that can be found. They get their tax-exemptions to the rink for practice and games throughout the season, keeping them well fed and making sure their grades are maintained in school.
The best example of why I hold these people in such high regard is the fine sons and daughters that I have observed over the years. They are receiving the greatest benefit from their hockey moms by way they are being raised. I’ve almost always been greeted with “Good morning, sir” in the locker room hallways from the kids who played with my boys and the team we were opposing that day…they are great kids, indeed. Hockey moms, (and dads for that matter), are among those who perform the most important job I know of…raising our society’s future. And the quality of their work is on display both on the ice and off.
Regardless of what happens this November, enjoy your time in the spotlight, hockey moms…no one deserves it more than you do.
About A 57 Save Performance Lost
By now, you’ve all probably heard of the Bulgarian Women’s hockey team that was outscored by a total of 192-1 in four games during their 2010 Winter Olympic qualifying matches played recently.
In case you’re wondering…no, they didn’t qualify.
The Bulgarian women’s team lost by scores of 41-0 to Italy, 39-0 to Latvia, 82-0 to Slovakia and, in their lone “nail-biter” game, 30-1 to Croatia, (and how much grief do you think the Croatian keeper is getting)?
There is no word yet whether the Bulgarian team’s general manager will be holding a town hall meeting to promise the fans that a top-line center and two quality defenders are on the top of his to-do list during their offseason.
Now, I know this performance has originated a good deal of jokes and jeers directed at these young ladies. But let’s be honest with each other…it takes a great deal of intestinal fortitude and character to continue lacing up the skates and going out on the ice to compete given the fact that there was little-to-no chance that they even had a prayer.
Lost in the 82-0 defeat… the 57 save performance by goalie Liubomira Shosheva. Of course, she faced 134 shots in 54 minutes of play, but compare that with her backup who played the last few minutes and allowed five goals on… well… five shots during a span of a minute and twenty-five seconds.
I guess after that, Slovakia decided to pull back the attack comfortable in the notion that their defense just might be able to hold an 82-goal lead with about 90 seconds left on the clock.
So, even though it would probably come as little…if any…consolation to the Bulgarian ladies, I think there at least should be a tip of the hat given to Shosheva’s performance in the face of such an onslaught and to rest of her teammates who seem to play this game simply because they love it and for the pride of being able to represent their country.
Some might say that can be the only explanation for why they were out there…but maybe that’s reason enough.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By ames
September 12, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Well said, sir.
By Sara
September 12, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Now Rawhide you know better than that - Waddell is on a very tight leash - one end is fastened around his neck and the other is attached quite firmly to the AS, LLC bottomline.
BTW, as we come upon a new season now, can we all presume you shall be continuing your fan blogger duties?? All in favor - AYE!! (glares around the room making sure all hands are up).
It will be such a novelty to have the same blogger two seasons in a row - kinda like having the same captain for two seasons in a row. ;)
By Kaladonis
September 12, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
AYE!
By maali
September 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
congrats on possibly the longest sentence EVAR up there ;-)
i hope people will vote for mccain/palin based on the issues and not on the fact that she has boobs, or her kids play hockey, or her daughter was knocked up by a hockey player…. -sigh-
By Alan
September 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I’m all for keeping Rawhide around.
By Sara
September 12, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
maali I don’t want to get on a political tangent here but I will say this…I think many Americans stopped caring about the issues a long time ago - Jerry Springer took care of that. They will take whatever the media and candidates force-feed them in soundbytes and never bother to actually research anything. I’d bet at least 95% of voters have never read the complete platform for the candidate for which they will vote (and even fewer will bother to read both).
It’s a sad, uneducated, ignorant world we live in - typically exemplified best by the crappy choices we have for political offices on both sides of the aisle.
~~Please excuse the above nonpartisan message. You may now return to your regularly scheduled hockey-blogging.
By Sunny
September 12, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
This was a great blog, Rawhide. I don’t often post but always enjoy reading. This was one of your best. :-)
By glovesave29
September 12, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Sara - it’s even MORE sad that a majority of the people in this country think that our type of government is a democracy. If you mention that we do not, that in fact the US is in fact a representative republic, you will be looked at as if you have two heads!
Keep Rawhide? Please, should not EVEN be up for debate - DEFINATELY YES!
I read the Muir article last week. I dismissed it because he is more often wrong than he is right. The sad part is, if we had a winning team with some star power, the bottom line would grow. Think how the interest and sales have gone for the Jets since they got Favre. Hockey in Atlanta is of course on a smaller scale than football in NYC, but you get the idea. Waddell is holding us back, but the ASG is too busy with thier infighting to see it. I see NO chance of him losing his position any time soon, and that is depressing.
By glovesave29
September 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
WHOA! How about this. Bill Daly not only talking about adding teams in Europe (bad idea, due to high travel costs and there are already established leagues there and this would foster some ill will) but putting another team in Ontario and Winnipeg! We can again get the tired lead in from the anchors at ESPN on those rare days where they talk about hockey - about West Side Story when the Sharks play the Jets.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=249235&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main
By Rawhide
September 12, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
ames & Sunny - Thanks…
Sara, Kaladonis, glovesave29 & Alan - Thank you as well. Looks like you are indeed stuck with me for another season.
maali, congrats on possibly the longest sentence EVAR up there - Uh, thanks…yeah, it did kinda ramble on, sheeze.
By Spud Webb
September 12, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Rawhide has to come back!
By R. Stroz
September 12, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Discounted Thrasher Tickets Already on Sale
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 12, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
glovesave — Jim Rutherford mentioned expansion back into Canada, not Bill Daly. Daly merely said “Certainly, it’s a possibility that within 10 years time we will be playing games there.”
Guess what…as of this season he’ll be correct. The NHL will have played “games” (plural) “there” (in Europe).
It’s an easy statement for him to write off as overaggressive journalism. Good quote on his part, as he leaves himself a VERY easy out-clause.
But yeah, the costs are egregious, I can’t see a European team supporting an NHL franchise. How many Swedes (as an example) will want to make that plane trip away from home 42 times a season? Then imagine the jet lag, them having to fly into town two days prior to get their bodies adjusted (or they could simply fly in hours before the game, like some boxers do).
It’s a logistical nightmare, I don’t see it being plausible. Hopeful yes (I’d love to see a shortened NHL season followed by international league competitions, like the Champions League in soccer) but not so probable in my opinion.
By Bemused Fan
September 12, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Waddell will be here no matter what as the only thing with a poorer track record than Donnie is the Atlanta Spirit Group. The ASG takes dysfunction to a whole new level of pro sports team ownership. You can’t fire Donnie when you have no clue and no plan. Besides, what NHL GM level talent would take on this mess without solid ownership backing him up.
By Tony C.
September 12, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
eH.
I’d envision it as a more of a “seperate but equal” (apologies if that phrase offends) sister-league, with it’s own champion…perhaps the NHL-NorthAmer. vs. NHL-Euro champs playing a 7 game series every two seasons.
Of course, I’d love to see The Cup revert back to it’s original designation as a “Challenge Cup” … scroll down to “Challenge Cup Era”.
Sounds pretty cool huh? Imagine the NHL Champs on a mission to “Bring Stanley Home” from those darn Ruskies at Lokomtiv Yaroslavl or the indomitable Finns of the Espoo Blues?
That’ll never happen, but I’d love to see something along the lines of a UEFA Cup series.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 12, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Bemused Fan — That’s a very good point…if you’re hoping for an improvement I can’t think of many out there that would be willing to come to a bad organization just to prove their mettle.
I would think the best replacement option would not be a proven NHL GM, but rather a GM with potential and a good track record. Amusingly, that’s what got Waddell here in the first place.
Personally, I’m holding out hope that Nonis or Yzerman are convinced to come to Atlanta. I’ve defended Waddell numerous times (and will continue when I feel he’s not to blame for things people throw at him), but I know there are better options out there (or potential options) and think it’s time for the ASG to give them a chance…but that’s assuming the ASG changes their business model and focuses on competitive hockey, not marginally profitable hockey.
But alas, I anticipate Nonis taking the reigns in Anaheim upon Burke’s departure for Toronto, and Yzerman will likely get a job with a team like LA or even Tampa Bay. I figure Atlanta will get the short end of the stick no matter who is available out there.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 12, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — True.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 12, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
The Canadians acquired Robert Lang today, for a second round pick. I guess your idea is out of the question now, eh Tony?
By Tony C.
September 12, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
See? and honestly, if we’d traded our 2nd-round pick I expect we would’ve been able to ask for Lang and a (not so good) minor-leaguer or a 4th-round pick.
I can’t imagine that Scottie Bowman thinks Les Canadien are going to finish behind us in the standings.
I realize we’re firmly commited (FINALLY!) to building from within, but Lang is one of the type of guys (along with Brendan Morrison) that, although long in the tooth remain steady point-producers. I.E. production isn’t at the player’s “heyday” levels, but is dependable and the player has a skill-set that doesn’t rely on raw power or speed.
A good passer may loose some zip on his passes, but rarely does his “passing vision” diminish. In fact, it often becomes better and can compensate for declining physical prowess. Think about how long play-making centers stick around-long after they loose their “burst” and the once “Wikkehd Haahd” wrister merely is a tool to keep goalies and defenders honest.
Guys like Oates, Gretzky, Gilmour & Nylander come to mind.
Anyway, that would’ve been a one year experiment I’d have been much more in favor of than say, trading for Knuble.
You can’t really teach a guy how the proper flex for your shot feels-maybe a pointer here and there, but it’s tough.
But you can teach a youngster how to anticipate where the play will (probably) flow, and what sort of drills worked well with your linemates to build familiarity with on-ice.
just my $0.02. Playmaking centers are always at a premium, and if DW called Bowman (Jr. & Sr.) and got told “Robert says he’ll sit out if we trade him to ATL”, then I forgive DW.
But I have seen too many playmakers become available and nary a mention of ATL being in the hunt for them.
By hockeyfan
September 12, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
If by short leash you mean a leash over being able to spend money than yes he is on a short leash. But if he could spend more he would acquire another Zhitnik for us
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 12, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Well, I imagine the simple fact that Waddell has always kept things secretive would be one of the reasons that you hear nary a mention of such things (how many times have you read or heard “details not disclosed per team policy”?). I look at anything regarding the Braves, and you hear little to nothing but then BOOM, a trade happens (unless it’s a blockbuster, you rarely have forewarning).
But yeah, playmaking abilities have kept many players around beyond their prime. Modano, Sakic, Sundin…they’re all at that point where they should be retiring soon, but still bring some intangibles to the table that allows them to soldier on.
Nylander and Lang wouldn’t be my ideal choices, but if the option was between them and Knuble (none are a top line talent in my eyes), I’d likely take a setup man for Kovalchuk ala Nylander or Lang before I’d show interest in Knuble.
Alas, such thinking is why we’re not the GM of the Atlanta Thrashers…it’s too easy to come up with and ignore the facts of age, salary cap, hockey-knowledge-impaired owners, etc.
I’m curious what Jussi Jokinen is worth to Tampa Bay…if they’d flip him to Atlanta for a 3rd round pick or something similar (throw in someone like Denny or Oystrick for icing)? I doubt it, and I’m sure most fans here would think “a Finn from Dallas, we don’t need another Kapanen”.
By LL
September 12, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
R. Stroz That is a family deal which is offered every season at every sports venue in Atlanta and this season it happens to be a corporate type sponsor. Personally I find that it is very beneficial in any sport so that families can afford to go out together and enjoy a game. Money is tight for families these days and if a family deal brings them to Philips for a hockey game that they otherwise would not have been able to afford then I am all for it.
By R. Stroz
September 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
LL - The tickets aren’t suppossed to be on sale until Monday, September 15th.
Also, I believe that 12 family four pack games is a higher percentage than normal as that equates to 30% of the regular season home games.
I’m all for getting famalies out to see hockey, but I also think STHs should get the best prices on tickets.
By Tom
September 12, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Stroz
I am waiting for the call from my ticket guy to offer me free tickets for some of the midweek games in the lower bowl.
He is desperate for me to re-up even though I dropped the tickets last season. My bet is 4 weeks of empty seats into the season I will be offered a Wednesday night game as a taster…
By R. Stroz
September 12, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Tom - How’s that big screen TV?
By Jason
September 13, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
I’m looking forward to hearing what DW says in response to STH questions, more specifically about a legit center or right winger for Kovy’s line. If anyone here is going, be sure to press him on it.
I was wondering about Lang earlier in the offseason. I agree with most of you here that he is a little long in the tooth, but thought he would be a good short term fix for a reasonable price. I seem to remember us going after him last year maybe? I think his agent told us no thanks ahead of FA, along with Gomez and Briere, and whala…Todd White was signed.
Maybe something interesting will happen after camp opens and DW and JA have a chance to see what they think they have for a top line, along with the rest. I know i’m dreaming with that thought. The team is barely hovering around the cap minimum though, they know that won’t sell tix. They do need to figure out some positions first to determine who’s ok as trade bait, right? Sterling, Oystrick, and Stuart come to mind as possibilities.
By Tom
September 13, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this
Stroz
Looking good. Yours?
By Denny
September 13, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
For those hockey fans that need a pre-season “fix”, you can watch the PROSPECT TOURNEY GAMES on the NHL network with a one day delay. Here is the lineup:
Prospects Tournament at Traverse City, Michigan:
Coverage on NHL Network
Sunday, September 14 8:00 PM ET - Thrashers vs. Lightning 10:00 PM ET - Stars vs. Blues
Monday, September 15 8:00 PM ET - Wild vs. Blues 10:00 PM ET - Stars vs. Blue Jackets
Wednesday, September 17 8:00 PM ET - Rangers vs. Lightning 10:00 PM ET - Red Wings vs. Thrashers
Thursday, September 18 8:00 PM ET - Third Place Game 10:00 PM ET - Championship Game
*All games on next-day tape delay
By David
September 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
so what is going on with Atlanta Spirit, LLC.?
By Tom
September 13, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Thanks for digging this up Denny, programming the Tivo as we speak… :)
By R. Stroz
September 14, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this
Lang is now a snowfarmer
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 14, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Hey Eklund (Stroz), look at my 9:02pm post from two days ago….
By Crazy Diamond
September 14, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
We are so screwed. Bad ownership with money problems. Bad management. Rookie NHL coach. Bad local hockey market for ticket sales. Bad market for sponsorship dollars. Bad national TV contract - therefore low national revenue share. Lousy local radio coverage. The salary cap is up but the Thrashers have less money to spend.
We are so screwed.
By polskidawg
September 14, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - About Waddell On A Short Leash - your assessment could not have better stated. His leash is as long as the ASG’s lease on the team…
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 14, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
“It’s the single largest one-day sporting event gross in the [nine-year] history of the building,” said Kevin Preast, the senior director of marketing and business development for Philips Arena.
That’s a UFC fight that he’s talking about, not a playoff game. One night of the year, that fight brought in enough to offset all of the hockey season ticket holders who are sitting on their wallet this season. The Hawks made the playoffs (and scared the now NBA champs)…I doubt they’re losing customers on the basketball side of things.
The Thrashers are just a blip on the screen to the ASG, as they are making money hand over fist from the arena, and special events like the UFC, Widespread Panic, etc. I just don’t buy that someone sitting at home is going to influence any change, when a single UFC event brings in so much money for this ownership group.
By Bob
September 15, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
It’s the largest one day gross because the UFC has a huge pay per view audience, I think the cost is $44.95 per pop x tens of thousands of home viewers. That’s what makes up the huge gross, Philips Arena doesn’t get a cut of that.
By Bob
September 15, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Sorry, make that hundreds of thousands of pay per view buys, UFA 81 earlier this year did 650,000 buys from people watching at home, Philips doesn’t get that money. That’s $30m in home buys, UFC is huge, that’s more than boxing draws in pay per view buys
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 15, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Re-read the quote…that was the senior director of marketing from Philips Arena. If he’s including the Pay-Per-View figures (which are high I agree), then he’s muddying his own claim because like you said they don’t get a cut from the PPV profits (to my knowledge).
Tickets to the event ranged from $60-$800. As an event, this was a moneymaker for the Arena. The UFC wanted to host the event in Atlanta due to the large pull of PPV viewers in the Atlanta area…one of the strongest PPV audience for their sport.
UFC is huge, and it’s only my second favorite event to view live or on television…behind hockey. Lucky for them I fit the target demographic for both sports.
But the point wasn’t about the UFC’s take…it was about how Philips made a lot of money off one event, and the idea that such events can easily offset the perceived losses incurred by the exodus of Thrashers fans (which pale in comparison to the amount of sold-out events they host throughout the year). Basically, the couple hundred thousand lost will just be a bump to them, and I don’t expect it to generate the change the departed season ticket holders desire(d).