Ice Man

By Brendan

September 23, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Nice post, Rawhide. I want to ask if you or anyone heard Eric Perrin and Garnett Exelby on 680TheFan, during the 9AM hour? They both seemed really upbeat about the season.

The station said that John Anderson would be coming on the show, but I got distracted and didn’t catch his portion of the show. Did any of you hear it? And if you did, can you share the “gist” of it?

Thanks!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 23, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I know the typical responses I’ll garner from this, but Krog was on my list of “hate to let him go” players which included Haydar and Popovic this season.

He’s in a system that can benefit his style of play, so we’ll see if he can excel in Vancouver. Haydar is probably going to be relegated to 3rd line or to the AHL (Grand Rapids), but he signed with a championship caliber team so I’m sure he’s got a good fire lit underneath him for this season.

Popovic surprised me by not being signed (I assumed it had to do with only 2-way offers from the NHL), and finally decided to play in the KHL.

Has anyone heard about McCarthy since the reported falling out with his new team? I know he’s recently added a member to his family, so I’m curious if he landed on his feet elsewhere.

By Sara

September 23, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

ranallo I hadn’t realized there was a “falling out” for McCarthy. He’s a super-nice guy so I hope he found something too.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 23, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Sara — I remember reading a translation of the coach (or another team representative) saying something about McCarthy’s attitude not being what they expected. Unfortunately I can’t remember what was said exactly.

By Brendan

September 23, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Not that we really had a shot at him, but GM Darcy Regier has been re-signed by Buffalo, on a 2-year contract. Also, Dominik Hasek has apparently called it a career. Will he stay “retired” this time?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 23, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Brendan — That depends, do you think he can refrain from hitting a person across the face in inline hockey this time around?

Link to Hasek’s past indiscretion.

As for Regier, I don’t think anybody but Buffalo had a legitimate shot at him.

By Alan

September 23, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Sara - re: McCarthy, I posted an article in July about it. Here’s the gist of it, translated:

General manager of Salavat Oleg Gross answered fan questions on the site “Komsomol Pravda”, after describing why Zubov, Zinovev and McCarthy will not be on the team.

“Steve McCarthy will not play in our team. He disillusioned us with his behavior”.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Yeah, that’s it…thanks Alan for finding it again. Any news on McCarthy since then?

By Alan

September 23, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Not really, ranallo. From what I heard (no real sources, just an overseas friend from Russia), McCarthy was a no-show. Neither he, nor his agent, would talk to the team.

If that is true, then I’m glad he’s gone.

By Brendan

September 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I wish we had kept Popovic too, Ranallo. It’s not like we couldn’t afford him. He’d cost $500,000. Look at our cap! On second-thought, don’t look at it. And I definitely see Junior Lessard in the AHL this year. But that’s not my call. It’s up to JA and DW to decide what is best for the franchise.

I see Brendan Shanahan still hasn’t found a team for next season. I wonder if the L.A. Kings have begun to beg yet?

By the way, J(Z) has a cap guess at $38.5 million, tied to a $2 million fine. Per nhlnumbers.com, he’s the leader in our little contest. And Ranallo, you’re next! Right now, your guess of $40.7 million does appear to have the inside edge on winning the competition. And yes, it’s too late to vote, if anyone was thinking along those lines. The contest ended on September 1st. “Guess the number of points” will be the next contest, at or around October 5th, and will run right up until the day of the Thrashers 1st game. This is the contest where you submit a guess for the final number of points the Thrashers will earn this season. No point ranges allowed! The guess must be a specific number.”

I suppose if Shanahan actually wound up in Atlanta, I’d revise my guess. (Shanahan is NOT coming to Atlanta.)

R.Stroz, your guess was $41.5 million and Jameson, your guess was $41.577 million. The last of the $41 million guesses was Spud Webb, at $41.8 million.

By five_hole

September 23, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Brendan You had 2 posts; both posts combined for maybe 7 sentences. Are you feeling alright? Do you have laryngitis of the keyboard? Hope you get better soon.

A tip of the hat to the Dominator for a great career. I loved to watch him play.

And thank goodness it’s finally getting to be hockey season. I’m tired of complaining about politics.

By Brendan

September 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of politics, period. :)

And, somehow or other, I managed to get a bit of a sunburn across my shoulders. It might be influencing my smaller-scale posts! No, this doesn’t mean you should start praying for rain!

By Sara

September 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Brendan last time I looked at nhlnumbers.com, Bogosian still wasn’t listed. That’s going to make a HUGE difference.

By Brendan

September 23, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Good catch, Sara.

By NASCAR Dave

September 23, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

But did we ever get a #1 Center for KOVY???

How Fitting…

By Rawhide

September 23, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Yup…Dave, Christensen injured his shoulder and an MRI tonight will determine the severity.

Just damn!

By HookyBob

September 23, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!

Even though September has several days remaining I nominate the above line as the “bloggers line of the month.”

Bob’s line about players delivering season tickets and “knocking it off in a couple of hours” runs a close second.

Hats off the Garnett to personally deliver season tickets. Not sure what I would do if I answered the door and X was standing there. Better yet what would a person who didn’t renew tickets do if they answered the doorbell and there was X,…or Ilya? (Man,..I wish he could regain his pre-Holleweg form.)

Training camp is the time that one gets pysched, really pysched, about the youth and the upcoming season,…(remember Sept-07). This year may be tbetter as expectations are not as high as last year. And we have a great wildcard in our new coach. Cross fingers and bang knuckles on forehead (ie,.. knock on wood) that Christians4on’s shoulder heals in a hurry.

Go Blue,..LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!

Countdown clock

By Nikita

September 23, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Heh. I have some ideas regarding what I’d do if Ex were on my doorstep, assuming he had a few hours. It was very nice of him to deliver tickets, though. (Anybody familiar with the “paint my house” joke?)

On a less mock-lascivious note, his form looks much better this year already. Last year he was a tad tubby and slow — in camp he apeared slimmed down and ready to rumble. Of course, he occasionally marked the wrong guy, but most of the fans seem to find that endearing.

Anybody know how old Jamie Rivers is? He’s a dead ringer for Klee, both in style and appearance.

Feeling a tad told-ya-so-y at the moment. EC is injured, and Thorburn is playing well. Stevie Mac’s acting like he has a starring role in Cops.

By Wings fan in Ga.

September 23, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

All preseason games should be free of charge by all NHL teams. Any word on if prices for food/drinks at concession stands were slightly higher than normal? (there is always a catch somewhere)…And XM Radio is awesome.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 4:54 AM | Link to this

Nikita — Rivers is 33.

Brendan — I figured you could have a collective groan with me over this recent hockey news out of St. Louis…. Totally sucks for them.

Re: Christensen — My first guess is a separated shoulder. Similar in injury but lessening the severity, he could’ve strained said shoulder. Either way, I’m guess he’s not going to be 100% for a couple of weeks, minimum, and anything less than 100% shouldn’t be on the top line.

I’m curious if Esposito will see this as HIS opportunity to shine. Personally I’d rather see Little up there with Williams and Kovalchuk, or Williams moved over and someone like Armstrong or Thorburn moved up to RW (or possibly Machacek). It’s not always wise to put rookies and second year pros into top minute situations against the opponents best line, but right now I’d rather see a rookie fail in that roll and lear on the job than a 3rd line veteran get an equal chance to fail.

Too bad, I hope he’s alright and only in the day-to-day category of injuries. Glad to hear Bogosian skated again.

By five_hole

September 24, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

Brendan Per your 4:45 post yesterday, I’m not sure if I should pray for rain or more sun. ;-)

I hate to start labeling players, but does Christensen have a “handle with care” label on him? Anyone know what his injury history was with the Penguins?

The thing with injuries, especially in the preseason, is that it gives someone a chance to step up and make the roster that otherwise wouldn’t. I would love to see someone like Esposito take the job and play so well that they can’t send him back to Chicago.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

five_hole — If Esposito doesn’t make the NHL team it’s back to Montreal for him…he’s too young for the AHL.

By Scotty

September 24, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

I agree, HookyBob. LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK is the official line of the month around here!!!

I am so ready to get the season going!

LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK already!

By Bob

September 24, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

last time I looked at nhlnumbers.com, Bogosian still wasn’t listed. That’s going to make a HUGE difference

Yep, Thrashers are well over the limit already and I expect them to get near my $44m or whatever guesstimate with a waiver wire pickup here prior to the season opener.

• hate to start labeling players, but does Christensen have a “handle with care” label on him?*

I had the same thought/fear when I read that. Didn’t he get hurt last year right after we got him? Man, if it wasn’t for bad luck we wouldn’t have no luck at all…

By Nikita

September 24, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

I’m curious if Esposito will see this as HIS opportunity to shine.

Just my opinion, but I doubt Esposito will stay on the team if he makes it. He’s very talented, but not very controlled. He gets angry and plays wild. Plus, so far he’s not physically imposing enough.

I’d like to see Little on that top line. I think he can do it, durability-wise. Of course, I didn’t see him in camp so I have no idea if he looks as good as he did last year — but if he’s improved at all he should serve well.

As to “failing” — why plan to fail? I’m not sure we need a top center if the wings and D work properly, but we certainly need a very good center and we have at least two.

Also, I said it previously and I will say it again — I think we will see a huge improvement in Chris Thorburn. I also think Kovy performs better when he doesn’t have to enforce or do physical work — he’s not very good at maintaining a high standard with regard to forechecking and backchecking, and he wears down if he has to play the body too much. For those reasons, Thorburn or someone who is equally physically imposing, with similar crash and bang skills and good puck-handling, is potentially a good linemate.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Nikita — To be fair, this team has no top line center that can hang with the physicality or skill that our division rivals have. Read along with me:

Lecavalier, Stamkos, Brindamour, Staal, Federov, Nylander, Backstrom, Horton, Weiss.

It’s not a position that will balance out well against the opposition…thus those players are being setup to fail. However, with the right combo of linemates and skill and chemistry, those top line players not named Kovalchuk should be able to stand up to the rigors of winning +50% of faceoffs, banging against top line defenders, and the demands of the most minutes on the team per game (unless it’s a loss, then it’s usually the checking line leading the way in minutes).

I have a ton of optimism about this team, but that’s realism talking in regards to how our Center stack up against opponents centers and defenders. I trust Williams in the center role for the top line more so than I trust White or Perrin in the same role. Little and Esposito would be thrown to the lions if they were in that role, so they shouldn’t be forced to face that opposition in this point of their career.

Thorburn as a top line winger simply worries me. I don’t think he’s got the skill sets for such a role, and I don’t think he’s developed enough over the past 5 months to warrant such a move…however, our lack of depth at RW will elevate him to such a role. If he can play the powerforward type of role needed of him, he’s a fine complimentary piece for Kovalchuk. However, I just don’t think you’d see him crack a top 2 line for any other team in the NHL, so it worries me to rely upon him to play that role in Atlanta.

By Nikita

September 24, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, I agree with your assessment of our centers. They’re not top centers — some of them might become top centers, but they definitely aren’t now. That said, we have several very serviceable 2nd-line centers, and in the right environment they might serve well. That environment is a heavy and fast top line with rock solid defense. But honestly, if the defense is Ex-Valabik and the rest of the top line is Kovy-Larsen (ha.), then anyone in that spot is screwed and whoever is slotted in would have to be a major badass merely not to get slaughtered.

I’m fine with Williams. Nervous about Reasoner. Love Little, though I know he’s a kid and won’t be consistent. I wouldn’t want to see Perrin or White on the top line unless everyone else is very imposing and they won’t be required to enforce or play the body — because I don’t think either is weighty enough to support Kovy like he needs to be supported. But that said, I doubt we’ll have static centers — we have too many factors that probably translate into turnover. Delicate flowerhood and youth among them.

I’m superfond of Perrin, but there are a lot of reasons I think he’s meant to be on the 2nd or 3rd, preferably matched with the youngest talent we have. His major advantages are work ethic, playmaking, and mental steadiness.

As to Thorburn…we don’t know what he’s capable of. He was slotted and developed as a grinder early, though he was a relatively high draft pick and produced decently at lower levels. He then went to Pittsburgh, where they had no inclination or space to develop him as anything else. Last year, I was initially pretty negative regarding him because he simply wasn’t mentally or physically conditioned to do anything other than fight and block. He was particularly bad on the rush, simply because he was frequently and demonstrably not able to keep up. That changed over the season, though, and he developed a notably cooler head, serviceable wheels, and surprisingly good hands. Plus his size turned out to be an asset when he did share the line with Kovy, and his enforcement skills aren’t bad. If his development continues and he did his work over the summer I think we’ll see him turn into a very competent higher-line player, maybe even top line. I think it’s a good thing that Cunneyworth knows him.

Actually, I hold out hope that any of our players with generally good instincts and skills (i.e. not Ex) up to peak age might open up this season. If Slater continues the path he was on at the end of last year he should be worth way more than we’re paying for him (though I don’t see him up top).

Stuff that worries me: enforcement, special teams (specifically the PP, which was inexplicably horrible last year), faceoffs. Who’s going to step up on these? I’m actually not too stressed about our general game, probably because I haven’t seen Anderson’s philosophy in action.

By Nikita

September 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

P.S. EC is good, per Knobler’s blog. MRI is clean and he’s day to day, though he won’t play in the next few preseason games. Brad Larsen is also out for now. Abdominal strain.

By Scotty

September 24, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Also Bogosian won’t travel with the team to Nashville and St. Louis. Precautionary measures. That’s good, no need risking anything with him right now. He did practice this morning though.

No word on Todd White’s hangnail yet. He’s day to day.

By stendec

September 24, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Hi Bill. I’M BACK! Just a few random ramblings as we prepare for another season of Thrasher hockey. Being a newspaper writer for over three decades myself I know the truth can hurt. The Thrashers simply quit trying last season. That was obvious to even casual watchers (which I AM NOT). Ilya Kovalchuk will escape Atlanta at the first opportunity which presents irself. If owners bankrupt the city to keep him in a Thrasher jersey his performance level will fall to the level of that other all-star guy who now plays elsewhere. It is a lose-lose scenario. Kari Lehtonen (Sori Letemin) will continue to make millions of saves but will always allow just enough goals at the most imopportune times. Would like to be wrong about him but do not believe I am. I am told to give the kid a break? He is no longer a kid! How many years does he need? Offense must produce plenty of goals if team is to succeed. Just a few random thoughts. You will be hearing from he in the weeks ahead. Drop the puck already!

By Rawhide

September 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Tobias Enstrom has been signed to a 4 year contract extension.

Great news!!!

LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Great is an understatement…this is a new phenomenon for Waddell.

Hmm…signing your young talent ahead of time and saving some money in the process. Call me crazy, but that actually might be a good thing.

By Alan

September 24, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

ranallo - We may not have got the top line center that was promised via free agency, but at least we’re starting to move in the right direction, I think.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Alan — Locking up a player like Enstrom is just that, the right move at the right time. More moves like that and this team could be filled with young talented players drafted by the Thrashers!!

That leaves Lehtonen as the most important RFA to be re-signed next offseason. He’s in some fine company though, with Armstrong, Christensen, Slater, Valabik, Thorburn and Lavallee all coming to the “restricted” portion of free agency. Havelid, Klee, Larsen, Perrin, Williams, and Reasoner are the upcoming UFAs.

To be fair, we haven’t seen many of these players skate an entire season with Atlanta…but losing a few of them will help this team out in the long run, while retaining some will keep some much needed depth on the squad.

By Nikita

September 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

He’s in some fine company though, with Armstrong, Christensen, Slater, Valabik, Thorburn and Lavallee

Wow. Lots of wild cards here. Will EC stay healthy? Will Slater mature? Will Valabik get smarter and faster? And I don’t feel Lavallee.

I bet we keep Armstrong and Thorburn. Everybody else could be gone.

Havelid, Klee, Larsen, Perrin, Williams, and Reasoner are the upcoming UFAs.

Obviously everyone needs to play for the spot they deserve, but I would suspect that we will resign Havs and Master P. I’m not hazarding a guess on Williams and Reasoner.

By Bob

September 24, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

I’m not hazarding a guess on Williams and Reasoner

I will. I think, rightly so, that both Williams and Reasoner will be moved at the trade deadline furthering our build year chances at it’s ultimate prize, the #1, or 2, overall pick.

Good smart move signing Enstrom early. Mabye Armstrong as well if he gets going with us this year. Let Kari prove himself though, with Pavelec in the waiting, no need to re-sign Kari early.

By Alan

September 24, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Bob - The problem with your thinking is the assumption we will be last in the league at the trade deadline, or that we have absolutely no hope of making the playoffs. This talk of the trade deadline, which is about four months out, is too premature.

If we are in the running, we very well may end up sending Reasoner or Williams out. But we may be sending them out because we’re renting, not because we suck.

By Brendan

September 24, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry I’m so late to the blog today. But I had a very good reason. I had to be revived by the paramedics. Upon reading the news of Don Waddell’s 1st ever proactive contract signing in his 10 years and eight seasons as GM, it caused me to fall backwards in my chair, striking my head against the floor, with a mighty whallop. I’ve got a nasty bump. (Stifle yourselves.)

I’m okay. Thanks for asking. But it was “touch-n-go” there for a while. Big ups to the Fulton County EMT’s! And, I must send my “thumbs up” to Waddell for starting to act like the other real NHL GM’s do. I think this is a wonderful milestone in Waddell’s career. Of course, I don’t actually know what the terms of the contract were/are, I am nonetheless thrilled that the Atlanta Thrashers organization recognized the need to show one of its hard-working draft picks some “love.” I am looking forward to the next 5 years of Toby Enstrom along our blueline. Drafting players … then signing them … then re-signing them. As a perpetuating plan. Wow. What a concept!

Ranallo, I agree with you, wholeheartedly, on how our centers stack up against those we’ll be facing within the SE Division. It is what it is. We’re going to have to take some lumps in a “build” year. (I’ve already taken one of mine.) Thanks for the link, Ranallo. It is, indeed, sad news out of St. Louis for the Blues to be without their former 1st overall pick, Erik Johnson, on their blueline. If you read Wes Goldstein’s stuff over at CBS.Sportsline.com/nhl, (not something I recommend that any of you do with regularity, as he has it out for Southeast Division teams, generally-speaking,) you’ll see he didn’t exactly write a “glowing” endorsement of the Blues for this upcoming season. I’m not sure if he wrote it before or AFTER the news about Erik Johnson broke. Hockey players like to play golf. But I’ve rarely, if ever, seen one tear two ligaments in his knee while doing it. Get Well Erik Johnson!

I was also hoping that Eric Perrin might be one of the players who gets a proactive contract. I bet he’d sign another 1-year deal to remain with the Thrashers right now, if we offered it to him. That would give us two more years of Perrin, a guy who won’t cost a lot, is much needed depth, and who has a nifty, if well-scouted, shootout move.

If Perrin gets re-upped, after the season starts, I’ll go into full-blown coronary thrombosis. For it would mean that Waddell is negotiating during the season with players not named Hossa. It would be a very good thing, in my opinion. Now, where are the contracts for Armstrong and Christensen? There’s still time, if Waddell really wanted to get that done, too. Slater should be very motivated to put up numbers to justify another contract next summer.

By Bob

September 24, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

The problem with your thinking

Ok, I hear ya, you’re optimistic. Good for you (really). I’m a realist.

Do me a favor and meet me back here in March and we’ll see what’s what, eh? I’ll be happy either way, as I know if they do this build year right, it’s good for the club to really become competitive.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Glad to hear your head wound didn’t affect your verbosity.

By Alan

September 24, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I’m a realist.

I am, too. And the reality is, the puck has yet to be dropped. Much to my dismay. You are attempting to predict the future, while I am merely stating that we know not what the future holds. That’s all.

This team could shock the hell out of us. We could find ourselves in first place for the entire duration of the season.

On the other hand, this team could also shock the hell out of the NHL, and fail to get above 60pts.

Point is, it’s too soon to tell. You may say this team, “on paper,” is the worst team in the NHL. The paper may also reveal injuries and incompatible systems.

Too soon to tell. Too soon to pass judgment. Way too damn soon to call our team as being in the cellar. That’s not optimism (although optimistic is one thing I am in regards to a John Anderson system), that’s reality.

By glovesave29

September 24, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

It’s being reported on slam.ca that Enstrom’s new deal is 4 years / $15M

By Brendan

September 24, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

No, but there’s still the possibility of “side-effects.” I feel a workman’s comp claim coming on.

By Brendan

September 24, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks glovesave29. As you can see NHLPA.com’s bio for Toby Enstrom doesn’t show his 2009 salary.

Hey, Sara, whatever happened to Nick Dmitrakos? Is he playing in Europe? Did he retire?

By Brendan

September 24, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Enstrom’s contract hasn’t made it’s way to nhlnumbers.com yet either.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Dimitrakos is in Sweden playing for Skelleftea HC.

By Sara

September 24, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Well 4/$15 is $3.75 per - it will seem like a lot by comparison next season when he’s only in his 3rd year in the NHL but in the long run I think it’s going to be at worst on par with the league averages and at best a steal for us. Course makes you wonder what Bogey will be making by comparison but we’ve a few years yet to worry about that.

By Jameson

September 24, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Does the extension effect Enstrom’s cap number this year?

By glovesave29

September 24, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Well, the Ford family up in Detroit finally saw the light and fired Lions GM Matt Millen for being a boob of a GM and putting the team squarely on the path to mediocrity. Kinda gives one hope that our bumbling leader might find the same pink slip soon.

Millen’s downfall, besides his record, is that he is an arrogant jerk. Like what DW has done here or not, we can certainly agree that he is the polar opposite of Millen and Don is actually a nice guy. The kind of guy you want to be successful…but alas, here the nice guy has finished last (or close to it).

Look what the right leadership has done to the Falcons. Sure, it is VERY early in the season, ut most pundits had them winning one to two games…they may very well not win again (doubtful as we get to play the Rams and Raiders) but the team has bought into what they are being sold and even the most jaded critic likes the path we are heading down. I think the Thrash are halfway there with Coach Anderson, now if we can change the GM…

The Pens are also reporting Gonchar is out indefinitely with separated shoulder.

By Alan

September 24, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Jameson - No, it affects next year’s cap hit. This year, he’s still on the book for his entry contract.

By Sara

September 25, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

glovesave what’s also interesting about the Falcons situation is that they did what AS had supposedly said they were going to do - they took their struggling GM Rich McKay and moved him up into a different position with the club (or is it he just retained his President position and dropped GM? either way) and then brought in a new GM. So Blank gets to continue to tap McKay’s other assets where he excels and utilize someone else in the role where McKay struggled.

I thought that was the best arrangement the Thrashers could make - Don brings a lot to the table in many areas and could continue being an asset to the organization in perhaps Mullen’s former role while a new GM takes over the talent management responsibilities. I’d also like to see some change in the scouting department. While the Thrashers are not bad at drafting (contrary to some popular beliefs), they need to be much better, especially if AS desires to hold relatively close with the purse strings. There is no cheaper talent than homegrown and it also can overcome the hurdles of luring free agents to the team such as lack of prestige for SE division teams, etc etc. To be successful a team has to excel at some facet of talent acquisition and since we can’t do it through FA and trades are not a reliable means either, drafting seems the way to go.

Of course, player development goes hand in hand with that and we and Chicago need to be on the same page. The lack of appropriate development has in some ways contributed I think to the idea that our drafting is no good. We could have more drafted talent on our roster if our pipeline was more effecient and effective. I am confident, however, that with Anderson now instilled behind our bench (Cunneyworth as well), that will become less of an issue for this club.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Sara - I am all for moving Don upstairs and away from the day-to-day hockey operations. I do beleive he has a skill set we can use, just not in the role he currently occupies…

I also think that we need to end our affiliation with Chicago. The Wolves would not succeed in their market as a team if its sole purpose is to be a pipeline for the Thrashers. I think that Anderson being here in Atlanta has little to do with the situation with the Wolves…it will be business as usual for them. There are too many other teams in the Chicago market, and if the Wolves are not winners, they will not draw well (see the Chicago Hounds or Motor City Mechanics) and fail. Personally, I would like to see the Gladiators apply to the AHL and keep our top prospects here in Atlanta.

By Sara

September 25, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

glovesave I think you underestimate the potential in the Chicago situation. For starters, I don’t see Gwinnett moving up into the AHL and we can’t afford to lose an AHL affiliate. Some teams are having to share as it is - we don’t need to go there. Secondly, Anderson being here has a LOT to do with Chicago. He obviously has an excellent relationship with that organization, his input will be better received by them, he is familiar with their operations and goals, and he will run a similar system here to what Chicago is running (or at least they should - it’s gotten them 4 championships so far). The better teams have solid working relationships with their farm clubs and play the same styles, allowing for more seamless transitions. That’s the benefit we get from Anderson being here now.

And I didn’t say their sole purpose would be to act as a pipeline, but it is part of their purpose - at least it is if they want to continue benefiting from the use of our players. And being more closely linked to the Thrashers does not somehow mean they are going to suddenly be losers - this isn’t about us “dragging them down” but about them pulling us up. Fact is they owe a lot of their success to their affiliation with the Thrashers - we’ve provided them with most of their best players. That said, if we ended our affiliation with them, there are plenty of other teams that would be glad to step in and take them on instead.

The Wolves are going to have their own issues to deal with anyway in terms of draws - unfortunately for them, the Blackhawks are now revived and kicking and readily available to the Chicago public. That was one of the biggest things the Wolves had going for them and now it’s slipping away. Being successful will help, but NHL typically trumps AHL and especially when the NHL team is also successful.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Sara and glovesave — Right now my ideal situation in the Atlanta front office would be Waddell moved to Mullen’s old position, or something similar. I agree with both of you that he has skills that can still be used and would be of great benefit for the new GM.

My preference for the next GM in Atlanta is right now Steve Yzerman. Yes, his name brings glitz to the role (that’s a good thing in Atlanta). Yes, he’s unproven. Yes, he comes from the same sort of training (assistant GM in Detroit) as our current GM. However, I think Yzerman is just the type of guy that would jump at the ability to get his feet wet in a market that is accustomed to failure. Can he do worse in Atlanta, really? He can learn on the job, being guided by a GM who has taken some hard lumps over the years.

It’s not an ideal situation to developing the next Poille, but I think it’s a place to start.

I’m also assuming that Nonis is in Anaheim as the heir apparent to Burke, once he leaves for Toronto.

By Sara

September 25, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

ranallo sorry but as much as I would love it, I don’t see Stevie Y coming here to be our GM. I’m going to be surprised quite frankly if he goes anywhere to GM - I think he’s the heir apparent to Holland.

In keeping with the Chicago theme, Chevaldayoff (sp??) might be an interesting choice for GM. I don’t think it would hurt to look “outside the box” for a GM if that GM has a track-record of putting together solid teams, which KC does. While he wouldn’t have the auto-feeder players from our organization, he would instead get to pick them on his own.

Otherwise, I might look at some other asst GMs with the better organizations around the league.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Sara, Anderson being here now has little to nothing to do with the way Chicago handles their affairs. He has moved on, and they must protect their piece of the entertainment dollar in the Chicagoland market. They owe little of their success to the Thrashers, but to the fact that they offer an attractive situation to the upper echelon career minor leaguer. We give them some younger players with promise, but their IHL and later AHL championships were won because they were a team with a mix of the younger and older players. We need to have our AHL team in a mid sized market where the team is the only game in town and does not compete with an NHL team. Where they can draw well and make some money even when the team is less than stellar.

I do not see the Gladiators moving up either, I am just saying that it is the perfect situation. True, they will compete against the Thrashers, but I beleive people will take interest in the players being groomed for the big squad and crowds will be enough to support the cost of moving up.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

I like that call, Ranallo - Holland in Detroit is only 52, he is going to be there for a long time to come. If Stevie Y wants a crack at being GM, this is the place to be. Plus, we could use another face out there marketing and selling the team not only to the fans (and potential fans) but to the UFA’s of the coming seasons.

By Nikita

September 25, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Let me just air my prejudices here…I don’t want the Glads to go AHL because I won’t be seeing them in their current location unless I’m forced to. It’s painful enough going to the IceForum. Go Lynx!

It would be nice if some of our ECHL teams could go AHL, but I’d rather see a team that’s not sharing a market with the Thrash do it. And we do benefit from having our AHL affiliate in a more traditional hockey town. Geographically-speaking, Chicago offers a lot more opportunity for networking, training, and recognition than would any of the cities in Georgia. Plus, it’s just a nice market — the Wolves get a good amount of love for an AHL team that’s not somewhere starved for hockey (like, say, Wilkes Barre-Scranton).

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

But Nikita, youre missing my point…the Wolves get love because they are a winner. If they were a true farm team, and have to suffer the inevitable ups and downs - they would not have the strong following they do now. The Wolves need to be an independant team, and continue to operate in the way the old IHL did - a mix of old and young, and not a developmental team like the others in the AHL.

To get other ECHL markets to consider the AHL makes no sense, there are no other AHL teams nearby. The only reason the Glads would work is that travel expenses can be offset by the advantages of having your farm team in the local market…easy and immediate call ups, the farm team working out with the big club…

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Sara — I don’t think Holland is going anywhere anytime soon, and he’s recently said that he thinks Yzerman is ready for a head GM position. Basically, he gave Yzerman his personal endorsement.

I think eventually it makes sense that Yzerman (if successful as a GM) returns home to Detroit to lead the team upon Holland’s departure…but I don’t think Yzerman is willing to wait in the wings for years on end just for that chance (especially without having a chance to prove his abilities as a head GM).

I don’t recall who it was but we’ve debated the viability of Yzerman as a successful GM, which I feel is a better experiment than keeping the status quo and not even bothering to look for an improvement in an untapped candidate.

Cheveldayoff is a fine candidate too (he’s up there in my mind), but I have this bad feeling that he’s a good GM that is succeeding due to having a passionate ownership group supporting him. He’s got one of the best facilities in the AHL and is supported by an owner with an open pocket book. I think he might be a product of good ownership and a decent GM, rather than simply being a good GM making the Wolves succeed. But hell, he’s slightly outside of the box, and I’d give him a shot in Atlanta personally.

By Sara

September 25, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

glovesave maybe I’m misinterpreting but it sounds to me like your priority here is the Wolves. While I’m happy for them to be successful the bottomline is they are secondary to the Thrashers. They’ve already spent too much time putting themselves first to our detriment. And the newsflash for them is that even if our affiliation with them ended, they are not likely to get the same sweetheart deal for independence from another NHL club that they got from us. It was pointed out in an article earlier this year by Custance that Chicago got a better deal than AHL teams normally do. And they might get a mix of veterans and young players but ultimately their best players have been Thrasher property - how far do you think they would have gotten last season without Krog, Little, Sterling, Haydar, Pavelec, Kulda, or Kiwi?

Frankly, I don’t necessarily care what the Wolves want - as I said before they are well on their way to second fiddle with the resurgence of the Blackhawks anyway. (They don’t get love just because they are a winner, they get love because they don’t blackout their games and p** all over the fanbase.) In the meantime, I want our prospects getting more ice time and I want more similarity between the two systems and the Thrashers are in a much better position to get that to work out with Anderson as our liaison as it were. And in no way has he “put that behind him” as you put it - he flat out can’t put it behind him because of the affiliation. Chicago’s coaches are down here helping run camp - they are the ones who took the prospects to Nashville earlier this week. So Anderson will still be in communication with the Wolves organization on a regular basis. Plus he has talked before about some of the issues with this relationship and wanting to work to improve that situation.

By Sara

September 25, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

ranallo that’s a valid consideration about Cheveldayoff re: ownership commitment, but quite frankly the same could be said for Stevie Y - think about what he’s used to. Most unfortunately for us, Atlanta Spirit is so far out of Ilitch’s league it’s not even funny. Yzerman is not likely to want to put up with a less-than-fully-committed ownership (although as has been pointed out before, I’m not sure that anyone would be). That may well be one reason why Waddell is still the GM - he’s the only one willing to put up with these yokels.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

No, Sara - you did misinterpret my remarks, I can’t really say I am concerned at all with what happens in Chicago…that is why I want us to move our affiliation to a team that is going to use our system and develop players for us instead of getting in the vets to make an annual run at the Calder Cup. I agree with you wholeheartedly that this has been a poor arrangement for the Thrashers. I am using the same reasoning that most NHL clubs did when they moved that had thier top affiliates in the IHL in the 1990’s over to the AHL. The IHL was superior hockey, but most teams used a large amount of vets - and the AHL remained a feeder league for the NHL.

What I am saying about Anderson is that he’s put the Thrashers number one now and is concerned about his feeder team is NO MATTER WHO it is. That it is his former employer means nothing to him. If we were to move it to Pigs Knuckle, Arkansas to improve player development, he could not care less. Just as Chicago does not care that their former coach is now with the big club.

By Sara

September 25, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

glovesave ahhh gotcha - now we’re on the same page here. I think the problem still remains though that there are no other alternatives for the Thrashers right now so what they are left with is making the best of the current situation. Although I still maintain Anderson is an asset here to correcting the problems.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

That may well be one reason why Waddell is still the GM - he’s the only one willing to put up with these yokels.

You have no argument from me there.

I’d give Yzerman a shot in Atlanta, if he’d take it. I’d give Cheveldayoff a shot in Atlanta, if he’d take it. Neither are going to get much support from the owners, but the thought that Waddell has been displaced means that these “yokels” have had a epiphany and just maybe they now understand the type of support it would take for them to own a successful franchise.

It all hinges on the ASG forming a sports management brain, and getting away from the “bottom line” mentality. I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon, so that likely means we’ll be seeing the hidelines “Yzerman hired in Phoenix”.

doG, I hope Toronto doesn’t pursue him…let them have Burke, Yzerman deserves better.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I am psyched Anderson is here. So are the players…lets see how this plays out.

Let us not forget that Stevie Y did not always have it so good in Detroit. When he joined them, they were abyssmal. He knows the value of a good GM and how a team can be built. Cheveldayoff is a fine GM, but I think he may be more of a product of his environment. We need some splash AND substance right now. My feeling is players will follow Stevie Y more so than Kevin in an attempt to build this franchise.

Slam.ca is reporting that it looks like we are the front runner in the race for Matthieu Schneider. Only the Thrash have cap space, and the Kings are insisting on a trade with Tom Preissing - but the Ducks rejected it because they cannot take on additional salary.

By Nikita

September 25, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Yabbut, I don’t think we’ve done badly through our association with Chicago. I think, if anything, we’ve done badly by not having a coach who knew what to do with AHL talent — hopefully Anderson & the assistants will change that.

Personally, I’m glad the Wolves make a run at the Calder Cup frequently — I don’t doubt that playing with the elite of that league is a boon to the players we bring up.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Nikita, I think some of our prospects miss out on playing time while the vets are used to make the run at the cup. Yes, it is nice to get that playoff experience and the thrill of winning a championship - but the cost of doing so has been too great for the Thrashers. Anderson is a good coach, but he had far more to work with than those he was coaching against while in Chicago.

By Bob

September 25, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Don brings a lot to the table in many areas

Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt, eh?

Humor me, what exactly, pray tell, are these “a lot” of things that Waddell brings to an NHL club?

Is it keeping to a budget you admire? There are what, a million accountants in this country who could do that.

Is it his ability to blow sunshine up the collective rears of an increasingly shrinking number of season ticket holders? There’s got to be 100,000 PR and marketing people that could do that.

An NHL GM has one job. Build a club that wins.

Waddell has failed in all aspects of his job, yet he “brings a lot to the table in many areas”? lol.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

The most important thing he brings to the table is that his mere presence p** you off.

I’d keep him around just for that one reason.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I forgot the requisite slang of “ROFL”, to appeal to the younger audience in our midst.

By Tony C.

September 25, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

nerds

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Well…we need toughness? How about this, Claude Lemieux wants to make a comeback -

http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/2008/09/25/formeravlemieux_trying/

This one’s for you, Ranallo. Those geniuses up in Toronto figure they’ve been doing it right since 1966, so they are letting it be known that Yzerman need not apply -

http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/2008/09/25/wedontwantarookie/

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

glovesave — Thank doG. I wouldn’t wish that job upon anybody I have a shred of respect for.

By NASCAR Dave

September 25, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Slam.ca is reporting that it looks like we are the front runner in the race for Matthieu Schneider. Only the Thrash have cap space, and the Kings are insisting on a trade with Tom Preissing - but the Ducks rejected it because they cannot take on additional salary.

I’d take PREISSING over SCHNEIDER all day long… Way more upside… What about a 3 way deal??? We get PREISSING, Kings get SCHNEIDER, Ducks get Cap Space… Oh, and this is all assuming KLEE gets waived or bought out…

By Sara

September 25, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

glovesave we need toughness, not a dirty-hitting, overblown, self-important, unrespectable sack of dog poo.

I think my winged-wheel is showing. ;)

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Sara, I used to hate him too. When he was with Montreal, he was the dirtiest player in the 1989 Cup finals. But I think he matured into a tough, hardworking player. I have also had the opportunity to meet him off of the ice, and contrary to his on ice persona - he is a friendly, soft spoken person off of it. That being said - I don’t want him…he’s 43. He should go back to the Phoenix RoadRunners and beg for his old job back

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Lemieux is just as bad as Domi in my opinion, and the sport is better without them.

Sure, they might be the nicest people since Mother Theresa off the ice, but their reputation was made from their on-ice antics.

Both are sacks of poo in my opinion.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Gotta disagree with that ranallo - I at least respect Claude as a player with some skills, Domi is a waste of perfectly good oxygen. A goon and nothing but…

By Brendan

September 25, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Anyone know when Chevaldayoff’s contract expires in Chicago?

In regards to Waddell, I’m sure, privately, he feels awful about what’s happened thus far on his watch. He probably thought, going into the 2007-08 season, that he was in his final year as GM. And I’d bet … he had some nights where he thought, “I’d give ANYTHING to have another chance as unscrewing what I’ve done.” Well, he got his wish. And he’ll have that opportunity, to the utter dismay of many.

I wish him well. I can’t say his offseason moves were irreparably damaging. Williams is a 1-year deal for a player with a lot to prove. Reasoner’s acquisition didn’t fill a vacancy, but he’s not a horrible player. Re-signing Moose, as insurance, was a “good idea.” Hedberg’s contract isn’t breaking the bank. He did get Kari re-signed, albeit on a 1-year deal, as well, at a “reasonable” price. Locking up Enstrom on a 4-year deal floored me. It made me start to think that Waddell is taking this whole “NHL-Level GM” thing seriously.

What else happened in the offseason? The draft went pretty well. Waddell didn’t trade away #3 or #29 to go get some player who never expressed any interest in being in Atlanta. He picked up Bogosian, granted that’s a “no-brainer,” but he didn’t mess it up by taking someone ELSE or trading the pick away for a slew of retreads. Waddell’s selection of Daultan Leveille at #29 was surprising, given that he had Centers Philip McRae, Nicholas Deschamps, and Eric O’Dell from which to choose, but Leveille still might turn into a great draft pick. He’s going into the CCHA, at Michigan State, which has an excellent history of producing future NHL players. So, I can’t really fault that decision. Time will tell if Waddell did well.

Niclas Lasu, from Sweden, in the 5th round and Zach Redmond, from Ferris State in the CCHA, in the 7th round, were all fairly decent draft selections for their draft positions.

It’s pretty clear the team is in a “building” mode. So, they’ve kept the budget close to the floor. I can see the logic of not wanting to “spend, spend, spend,” when you aren’t close to winning the Cup. In time, as the Thrashers develop their talent, and hopefully re-sign it, like what we saw with Enstrom, then things will get better. And, eventually, Tier I free agents will start to take the Atlanta market seriously.

Bottom line … players want to win. And when it’s THEIR CHOICE where they get to play, they’ll look to the team’s viability and its finances towards realistically winning a Cup as factors that play a key role in their decision.

I am not depressed going into this season. I’m optimistic that the team can develop some of its draft picks this year. I think John Anderson is a good coach, who is highly motivated to succeed. He’s got an excellent rapport with his former players. I’m not going to get overly obsessed with wins and losses in a “build” year. The goal here, at this stage, is to “coach ‘em up.”

Now, if Bruce Levenson comes out in some interview and says, “We’re following the Philadelphia Flyers model of getting to the Conference Finals this year,” y’all have my permission to hurl any ash tray not nailed down in his general direction. Bear in mind. He’ll probably prosecute you for assault. So, you might want to think that one over a bit. Use your discretion.

Waddell is not a great GM. He presides over a losing Administration. Not everything is/was his fault, but he’s trying the best he can. That fact that doesn’t have stellar ownership isn’t helping him out any. In that regard, Waddell has my sympathy. In his shoes, I admire his restraint in not seeking out media outlets to harpoon them, after tendering my resignation.

Even if Waddell had resigned, Scotty Bowman, who wound up in Chicago, wasn’t coming to Atlanta. (Yeah, I know. He has a daughter who lives in Augusta, GA. Yada, yada, yada, he’s never coming here.) Even if Waddell had resigned, Ron Wilson wasn’t coming to Atlanta. Big names aren’t coming here until the ownership’s turmoil is resolved. If Waddell had resigned, I think we’d be looking at some other team’s Assistant GM, or maybe Kevin Chevaldayoff, stepping in to be the GM. And John Anderson still would have wound up as the coach, in my opinion.

So, I don’t have a lot of blame to go sling at Waddell for the moves this offseason. We can look back at the Klee signing and marvel at the thought process there. We can look back on the carnage that was 3-years of Bobby Holik’s salary hampering the team’s development. We can wish to hit the “undo” button on the Coburn for Zhitnik trade. But these are things that cannot be undone. Bygones.

The thing to do now … is plan for the future, knowing that until the lawsuit is settled, one way or the other, the team probably cannot go pedal to the metal gunning for the Cup. As long as Waddell doesn’t trade away Enstrom or Pavelec or quit too soon on Valabik, I actually think he’s really starting to be moving in the right direction. I hope guys like LaVallee and Colin Stuart, maybe even Brett Sterling, can crack the lineup and stay there.

By glovesave29

September 25, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I would venture to guess that Kevin’s contract with the Wolves has a clause in it letting him out should an NHL job be offered to him.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Sterling-Reasoner-Thorburn Stuart-Little-Crabb Esposito-Motzko-Lessard Boulton-Slater-Hoffman

Valabik-Hainsey Exelby-Lewis Oystrick-Rivers

Moose Pavelec

Tonight’s lines courtesy of the Blueland Blog and translated by poster “Jenn”.

By Tony C.

September 25, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

I liked Claude Lemieux…

The fact that he torques deadwings fans off? SuperSweet Bonus!

He is/was nasty, dirty, but unlike some people that are currently in the league that are merely cheap-shot, spearing type scumbags…Claude wasn’t knkown for dropping the gloves, but he didn’t hurry off the ice when somebody called his name-again unlike some of these “energy” guys we see out there today…

But he’s too old to be of any use to us other than an instructor for this team I think.

43 is waaaay too long in the tooth, especially considering the guy is the quentessential example of the “playoff warrior”. When the “other season” began, you got “the Other Lemieux”….you know, 7 goals in the regular season and 17 in the playoffs(yes those are non-official numbres-but you get my point). We probably don’t need anymore guys that turn it on and off-I think that’s a common thread we would all like to see Le Thrash get rid of-consistency issues. We need guys that are going to bring it every time-not aged veterans who don’t decide to go over 75% effort until the last week of January.

By five_hole

September 25, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

I used to be a fan of Claude. I agree with Tony C. He’s way over the hill for the newer faster NHL.

Did anyone ever see that show Pros & Joes (or something like that)? They would pit “retired” pro players against regular guys. They had an episode with Claude Lemieux and he absolutely mauled the regular guys. I mean it wasn’t even close to being a fair fight; especially in relation to the “other” sports (basketball, baseball, football, soccer).

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

This is crap…when is the damn game going to be put online??

I waited up late for this Sportstalk crap?

By Rawhide

September 25, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

I dunno ranallo - XM shows it on their program listing…even displays it to be on XM204 in the scroll at the bottom of the player…but no dice.

I called XM…the dude didn’t know what the issue was.

Same is true with the radio link…as I’m sure you’ve experienced…the site shows the game is being on…but, as you say, just “blah-blah-frickin’-blah”.

%$#@&$!!!

However…after 1….Thrashers up 2-1.

XLB scored from Sterling and Thorburn

Grant Stevenson scored the other goal for Atlanta with assists going to Grant Lewis and Hainsey

Pavs has stopped 12 of 13 shots and the Thrashers have taken 12 shots on goal themselves.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Knobler is keeping us up on his newest blog…turn to that maybe?

A realtime score is provided by NHL.com.

Why am I not surprised this game isn’t being broadcast online?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Damnit, there was a fight…who fought Wilson???

By Rawhide

September 25, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Mike Hoffman did, ranallo.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I see Ben Wright is doing a good job of keeping up on the updates…apparently Valabik just got a misconduct for roughing and throwing punches in a scrum.

Mike Hoffman is one big hombre…Wilson was unwise to mess with him.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 25, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

4-2 Thrashers. Sweet…goodnight everyone.

By HookyBob

September 25, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Ya Know,….despite my left leg being a little short, I am in lockstep with Bob (2:31 post). This “being in lockstep” seems to be the case way more often than not.

However, I’m swayed by Brendon’s 5:59 post. This is preseason and everyone can still aspire to higher goals (admittedly largely pegged on the new coach wildcard). Now, come Feb or March I may want to avoid Bob. But, for now I’m set and psyched. Hope (still) springs eternal. (There’s that short left leg showing up again.)

Sometime back, a blogger (Brendon?) asked about Western conference favorites. Did anyone mention Nashville? I kinda like what they have done despite all the static on ownership, moving, and KHL defections. If you appreciate good coaching, mgmt, drafting etc.,…this is a team that should rank high in any fans book. Think what darlings they would be if located north of the 49th parellel. Allan and some others are onto Nashville. (Perhaps it is because Nashville and Detroit are in the same division.) Nashville is a well run franchise. Remember they won as many games against the current Stanley Cup Champions are Pittsburgh (Nashville’s misfortune was to meet the Wings in the first round). In my mind this is the team that we need to establish a rivalry with.

NASCAR DAVE: Good thinking on a way for us to obtain Preissing. Really good. Bloggers, would Preissing look good in Thrasher colors or what? Still, Preissing is plan B for me,… I’m hoping “X” returns to his old form. He showed glimmers of that in that Aves game last year.

In regards to Lemieux, you’ll find my season ticket on e-bay (perhaps to the lowest bidder) if we sign him. Totally the wrong role for this franchise.

Sixteen days (but who’s counting) until they Drop the freakin puck on this season’s chase for Lord Stanley’s chalice.

Finally, THANK-YOU RAWHIDE for carrying us fans through the off season.

By Brendan

September 26, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, thanks for the Dimitrakos update. I would’ve given the guy a shot, last year, in Atlanta.

By Rawhide

September 26, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

HookyBob - You’re welcome…my pleasure.

Now, how ‘bout a new blog to chat about the game?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

September 26, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Brendan — No problem. I would’ve too, but I think both of us would’ve disappointingly watched him playing in Chicago instead of Atlanta.