AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPreseason Or Not, Familiar Un-Good Trend Emerges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yes, I know…its just preseason. Yes, I know… a lot of the players are youngsters that will be/have already been sent down to Chicago or elsewhere to develop. Yes, I know… in another week or so none of this really matters.
How-EV-errrrrrrrr….
A very familiar trend has emerged during this preseason that has already reached the halfway point…the massive gap between shot taken by the Thrashers and shots allowed.
Three games into these exhibition matches the Thrashers defense isn’t quite showing the improvement that may of us, myself included, are expecting once regular season play begins. After Sunday’s 4-0 loss in Detroit, the team has a GAA of 5.00, is only 77.27% effective in killing penalties and has been outshot by a total of 113-64, which averages out to 21.3 S/G and 37.6 SA/G. Both of those averages are worse that the league-low totals the Thrashers put up last season.
In the game against the Red Wings alone, the difference in shots was -24…38-14.
Time to panic? Hardly.
Time to be overly concerned? Eh… Again, it’s only preseason.
Regardless of the three games played over the past four nights, when the starting blueliners all take to the ice later this week…or on opening night… and we watch Enstrom, Havelid, Hainsey, Schneider, Exelby and Bogosian begin working as a defensive unit, I fully expect that we will begin to see the much-anticipated improvement.
But if there is one defensive player that just might be worried…its Boris Valabik. He’s played in all three preseason games so far, has 34 PIM and is a -5 with zero points. Not exactly the type of numbers that will nail down a spot on the NHL squad as the seventh man who cycles playing time around with the other third line defenders.
Certainly there is time for Boris to deal with this. But if he’s not able to do so, it may leave an open door for one Arturs Kulda. He played in his first game of the preseason Sunday and finished win no penalty minutes and was a -1. Look for coach Anderson to insert Kulda in the lineup later this week and give him every opportunity to earn his way onto the team.
Silver linings so far on the blueline…Ron Hainsey’s two starts have produced two assists, zero PIM and a +2, including a +1 in the 9-4 loss to St Louis on Friday. His TOI totals, 23:07 and 23:17 respectively. Also, Zach Bogosian started Sunday and played 21:23, finishing even…which is a trick in a 4-0 loss.
Offensively, seeing shot totals go from 29 to 21 to 14 isn’t exactly moving things in the right direction. But, Sunday was the first game in which Ilya Kovalchuk, Eric Perrin and Jason Williams played in. This O-fense is a work-in-progress and may continue to be so even after October 10.
A good stat for the O-fense… The power play did produce 4 goals on 20 attempts, (20%), which was half of the goals scored on the road trip.
I’m not expecting this bunch to throw an average of 30+ shots on goals this season…nor do I expect that number will be anywhere as bad as the 21.3 SOG number so far. Talk to me next week after the last of the preseason games are played to see if I’m overly concerned.
In goal, Kari Lehtonen made his first start of the season in Detroit. He face 37 shots and allowed but three goals, (91.89 SV%). The Wings fourth goal was an empty netter. That’s not a shabby performance especially given the number of shots he faced. As I’ve stated all summer, if this defense can cut down the number of shots Kari faces in a game…even to a merely respectable 29 or 30 on average…he is going to have an outstanding season.
This is in sharp contrast to Friday night’s nine goals on thirty-eight shots performance by Johan Hedberg, (75.67 SV%). Let’s just say it’s good that he got that stinker out of the way when it doesn’t count.
Again, these are all meaningless numbers produced in meaningless games… let’s not lose sight of that. Nonetheless, the high amount of shots allowed coupled with the low amount of shots taken follow an all-to-familiar pattern in an all-to-familiar trend.
Preseason or not.
Comments
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By Nikita
September 28, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
First! Booyah!
By LL
September 28, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Now Now Rawhide…the rookies are still trying out. I was half expecting to see a little more out of though considering they are playing for a spot on the roster and at this point in the game…put up or shut up. Ah, done ranting now. LOL
By HookyBob
September 28, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Rawhide; You read my mind,…again. Even though it is pre-season,…any stat that resembles last season’s causes concern.
These shots on goal/ against,..were very telling metrics last year. Seems like expecting to win with these stats where they are is bucking the odds.
Go Blue, 12- days til the puck drops.
By Scotty
September 28, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
I think the D will be better but I’m still not sold on the offense.
Like you said, it’s still pre-season but those are some ugly stats.
Oh and Selanne was just signed a deal with the Ducks.
2-years for $5.25 million.
By kracker
September 28, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Playing pretty much even strength in Nashville, we won. We played a bunch of St Louis vets after a night of travel, us with a lot of kids. We played the well-stocked Wings with an evolving Thrashers team, again with kids or new people. Not to mention all new coachs and their schemes. Klee was to play, instead he was traded.
Hope I didn’t echo what you have said, RH. I’ll read it tomorrow, it’s too late for me tonight.
By Brendan
September 29, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
I’ve always thought the purpose of preseason, in pretty much any sport, is to evaluate talent to determine roster positions. As long as the right roster decisions are being made, or will be made, then I’m not overly concerned with the results of the games. If the trends mentioned above continue into the regular season, then adjustments have to be made. And that’s on the coaching staff. Especially special teams play.
By V
September 29, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Despite the loss, a great first game for Kulda and Bogo. Both lead the team in time on ice while keeping their +/- very respectable for the amount of time they put in (Although Bogosians penalty did lead to that second goal). Now if only the offense would show up.
By Sara
September 29, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
I may be remembering wrong but didn’t we have an amazing preseason last year followed by the 0-6 clunker to start? I think we saw an opposite effect then - we had mostly the guys who were likely to make the team versus other squads giving their youngun’s a run.
I’m not happy with that one particular stat still being so major although it’s hard to fault them in this game. The Wings had many of their big guns blazing - that doesn’t bode well for any opposing team.
It’s going to take time for this team to turn itself around from last season. Preseason is pretty short as it is and there are too many players in the mix for the final roster to get to spend time combining lines, gelling with new line mates, and learning a new system. It might behoove Anderson to speed along the cuts to get down to the final roster soon and get this going. If it’s their hope and intention to vie for a play-off spot this year, they cannot afford to dig too deep of a hole (although they managed to dig out of one last year before re-imploding).
Like I said in an earlier blog, what’s really going to matter is how this team looks in December and March - after they’ve had time to gel lines and adopt the system. Some progress by December, much more by March one would hope. So even if we have a clunky October I still don’t think it will merit a “the sky is falling” or SSDD mentality.
By five_hole
September 29, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
I’d be more concerned if we had a major injury in preseason. The coaches are trying to give kids a chance to make the squad; some of them are going to make mistakes.
I am a fan of Valabik, but the stats you quoted above are … ungood.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Yeah, he’s got to cut that crap out. I don’t mind a roughing penalty hear and there, but he’s generating far too many penalties at this point. I’d like to know how many were results of poor play, or the situation.
If he doesn’t improve the mindless penalties (like most hooking infractions) we could see him playing in Chicago to start the season. That worries me because it’s easy not to hook players who are on your same talent level or worse, but it’s harder not to hook a player who is better than you. The only way to improve to their level is to keep playing against the best competition.
By Scooby Doo
September 29, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Rut Roh Shaggy, the goalie getting all our biscuits again.
By Buzilla in CT
September 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Off topic. For those that are gamers, NHL 09 may be the best hockey game of all time..
I don’t want to oversell it but it is sick…
By Smitty
September 29, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I watched Valabik at a scrimmage last week. He seemed to be a half a step behind the play in his own end. Maybe this the cause of the hooking penalties. I hope they give Kulda the chance to play in the home games this week. I would like to see him play with Bogosian against the big guys. I think he is the sleeper of this team like Toby was last year.
By Bob
September 29, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
But if there is one defensive player that just might be worried…its Boris Valabik. He’s played in all three preseason games so far, has 34 PIM and is a -5 with zero points. Not exactly the type of numbers that will nail down a spot on the NHL squad as the seventh man who cycles playing time around with the other third line defenders
I wouldn’t get too caught up in pre-season stats, but there’s nothing I saw in Valabik’s game when with us last year, and in watching the Wolves playoff run, that makes me believe he’s a dman for us this year. Mabye a 7th man spare part, but that’s no good for his development. Send him back to Chicago for one more year of learning his game, then bring him up next year. Here’s my d pairs for this year:
*Havelid-Schneider *Enstrom-Hainsey *Bogosian-Exelby
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Buzilla, what system?
By Wings fan in Ga.
September 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
NHL 09 is better than NHL 94? Does NHL 09 have the Whale?
By Buzilla in CT
September 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
PS3…
Alright, it’s not the classic sega NHL 94 but come on. It’s not so much NHL 94 as it is Roenick…
I haven’t seen if it has the Whalers or not. That would be cool though. Maybe I can play with Holik in his rookie year
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Wings fan in Ga. — I don’t know if it has the Whalers (though I think it has their throwback uniforms), but it does have NHL 94 controls if you want that.
NHL 94 was solid for the old school hockey games, but these new EA ones cannot be contended with, in my opinion.
Buzilla mine’s in the mail, stupid international shipping takes forever.
By Smoothie
September 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Like I said in an earlier blog, what’s really going to matter is how this team looks in December and March - after they’ve had time to gel lines and adopt the system
Sara — while I would agree with you that teams can and do get better as they gradually develop chemistry and new teammates learn each other’s tendencies etc, we would be remiss if we did not recall that playoff berths can be won (‘06-‘07 campaign) or lost in October (‘07-‘08 campaign) if a team comes out of the gates blazing hot or stinks up the joint with a 6 game losing streak.
Let’s hope we can cut down here in the next couple days so the top 2 lines and all 3 defensive pairings can gel quickly. I think it’s fairly obvious that Kulda is a better choice than Valabik right now assuming they are determined to let Bogey earn his spot over the first 9 games.
Valabik just doesn’t seem to have NHL legs and while he may be able to add an element of toughness, this offensively-challenged roster can’t afford to be on the PK 4-6 extra minutes every game on account of his penalty transgressions.
By the way, would anyone who has some more intimate knowlege of the situation care to hazard a guess as to why Grant Lewis was sent down so soon? If I recall, he was either a + or even player in two games and from what I read on blogs looked very good moving the puck around on the PP and keeping it in the zone at even strength. Is he just too young in the eyes of our esteemed coaching / scouting minds??
By Nikita
September 29, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I said this at Knobler’s blog as well, but:
I agree these numbers aren’t good. I also don’t like the Klee trade so much (in that it involves Klee — I like that we got Schneider). Basically, last year we had 1.5 competent defensive pairs, only one in 6 defenders having real offensive capability. This year so far we have 2 competent defensive pairs, albeit with half of our defenders having proven offensive capability. We have traded up, but there are a lot of factors up in the air right now. We’ll have to see how the kids do — but I am nervous that after you get past the Swedes and the Imports the last line will almost certainly consist of Exelby and some rookie sucker. I wouldn’t bet that, with Ex, Valabik, and Boges, we’ll get two game-long competent performances. Boges is just youngish, and Exelby and Valabik are mentally unsteady and neither reads the ice well.
That said, it’s preseason and not our actual lineup.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Smoothie — I don’t have inside knowledge or anything, but I’m guessing they simply figured Lewis Machacek and Holzapfel would be best served spending a year in the AHL (Lewis’ second, I think he bounced to Gwinnett some last season).
Their performance to me is a mark that they’re solid prospects, and could be ready for the NHL in 1-2 years time. Right now I think Anderson has specific players earmarked for the true position battles, and Lewis was just around for the extended look.
Crabb has yet to be cut, and Larsen’s departure could mean Crabb cracks the NHL roster for his first time. To me it’s between Stuart, Crabb, Hoffman and Lavallee for that grinding line role.
Nikita — I’m not so worried about the young guys, as I like the idea of them learning at the NHL level. Valabik can’t prove much down in Chicago, so he’s gotta learn how to NOT hook and NOT crosscheck the speedier players in the NHL. Think about how Coburn played in Atlanta…he was hesitant, often misreading the puck, didn’t show much confidence…does it remind you of how Valabik is playing? They’re not the same type of defender, but they’re both smart/”cerebral” defenders who need to experience the game in order to improve. It worked wonders for Coburn to get some steady ice time, I would be willing to wager it would work for Valabik too.
Buzilla — 360, and I was always using Chicago or NYR back in those days. Gartner was a FORCE. Pittsburgh was a solid team too, with The Czechoslovakian Mullet and The Survivor on the same team.
By Sara
September 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Smoothie thus my comment about Anderson needing to pare down the roster quickly if he hopes to make the playoffs and the reference to digging out of a hole last season. However it also depends upon your objective. While a play-off berth would be nice, I don’t personally care if they get one this season or not. I want to see the development of our young talent and adoption of a real system. And the success or failure of either cannot be measured in simply 3 preseason games, especially after the overhaul we’re going through.
If the team comes out strong in October or November, great. But I’m reserving judgment until at least December to see what kind of improvements are showing and even then I think full potentials may not be realized until close to the end of the season. I want to see how they are playing at the end, which is a better reflection of how they might play next season, when hopefully they really will challenge for a play-off spot.
By Buzilla in CT
September 29, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Too bad you don’t have a PS3. If we can get six guys together we can go for the cup online (jez I am a dork)
By kracker
September 29, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
One thing in common for most of the great ones - it doesn’t take them long to get up to NHL speed and become serviceable at a young age. It probably takes considerably more time to become a dmoinant player but Bogo can be a plus for the team this season, like the older Enstrom did last season. Maybe even Kulda, if needed, can be called up later in the year.
However it works out, it sure is nice to have high quality talent developing and not too far away from helping the club.
By Sara
September 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
If we can get six guys together we can go for the cup online (jez I am a dork)
Not to mention I can warp and twist that statement in soooo many wrong ways.
By Buzilla in CT
September 29, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Go for it. (I could use some abuse today)
By Alan
September 29, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Chicago goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is on waivers.
Doesn’t mean much to us, since we’re locked in pretty tight at goal, but it might mean something if you’re into fantasy sports.
No story on TSN quite yet, though. That hack Eklund posted about it, but McKenzie mentioned it on NHL Live.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Alan — Good catch, I’m glad LA didn’t trade Kopitar for him (as was ridiculously thrown about by the usual rumor monger). Khabibulin with that contract wouldn’t be helpful to many teams…but I’d laugh my rear-end off if Tampa Bay claimed him. It would be so fitting.
Buzilla — It arrived today, I’m stoked. The mode you’re speaking of sounds cool, except for the tools out there creating 7 foot tall and 400 pound goalies. Still, it’s a great idea. Did you select a current player for Be-A-Pro, or make your own?
Sara — I agree. I know it’s greedy, but I also think the marginal successes we see this year will only make us better for next year. I’m fine with losing a season, so long as this team can grow as a unit and give the youth proper time to develop at this level. It worked well for Chicago last season (though, Toews and Kane were uber-prospects), so hopefully we can emulate their recent success and build a competitive franchise, not just a flash-in-the-pan team.
You will not see me on these boards complaining about the amount of losses this team has…I’ve already set my expectations low enough that I might be more upset losing a solid top 10 draft pick if/when this team succeeds.
One more thing, I’ll say this right now — I wouldn’t be upset if Williams was signed again as a Top 2 RW for this team. I don’t expect him to re-sign, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.
By Buzilla in CT
September 29, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I made my own guy. Power forward. Kind of cool seeing your name on the back of a jersey (not like the knobs that do it in real life)
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I’m creating Esposito.
By NASCAR Dave
September 29, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Way to go DONNIE!!! You ADMITTED your mistakes with KLEE and LARSEN!!! Admitting your failures - Hey, THAT’s a step in the Right Direction!!! LMAO
Now we just need to dump SLATER and TODD WHITE and we will be ready to go!!!
ALAN and BRENDAN… Mark NASCAR Dave down for 72 points this season…
NUFF SAID.
By Brendan
September 29, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
NASCAR Dave, while I doubt the roster will really change that much, let’s hold off until preseason is over. Then we’ll tally the votes for “point totals” on the season. October isn’t just an important month in baseball. What happens in October affects how things play out at the trade deadline in February. If we’re NOT playing meaningful games in March, I won’t cry about it … in a “build” year.
I think the goal of this season is to develop our young talent at the NHL level. And that’s going to mean taking our lumps. What’s done is done. Waddell didn’t do anything crippling to this club over the offseason, like trading away 1st round picks, or prospects like Pavelec. He got Enstrom and Lehtonen re-signed. Sterling is under contract. He signed Zach Bogosian to a capped rookie contract. Perhaps locking up Hainsey on a 5-year deal was the most questionable of the offseason moves. But I don’t think that was a terrible contract. I think that contact was more of a reaction to not securing Brian Campbell in the bidding war with Chicago. Waddell just didn’t want to come away empty-handed in the July Free Agent Frenzy.
Hainsey could be a steal, down the road. Or, at $4.5 million-per-season, we might have been able to find better value for that money. Time will tell. In a perfect world, teams wouldn’t need to reach out into free agency to find players, or trade for them, they’d just draft them and re-sign them at the market value.
By JLH
September 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I’m confused by all the talk of 2 forward positions open. As I count, we only have one opening and I would assume Sterling is in the lead for that. So potential lines are:
Kov-Christiansen-Williams
Kozlov-Little-Armstrong
Perrin-Reasoner-White
Boulton-Slater-Thorburn
And: Sterling, Crabb, Lavalee, Stuart or Lessard for the 13th forward. Am I miscounting? or is Boulton not a given?
By Nikita
September 29, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Hmmm. Somewhere it was said (by Anderson, I think, on a story linked from the Blueland blog) that we have to get down to 23 players. As I read that, that gives us 7 D-Men, 2 goalies, and 14 forwards — which, if we keep everyone, gives us two slots for the kiddos (assuming Little, which I am).
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Knobler’s recent article is a good read, especially due to gems like this:
“Obviously, in Atlanta there were good fans, but it’s not a traditional hockey market. You can tell the difference.”
By volgrad1985
September 30, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t Lavallee, Hoffman, and Boulton fill a similar role on the team (high energy, tough guy, a banger, protector of teammates, etc)? If so, from all I’ve seen and read of Lavallee and Hoffman, compared to what I’ve witnessed of Boulton, I say give me either of the big guys in our lineup this season instead of the welterweight!
I believed throughout last year, that the 2 guys that we kept on the roster that most needed to go were Larsen and Boulton. I know they are fan favorites somewhat, but I just didn’t think either brought enough to the table to warrent taking up 2 spots in the lineup. Well, Larsen is gone now….and I think it’s time for Boulton to have his minutes taken by Hoffman or Lavallee.
By Tony C.
September 30, 2008 3:46 AM | Link to this
Yeah the hossa article was a good read-it sounds like what most of us suspect(ed); namely FUBAS/DW had three of the top 20 centRes in the game available and you get Todd White… no disrespect, but Scott Gomez he ain’t. I might’ve even been OK with NHL rhythmic Gymnastic sensation Briere-I’m sure Hossa would’ve loved having Danny McFlopsalot and Slava to set him up.
But I think now, if I see him @ the Flatscreen, I’ll probably give him a nice ovation during the line-up announcements and then boo him every time he touches the puck.
I don’t boo Heatley, but hossa-probably.
By kracker
September 30, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
volgrad Boulton was recently resigned for two years, at near minumum money but for TWO years. He only leaves via trade, IMO.
By Nikita
September 30, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
I don’t miss Hossa in the slightest, other than his scoring capability. He played us like a cheap fiddle, which is his right — but I don’t have to applaud it or like its effect on team morale. Nor do I have to like the way he failed to gel with other high scorers. But hey, why wouldn’t he? It’s not like he has any reason to play in the NHL other than winning and getting paid to do so. He played Pitt, too.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t Lavallee, Hoffman, and Boulton fill a similar role on the team (high energy, tough guy, a banger, protector of teammates, etc)?
I haven’t seen good rumbling out of Lavallee — in general he strikes me as perfect for the 4th line in skills, but a little soft. Either Lavallee or Hoffman could theoretically fill Boulton’s role — it’s not hard, since it’s mostly an eagerness to initiate enforcement and fill the role of low-level forward exactly as you’re called upon. He does it admirably as the role is contructed now.
I know they are fan favorites somewhat, but I just didn’t think either brought enough to the table to warrent taking up 2 spots in the lineup.
I agree, but as far as I’m concerned that just underscores the need we had to trade Larsen. Boulton is very dependable, if unspectacular. He plays his assigned ice time adequately, wins about half his fights, does what he’s told to, and does not suffer when he’s iced or deployed oddly. In other words, he’s a good soldier — and last year he was our only smart, reliable enforcer. If the kids aren’t ready yet, we could do worse than have him on the march. Of course, the old philosophy isn’t necessarily the new philosophy, and I don’t know if Anderson wants or will use a pure banger.
I would like to see someone step in to relieve Jim Slater, though — his promise won’t be realized on the 4th. And in general I have a long list of players who need to stay off that line (Slater, Thorbs, White, Perrin), so it’d be great to see the energy line revitalized with young talent.
By NASCAR Dave
September 30, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t get too caught up in pre-season stats, but there’s nothing I saw in Valabik’s game when with us last year, and in watching the Wolves playoff run, that makes me believe he’s a dman for us this year. Mabye a 7th man spare part, but that’s no good for his development. Send him back to Chicago for one more year of learning his game, then bring him up next year.
For BOB:
I heard DONNIE on 680 on Friday. He basically said he would be shocked if VALABIK does not make the team this year because he (DONNIE) thinks VALABIK is ready… I think I agree with DONNIE there - VALABIK is Ready, and I think (and hope) he makes this team… We need more TOUGHNESS this year, and BOULTON just isn’t getting it done.
By glovesave29
September 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Valabik is NOT ready…i’d send him down to Chicago
Slater played well the second half of last season. He is a burner that causes problems for the defense…keep him around.
The Thrash are unveiling their new maroon jerseys on Wednesday the 8th. I will post the photos as soon as I get them. The site I visit a bit is pretty good about getting them a few days in advance.
By Smoothie
September 30, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Off topic here:
Do you pronounce Schneider’s name this way: Schneeder
OR
do you pronounce it the traditional way: Schniider (long i)
I think I’ve heard it said both ways but I may be thinking of another player.
Anyone know for sure??
By Sara
September 30, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Smoothie the hard “I” sound - option 2.
And apparently we screwed up Toronto’s trade plans. Everybody say it with me now…awwwwwww.
By glovesave29
September 30, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
You pronounce it with the “i” sound
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 30, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Hokie — Are you glad now that the Thrashers didn’t waste their time with O’Neill?
By glovesave29
September 30, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I saw that this morning Sara and dismissed it right away. I have lost a lot of respect for both the citizens and the media of Toronto in the past few months. First of all, the media gets into a tizzy every time Mats Sundin passes gas…and the fans / citizens of the Toronto area have spewed some pretty viscious venom on anyone from the lower 48. I mean really, it is not as if the Leafs are a powerhouse - the few banners they do have hanging from the rafters are yellowed with age.
I read blogs trashing southern expansion (as all uf all know, we are toothless dumb rednecks who cannot figure out this game), blacks in the NHL, and the religious makeup of the Rangers fan base. Where is it written that it must be below freezing in September to have an NHL team. Last time I checked, there are no natural ice surfaces in the league. They compare teams with 85 years of history to teams with less than 10. It’s silly…I mentioned on a past blog…that this is one of the most well informed and intellegent hockey discussions out there.
I did have a bit of fun with them a month or so back…I suggested on a blog that if the NHL needs to contract in the south, that the 4th rate CFL should do the same. That players are better in the NFL, AFL and even the Top 20 in the NCAA…and that the Grey Cup Champ would lose to ALL of those teams. And of course I ragged on them about only selling 50,000 tix to the championship game. They had no sense of humor (for the most part) and my blogs were soon deleted…poor sports! Try it Sara, as you are an infinite source of hockey knowledge…you would blow their minds! HA!
By Buzilla in CT
September 30, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I am a huge Hossa fan, but would have no problem booing him. It is a much different situation than Heatley.
By NASCAR Dave
September 30, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Valabik is NOT ready…i’d send him down to Chicago
WHO do you replace him with??? From what I gathered from DW, we are all set on Defense. EXELBY is the 7th man.
HAVELID—ENSTROM
HAINSEY—VALABIK
SCHNEIDER—BOGOSIAN
EXELBY
GLOVESAVE - It IS kind of funny… This is one of the only times you will see me agree with DONNIE… On this topic, I must agree…
By Sara
September 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
glovesave best way to irritate Canadian hockey fans is to remind them of Gretzky in Phoenix, Crosby in Pittsburgh, Lecavalier in Tampa Bay, Smyth in Colorado, Pronger in Anaheim - all those good Canadian boys in those non-traditional/non-Canadian markets - and what’s worse is they all LIKE IT THERE!!! Ouch.
Kharma - that’s all I have to say.
By Alan
September 30, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
According to THN, Khabibulin was waived because the Hawks are trying to get Nylander from the Caps.
Khabibulin, however, cleared waivers. I guess that spells an end to that cunning plan.
By Tony C.
September 30, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
dude.
Would you trqade Nylander for Khabibulin? If so, why on earth would they wait this long?
Me, I would’ve pulled the trigger on that in a second. I’d send Nylander and a 2nd rounder for Khabibulin and one of Chi.’s seemingly limitless promising young blueliners (not all studs but I don’t think that they have any D prospects that aren’t projected as top-4 types).
But that’s me. I just don’t trust Theodore without his “just-for-men juice”
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 30, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Alan — I don’t see why that would end trade talks if that was really the plan…Atlanta acquired Schneider after he passed through waivers. Maybe Savard thought someone like LA would take Khabibulin off their hands during the waiver process.
Tony C. — I’d rather Khabibulin than Theodore.
By Alan
September 30, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
ranallo - It would end trade talks between The Hawks and Caps, unless the Caps are looking to acquire Khabibulin and use Theodore as a backup. I’m not really too keen on their goaltending situation, though.
If that’s not the case, then Chicago really has no room at all for Nylander’s ~$4.7mil salary. Thus the trade talks would pretty much end there until they manage to ship Khabibulin elsewhere.
By Sara
September 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I don’t think this is a case of Washington wanting to trade Nylander for Bulin - I think Washington just wants to move Nylander period, Chicago wants him, but unless they can get Bulin off the books, they can’t have him. Hence Bulin on waivers.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
September 30, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Gotcha, I was reading that as a Khabibulin for Nylander swap, as Tony C read it.
By Tony C.
September 30, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Also, nice fight here. This guy Letourneau-Leblond is taking on all comers-Cote in this one, Clarkson in another and apparently he and Brashear last night was a draw.
Betcha Cheap Lou keeps him with the big club.
By germaniac
September 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Nylander for Bulin? No way!
But the Ducks have still some salary problems. Does anybody know who could be on the trade block in Anaheim?
ranallo10 (in AT) - I´m not from Austria.
ich lebe in Deutschland. In Leverkusen, der Aspirin-Stadt. Interessierst du dich für Fußball?
By glovesave29
September 30, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
No Dave…I keep Exelby around. He had a bad season last year, but until then he had shown constant improvement. I send Valabik down.
By glovesave29
September 30, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
This is interesting…the Canucks just named Roberto Luongo captain, even though goalies are not allow to wear a letter. Its purely ceremonial, since he cannot do the things that a captain can do. Think this might be a way to keep him happy as the team in front of him further erodes away?
By HookyBob
September 30, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I’m coming to the conclusion that Don W really plays his cards close to his chest (Yes, that assumes the ASG gives him cards to play. :) and plays what he has pretty well. I think this acquisition of Schnieder is a good example. DW had the flexibility to, well,…. take advantage of a rather well respected GM. Don’t think I’d want to play poker if DW were in the game.
Face it, even NASCAR Dave is agreeing with DW about Valibek. Let me repeat,… even NASCAR Dave is agreeing with DW. However, since being a GM such a “poker game” I still have to question why anyone takes anything DW says at face value. Especially now that I believe DW plays them, his cards, so close.
BTW: All this comes from someone who is on the record multiple times (this blog) as being pretty disappointed in DW’s moves (and ability). Perhaps he has grown into this aspect of managing a $250 M enterprise (of which team payroll represents about 20+/-%).
So,…. I read somewhere that DW might be interested in Khabibulin. Now I have to wonder who is waiting (ie DW) in the wings for re-entry. It worries me,…these “garage sale” pick-ups are only effective to a limited extent. This is getting toooooo much like buying & selling used cars. Who can name a team that won the Cup with very many “waiver pick-ups”. Bloggers, what would the logic behind claiming the Wall, be? Maybe,.. trade value?
Yet it remains a luxury to still have cap space (there’s that ASG assumption agian). So,.. what other teams (maybe Philly) might have cap issues for DW to “exploit”? Do these teams have any centers or right wings on the block? BTW: Alan- It gives me relief that Reggie Dunlop is no longer a possiblity. No doubt he’s playing in a “higher league” now. DW could win me back with another good trade in the near future.
NASCAR & Bob: I’m in total agreement to send Valibek back to the Wolves.
Go Blue (Maroon? Say it isn’t so). NHL hockey at the Philips tomorrow night with the puck truly dropping in 11 days.
By kracker
September 30, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
According to Ben Wright in his prewiev of tomorrow’s game, this is perhaps the last chance for Stevenson, Stuart and Kulda to make their case to stay with the team, as JA says he wants to work line combinations in the final two games.
Bogosian, Little and Sterling, I suppose, also need to continue to impress, though I figure they will likely remain with the team as opposed to being reassigned following the game tomorrow.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 1, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this
germaniac — The girlfriend is tired of translating for me…maybe in a few months when I start (and hopefully finish) my course, I’ll be able to talk further in German.
Yes, I’m a soccer fan, I’ve played since my youth (and will be soon once I find a local league). I’ve never heard Leverkusen called that…where does the reference/nickname come from? I was always a Munchen fan, simply because of Oliver Kahn. Since his retirement I have no allegiances, so don’t hate me…