AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September
September 2008
Time To Flip The Switch On At Philips
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As Mike Knobler reports…the 179-day gap between home Thrashers games is almost over. The last time we saw our guys play was last April 5 when they slapped the Tampa Bay Lighting around the ice to the tune of 4-1. Colby Armstrong, Bryan Little, Jimmy Slater and Bobby Holik scored for the Thrashers, Kari Lehtonen stopped 30 of 31 shots and the Bolts outshot Atlanta 31-24.
Ah…memories.
Yeah, I know…Wednesday’s game is just a preseason match…but that’s just fine with me. I can’t wait to mosey it on down to Philips, scream for my team and see some old friends that I haven’t seen since last spring.
The Thrashers will be going up against the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings…who just this past Sunday smacked our squad around Joe Louis Arena. However, according to Ben Wright of the Blueland Blog, the Thrashers will field more of the NHL players then the last time the two teams took to the ice.
Scheduled to appear are:
O-fensive Lines
Kovalchuk- Christensen- Williams
Sterling- Little- Armstrong
Stuart- Reasoner- Thorburn
Boulton- Stevenson- Slater
Blueline Pairings
Enstrom- Havelid
Hainsey- Bogosian
Exelby- Kulda
‘Tween The Pipes
Lehtonen
Hedberg
Slava Kozlov is a scratch as to continue his recovery from the procedures undergone this past summer. Also, newly acquired Mathieu Schneider will have to wait before making his Thrashers debut. Perrin and White will also sit this one out.
It’s really good to see that Erik Christensen will be participating and we will get our first chance to see the top line trio play together. Also, I’m looking forward to seeing Arturs “Woulda” Kulda on the blueline. I truly think this guy has an honest chance at making the team.
LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK ALREADY!!!
ahem…
I know, just preseason…but it’s Thrashers hockey in Philips. All is right with the world again.
So…Got Gas?
OK…I’m driving to work the other day and, while sitting at a stoplight, I notice a man standing on the corner wearing a trench coat. “Strange”, I thought to myself, “Its not cold enough for such attire”.
Then he spots me looking at him…he pulls open one side of the coat, exposing a gas can. He looks around nervously and then says to me, “So, you looking for some ‘go-juice’, eh…it’s the good stuff…pure Saudi Arabian 93 octane…it’ll take you on the trip you’re looking for”.
I considered it.
Seriously though…gasoline around here has been about as hard to find as flying pigs. Last week there was even some chatter about canceling the Alabama-Georgia game because of the shortage. Of course, Bulldog Nation probably wishes now that it had been.
I have a friend of mine who was deliberating whether or not he was going to make it down for the game Wednesday night to see the Thrashers take on Detroit because he didn’t know if he was going to be able find the petrol needed to do so.
So…are any of you out there considering altering or canceling plans to go to the games this week…or even next Friday…because of this situation?
Me? Well…I’m hoping I don’t have to go see the guy in the trench coat.
Preseason 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.
Hello Schneider, G’bye Klee and Larsen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday afternoon the Thrashers pulled off a trade with the Anaheim Ducks for veteran defensemen Mathieu Schneider. On their way to SoCal are Ken Klee and Brad Larsen. Also, included in the deal is Chad Painchaud, the 106th overall pick in the 2004 entry draft who spent last season bouncing between Gwinnett and Chicago.
The deal basically swaps out Klee for Schneider, who’s presence on the ice and in the locker room should prove to be a benefit to rookie Zach Bogosian. On top of that, it appears that Larsen’s spot on the roster will now be contested for by a handful of younger players.
Schneider, a native of New York City, was drafted by Montreal in the 1987 entry draft as the 44th overall pick. He has represented the United States in the 1998 and 2006 Winter Olympic games and the 1988 World Junior Championships. He was also a member of the gold medal winning teams in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey
During his nineteen seasons, Schneider has played with Montreal, the Islanders, the Rangers, Toronto, Los Angeles, Detroit and the Ducks. He’s netted 212 goals and 490 assists in 1,197 regular season games and has 10 goals and 53 points in 109 post-season matches. He won the Stanley Cup with Montreal in ’93.
Last year with Anaheim, Schneider accounted for 12 goals and 27 helpers in 65 games and finished a +22.
Mathieu Schneider and his wife is Shannon currently reside in California and have 4 children, Matheiu Jr., Abigail , Micah , and Ella.
Preseason Starts With Grand Ole Win
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of the things John Anderson has alluded to in regards to the style of play that fans can expect from the Thrashers this season is how he wants blueliners to look for ways to push forward in the attack. The defense is to participate in the O-fensive operations.
Well, if Thursday night’s preseason opener for the Thrashers is any indication…the team’s actions will match the coach’s words as Atlanta defenders accounted for a goal and three assists in the 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators
Garnet Exelby opened the scoring at 4:32 of the first period with a shot from the blueline…assists going to Chris Thorburn and Brett Sterling. Grant Lewis, who was paired with Exelby, picked up a pair of helpers…one of the primary variety, one secondary. And free-agent acquisition Ron Hainsey was credited with an assist, along with Lewis, on Grant Stevenson’s power play goal two minutes after XLB’s goal.
Deep in the third period, Predator forward Kelsey Wilson made the mistake of dropping the gloves with Mike Hoffman. Wilson gives away about 4 inches in height as well as about 22 pounds to Hoffman and, according to Mike Knobler, the fight wasn’t even close!
Boris Valabik drew a 10-minute game misconduct after sparring with J.P. Dumont with just under seven minutes left in the third period.
On the O-fensive side…Grant Stevenson netted a pair of goals on four shots and tossed in a helper. Junior Lessard scored on one of his two shots and Angelo Esposito earned an assist as well. Looks like the Stevenson-Espo-Lessard line was clicking.
Atlanta won the battle in the face-off circle 39-35. Slater went 9 for 15, (60%)…Little won 7 of 13, (54%), Chris Thorburn won the one he participated in as did Joey Crabb, Stevenson was 3 for 10, Espo went 3 for 4, (75%), Stuart was 1 for 3, (33%), Hoffman and Sterling split the two they took respectively and Marty Reasoner took 23 face-offs, winning 12, (52%).
In goal, Ondrej Pavelec got the start for Atlanta and stopped 36 of the 38 shots he faced.
Stat of the night: Atlanta was outshot by Nashville 38-27. As we learned oh-too-well last season, when they lace ‘em up for real next month…Ws will not come in plentiful measures if the SOG/SA stat is double-digits in the red.
Very nice to see the team get a win…especially on a night when Kovy, Kozzy, Kari, Tobi, Havelid, Williams, Army, Crusher, Bogie, White and Perrin aren’t in the lineup. But this is when the kids get their chance to show their stuff and, to that measure, they did just fine.
Just preseason…yeah, I know. But it’s more fun to win ‘em than to not.
Thrashers are in St. Louis tonight…Detroit Sunday afternoon. Then it’s home for the first home preseason game on Wednesday against the Wings. Friday and Saturday of next week round out the exhibition season with games against the Preds and Blues.
Then…
Opening night on the 10th. Can you stand it anymore?
LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!!
Preseason Around The Rinks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thrashers On XM 204 Thursday Night
XM Radio’s NHL Home Ice Channel, (XM 204), will be airing selected preseason games over the next couple of weeks. On the schedule for Thursday night is the match up between the Thrashers and Predators. Tonight…Montreal and Buffalo at 7:00 pm followed at 10:00 by Vancouver and Edmonton.
For those who do not yet subscribe to XM Radio…try Nashville’s radio flag station 104.5 The Zone on-line for Thursday night’s game.
Free Hockey In Toronto
Last night in Toronto, the Maple Leafs hosted the Buffalo Sabres in a preseason game. The Leafs won the match 7-4 behind Dominic Moore’s two goal, +3 performance. Tickets to this game were free of charge and it attracted more fans…I believe about 14,000 or so…than normal.
Hosting such an evening of free hockey is a great idea…one the Thrashers organ-I-zation should consider in the future. Open the doors to the public… avail the sport, the team, the NHL experience to those who have thought about coming to a hockey game but just need that extra incentive to do so. My guess is that most who would take advantage of such an opportunity would return to Philips Arena during the regular season as a paying customer.
Besides, it’s not like the place is packed for preseason exhibition matches anyway.
Krog’s Shootout Goal Lifts Vancouver
Jason Krog, the AHL’s leading scorer last season as a member of the Chicago Wolves, notched the decisive shootout goal Monday night as the Vancouver Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3.
Two Kings Are Better Than One
Taking a look at the rest of the NHL scoreboard, you’ll notice that the L.A. Kings played two games last night. Splitting the squads…one Kings team defeated the St. Louis Blues 2-1 in Kansas City, MO’s new $276 million Sprint Arena before 11,603 fans.
Later on back in Los Angeles, the rest of the Kings roster was able to skate past the Phoenix Coyotes 6-4. 8,221 was the announced attendance there.
The Good, The Un-Good And The Ugly Of The Offseason
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Holy cow! Look at the calendar, kids. It’s late September, and I really should be…oh, you know how the blasted song goes. Anyway, training camp has begun, later this week the first preseason game will be played and opening night is but nineteen days away.
So, let’s take this opportunity to look back on this soon-to-be ending offseason and list some of the good, un-good and just down right uglified things that went down over the summer.
THE GOOD
John Anderson: Fantastic choice for head coach, eh? He’s not just the right coach for this team…he’s the right coach for this team right now. The 2008-09 version of the Atlanta Thrashers will be made up of many who played for Anderson in Chicago while on their way up to the NHL level. So who better to coach them then the man who has found a way to successfully guide them to victory already? Fresh off his fourth championship with the Wolves, he comes to Atlanta and most every Thrashers fan could not be happier. The new coach’s primary job in order to turn this team around is to inflict a serious attitude adjustment. To him, losing is not just un-good…it’s simply un-acceptable…and that is what he will attempt to instill in the minds, hearts and souls of his players. Schleprocks need not apply.
Coaching Staff: Along with Anderson come two other fresh faces behind the bench. First there is Todd Nelson, who worked as an assistant to Anderson in Chicago. Also there’s Randy Cunneyworth, who had spent the past eight seasons as head coach of the Rochester Americans. Cunneyworth was a pleasant surprise last summer, indeed. While in Rochester, he compiled a record of 306-267-67 and won the outstanding coach of the year award in 2005.
Zach Bogosian: “And with the third overall pick in the draft, the Atlanta Thrashers select…Stanley Gruffenfeld”. No, no, no…but admit it, there was that part of you that feared something like that, right? Of course, it was Zach Bogosian and the crowd roared with approval! He’s big, skates great and he plays at level above and beyond his 18-years of age. Oh…and he’ll hit opposing players so hard they’ll wish their parents had never even met! I firmly believe he’ll be on the ice for this team on October 10. Oh sure, he’ll have a sharp learning curve, but that’s to be expected. I simply think holding him down a year does him, and the team, a disservice.
New Acquisitions: Ron Hainsey, Jason Williams, Marty Reasoner are all good signings. Are they block-buster deals that will catipult this team to the Stanley Cup? Most people would say “probably not”. But, the simple question to consider in respect to these players is…do they make the team better? The way I answer that is…Hainsey in place of Zhitnik, yes. Reasoner in place of Holik, yes. Williams in place of Recchi, yes…even if it’s simply because of the younger legs. When you look at the three grouped as a package versus the three they replace…it’s even clearer why they’re acquisitions are placed in the “good” column.
THE UN-GOOD
The Hossa Hole: As much as I feel the Thrashers are an imroved team from the end of last season in the ways listed above, there is still that glaring hole in the lineup that was once filled by Marian Hossa. While I’m not sorry that he’s gone…I mean, if he didn’t want to be here then the team and he are both better off now that he’s not…it’s still very difficult to see where the potential 90-100 points that come with Hossa are going to come from. I had thought that there would have been some kind of deal made to address this over the summer. As it turns out, I was wr…I was wrrr…I was less correct than I normally am.
Campbell’s Thanks But No Thanks: General manager Don Waddell was given the official okee-dokee by those who control the purse-strings to spend the money required to obtain free-agent defenseman Brian Campbell. July 1 we logged onto web-sites posting UFA signing info and hit the refresh button as often as Rosie O’Donnel hits a buffet line. Then comes the news he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks…for less money than the Thrashers we willing to pay him. To Campbell’s credit, he showed a great deal of class in the way he let the organ-I-zation know much he appriciated the intrest and effort put forth to land him. In the end, it may actually turn out to be a good thing…frees up a bunch of cash that’ll be needed to throw at this cat named Kovalchuk in the not-to-distant future. But still, to be turned down to play for a team that hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in 6 years…for less money? Simply, un-good!
THE UGLY
Boyle B-Slaps Blueland: The Tampa Bay Lightning let it known that they intended to dump Dan Boyle and his large contract. They wanted him to waive the No Trade Clause in his contract in order to deal him away. So, what caused Boyle to capitulate to their request? Was there a threat made to dunk him in shark-infested waters wearing chum underbritches? Nope.He found out that if he didn’t, he risked being waived and picked up possibly by the Atlanta Thrashers. Ouch, baby…just ow-ich!
And Finally: Is there anything that can possibly be uglier than half a year with no Thrashers hockey? OK…maybe this. But that’s about it!
Hmmmm, I wonder…are there any rookie hazing practices within the Thrashers organ-I-zation?
Thoughts On The Town Hall Meeting
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday night’s town hall meeting was held down on the floor of Philips arena. The radio play-by-play announcer of the Thrashers, Dan Kamal, hosted the event. I gotta tell you…when I heard his voice booming through the speakers I had an almost Pavlovian experience. You know, Kamal’s voice equals Thrashers hockey so I’m ready to scream…
LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!
Anyway…After a few minutes worth of pleasantries, he quickly handed things off to general manager Don Waddell. Once he thanked the fans for coming out and for their support of the team, Don made a few observations regarding the upcoming schedule…start of training camp, preseason and then into the regular season…then he handed the microphone over to John Anderson.
Here is a very brief recap of the meeting, however it is no way a complete listing of everything that was discussed. I’m most interested in hearing from those of you who were in attendance to add to this and to give your impressions.
-I thought Ron Hainsey handled himself in a very professional and mature fashion when someone asked him to share his thoughts about some saying he was an overpriced player of average talent.
-Hainsey indicated that one of the reasons he chose to play in Atlanta was because he was impressed with coach Anderson’s teams that he played against in the AHL and that he felt he could make a difference here.
-John Anderson fielded several questions regarding what playing style we can expect to see. His primary remarks on this matter dealt with a more aggressive defense, defenders looking for opportunities to join the attack, an O-fense that was more than just dump-and-chase. Look for an up-tempo, fast game out of the Thrashers this year.
-Anderson said he sees the team being a “chameleon”…adapting our game to take on the opposition.
-Also, coach Anderson remarked on how he will hold players accountable for their attitude and effort on the ice. Ice time being taken away will be his avenue to get his message across, but every one-time mistake will not be dealt with as a capital offense. Repeating the mistakes…different story.
-Don Waddell was asked to remark on the possibility of trading away Ilya Kovalchuk, (yeah, I know). He respectfully told the gentleman why it isn’t in the team’s interest to deal away a player of Kovy’s stature and ability. I guess my response would have been something like, “Yeah, that makes great sense…trade away one of the premier stars and leading scorers in the league for, (fill in the blank), and then come out here and tell you why you should continue to spend money on tickets. Brilliant”!
-Waddell was asked why, after all these years with pretty much the same people in charge of the decision making, should there be any hope that things will change and improve. The questioner listened as the general manager simply indicated that all that can be done is to keep trying, keep looking for ways to improve and to keep at it.
-It also seems that Kozlov was more banged up than we really knew last season. Couldn’t lift his arm above his shoulder. Waddell said his injuries did require surgery on his knee and shoulder this summer. This probably explains the year he had, especially in the second half, and also gives further insight to the type of teammate and player Kozzy truly is the way he continued to battle. I’m looking for a healthy Kozzy to have a bounce-back season.
-Don indicated that a team did enquire into a possible trade for one of our goalies in return for two NHL players. Obviously, that didn’t happen…and that’s a good thing. Goalie depth is a luxury and should never be dealt away.
-Then there was a question that was prefaced by the asker that he felt Hossa out-played Kovy last season. This was greeted with a spattering of boos and a few chuckles…out of pity I guess. I don’t really remember what his question was. I find it hard to pay attention when my eyes are rolling so far in the back of my head.
-The last question dealt with the prospect that the team could relocate to Las Vegas in years to come. Waddell said that it would be very difficult to relocate Philips Arena…indicating that since the Thrashers, Hawks and the building were linked, there was little to no chance the franchise would be going anywhere. It just doesn’t make financial sense.
-I was surprised that no one asked Waddell if there were any future acquisitions on the horizon, although I don’t know if he would have been able to answer in the affirmative even if there was. Also, there was no mention of what really went down with Nikulin.
I come away from the meeting with the following impressions:
-These events are a good thing for the organ-I-zation to do. They have held them in the past and I certainly hope they continue to hold them in the future. Communication with your customers…your most loyal of customers…is important for any business.
-The more fans get to know John Anderson, the more they are going to like him and have confidence in his ability to improve this team. I know if I were playing for him, I would want to bust my butt on the ice every day.
-Ownership really is not willing to allow Don Waddell to open the pocket book to spend more than where the team is now, (DUH5). Sure, he was allowed to take out the checkbook to go after Brian Campbell…but once that deal didn’t go down, it was back to keeping a tight grip on the funds.
Lastly, it was my pleasure to meet a number of you for the first time last night. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again throughout the season.
What They Are Saying About…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What Falconer Says About…snatching up Mathieu Schneider. He’s put together a good pro/con list to discuss whether or not the defenseman recently waived by the Ducks is worth taking a chance on. His bottom line is…yes.
Among the “upsides” of claiming the 39-year old, Falconer writes, “Schneider could serve as an elite level mentor the Thrashers young defensemen like Enstrom and Bogosian”. This to me is the added bonus above and beyond the individual play Schneider would bring to the ice.
I have to say I agree.
Bottom line for me…would Schneider make the Thrashers a better team than it is right now? Simply put… yes.
What The Hockey Wench Says About…off-ice contributions made by members of the Atlanta Thrashers. In this fine write-up, she lets us know of the wonderful things some of the players are doing in and around the community.
Great job and thanks for putting these noble actions into the spotlight for us, Lisa.
What Jon “J.P.” Press Says About…the Atlanta Thrashers in this season preview for Fanhouse. Now, I have to say that I disagree with his dire prediction for our team, though it’s apperent I am in the minority in that opinion. However, he states his reasons well and has posted a good read.
Besides, he sure knows where to find a good source for information and opinion…ahem, thank you.
What Maali Says About…the Thrashers third jerseys. Hmmm, I agree…I like the blue better as well. However, I really am not a fan of baby…er…light blue being the domonant color of the jersey design. Make it dark blue and maybe you’re on to something.
Oh and Maali, my friend, I hope you didn’t read who Jon “J.P.” Press thinks is truely on the hook in the Thrashers organ-I-zation.
What Mortimer Peacock Says About…hockey moms and Sarah Palin. This is a clip titled, “Hockey Moms Against Sarah Palin”. Obviously a staged video…but pretty funny none-the-less.
The guys at the Blueland Chronicle are a fun bunch for sure. Love the Thrashers, run a fun and informative blog and are great dudes!
What Robbie Dee Says About… upcoming significant dates on the Thrashers’ calander. Yes folks, training camp starts on Saturday and preseason games start in nine days!
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Hockey season is almost here!
What Sean Grace Says About…regaining respect in Atlanta. In this fine post of a few weeks back, Sean gives a well though out, realistic look at the Thrashers and what should be done to reverse the negative opinions of our team.
Among the many good points made, I chose this one to highlight:
“If the Owners regain their sanity and prove to be competent, the next step is regaining a fan base that has been diminishing since the Thrashers were swept in their only playoff appearance in 2006-07. At a season ticket holder “town hall” meeting, ASG member Bruce Levenson stated that season ticket prices will continue to increase for years regardless of the teams’ performance. Endearing? I think not. The solution might be to take a play from Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank’s playbook and fill the building, at all costs. When Blank took control of a miserable Falcons team, one the first things he did was offer $100 season tickets for a year. It worked”.
Amen. Fill Blueland at any cost. And lowering the cost will help achieve that objective. That and putting a winning product on the ice.
Two For Two In Traverse City
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This past weekend the Atlanta Thrashers young-us played the opening two matches of their scheduled games in the Traverse City prospects tournament. So far, two games played…two shutout wins. Very nice indeed.
Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning prospects, (which was aired on the NHL Network Sunday evening), was a 1-0 victory that saw goalie Chris Carrozzi stop all 26 shots he faced. The last couple saves were made in the closing minute while the team was killing off a power play to preserve the win. The Thrashers were able to get off 21 shots on goal.
Paul Postma scored the games only goal at 14:56 of the first period off a shot from just inside the blueline.
The pairing of Zach Bogosian and Arturs Kulda seemed to work out well. Bogosian’s physical play made him a dominant force on the blueline. Also, Angelo Esposito was very impressive. I’m interested in seeing how well he plays in a few weeks when he gets a chance to display his skills with the big boys. Given that there are a lot of centers on the roster, however, it’ll be a tall task for the kid to break the lineup this go around.
Both teams were 0-8 on power play opportunities.
Other results from Saturday:
Columbus defeated the Wild 4-3 in a shootout. (BTW, the tournament employs AHL shootout rules, which calls for five rounds instead of three).
Dallas beat St. Louis 4-3 in regulation.
Detroit rolled over the Rangers 4-0.
Sunday, Atlanta’s defense dominated again in a 3-0 win over the New York Rangers. This time Ryan Daniels, a free agent who was invited to play, made 23 saves to earn the shutout for the Thrashers. Atlanta managed but 20 SOG.
Goal scorers were Tomas Pospisil, Angelo Esposito and Spencer Machacek. Espo’s goal was of the power play variety and Matt Siddall and Postma were credited with assists. The other two were unassisted tallies.
The Thrashers were 1-4 on the power play and killed off all four penalty kill situations they faced.
Zach Bogosian did not play in Sunday’s game. He was held out as a precautionary measure due to a strained calf.
In other games on Sunday:
Detroit spanked Tampa Bay 5-2.
Dallas edged Columbus 5-4.
The Wild got past St. Louis 3-2.
Up next for the Thrashers, the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. That game will be shown on Wednesday night.
If I May Say This About That
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Indulge me, please, as I say this about…
About Waddell On A Short Leash
In this recent article, Allan Muir of SI.com reviews the changes in the Southeast Division. Regarding the Thrashers, he seems to conclude that Don Waddell is on a short leash.
Sure, logic would dictate that someone who has been the sole general manager of a franchise that over 8 seasons has made the playoffs but one time…has yet to win a playoff game…has had to fire two coaches that he has hired…who just last season watched five years of measurable progress wipe away…who watched prolific scorer Marian Hossa refuse to re-sign because he was convinced the team was not heading in the right direction…who was unable to lure in the talent of Brian Campbell even though he offered more money than the team which did sign him…who’s franchise that was built primarily on his decisions was pretty much b-slapped by Dan Boyle when he capitulated and waived the No Trade Clause of his contract for fear he could be waived and picked up by that team…yes, logic would dictate that such a GM would indeed be on a short leash.
However, logic and Thrashers’ ownership, at least in regards to hockey, do not always dance cheek to cheek. The only real logic that applies here states that if there hasn’t been a move made regarding the Thrashers general manager position after a decade’s worth of “success” experienced by this organ-I-zation capped off by last season’s “steps in the right direction”…surely a slow start out of the gate next month will not be what it takes to get ownership to consider that maybe…just maybe…something needs to be addressed regarding the one main aspect of the team that has remained consistent throughout the decade-long existence of the franchise.
Besides, the Atlanta Spirit, L.L.C. seemingly have a self-imposed limit of one GM firing every three years…and they used that up last spring on Billy Knight after his Hawks team actually won 3 playoff games against the eventual NBA champions.
So, regardless of what type of start the Thrashers get off to, Waddell…for better or worse… is on no shorter leash then he was last spring. In fact, I’m not convinced he is on any leash at all.
About Hockey Moms In The Spotlight
Unless you’ve been living in a cave on a remote island somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean, you know that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could become the first female Vice-President of the United States. If successful, she would shatter the second highest glass ceiling in our society.
Regardless of your feeling toward Palin, your political bent or interest in the subject at all, I think you’ll agree that one positives here is the fact that some well-deserved light is being shone upon the fantastic hockey moms out there…given that she is one herself.
Maybe your mother falls into this category…maybe you know one personally…maybe you are a one yourself.
Me? I’m married to one.
The moms that I know from the rink are wonderful people. When they speak of the schedule they keep, it’s not done so with slumping shoulders or “pity me” attitudes. Quite the opposite, in fact. Their faces light up as they happily discuss their children and the game that they love. These moms are among the most organized, bright, energetic, lovely ladies that can be found. They get their tax-exemptions to the rink for practice and games throughout the season, keeping them well fed and making sure their grades are maintained in school.
The best example of why I hold these people in such high regard is the fine sons and daughters that I have observed over the years. They are receiving the greatest benefit from their hockey moms by way they are being raised. I’ve almost always been greeted with “Good morning, sir” in the locker room hallways from the kids who played with my boys and the team we were opposing that day…they are great kids, indeed. Hockey moms, (and dads for that matter), are among those who perform the most important job I know of…raising our society’s future. And the quality of their work is on display both on the ice and off.
Regardless of what happens this November, enjoy your time in the spotlight, hockey moms…no one deserves it more than you do.
About A 57 Save Performance Lost
By now, you’ve all probably heard of the Bulgarian Women’s hockey team that was outscored by a total of 192-1 in four games during their 2010 Winter Olympic qualifying matches played recently.
In case you’re wondering…no, they didn’t qualify.
The Bulgarian women’s team lost by scores of 41-0 to Italy, 39-0 to Latvia, 82-0 to Slovakia and, in their lone “nail-biter” game, 30-1 to Croatia, (and how much grief do you think the Croatian keeper is getting)?
There is no word yet whether the Bulgarian team’s general manager will be holding a town hall meeting to promise the fans that a top-line center and two quality defenders are on the top of his to-do list during their offseason.
Now, I know this performance has originated a good deal of jokes and jeers directed at these young ladies. But let’s be honest with each other…it takes a great deal of intestinal fortitude and character to continue lacing up the skates and going out on the ice to compete given the fact that there was little-to-no chance that they even had a prayer.
Lost in the 82-0 defeat… the 57 save performance by goalie Liubomira Shosheva. Of course, she faced 134 shots in 54 minutes of play, but compare that with her backup who played the last few minutes and allowed five goals on… well… five shots during a span of a minute and twenty-five seconds.
I guess after that, Slovakia decided to pull back the attack comfortable in the notion that their defense just might be able to hold an 82-goal lead with about 90 seconds left on the clock.
So, even though it would probably come as little…if any…consolation to the Bulgarian ladies, I think there at least should be a tip of the hat given to Shosheva’s performance in the face of such an onslaught and to rest of her teammates who seem to play this game simply because they love it and for the pride of being able to represent their country.
Some might say that can be the only explanation for why they were out there…but maybe that’s reason enough.
AYCE Seats & Traverse City On TV
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thrashers hockey and food…two of my top three favorite things! And this season, one ticket gets me both at Blueland.
As Ben Wright over at the Blueland Blog indicates, the Thrashers will be offering up All You Can Eat seats in select locations. $39 gets you AYCE seats in sections 301 and 302 and $69 does the same in sections 203, 204 and 205. On the menu will be hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels and soda, (sorry, not beer).
Now, as someone who often has two teenage sons in tow when I make my way to Philips, this will be of great benefit. Trips to the concession counter with the whole fam can set me back fifty smackers…conservatively estimated.
Taking advantage of this deal a mere three times all but pays for my Center Ice package this year. Hoo-BOY!
Other professional sports teams have offered AYCE seats. The Braves, in fact, have done so over the past season or two. In fact, if memory serves, they also offered ticket packages that not only got you in the gate and fed you…but they also provided a $25 gas card to offset the expense to haul you and your crew down to The Ted.
Of course this past summer… 25 Washingtons pumped into the suburban assault vehicle might just have been enough get me there but not quite home.
Anyway, the concept of tickets combined with an All You Can Eat deal is a winner and the organ-I-zation is to be commended for offering it.
I just hope they don’t send me a nasty letter after my boys crash the counter multiple time each game.
Traverse City Games On TV
As if AYCE seats weren’t enough good news today…here’s more. We can watch the Traverse City tournament games on the NHL Network. They’ll be on tape delay, but hey…no complaints here.
Don’t have the NHL Network? Well…GET IT!
The schedule so far has the Thrashers/Lighting game airing at 2am on Monday Sept. 15 and the Thrashers/Wings game at 10pm on Wednesday Sept. 17.
Thanks go out to Holly Gunning at Thrashers Prospects Annex for bringing this to my attention on her fine blog.
Town Hall Meting With Waddell And Anderson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of our regular posters around here forwarded an e-mail he received from the Thrashers announcing a town hall meeting to be held on September 17th. General Manager Don Waddell and new coach John Anderson will be holding the gathering for season ticket holders.
Here is what the announcement said:
“You are invited to attend an exclusive pre-season Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, September 17th at Philips Arena.
Please join us for an opportunity to hear the “inside scoop” on the upcoming season. Thrashers Executive Vice-President and General Manager Don Waddell and Head Coach John Anderson will be on-hand to field questions. Doors for the Town Hall will open at 7:00pm and the Q & A portion of the Town Hall meeting will begin at 7:30pm.
Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring guests equal to the number of season tickets you have. Please click here to RSVP if you are able to attend. A confirmation e-mail will be sent after you RSVP with instructions about how to enter Philips Arena and obtaining your complimentary parking pass. An RSVP will be required to attend this event.
You are the Thrashers most valuable asset, and we sincerely appreciate your support and feedback. We hope you are able to take advantage of this special opportunity”.
So…how many of you are planning on attending and what questions might you have for Waddell and Anderson?
Don’t Split The Swedes, Please
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
About the only aspect of the Thrashers’ defense that didn’t send the Suck-O-Meter spinning off its axis last season was the pairing of Niclas Havelid and rookie Tobias Enstrom. As we’ve noted before, Enstrom proved to be a stud…logging a team-high 24:28 TOI/G. Nic Havelid’s 20:30 TOI/G was third best. Between the two, six goals and 46 assists were accounted for.
Havelid finished the year at a +2 while Enstrom ended up a -5. These are not stellar numbers, but are a far cry better than McCarthy’s -23 and Exelby’s -21.
By the time we feasted upon our Thanksgiving turkeys last fall, it was clear that they were clicking together and that the communication between the two…in their native tongue of Swedish…was enabling the team to have at least one dependable blueline unit.
I would venture to guess that these two will be the top defensive pairing to begin the regular season in about five weeks. However, given the new faces that will join them on the back line, Hainsey and Bogosian…who just signed a contract with the team…and the new coaching staff that will direct them…what are the prospects that the two will be given an opportunity to pair up with others?
Enstrom with Hainsey? Havelid with Exelby?
I’m sure we’ll see some mixing of the defensive players during the preseason and maybe in doing so we’ll have the opportunity to judge better whether the two should remain paired or not. But to be honest, I am more of the “if it works, stick with it” train of thought when it comes to the two Swedes.
So, unless shown otherwise, my blueline pairings are…Havelid with Enstrom, Hainsey with Exelby and Klee with Bogosian/Valabik.
Early Jump On Weekend Reading Assignments
The Boston Bruins have Yelled for help…signing the 12-year veteran who has lifted the cup twice.
Darren Eliot indicates that school is “IN” not only for our little tax exemptions…but also the new coaches in the NHL. Oh…and that includes The Mullet.
The Washington Capitals will retire the number 11 jersey in honor of Mike Gartner. The ceremonies will be prior to the December 28th game versus Toronto.
Jon Jordan of Hockeybuzz.com measures up Tampa Bay’s acquisition of Andrej Meszaros from the Ottawa Senators.
John Tortorella may not have landed a head-coaching gig after his departure from Tampa, but he and Ray Ferraro will be joining NHL on TSN for the upcoming 2008-09 season.
The Detroit Red Wings and Chris Chelios have come to terms on a one-year deal.
And finally…What if they held a Major League Baseball game but nobody came?
Time To Get A New Sports Year Started In Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yes…September is here. For hockey fans, this is great news. The dead month of August is behind us and we now look forward to training camp starting in a few weeks, which is followed by the pre-season…and then, October 10.
This time of year also sees the four major sports at a bit of a crossroads. Major League Baseball is winding down their season, the NFL will kick off their new campaign this weekend and the NHL and NBA are set to get things going in the next few weeks.
So, let’s review how things have gone over the past year in regards to the four pro teams that call Atlanta home and see who has faired better.
The Falcons ended last season with a record of 4-12. According to my math, that’s a .250 winning percentage. There were a lot of reasons for this…many, many distractions. I think better days are head for this team.
Although the Hawks qualified for the playoffs…and played very well once there by actually winning some games…they nonetheless finished the 2007-08 season with a .451 winning percentage during the course of the regular season.
The Atlanta Braves are having a tough time of it this summer. As of Tuesday morning September 2, they are 59-79, which is playing at a .428 clip. Over their last 24 games, they would have to go 16-8, (and I’m guessing that they won’t), in order to finish with a winning percentage right at .463.
Now, why is that number important?
Well…because your Atlanta Thrashers, who also had a very disappointing season last year, finished with that winning percentage… .463. (Or, as the NHL calls it in their stats, Points Percentage).
That’s right. The Thrashers will end up having the best winning percentage of the four pro teams over the past year. Not only that, but the top two performers over the past 12 months, the Thrashers and the Hawks, are the pair owned and operated by the Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
The sound you hear is that of many readers gagging on their grits this morning.
Moving forward, which of the four has the better chance at playing above .500 over the course of the coming year?
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