AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPreseason Recap - Setting The Roster
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Saturday night’s 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues, the Thrashers finished the exhibition season with one win and five losses. The lone win coming in Nashville to begin the preseason.
In the six games, Atlanta was outscored 29-14…outshot 215-147, (24.5 S/G vs. 35.8 SA/G)…the power play was a decent 20.0% efficient, (7 goals in 35 man advantages)…but the defense killed off penalties only 74.4% of the time, (32 times out of 43).
Outside of that…it went pretty good.
Keeping things in perspective…last year the Thrashers were 5-2-0 during the preseason then followed it up immediately by starting the regular season 0-6-0…ending the Bob Hartley era in Blueland…on the way to 14th place in the Eastern Conference.
Conversely, the Boston Bruins went 1-4-1 during their preseason last year scoring 13 and giving up 19 goals. Boston then went on to grab the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They then took the top-seeded Montreal Canadiens to a seventh game in the first round of the playoffs. Cal-Gary went 1-5-2 during the same preseason, scored 13 goals and let up 24. They finished last spring with a record of 42-30-10, which was good enough for sixth in the Western Conference.
Now…am I predicting that the Thrashers are this year’s version of the Bruins and Flames based on the now-finished preseason? Nope…not at all. I’m merely pointing out that preseason records are not necessarily indicative of future results. The faux games of the last couple of weeks are a way to allow coaches to evaluate talent, break in new game plans, to take a look-see at what lines do or don’t work and all that jive.
Nothing more…nothing less.
Plus, as pointed out by Mark Knobler, the team is still “A work in progress” as many players are still getting comfortable with John Anderson’s new system. Camp only started just over two weeks ago.
Now… so that no one thinks I’m simply whistling past the graveyard here…there are a few things that do concern me moving from postseason to regular season play. Allowing almost 36 shots on goal is disquieting. Being outshot by an average of 11.3 per game in distressing. That eleven of the twenty-nine goals scored on Atlanta were of the power play variety raises an eyebrow. Kari Lehtonen allowing ten goals in three starts is troublesome, however I temper that with the fact he faced 107 shots and made 97 saves, (90.6 SV%).
But Friday, none of it matters. We start from scratch…for real.
By Wednesday, the team will need to trim its roster by three…taking it from 26 to 23 players. The team could chose to send four more down and carry only 22, but with Little and Williams possibly having to miss action this weekend due to injuries, I would opt to keep the extra forward around for a while.
Oystrick is the obvious odd-man out on the blueline, same with Crabb up front. I see the final two spots between Sterling, Hoffman and Stuart. If I’m given that choice, Stuart and Hoffman stay.
That being the case, here is what I believe the opening-night roster will look like:
First, in goal…Kari starts and Moose will back-up, (DUH5).
Defense…
Tobias Enstrom - Nic Havelid
Ron Hainsey - Mathieu Schneider
Zach Bogosian - Garnet Exelby
Boris Valabik the healthy scratch.
Up front…
Ilya Kovalchuk - Erik Christensen - Jason Williams*
Slava Kozlov - Bryan Little* - Colby Armstrong
Eric Perrin - Marty Reasoner - Todd White
Eric Boulton - Jimmy Slater - Chris Thorburn
Scratches would be Colin Stuart and Mike Hoffman
I think it’s entirely possible that White and Little could swap positions listed above…but outside of that, there’s my lineup.
*This lineup assumes Williams and Little are able to play this weekend depending upon their injuries. From all I’ve heard, they are not serious but we’ll have to see for sure. If they are not able to go…Hoffman and Stuart could play.
LET’S DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK ALREADY!!
Update-Oct. 6,2008 2:21pm: At 2:03 pm Monday the Thrashers web site announced that Crabb, Stuart and Valabik are the three players sent to Chicago.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By GaVaHokie
October 6, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Rawhide… if you look at the Roster on the Thrashers site, it’s already down to 23 players. I’ve been checking it daily and Oystrick, Crabb and Valabik are missing today. They were on there yesterday.
Haven’t seen any official press release though.
By Russian
October 6, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I am agreed with those line. Only few changes I like to see. D-men
Ron Hainsey - Zach Bogosian
Mathieu Schneider - Garnet Exelby
Forward: Eric Perrin - Marty Reasoner-Mike Hoffman
Eric Boulton - White - Chris Thorburn
By Rawhide
October 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Hokie - Crabb and Oysterick don’t surprise me. But seeing that Kulda was sent down Saturday, if they did same with Valabik, that leaves only six D-men.
I’m I missing someone?
By Sara
October 6, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Holy Cow Hokie you’re right. Wow - only 6 d. All I can figure is Anderson hasn’t made up his mind yet about all the forwards so he’s keeping some extras up. So presumably we’d call Boris or someone back up soon correct?
Good job for Hoffman - I think he’s earned a good look. Stuart and Sterling - well those are Anderson’s boys so I’m not all that surprised.
By Buzilla in CT
October 6, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hokie, you’re still a Mary
By TRON
October 6, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
WELL………….WE UPGRADED ON DEFENSE……………THIS SUMMER………SO TELL ME………….WHO DO THE CODDLERS BLAME THIS TIME…..??………WHEN LETEMIN PLAYS HIS TYPICAL ROLE……OF WHINY, IMMATURE, NO TALENT CRYBABY…WHILE “LETTING IN” 4-5 NIGHTLY……….YOU CODDLERS CAN’T BLAME THE DEFENSE THIS TIME…….LMAO….LMAO……ALAN/SARAH……..HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, APOLOGISTS CENTRAL………..ROFLMAO…………ROFLMAO……………ROFLMAO………….ROFLMAO…………..
By Michael B. Shapiro
October 6, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Posted on the Thrash website at 2:03 this afternoon:
The Atlanta Thrashers have assigned forwards Colin Stuart and Joey Crabb and defenseman Boris Valabik to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.
The Thrashers now have 23 players on their training camp roster, including 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders.
Might be nice if the website also gave Hoffman an number
Let’s drop the freakin’ puck already. Time for the real show.
By erock
October 6, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Thrashers have assigned forwards Colin Stuart and Joey Crabb and defenseman Boris Valabik to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.
The Thrashers now have 23 players on their training camp roster, including 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders.
The Thrashers begin their 2008-09 regular-season schedule on Friday, Oct. 10, when they host the Washington Capitals at Philips Arena at 7:30 p.m.
By erock
October 6, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Who are the 7 defensemen?
By Sara
October 6, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
So they cut Stuart and kept Oystrick? How interesting - how very very interesting.
By Rawhide
October 6, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
OK…that leaves Oystrick as the 7th D-man then…right?
Like I said…Oystrick was the obvious D-man out. :o)
By Robert
October 6, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
You know it is going to be a very long season when Oystrick and Hoffman are on the roster.
By GaVaHokie
October 6, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Does that mean Oystrick is still on the roster? You gotta be kidding me.
By Mary
October 6, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Buzilla, I take offense to that!
By Rawhide
October 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Does that mean Oystrick is still on the roster? You gotta be kidding me.
Hokie - That’s the way I figure it, unless they choose to call Kulda back.
By GaVaHokie
October 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Hokie, you’re still a Mary
Why I outta…
By Toby
October 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Over the last 2 seasons with the Wolves, Oystrick had 90 pts. and was a combined +25. I think he thrived under Anderson’s system. It may be a nice pick……
By Alan
October 6, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
In all the times I’ve been called an “apologist,” everyone doing so has failed to say exactly what I’m apologizing for.
Here’s to you, all-caps-typing blog troll (“Reeeal men of genius!”)! Isn’t there a bridge you should be under?
By Sara
October 6, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Here’s what’s funny. People complain that we don’t produce players out of the drafts or through our farm system. The whine about the “crappy players” on the 2nd/3rd/4th line (take your pick). But now a coach has actually brought in other players to challenge for those spots, players who also have the added benefit of knowing the new system, and people are still complaining.
By UpperDeck4Life
October 6, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
If Valabik wasn’t going to make the roster, than I would have rather seen Kulda make this team than Oystrick. If Valabik can’t beat out Oystick, than I am really beginning to wonder about his NHL potential. Not that the 2004 draft was great, it’s looking a little top heavy right now after Malkin and Ovechkin, but Travis Zajac, Wojtek Wolski, Andrej Meszaros, and Mike Green were all selected after Boris. I mean we could have been stuck with AJ Thelen, the Ryan Leaf of the NHL, but that’s 2 drafts in a row that DW and the scouts, gasp, failed to give this team any viable NHL prospects outside of Enstrom and MAYBE Sterling and Grant Lewis.
By Rawhide
October 6, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Toby - Those are good stats, indeed. AHL level, but worthy of notice. I’m sure that if he is the 7th D-man it’s because he won Anderson’s respect.
Plus, Boris’ penalty minutes were probably a concern to the coaching staff as well. Can’t say that I blame them.
By Tony C.
October 6, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
We went and watched the game Saturday-here were our main reactions:
A) Williams is invisible-it’s like a creepy super-power, dude’s not there then-WHAM!- there he is, missing an opportunity to keep the puck in the O-fensive zone.
B) As my friend Chuck said: ” This is B.S.!!! It’s the same crap I saw last year….everybody collapes down to the goal-I mean they could’ve held hands last time! They need to be more AGGRESSIVE-these guys are just letting ‘em skate into the zone without doing a thing-you gotta be more agressive! “
Friend Nick (who’s more of a college football guy-we’re trying to convert him):
” What I don’t understand is why the knock us on our @sses and we don’t do that to them?? I don’t know hockey but I’m pretty sure we’re supposed to light their @ss up! “
And
C) They had NO PASSION; few of the men in Thrasherbleu seemed to “want it”. Most others seemed lost out there!
Didn’t look good at all; hopefully there was some sandbagging going on trying not to get hurt or something.
By GaVaHokie
October 6, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
But now a coach has actually brought in other players to challenge for those spots, players who also have the added benefit of knowing the new system, and people are still complaining.
I’m not complaining about Oystrick, I’m just shocked… haven’t seen him play since pre-season last year, so I’ll definitely be interested to see how he improved.
If I had to bet money who was going to take the few available spaces on the roster, it wouldn’t have been Oystrick and Hoffman.
By GaVaHokie
October 6, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Plus, Boris’ penalty minutes were probably a concern to the coaching staff as well. Can’t say that I blame them.
And Goons should be at the forward position… thus Hoffman.
Hollweg, Brashear, Laraque, Ruutu… all forwards.
By kracker
October 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
GaVa If I had to bet money who was going to take the few available spaces on the roster, it wouldn’t have been Oystrick and Hoffman.
Maybe Hartley & Waddell did/would have thought the same way. It’s Anderson and Cunney’s team now, so no big surprise they might eveluate the talent a bit differently. Here’s to motivation!
By volgrad1985
October 6, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Regarding the Valabik vs Kulda vs Oystrick debate….I tend to believe that the competition between the 3 of them for a roster spot was to determine who would have the honor to be the healthy scratch for 30-40 games or so. In that respect, Oystrick is the logical choice based on his experience and the fact that Valabik and Kulda would both benefit much more by playing a full complement of games for the Wolves.
I don’t know the extent of Hoffman’s supposed broken hand (haven’t heard one word officially yet), but either way, I am really glad to see he made the cut. I’ve said it multiple times here and elsewhere, I like him on the ice for us much more than Boulton, playing similar roles, because he is so much more of an intimidating force.
By GaVaHokie
October 6, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Gotta figure whoever the 7th D-man is will be sitting in the press box for all but maybe 15 games.
Who makes a better injury replacement for Bogosian, Enstrom, Hainsey and Schneider in an Anderson system?… Probably Oystrick.
If you’re keeping Valabik around for his toughness, you’re better off using Hoffman at a forward position.
By Tony C.
October 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
After watching the past few pre-season games, I think I’d like to see our top line as:
17, Williams, Thorburn (even though Williams disappears)By Alan
October 6, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
After being traded, Ryan Hollweg continues to thug it up on the ice. As a result, the NHL continues to penalize him for it.
Bonus: There’s no guarantee he’ll even make the Leafs’, as the article says he’s “still competing for a roster spot.”
By waffleboy
October 6, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure what to think of this roster. Certainly no better or worse than the last two season’s opening night rosters, but will Anderson’s system and motivation be the cure for an underachieving franchise? Hartley’s schtick had clearly worn thin in Atlanta, as it had with the Avs in 2003. There’s a reason he was routinely considered the least-liked coach when NHL players were polled.
That said, there’s no reason to believe the underachieving was solely the result of Hartley’s coaching (though it was signficant to the lackluster play of Hossa, IMO). Or that Anderson will be the cure. But there is hope.
And while I am skeptical of success, I differ strongly with the negative bloggers who post here with their constant attacks on Waddell and this organ-I-zation. They’ve really become quite tiresome. They offer little in the way of constructive criticism or positive solutions. I truly wish I could understand their motivation.
Here’s to a successfu season for OUR Atlanta Thrashers. Let us all hope that they play hard and compete night in and night out. That alone is all that I require.
By LAC.
October 6, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Yes “sara” when you go 1-5 have almost no offense PLEASE tell me what there is to look forward to ?
You know zero about NHL hockey, it is very evident, I guess in that little mind of yours going 10-72-0 would be a great season ! There is nothing to be excited about on this team, this year, asg and your #1 boy don waddell saw to that !
So, sara, go to the corner and suck your thumb, class dismissed !
By Bob
October 6, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
No suprise to me to see Oystrick kept and Valabik sent down. Oystrick played really well for the Wolves in their playoff run, and Valabik looked the same in the Wolves’ playoff run as he looked when he played for us, slow and ineffective (except for taking bad penalties).
Reality check-this is a build year. Do not expect anything other than some young guys getting a chance to become NHLers and then Waddell will blow smoke up the few that are left that will go to his town hall meetings and keep them hanging around, until he jettisons Schneider, Reasoner, and Williams at the trade deadline, furthering our chances at #1 or #2 overall. And frankly, that’s that best plan. I just feel sorry for the folks that are still paying full price (actually higher prices, eh?) to watch this year’s version of a Year 2 or Year 3 squad. Oof.
By Bob
October 6, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Here’s the first thing I’ve read that documents what I have long suspected to be the case, that season tix renewals are down 60%
By Sage of Bluesland
October 6, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
“…I just feel sorry for the folks that are still paying full price (actually higher prices, eh?) to watch this year’s version of a Year 2 or Year 3 squad.”
I don’t. They’re getting what they are paying for: incompetence. If they value their money that little—well if it’s theirs to begin with; an assumption, I know—then fools and their money are soon parted…It only proves that P.T. Barnum was absolutely correct.
The wittle fwag-wavers are giddy to plan their widdle woad twips, all the time thinking they’re doing a good thing.
In reality, they are doing the exact opposite. Next, they’ll ask in wide-eyed wonder, “Why do we suck?”.
Well, here’s to you, subsidizers—for an upcoming season you deserve! Are you feeling giddy as we embark on Don Waddell’s second (or third?) “Five-Year Plan”…
By Tony C.
October 6, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
I’m OK with a “build year” i.e. a .500+/- season.
No reason to assume the worst, though.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 6, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Tony C. — True. There’s a bright side to however this season may unfold…if the team does poorly, they have a chance at a high draft choice. For those interested in seeing managerial changes, a bad season would also mean Waddell could possibly be removed from his position.
If the team does well, almost everyone in these parts is happy — except those with grudges against a specific goalie or those with a disturbing affinity for farm animals. Those people will never be happy, no matter the outcome of a single season.
The worst case scenario is a mediocre season landing the Thrashers just out of range of those top 5 draft choices, but well out of the playoffs. Such a season could mean the team never really gelled into a cohesive unit, prospects never developed, the coaching staff never really got the players on board or in sync, or a variety of other issues that none of us wish upon this franchise. Hopefully this team is in a hunt for a playoff spot, or are sellers at the trade deadline and in the prospect development stage during the last months of the season.
I’m not a supporter of “tanking”, but I’d definitely hate to see this team eek by and miss a chance at a top 5 pick, if/when it becomes obvious they’re well out of the playoff hunt.
By Scotty
October 6, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Yo, Rawhide. Your Pavelec piece got a mention from Puck Daddy.
By Viking
October 6, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
5-1 pre-season…
I guess they must not have been mongoosing enough!
By LAC.
October 7, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Well just watched NHL network Eastern Confrence preview… Guess who is picked dead last ?
Your Atlanta Thrashers Who Else !!!!!!!!
Also saying Ilya will be GONE as well,the franchise is in deep trouble, with poor owners anda GM who has been there too long.
These are NHL people saying this people, not fans, again facts come back to kill us once again…
This is a BAD team from owners to GM to players, we are Cheap and poorly built, Picked for last place folks…
Anyone counter this with reasons we will be better, only when asg sells out to a committed OWNER and don waddell is FINALLY kicked out to the curb, will this team start to become a better team, until then,look for NOTHING different from last season… Sorry sara… facts are facts !
By R. Stroz
October 7, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
On a completely different and unrelated note, I haven’t had much time to post or blog, well other than today, as my father has been at Kennestone Hospital for forty-one days and counting with over 30 days in ICU.
For any of you with loved ones please, please, please don’t take your loved ones to Kennestone Hospital for any serious medical condition.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
It’s difficult for me to tap dance around it, but if this team is 10 games under .500 at Christmas time, I’m not hoping for some late season surge that lands us, exactly as Ranallo outlined, outside of the playoffs and outside of a “Top 5” pick. If, on the other hand, JA is embarking on a “Coach of Year” season, and this system and these prospects are rocking, well into March, then I hope we make the playoffs. It would mean “we’re on our way, and WELL AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.” Such results might prompt the ownership to spend a bit more in the next offseason. At last glance, the Thrashers cap was at around $45 million.
Meaning?
Well, I’ll be presumptuous. It means the ownership isn’t trying to win the Stanley Cup this year, at least based off its budget, which is more than $10 million under the cap. A healthy budget would be at or about $54 million right about now. I think Calgary is still over the cap and the L.A. Kings are still under the $40.7 floor, with the clock still ticking.
I wish the very best for the Thrashers. I’m not a fan that expects a Stanley Cup in every season. Nor do I expect to compete for the Cup in EVERY season. I understand about the ebbs and flows of contention. Sometimes, there are “build” years. Again, that’s not what people want to hear. Most fans probably want to gun for the Cup, year in and year out, and if we don’t win, at least we died TRYING. I respect that position. But I don’t share it. I think it’s more important to build a “window of opportunity” than it is to “roll the dice” hoping for 7’s. If you gamble it all, and lose, you’ve taken SEVERAL steps backwards, making the climb that much harder, for the future.
If it flops this year, (I didn’t say “tank,” as that has quitting connotations associated with it,) but we develop talent and get an excellent draft position, I’ll be satisfied that we’re still building correctly.
Now … if we screw up the lottery draft pick, I’ll go ballistic. But we’re hardly there yet. The playoffs may well be out of reach this season, but if they’re in sight at the trade deadline, perhaps the AS, LLC will add pieces and salary? I said, “perhaps.” These owners got a taste of exciting playoffs last season with the Hawks. They might try a little harder, on the hockey side, if things go well.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
R.Stroz, hope your Dad gets well soon! The ICU isn’t a fun place to hang around. Best wishes for a more speedy recovery!
By LAC.
October 7, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
R.Stroz, best wishes on your Dad, My best friend found out today he has pancreatic cancer, so despite everything, Life & Family & Friends are priceless, much more than any sports team…
By HookyBob
October 7, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
My prayers are with you and yours..Stroz. The ICU waitng room can also be so trying. Makes one appreciate their health.
By five_hole
October 7, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
R.Stroz Sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts are with you and him.
By glovesave29
October 7, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
RStroz…my prayers are with you, be strong.
As for Kennestone, ditto with ya on that one. I once had a deep gash in my scalp after taking a puck in the head (insert joke here) during warmups when a teammate took a shot on me before I had my mask on. They took me to Kennestone in my full goalie gear…and the doctor asks if I play soccer. Scary!
As for these predictions. They are worth less that last weeks newspaper. What “experts” say is useless. Every year a team comes from nowhere and surprises everyone. Each season a favorite disappoints. We are most likely not very good…this is true. But think of it this way…the “experts” over at ESPN have 6 different SC winners. So at BEST 83% of them will be wrong. A team could come from nowhere and ALL of them are wrong. What happens to Washington if Ovechkin blows out his knee next week? What if Roberto Luongo is traded to Toronto?
If you choose to boycot the team this season because of mismanagement…that is your perogative. I would not choose to do so, but that is my decision. Neither choice is wrong. If you go, you are not a sheep, ready to drink the ASG Kool-Aid or any of those other stupid comments. You are a hockey fan and choose to not punish yourself by missing out on the game you love. But then again…you are supporting mediocrity with your hard earned dollars. If you skip, you are spending money more wisely on an inferior product during tough economic times, and sending a message to management that you will no longer support their bumbling ways…fine. Then again, you take the risk of not supporting a team and watching them pull the UHauls up and moving them to Winnipeg. You have also deprived yourself of seeing live the game you love.
But pleeeease cut this ridiculous bickering about who is right and who is wrong. It cannot be measured. Follow what you think is right and don’t give a flip about what others do.
By Sara
October 7, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Stroz sorry about your dad and your family - sounds like you guys are having a tough time made tougher. Good luck with all of it.
Brendan (and some others) I’m a little concerned that some of you are really concerned about hitting into that marginal area where we don’t make the playoffs but don’t get a real shot at a lottery pick. Because I think that’s likely exactly where this team is going to end up. Brendan you in particular mentioned being 10 games under .500 at Christmas, which is also likely. My official position for a while now on this season is I expect a slow start that should start picking up by December and really be rolling as the end of the season comes along. It will take the players a bit of time to adjust to a new system and implement it consistently (props to Brett Sterling for backing me up on that one in his interview the other day - and some people want to say I know nothing about hockey, pshah), the lines will develop chemistry, and the younger guys will get better and more experienced with every shift.
If the stars align just right, this team could challenge for a playoff spot. If they don’t dig too deep of a hole through October and November, if Kari has a solid season, if the D steps up offensively as planned, if the young players come through as expected, if Anderson’s system works as envisioned, things could go well for this club. At worst, the whole thing is an abject failure, at which point I guess you fire everyone associated with this franchise not named Kovalchuk, Bogosian, or Enstrom (that includes the owners - whole new clean slate). Realistically, I think we are looking at somewhere between 10th-12th spot in the East. I don’t think the team can turn it around fast enough to rank any higher, but I think the numbers from say January to the end of the season are going to be quite good.
I like that finish. Yeah, I’d like 8th or higher better, but then I’d also like a couple extra million in my bank account too. However, going from 14th to say 10th or 11th is solid progression over the course of one season, especially with the amount of transition the team is going through. If they can improve by 3 rankings this season, then do it again next season, well folks, that’s a playoff berth.
By kracker
October 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
R.Stroz Really sorry to hear your dad is in the hospital. If he’s a hockey fan, don’t let them play Thrash TV in his room…sorry for the lame attempt at humor. Best wishes for your family and your father.
By kracker
October 7, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Sara I think that’s the expectations/hopes of most fans: A fairly fast gelling for the lines and pairs as they learn Anderson/Cunneyworth/Nelson’s schemes. Plus, having an at least respectable defensive corps early on so Kari and maybe Moose as well have a chance to steal two or three games those first two months. Oh, and our younger players are ready for prime time.
By Bob
October 7, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
If it flops this year, (I didn’t say “tank,” as that has quitting connotations associated with it,) but we develop talent and get an excellent draft position, I’ll be satisfied that we’re still building correctly
Waddell has actually done a good job of managing this build year so far, I think. And I have full confidence that he’ll make the right moves at the deadline. This club will be a just under .500 club until the deadline, and then he’ll trade off Schneider, Reasoner, and Williams and that will definitely set us up for a top pick next summer. That’s how you do a build year, and it’s 100% the right thing to do. The only thing I worry about is how Kovy will feel after yet another futile season, but if he sees Bogosian really develop and if he really likes Coach, then I am hopeful he signs the extension next summer, although I’d like to see him and/or his agent hold the Spirit’s feet to the fire and make them jettison Waddell and make some good moves before he re-signs.
By Bob
October 7, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
stroz, my prayers for a full recovery for your father and for our Lord to support you and the family during this difficult time.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Waddell has actually done a good job of managing this build year so far, I think.
I like this statement. The reason being is we all know you don’t like Waddell, and we all know you think this should be/is a build year, but it further highlights your reason for not liking Waddell.
Why? It’s quite simple…what you see as a build year based on the talent for this club, the contracts signed for some of the offseason acquisitions, etc, Waddell sees as proper moves to make this team a contender on a shoe-string budget. Sure, he’s left his options open with a few of the players (I’d wager Williams wouldn’t sign here had it been a multiple year contract, he’s using Atlanta to prove he’s healthy to the other NHL teams) by signing them to one-year contracts (or acquiring them on an expiring contract)…but in all honesty he thinks these are the right moves, which will help push this team into playoff contention.
So, while you think and will continue to think Waddell is focusing on tanking this season with subpar talent and a few deadline trade-bait players, Waddell thinks this team can contend for the wild card playoff spots. To me it highlights the ineptness that you disdain about Waddell.
Thus, your statement is quite amusing, on multiple levels. Well done.
PS — That’s sincerity.
By glovesave29
October 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Ranallo…let’s be even more positive, let us consider that Williams likes it here. The one year contact was a “tire kicker” - see if this place is a bad as Hossa made it out to be. He has a good season, his wife likes the affordable housing and short winters, etc…maybe is playing for a new contract HERE.
There 690+ different personalities in the NHL. Just because this is not the place for one vocal one, it is not the same for all of the others.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
glovesave — I definitely agree. Every situation is subjective, and we’re at a disadvantage because we can only assume what a player/agent/gm thinks when signing a contract as a UFA.
Personally, I saw Williams’ signing in Atlanta as a last resort…he was injured for much of last season, but had a decent point/game clip that was overlooked due to his injury. If I were in his position, I’d be concerned that teams are overlooking my talents due to one injury, and I need to prove them wrong (I get motivated by such things). So, Atlanta comes along and offers a “tire kicker” contract, which I view as an audition for every other NHL team.
Personally (again, assuming I’m a professional athlete), Atlanta has little to offer me in ways of history (I’ve played in two cities with much more hockey history than Atlanta…Detroit and Chicago), or in terms of thrills for me, a 28-year-old Canadian boy (again, assuming I was in his position, I’m not Canadian).
So yeah, Atlanta would be my proving ground, where the GM promised me I’d be able to play top line talent alongside the most prolific goalscorer in the NHL over the last 4 seasons. I’d jump at that opportunity in a heartbeat (on a one-year contract), knowing that Kovalchuk would help my stats, and that if I liked it enough in Atlanta I could always re-sign. If I didn’t like it there, or had a bad season, I could always try again in some other NHL city, because I know I have NHL caliber talent.
But you’re definitely right. He and his significant other could love Atlanta, and decide to stay here for multiple years. I’ve already stated that I wouldn’t mind locking him up for another 2 years at least, because I like what I’ve seen from him in Chicago and Detroit (the endorsement from Schneider also goes a long way)…but, I just don’t see it happening based on the circumstances around this team and his signing in Atlanta.
By Bob
October 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
let’s be even more positive, let us consider that Williams likes it here. The one year contact was a “tire kicker” - see if this place is a bad as Hossa made it out to be
I’m having total deja vu here, it’s pretty funny how some people just don’t get it. I said prior to last season that Hossa was gone, outta here, no way was he going to re-sign here, might as well trade him now.
The exact same usual suspects were here last year telling me I was wrong, Hossa could re-sign here, this team was competitive, just wait and see. lol.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. What other inane lines came I come up with to label the inanity, how bout, Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt, eh?
Williams, Reasoner, and Schneider will be moved at the deadline (assuming they have decent years and are desired by other clubs).
60% of season ticket holders know what’s up, as I do, and that’s why we didn’t re-up. I feel very proud of my fellow former season ticket holders for taking the right stand and showing the owners that enough is enough.
By kracker
October 7, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Ranallo Nice take on how DW may regerd the team. You could be quite right but I suspect that he, like us, is more in the hopeful range of expectations for his team rather than thinking he has done enough to be a considered even a legitimate darkhorse contender. I think he did what he could with Atlanta not being a premium place to play hockey, a less than max budget and a fractured ownership group.
He surely must see what most of us see: If several ‘ifs’ all or mostly come up favorable, with some additional luck such as few injuries, this team might contend for the division or a PO spot, depending on what the other teams do.
Me, I always choose to be optimistic before the season starts. Some team always seems to come from nowhere to excel, I hope it is the Thrashers this season.
By glovesave29
October 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Bob, first of all, I was not on this blog at this time last season. Secondly, I did not realize you had a portal into these guys heads a la “Being John Malkovich”. Did you not just read what I read above? If you choose not to re-up, great…good for you. For those 40% who did, its their money - if they choose to get ST’s then I am OK with that too. You are not the end-all, be-all of hockey opinion in this town. You agree or disagree with me…could care less each way. But you are no more correct then I am. It is an OPINION. There are also a fair number of players who don’t crave the spotlight. That like to play in a city where they can go out to dinner and not be harrassed by 2000 fans wanting autographs. Hossa was a different situation, a different person…so using that logic that all will follow his lead is just silly.
By NASCAR Dave
October 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Build Year??? I think you mean a RE-build year… Is this the 2nd or 3rd “rebuild”, by the way??? I lost count…
Also, how come everybody here, and I mean EVERYBODY, has admitted that this is a rebuild year, EXCEPT for DONNIE FRADell???
WHY is THAT???
Why can’t we get a quote from DONNIE that this is a “Build Year” or a “Rebuild Year”??? KNOBLER???
RE: PAVELEC — Everybody needs to wise up and take the blinders off… This is “AGENT SPEAK”… Quite similar to the speak we hear from KOVY’s agent… That is what AGENTS do!!! LOL
But, what I found to be quite amusing was when KOVY’s agent said those things, the Sheep were all giddy with excitement, but when PAVELEC’s Agent said those things, NOW all of a sudden the agent is the “Bad Guy”… LOL!
So, to sum things up, if a Players agent says something positive about the club, in the eyes of the sheep it’s true, But if the agent says something negative about the organ-i-zation, then they must have an agenda…
LOL, that is the dumbest logic I have ever heard, but seeing as it is coming from the usual Sheepish subjects, nothing at this point would surprise me!!!
Pathetic.
By NASCAR Dave
October 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Yes “sara” when you go 1-5 have almost no offense PLEASE tell me what there is to look forward to ?
You know zero about NHL hockey, it is very evident, I guess in that little mind of yours going 10-72-0 would be a great season ! There is nothing to be excited about on this team, this year, asg and your #1 boy don waddell saw to that !
So, sara, go to the corner and suck your thumb, class dismissed !
Right on, LAC!!! See, this SARA girl doesn’t know jack about Hockey!!! LOL… Don’t forget, LAC, she is one of those “BANDWAGON” Dead Wings Fans!!! LOL! Not even from there, just picked them because they win consistently! How silly is that???
Don’t waste your time with her LAC, she simply has NO CLUE, and is “A-OK” with a crappy hockey team and a crappy product consistently peddled at her, by her SHEEPmaster, DONNIE FRAUDell…
And it’s pretty darn laughable, at that!!!
:)
By Tony C.
October 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t put too much stock in the NHL:OTF season preview…I mean I like Larry Murphy, but if you don’t think he and what’s-his-a* aren’t just about the epitome of the “old boys club” you’re nutty.
Very valid pints though-cobbled together O-fense with only one proven scorer (this is a fact, Slava’s decent but best years are behind him-it’s a fact), new coach, long-overdue shot at the bigs. DefenCe~better than it was, but when you look at what it was, there’s only one direction to go in.
Now as far as #17 “being one foot out the door”-well, wouldn’t you? I mean Le Thrash have 18 months to prove to him that they have indeed pulled their head out and realize that #17 is good enough to build around and produce some results-I don’t think that they need to make the EC Finals, but yeah, the Thrashers need to be “in” more games this year.
They need to be an unwelcome destination on the other guys swing through the Southeast Div. not the “Ok boys, here’s two easy ones” team that the league has grown accustomed to.
But really, I’m looking at the end of October to have revealed several things to us;they may not be all positives, but i think that things are going to be better than the experts in toronto think (I mean c’mon they have Tampa Bay winning the division-honestly, do any of yall think they have the D to hang all season long?)
By Bob
October 7, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
so using that logic that all will follow his lead is just silly
Hoss was a different situation. The reason I think that Williams is gone at the deadline, is because it’s the right thing to do and will be done at the deadline. It’s how you have to build clubs in the cap era, you have to get picks and young prospects, especially when you can’t spend to the limit like the richest clubs.
By waffleboy
October 7, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
NASCAR Dave and LAC- Just because you disagree with someone does not mean they know nothing about hockey. I think we can all agree that Sara has made some interesting and insightful points on these boards in the past. Lighten up, guys.
By Sara
October 7, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Why Dave you devoted 10 whole lines just to me - I’m flattered. Notice how many I spend on you…
Tony C. I think most of the experts would rather under-rank a team than over-rank in general and the issues with the Thrashers are mostly all ??? that could go either way. As for TB, I watched the second game against the Rangers and the commentators were remarking they thought the Boyle trade was awful. While they like Meszaros, Boyle was their defensive bread and butter. They could surprise some people but they sure weren’t impressive in their first two games. Though that said, their D wasn’t the problem - their lack of offense was - go figure that one.
By bob (other)
October 7, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Bob is correct. Williams should be moved at the deadline. We have several others we can move at the deadline also:
Williams, Armstrong, Reasoner, Slater, Christensen, Perrin, Thorburn, Havelid, Oystrick, Lehtonen
By polskidawg
October 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, it seems that you are saying that you have concerns, but you don’t really know what the a Thrashers are - yet.
I’d be inclined to agree. More than past years, I think it will take 10 - 15 games before even Anderson knows what he has, let alone fans knowing.
That’s one of the reasons why I am mildly optimistic, yet firmly realistic in a prediction of 78 points this season. The optimistic part thinks we’ll see the majority of those points being earned Dec. - Mar., with only typical injuries.
If its a bad injury season….
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand the need for posters to attack each other. I wouldn’t want to live in a world where everyone agreed with me. First off, I’m not always right. (Last year, at about this time, I said Mark Popovic would fare the best of our rookies and that Enstrom would finish last, with Little and Sterling being in the middle. Great post, huh? Rolling eyes.) And secondly, I happen to think I learn something, or at least, potentially learn something, from alternative viewpoints. It is a hallmark of being “open-minded.”
Different thoughts are good for me. Otherwise, I never expand my horizons beyond that of what I already know. Getting back on track here, finishing outside of the lottery draft and outside of the playoff bubble would be a very unfortunate outcome, in my view. We didn’t get the thrill of the playoffs or really put ourselves into a power position to find a “can’t miss” prospect.
That said, last year was a deep draft. I think there were some solid prospects found between #6 and #10 overall. Nikita Filatov, Colin Wilson, Mikkel Boedker, Josh Bailey, Kyle Beach at #11, Erik Karlsson at #15 … all seem like quality draft picks beyond #5 overall. But, I don’t think we can count on a such deep draft year being an annual event. Sometimes, even the Top 5 picks are far from “sure things.” (See 1999.)
Unrelated to the above, how come Drew Doughty, #2 overall pick, has a cap hit of $3.475 million compared to Zach Bogosian, #3 overall pick, having a cap hit of $2.725 million? The eye-catching answer appears to be “bonus clauses, which give Doughty $2.6 million and Bogosian only $1.85 million.” Both players are defensemen. Can anyone explain what these bonus differences are? And is it merely related to the draftee’s DRAFT POSITION? All rookie contracts are capped at three years and $850,000 in salary, before bonus clauses are added. I ask insofaras I want to know if Waddell pulled off a coup in signing Bogosian for LESS.
By Sara
October 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Now here’s some irony - after all the transfer agreement brouhaha this off-season, Vancouver waived Jason Krog. Gee, guess he’s really glad he signed that contract now huh? The only thing that could make this any more interesting is if we picked him back up - gotta wonder what Anderson would think of that? Not that I’m condoning that - it wouldn’t be bad but I don’t know that he helps (other than back in Chicago - they might be pleased).
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Kyle McLaren was waived…
Wow.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, L.A. Kings should jump all over that. They need salary and he is an upgrade.
By waffleboy
October 7, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Here’s the link on McLaren.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
More on McKlaren at NHLPA.com.
By Tony C.
October 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but isn’t he only like a $3M cap-hit? Don’t they need like $7M in salary?
Remember I’m asking.
By glovesave29
October 7, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Boyd Devereaux got it too…and Leafs fans are not happy about it…
Bob - look at what you said…”I think” - that is my point EXACTLY. This is opinion. I just get perturbed when people speak of their postings as fact.
We all need to meet up at TJ’s one night and watch hockey with the former Flames and talk hockey into the wee hours. I think if we all met and realized how similar we all are as hockey fans in the deep south, some of the bickering would end…
By Alan
October 7, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
I think if we all met and realized how similar we all are as hockey fans in the deep south, some of the bickering would end
I would be down for that, if I had a way of getting there, and consequently, getting back home.
If only MARTA would expand to the north and the south, I wouldn’t have to worry about all of this.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Tony C., This is the L.A. Kings salary cap: $38.827 million. Per the San Jose Shark’s cap numbers McKlaren is only a “cap hit” of $2.5 million. Adding McKlaren would get them over the floor of the cap, to avoid a potential fine and loss of any draft pick(s).
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Alan — I don’t mean to rub it in, but MARTA’s a joke compared to the public transportation options here. Hell, MARTA even charges more.
But at least it’s an option, eh?
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
LAC, if “Opening Night” were tonight, YOU’d win the budget poll! with your guess of $46.8 million. The actual cap hit stands at $46.362, as we speak.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Every team has until 3pm EST tomorrow to get their roster in order.
Philadelphia might have to cut someone, SJ is now under, which leaves Detroit and LA the only teams over and under the cap, respectively.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Brendan — That depends on if Colin Stuart is called up for the first game of the season.
$45.879M unofficially without Stuart’s cap hit.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Calgary just got under the cap. What move did they make? They were over yesterday, or the day before yesterday.
By Alan
October 7, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
But at least it’s an option, eh?
I get to work and home every day for cheap, so yeah, it’s an option. It’s very inadequate, comparatively speaking, but it’s an option indeed.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Brendan — Calgary waived Rhett Warrener and Jamie Lundmark.
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
LAC still wins if $45.879 is the final cap hit. My guess of $44.5 would be next.
Now watch, Waddell will go sign Shanahan and Sundin and BUST DIS THANG wide open!
Or not. With the emphasis on “or not.”
By Sara
October 7, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
ranallo Detroit will send McCarty and/or Downey down to Grand Rapids to play this year as injury depth, with call-ups likely closer to the playoffs. Or so I’ve heard.
By Sage of Bluesland
October 7, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Ranallo’s post at 9:47 is beyond bizarre and made no sense whatsoever…My furry friend, go seek help (either that or make-way for you on the short-bus)…
I believe the team will have a better October/November/December than the remainder of the year. Why? As a wise mentor of the game told me many times: It takes time for many teams to get their “sea-legs” under them—thus, the most opportune time to catch good teams down is when they are getting their own chemistry right.
Once the stretch run starts and the pressure ramps up—and the good teams are very serious—the Thrashers will fold like a Don Waddell “promise”.
Look back into our own pathetic history to see that we were rocking in our 2nd season wayyyy into December, for Heaven’s sake!
Add the “new coach” bounce and the makings are there for a ‘good’ start—only to be followed by utter disaster…We are what we are: A Don Waddell-built team, and I use that term very, very loosely.
Wittle sheep, wittle sheep—what will you do?
By Bob
October 7, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
We all need to meet up at TJ’s one night and watch hockey with the former Flames and talk hockey into the wee hours. I think if we all met and realized how similar we all are as hockey fans in the deep south, some of the bickering would end
Now there’s some common ground I agree with (in general anyway as there are a couple of goofs on each end of the spectrum that are best ignored).
My only desire is for this club to succeed and I am convinced that cannot happen until we get a real GM and the more we fans can do to affect that change is just getting us closer to the promised land.
But this year is a step in the right direction, even with old Don at the helm as he is the Master of Disaster, so the assets gained at the deadline plus a top pick next summer get us headed in the right direction
By glovesave29
October 7, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
I agree Bob…in the end, we are all fans. We may not all see things the same way, but we all want to see the team succeed and move forward.
Oh, and “Sage” cut it out with the sheep comments. I, like you, am not a Waddell fan…I am hoping for the sake of this franchise that his days as GM are numbered…but that is really condescending and annoying…
By Rawhide
October 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Bob - Nicely put, your 8:22 pm post. Same with glovesave29’s recent post. For that matter, ditto all those others expressing similar thoughts above.
In the end…we are Thrashers fans and hockey fans and we want this team and this sport to succeed in our town.
I, myself, have been harsh in my words regarding DW and the ownership in past posts. As the subtitle says…”A Fan’s Perspective”. I’ve always taken that to mean my perspective on the whole team and organ-I-zation…players, coaches, GM and ownership.
As the team has struggled for the most part…much of that has fallen at the feet of the general manager and his decisions.
That has been true in the past…will be true this season as well.
However…I would much rather eat a plate full of crow this spring if the team performs far better than I and most others feel it will then to be able to have the ability to say “see, I told you so” in regards to Waddell, Levenson, et. al.
I believe that is how most people here feel as well.
By kracker
October 7, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Here, here, Rawhide!
One thing I’ve come to realize…DW’s job isn’t easy…no GM’s job is easy. Waddell’s is just a bit harder than most because of a lot of factor’s much talked about on this blog.
But….if all it took to have a contending franchise was a city full of hockey fans, owners able to spend money to attract good players and a supposed competent hockey GM, we’d have 25+ legitimate contending teams each and every year.
Changing your GM is no gaurantee of success. Each year, some teams change their GM. I know some of you will be shocked to hear that but a lot of fans don’t like their GM and none of them are named Don Waddell.
By Tony C.
October 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
As far as the meeting up @ TJ’s…
I’m down, although John the Bartender may still be mad at me for kicking him-but I highly recomend watching the game @ TJ’s-the fried green beans are DELICIOUS!
By Brendan
October 7, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
The Kings are over the Cap! The Kings are over the cap!!! Patrick O’Sullivan finally signs a deal with L.A. for a cap hit just under $3 million a year.
Okay, it’s not quite as powerful and memorable as “The British are coming! The British are coming!” But for a preseason blog, it’ll have to do. I wonder if the Kings will add McKlaren? Did he pass waivers? Or will he be bought out?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 7, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Brendan — I believe we’ll find out if he’s claimed by tomorrow at 3pm. I’ll be surprised if he clears waivers.
By Tom
October 8, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
The Canadian Sports Junkie on the Thrashers:
http://thecanadiansportsjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/10/2008-nhl-preview-contenders-pretenders_07.html
By Nikita
October 8, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Boy, am I excited about Friday. That’s all. Section 110, baby — and I have finally located some body paint, so I may well superfan it up.
By glovesave29
October 8, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Hmmm…that’s strange. I posted the link to the new unis earlier this morning and now it is gone…here it is again -
http://icethetics.blogspot.com/
By Buzilla in CT
October 8, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Hokie drafted Sean Avery on his fantasy hockey team. I thought you all should know
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Okay, I think it’s safe to start tallying votes for “point totals” you predict for the 2008-09 Season for your Atlanta Thrashers. Although, I think, the roster doesn’t become official until 3PM today.
I suppose the fairest thing to do is to accept guesses, included revised guesses, all the way until 7PM Friday night. By then, if you haven’t voted, you missed it.
My guess is 78-points.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Buzilla — Do you guys give points for being an agitator? PIM??
Thanks for the heads up.
Brendan — The deadline for guesses has already passed, don’t change your plans for the sake of “fairness”. STICK TO YOUR GUNS MAN!
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
It was AGREED to tally guesses when the roster was finalized. You’re thinking of the “Opening Night budget” contest, which ended Sept. 1st. That’s closed.
I think it’s “safe” now to assume Mats Sundin isn’t coming. And so forth.
By Sara
October 8, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Buzilla Nothing wrong with picking up Avery - as long as it was in like round 20. A few years back Avery was one of my best fantasy players cause he racked up the PIMs. He’s fallen off a bit which makes him more of a depth player than someone critical to your team but respectable nonetheless.
I’d be curious to know how many Thrashers people saw drafted in their fantasy leagues and even picked up on their own teams. Obviously Kovy goes pretty early. Kari gets drafted (all the starters do). But I’m curious as to how people view some of our other players or if everyone falls into the trap of - that dude’s a Thrasher he blows. Aside from the +/- exposure issue, there are more than a couple valuable commodities on this team - Schneider, Enstrom, Hainsey, Williams, Perrin - those guys all have value. Bogosian and Little could. Christensen likely would too, just by virtue of playing on a line with Kovy he should get some As from it - not enough maybe for an early round pick-up, but viable in a later round.
Anyway, just wondering what everyone else saw in their leagues.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Brendan — You’re right, my bad.
Sara — I’m not doing fantasy hockey this season, but in the past it was Kovalchuk/Hossa, and no one else. My buddy who’s posted on here before took Lehtonen, which was a good grab, but for the small quantity of players in the league (8 or 10) Lehtonen is only going to get you points for SA and saves, but his GA will hurt compared to many of the other starters throughout the league.
I’d only take Williams, Kovalchuk, and the top three d-men you mentioned (Schneider, Enstrom, Hainsey). Otherwise the negatives are much higher than the positives regarding fantasy hockey point generation.
I’ve never been in a league that gave you points for PIM, but if that’s the case you better grab Daniel Carcillo NOW. Or perhaps Alex Burrows.
By NASCAR Dave
October 8, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I suppose the fairest thing to do is to accept guesses, included revised guesses, all the way until 7PM Friday night. By then, if you haven’t voted, you missed it.
My guess is 78-points.
BRENDAN - Put me down for 72 Points. No Playoffs. BUT, we will have ANOTHER Lottery Pick to work with next summer, and hopefully the New GM picks us a winner.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
You can “revise” your guess as many times as you want between now and 7PM Friday night. But whatever your last guess is … will be considered your “official” entry into the “Thrashers point total sweepstakes.”
Problem: How do we resolve multiple-winners? In other words, let’s sayyyy, hypothetically, that the Thrashers finish with 80-points this season. But nobody guessed 80-points. Instead, hypothetically, there were 5 votes for 79-points and 2 votes for 81-points. Who wins? These seven posters were all equidistant to the actual point total. Or, let’s just say 7 people nailed it, exactly, at “80-points.” Do they ALL win? (I’m inclined to say yes!) Or, do we institute a “tie-breaker” mechanism?
Such as?
Tied to where the Thrashers place in the SE division, then where the Thrashers place in the Conference, and then maybe GF or GA differentials, etc. It’s all starting to sound a bit complicated. My feeling is that we have 7 winners and leave it at that, with kudos going all the way around.
Making people say, “I’m entering 78-points, with 3rd in the division and 13th in the Conference, with 212 GF and 251 GA” seems like lot to ask. Unless there’s really support for that sort of thing. Also, no “point ranges.” Guessing 0-164 guarantees victory. The actual point total has to fall within that range.
By glovesave29
October 8, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I am sticking to my previous prediction - 76 points
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
NASCAR Dave, you’re registered with 72-points. If you want to change your mind, you have until 7PM Friday Night.
By Russ
October 8, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Put me down for 74 pts./5th in the Southeast/13th in the East.
I am guessing the Thrashers will get off to a relatively hot start to the season because of youthful enthusiasm, coaching/system change, and veterans hopefully playing with pride to erase last season’s disaster. I could see them with 23-24 pts. after 20 games. Unfortunately, the last three quarters of the season is when they will no longer benefit from other teams with more proven NHL’ers “coasting” through the early portion of the schedule.
On an unrelated note, this is the first time in the Thrashers history I am more comfortable with the blueline as a whole than I am with the forwards going into the season. We’ll see how that works out. Also, it should be pointed out, that I am not saying the blueline looks fantastic, but in comparison to the forwards I think the d-men are more ready to compete at the NHL level.
Also, in honor of the new season, I have picked a Thrasher player at random to be my whipping boy…and the winner is Havelid. I have done this to mimic a certain one among us (not naming names) that irrationally puts all the blame for every loss on Lehtonen. IMO hockey is the ultimate team game, but it makes sense to put all the blame for every loss on a goaltender who routinely has gotten no support from his defense while still maintaining an above average save percentage. Please note the sarcasm. For the record, I like Havelid, although I am concerned he could be one of those players whose quality of play seems to alternate every other season (and he played very well last year).
Anyway, let’s drop the puck!!! GO THRASHERS!!!!!
By Sara
October 8, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
ranallo the Yahoo Fantasy leagues break it down into categories and basically whoever wins the most total categories wins the deal. G, A, +/-, PIMs, PPP, SHP, SOG, FO. For goalies, W, SV%, GAA, SO. In a league like this, Perrin becomes valuable for his SHP. Big Boris might have been a good sleeper choice for PIMs for a late-round pick-up. It all depends too on weighing out the bad and the good. I’ve got a few players with really high +/- so I can take a bit of a hit on a guy like Perrin to gain that advantage in shorties.
And I did really want Carcillo - or Boll even - got neither. But Ruutu (Jarkko) and Phaneuf will make up for it.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Hmm, in that case…Alfreddson, Carcillo, Ovechkin, Brindamour, Brodeur.
The title would be mine by next week.
By Sara
October 8, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Russ poor Havelid - guy won’t know what hit him, lol. Keep in mind, btw, that two years ago is when his mom got really sick and passed away during the season. So hopefully he won’t have a regression this year. And if he does, well, we can put him on the third pairing with XLB. :p
By Rawhide
October 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Brendan - I have been bouncing around between 84 and 88 points. But my official prediction is…
Well, you’re gonna have to read about that here.
Oh, and the game starts at 7:30 pm Friday…so that should be the official deadline.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Russ, you are registered with 74-points, 5th in SE Division, and 13th in the Conference. Havelid might fetch something nice at the trade deadline. Good luck, Russ, and thanks for voting.
Rawhide, I suppose I could extend it another 30 minutes, on Friday. I bet the puck won’t drop until 7:40. In my benevolence, I might accept a 7:40 PM point total projection.