AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSuccess: Mild, Medium Or En Fuego?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was gnawing on some wings at a local Taco Mac not too long ago with my two tax exemptions. The younger one asked me if the Thrashers were going to have a successful season this year. The older one was busy trying to act cool by trying to make it seem that the “Death Sauce” he has dipped his wings in was not affecting him in an adverse nature…emphasis on the word “trying”. There were tears coming from his eyes and his face was turning a wonderful shade of fire engine red. Still…he smiled and pushed forward…eating yet another.
Anyway…as I passed another glass of ice water over to the 16-year old, I responded to my 15-year old that I believed this team will do better than most people think, getting somewhere around 86 points…finishing at or near eleventh place in the Eastern Conference.
He quipped back…11th place? 86 points? Does that constitute “success”?
When they get older…they tend to challenge you and you can’t get away with short simple answers. So, I’ll try to ‘splain to you the way I ‘splained it to him, with the aide of some wings and sauce.
But first, let’s look at this from the vantage point of where we left off last season. The record, of course, was 34-40-8 for 76 points…landing the Thrashers in fourteenth place in the east. Those 76 points were better only than the 71 produced by Tampa Bay and Los Angeles.
By any measure, this was un-good…or in the spirit of this discussion, un-success.
Oh sure, some will point out that last year’s failures paved the way for the team to draft Zach Bogosian with the third overall pick last June. And while I happily concede that point, the fact of the matter is that any measure of an organ-I-zation’s success…at any point in its existence…begins and ends with wins and losses. To me, seeing your team’s logo on display during the lottery pick ceremony is the product of failure and should always been seen such…period.
So in my eyes, the base line to measure any success for this coming season is 76 points.
Simply meeting that number…or worse, falling short of it…is failure to the umpth-degree. I don’t care if it increases our chance to win the John Tavares sweepstakes. If we are in that position it means Thrashers fans just suffered through another horrific season. And, in the words of Chief Brody when addressing the Amity Island city council during Jaws II, “I don’t know about you…but I don’t intend to go through that hell again”!
Besides, we could play the “since we won’t win the Stanley Cup, let’s play…or tank it… for the top draft pick” game for the next several years…and what would we have to show for it? Several more years of sucking?
Thank you, but no.
There has to be a time when a team begins a solid, steady march toward respectability. This should have started a decade ago in Atlanta. Some could say it did for about 3 or four seasons consecutively just prior to, then after, the lockout. But any progress, any measurable success, was clearly thrown off the rails last season. So the time to move ahead is now… not after a few more lottery picks make their way to town.
Playing this season and not seeing some type of improvement would be like…like wings with no hot sauce. Just…yeck!
Let’s say, for grins and giggles, that the Thrasher do indeed finish somewhere in the higher range between 77 points and 86 points, (my prediction). I consider that to be a “mild” level of success. Improvement, yes…not enough to realistically contend for the playoffs but just enough, possibly, to show some hope for the future.
Another level of success… call it “medium” success… could be seen if they defy all the dire predictions coming from hockey’s panel of punditry by performing at the level of 87-91 points. This would mean that the team played far better than expected, myself included. It would mean that the Littles and Bogosians of this team proved they are NHL ready and that Hainsey, Williams and Reasoner were far better acquisitions than advertised and that the Schneider trade was as good as most believed.
Is this level of play impossible? No.
Unlikely? Maybe…but not impossible.
However, if…IF… the team were able to play to this level, then it helps the front office make its sales pitch to next summer’s crop of UFAs as well as possibly entice Williams and Reasoner…possibly Schneider… to re-up for another tour of duty in Atlanta.
Lastly, there is a level that can only be classified as “hot” success… no, not just hot…”en fuego”…the equivalent of the “Death Sauce” the older boy was trying to handle.
Some might say this level of success would not just defy expectations or the odds… it would seemingly defy all laws of nature. This level of success would see this team make the playoffs, making the Thrashers this year’s version of what the…say…Boston Bruins or Philadelphia Flyers were last season. It would make John Anderson Coach of the Year running away and cause the northeast hockey elitists… the ones who have already punched this team’s ticket to Cellar City… to gag on their Yankee bean soup.
And who wouldn’t like seeing that?
However, even with my blue-tinted glasses on, I don’t foresee that level of success. At least not this year.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, when the Thrashers open their season against the Caps Friday and continue on through the season, I will indeed be rooting and cheering… with every fiber of my being… for just that outcome. Odds and pundits be damned.
I am, after all, a fan.
But, in the end…I see this team finishing, like I said, better then last season’s 76 points…at or around 86 points and at or around 11th place in the eastern Conference. That would be “mild” success. Not hot, not en fuego…but mild success.
Normally, I would see any season in which a team fails to make the playoffs as… well… failure. But in light of where this team finished last spring…what changes were made during the summer…what players were able to be acquired, and not acquired, via free agency…that’s my realistic outlook, pending any further roster moves.
Anything less would be un-good…would be un-success.
And, in the eyes of this fan…un-acceptable.
It’d be like wings with no sauce…which is something my oldest son would tell you he wouldn’t much care for.
When he regains feeling in his tongue and he’s able to speak again, that is.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Buzilla in CT
October 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
first?
By TableHockey
October 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
First maybe - see you all Friday night! I’ll be in 307.
By Sara
October 8, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Hmmm, yeah that pretty much sums it up.
By kracker
October 8, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Great column, Rawhide. Well reasoned out, etc. But it sure will be nice to read (and write) about last night’s actual NHL game in this space come the weekend.
Oh, just wondering, how many checks did the Taco Mac waitress bring to the table? I figure dear ole Dad still isn’t getting treated except maybe on Father’s Day. But I may be wrong, your exemptions may be yard mowing machines. One piece of fatherly advice for them: Stash it in the mattress not in the market.
By Bob
October 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
My previous guess was 77pts, but I’ll drop it now and make my entry into the 2008-2009 Brendan Sweepstakes to 73 pts. And that will be En Feugo success in our ultimate goal of Tavares/whoever next year. Worst thing that could happen to this club is to wind up with 80 or so pts and screw themselves out of the player they so desperately need.
By Russ
October 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Every time I post something it is right before a new blog is started…Damn you Rawhide!!! Anyway, here is my prediction from the previous blog.
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 Spud Webb
October 8, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Great Blog Rawhide. Your much more optimistic then say…me! Said it before and I’ll say it again, I just am frustrated that we’re running Todd White & Williams out there with Kovy. Scares me to death. There will be no fear in anyones eyes with that line going out (I hope that I’m wrong!). We may set the lowest total goals in a season record this year!!! I hope I’m wrong. I like what we did defensivly but we are weak at center and the for the most part the wings. Good luck Thrashers, ready for the season to start!
By LAC.
October 8, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Brenden, I will go with 69 points,last place,wish it was 117 points and first in East, but this team just has very little scoring.
By Viking
October 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
85 points
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — You’re wasting your time at Taco Mac. Wild Wing Cafe has the best wings in town, and your oldest can enjoy their “Braveheart” wings which had to be toned down due to too many complaints about how hot it was.
P.S. — It doesn’t matter what his body is telling him…if he’s got the intestinal fortitude to take another bite of those wings, he’s golden in my eyes. Let him take on Braveheart, and see if he can handle that. They’re the best “hot” wings I’ve eaten.
By polskidawg
October 8, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - Great blog. I still try to look cool when eating crazy hot wings, and sadly I’m a bit older than 16…
I think we’ll see mild/medium progress, assuming (dangerous, I know) the team responds well to Anderson and figures out his systems, AND can apply them Dec. - Mar.
It wouldn’t hurt for the D to be improved and the Tending to be consistent.
Brendan - I’ll stick to 78 points, 5th in the SE and 29th overall.
By Buzilla in CT
October 8, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
79.5
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Bob, you are registered with 73-points, not tied to any specific finish in the SE Division or Conference. Russ, you are logged at 74-points, 3rd in the Souteast, and 13th in the Conference.
Rawhide, you entered in the sweepstakes at 86-points, not tied to any specific finish in the SE Division or Conference position. You may change your vote up until 7:30 PM, Friday night.
That goes for EVERYONE. You can change your mind, so long as you do so by 7:30 PM. I might allow a 7:40PM or so entry to slide into the contest. But keep in mind, your last guess is your “official” guess. And you won’t win the prize until next April. And the prize won’t be earning 5% interest from now until then. Just so you know.
Psst! Hey Brendan, what’s the prize? It’s the undying ADMIRATION and LOFTY STATUS that will be assigned to you by your fellow bloggers as poster with significant INSIGHT. You will be considered to have your “finger on the pulse” of this team.
Well, it’s either that, or you’re just incredibly lucky. Or you know absolutely nothing about hockey, but for spits and grins, either decided to go with the highest or lowest guess in the contest, just to see if you could win based off of that strategy.
Hey, whatever floats your boat. This is just for “fun.” Like everything is on the blog. Even the most savvy of posters probably couldn’t nail the exact GF and/or GA the Thrashers might get this season. And even if they could, it’d be a whole lot of luck goin’ on. But somewhere, out there, some blogger is plotting that the Thrashers will average 2.3 goals-per-game and will submit 189 goals for as their entry.
By Rawhide
October 8, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Yes, 86 points…11th place overall in the Conference and 3rd in the SE.
Kracker - Dad picked up the check that night out. They are indeed yard mowing machines and have also been known to man shovels to dig french drain trenches.
Russ - Sorry ‘bout that. Maybe I can have Trixie send you out a copy of my posting schedule to keep you informed of when a new one is expected?
ranallo - Wild Wing Cafe and Braveheart wings, eh? Thank for the tip…we’ll do that sometime.
Tablehockey - 307 you say? Cool…
So…who else will be there Friday?
By Nikita
October 8, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Section 110, in my Blue Crew outfit and body paint. Ha.
By Gump Worsley
October 8, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Did Exelby cut the Mullet off yet?
By Michael B. Shapiro
October 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Brendan
82 points, 5th in Southeast, 14th in Conference and (un)lucky to be there given the Tavares Sweepstakes. We’ll see older folks depart, younger folks flame out, and (gawd I hope not) Ilya saying enough (of D-Wad) is enough and ask to be moved.
In the meantime, the id-juts who own the damned club will continue to stooge around in the courts of Maryland (trial and appellate) extending the agony that is the ASG. Trial is slated for next February or March, but do any of us believe that the loser at the trial won’t appeal?
D-Wad, however, will be rewarded publicly with a new contract (or extension of the last one that was oh so poorly publicized) while he points the finger at Anderson for managing to screw up such a “wonderful” team that was built according to Bruce Levenson’s design and promise (two top flight defenders…maybe, a top flight right wing…harder to see, and a top flight center…yeah? where?).
Be there Friday to begin the torture, look for me in 115. Anderson’s a start, but the finish includes not letting the screen door slam D-Wad and the entire ASG in the butt on their way out.
MBS
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — There are about 30 choices of wing flavors. Might I suggest Thai, Wild West, Italian, and then anything else you might fancy.
There’s a “sampler platter” available to split 25 into 5 separate flavors. Check it out, it’s good eating.
By Russ
October 8, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Correction…I had 5th in the Southeast.
By Jarndyce
October 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I’ll say 80 pts, 13th in the East, 4th in the SE.
By Alan
October 8, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
3rd in SE, 12th in conference, and 85pts.
Friday, I’ll be in 309, row B. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the game!
Section 110, in my Blue Crew outfit and body paint.
I’m speechless…
By Nikita
October 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to bother stating my points for the 80 gajillionth time.
So, Alan, who should my sign be about? I’m thinking Slater in keeping with my only rooting for the guys on the 4th line, or maybe The Hebrew Hammer.
By Alan
October 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Now that you mention it, a warm welcome for Schneider would make a great sign, Nikita!
By Russ
October 8, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if Anderson is planning to use Kovy on the point for the Power Play? I have been saying for several years that the PP seems much more effective to me when Kovy plays on the wing. I don’t know if playing the point is Kovy’s preference or if Hartley/Waddell liked him there, but I never thought it made much sense. Sure, he has a booming one timer, but I think other players on the team can come a lot closer to replicating that than they can the skill (wicked wrist-shot) and creativity he brings playing closer to the opponents goal. Not to mention the PP becomes much too predictable with Kovy on the point (Gee, are they going to try to set him up for a one-timer again?). Especially with the addition of Hainsey, who supposedly has a great shot himself, the Thrashers can let Enstrom distribute the puck, Hainsey be the shooter, and leave your best offensive forward on the wing where he belongs to create scoring chances. Just my opinion by the way.
By Baldheaded Thrasher
October 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Rawhide- I’ll be there as always with the wife 319.
Brendan- I’ll go with 84 PTs, 4th in SE and 12th Conferece.
By Bob
October 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if Anderson is planning to use Kovy on the point for the Power Play?
I have no clue, but I agree with you that Kovy needs to be down low (especially with our lack of skill at forward). Seeing how we have 4 fairly decent offensive defensemen, I would guess that Coach will play two dmen on the PP. Who would the #1 PP be? Schneider-Enstrom, Kovy, Williams, and White?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Russ — I know several people around here agree with you about where Kovalchuk should be placed. Him on the point (and the stagnant PP) was one of my main complaints about Hartley’s “system”.
Enstrom, Hainsey and Schneider are all viable candidates on the point, and Williams has played there as well. Personally I like having two shooting threats at the blueline during PPs, so I’d pair Enstrom and Schneider, and Hainsey and Williams. Hainsey’s the bigger body, and is an all-around defender, so I think he can make up for what Williams is lacking defensively.
Bogosian can also play back there, but unless the more experienced players aren’t getting it done, I’d only use him as a fill-in for that place (though, apparently he played admirably during the preseason in that role, with a nice fake-shot pass for the PP assist).
I’d set the lines up this way on the PP:
PP1: Kovalchuk - Christensen - Kozlov Schneider - Enstrom
PP2/3: Sterling/Perrin - Little/White/Williams - Armstrong Williams/Bogosian - Hainsey
The / on the second line indicates players I think can be rotated depending on the success of the line.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Okie Doke. We’ve got NASCAR Dave at 72-points, Bob at 73-points, Russ at 74-points, 5th in SE Div, and 13th in Conference, Brendan at 78-points, 3rd in SE Division, 13th in Conference, Polskidawg at 78-points, 5th in SE Div, 29th overall, Buzilla at 80-points (1 higher than 79, as he posted 79.5), Jaryndyce at 80-points, 4th in SE Division, 13th in Conference, Michael B. Shapiro at 82-points, 5th in SE Division, 14th in Conference, Baldheaded Thrasherfan at 84-points, 4th in SE Division, 12th in Conference, Alan at 85-points, 3rd in SE Division, 12th in Conference, and Rawhide at 86-points, 3rd in Division, 11th in Conference.
Keep the votes coming.
By TRON
October 8, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
PAVELEC IS JUST MAD……BECAUSE THE ORGANIZATION DOESN’T CODDLE HIM……LIKE THEY DO FOR THE GLASS GROINED CRYBABY LETEMIN…….YOU SAY PAVELEC PLAYED BAD WHEN THEY BROUGHT HIM IN…..??……WELL WHY DID THEY EVEN BRING HIM IN…..??……DUH……BECAUSE LETEMIN WAS “LETTING IN” TOO MANY SOFTIES…..ROFLMAO……ROFLMAO…..ROFLMAO……
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
How cute, you know how to use the Copy and Paste functions.
By Alan
October 8, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
ranallo - He didn’t, until his friend stendec showed him how.
By Tony C.
October 8, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
I’ll say 87 pts.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Brendan — Kyle McLaren was not claimed, and has been assigned to Worcester.
Colby Armstrong’s younger brother, Riley, has also cleared waivers and been assigned to Worcester.
Alan — Too true, and same MO…makes one go “hmmmm”.
By glovesave29
October 8, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Brendan…don’t forget me. 76 pts, 5th in the division and 14th in the conference.
By Rawhide
October 8, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Pavelec will report to the Wolves.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
“For him to be the backup goalie right now to Kari Lehtonen, doesn’t make any sense,” Waddell said. “I told Ondrej and Allan the same thing. We don’t go three years without injuries and up and downs.”… “It’s a No. 1 and 1a situation,” Waddell explained.
Wow, SAME PAGE…scary.
By LAC.
October 8, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Brenden… 69 points Last in East.
New Jersey’s Hummm will it become redville replaceing Blueland ?
Not bad, would have liked to see the logo where the number if on the front, but interesting.
Poor Colby looked like he was in adaze, wishing for Pittsburgh ?
Let’s sign Shannahan he still has some goals left in him, not expensive and one vet who would help…
By glovesave29
October 8, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
So let’s go over tonights screwups…there is no “C” on Ilya’s new hideously ugly new uni. Notice how none of the players on the team website is smiling? They know how bad the new threads are!
By Sweetlew
October 8, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers will score 82 points this year and finish in 11th in the East. Our defense will keep things close and we will pull out a few close ones.
Mark it down Brendan
By BG33Brown
October 8, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I’ll take 85 points. I think we will struggle early, but show some promise as they get more familiar with Anderson’s system.
4th in the SE, 12th in the division.
Another great pool would be “who will score the most goals (minus Kovy) and how many.
I’ll take Slava and 29 goals.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
glovesave29, 76-points, 5th in the division, and 14th in the Conference is duly noted.
LAC, 69-points, 5th in the Division, and 15th in the Conference is likewise noted.
Ranallo, it’s hard to believe McKlaren CLEARED waivers! At $2.5 million, why wouldn’t a team with cap room take him? Answer: “Re-entry waivers at half price.” Gotcha.
Ranallo, are you making a pick in the “total points sweepstakes?”
Red Light, if you’re up in this house, I haven’t heard from you. Sara, I don’t have a pick from you yet? Are you waiting to see all the entries first, before making a selection?
Sage of Bluesland, I don’t have a pick from you, for what you think the Thrashers will do, points-wise, this season. Volgrad, are you getting in on this one? Thrashy Thrashy?? wh?? Thrashfan27? ThrasherNY? Picks please, if you’re going to make them. Christy?? Let me know.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
glovesave — Did you also notice the “uniform timeline” at the bottom of the announcement? I love it that they’re making Kovalchuk the poster boy for this franchise…it’s obvious why, but I wonder if this type of thing plays on his ego, or if he doesn’t even notice/care.
Also, the uniform could use a lot of work. The color and the “Thrashers” is honestly the only thing I like about it, at this point. The number on the front is HUGEMONGOUS, the white arm band is way too wide, and the bird head is way too long and doesn’t match well to their other designs (it’s the Swirly Bird without the swirl…).
Mathieu Schneider as alternate captain…WOW. Exelby got the shaft, as did Reasoner.
By five_hole
October 8, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Brendan put me down for 84 points and 4th in the Southeast. We’re mediocre; the Panthers are horrible.
BG33Brown I’m gonna pick Little for a 30 goal season. I’m feeling good about the kid.
However, I think we’ll still give up 230 goals. We have an offensive, not defensive defense.
If you’re gonna have a pool, it should be on when DW is fired. I’m gonna say Christmas.
By Thrashers27
October 8, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll go with 82 points on the season.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Sweetlew you’re hooked up at 82-points, and 11th in the Conference. Do you care to project where, within the SE Division, the Thrashers will finish? Let me know. Sweetlew, your pick differs from Michael B. Shapiro’s in that you have specified 11th in the Conference whereas he has selected 14th.
BG33Brown, you’re entered at 85-points, 4th in the division, and 12th in the Conference. Note: Your pick differs from Alan’s only insofaras you have the T-birds 4th in the division and Alan has them 3rd.
LAC, so far, your pick of 69-points is the lowest entry. Rawhide, so far, your pick of 86-points is the highest projected point total.
NASCARDave, Bob, and Buzilla are the only posters to refrain from picking a finish within the division and Conference as potential tie-breakers. It is not required to enter anything other than a point total.
Anyone and everyone can change their vote so long as they do so before 7:30 PM Friday night.
By kracker
October 8, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Brendan 90 points, 2nd division, 9th conference….Well, somebody had to do it :)
That’s halfway between Rawhide’s prediction of 86 points and 94 points, which last year tied for 3rd, 7th and 8th place in the conference.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
five_hole, 84-points, 4th in the division, but you haven’t picked where in the Conference that you think they’ll finish. It’s not required, however, Baldheaded Thrasherfan has 84-points, 4th in the division and 12th in the Conference. If that’s how it finishes, Baldheaded Thrasherfan has a slightly higher claim to the victory, since he did specify where in the Conferen the Thrashers would finish.
Thrashers27, 82-points, no designation within the division or Conference, is duly noted. Thrashers27, your pick differs from Sweetlew’s in that he has selected 11th in the Conference. Shapiro also has 82-points, but 5th in the division and 14th in the Conference. Just in case you want to modify your pick.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Brendan — I am not partaking, thanks for checking though.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, duly noted.
Kracker, you’re registered with 90-points, (highest so far), 2nd in the division, and 9th in the Conference.
Kracker, you do REALIZE that is the exact “nightmare scenario” Ranallo outlined as a possible outcome to this season. It means we’re out of the playoffs and outside of the lottery draft. Don’t take this the wrong way, Kracker, but I sure hope you’re wrong.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
In 2003, the New York Islanders made the playoffs with 83-points, finishing 3rd in the Atlantic division. Sometimes, that’s the luck of any given year.
By the way, the Isles lost to the Sens, 4-1, in the opening round, in 2003. The Islanders haven’t won a playoff series since 1993, when they lost the CF to Montreal.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Brendan — Though it’s not an ideal situation regarding playoff hockey compared to draft positioning, I wouldn’t complain with a 90 point season. Such a season does mean that something was working for the team…just not well enough to make the playoffs. 90 points to me means that players like Little and Christensen were firing on all cylinders, Williams played injury free, Kovalchuk played a “normal” season for his standards, and Lehtonen had a somewhat solid defense in front of him, and not the swiss cheese defense we had last season.
I think most people would be happy with a 9th place finish, even those seeking a lottery pick in June 2009. It’s not an ideal finish to the season (you get no consolation prize for finishing 9th), but it would be a sign that the team drastically improved. I hope that would be good enough for everyone to be content, at least.
By Brendan
October 8, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
If things were going THAT WELL, I’d want to be in the playoffs! I think we all remember how we felt in 2006, when the team missed the playoffs by 2-pts., in an injury-plagued year.
By Nikita
October 8, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Dang it. Ok, fine. I think my original prediction was 86 points and third or fourth in the division. That puts us behind Washington and Carolina.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Brendan — Very true, it sucks to be so close and have nothing to show for it. However, at this stage I think most people would be happy with sniffing the playoffs, instead of sniffing the cellar — which smells awfully funky, and attracts the rats during the offseason.
Some teams (LA, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Phoenix) have shown that multiple lottery picks are the method to developing a somewhat respectable team (LA is still working on that), but others (Tampa Bay, Philadelphia) have shown that one season in the basement is enough to rebound them back to being a competitive franchise. Clearly there is no true way to build a successful franchise, let alone one that can sustain that success…so I think most “fans” would be happy knowing this team could make a 16 point swing in the standings from 07/08 to 08/09.
True, many people will still be unhappy, but I’m definitely not one of those people who sees missing the playoffs as utter failure. Not at our current situation. Last year was a failure, no doubt…but now things start over, and expectations for the franchise should be reset as well, in my opinion.
That’s not a reset for the management, ownership, or coaching staff…but rather a reset of FAN expectations.
If anyone is sitting at home thinking the Thrashers will be utter failures if they miss an extended run in the playoffs this season are severely misguided individuals, in my opinion.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 8, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Edit…they are severely misguided individuals, in my opinion.
By Sharon
October 8, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
I’ll say 77 points this season.
I would have picked higher, but they’re getting penalized for that atrocious new jersey (haha).
By Jameson
October 8, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Brendan- Well, Rawhide took my exact guess, so I’ll bump us down a point and say that our 85 pts. will be good for 3rd in the SE and 11th in the conference.
Russ- I’m not gonna look for it unless people really demand it, but I remember reading a couple of years ago where Kovy stated is preference for playing the point on the PP. I agree with you however, and think it probably works better when he’s down low. Ideally, I’d like to see a setup where the formation rotates randomly with him up high and down low. The biggest problem with moving him to the wing, though, is finding another right-handed cannon on our team to play the point.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 9, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
Jameson — Bogosian is a right handed hard shooter, as is Williams. Williams played the point in Chicago.
Little is also a righty, but I doubt we’ll see him on the point. I don’t think his shot can be considered canon-like, but I could be mistaken.
By volgrad1985
October 9, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Put me down for 92 pts, 2nd in the SE, 8th in the Eastern Conf.
Anyone who thinks this team will earn less points than last year’s soap opera team is crazy! And it’s simply my opinion, but I think this team is put together far better than the playoff team was, not to mention the apparent upgrade in the coaching staff.
If you think I’m optimistic, oh well…No guts, no glory, I say!
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
BG33Brown, If I could know who’ll center Kovalchuk all year, that’s who I’d pick to score the next highest amount of goals for Atlanta. If that’s Todd White, so be it. If it’s Christensen, Little, Armstrong or Perrin, then I guess that’s who it is. Can Kozlov play Center?
Nikita, you’re in at 86-points, 3rd in the SE division, with no Conference position selected. Nikita, you and Rawhide have the same guess, only he has it tied to an 11th-place finish in the Conference.
We have a bit of a logjam at 85-points: Alan has it tied to 3rd in the division, 12th in the Conference, Jameson has it tied to 3rd in the division and 11th in the Conference, and BG33Brown has it tied to 4th in the division and 12th in the Conference.
Sharon, great to see you back. I have you down for 77-points. You’re all alone at 77. If noone else guesses it, you win! (Assuming it turns out to be 77-points.)
Jameson, I have you down for 85-points, tied to 3rd in the SE Division, and 11th in the Conference. Good luck.
70, 71, 75, 79, 81, and 83 have NOT been selected by ANYONE yet, if you want to toss your hat in the ring. Sage, I’m looking at you, for #70. That is, if you’re interested in entering the foray. Red Light, I still haven’t heard from you. Also, Chris, I don’t have an entry for you, either.
Tim, mon bonhomme. As-tu envie de participer ou pas? Dis-le-moi bientOt parce que l’activitE se termine a dix-neuf heures, trente minutes, ce vendredi qui nous approche. En fait, c’est demain. Il arrive assez vite. Alors … dEpEche-toi.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this
Volgrad1985, that’s the spirit! You’re atop the leaderboard for highest entry at 92-points, tied to 2nd in the division, and playoff-bound at 8th in the Conference. I hope your entry wins, Volgrad!
Hey, did anyone ELSE catch Ron Hainsey on 680TheFan yesterday afternoon, on “Buck-n-Kincade?” He was very optimistic and spoke very well of a positive atmosphere and highly motivated teammates in their “contract years.” Hainsey specifically mentioned Lehtonen, and spoke about competing against him in the underage International tournaments, and talked up Christenson, Armstrong, Williams, and Reasoner as guys looking to do well to earn a new contract. Yesterday morning, John Anderson was on 680 with Perry and came off rather well, I thought. Very upbeat. Energetic. Willing to talk to the media, with an open-ended invitation to call him at any time. PR-wise, I think the team is doing well. Last week, Garnet Exelby and Eric Perrin were on 680. Maybe even Waddell, too. So, the guys are trying to get out there, interacting with the media and public, to drum up interest in the season.
By five_hole
October 9, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Brendan - Put me down for 11th in the conference.
By kracker
October 9, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Ranallo …and attracts the rats during the offseason. LOL
Isn’t that the truth!
By Tom
October 9, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
It looks like there was little success in the ticket office this year. From NBA Jobs:
Atlanta Spirit, LLC has an immediate opening for a Group Ticket Sales and Service Executive in the Group Sales department. Atlanta Spirit is the home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) and world-class entertainment venue, Philips Arena.
Sell no tickets, lose ones job. Or did they just run away if abject fear…
http://nbateamjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=20917
By Brickhouse
October 9, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Brendan - 75 pts, 5th in SE, 14th in East
By Christy
October 9, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Brendan - too late? for whatever reason, I’m a wee bit more hopeful than Rawhide… - more like his medium… 89 points. If I HAVE to choose division ranking - 3rd, but would not fall out of my chair in shock if it was 2nd.
By the way - anyone there last night for the unveilng? how did the new uniforms look in person?
By Rawhide
October 9, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Christy -Here’s what Kovy looks like in the third jersey.
By Bob
October 9, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Sell no tickets, lose ones job. Or did they just run away if abject fear
I imagine they work on commission, and no sales = no income so I would guess sales reps bailed to greener pastures.
Who went last night? I heard it was completely empty, crowds about 1/3rd the size of a couple years ago, 1/2 the size of last year. That validates what we’ve heard about ticket sales being down 60% (except in Section 116, snicker).
I just checked for 4 tickets for opening night on Ticketmaster and it gave me 4 together in Section 115 Row C, 115 is the one right behind our bench and has always been packed from Day 1. Wow, even I didn’t think that many people had bailed. I feel sorry for our players, Gwinnett may outdraw the Thrashers this year like the Wolves outdrew the Blackhawks for many years.
By kracker
October 9, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
tHE JERSEY IS OK EXCEPT THE FRONT NUMBER IS TOO BIG.
By R. Stroz
October 9, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Atlanta Spirit, LLC has an immediate opening for a Group Ticket Sales and Service Executive in the Group Sales department. Atlanta Spirit is the home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) and world-class entertainment venue, Philips Arena.
I’m looking forward to the day when they float a job description for the GM position.
By R. Stroz
October 9, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I just checked for 4 tickets for opening night on Ticketmaster and it gave me 4 together in Section 115 Row C, 115 is the one right behind our bench and has always been packed from Day 1.
Bob, maybe bob (other) should “invest” in some more seats.
By Bob
October 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
maybe bob (other) should “invest” in some more seats
Yep, won’t that be a strange sight on TV tomorrow night to see 116 completely packed and 115 half empty
By Sara
October 9, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
*It looks like there was little success in the ticket office this year. From NBA Jobs:
Atlanta Spirit, LLC has an immediate opening for a Group Ticket Sales and Service Executive in the Group Sales department. Atlanta Spirit is the home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) and world-class entertainment venue, Philips Arena.
Sell no tickets, lose ones job. Or did they just run away if abject fear…*
Neither. While Thrashers ticket sales may be down, Hawks ticket sales are up. The two people I know who had discussions with their reps specifically about this issue were told no one got fired for underselling Thrashers tickets and no one quit because they couldn’t make any money. Sales is a high-turnover position in general.
By Nikita
October 9, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I’m going to amend my prediction slightly — 16th in the league, everything else standing. I think we’re going to see a good bit of initial stratification, and that will translate to a season-long gulf in the center of the standings.
Random stuff:
I thought “Become One” was pretty lame until I saw the tv spots. They combine my love of hockey and zombies, which is just AWESOME for October. I still think it’s kinda lame, especially since this year’s team photos suck so badly that they’re using older ones, but it beats the Believe in Soviet Russia look of last year.
I wish the Thrashers would penetrate the tv market a tad more effectively. I happened to see a program last night on some (baseball) farm team trying to pull themselves out of the basement, and it was fascinating — Colby Armstrong and his teammmates were featured on a reality tv program when he was a Pen. That sort of thing would be a great tool, I would think, in demystifying hockey in general for this market, and possibly pulling more people in. And in general the Thrashers marketing folks need to tell the story of the team better — actual hockey people don’t much care, but average consumers simply don’t get it.
By Bob
October 9, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Sales is a high-turnover position in general
Only in crappy companies do good sales people leave (for greener pastures). And in good companies, only the crappy salespeople are canned (to bring in better sales). So, your statement that sales is a high turnover position in general, is factually incorrect, once again.
I know sales inside and out, the best salespeople in my industry have been in their existing jobs for over 20 years. There have been good reps at the Spirit, they’re gone, cause they ain’t making any money.
You analogy of Hawks sales being up isn’t proof of anything other than the fact that Hawks ticket sales have been down for many years. When you’re at the bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up, doesn’t mean they’re selling out however.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
five_hole, 11th in the Conference is duly noted.
Nikita, your reference to 16th in the league is noted, but you didn’t specify where in the Eastern Conference you think they’ll finish. It is NOT required to do so, however. The only other poster to project a “league-wide” finish was polskidawg, with 29th.
Brickhouse, you’re entered at 75-points, 5th in the division, and 14th in the Eastern Conference. Good luck. If it is 75-points, your entry would be the winning entry. No one ELSE took 75-points.
Christy, it is not too late and is a pleasure to tally your vote, at 89-points, 3rd in the SE Division, with no designation within the Conference. Good luck, Christy. If it turns out to be 89-points, you would win, as the only guess at 89-points. As Ranallo says, 89-points isn’t a bad season. It’s just not likely to get us into the playoffs or in the lottery draft. But ya never know, right? Like I posted earlier, the 2003 NY Isles made it into the playoffs with only 83-points and 35 wins.
By Sara
October 9, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I wish the Thrashers would penetrate the tv market a tad more effectively. I happened to see a program last night on some (baseball) farm team trying to pull themselves out of the basement, and it was fascinating — Colby Armstrong and his teammmates were featured on a reality tv program when he was a Pen. That sort of thing would be a great tool, I would think, in demystifying hockey in general for this market, and possibly pulling more people in. And in general the Thrashers marketing folks need to tell the story of the team better — actual hockey people don’t much care, but average consumers simply don’t get it.
Absolutely. Look at the AJC for example. Over the last several weeks/months, they’ve run a couple of different series on getting to know the Dogs and Falcons. How about getting to know the Thrashers? But here’s the problem - the AJC and TV networks base their coverage/programming on what will generate good ratings and hockey in ATL doesn’t. It won’t sell papers for the AJC and it won’t boost the ratings numbers for SportsSouth, thus they don’t boost coverage. Unfortunately it’s a horrible catch-22. There are two ways out of it - start winning most of your games, get people to care, then the media will follow or two - pay for that kind of coverage as advertising. That’s a smart option as a start-up (though we are a bit past that stage) but somehow I can’t see AS coughing up the additional pesos.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I have no guesses from Sara, B.Thenet, EROCK, FIF, GaVaHokie, HookyBob, J(Z), Nix, PJ, R.Skeen, R.Stroz, Smoothie, Spud Webb, ThrasherNY, Tim, Universal Dawg, or Tony C. If you want to make an entry, the clock is ticking. The deadline is 7:30PM, Friday night, October 10, 2008.
It’s just for fun. But if you win, you do enjoy “bragging rights” throughout the entirety of the 2009 offseason, which could last up to 6 months, if the Thrashers aren’t a playoff team this year.
By Spud Webb
October 9, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 (in AT) isn’t it funny people complained that the braveheart wings are to hot? lol, DONT ORDER THEM. hhehehe, just my opinion. Brendan I swear I’m not drunk, I say 93 points, second in the division and 7th overall. Why not. Hopefully playing my beloved sabres (2nd for them is optamistic, I know!)so I can see them a few more times! I say Donnie will be let go NEVER. He’s got photos on someone! I’ll be there friday night, not sure what section, I always scalp for a great ticket and a great price. Hey wasn’t someone making t shirts and selling them to us on the blogs? Not sure who that was but I would love one. It was going to say something about ownership and or DW?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
I know sales inside and out
But you don’t know the ASLLC sales organization, at all apparently.
The best ticket sales rep for the ASLLC (based on sales) left for Florida, because she wanted to. It wasn’t for money, it wasn’t for fear of losing customers, it was because she wanted to be in Tampa (I think it was there) more than in Atlanta. Job opportunities as a good salesperson are aplenty. If your a sales person, and you’re good at it, you can sell anything…so “greener pastures” doesn’t necessarily mean a better product, it means a better base salary can compensation plan.
I have worked with many sales people, and the longest tenured at my former company had been around for 5 years. Sales is a high turnover position. Of course it depends on the type of product you’re selling (for instance, tractor sales shouldn’t have much turnover, as some person always needs a tractor), but it also depends on the individuals being brought in. If you bring in a middle aged salesman with lots of experience, you might find the individual sticks around a lot longer with a single organization (like say, 20 years or so, until retirement). If you bring in a young individual with a passion for selling, you run the risk of having turnover because that individual will jump at the next best salary/comp plan.
In my experience the majority of the salespeople with ASG are young people. Young people are fickle (you remember being young, right Bob?). A young salesperson is even more fickle.
I have a friend who sells tickets for the ASG. I’ll ask him to check around and see how many of their sales people are over the age of 35. I’d bet you not many are.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 9, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Spud — Agreed. And now it downplays the greatness of the wing…it’s not nearly as imposing as it used to be.
By Brickhouse
October 9, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
I hope not to be correct, going with the “if I plan for it to happen, it won’t” theory and we’ll finish higher than last year. But I could not get myself to put on paper that we would improve just enough to take us out of a top tier draft pick and still miss the PO.
And I highly recommend Wild Wing as well - Wild West, Gold Rush and Italian flavors.
By glovesave29
October 9, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
This one has nothing to do with sales. This is for people fresh out of college who want to work in the glitzy world of professional sports. My guess is most of them don’t want the position they occupy…but how can you move up until your foot is in the door? For every job the Thrashers have, there are dozens who would kill to get it, and the team knows it.
The lower employee pay levels at pro sports teams / league are notoriously low. I was offered a job in hockey when I graduated college in 1991 for $25K and I needed to live in NYC (no thanks). I would have had an apartment that was 10x10 and had 17 roommates just to afford it!
By The Other J.B.
October 9, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Alright, I’ll get in on this…
87 pts. 1st in division and 10th in conference
By Smoothie
October 9, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Okay Brendan, I’ll break my silence and revise my earlier prediction of 82 pts. I would like to be more optimistic, but that’s not how I roll. Although I never bought into the pundits’ overwhelming belief that the Falcons would suck and win fewer than 4 games).
However, I am wary of the very real potential that this team will struggle to put the biscuit in the basket on a consistent basis. I think the blueline will be improved in that area and will help us remain competitive in 65-70% of the games.
Unfortunately, I think the lack of chemistry, the learning curve of a new system and a dearth of RW scoring will combine to lead to a 77 point season and a record of 33-38-11. Probably a shade better than Tampa and NYI.
The good news is that they will get progressively better in the second half of the year, but lose a lot of close games in the late stages of the third and in OT. In fact I think they will lead the league in OTLs. Thus the high number.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Spud Webb, you’re the new leader, at 93-points, 2nd in the SE Division, and 7th in the Conference. Spud, since you have us in the playoffs, how do you like our chances in the 1st round this year? Maybe drawing Pittsburgh, Philly, NJ, Montreal or Boston as a 1st round opponent.
By Bob
October 9, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
The good news is that they will get progressively better in the second half of the year
I agree in that mid-year they may play better than early, but I’m thinking the last 18 or whatever games are going to be ugly after Waddell sells off our vets on one year deals as playoff rentals.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Smoothie, can I confirm 77-points, 4th in the SE, and 13th in the Conference? Do I have that right? Y/N.
Other J.B., I have you registered at 87-points, 1st in SE Division, 10th in Conference by points (but no worse than 3rd by playoff seeding, by virtue of winning the SE Division).
By The Other J.B.
October 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Yep, that’s correct Brendan. I assumed you’d assume I intended 3rd by playoff seeding. Thanks.
By Smoothie
October 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Brendan — yep, that’ll play! Can’t believe anyone is picking us to win the SE. Now that is unabashed optimism!!
Bob — good point, forgot all about the trade deadline and the potential for “sell-offs”. I would not be surprised to see Havelid, Williams (if he doesn’t gel with Kovy), Perrin and Slater get unloaded. For some reason, I see Marty R sticking here for awhile. I think he will lock down our 3rd line C position for 2 more years. And DWad will probably overpay him in the process!
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
You assumed correctly, Other J.B. Well done, sir. And I hope you win the poll!
Smoothie, in my view, the top contenders in the SE Division are Carolina and Washington. Butttt, what if they got bit by the injury bug? The door would swing wide open at that point. And it might not take a whole heckuva lot of points to win the SE division, if Carolina and Washington are decimated by injuries. I’d love for Atlanta to be in that hunt, down the stretch. But I’m leaning ever so slightly towards Carolina winning the division, with Washington right on their heels. But I do like Atlanta’s chances for 3rd in the division.
By Smoothie
October 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I hear ya Brendan, but I think we’re likely to finish behind Fla due to our inability to beat them. For some reason they always seem to shut us down and / or they get a ridiculously good goaltender performance to steal one from us. We seemed to have better luck solving Luongo on a regular basis than the combo of Vokoun and Anderson. I think we’ll lose 4 of 6 from Fla and that will be the difference between the two teams. I see the SE shaping up like this:
Washington — 96 pts and the # 3 seed Carolina — 93 pts and the # 8 seed Florida — 83 pts and 11th in East Atlanta — 77 pts and 13th in East Tampa Bay — 75 pts and 14th in East
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Smoothie, what were the Sabres offseason moves? I think they locked up Hecht, Miller, Derek Roy and Jason Pomminville. They didn’t trade Afinagenov. I think Numminen is coming back again. No word on Tallinder and Lydman that I can recall. I remember some sort of trade with San Jose for Bernier. I’m drawing a blank though. They also got C. Rivet, but I forgot how. And something or other happened with Vancouver … involving a draft pick. Did they re-sign Drew Stafford and Clark McArthur?
By HookyBob
October 9, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Brendan: Thanks for remembering me. Pre-season, even this one, tends to get one’s hopes up. I was thinking 87 points, then realized I’d posted (when it looked like that Russian D-man was coming)point ranges with names,…87 points and up was “irrational exuberance.” (Scary thought these days.) So, I’ll back off to 86 points which is the upper end of the range I called “exceeds expectations.” That would be 3rd in the Division and 11th in the conference. If that happens to be the same as Rawhide it simply shows how much I value his input. I would also think a good tie-breaker would go to the blogger who first posted their estimate to get the credit.
I guess, barring injuries, this may be an indicator who the realists and fans are. Volgrad & Spud… I love ya man. LAC, NASCAR & Bob, …likewise.
I’ll be there Friday night. Traded my 309 seats and “future considerations” for some tickets in section 120.
Bloogers what are your preferred seats,… up high, down low, behind the goal, center ice, over the Zamboni?
Brendon: Thanks for coordinating this.
By Christy
October 9, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Rawhide- thanks for the link. Must say, don’t care for the new jerseys much at all.
Brendan - excellent. Thanks. nice to be unique, even if it is a longshot.
By Bob
October 9, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Smoothie, in my view, the top contenders in the SE Division are Carolina and Washington. Butttt, what if they got bit by the injury bug? The door would swing wide open at that point. And it might not take a whole heckuva lot of points to win the SE division, if Carolina and Washington are decimated by injuries. I’d love for Atlanta to be in that hunt, down the stretch
Me too, but I think there’s a better chance of the Dow going up tomorrow!
what are your preferred seats
This year, my couch. At the games, I love to sit center ice lower bowl towards the top of the sections, you get down too low and the view in the corners is obstructed and you can see the flow of the game better sitting up a bit.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
HookyBob, I have you, and Rawhide, at 86-points, 3rd in the SE, and 11th in the Conference.
The sightlines at Philips Arena are great everywhere. But my preference is Center Ice. I actually prefer to be in the 200’s and higher. I like the broader perspective.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 9, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
I prefer to be behind the home goal. I like watching the plays develop, and seeing Lehtonen’s lateral movement while in the butterfly position is amazing. I was happy with my 200 seats.
Plus, the way this team plays I tended to see most of the action on my side…
My favorite seats so far have been directly over the hallway that leads to the locker room. It’s an unobstructed view of nearly everything (corners are always hidden, no matter where you sit it seems), plus you get to watch the action on the bench upclose.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Your uniqueness is what we like about you, Christy. The “fun” aspect of this is … from an October vantage point, anything is still possible. Every team still has a chance. Most teams still have 82 games to play. The Bolts only have 80, and are 0-4, points-wise, on the season. (Sorry, I just had to sneak that one in, after all the monumental changes the Lightning franchise underwent during this offseason.)
Let’s all try to remember something as this season begins. Media outlets are going to take their shots at us. If we start out, 0-2-0, it isn’t suddenly time to “write off the season.” What if we win Game #3?
Answer: Well, then we’re 1-2-0, with 79 more games to play. It wasn’t over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor. (Germans?? Let it go.)
And my point is? Let’s try not to be depressed in October. Let’s not throw our team under the bus after every loss, even if it becomes CLEAR that there’s no way we’re going to contend for the playoffs. It’s a “build year.” It’s nice to win, but at this stage, it’s probably more important to develop Bogosian, Enstrom, Little, Sterling, Oysrick, Hoffman, even Slater, than it is to worry about mounting losses.
By Alan
October 9, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I would prefer the higher levels of the 100s; on the other hand, the 300s are easier on the wallet.
I have no preference concerning where I sit, in regards to the corners or center ice, etc.
By Nikita
October 9, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Bloogers what are your preferred seats,… up high, down low, behind the goal, center ice, over the Zamboni?
I don’t really care. Unfortunately I spend a lot of time at a pedestal table at Applebee’s or at home, ‘cause I live in the boons. But when I’m in the arena, any seat’s a good seat. That said, my husband is picky — he likes to sit 10-15 rows up in the 100s. For some reason we always seem to get seats in 110 — wonder what STH isn’t using those.
And Brendan, I’m pretty hardcore. I will root for the Thrash regardless of how it turns out, especially if I can enjoy individual performances or see things progressively click.
By Don *(Not That One)*
October 9, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I’ll go with 76 points, 4th in the Southeast, 14th in the Eastern Conference.
But on the plus side, the fire sale of Reasoner, Schneider, et. al. nets us 2 more first round picks, but sadly with Waddell still running the show, the make picks the likes of Stefan.
By Alan
October 9, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
How about getting to know the Thrashers?
Doesn’t mean it still can’t be done. I know so many people who tell me they would “probably enjoy hockey if they knew more about the game or about the players.” They don’t have to be on the front page of the sports page (though I can see a Kovalchuk feature easily making it there), but just a little something. Knobler’s story about how Exelby spent his summer is a good start.
Just because hockey doesn’t sell in Atlanta now doesn’t mean it will continue to be that way. With a little help from the local media, all that can seriously change.
Waddell drafting the hometown kid in this years draft certainly doesn’t hurt.
By Sage of Bluesland
October 9, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Point totals? Placement? I would place us last in the division, conference, and league at 79 points. No, Donny, we are NOT better than last year…
A friend reminded me of something very, very important today: I want to give a big SHOUT to those who refused to subsidize the incompetence any longer…those who did not renew their season tickets.
I consider you to be more of a Thrashers fan—with the Thrashers’ best interests at heart than those that continue to employ the buffoon of a GM that we have and continue to advertise this team as something more than a punching bag for the real teams of the league.
That is what we are, after all. Mere schedule-fodder for real franchises, led by owners who actually care about winning and being respectable.
My hat is off to you, real Thrashers fans who finally said, “Enough is enough”. Instead of enabling, you have proven that you are results-oriented and demand real accountability.
More to come, for those willing to listen and be objective about this disturbing thing called “reality”…
By Rawhide
October 9, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Anyone else just see the Braydon Coburn commercial on Vs. during intermission of the Leafs-Wings game?
sigh….
I know…let it go…let…it … goooo.
As for where I like to sit…it’s lower level behind the goal the Thrasher attack twice. The Divine Mrs. R likes the 200 level in that area…so we can be found there when she is along for the game.
That being said…I do enjoy sitting in different areas throughout the season to get a viewpoint from all angles of the arena and from all the different fans.
As for tomorrow night…I’ll be in 111, the section just to Nikita’s left.
By Tom
October 9, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
My favorite section was 111. The people who sit in the corners tend to be the hockey purists and your head is never on a swivel.
Of course it was much better before the net was put up. Although the net would have been nice when the wife was pregnant. That always had me slightly concerned. :)
By ThrasherNY
October 9, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Brendan Super busy at work so I apologize for the lag in my prediction. I will take 74pts 5th in SE 15th in East.
By Scotty
October 9, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Brendan, please put me down for 83 points, 4th in the SE and 12th overall in the conference.
Sage, you’re a tool.
By Tony C.
October 9, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Dude.
Brendan
88 points
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 9, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Tony, email.
By Brendan
October 9, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
And that’s what we love about you, Nikita, you’re the embodiment of hardcore. Which is great, because … generally-speaking, I’m against “softcore.” And doilies. (Don’t ask.) If you’re gonna do something, you might as well go all the way, full bore, right to the hilt. Do it WELL, and make sure that it counts! Otherwise, it probably wasn’t worth doing.
Don, you’re on record with 76-points, 4th in the SE Division, and 14th in the Conference. And yes, you did crack me up with the qualification, “not that one.” ^5. Can you imagine, if Waddell entered our sweepstakes? And if so, what do you think his “guess” might be? I bet Bruce Levensen would be interested to hear Don’s guess, as well! Don, glovesave29 entered 76-points, 5th in Division, and 14th in Conference. Pretty close.
Sage of Bluesland, I want to get a clarification. You’ve listed 79-points, 5th in SE Division, 15th in Conference, and 30th in the league. I suspect that you meant to type “70” points. The “9” and the zero are side-by-side on your keyboard. 79-points is probably not going to be bad enough for 30th in the league or even 15th in the Conference. 79-points is only 3 games under .500, “NHL style.” Let me know, Sage. You can keep 79-points if you want. No one ELSE has guess either 79-points or 70-points.
ThrasherNY, no worries my friend. You’re duly noted and “on time” for 74-points, 5th in the division, and 15th in the Conference. Your pick differs from Russ only insofaras you have the T-Birds 15th in the Conference and Russ has them 13th.
Scotty (I’m tempted to say, “beam me up,” but I won’t), you’re registered with 83-points, 4th in the division, and 12th in the Conference. No one else has taken 83-points, so your entry just might be the winning entry, Scotty. Good luck.
Tony C., I was getting worried you’d miss the deadline. You’re entered at 88-points, with no designation in the division or Conference.
By PJ
October 10, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Brendan Please put me down for 78 pts, 5th in the SE, 13th in the conference, an improvement from the 74 pts I had originally typed. So sad, I know. What’s the wager BTW? Did I duplicate someone else’s guess?
RW Are you trying to torture the boy? Everyone knows water spreads the fire….starch puts it out - tsk tsk.
By Brendan
October 10, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
PJ, at 78-points, 5th in the division and 13th in the Conference, your entry is unique. polskidawg has 78-points, tied to a 5th place finish in the division and 15th (last) in the Conference. Yours truly has 78-points, tied to 3rd in the division, and 13th in the Conference. The difference with polskidawg is Conference position and the difference with me is divisional placement. Good luck, PJ.
By 12345
October 10, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this
Mr.Brenden, If I may chime in on the pick the finish, I believe a repeat of last season minus one = 75.
Fourth in SE and 15 in East… Wish it were not so, just hate it.
By Sage of Bluesland
October 10, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
Brendan, ok—my mistake—mark me down with 70 points…Last in the division, the conference, the league, and the universe…
Schedule-fodder, folks.