Ice Man

By JEFF

October 10, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

First. LETS GO THRASHERS!!!!!!

By Baldheaded Thrasher

October 10, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

Rawhide- Looking forward to seeing old friends, finding out what they think about the new trashers and what they did during the long off season, but most of all…drop the puck!

By PJ

October 10, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

Rawhide Chasing girls?? Not! How bout’going to the beach and appreciating the view. I am at work early today just so I can leave early - how pathetic. I have my change of clothes ready and even have on my lucky…. oh nevermind. I am ready to yell and scream until my daughter hides her face with embarrassment! Let’s Go Thrashers and drop the puck already!!

P.S. Am I the only one who hopes they ditch last years bad luck song? - Every time I hear Finger Eleven I just cringe.

By Sara

October 10, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

It is amazing to realize how much of a void is left when hockey goes away. You know it is coming as the play-offs wind down, stave it off just a while with the draft and the early days of free agency. Then you are there and you feel that keenness of something amiss and not quite right. But it isn’t until the few days leading up to the regular season that you realize how much was truly missing. That centerpiece to the schedule of your life - it dictates everything else…the schedule on your DVR, what weekends you go visit the folks, which Friday or Saturday night you and your buds go check out that new flick, the first website you pull up in the morning. It brings focus and order back into your life again.

Breathe in the cool air tonight my comrades - hockey has returned!

By GaVaHokie

October 10, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

the first website you pull up in the morning. It brings focus and order back into your life again.

TSN this morning, I got to watch actual highlight footage… what a wonderful feeling. :)

Then I checked my fantasy scores… figures the league I have Luongo in doesn’t start scoring until next week, but the league that started THIS week, my opponent has Luongo. :(

By Scotty

October 10, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

I agree, Sara, it’s like everything is right with the world again.

By Smitty

October 10, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I will be one of the optimists. I predict 92 points and coming in 1st or 2nd in the division with enough points to make the playoffs if we come in second. I know that is a 16 point swing from last year and that is a lot. I believe if we play 500 hockey for our first 6 games we make up 6 of the 16 points. That means we have to be 10 points better over the final 76 games then we were last year.

Most will say a little far-fetched but I think it can happen if the following happen.

1) Kari plays not over his head but up to his potential. Even Jeff Schultz thinks this could be a possibility. 2) The defense steps up and helps in the transition to offense when the puck is in our end. It sure does limit SOG against Kari if the puck is not in our end. I believe this is part of JA system. 3) I really believe we have to go with our young guys up front. Most of them are familiar with the system and should be given the opportunity to prove they can play with the big boys.

I was hoping Little or EC would be centering with Kovy tonight. White, I hope will step up and play with more determination than he did last year. Let the young guys play. There will be mistakes but maybe by December this team will start to gell. We should know by then if the coaching and the young guys are up to the task.

By erock

October 10, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I too will be as optimistic as Smitty. I think the Thrashers will be fighting for the division title this year again and therefore make the playoffs. The veteran leadership we have on the blueline..the younger legs we have with our forwards and I believe it is time for LEHTONEN to have a breakout year !! I predict 91 points and PLAYOFFS BABY !!!!

By Russian

October 10, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

GRET Post Rawhide!!!! Now is almost 11 AM and I counted minutes to see Thrasher on ICE. You are right, nobody knows what happend tonight, but Russians are coming to Phillips Arena and see First game. See you everyone today. My section will be 210 row L.

By Andrew

October 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Maybe this is the breakout year for atlanta sports. The Hawks look solid again, the Falcons are going to have as many wins as they were predicted to have in 6 games (4-2), and now the thrashers seem to be stirring up some comotion.

Teams are taking note of us. I ran into a few business men from Vancover last night and they said the thrashers are one of the last teams they would want in the division. Their reson… They are unpredictable, as in anyone on the roster can score in a blink of an eye. Now that is cool hearing that from someone not really that connected with the thrashers.

The excitement starts tonight, lets have it.

By Thrasher Paul

October 10, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Caps didn’t practice on Wednesday. Here’s a copy of the blog entry on the:

“Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 10/ 8/2008 No Practice For Caps

As you might have guessed by now, the Caps did not skate today. Instead, the players are participating in a team building excercise. Details are sketchy, but I heard a military base and Black Hawk helicopters are involved.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know why there hasn’t been a practice update. I am, however, on duty, so if any news breaks, I’ll get it up quickly. I also hope to post the Bruce Boudreau interview from last night’s Washington Post Live. Boudreau spoke openly about expectations and hinted that Alex Ovechkin might spend some time on the penalty kill during the regular season, an issue he hedged on earlier this week.

The Caps will be back on the ice tomorrow at 10:30 over at KCI.”

By 7th Ave & 32nd ST.

October 10, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

LETS GO RANGERS!!!!! oh, I mean Thrashers. It’s that time of year again, when chills run down your spine waiting for that first bench clearing brawl? On a serious note, Good luck to the Thrashers!! They are lucky to have such good fans. Even though I’ve lived in ATL. for over 20+ years , I have BLUE (Ranger Blue) running thru my veins. Lets Go Rangers. Lets bring Lord Stanley’s Cup back to the GARDEN!

By J(Z)

October 10, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

I’m definitely looking forward to tonight, but fortunately, I’m SWAMPED at work, so today will go by super fast!!!! Just won’t have time to read up on everything!!!! It’s good to be back though!

By FormerIslesFan

October 10, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

7th ave, the Ranger$ aren’t due to win the cup again for another 40 years. Relax, it’s going to be awhile.

Otherwise, looking forward to seeing familar faces this evening, either in the arena or at CNN…

By Rawhide

October 10, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s O-fensive lines and D-fensive pairings.

By Russian

October 10, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

OK Little will play. It is good, but he is going to winger. HM!?

By kracker

October 10, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Cool, Rawhide! I like the new interactive player/line/position chart. Makes it very easy to see how a player, line, paring or position is faring as the season progresses.

By Nikita

October 10, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

What? Those line combos SUCK. Damn it. I know the 4th works well together, but every time we put Slater and Thorburn down there we’re limiting their upward progression. Grrr. Of course, given what delicate flowers we have on the top line, one or the other could be up there in no time.

By 7th Ave & 32nd ST

October 10, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

As long as there are teams like the Isles, our chances are looking pretty good? See you on the rink.

By Jimmy Slater

October 10, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

I promise I’ll score! - Before the Trade deadline.

By HookyBob

October 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Timeeeee is moooooving waaaaaay tooooo slooooow.

If I missed this along the way please fill me in,…did we ever name a captain for this year?

By Rawhide

October 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

HookyBob - No captain named as of yet…what the team chose to do was to name five A-Capts…Kovy, Kozzy, Havelid, Armstrong and Schneider.

The plan is to allow the team to name the captain from these five sometime in the coming weeks.

7th Ave & 32nd ST - Welcome!

By Jarndyce

October 10, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year, everyone!!!!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 10, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Nikita — I know we’ve had this discussion many times before, but I for one think that both Thorburn and Slater have somewhat limited potential, and are best suited for a checking line role.

Slater is a good faceoff man, has some wheels, and is solid on the forecheck and even in PK situations. Thorburn is a big body, can also forecheck, but doesn’t light it up speed wise and has hands of stone (sure, they’re somewhat softer based on growth, so more like hands of baked clay).

I personally think Slater will be a fine third line center down the line (shut down center, taking important faceoffs and playing against the opponents number 1 line when the game is on the line). Thorburn is a banger in my opinion, nothing more…I don’t think he’ll miraculously turn into a Power Forward ala Ryan Smyth (neither do you), but he doesn’t resemble such a style of player more than he resembles a grinding/checking winger.

Yes, he scored a few and looked good next to Kovalchuk. So did White. So would you or I. Anyone will put up points alongside Kovalchuk. A dead person could get a few assists here or there, and if the body was heaped in front of the net have at least 2 deflection goals off of a Kovalchuk slap shot.

Anyways, in the long run I could see Slater centering Stuart on the checking line. Right now, I like the Greek God line…for one they have a great nickname coined by their enigmatic center. Second, they’re the hardest working line on the team (the forecheck is killer, even if none of them can put the puck in the net).

But yeah, that’s my opinion.

Russian — I too am disappointed with Little on the wing. It doesn’t help his development as a center, but if he becomes a solid second line winger, it’s a fine consolation. There are several center prospects in the system (Holzapfel, Esposito) and youth on the NHL squad (Christensenon, Slater, Little). White is signed for a while. Perhaps Little is the chosen center that needs to start learning to play wing? I’m not a big fan, but if it works I wont complain seeing him line up on the right side of the faceoff circle. Though, he’s not too bad at winning faceoffs…

By Russian

October 10, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

to ranallo10 I am agree with you. If he is playing OK as wing, keep him there. If White will blew center position, he move to 3-d line and Little be first center. By way it almost 3:00 PM. It is 4,5 hours left to drop puck. :-)

By R. Stroz

October 10, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I’ll go with 70 points, fourth in the division, 13th in the conference.

By ThrashDawg

October 10, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Brendan Put me down for 89 points and in the mix for the last playoff spot up to the last week or so. I hope the players think they are going to win the cup this year though!

By Viking

October 10, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Brendan It appears that I have not been registered;

85 points, 3rd in the division, 11th in the conference.

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

12345, I confirm you at 75-points, 4th in the Division, and 15th in the Conference.

Smitty, I have you down for 92-points, 1st in the division, and 8th, by points. Please confirm that.

R.Stroz, I have you locked in at 70-points, 4th in the division, and 13th in the Conference.

Thrashdawg (are you also known as Universaldawg?), I have you at 89-points, 2nd in the division, and 8th in the conference. Let me know if that’s not your submission.

Great blog, Rawhide. Let the season begin. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Thanks to all the bloggers that voted. You may still get in on this up until 7:30 PM tonight. Which is in roughly another 3 hours. So, if you’re even remotely interested, make your submissions now. Sara, I have no pick from you. Same goes for Hockey Biltong, B.Thenet, J(Z), GaVaHokie, Nix, R.Skeen, Tim, and Universal Dawg.

By Pucks n Snot

October 10, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Another year of reading about how great the Thrashers are gonna be from the most misguided “fans” the sport has ever known! Yeah, you basically have a minor league squad and a 65 year old Slava Kozlov skating around Kovalchuk, who a little over a year from now will be preparing to finally escape from the dungeon of the NHL as next seasons trade deadline approaches and it becomes obvious he wants out (not that he doesn’t already). Another year with blubberbutt Lehtonen underachieving, and another year of inept, confused defensemen (using the term very loosely) getting torched for most goals in the league. And WHAT is up with those alternate uniforms - ARE YOU SERIOUS???? They look like basketball jerseys with sleeves A HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAA!! How typical for that franchise to slap those on the backs of its players - as if they weren’t embarrassed enough when they take the ice!!! I see Donny Waddell is still running things…..ah, yes…..the Matt Millen of the National Hockey League. At least the Lions finally came to their senses. Wow, you guys are a bunch of masochists if I ever saw any……uh, GOOD LUCK - A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAA! Ovechkin may top last years goal total tonight alone! A HA HA HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

By Russ

October 10, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

And there you have it ladies and gentlemen…Pucks n Snot, the man, the myth, the legend.

By Nikita

October 10, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

ranallo, I sense we’re about to have that same convo we had last time wherein you and I disagree.

Slater…I think he has unforeseeable potential — obviously it’s quite good if we’re talking raw skills, but I can’t say what kind of numbers he’ll put up anywhere but on the PK or in face-offs (both of which are good, but could be better) until he has a solid line position that is actually defined as one in which he is expected to generate scoring chances. Which is why I don’t want him on the 4th if Anderson deploys it as it’s been deployed in the past.

I think Thorburn will become a solid 2nd-line winger if he’s allowed to. His speed improved significantly last year and that’s a trainable quality. His hands also improved, which I was surprised by, to the point that they’re serviceable or better. That’s also somewhat trainable, but not if one doesn’t have time and opportunity to gain that training. He also, as we keep noting, is large, and plays a decent enforcing and full-body crash and bang game — but. but. but. He’s not a great fighter, and all the time he spends grinding is time he doesn’t spend scoring or wearing down opponents so his linemates can score. Unlike you, I think he could become a power forward — (and where does this “neither do you” business come from? What are you, Kreskin?) I also think he’s one of few people who can play that role for the Thrash right now. So I want him off the 4th.

I’m cool with the greek gods if Anderson expects the 4th to score. But no one has in the past, and I don’t think Boulton can. And princess Kovalchuk needs a big body of adequate talent on his line. Alternatively, the whole team needs adequate full-body and enforcement play distributed throughout the lines.

Dying for the puck to drop…

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

viking, your pick of 85-points, 3rd in the division, and 11th in the Conference is noted. Be aware, your pick and Jameson’s are EXACTLY IDENTICAL. HookyBob, your pick is 86-points, 3rd in the division, 11th in the Conference. So, yours is different from Jameson and viking’s picks.

By LAC.

October 10, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

While a lot of agree and disagree on management of the Thrashers, Let’s all hope tonight is the start of a surprise to the entire NHL.

Look at Detroit last night, They got spanked, GOOD ! But by a Leafs team some pickad the bottom of the east. So who knows !!!!

No repeat of the 3-1 loss of last season please.

We shall see, but here’s hoping for a positive season despite the people who own & manage the club.

By Brickhouse

October 10, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Brendan how did the start of season salary cap poll turn out?

By Smitty

October 10, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan I will go with those numbers. Way out on a limb.

By Jethro

October 10, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Ima takin 96 pointz, sekund in tha divishun, and thurd in tha confurance. Then uhgin I’m kinda lysdexic.

By R. Stroz

October 10, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Change my point total to 69 points, fourth in the division, 13th in the conference.

By Pucks n Snot

October 10, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah, LAC, we got spanked. Lost by a goal in a game where we gave the puck away 19 times, and did not skate either of our tough guys to keep the inferior skating Leafs from plowing Osgood all night. Sorry, it can be a bit tough to concentrate when you’re staring up at your 4th championship banner in 11 years…..I think we miay have been a bit distracted trying to pick out which one it actually was up there amongst all the others. But, you go ahead and tell people we got spanked if it makes you feel better about the impending carnage awaiting your team once again this year. A HA HA HA HAAAAAA!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 10, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Nikita — The “neither do you” was in reference to Thorburn being the next Ryan Smyth. It was an exaggeration to get the point across, but I wasn’t trying to imply you were of the thought that Thorburn could become Smyth. If you do, then my apologies for assuming.

Kovalchuk is, believe it or not, able to protect him self in a manner of speaking. Thorburn has a two inch height advantage, and they weigh the exact same. Kovalchuk will hit (see the Avery plastering in the playoffs), and is not exactly afraid to get rough (see his several fights, or his check on Crosby in the infamous pointing incident of a few years back).

I understand the philosophy that there needs to be a big body to “protect” Kovalchuk…but he’s not a baby. He’s not “Diving Daniel” Briere who crumples like a paper sack every time a fan sneezes.

With the logic that given the proper opportunity and linemates that Thorburn can become a top 2 RW, that same line of thinking can be used for any player on the roster. Hell, put Reasoner next to Kovalchuk and he’ll have more points than Thorbun in a season.

Linemates can often make a player appear better than he really is. Thorburn, while not absolutely horrible, is not a diamond in the rough that Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Atlanta seem to be utilizing incorrectly. He’s a big body, could be a powerforward/grinder type player, but is not top line material, or second line (in my opinion).

Slater is what he is, a shut down center with the ability to play on a defensive line. Sure, you could put him on a top two line and I’m sure his points total would rise…but at what level of rising does that become significant? Would you rather a player like Slater, known for his speed and forechecking play in place of someone like Christensen, known for his vision and puck handeling?

I’m sure any player, if given the chance, can play in a top 2 role. I just don’t think that means they’re worthy, or good enough to hang with the rest of the NHL in such a role. In my opinion, Slater’s potential peaks as a shutdown defensive center, and Thorburns as a third or fourth line grinding winger (possibly power forward type if taught to drive the net with consistency, and plant in front of it without fear).

We’re going to agree to disagree, obviously.

Pucks — You need to get laid.

By R. Stroz

October 10, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Pucks — You need to get laid.

ranallo10 - Even crack w******* have their limits. Besides where would Pucks find enough money?

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Way to be brave, Smitty. To quote the Moody Blues, “The lovers and the fighters and the risk they take are on the ‘other side’ of life tonight.” Which means? A life without taking risks probably isn’t one worth living. Rock on, Smitty. I hope you win the sweepstakes. I did mention that the prize of all this is “bragging rights” from April to October, of 2009.

Brickhouse, your attention please. (Tap, tap, tap.) Per NHLNumbers.com, The Atlanta Thrashers un-official, yet for our purposes ‘official’… “Opening Night” budget is … $45.879 million. That means we have $10.821 million in cap space, just in case someone has the fool notion that Atlanta might go sign Mats Sundin to center Kovalchuk’s line.

The rules of the sweepstakes were as follows: Whoever is closest to the “Opening Night Budget,” cap hit-wise, at the time of game being played on October 10, 2008, wins. I will assume this number will not change in the few hours before game time.

The blogger who won this poll is … (Drum roll please) … the suspense … it’s … killing me … (just open the envelope already, Geez Louise!)

Congratulations LAC!!!! (Cueing up Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration”) The beat still pounding, “We gonna celebratcha pah-dee witchu, c’mon now… CELLLLEBRAAAATION.” LAC’s guess of $46.8 million, for Opening Night, was only $921,000 off the actual figure. The next closest was Brendan’s guess, at $44.5 million, which was $1.379 away from the actual figure.

Many thanks to all who played. The purpose of the sweepstakes, however, was to show “intent” on the part of the Thrashers ownership towards winning the Stanley Cup. At last year’s banner raising ceremony, the AS, LLC promised to do “everything they could to bring a Stanley Cup to Atlanta.” Being nearly $11 million ($10.821M) from the cap limit should tell you everything you need to know on that score. It should also tell you about the kind of mountain Don Waddell is being asked to climb. It’s also a clarion call to any potential GM candidate who wanted to possibly manage the Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Club.

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

R.Stroz, what if Jethro’s pick wins? Nevermind. Stroz, I have you down for 69-points, 4th in the SE Division, and 13th in the Conference. LAC also has 69-points, but he’s tied it to 5th in the division, and 15th in the Conference.

85-points, so far, as been the most commonly occurring guess (4X). Jameson, viking and Alan all tied 85-points to a 3rd place finish in the division, but BG33Brown has it with a 4th place finish. Jameson and viking have an 11th place finish in the Conference and Alan and BG33Brown have the T-bird 12th in the East.

By LAC

October 10, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Brenden, What do I Win… An autographer photo you you with don waddell ? Or dinner for two at Mortons Steakhouse ?

Scary too, I could be two for two since I picked in the points pool too…

Let me know the Prize !!!!

Sitting with other bob for a period, yuck !

By stendec

October 10, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Sori Letemin is the sorriest F+++++G excuse for a no-talent piece of S++T to ever masquerade as a professional goaltender! What an oxygen waste. Avoid the rush. Deal this untalented Finn now! Thrashers cannot give this porous slimeball a big enough lead! Line up aplogists. Let the excuse parade commence. THERE ARE NO DAMN EXCUSES! Team may win IN SPITE of this carrion scum but never BECAUSE of him. Mark those words aplogists! F+++++G 3-0 lead flushed down toilet. Vintage Letemin!

By Tom

October 10, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Well, Stendec made it 2 periods before he melted down. Better than last year, therapy must be working… :)

By stendec

October 10, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Well, Sori Letemin has blown a 3-0 lead and allowed a shorthanded tally. The swiss cheese man non-effort between pipes has completely deflated team! New coach needs to jerk his sorry A++ before third period. What an untalented scumball doucebag! Score is 4-4 after 40 minutes but with Finn F++++T in net loss seems inevitable! Waited all this time for this? What a F+++++G letdown! At least Falcons show promise. Thrashers finished!

By stendec

October 10, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Is that Ilya Kolvachuk or Maryann Hossa on ice? Difficult to tell!

By stendec

October 10, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Thrashers up 6-4 late in game! Maybe Sori Letemin does not have enough time to blow THIS lead! Hopefully!

By stendec

October 10, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Thrashers up 7-4! Way to go guys. Offense came through big time! Keep goals coming. YOU WILL HAVE TO!

By LAC

October 10, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

WOW !!!!! I cannot believe it, Great Season opener !!!!

Real NICE to take down Washington,the SE champs, like they did us last season !!

Really nice team effort, Nice also for John Anderson, might not have been the prettiest win ever, BUT a WIN is a WIN !

So take that snot N puck, we look better than the Dead Wings so far !

By Tom

October 10, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Man watching the broadcast I am missing Kincaid doing the remote mike. That chick has got to go, she has a scary smile.

By five_hole

October 10, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Agreed Tom - she’s no Erin Andrews, either in looks or hockey knowledge.

Excellent win by the Thrashers. I’m going with any win is an excellent win. The second period is traditionally where we have our letdown, and tonight was no different. Although it was unfortunate that we took the high sticking penalty which blew our lead.

Who would have thought that 11 goals would be scored and Ovechkin & Kovy wouldn’t have any of them?

Anyone else think Brasheer is a punk for picking on an 18 year old kid 50 lbs lighter than him?

And I’d just like to remind people that in yesterday’s blog, I picked Little to have a 30 goal season. 28 more to go!

By Tom

October 10, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

I was looking back at the interview she did with Bogo’s parents wondering how he was coping living away from home. Ummm. He played in the OHL and lived in a different country sweetie.

On a better note, the game was fun. If they play this uptempo style it might make us not mind 40 plus shots a night.

We do look quicker off the corners this year and the first goal with Hainsey coming in NEVER would have happened last year.

Kovy’s pass to Charmin was a thing of beauty. I am still curious why Charmin is out there as he played soooooo squeezably soft and we need a ball buster in the corners to get space for Kovy, but that is for another day.

Congrats, boys, now get some sleep on the plane as you have a game in tomorrow in South Florida.

By Smoothie

October 10, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Wow, what a frenetic, heart-stopping, blood-pumping, breath-taking opener! Congratulations to Johnny and his coaching staff for notching their first NHL win in electrifying fashion. Here are my “snap-shot” observations of tonite from the TV perspective:

1) Thrashers look incredible in HD…we all need to write to SportSouth and beg them to produce more games in HD. The vantage point Philips offers is second to none…save for being there in person.

2) Ron Hainsey is a stud. He can just flat out play on both ends of the ice. But especially on the PP…he is silky smooth with the puck.

3) Bryan Little has arrived. He was the best player on the ice in the 3rd period and he seemed to kick it into another gear when playing with Kozlov. Sorry Colby, but Bryan will be taking your spot. But then again, he will be playing as Kovy’s RW by November if he keeps playing at that level.

4) Lehtonen was fantastic. He didn’t get a break in the 2nd period and his teammates didn’t exactly make it easy for him with poor PK positioning. But he came up big on the penalty shot and it completely turned the momentum. So suck on THAT stendec!!

5) Kovy has matured to the point where he is going to be a complete all-around player. His passing was phenomenal and his decision-making was good all night. He didn’t have many chances to free-lance but you could tell he was reading the game very well. He will have 90 + points this year, but may not need 50 goals to do it in Johnny’s system

6) Lastly, for now, the blueline as a whole was so much better. And a tip of the cap to Bogey who overcame a shaky start to play exceptionally well in the 3rd period (for which he was rewarded with extra ice time). And kudos to him for standing up to cheap-shot Donna Brazzier. But on the whole, save for the PK, the Defense was solid and even Exelby seemed much more relaxed and comfortable because of the talent around him.

I know it’s only one game but there were a lot of positives to build on in this game. The true test will be how they come back on an early back-to-back, but hopefully they will come out with a lot of early energy in Sunrise tomorrow night. Fla played tonite too on the road so it’s “even” in that respect.

Go Thrashers!

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

I think you may be right, five_hole. Little has given himself a great start and the potential for 30 goals.

Jeff Schultz, for the longest time, has talked about how the Thrashers don’t have an identity or any consistency. Will this be the year that changes, with Anderson’s system?

We’ve also talked about the Thrashers historical lack of a “killer instinct.” Tonight, the Thrash got up 3-0, but saw it slip to a 4-4 tie. That’s not killer instinct. But then, Kari Lehtonen stopped Ovechkin on a penalty shot. That was the turning point. Bryan Little scored the winner, and Colby Armstrong and Todd White added insurance goals, in a 7-4 shellacking of the Capitals. Atlanta even got off the schneid against Thrasher-basher Brent Johnson, the Capitals back-up goaltender, who historically fares rather well against the Ice Birds. Marty Reasoner, Slava Kozlov and Ron Hainsey also had goals for Atlanta.

Capitals starting goalie, Jose Theodore, had a disappointing debut for Washington and was chased from the net after Kozlov’s goal.

Well, John Anderson is UNDEFEATED and 1.000 as an NHL Head Coach. Scoring 7 goals in a game will do that.

LAC, the prize for winning the budget contest is a bag of itching powder and five (5) clandestine minutes alone with Bruce Levenson’s sock and underwear drawer. I’ll leave it to your good offices to do what is best with your winnings.

And finally, I hate to admit this, but it’s been six months … and I’m already ‘sick’ of Darren Eliot and J.P. Dellacamera. I think I’m just going to watch with the sound off. Here’s how it works between them. Darren Eliot will say something “pedantic,” then Dellacamera will congratulate him on the observation. It’s so bad now, that I think it’s reached the point where even Darren Eliot turns to Dellacamera and thinks, “Are you EVVV-VER going to contradict or challenge me on a statement? Must you ALLLWAYS and INVARIABLY agree, with a ‘certainly, you know BEST, Darren’ attitude? Wouldn’t you love it, if JUSSS ONCE, J.P. turned to Darren and said, “No Darren, you’re just plain wrong about that. In fact, I can’t recall a time when you’ve been more offbase.”

I don’t mind Natalie, the newest member of the broadcast team. Anything that disrupts more of Eliot and Dellacamera’s “love fest” is something I welcome!

By Smoothie

October 10, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Brendan I couldn’t agree with you more about Daren and JP. I like both of them but they don’t add anything of value to the broadcast 70% of the time. Once in awhile Daren will give us something insightful about a play we just witnessed or comment about why a certain play worked. But we need less “pandering” by JP — let’s face it, he’s just not a hockey knowledge giant — and more criticism by Daren. Not the kind of nauseatingly condescending criticism we get from Johhny Miller on NBC, but start calling it like you see it such as when you referred to Theodore’s stick-handling twirl habit as just “awful”!!

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

PJ, guess who just saved the day for the Columbus Blue Jackets? Yes, Rick Nash scored the OT winner for Columbus. The Blue Jackets had a fantastic start to the 3rd period, scoring twice, to create a 4-2 cushion. The Jackets collapsed down the stretch, allowing Dallas to push it to overtime.

Columbus and Chicago are going to be my two “adopted” Western Conference teams this year. The Blackhawks lost to the Rangers, 4-2, tonight.

By Brenden

October 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Boy Brenden, that’s rough…

I’ll take a diet coke with Splenda instead.

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

LAC, if you want a diet Coke, that one’s easily enough provided!

By Brendan

October 10, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Smoothie, do you see your Sabres score twice in the shootout to defeat Montreal? I forgot who shot first, (Vanek? Kotalik?), but Drew Stafford scored the second one on an identical move as the 1st shootout try. The Sabres looked good in their debut. I wonder if ThrasherNY saw it on Center Ice?

Hey, if you’ve got NHL TV, our “favorite” (chuckling) analyst Dave Reid is on the desk tonight. For anyone who doesn’t know, Reid never actually bothers to watch any Thrashers games, he prefers to look at the standings and “assume” things about the team and its play. You’ll all recall his statement about Kovalchuk last November, where he said, “Kovalchuk played less than inspired hockey under Hartley ‘cuz Hartley wanted him to play defense. But now that Don Waddell is behind the bench, his numbers have just taken off.” Gary Green challenged him, “What are you saying? Kovalchuk ‘dogged it’ under Hartley?” Reid, “Well, Hartley used to bench him.”

I just wanted to hurl a rock at my TV screen. No one worked harder than Kovy during that 0-6-0 stretch last season, it’s just that Dave Reid doesn’t bother to watch any Thrashers games to be aware of that.

By glovesave29

October 11, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

No stendec, Lehtonen did not blow a 3-0 lead…the THRASHERS blew the lead. Get over it. You don’t like Kari…we get it. It’s quite obvious you don’t understand this game, or you would not make such ridiculous comments.

I’ve played the net for 35+ years…watched tonights game with a friend who’s been between the pipes for almost as long - and neither of us blame the letdown in the second on Lehtonen. It was poor penalty killing and a collapsing defense. The good part is, that unlike last year when we would sulk, the boys picked themselves up and rallied for a big win. A nice way to start off the new season.

By Brendan

October 11, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Tonight: Dave Reid said this, “Well, the Capitals lost tonight because of Jose Theodore, who they considered to be the top free agent goaltender out there (in free agency). When a team scores four (4) goals on the road, they ought to win the hockey game.”

Translation: Atlanta didn’t deserve to win. Okay, Reid didn’t actually say that. But that was the implication.

By LAC

October 11, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

We are third in the East, laeding the SE and have Home Ice in the first round…

Now let’s watch the season unfold…

Still could use a little more scoring help… Do wish Boris was here for one thing, whip thugs like brasher and the like… Would be nice.

But a nice way to start… Let’s hope we are not getting too excited…

By jason

October 11, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing how quiet stendec got after the final horn. Apparently stopping AO on the penalty shot and turning the momentum of the game means nothing to him….talk about a F+++++G letdown!

By R. Stroz

October 11, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

LAC - When you were near bob (other), did you show him who had the bigger wallet?

By PJ

October 11, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Thanks Brendan for the #61 update. But I’m not sorry I missed that game because the game tonight was incredable. I took some hockey virgins tonight and they are definately hooked. Just think, tonights game will be the game they compare all future games to. It’ll be a darn hard act to follow, but lets hope for more wins like tonight…Go Thrashers!!

By Alan

October 11, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Thoughts from the game:

a. The power play looked a little better than last year to start with (A GOALIE SCREEN! HOOOOLY CRAP!), but quickly seemed to regress to last year’s performance level. Still, they had a pretty good night, so far as power play goals are concerned.

b. The penalty kill absolutely stunk. Anderson should definitely make some adjustments with that, and fast.

c. Enstrom-Havelid is not going to work — especially on the above mentioned PK. Both of them should be paired with someone who can throw the body and knows how to hit. Someone like Valab— wait, nevermind. Oh well.

d. When a player is on a breakaway — and Atlanta had quite a few of those this evening, that player needs more support. Support they never got this evening. This game could have been blown wide open, if that were the case.

e. Between the refs and their ghost penalties and Washington looking more like an olympic dive team, I honestly thought Atlanta was going to lose tonight.

f. White as a center on Kovalchuk’s line is definitely not going to work. I think Anderson knew that from the start, but wanted to see with his own eyes what he saw on the tapes and what every fan in Atlanta already knew: White is Charmin. And with Charmin Ultra playing RW, Kovalchuk has no room to work.

g. Lehtonen looked sharp out there, with a .907 SV%, (39 of 43 blocked). This, compared to the combined efforts of Jose Theodore’s .765 SV% (13 of 17), and Brent Johnson’s .786 SV% (11 of 14).

By Nix

October 11, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

Great game tonight. I was impressed with Hainsey and Schneider - Hainsey in particular seemed to have really good hands - was nice seeing on the blue line. Also nice was NOT seeing Klee. I was most impressed with the fact that after missing shots we actually attempted to get the puck and try again. Here’s to a great season, ya’ll!

By R. Stroz

October 11, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

Without a doubt, Anderson must find some way to put Little on a line with Kovy.

By Russ

October 11, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

Great start to the season - keep it up guys!!!

7 goals and none by Kovy. Who woulda thunk it?

Stendec you seem to judge goalies solely by wins and losses regardless of the support they receive from their teams. So, I guess Lehtonen has to be considered one of the top goalies in the NHL right now, right???

By Brendan

October 11, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

The purpose of the preseason was to evaluate talent. Now that the season has started, it’s about securing points. In that regard, Atlanta is 2 for 2. It wasn’t a stellar, pretty win. But it was very exciting at times. Subtract the second period, and this is a highlight reel game. To be honest, I thought Atlanta would get to seven (7) goals in Game #3. We saw some balanced scoring tonight, with tallies from Hainsey, Reasoner, Kozlov, Armstrong, White, and two from Bryan Little.

Tonight wasn’t “The Ilya Kovalchuk Show.” The opposition did, essentially, shut him down. And it didn’t prevent us from winning.

By Alan

October 11, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

Looks like it’s going to be that kind of season for Washington’s Jose Theodore…

Heh.

I hope everyone here has a good supply of antacid relief, because you’re breaking it out early this year…

… Like tomorrow night, when we have our first back-to-back of the season, against Florida. Ouch.

If you don’t have any antacid, you might as well break out some scotch. Judging on our record of winning back-to-backs, you might need it.

By LAC

October 11, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this

Last question… We ALL need to know when RAWHIDE Night is this season and do we all get a Rawhide mask or what ?

Thanks again Bill for your GREAT coverage and Keep Up The Great Work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Tony C.

October 11, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this

Exciting win!

PK sucks.

PP is going to be nasty (read wikkid-gud) in about a month.

ranallo-you’d like what Hainsey’s doing.

Kari might be even quicker side-to-side this year, but the high stick-side is still problematic-brilliant game though-his team was like -14 in goal differential, yet he can put a nice fat “W” on the wall.

The new girl on the TV has a jack-nicholson-as-the-Joker smile. creepy

Super glad for Coach Walrus, he seems like a nice guy.

Hoffman better whup Brashear’s @ss. Also, I realize he’s scary but WTF is up with not standing up for the kid???

Mad props to boges for hangin in there.

Great opener!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 11, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

…sucks to miss that one.

Tony C. — From what I’m hearing, I think I would like Hainsey. An all around defenseman…sure, I’ll take that. Good call.