AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWinning A Game That Last Year They Wouldn’t Have
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last season, the Thrashers would have lost this game. After seeing a 3-0 lead become 3-1…then 3-2. Then a 4-2 lead evaporate during a 4-minute slashing penalty on a pair of goals by Mike Green…last year’s Thrashers would have been toast.
I submit to you as exhibit A…last March 21 when a 3-1 lead on these same Capitals after two periods disappeared quicker than free donuts at the office. Washington skated away that night, laughing, after scoring 4 unanswered third period goals in a game that exemplified the frustrations of that entire miserable season.
Yup…last year, given the circumstances, the Thrashers would have crashed and burned like the Dow.
But these aren’t last year’s Thrashers…at least not on this night.
4-4 after two…this time it was the Thrashers that stormed off the ice with the win, outscoring Washington 3-0 in the final period…the three tallies coming in a span of 2 minutes and 10 seconds late in the game. Bryan Little started the flurry at 13:57 with his second goal of the game. 29 seconds later, Colby Armstrong gave the Thrashers some breathing room. Then finally, Todd White closed out the scoring on a power play goal from a great feed from Ilya Kovalchuk at the 16:07 mark.
But what set the table for these efforts was a Kari Lehtonen’s stop of a penalty shot off the stick of Alex Ovechkin earlier in the period. That save…one of 39 on 43 shots on the night…kept the score tied at four. I can’t help but feel that if the score became 5-4 at that time, we might have seen an outcome much like the last time the Caps were in Philips back in March.
Honestly, I though Kari played well…all things considering. Allowing but 4 goals on 43 shots equate to a .907 SV% and some of those stops were simply awesome. Two of the goals came off of the 4-minute power play, one on a short-handed break. But what I found most impressive…after allowing the tying goal at 14:39 of the second…he shut down the Caps the rest of the way, including all 13 taken on him in the third. His efforts were enough to be the game’s second star.
He came up big when he had to…and he gave the team a chance to win…win a game they would have lost last season.
Now, ya know what other kind of game they usually lost last year? The second game of a back-to-back set. Tonight, this year’s version gets a chance to change that as well in Sunrise, Florida versus the Panthers.
Other Observations From Opening Night
Of course, Friday’s opening night victory made a winner of new coach John Anderson in his NHL head-coaching debut. Making it even sweeter…that it came against Bruce Boudreau’s Capitals.
Zach Bogosian became the youngest Thrasher to play in a regular season game at the age of 18 years and 87 days. Ilya Kovalchuk was 18 years and 171 days old when he made his regular season debut for Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2001. 24 seconds into his NHL career, Bogie committed his first penalty…a holding call. He ended his night with a fighting penalty with 20 seconds left in the game after taking on Donald Brashear.
The Thrashers got off 31 shots Friday night. However, they were still outshot by 12 for the game.
The first two goals of the season were scored from a pair of newbies signed this past summer. Ron Hainsey’s power play goal was first at 8:20 of the first followed by Marty Reasoner three minutes and four seconds later.
The seven goals scored by the Thrashers were the most in a single game since…well, I don’t know. Was it possibly…flipping through stacks of notes and stat sheets… Jan. 2, 2006 when Atlanta thumped Ottawa 8-3? That can’t be so. Someone get on that one for me…that can’t be right. Somebody?….Anyone?….Trixie?…Staff….STAFF???
Either way, seven goals! So much for the, “Where are the goals going to come from this season” question.
The Thrashers did not score their seventh goal last season until Garnet Exelby’s slap shot tally at 7:26 of the second period during a 6-5 loss to the New Jersey Devils. That game was Atlanta’s fifth game of the season.
Bryan Little played like a man on a mission…finishing the evening’s work with 2 goals, a helper, 6 SOG, 14:34 TOI and a +2. Not surprisingly, he was awarded the game’s first star.
Nic Havelid’s 3 assists, 1 SOG and +1 performance during his 22:37 was good enough to be the third star of the game.
The player with the most TOI? Ron Hainsey with 23:53.
The Thrashers power play looked sharp. 3 goals on 9 man-advantages will do any night, thank you very much indeed.
Washington net minder Jose Theodore lasted only until 9:30 into the second. Then, Slava Kozlov’s power play slapper ended his night early… his numbers, 4 goals on 17 shots. His replacement, Brent Johnson, looked strong initially…but ultimately surrendered 3 goals on 14 shots himself.
And finally…section 111 was the happening place Friday night. I had the pleasure of meeting UniversalDawg and his lovely wife along with The Other J.B. Also, it was a pleasure to make the acquaintance of a very nice young lady, Jessie along with her father Bill. Great Thrashers fans all of them!
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Comments
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By Baldheaded Thrasher
October 11, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Rawhide- IMO when Kozy scored (20 secs after the SH goal by the Caps) shows what type of team we will have. Last year the Trasher’s would have just hung their collective heads..Tremendous improvement form last year, they actually enjoyed playing, not just skating around waiting for Kovy to do something!
By Mike
October 11, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
It’s a new season in Blueland !!!!!
By glovesave29
October 11, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Good win, nice start to the season…better even than it would have been if we would have dominated from the start because we got tested. We got a glimpse as to this teams fight.
Tony C - to help with a comment on the last blog…the high stick side is the weakness of ALL butterfly goalies. They are taught to get down, cover the five hole and all the ice surface by closing the pads and putting the blade of the stick down. The glove is to be raised to cover the high side. They are just trying to make themselves look bigger and hope the shot hits them instead of finding the corner.
I do agree with you though…he did look good side to side.
Let’s see what happens tonight. Florida got torched last night…
By Darren
October 11, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Indeed Jan 2, 2006 was the last time Atlanta scored 7 goals or more in one game. Apparently they got all their high-scoring games out of their system that year.
In the first two wins that year, Atlanta scored 7 and 8 goals, respectively. Then they pounded Carolina 9-0, beat Florida 7-4, and beat Detroit in a wild, memorable 7-6 game.
Nothing since.
By Wings fan in Ga.
October 11, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
It’s always nice when the Crapitals lose. My ex is a fan of them, therefore I am not.
By The Other J.B.
October 11, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
The only thing better than experiencing that calibur game in person last night (from excellent seats, by the way) was to wake up this morning and find myself mentioned in the blog!
Great to finally meet you last night Rawhide. Really enjoyed it.
Damn that was a great game!!!! My adrenaline is still flowing.
Go THRASHERS!!!!
By Thrashernut
October 11, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
As only one game into the new season, it indeed would be hard to extrapolate last night’s win over the rest of the season. However, Rawhide’s analysis puts the best perspective on the win I believe - they wouldn’t have won that game last year, and it was damn encouraging to see the newcomers validate their acquisition.
By Smitty
October 11, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Nice to see the defense get so involved with the offense. Schneider needs to be better. PK again seemed passive. Great third period. As Rawhide mentioned that would not have happened last year. Good to see the new guys come through. 2 points down 90 to go.
By BlueSpark
October 11, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Bogosian: 12:38 TOI, 9 PIM. Nice ratio! I expect this is not normal for him.
60% faceoff pct. is pretty. nice. Backstrom, Federov, and Nylander especially got owned. Nice to see, since Nylander has been a Thrashers-killer in the past.
PK still needs work. Kari looked good, but the much-improved blueline still let the Caps waltz right into zone way too easily (most of the time).
By waffleboy
October 11, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Gotta be happy ay time you keep Alexander the Great of the scoreboard. The guy had six shots, a penalty shot, but couldn’t get anything past Kari. Truly, this was the first test of Lehtonen’s mental toughness. Two PP goals and a shorty tie it up, but then he shuts the door. The SOG are still worrisome, but Lehtonen looked fantastic.
The PP looked awesome. Everybody but Eric Perrin got time on the PP last night. And I bet Mike Green still wishes he could play every game against the Thrashers. I don’t know what it is about that guy, but he lights up the Thrashers.
I hate the new NHL stats page. Why do they always screw around with things at the beginning of the year?
By waffleboy
October 11, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
And, BTW, mad props for Bogosian for hanging with Brashear! Would not have minded at all if he turtled. But he stood his ground, even though he didn’t land a punch. Brashear’s gonna have to pay for that one on Nov. 26th.
By Bill
October 11, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Rawhide — Great post as always! Spot on analysis. I completely agree… last year’s version would have definitely not come back like the guys did last night. I thought Bogosian got better as the night went along and was glad to see him stand his ground against that goon Brashear.
ps. Jessie loved the shout out! She felt as if she’d met a rock star last night seeing you!
By five_hole
October 11, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Agree with waffleboy (quick look around to make sure Brashear isn’t in the state) Donald Brashear is a gutless goon. (Did he hear me? No? Good). I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that Hoffman will be in the lineup for our next game with the Crapitals.
With all of the good things from last night’s win, let’s not forget the un-good stat; 43 shots on goal allowed. Washington scored twice on 12 shots on the PP, so we allowed 31 shots at even strength. Understand that Washington has a lot of firepower, even though AO had 6 SOG, he was kept off the scoreboard, irregardless we can’t continue to allow that many SOG on Lehtonen. I’m getting older and my heart isn’t as good as it used to be.
By glovesave29
October 11, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
NHL.com has named Bryan Little as their first star of the night.
Florida should be interesting tonight. They got manhandled last night (the game was not as close as the score would indicate) and they lost Bryan McCabe. Both teams on a back end of a back-to-back should equalize things for us.
By Nikita
October 11, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Sorry to weigh in so late, and I’m sorry I didnt stop by, Rawhide. I was more or less lateral to you in 110, but didn’t identify you until the beginning of the third. 110, by the way, was semi-rockin’.
General observations:
Too many SOG.
Kari was mostly excellent, and the only goal that I would consider soft I think was screened.
Kudos to Todd White, Eric Perrin, Slava Kozlov, Nic Havelid, Jim Slater, Colby Armstrong, and Bryan Little.
Reasoner and Williams were quietly effective. Exelby looked much better than last year.
Hainsey is a STUD. Seriously, he was very effective pretty much all night.
Schneider wasn’t playing well. He made some stupid moves, I’m assuming because he hasn’t played enough with the team to have a feel for where people will be. Enstrom and Kovalchuk didn’t appear to be entirely full-strength.
Overall, I like the Anderson scheme a lot. Scoring was well-balanced, and supposedly stay-at-home players were putting pressure on Washington.
The fighting…my husband really hates it. Well, hates when it has no purpose, as he argues is the case when the game is more or less over in terms of the actual play.
By HookyBob
October 11, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Great game,…even better win. We were promised offense,..and they delivered. If this is the new Thrashers I love it. Everyone must have worn their lucky (recently cleaned) jersey.
Despite the win I still see some things to work on. Not sure how we’ll do when the opposition goalies put up a .90 or better save percentage. Shots given up were high. It is just hard to outrun that stat. PK was too reminiscent of the past. I’m sure coach Anderson will get fixes in place as the season progresses. Change is coming to Blueland.
I also liked the new PR guy..Exelby.
By Midfield
October 11, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Schneider did goof up a couple of times, but his presence at the point absolutely opens up space and passing lanes on the PP. He never once stopped moving even when the puck was in the opposite corner. I guess Anderson’s system works, but neither I, nor a few skaters down there have completely figured it out just yet from what I’ve observed. I’ll keep learning.
By kracker
October 11, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Great win!!!! A stat nerd question: Do the SOG and/or SV% totals include Ovechkin’s penalty shot?
By Corey
October 11, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
It sure was a lot of fun being at Philips last night. The Thrashers were a really fun team to watch. I was really worried after watching us against Detroit in the first home preseason game, but these guys played great. The passing was much more crisp, and there was a fire. We started off a little slowly, but as soon as that first pp started we looked like a new team. The passing in the pp was great. It was also really nice to see the new defenders shooting from the point, there were a lot of outside shots that just put more pressure on Theodore. It was great to see us come back like that too… I dont think the goals we allowed were very bad goals either, it wasn’t like we were playing poorly, we just got into penalty trouble with that obvious stick to the face. Last year when we lost the lead it was usually our fault, we would let an easy goal in or just do something stupid. It didn’t seem as much that way last night. As much as the fighting at the end seemed kinda pointless to some people because of the lack of time in the game, but I really think these players are fighting for their teamates. Its great to see that in the first game guys are fighting back when their team mate gets hit or messed with. It shows that this team is a unit, great to see after last year. Can’t wait for the game tonight…
By Smoothie
October 11, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
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
Hey Alan, an interesting observation. I too noticed early on that Toby seemed to look lost out there. As the game wore on though he seemed to find his stride. Havelid on the other hand I thought was stellar. He was using his body very well to win position battles at even strength and his neutral ice passing was brilliant (all three assists were “legit” passing assists).
But I think you are spot on about Toby on the PK and the lack of a physical presence, which is particularly important if we are going to play more of a passive, collapsing box style of PK. I also noticed Toby left the weak-side post on the backdoor dive by Green as well. Perhaps he just had an off night, but I still think he’d be better served playing with a guy like Hainsey who has such great instincts and a long reach (a la Sutton who was good at “fronting” guys in front of the net).
Problem is will Havelid be as effective playing with Exelby? Although I will say that Ex seemed to move more fluidly and confidently last night. Eventually, I think Bogey will be able to play with any of our defensemen and he might be the perfect physical compliment to Toby, but for now, we may need to mix things up as far as the D pairings are concerned when the team is a man down.
By Smoothie
October 11, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Rawhide’s analysis puts the best perspective on the win I believe - they wouldn’t have won that game last year, and it was damn encouraging to see the newcomers validate their acquisition.
Thrashernut — so true indeed. We saw a lot of fight and determination from this group last night. Kozzy’s quick reply to restore the 2 goal lead was an early indicator of that. And yes, dare we give some props to DWad for getting the kind of players (Hainsey especially) who might excel in his coach’s system??
By Alan
October 11, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I think Anderson’s system is going to be pretty dangerous in the years to come. For now, though, the players we have just need to get used to it.
It was really refreshing to see us pull out that win, especially with scoring coming both on the power play and at even strength.
I outlined my thoughts from the game on the last blog (not sure how many of you saw it, so here’s a link to it), and will only say here that I hope our players continue to gel with each other, and with Anderson. It really looks like Anderson’s system could be a turning point for the Thrashers franchise.
Buttt… I can’t get too carried away just yet. It was just one game. Let’s see how we do through the next month or so, because these early games could be an indication of what we can expect — both good or bad.
By Smoothie
October 11, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Nice to see the defense get so involved with the offense. Schneider needs to be better. PK again seemed passive
Can’t really disagree with you Smitty but in Schneids defense, this was only his second game w/ the team. He still moves very well and his instincts on the PP are top-notch. He had to work harder early on to cover up some rookie mistakes by Bogey and perhaps he was too tentative at the blueline knowing there was a rook on the other side. Which brings me to my next point…
Kari looked good, but the much-improved blueline still let the Caps waltz right into zone way too easily (most of the time).
As Blue Spark said, the Crapitals had too little resistance entering our zone. That is probably the learning curve in breaking bad habits under Hartley (for the Swedes), but for Schneids I think it was a by-product of being extra careful knowing his partner got off to such a shaky start. Bogey will get better quickly and you’ll see a lot more tightening of the screws by late Oct.
As for the other pairing, I thought Hainsey and Exelby played well together and they seemed the most aggressive with stick-pokes, sticks-in-lane to break up plays and Ex threw the lumber without throwing his partner under the bus. Go figure, Ex & Ron might become our # 1 duo. Perhaps we’ll see the second coming of Garnet X - L - Beeeeeeeeeee now that he is playing for his old buddy John Anderson?
By waffleboy
October 11, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Actually, five_hole, only 26 even strength shots were allowed. The other five were all short-handed. Another item that needs to be corrected, for it seeed like we always gave up short-handed opotunities last season.
By Brendan
October 11, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Another fantastic blog, Rawhide. Well done. This is a game that, last year, the T-birds would have lost, possibly not even coming away with the “consolation point.” Not this time. Not this night. It’s a good start to the season.
It’s also nice to see the “new” Thrashers, like Reasoner and Hainsey, tally in their 1st game with the organization. Rawhide, how many goals did the blueline produce last season? Well, they’ve already one so far this season.
Good luck tonight, Icebirds, against Florida.
By Smoothie
October 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Brendan — I think the blueline only mustered 12 or 13 goals last year…absolutely abysmal. We might triple that total this year.
One thing that begs to be mentioned is the low-class, bush league atrocity committed by the Crapitals’ professional fighter with a hockey stick, Donna Brazzier. If the NHL really wants to improve their image, they will give automatic suspensions to goons who pick fights in the last minutes of a game that is out of reach.
What Brashear did in going after a rookie and how he did it (headhunting with the elbow) was gutless and without honor. Luckily we have guys like Boults and Thorby (special thanks to Thorby for making it clear to the ref that Bogey had no desire to fight and that he was coming out there to protect the team’s honor) to administer “justice” when necessary.
By UniversalDawg
October 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, very nice to meet you last night. You have reached celebrity status as folks were coming up to you all night. You seem to be as popular as #17.
Some observations about the game: Kari looked very solid and in Anderson’s system, he will have to continue to play well. As the Dmen join the rush and become involved in the offense, there will be open ice coming back the other way. His system will depend greatly on solid play from Kari and we will have to get used to high SOG totals. The PP looked good. Puck movement was very nice and Hainsey looked good on point. PK still needs some work but I belive JA will find the right personel. Bogs improved as the game went on. After the holding call, he seemed to settle down and was pretty much in good position all night. Exelby and Havelid both looked good. Ex seems to have stepped up his play from last year. Overall good effort and very entertaining to watch. Can’t wait to drop the puck tonight.
By five_hole
October 11, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Actually, five_hole, only 26 even strength shots were allowed. The other five were all short-handed. - And this is better?
If last night was a precursor to the season, we’re gonna be involved in a lot of high scoring games. I’m personally not a fan of that because the “good” teams will have high-caliber defences and we will be left at a disadvantage.
In terms of tonight, at least Fla played yesterday and has to travel back to Mia, so we should be on equal footing from that standpoint.
By stendec
October 11, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Why wait? Put bust of Sori Letemin in the Hall Of Fame now! What would have happened if offense evaporated after 3-0 lead dissolved into 4-3 deficit? Why, a 4-3 defeat! Penalty shot stop balances scale for shorthanded tally allowed. Penalty shot would not have occurred had teammate not acted quickly to save certain goal after netminder was on LaLa Land excursion! But what the Hell. Send the untalented Finn to the HofF. Just make damn sure he has a ticket. It is the ONLY way he will ever get in!
By J(Z)
October 11, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Very fun game! My most curious observations were about the guys who didn’t play! I was sitting right by Oystrick, Slater and Hoffman (complete with bandaged hand). They were suited up - think Barney from HIMYM, not hockey - and didn’t show any emotion at all. No cheering on the team. No reaction to any goals. They just sat there and watched the game as if they were not happy to be there. Maybe that’s the norm, but I was surprised.
Good start. I ordered Center Ice after the game last night so I can watch tonight’s game and the other 40 or so non-televised games…can’t wait!!!!
By kracker
October 11, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Brendan Goals last season by Thrashers defensemen: 13
Returning players: Enstrom 5, Exelby 2, Havelid 1
Detarted players: Zhitnik 3, Klee 1, McCarthy 1
Points last season by defenseman: 78
By kracker
October 11, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Zhitnik and ‘detarted’ just go so well together!
By Pucking Idiot
October 11, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
stendec - Are you related to Pucks n Snot?
By Tony C.
October 11, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
5-hole
I realize the ‘fly is going to sacrifice some up-top coverage for the high-percentage areas.
What I was talking about with KL (and I’m sure you’d know this way better than me), is his rebound control on that stick-side-I realize that unless your name is M. Brodeur (did you see him juggle the puck into his blocker hand last night? If not watch NHLTV until they show the highlight), it’s going to be the weakest area, but it seems like sometimes KL has a tough time reading where the rebound is going to go. You tell me.
I think that the vaunted “system” shows promis, but more than a few of our bys still don’t “get it”.
No worries. Like Mr. T. said, that was a game that last season’s squad would’ve lost.
Good win!
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. If you want to order the NHL Centre Ice tv package, they’re doing a free-preeview this weekend. This is also the last week for the “early bird” discount.
If you have Comcast cable, and want either the Sports package (featuring NHLTV) or the Center Ice package
hit me up @
hispeedtest@hotmail.com
By Nikita
October 11, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
On the PK, there was no Perrin. I don’t get that — you’ve got a guy who has demonstrated his ability to play well on that particular special team, and you don’t use him? Maybe Armstrong figures he needs to work now on people who aren’t already good on the PK.
By Nikita
October 11, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
On the PK, there was no Perrin. I don’t get that — you’ve got a guy who has demonstrated his ability to play well on that particular special team, and you don’t use him? Maybe Armstrong figures he needs to work now on people who aren’t already good on the PK.
By glovesave29
October 11, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Smoothie - I am sure there is a message from the NHL in Bruce Boudreau’s voice mail. Probably has something to do with a nice fine that will go to the NHLPA charities. The mindless goon Brashear was just doing his job (which in today’s NHL is useless, but i digress…) but the coach should have NEVER had him out there! It was a completely classless move, one I would expect from their old coach Hanlon…
Kracker - yes, the penalty shot does count in Kari’s SV%.
By five_hole
October 11, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Um, Tony C. - I’m not sure why your comments were directed at me. I agree with you. Bufferfly goalies drop so their legs from the knees out are split towards the goalpoasts and the stick down to cover the fivehole. The glove hand is up and the exposed spot is high stick side (or the onehole or two_hole, as I believe it’s also known).
BTW, I found this. You always feel a little better if an opposing teams star is going to miss your game with them. You don’t feel so good if you find out it’s a possible life-altering thing.
By Midfield
October 11, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Actually, Exelby had a few give away passes. His puck handling skills have not improved by much. He needs to use his body mostly.
By stendec
October 11, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Thrashers took early lead on road. Sori Letemin quickly wasted it! Score knotted after a period. Sure hope offense comes through. AGAIN!
By Thrasher Ryan
October 11, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
It’s 1-1 after 1. Slava Kozlov with the lone Atlanta tally. Kovalchuk on the assist.
Rawhide—I kinda like the new TV girl, Natalie. She’s a hottie. Definitely cuter than Kincade!
By Tony C.
October 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
5-HOLE
My bad man, got your name confused with glovesave’s comments-can’t keep my netminder-monikers straight.
Again apologies.
If anyone who’s watching the game could give us a quick recap of what smoke DW is trying to blow up our collective skirt, I’d be obliged.
GO BLUE !!!
BTW-nice feed from #17 huh?
By Brendan
October 11, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Smoothie and Kracker, Havelid has three (3) assists last night. So, our D definitely is getting on the stat sheet, points-wise, right from Game #1.
By Alan
October 11, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
2-2 after two periods. Atlanta has been dominant all game long, with the current shot count 28-17 in favor of our boys in blue.
The PP looked okay (disappointed they failed to capitalize on the early 5-on-3 opportunity though), and the PK looks leaps and bounds better than last night.
Here’s to hoping for another two points in the standings.
By Rawhide
October 11, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Other JB, UniversalDawg, Bill & Jessie - Thanks so much…but I assure you the pleasure and honor is all mine. Hope to see you all again soon.
Thrasher Ryan - Uh-huh…I agree 100 percent….yessiree!!!
Nikita - Sorry we missed ya…I told RStroz to use that bullhorn of his to yell out at ya to try and get your attention….
OK, busy sports weekend for me…after last night’s game, I was up ‘til almost 3 am writing this blog…you’re welcome…then up at 8 am to finalize and post it. Then, off with the youngest tax exemption to Ga Tech for a group tour of the ROTC facilities there….then the football game, (Ga Tech wins 10-7 over some “hyphenated” school)….rush home listening to the first period of the game on XM…now watching game.
Someone tell me, though…I see Kari in the net but Yahoo Sports is showing Moose with one save tonght. What did I miss in that regard?
By stendec
October 11, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Thrashers spent almost entire second period attempting to recover from goal Sori Letemin allowed in EARLY SECONDS of period. THEY SUCCEEDED! Deadlocked after two periods. Way to go offense.
By Thrasher Ryan
October 11, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
It’s 2-2 after 2. Jason Williams scores to tie it up. Boulton tries to fight Boynton, but they both end up falling down.
There was something weird in the 1st period, when KL left the ice and went to the locker room. Moose came out for about 2 minutes, and KL returned. I wonder what that was all about?
By Thrasher Ryan
October 11, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, it’s also good to see Richard Zednik back out there after that neck injury last year.
Tony C.—There was no smoke from Waddell, surprisingly. Just his observations on the team thus far.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 11, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — Lehtonen had a problem with his contact, thus Hedberg filled in.
The first goal was scored with Hedberg in net.
By Thrasher Ryan
October 11, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
2-2 after 3 periods. Going to OT. Bonus points for everyone tonight!
By Thrasher Ryan
October 11, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Florida 3, Atlanta 2, F - OT
Ranallo—KL was in goal for all 3 Panther goals.
By stendec
October 11, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
What the F++K was SOLID Sori Letemin doing? Strolling through damn LaLa Land again when winning goal slips past his sorry A++. What an oxygen waste! Super team effort spoiled by this untalented FINN! All right apologists. Break out stats. Only stat which matters is that B+++++D has allowed seven damn goals in two games. Do the F+++++H math yourself! The announcers can lick his A++ all they want to. Same old unfocused quitter!
By Alan
October 11, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Ah, yet another stendec rant. Win or lose, you can always count on him to pop in with what is sure to be a professional analysis of Lehtonen.
By stendec
October 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
So F+++++G solid! I doubt an average of 3.5 goals per outing will get Thrashers to playoffs. John Anderson wants Sori Letemin to play 60 games? Guy seems to be decent coach. Just get him off crack cocaine! F+++++G Finn in net for 60 games? SHEESH! Ilya Kovalchuk has provren as unproductive as Maryann Hossa. When will he start capitalizing on FEW opportunities he receives each game? Totally disgusted!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 11, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Thrasher Ryan — I said “the first goal was scored with Hedberg in net”. I meant that, but quite literally. Hedberg was in net when an Atlanta player tallied the first goal of the game…Lehtonen was putting in his contact (seriously). Had the game ended at that score, Hedberg would’ve been considered the winning goalie, with one save to his credit.
Alan — You can set your watch to his rants.
By stendec
October 11, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
I am right about Sori Letemin. That will be proven with the passage of time. Do not feign shock when Ilya Kolvachuk bolts to whiter ice elsewhere. It will happen. No matter what has appeared in print or broadcast media. Thrashers will miss playoffs due to inferior netminding. That too is true. Wish these things were not true but they are. Live with it!
By Russ
October 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
What the F++K was SOLID Nic Havenot doing? Strolling through damn LaLa Land again, didn’t even score a goal when his team loses in OT, what a sorry A++. What an oxygen waste! Super team effort spoiled by this untalented SWEDE! All right apologists. Break out stats. Only stat which matters is that B+++++D no goals in two games, when team would be undefeated if he could have put in one tonight. Do the F+++++H math yourself! The announcers can lick his A++ all they want to. Same old unfocused quitter!
By Rawhide
October 11, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
stendec - I normally take your posts with a grain of salt…but tonight I just cannot let your comments pass without calling you on them.
After the Panthers second goal 19 seconds into the second period…he stopped the next 8 in that period…all 18 in the third and he faced all 4 shots taken in OT, stopping the first 3.
Do the math…that is 29 consectutive saves in over 43 minutes of play.
If it were not for the play of Kari Lehtonen the Thrashers would not have even gained a point tonight.
The team…according to coach Anderson…looked as though they stopped playing in front of him after the second period. That is where the blame, if there is any to give, should rest.
Let’s try to keeep it real, stendec.
By stendec
October 11, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Thanks Rawhide. Have a wonderful life.
By Brendan
October 11, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Hey, I have no complaints about this game. First off, it’s the road portion of a “back-to-back,” within the division, and we garnered a point. Given our history in such matchups, those are GOOD things.
That we were so badly outshot in the 3rd period wasn’t so good. Thank goodness Kari Lehtonen helped the team earn a road point. At the start of the 3rd period, my first thoughts were, “At the back end of a back-to-back, on the road, I hope they have the juice for a strong 3rd period, or we’ll be badly outshot, and have to rely on Lehtonen to hold the fort.”
Well … you saw what happened. Kari did hold the fort, and the team was badly outshot. Now, I’ll readily admit that Kari fumbled the puck on the OT winner for Florida. Enstrom also failed to corral that loose rebound on the OT winner. I really liked out chances in the shootout. But, c’mon now, folks. We can’t win ‘em all. This was, overall, a good road result. The Thrashers have earned three of four (3/4) possible points on the season. That’s .750.
This is a GOOD START to our season. 1-0-1. I’ll take it! How ‘bout you?
Blueliners Nic Havelid and Ron Hainsey picked up assists tonight. Havelid’s got four (4) now on the season. I want to keep an eye out for points and goals from defensemen this year.
By jason
October 12, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
I’m just G+++G to reply with random L+++++S and P++S signs and let you people try to F->S+++++C got really quiet. Perhaps it is because he is a P+++Y.
By Brendan
October 12, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
Karma is dynamics of the good and bad things that happen to us in our lives. It is proportioned out by the Cosmos. In theory, when you do something good, the Universe rewards you with something that brings you joy or happiness. When you do something less than exempliary, or evil, something “bad” awaits you. Maybe it’s just a parking ticket. Maybe it’s total loss of hydraulics.
But I digress. I caught a good bit the ‘Canes-Bolts game tonight. T.B. got up, 3-0, at about the halfway point. But as you can see, it didn’t prevent the Lightning from losing.
Karma, dude. Karma.
John Tortorella may be a … well … rather “difficult” individual to deal with, at times. GM Jay Feaster never struck me as terribly unpleasant or problematic. And Dan Boyle was, in every sense, the “glue” of the Bolts Blueline. All of them were treated unfairly or harshly by the new Tampa Bay Lightning ownership. These new owners certainly think they know best what to do, as it relates to hockey operations. They were certainly busy bees in the offseason, overhauling their roster. So far, they’re 0-2-1, for one point out of possible six (1/6). That’s a points percentage of .167. I know. It’s early. Got it.
But Karma has a way about finding certain people. Before you think I’m a T.B. “hater,” I am actually rooting for the Rays to win the World Series. They remind me of the ‘91 Braves, a bit.
By Brendan
October 12, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
By the way, Dany Heatley is wearing the “C” in Ottawa. I caught him on a 2nd period intermission interview. The Sens were playing the Red Wings, and were leading, 2-1, going into the 3rd. They lost, 3-2, to Detroit.
Same 2nd period intermission, Ken Holland, Mike Babcock, and Marian Hossa were all interviewed about how Hossa became a Red Wing this year. Mike Babcock: “We actually started recruiting Marian after that game against Atlanta, (5-1 loss, where Hossa scored a hat trick), but we didn’t have the resources to go get him then, or at the trade deadline. I think he (Hossa) will be a perfect fit. But before we signed him, we called Datsyuk and Zetterberg to inform them about the plan and the duration of the contract. Both were fine with it. And I told Marian, ‘Look, we’ve never lost a player that we didn’t want to.”
Marian Hossa: “I told my agent I was very impressed with the Red Wings organization and that I wanted to be a part of it.”
Isn’t it great that they can talk about it now? Note: Hossa didn’t say anything bad about Atlanta or the Thrashers in his interview portion, which was rather brief.
By R. Stroz
October 12, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this
Mike Babcock: “We actually started recruiting Marian after that game against Atlanta, (5-1 loss, where Hossa scored a hat trick), but we didn’t have the resources to go get him then, or at the trade deadline.
That sounds like a CBA violation to me.
By Stendec is a BUM!
October 12, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
STENDEC might be the biggest tool watching hockey in the world today if it weren’t for this Russ character calling out a 10 year veteran that is a defensive defenseman on not scoring a goal…. really Russ, that is like asking Moose to score a goal off the bench… everyone on this team has a defined role, and Havelid as our #1 Defensive Defenseman is to play solid D and get the puck to the guys that can score… How can you even call out Havelid after he had 3 assists on opening night…. Stendec, why do you even waste yours and everyone elses time posting idiotic things on here. I only read these things once in a while, but this joke of a person named Stendec would embarrass his mother if he said these things in public. What a clown! Stendec couldn’t stop 10 shots in 1,000 from Eric Boulton (had to throw somebody under the bus) so this joke of a “fan” might as well move to canada with the rest of the people that think its cool to bash hockey in the south… Be a man Stendec, go to a game and identify yourself… quit hiding in the AJC comments section. Let everyone know who you are. I’ll be at the game on tuesday, will you? I doubt it, but if we even give up one goal, I’m sure you’ll be the first loser on here bashing our goalies. Stendec, I’ll bet you are over 35 and still live with your mom!
By LAC
October 12, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this
Tough bounce… Lucky Goal.
Looked like the wind blew through our sails in the third, we looked tired and not near as crisp as in periods one & two.
But overall a decent game and we did garner an important point to boot.
Lastly, stendec… Calm down man, I dislike a lot of things about the Thrashers, but man you got it bad….
By glovesave29
October 12, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
I am just flabergasted as to how anyone can blame a goal from 12 feet out in the low slot that finds the upper corner on the goalie. Or how a beautiful tip play by the Panthers is also Kari’s fault. If you are trying to make an argument against him, picking two nice goals by the opposition that he had no chance on is not exactly a good way to make your point, now is it?
Oh, and stendec…why can’t we use stats to defend our position? Because your method of name calling is better?
Good call, R Stroz - I was thinking the same thing…I cannot believe that you can actively “recruit” a player that is currently under contract with a different team. That little comment need to be on Bettman’s desk on Monday morning.
By Sara
October 12, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
LOL you folks should read the Detroit Press more often - it’s been out for a while now that Detroit had tampered with Hossa (thought I mentioned it here, guess not). Hossa actually thought he was being traded to Detroit at the deadline - was shocked he got sent to Pittsburgh. And when the two teams lined up to shake hands after the Wings won the Cup, Babcock whispered in Hossa’s ear “See ya soon.” And I will tell you straight-up as a Wings fan that that was horsepoo and if I were both Atlanta AND Pittsburgh, I’d be b*tching hardcore. One wonders if Waddell knew about that - he referenced once at a THM that when/if the whole Hossa story came out we would be shocked.
Anyway back to Thrashers hockey. Stendec the first two goals were just good plays by Florida with a defensive lapse to blame on the first one - leaving Booth open in the middle like that was foolish. There was no one to blame on the second one - the goalie is always supposed to play to the guy carrying in the puck - it’s the D’s job to cut off the pass. I forget who the defenseman was, but he was in good position, it was just a great pass and even better shot. The final goal I blame on Perrin (I got the impression from his body language he blamed himself too). He got in Kari’s way and prevented him from smothering the puck. As Brendan would say though, by-gones at this point.
The PK was fantastic - beyond fantastic. And Nikita Perrin played on the PK both nights - he’s been paired with Reasoner, while Slater is with Army (funny, didn’t you and I both mention we’d be seeing Slater there this season? Must have been a lucky guess on my part though since I know nothing about hockey. ;P)
Man what in Hades happened to our PP last night? Falling back on too much perimeter passing and Kovy trying to do it all himself. I think that is going to be a major adjustment for him. He’s spent so long being the guy depended on to get it done - he needs to get used to sharing the burden.
It’s still only two games in - most of us (coach included) knew coming in this was going to take some time to turn around. However if the team can keep squeaking out some points through the learning curve, we’re going to be in much better position than I would have dared to hope come December and January when this team should really get going.
I don’t know if anyone else noticed but they showed an interview clip with Hainsey during the first period and he was wearing a team shirt that said “Winning comes in can’s.” Tres cool.
Brendan it was mentioned by the guys in the booth last night (for the Detroit game) that all the alternate captains for Ottawa are wearing the C while Alfredsson is out.
By Sara
October 12, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
BTW, in other Red Wings news, they placed Kyle Quincey on waivers yesterday. They don’t have any call-up room for a goalie if something happened and had to drop somebody so Quincey ended up being odd-man out. Mickey Redmond (long-time Wings announcer) mentioned that they don’t expect Quincey to clear waivers. I have this feeling that Don is going to feel like we are “full” on D but I really wish he’d pick this guy up, send Oystrick down, and put Quincey on third pair with Hainsey. While X has looked better than he did last season, he’s still pulled a few “duh” moments. I’d much rather have Quincey in general, plus he’s just signed a two-year deal and he will still be an RFA after that.
By kracker
October 12, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Sara I saw the t-shirt and had to look it up…
Winning comes in cans
Where can I order one?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Brendan — With Fisher and Alfreddson hurt, Heatley makes the most sense as captain for that club. Chris Kelly maybe (I don’t know if he even has the A), and possibly Spezza or Jason Smith, but Heatley is a leader figure for that club. Like Sara affirmed, I would think they’re rotating the captaincy until Alfreddson returns. I don’t see the point in it, why not just keep the As on until his return? The Wolves did it when Haydar was called up to Atlanta.
Stendec is a BUM! — Russ’ post was in jest, it was a mocking of stendec’s rant. I think he announced two days ago he would be doing this and picked Havelid at random. If you noticed, it was almost word-for-word copy, with Havelid replacing Lehtonen.
glovesave Stroz and Sara — Tampering makes sense if they were talking about locking him up long term. I would imagine that the dealings went something like this (to stay within the confines of the CBA):
Hossa plays in Detroit, Holland decides he wants to pursue him, so contacts Waddell saying “when you decide to dump Hossa, we’re interested”. Waddell does so, contacting Detroit along with the other candidates (namely Montreal and Pittsburgh, and Ottawa was rumored as well). Detroit puts out a package of (making this part up) Hudler/Filppula and Meech/Ericcson. Waddell uses that offer to get better from the other teams and ultimately chooses the Pittsburgh offer (due to the first round pick and Esposito). However, I would bet when Detroit showed interest they told Waddell flat out “we don’t want to trade for him unless we can discuss a renegotiation with him”. Waddell, being the nice guy he is, says sure. Hossa and Detroit talk about a potential contract extension, and Hossa makes it known to Detroit that he would like to play with them, but he’s either not prepared to sign long term, or Holland tells him they can’t sign him long term but would like to acquire him then or in the offseason if possible. Both part ways knowing they both desire the same thing, and then history unfolds.
It’s not tampering if the above scenario is how things played out. Cleary there are thousands of ways it could’ve gone down, but the basis of my statement is that Holland wouldn’t be stupid enough to admit to tampering. All he needed was Waddell’s approval before Hossa was traded, and they could’ve discussed contracts and the offseason directly with the player…thus “recruiting” him.
Just a thought.
By Nikita
October 12, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
re: Perrin, I don’t know what kind of crack I was smoking.
Hainsey…Fire on Ice mostly approves. Though he looks like he’s wearing some woman’s wig. Of course, none of that matters on the ice, and so far I am ecstatic about his performance.
Still a little worried about Schneider and Kovalchuk. They both look a tad off.
Also worried about Enstrom, who is not playing with his usual mental sharpness. Really impressed with Havs, though.
By HookyBob
October 12, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Nikita: Friday evening Perrin was on the ice when we took a penalty (probably Reasoner’s). Being winded, he was not out on the PK. This could be what you noticed? It catches my attention when he isn’t out on the PK.
LAC: Nice throwdown,…really nice.
Sara: Claim Quincey off of waivers? good idea but,…right now there are upwards of 20 teams that get a chance to pick him before the Thrashers. Believe it or not, we are tied for 7th place. Old habits (perspectives) die hard eh?
Brenden: You speak of karma. Pray tell,…any idea what we did to incur last year’s misery? It must have been really bad.
Well bloggers, the Thrashers almost outran that SOG stat last night. Almost
By Alan
October 12, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Pray tell,…any idea what we did to incur last year’s misery?
I’d say “buying our way into the playoffs.” The hockey gods don’t really approve of that anymore.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 12, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
I’d say “buying our way into the playoffs.” The hockey gods don’t really approve of that anymore.
Uh, they seemed to favor the Red Wings the last few seasons…
I’m just saying.
By five_hole
October 12, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Tony C. No problem man.
Ya know, I’m reading a lot of comments about why Kovy didn’t score a hat trick last night or why Kari shouldn’t allow a single goal all year; really ridiculous stuff IMO. I can’t help but think of the movie Airplane where Kareem Abdul Jabaar plays himself playing an airplane pilot. A kid recognizes him and repeats his father’s criticisms. Jabaar tees off on the kid and says “You tell your father to try and drag Bill Walton up and down the court for 45 minutes!”. I try and remember that when I watch atheletes play. Or, as Yogi Berra said; “Good pitching beats good hitting, and vice versa”.
All in all, I’ve been really surprised at the play of Hainsey. He’s been at least as good as I expected, if not better. I was trying to watch him on the PK last night and thought he did a pretty good job (except when it came to clearing the front of the net). Slava seems like he’s back to where he was two years ago (which is good). Little is my dog (I think that’s a good thing).
Win at home, a point on the road, this is a much better start than last year.
By Alan
October 12, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
ranallo - I have one word for you.
Zhitnik.
I rest my case.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Alan — Low blow.
By Brendan
October 12, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
All of Atlanta’s past “karma” is Self-inflicted, HookyBob. They could settle this lawsuit by overpaying Belkin’s share of the buy out. To the point where he’d have to seriously weigh what it’d cost to continue this charade versus the very, very large $$$ that would be immediately lining his pockets. Personally, I don’t think that clause, “or he can buy them out at cost” is ever going to stand up. That was hardly the “spirit” behind the deal. It was a very, very foolish clause to ever allow into play. And I’d argue that it only existed to show “serious intent” to reach a mutually acceptable buyout on the part of the AS, LLC.
Putting needlessly stupid clauses into a contract invites “bad karma.” Not realizing that you should make a change at the GM position, after ineffective results, invites “bad karma.” Not trading Marian Hossa, after it’s CLEAR that he won’t re-sign here, invites “bad karma.” Not realizing that you need a Head Coach when there’s 76-games left to play in a season … invites “bad karma.”
This offseason, the organization hasn’t done anything to invite “bad karma.” They proactively locked up Enstrom. They selected the guy at #3 in the draft that they should have. They made smart choices in latter round picks. They didn’t substantively overpay any contract this past offseason. Even Hainsey could turn out okay, over the longhaul. And hiring an eager coach, who wants to be in Atlanta, who has proven himself in the minors, is most often looked at as a “giving gesture.”
Generosity, or “giving gestures,” invites “good karma.” So far, do you feel bad vibes? I don’t. We’re getting smarter and we’re getting better. Waddell is seeking “atonement” for past sins. We’re “giving a chance” to young players who otherwise may not be getting this kind of opportunity. I’m looking at Oystrick, Sterling, etc. Extending opportunities to hopeful people … desperate to succeed … in a “build year,” is probably the right thing to do. Good karma.
By Sara
October 12, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Alan that was a bit harsh. Though so was ranallo - the vast majority of the Wings’ roster was either drafted or they’ve had them for a long time. Besides, what’s a GM to do when guys like Rafalski or Hossa practically throw themselves at him? ;) Dontcha wish we had that problem. sigh Think positive thoughts, think positive thoughts - we aren’t a retirement home anymore, our average age is less than mine, we won’t start 0-6 this season. Ahh, all better.