Ice Man

By Smitty

October 12, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Kari played well enough to win last night. The OT winner was not his fault. I am sure Glovesave will attest that the puck does not always come at you in a straight line. It was either knuckling or bouncing. He managed to block it and Perrin should have managed to clear it or Toby should have tied Booth up better. JA said he would work on the attitude. I hope so because the last half of the game was terrible. No one wants to hear about back to back games. By the way, Don Cherry gave JA a nice plug on HNIC last night.

By Alan

October 12, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Smitty - What did Cherry have to say about Anderson?

By Smitty

October 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Alan He was glad to see someone who had worked hard in the minors for so many years finally get his chance in the NHL. A much deserved chance he said.

By LAC.

October 12, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Surprised cherry was sober enough to even talk about Atlanta, That idiot is drunk 90% of the time on hnic… He stinks !

Grade B for the weekend, Bill is right, we stopped in period 3. If addressed, and I see it will be, and corrected great, but this is a trend we can ill afford to fall into on a every other game basis.

By Brendan

October 12, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Don Cherry, “And one more thing, Ron (McLean). John Anderson needs to be there, doing it in Atlanta.”

Hey, if the T-birds get that thing to the Shootout, I think they win it. But I’ll certainly take the point, on the road, on the back end of a “back-to-back.”

The team is .750 right now. It’s very early. But this is a year where we simply must stress the positives when they occur.

By Bob

October 12, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

That style of play will keep things interesting, in a good way, this year. I had figured our goals and shots against were both going down this year, but they may go up! That is one wide open style Anderson brings, but I like it.

Bogosian looks pretty damn good for an 18yr old kid out there, great move bringing in Schneider to mentor him all year.

Kari played pretty well, but he always starts out the season’s great, the key is going to be how he looks next week and going forward.

All in all, very pleasantly suprised and I loved watching the high def feed Friday night.

By glovesave29

October 12, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Smitty - you are right on, not only does the goalie have to deal with the knucling and bouncing that you mentioned, but also screens and deflections - plus the players that use the more open-faced toe curves can make the puck rise and dip. It is impossible to see that on TV and almost as tough in person sitting in the stands, but it happens and it is about impossible to predict.

By Brendan

October 12, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

The mystery is over, Ranallo. Kopitar signs $6.8 million-a-year deal, for seven years, to remain with the L.A. Kings.

Too long of a deal? Not long enough? Did the Kings overpay? Did the Kings “steal” Kopitar, at that price? What kind of message does this send to Frolov, Brown, O’Sullivan, who they just locked up at just under $3 million-a-year, cap-hit wise?

Discuss.

By Brendan

October 12, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Maybe this link will work?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 13, 2008 4:18 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Kopitar is worth every penny…he’s their version of Kovalchuk. I was lucky enough to see him play in Salzburg last October, and that kid is very dominant. Obviously he’s made his mark on the NHL by now, but it’s good to see LA lock him up long term.

O’Sullivan signed for three years, by the way. $2.925M cap hit.

I guess Cammalleri might’ve been asking for too much, or because of those two players was deemed expendable. He played center but eventually got moved to wing, but I guess he was worth more shipped out than remaining in LA.

They’ve got such a great young nucleus, with only two forwards over 30. They’re a good young team to keep an eye on if they ever get their goalie situation rectified (Bernier is good enough, LaBarbera is a fine fill-in).

By kracker

October 13, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

I still wish DW had drafted Kopitar. I will try to make this the last time I gripe about that miserable decision.

By Rawhide

October 13, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Here is a pretty good article by Burnside about Anderson and Boudreau Friday night.

By Bob

October 13, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Allen Muir has all kinds of predictions about the Thrashers, Waddell, and Enstrom and I think I agree with him

By Scotty

October 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Uh-Oh.

Look who just got hit with the Sports Illustrated jinx.

I know this cover was only published in certain areas, but still….

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Why exactly is that an Uh-oh? I hope he he has an awful season. I lost all respect for Hossa last year and his obvious tanking…

By Alan

October 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

and I think I agree with him

I don’t quite agree with his analysis of the Thrashers … yet. It’s still too soon to tell how this team is going to perform overall this year. We’re getting scoring from all over, so far. so that’s good. Whether it’s a testament to Anderson’s system, or just the fact that teams consider the Thrashers about as threatening as a house cat … that also remains to be seen, as this season is played out.

However, I do agree that Waddell is most likely on his way out, even if it’s only to be “promoted” to President.

By Scotty

October 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

glovesave29, I say “Uh-Oh” with a great deal of sarcasm. I will laugh my butt off if the “jinx” catches up with him this season!

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Gotcha Scotty…as you can see from my comment, I could not agree more.

Alan - Allen Muir NEVER has to say anything nice to say about the Thrashers. I guess he got snubbed for a job here or a pretty Atlanta girl rejected him…either way, I would not hold my breathe for anything REMOTELY positive.

By Alan

October 13, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

glovesave - I’ve noticed this over the years. Atlanta could win the Stanley Cup, and he would claim the other team “didn’t show up” or somehow “gave the cup” to Atlanta.

Just another classless writer. At least he fits in with most of the North American hockey media, so he’s got that going for him.

By NASCAR Dave

October 13, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to COACH ANDERSON on his first NHL win!!! I’m glad ANDERSON finally has a shot to show he can hang with the big boys…

I’m also glad KOZLOV is scoring, because KOVALCHUK has been a Non-Factor all of Pre-Season and through these first 2 games… Looks like teams have caught on that if you take him out of the mix, you can beat the Thrashers…

EXELBY still looks putrid out there… ENSTROM might need to sit in the Pressbox a few games also…

I see we’re still getting OUTSHOT late in games again… Uh-Oh - Don’t keep that trend up…

I think LITTLE needs to Center KOVY’s line still… WHITE seems to be a bit off pace with KOVY at times…

I wish we had some “Real” goons on this squad… The WIMPS were back again… Did you see how they all just sat around and watched as BRASHEAR pummelled the crap out of 18 year old BOGOSIANS face??? BOULTON and THORBURN both leave much to be desired… This team was not TOUGH enough last year, and I hope things can change this year, but so far it looks like the same old wimps… I’m ready for BORIS VALABIK to come back and add some GRIT…

GO THRASHERS!!!

By the Joker

October 13, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Allen Muir NEVER has to say anything nice to say about the Thrashers. I guess he got snubbed for a job here or a pretty Atlanta girl rejected him.

No, Muir struck out at Swinging Richards.

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I’m also glad KOZLOV is scoring, because KOVALCHUK has been a Non-Factor all of Pre-Season and through these first 2 games… Looks like teams have caught on that if you take him out of the mix, you can beat the Thrashers…

Uh, Dave…didn’t we just take 3 out of a possible 4 points on the opening weekend under a new coach…?

By Nikita

October 13, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Muir can bite me, and is unjustifiably nasty.

Specifically: Outside of Ilya Kovalchuk, there is not a single player here who can repeat as a 20-goal scorer. is b******. Last year, we’re lucky that anyone scored more than 20 goals…but we had several do it, and we have a good number who have scored 20+ goals in other seasons.

Good thing he also hates Tampa — I agree with his comments on Captain Mulletface 100%.

Obviously the team doesn’t look perfect. But the team looks 200 times better than it did last year at this time, and that’s with a new coach, new players, and new systems.

By Alan

October 13, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

In other news today, to the surprise of practically no one, Kyle Quincey has been claimed by the Kings.

By Sara

October 13, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Muir’s article was retarded. I think most of what he wrote in general was all way off base. Whatever - they can all rank the team as low as they want. Either they will all prove to be right or we will all get massive entertainment value from watching them eat crow later. :D

BTW, anybody watch the West Coast games last night? PHX-ANA was great - I thought Gretzky was going to bust a vessel yelling at Pronger. And Kopitar breaking the glass was nuts - I’ve never seen a player do that just by swinging his stick at it - or seen a 10 min misconduct given out for something that stupid. I mean, if the owners of the Staples Center want to fine him for replacing the glass that’s one thing, but he didn’t swing at a player so what gives with the penalty?

Speaking of odd things - did anybody see what happened with Peca that got him suspended indefinitely? I know he went after an official, just don’t know the circumstances.

This hockey season is starting out with some wild and crazy stuff - if it keeps up this may be the best season in recent memory and well worth every penny for Center Ice.

By Alan

October 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Sara - Here is what appears to be video from the game in question. It looks like Peca was trying to get a penalty call after he was tripped up in front of the net just before Brendan Morrow scored.

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Sara - If Muir is wrong, I can just about guarantee you he will not own up to it. If we do surprise everyone and play well, it will be the same articles that are being written about the Falcons right now…”the feel good story of the overachieving team”.

Talent alone does not win games…it needs a healthy does of chemistry and luck in addition to the talent. Looking good on paper means little on the ice. Going to football again…think of how many “experts” picked the Pats and Cowboys to go to the Super Bowl? Six weeks into the season now and Brady is long gone and so now is Romo with a broken finger. Add a whinny TO, a ubiquitous Pacman arrest and BOOM bad chemsitry and losses. The Falcons are slowly building momentum and good will because they respect their coach and will do anything for him. I think the Thrashers will do similar for Anderson…now if we could just get a good GM, but hey, we’ve addressed THAT one before!!!

By NASCAR Dave

October 13, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Palin booed as she drops puck at Flyers game

Yeah, that was Hilarious…

I am a lifelong Republican, but in my 41 years I have NEVER seen a more negative campaign than the one MCCAIN is running… I will be voting for OBAMA this year…

By Bob

October 13, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Looking good on paper means little on the ice. Going to football again…think of how many “experts” picked the Pats and Cowboys to go to the Super Bowl? Six weeks into the season now and Brady is long gone and so now is Romo with a broken finger.

In hockey, you’ve got 82 games before you get to the real season. The cream tends to rise to the crop over such a long season, moreso than in football where one injury kills your whole year.

The thing I love about hockey is that once in those playoffs, one hot goalie can get your club deep in the playoffs. But it’s usually the best 16 teams on paper that get into the playoffs in hockey, once there though, it’s a new season.

By Sara

October 13, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Man when is the NHL finally going to just get rid of guys like Hollweg permanently? Dude’s gotten suspended again for a dirty hit. Complete waste of roster space/borderline waste of air.

I’m tired of the NHL turning a blind eye (basically) to cheap dirty players - it’s a bad example for children watching the game, makes the sport look bad to those who are already apathetic at best, and is just plain unhealthy for the game in general.

By Bob (other)

October 13, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Bob, Allen Muir, Scott Burnside et al are all Hacks. You are so negative. You realize 18,000 people showed up last Friday, contrary to your “stay away in droves prediction” You are alsways so emotionally negative and are blind to facts. Guess your opinion is always the only one that counts. What an idiot. I plan to support our team and stay positive. Guess if we win division/make playoffs you’ll find some reason that doesn’t compute with your infinite wisdom to beat players/GM/owners up on. Clearly why NHL ownerships, league office and others in the BUSINESS anre knocking on your door every day.

By Alan

October 13, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Sara - Agreed — the bona fide goons really need to get out of hockey and find something else to do, like wrestling or something no one with half a mind takes seriously.

bob (other) - It’s a new year, a new season … let us not speak with words when we can let the team speak for us with actions. We really don’t look very good on paper, but this doesn’t mean Atlanta can’t come out to surprise everyone. That doesn’t mean with our defense contributing, we can’t win more games than last year.

Like I’ve said, it’s still too early to tell where this team goes and how we perform in the coming months. We will have a better idea after about 20 games.

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

The point is Bob, that even the most educated prediction can be redered useless with one major injury. A great team on paper does not guarantee their names being engraved on the Cup that spring.

Terrible story coming out of the KHL…

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252547&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

By Nikita

October 13, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Some of hockey is talent. But there’s also luck, experience, hard work, chemistry, and so on. IMO, we shed a lot of talent and experience in favor of hard work and chemistry. Hopefully we also get luck.

Woo, Flyers fans! I’ve already voted, which I did shortly after the VP debate — until that point I was undecided. Sarah Palin offends me at, like, 10 different levels. And my pit bulls are really offended to be compared to her.

re: Natalie Taylor, I’ve worked with her a few times. She’s competent. She used to do NASCAR and the SEC. I couldn’t hear her Friday, though, either, and failed to set my DVR to catch the game there.

By Sara

October 13, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Man that really sucks about Cherepanov. Scary to think an athletic 19 year old can just drop dead like that. Shades of Jiri Fischer all over again. UGH!

By Bob

October 13, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

You realize 18,000 people showed up last Friday

I did not know that, and don’t believe it unless they ushered a bunch of homeless people in. There were tons of tickets available on Ticketmaster including Row C Section 115, right next to you. I made a special point of looking at 116 during Friday night’s game, mabye traffic kept all of your neighbor’s from showing that night? lol.

A great team on paper does not guarantee their names being engraved on the Cup that spring

This is true as the playoffs is all about having the hot hand at that time, but a great team on paper will get you in the playoffs, if you only have one injury. Think about the year we had what, 5 goalies go down? And we still only missed the playoffs by a pt or two. In hockey’s 82 game schedule and rolling 4 lines of O and 3 lines of D and usually 2 or 3 competent goalies, one injury doesn’t take your team down like Brady going down hurts the Pats.

Awful news about that kid.

By Alan

October 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Sara - …And here’s video of Hollweg’s hit.

By Bob (other)

October 13, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Bob, Attendance was 18,545. 116 was basically full. You must be both blind and stupid.

Much more productive to quit the speculation and see what actually happens on the ice. It’s not like we were 20 & 60 last year. 8 games, 16 pts out. That is correctable.

Try to fend off all the offers for an NHL front office role. Thank goodness Don Waddell is the GM and not you. I think we would be 10-70.

By Sara

October 13, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Rawhide I’d like to take this opportunity to nominate Alan as our official blog video coach. Thank you.

For the record, before we get into this big argument about ticket sales, a friend of mine bought her ticket right before the game and the only thing available was Standing Room Only . Whether or not all people with tickets showed up is certainly debatable (though there are often chunks of people missing as they are socializing on the concourse or whatever - losers), but there is zero question those tickets all got sold one way or another.

By Rawhide

October 13, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Sara - Agreed regarding Alan. I’ll have Trixie send out his official job offer letter including an explanation of the benefits package.

glovesave29 - Wow…how absolutely aweful. Very sad, indeed…way too young.

Now…in case you haven’t seen it yet…here is Hedberg’s new goalie mask…Indiana Moose?

By Alan

October 13, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sara for the nomination and Rawhide for the job offer. If I may, I would like to take this time to nominate Hokie as the assistant video coach.

As for Moose’s new helmet, I must say I am absolutely enthralled with the paint job.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 13, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Horrible story, I feel for the kid’s family. 19 years old…wow.

By the way, I thought we all came to the understanding that this is a hockey blog, not a political blog. No offense intended towards anyone, but I don’t give a flying puck who you will or will not vote for. Leave this board to hockey, please.

A vice-presidential candidate was booed at a hockey game. It’s just as funny as when Shirley Franklin was booed at the first Thrashers playoff game. Sure, some people may or may not like her, but I don’t really care. She was booed, that’s the story, now laugh at it and keep your politics to yourself.

(steps off soap box)

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

glovesave29, thanks for the news on Cherepanov. That is utterly shocking. Pelle Lindbergh shocking. Only 19 years of age. And why had the ambulance, that was normally there, departed before the end of the game? (Uhh, I’m not asking YOU, specifically, I’m wondering about a potential lawsuit. The article furter alleges that the defibrillators weren’t fully operational, either.)

You’ll all recall that Cherepanov was the big surprise in the 2007 draft, sliding from a projected “Top 5” pick down to #17, when the Rangers happily stepped in to select him. I feel bad for the Rangers. And for Cherepanov’s family. He had to the potential to be a big star in the NHL and making millions for the family’s benefit. Such a shame.

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t know Brendan. When I found the article it had just happened and info was sketchy. It appears more info is steadily coming out. To me this is worse than Lindbergh as his was self inflicted…still tragic nonetheless.

I have played this game since I was 6. When I played games in most other states and provinces, there was always a doctor or medic on site…not here in Georgia and that has always scared me…especially being a goalie (and seeing the Malachuk injury).

On a similar note, the self inflicted shooting of Malarchuk last week has been ruled “accidental under suspicious circumstances”…a nice way of saying attempted suicide. I have heard that he was severly beaten by his father and the near death experience in Buffalo brought it all back. Poor guy…I hope he puts his ego in his back pocket and sees a professional about this. I just cannot fathom beating a poor defenseless child…

Ditto on the politics Ranallo…let’s keep it outta here

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t mind politics as long as it’s “hockey politics.” For instance? On Hockey Night in Canada, “Grapes” (Don Cherry) went off on a rant about the Ontario Hockey League, it’s geographic proximity to Toronto, and the Leaf organization’s failure to draft players coming out of the OHL. Instead, the Leafs tend to opt for foreigners. Grapes nearly went into coronary thrombosis, talking about how the OHL players grow up a Leafs fans and want to play in Toronto, but don’t seem to much get the chance.

One can argue that’s “political,” but there is a “hockey element” to it. Of course, why would we be talking about the Leafs here?, is a fair-enough criticism. Duly noted.

By HookyBob

October 13, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I laughed out loud at Alan’s link to Jose Theodore with the beach ball behind him (in the net). Also, enjoy his links to hockey news stories. With this in mind I think the job ought to be expanded to include photos and stories. Keep up the good work Alan. It is appreciated.

I am hopeful that Anderson becomes a serious Jack Adams candidate. Think about what it means,..and then knock on wood. The Wild and Devils, a couple of defensive teams, should help us take measure the **New Thrashers.”

Whoever posted about Little moving up to Ilya’s line,…I agree and hope it happens sooner rather than latter. Would also be for splitting up Havelid and Toby. Toby seems have had a couple of subpar games.

I was surprised to see Colby was named alternate captian. It took me about ten minutes in the Washington game to remember his contributions and fuly agree with the decision. His goal was a great shot. (And you know he reminds me a bit of Dan Synder).

Let the pundits keep writing us off,..it provides good motivational material.

Bob, and any others who have been at home so far,…I gotta tell you,.. the Ice girls have new shovels. Can’t think of anything else you have missed. Well….

Speaking of missed,…did anyone miss the senior couple on the kiss cam? Hope to see them soon.

Holleweg ought to be shot,…slowly. However, as dog mushers say, “he’s not worth the bullet it would take to put him down.” (I still haven’t gotten over his elbow to X.) The presence of goons is a detriment to this grand old game.

Go Blue.

By Smitty

October 13, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Guys like Hollwegg are one of the reasons the NHL has to get rid of the instigator rule. Sometimes players have to police themselves. A lot of these cheap shot artists get away with alot because nobody wants to go away for 17 minutes. A referee has to have the discretion to differentiate between helping a teammate and someone like Brashear going after Bogosian who handled himself quite well the other night.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 13, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

HookyBob — Knobler’s recent blog reports Little is moving up to Kovalchuk’s line, as a RW. Williams is moving down to the Kozlov line.

Brendan — You know what we mean by “politics”. And Cherry, though he has a point, is being silly. Just because a kid grows up loving a specific team doesn’t mean he’s the best available player during a draft. I’m all for diversification of nationalities in the NHL, and love seeing Swedes drafted before Canadians. Hell, I keep track of the Austrians who play in the NHL (only a couple), as they have less than a fighting chance due to the stigma of the superiority of Canadian players. GMs are expected to look at more than just a map when drafting players, and kudos to them when they actually do.

Cherry’s a Canadian, and he’s on a Canadian show. I consider him just pandering to the audience in one of his usual stupors. Someone should make a Don Cherry drinking game. For instance, every time Cherry says something where you just laugh and think “WHAT!?”, you must take a shot. For every instance where Cherry confuses himself with his own verbosity, you should take two shots. For every instance his co-host stares at him and is obviously thinking “WHAT?!”, you take three shots.

That’s a guaranteed buzz before the first commercial break.

By HookyBob

October 13, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks Ranallo. I was thinking of White moving down, not Williams. Now I’m thinking I’d like to see Christianson centering Little and Kovy.

The presence of goons is a detriment to this grand old game.

Don’t get me wrong folks,…I’m all for Gordy Howe hat tricks.

So who is going to lead the Thrashers in Gordie Howe Hat Tricks? (My money is on Colby, with Ilya a close second.)

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Well put, Ranallo. There are actually times … when I truly believe Grapes might just keel over, right there on the set. Of course, there’d be those who’d argue that’d be a fitting place for him to run out the clock.

In many ways, Don Cherry is regarded as hockey’s “Archie Bunker.” His inability to recognize Russian players as skilled and worthy is well documented. Again, a Canadian pandering a Canadian audience, that well remembers things like the “Rendez-Vous” series and Canada Cups.

I suppose I should also state … that Ron McLean fancies himself as a bit of comedian, who is playing the “straight guy” to Cherry’s “lunatic fringe.” McLean baits Grapes at every opportunity.

Watch for the next time the Thrashers play the Leafs. McLean might say, “Heckuva play by KOZLOV, eh Coach?,” knowing full well that Cherry considers Kozzie to be opportunist cheap-shot artist. Plus, Kozlov is Russian. Which, in and of itself, irks Grapes. So, obviously he’s baiting him to say something bigoted, inflamatory, accusatory, derogatory and whatever other “atory.” It’s quite intentional on McLean’s part. Cherry doesn’t have an “edit” feature in his discourse, much less tact.

So, yes. Such a hypothetical drinking game would get someone plastered, right quick.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 13, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I actually feel sorry for McLean, so I can understand why he goads Cherry into his typical rants. You’re right, McLean definitely baits him.

Can you blame him?

Watching/listening to Cherry is like watching a train wreck.

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

And after ALLLL this time together, McLean knows each and every one of Grapes’ pet peeves. If the show is lagging a bit, McLean’ll just say, “Well Coach, wouldn’t it be best to just take all the fighting out of hockey?”

Cherry’s next reaction would just short of Red Foxx clutching his chest, gazing skyward, and uttering, “This is it, Elizabeth! This is the BIG ONE! Daddy’s comin’!”

By Lanny McDonald

October 13, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

What do you guys think of those new Carolina sweaters? I kind of like them, although the colors resemble Ottawa a bit too much. On the Rangers feed tonight, they mentioned quotes from Jagr (also on Omsk). He said he and Cherepanov had just finished a shift and returned to the bench. Alexei was sitting next to Jagr on the bench, and he just keeled over on the bench and collapsed. Truly tragic.

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Lanny Mc, I like ‘em. That’s their 3rd jersey, right? By the way, the NY Rangers won tonight, to go to 5-0-0. No word on whether they’ve dedicated the win to Cherepanov’s memory.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 13, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Jack Johnson is out two to three months with an injured shoulder.

By kracker

October 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I hope I am very, very mistaken but I’m pretty sure I heard that one of the senior kiss cam couple had died.

The crowd on Friday was quite good. As usual the club seats were less full than the fan seats. One of the tailgaters (Jaeger) went to buy tix and luckily was able to get three of those club seats that were not going to be used given to him.

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Why can’t the Kings ever catch a break?

Just imagine is they could have avoid arbitration and re-signed Cammalleri two years ago? They’d have the cap room, that’s for sure!!

By glovesave29

October 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Don Cherry is a bufoon. The “expert” that he is owned perhaps the worst team in the OHL…the Mississauga Ice Dogs - with his Pit Bull “Blue” as the team logo. Cherry even took over behind the bench for a while and he went 11-47-6! - and it led to a very Don Waddell like first overall draft choice 4 straight years. Who was one of those choices? RUSSIAN Igor Radulov…kinda hypocritical, doncha think? They only produced one bona fide star…Jason Spezza and that was only because a silly rule forced Brampton to give him up.

It matters little where a player comes from…this is not the days of the original 6 where Toronto had the rights to all Ontario born players and Montreal got all of the Quebecois.

Holliweg will get his due…Karma owes him big time. Who can forget the old goon Dave “The Hammer” Schultz? He met a man named Willi Plett. Mr. Plett was a tough guy who could also play the game. Mr. Plett was nice enough to beat the living you-know-what out of Schultz. Flames fans everyone still smile when they think about that glorious night…

By Brendan

October 13, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

I remember “the Hammer” Schultz very well. He did know his role on the Flyers. Glovesave, Ryan Hollweg is overdue, “karma-wise.” He’ll reap what he sows.

Ranallo, I meant to comment on a previous blog that O’Sullivan’s contract had to be at least $2.0M to get the Kings over the cap. He got $2.95M, cap hit, per season. That’s a good deal for L.A. As is this deal for Kopitar. At $6.8M, it’ll be a little high for the next two seasons, but years 3-7, he’ll be underpaid at that rate. Once Bernier gets there, full-time, as the #1 Kings netminder, that will be a formidable team. I hope they hang on to LaBarbara. He shouldn’t cost that much to retain. I’m a little bit surprized the Kings didn’t go with a 9-year deal for Kopitar. But there’s really nothing wrong with seven years. It means they won’t even have to “think” about again for another 5-years. At that point, the speculation about if he’ll leave the Kings will start, even though they won’t be able to re-sign him until the 6th season has expired. It stinks to be a bad or mediocre team for 4-5 years, but if the GM is worth his salt, the Kings should have quite a window of opportunity to contend. At this point, they should continue to build through the draft, and make intelligent waiver claim acquisitions. And pray for good health and “player retention.”

By Nikita

October 13, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Er, fine, on politics. But the political comments were about a candidate appearing on a hockey rink, where a candidate (IMO) does not belong.

In a semi-related note, what the heck is up with the NHL promotional people? Why on earth would they invite has-beens, none of whom I suspect knows anything about hockey because they’re from a country where it isn’t generally played, to play the kickoff? I also laughed my a* off when I saw Alanis Morissette doing similar work. Morisette would have been really cool and current, what, 10 years ago?

Friday night reminded me, also, of how good my Thrash experience was a few years ago. I felt wistful for the old kiss cam folks, for “Grandma” and for “Hockey Love.”

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Mr. Plett was a tough guy who could also play the game. Mr. Plett was nice enough to beat the living you-know-what out of Schultz. Flames fans everyone still smile when they think about that glorious night…

Watching Willi beat the stew out of Schultz was worth the price of admission alone.

Does anyone know if Willi still lives in north Atlanta or still owns the driving range on 92 between Roswell and Woodstock?

By glovesave29

October 14, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this

The driving range and sports bar Willi owned has been gone for years…last time I passed by, I think it was an antiques shop…

Curt Bennett is living the life…he owns a landscaping company on Maui. Not a bad gig if you can get it!

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Curt Bennett is living the life…he owns a landscaping company on Maui. Not a bad gig if you can get it!

gloveave29 - I wonder if Curt takes his gloves off at the landscaping company.

Curt Bennett, an Atlanta Flame, was notorious for fighting with his gloves on. Curt used his gloves to actually cut players’ faces.

By glovesave29

October 14, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Don’t recall him fighting with gloves on, but if you want to ask him if he gardens with his gloves on, here is how you can find out…

http://www.curtbennett.com/

By Bob

October 14, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Bob, Attendance was 18,545. 116 was basically full. You must be both blind and stupid

Okie Dokie. The camera shows your section all game long and I saw plenty of empty seats. But I’ll check it out again tonight on the Wild’s feed on CenterIce and see how many of your season ticket holder neighbors show up, Tuesday night against the Wild, I would guess only the season tix holders are going to be in those seats, unless the cheap seat holders up top sneak down to your half empty section.

What do you guys think of those new Carolina sweaters?

Didn’t like them at all, I was trying to figure out if they were the Ducks or mabye Sens, way too dark.

By glovesave29

October 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Part of the problem with ticket counts are that they count the ones sold and not the ones that were used. The second is that when you have a suite, you also get tix in the lower bowl. So the people are in the suite getting the good food and a private bathroom, thus leaving the lower bowl on the suite side less than full capacity.

I like the Carolina jersey. Beats the toilet flush logo on their primaries. Beats the heck out of our atrocious new thirds. The Pens are using their sweet light blue uni’s from the 60’s, and the Oil are going back to the ones they wore during their 90’s heyday.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Curt Bennett is living the life…he owns a landscaping company on Maui. Not a bad gig if you can get it!

Glovesave29—Back in the early 80’s, Curt Bennett was one of my youth hockey coaches. Fantastic guy. His son played on the same team, also. Curt taught me about crowding the net and getting those “dirty” goals. That was at the old Parkaire Mall. Do you remember that place? Now it is known as the MIC. I always liked the mall better than the MIC because no matter where you were in the building, you had a great view of the ice. Good times, thanks for the memories!

By Thrasher Ryan

October 14, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Carolina and Washington are off today, so lets hope the Thrash can pull out 2 points against Minnehaha and move into 1st in the SE.

PJ—Where you at?

By glovesave29

October 14, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Yeah Ryan, I played at Parkaire all the time. I grew up in Sandy Springs…so it was there or IceLand (until the Flames left when it became Newnan and later, Chattanooga). Playing in the middle of a mall was fun, but I don’t think the shoppers or the shop owners liked the occasional puck flying out into the mall area!

Curt is a great guy. I used to see him in our neighborhood all the time for ALTA events. He’d always join us in our street hockey games after he was done.

By PJ

October 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan Life has been moving at a frantic pace since I started my new job a few months ago…Whatsup? Are you embracing a calling from the higher power?

By Thrasher Ryan

October 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Are you embracing a calling from the higher power?

I hope you are speaking with those higher powers. Can you ask to Hockey gods to let us win tonight? We need to get into 1st and stay there.

Glovesave—Did you ever play at Stone Mountain Ice Chalet?

By Alan

October 14, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

It looks like the other Kozlov got injured last night against Vancouver. Bonus: Ovechkin talks about the unfortunate passing away of Cherepanov. It makes me wonder what Kovalchuk’s take on it is.

By Rawhide

October 14, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Here are tonight’s lineups.

You’ll notice, as Mike KNobler has reported, we’ll see Oystrick play tonight and Bogosian will sit. He’ll be paired with Schneider. Aso, Little as first-line RW.

Williams drops back with EC and Kozzy…Army with Reasoner and Perrin.

Fourth line the same.

Looks like Kari will start again.

By glovesave29

October 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Yes Ryan, played there many times. Coldest locker rooms in the world. Nothing like stripping off 50 lbs of soaked goalie gear in a 45 degree room!

By Lurking Dave

October 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Speaking of the Shultz/Plett incident, one time during a Flyers game at the Omni, me and a buddy were in section 125, right over where the visitors came out. “Battleship” Bob Kelly had just been ejected for fighting and was on his way to the locker room when my buddy stood up and yelled “Kelly you suck!” Kelly stopped dead in his tracks and started yammering away at my bud to come down there and say it to his face. To this day we still laugh about how Kelly wanted a piece of him then and there.

By Brickhouse

October 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Wow, Parkaire Mall. Blast from the past. Used to live only a couple of miles from that place.

For those of us that cannot get to Phillips for every game or have not bought Center Ice, the Free Preview goes through tomorrow. Don’t know about cable subscribers, but Directv is showing that the game will be on Ch. 770/771 (HD) tonight.

By Section 310

October 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

But I’ll check it out again tonight on the Wild’s feed on CenterIce and see how many of your season ticket holder neighbors show up, Tuesday night against the Wild, I would guess only the season tix holders are going to be in those seats

It doesn’t matter if they show up or not. If they are season ticket holders they bought and paid for those tickets. That means they are not boycotting Don Waddell and what seems to be his brilliant moves this summer and you are sitting at home by yourself.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, so Holik was interviewed by the Star-Ledger paper in NJ and was asked to reflect about his time in Atlanta.

Now, after I read his comments about it (last paragraph), something clicked in my mind. I don’t know how many of you remember, but here’s Holik lamenting about how Atlanta had not yet approached him about returning.

I guess senility has set in for the NHL’s very own Frankenstein monster.

By Bob

October 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter if they show up or not. If they are season ticket holders they bought and paid for those tickets. That means they are not boycotting Don Waddell and what seems to be his brilliant moves this summer and you are sitting at home by yourself

So if the seats are empty, I should assume it’s because season ticket holders have bought and paid in full for them, but they just didn’t go? That’s some new math for you there, eh? lol.

Every games a sellout, see, just look at all those empty seats our fans bought and paid for! If we didn’t have all these season ticket holders, those seats would be all full, this proves it, rawwwrr!!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

This argument between Bob and whomever reminds me of the consecutive sellouts this team posted, and the single season record for sellouts a few seasons back. Each “sellout” was greeted by laughs as I was attending those games, and often able to sit anywhere I wanted.

It’s a common thing in sports, to buy seats but not attend every game. Granted, I can’t see it happening EVERY game, but I’m not surprised when a person goes to the box office and can only purchase standing room only tickets, yet the arena looks half full.

By the way, the scalpers with a handful of tickets can NOT make much money off of the Thrashers games. Sure, they overcharge you like crazy, but how many tickets must they sell to make up for the Costanza wad they got going with their leftover tickets?

Anyways, carry on.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Week 1 power rankings are out! The Thrashers are ranked by Sportsnet.ca at 15th, Custance puts us at 24th, and CBS Sportsline puts us at 25th. Still too early for these, IMHO, but we’ll see how true these as the season proceeds.

By five_hole

October 14, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Did I miss PJ’s invocation? I’m personally not much of a believer, but I admit I found it uplifting and something to look for before the games.

PJ my hands are on my keyboard, whenever you’re ready.

By Tony C.

October 14, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

The CentRe Ice channel will also be showing the game on channel 779 in some Comcast areas

By Thrasher Ryan

October 14, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Did I miss PJ’s invocation?

five_hole—Yeah, I think I missed it also - even after I asked her. If we lose tonight, I’m blaming PJ!

Coldest locker rooms in the world. Nothing like stripping off 50 lbs of soaked goalie gear in a 45 degree room!

Haha, I know what you’re saying! I hated that place. But it might be because I busted my knee up pretty bad there one night. Worst place to play for me was in Chattanooga - believe it or not, there are actually dumb rednecks that play hockey! Dirty hockey at that. I was on RW; We were in our own zone and some fool with a rattail cross checked our Goalie in the back. No whistle from the hometown refs. So I dropped the gloves and showed him how we handle things in GA! And of course I was tossed. But he wasn’t. I was pi$$ed!

By Alan

October 14, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Well, we’re down 1-0, due to a power play goal. End of the first period.

By Tom

October 14, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Why is Center Ice blocking the broadcast. This is Bulltwinkies

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

F-Yeah, Little to Kovalchuk for his first of the season.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Score is 1-1. Kovalchuk scored!

By Brickhouse

October 14, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Tom great question. Why publicize a free preview of Center Ice if they are going to blackout a broadcast not available on television in the local area.

SOG are starting to go the wrong way. Have to stay out of the box.

By PJ

October 14, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Five-Hole, ThrasherRyan, Oye the guilt. I honestly thought my unrelenting optimism was grating by the end of last season. I imagined I was getting eye-rolls with every post. Do you really want me to post prayers?

By josh

October 14, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Bob, Attendance was 18,545. 116 was basically full. You must be both blind and stupid.

116 looks pretty empty right now, lol

By Tony C.

October 14, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Tom-

Are you a Comcast subscriber?

If so, most Atlanta-area subscribers should be able to see the game on channel 779.

If you don’t see it, shoot me an email to:

hispeedtest@hotmail.com

Include a contact number, and I’ll give you a shout and see if we can’t get you set up correctly.

If you’re a sattelite customer, or with AT&T or Charter, I don’t how much help I will be for ya.

GO BLUE !!!

By Alan

October 14, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

According to Todd White (interviewed by the TSN North guys), he was asked about Anderson’s system. He said “the guys are really buying in.” If that’s true, and it looks like it is, that’s very good news for this team this year. Even if we have a losing year, it promises to be entertaining overall.

By Brickhouse

October 14, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Tony C. thanks for the offer. Stuck with Directv with no other options at the moment. Hope you are able to enjoy the game.

By Tom

October 14, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Tony C.

I appreciate the effort. I am with Directv but they are trying to find me an answer as we speak. Squeaky wheel. :)

By Alan

October 14, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

2-1 Wild after Gaborik got his first of the year. Still about 10m left in the period.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Make that 3-1 after a Miettinen breakaway.

By Tom

October 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

TonyC Thanks for the offer. I am with Directv so it is I get to suffer…

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I love Little.

By Alan

October 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

3-2 with another Little goal on a pass from White! 4+m left in the game.

By PJ

October 14, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

I believe that puts Little as our points leader…no?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 14, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

PJ — You are correct.

By Tony C.

October 14, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Well, no points hurts but I’m ok with 50% possible points after 5 days of official play on a team that barely knows each other using a system that maybe only a quarter of the team is familiar with.

Like I said a week ago, I’m sure this will be a much improved team come December.

GO BLUE !!!

By TRON

October 14, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

REGARDLESS……OF WHAT THE APOLOGISTS WILL SAY……DECIDING 2 GOALS……ALL ON LETEMIN…….FACE THE FACTS…….ANOTHER MONUMENTAL COLLAPSE…….SHODDY REBOUND CONTROL…….BRAIN FARTS……MONKEY PUCKS…….WHATEVER…….ALL ON WONDERBOY……LMAO…..LMAO…..LMAO……

By Bob

October 14, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

116 looks pretty empty right now, lol

Yep, completely empty as we knew it would be, regardless of goofball up there with all his neighbors renewing their investment. lol. The rest of the arena as pretty empty as well, they reap what they sowed. I remember seeing bigger crowds at prior year’s preseason games.

Little looked good, I’d still like to see him move to center. Remember when they tried to get Stefan’s confidence up by moving him to wing? I think this is different though, mabye playing RW due to need as opposed to his long term placement. Either way, great to build on if he continues to show this play, granted his goal tonight was a deflection, but it was one by being in front of the net, something we’ve always seen to few of, Coach must work them to get to the net, which is great. Good things happen when you go to the net

By Bob (other)

October 14, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Bob, you must be a child. The attendance was in excess of 11,000, which is relatively consistent with prior years early season weeknight games.

You are just an idiot.

By HookyBob

October 14, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Bob: The fan next to me tonight said “There were more people here for the Wings preseason game.” On top of that a good number of those at the game were wearing Wild jerseys/hats, etc. But you know it was still noisy when the fans got going. (Nothing quite like a surpy southern accent yellinng “Shoooot the puuuuck”, or “Heeeey ref, youuu suuuck.”)

I enjoyed this game. It is looking as if we are close to connecting on plays. I’ve seen more passing from this team than I can recall. However, it seems as if players don’t know each others’ tendancies well enough yet as some passes go to a spot that our player just veered away from. Lots of potential if players ever get to know each other. I’m in agreement with those who post that it’ll probably a month or so before things begin to gel. I’m hopeful. Also, Schnieder was really close to breaking up Metinen’s (#20) break away goal. Really close. Still…

Minnesota is known as a team that makes the most of its (few) opportunities and that is exactly how the script played out. We actually outshot them. And I’d have to say Kari’s saves were a lot more difficult than Backstrom’s (he’s good, don’t get me wrong). If we got any 2nd chances, ie a rebound, I missed it. The Wild defense if pretty tight.

Gaborik is really good,…but I wonder if the Wild lockeroom isn’t about to go through the same thing as we did last year with another Slovak.

New Jersey is next up. Am wondering if Moose with get the nod. Hate to say it but,…Kari did seem to loose some focus in the 3rd. From what I’ve seen so far Brodour hasn’t been in top form. I think we take them. Go Blue.

Finally,…the senior couple was on the kiss cam tonight. Life is good.

By Rawhide

October 14, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

HookyBob - Life is good, indeed!!!

Bob(other) - The announced crowd was 11,843…but honestly…if that was the actual attendance, then there was about 4,000 people there all trying out their new Halloween costumes as they were disguised as empty seats.

And now…new blog time.

By Pucking Idiot

October 14, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

You are just an idiot.

Bob(other) - Empire Tickets controls a considerable number of seats in 115, which they are selling below cost.

That is a bad investment.

Bob (other), or should we just call you Bruce “Smart A$$” Levenson, stop drinking before you destroy your liver. Then again, have a few more drinks.