Ice Man

By Alan

October 16, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

I hope Hainsey proves everyone wrong and proves to the hockey world that he’s worth every penny he’s earning on the Thrashers blueline.

Tonights game …. the PP sucked again, but I’m not sure there’s anything we could have really done against Brodeur. He looked rock solid out there.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 17, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

I “hope” Santa is real, too, kids…err, sheep, I mean…

Isn’t it well-known that the key to championships is raiding the likes of the Columbus Blue Jackets?!

(You must not subscribe to our bumbling Donny’s ten-year “Five-Year Plan” if you don’t believe it!)

We’ll see! I still think about 15 games is about right to begin judging where we are…See you SOON, bwuewanders! Keep up the HOPE—it’s precious and cute!

By LAC

October 17, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

This scoring issue has to be addressed…

Now eleven goals in 4 games, 7 in one… We have to aquire a couple PROVEN scorers.

The two we got for Hossa are, well not working out too well… Are they ?

We still give up far too many shots more than any team so far this season…

Gee, Weren’t we saying this LAST season ?

What has or has NOT changed ?

I see the owners are getting slapped in the face with SMALL attendence… They deserve it too, bad mouthing the fans not putting a QUALITY WINNING team on the ice, have just come home to roost.

They better wake up real soon before full scale panic sets in, it’s not getting better and they had their chance, but yet again, they let waddell be the cheap mind less wonder he is and look what we have to show for it…

By Alan

October 17, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

LAC - His bed was made last year, after the White signing. He’s almost invisible out there. Not just White … but Clear even. Even Jason “Charmin Ultra” Williams was more visible and laying on some big hits this evening.

The team looks good defensively, for the most part. But you are indeed correct in saying we need more scoring. I can see scoring and the PP being addressed at tomorrow’s practice session.

By 12345

October 17, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

I have to agree we need more scoring and this roster is so thin on scoring it is scary. I really hope something is done soon, I hate to say this, but the doom and gloomers may be correct, it is the lack of scoring that has killed Atlanta the past two seasons, and from where I sit this season is the worst since the expansion year… We have to have new blood in the GM chair, this is getting so old year after year, we do not have the right mix of players and only one person is in charge of that and he has not done a very good job.

I vote to let Don Waddell go and soon… That is what is needed to make this team become a winner. Something has to give here people, it has too.

By Sara

October 17, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

The good parts of last night: It wasn’t a horrible loss: 1-0 beats 4-0, etc etc (although don’t tell the guys that - can’t have complacency). Keeping it close at least means the team was in it and competing. The Thrashers also managed to do that playing against a very established team that plays a physical style we don’t really match up well to on paper. However lots of our guys were fighting through checks and managed to draw some calls because of that. Getting 5 PP opportunities is good (we shall discuss what they did with those opportunities momentarily).

Kari played out of his mind again - his best game so far hands down. Everyone also looked ok out there last night - no string of glaring boo-boos from the forwards or the D. Havelid and Enstrom had solid games. They came out skating in the second, as opposed to the totally flat 2nd we saw against Minnie-sota.

Now the ungood - the PP would be the glaring elephant in the room. There is still too much focus on Kovy - he got the puck and two PKers were on him instantly. The rest of the guys need to get in better position to take advantage of the essential 4 on 2 they are being given in that circumstance and Kovy has to find a way to get it into those areas. I am still not happy that we aren’t screening the goaltender (especially crucial against someone of Brodeur’s calibre) or keeping someone floating around the net to go after rebounds. The team got into some penalty trouble again in the first. Our goaltending and PK have been solid overall but it’s the law of averages really - the more shots Kari has to face or the more times our PK has to go to work, the more odds increase that the opposition is going to eventually capitalize on their chances.

While I mentioned earlier that the guys were not as flat in the 2nd period, it was still a bad period for them overall - NJ really dictated the play. I don’t know what the problem for this team is in the second periods, but it would behoove Anderson to focus on that right up there with the bad PP.

One last area of concern to me, and I’ve been seeing it every game, is the line changes. Guys are kind of cruising over to the bench to switch out, instead of hustling so the fresh skaters can jump out onto the ice and join the play. Not only do those long line changes hinder our offensive pressure, but they create scoring chances for other teams observant enough to catch it and exploit it. I’m not really seeing enough over-all hustle. When you aren’t loaded with all the talent in the world (and even sometimes when you are) you have to work that much harder.

There are some good things happening with this team and we are still looking at some time before the systems and chemistry really click. But the guys and the coaches gotta buckle down.

By Bob

October 17, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Dang, that first game gave me hope that we were going to be able to score goals this year, but reality is starting to set in. It’s understandable that we’re giving up more shots than last year, this year’s club has more dmen that can skate the puck up ice, but Schneider and Hainsey are not good in their own zones and Bogosian is going to have rough patches (he looked good last night, it’ll be fun to watch him progress all year).

It’s really shocking how empty the arena is. I knew a lot of my fellow season tix holder were bailing, but I had no idea that many! Goodness, and NJ usually has a bunch of their fans show at our games when they come to town. I wonder what our real season ticket holder # is now, mabye 5,000 total (meaning 2,000 or so total families as most have 2 or 3 seats)?

Has anyone else received the package from the team begging us former season tix holders to come back? Came with a coupon for a couple free tix. We have the management’s attention, I’d like to give a shoutout to all my fellow fans who stood up, cancelled their tix and forced them to take notice of the incompetence. Good job, it will force the much needed change!

By Toby

October 17, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Sara I normally agree with 99% of your posts, but… They came out skating in the second, as opposed to the totally flat 2nd we saw against Minnie-sota.

This one I have to disagree with.

I managed to convince the wife and some friends that it’s not to early to get into hockey season and check out my first live game of the season. 1st period gets a C. Started off great, but kinda ran out of steam with about 6-7 minutes left. 3rd gets a B. They looked much better. They had Jersey on their heals most of the period, just couldn’t get it in the net.

It’s that 2nd that drove me nuts, and it appeared the 26 other people in attendance agreed. I need to look up the time spent in each zone because it appeared it was in our zone 95% of the time. It was one of the worst periods of hockey I’ve ever seen, and I grew up a Whalers fan. If I remember right, the shots at the end of the period were 29-15 (I need to look up the stats for that period alone). We looked soooo dead. That was a D, with Kari the only reason it doesn’t get an F.

By Toby

October 17, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Just looked it up

Shots in the 2nd…21-7. That is just awful. The 2nd was a big problem last year too. I don’t get it.

By Sara

October 17, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Toby I mentioned the second was both good and bad (course that was a rather Brendanesque post - I can understand if ya didn’t get all the way through it :D). The start of the second period was alright - as opposed to the game Tues when the second went wrong from the drop of the puck. They just couldn’t sustain it. You’ve got no disagreement from me that is an issue coach needs to seriously ponder along with our floundering PP.

By Cancelled STH

October 17, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Bob, Yes sir, I received the package and I shook my head when I opened it. After many years as a season ticket holder I reluctantly cancelled this season. My rationale had little to do with the bumbling player personnel moves, declining on-ice performance (pick any measure you like) or the seemingly rudderless front office. Heck I’ve been watching hockey for 35 years and I’ve seen all of that before. It is all a part of the game.

I cancelled because I was insulted by the owners’ arrogance. They actually had the audacity to raise ticket prices after last season. Moreover, they had the arrogance to intimate that the STH should expect it. I paid over $200 a night for seats and routinely sat next to folks that paid $25 - for the same seats. And what about the owners’ response? Well, at least its consistent … apparently their record with their loyal fans is on the same trajectory as the team’s performance.

By Bob

October 17, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I cancelled because I was insulted by the owners’ arrogance. They actually had the audacity to raise ticket prices after last season. Moreover, they had the arrogance to intimate that the STH should expect it. I paid over $200 a night for seats and routinely sat next to folks that paid $25 - for the same seats. And what about the owners’ response? Well, at least its consistent … apparently their record with their loyal fans is on the same trajectory as the team’s performance

I lift my glass to you, fellow Cancelled STH Bravo, we will affect the necessary changes (of which there are certainly many needed).

By Scott

October 17, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Sara is on to something with the slow line changes, and if the long change in the 2nd period is making that weakness more pronounced - I’ll have to watch that more closely the next few games.

The goaltender (actually, both goaltenders, but I’m referring to ours here) was awesome last night, he kept his head in the game and stayed focused for 60 minutes and made some unbelievable saves. I had the gloomy feeling when ex took that penalty that the Devils would score, and they did - NOT Kari’s fault.

The shots allowed are crazy, and if these numbers continue this season, I’m certain our winning percentage will continue as well.

I’m not sure that the shots allowed is a function of bad defense as much as it is lack of puck control / possession in the offensive zone - way too many skates down the ice for a 55 foot shot with no traffic in front of the crease, defenders get the puck and head right back into our zone, seemingly unhampered coming out of their zone or in the neutral zone, to spend another 30 plus seconds grinding for a decent shot in our zone.

By NASCAR Dave

October 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Hey BOB! Did you see ALL of those INVESTORS in 116 (snicker/LOL)???

The Season Ticket Holder Revolt has definitely worked… I bet those people all feel great NOT making that INVESTMENT… LOL!!!

No need to comment on the game (or 1.5 Periods of hockey the TRASH put in last night)… Everything has already been said above.

GO DAWGS!!! (Falcons have a Bye this week STENDEC)…

NUFF SAID.

By Nikita

October 17, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

From the last entry:

For those of us who couldn’t watch that interview, what did Holik say?

[Paraphrasing] Being here reminded me of how much I miss the city and the fans. I love the city and spent good years here. It was a good experience for me and my family. But then it was time to move on, and I think that was a mutual decision [pause, mumble — there appeared to be some tongue biting]. I don’t think I’m captain material, and I’m happy to be back in New Jersey.

I say all one sentence because he was sweaty and covered in water and mumbled the whole thing in one very quick go.

re: line changes, yep. Atlanta was lucky not to get penalized last night, because at least twice they were pushing the limits of having too many players on the ice.

I don’t agree on scoring. Or rather I don’t agree that you can just order it up on the menu, or last night would be a good game to use as an example. The team lagged less than was typical previously in SOG, and we were up against one of the best goalies in the NHL. The team does need to be more effective in putting shots on, but they’ve indicated that they know that and are working on it.

Where I’d like to see more emphasis is in getting physical around the crease, since I think screening the goalie, burying rebounds, and crashing the net will all increase both SOG and scoring.

Oh, and mea culpa, Ex looked pretty decent last night.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 17, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Nikita — Thanks

By Tony C.

October 17, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Let’s look at the difference between the two teams scores last night;

They had a guy go to the net.

We didn’t, or if we did, he was quickly reminded that you need to bring more than 150lbs of @ss with you if you’re going to set up in the crease.

They scored a goal.

We didn’t.

Difference? rebound put-backs. Until our boys decide to get their nose dirty and get in there…I’m afraid we’ll have more disappointments like last night.

BTW; isn’t Reasoner decent in front of the net??? I know he wears the “kidney pads”….anybody with insight, please share.

Overall, I thought it was our best game of the season.

By Nikita

October 17, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Tony, IMO, we simply aren’t good enough in the system yet to work it close to the opponent’s goal. I’m glad to see our play shift from our goal to center ice, and I think the team is doing GREAT in terms of applying pressure to the opposite team, but given that the Wolves were adept net-crashers I can only assume that eventually Anderson will pressure the Thrash to be the same.

In a related note, way too many of our SOG are from relatively far out. And people are in position to rebound from relatively far out — but they’re not generally manhandling the opposition close in.

By Tom

October 17, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

When Charmin goes on record that we are soft, you know it is a problem.

Good thing Mr. Whipple is dead, otherwise John Anderson would be looking over his shoulder.

By Smoothie

October 17, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

this year’s club has more dmen that can skate the puck up ice, but Schneider and Hainsey are not good in their own zones

Bob — I usually agree with most of what you say, but I have to respectfully disagree with the above statement as it pertains to Ron Hainsey. So far he is by far and away our most consistent and most effective defender on both ends of the ice

Keep in mind he is skating with XLB who is limited in what he can do. But yet he is making good things happen at both ends. Has he had lapses? Yes, but which of our D-men haven’t had at least 5-10 brainfarts already this year? Till JA’s system fully takes root, there are going to be growing pains.

As for Schneids, you’re right, the jury is still deliberating but you can see the potential is there to excel in this system. BTW, Bogosian looked REALLY good last night in his 16 + mins. I thought he stood out and I watched him closely from Sec 303, row 3.

By Rawhide

October 17, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Mike Knobler is reporting that Army will move to Crushers line and Williams will drop to the third line with Reasoner and Perrin.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

It’s about time…the chemistry those two had last season was better than what Christensen has had with any other winger thus far.

Christensen and Armstrong are a fine pairing, in my opinion.

By Smoothie

October 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Good to see Williams making an impact in his 1 year tryout with the Thrashers. JW might want to start producing in his contract year or else he’ll have no choice but to re-sign with the Thrashers!

By NASCAR Dave

October 17, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, when stendec was talking about what “L” means, it means a LOSS…

I haven’t seen jack squat outta “CRUSHED” yet… This guy is in no way or form qualified to be a Top Line Center… Glad Coach figured that one out. SLATEr is up to his old self - contributing nothing…

PERRIN needs to sit one out and let us see what STERLING can offer (although I’m afraid we already saw that last year)…

ENSTROM played like crap AGAIN last night… What’s up with that??? Let’s sit him down for a few and let OYSTRICK get some more action…

We have some tough opponents coming up… This team needs to learn how to SCORE, and quick…

But, on the bright side, if the goal is to get JOHN TAVARES, we’re doing a damn good job at that!!! THAT’S a positive!!!

By Bob

October 17, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

I usually agree with most of what you say, but I have to respectfully disagree with the above statement as it pertains to Ron Hainsey. So far he is by far and away our most consistent and most effective defender on both ends of the ice

Don’t get me wrong, I like both Schneider and Hainsey. But they’re offensive dmen (real offensive, not offensive as in, eww, that Tremblay freakin stinks!). Neither is Scott Stevens in their own zone, that’s what I mean. They are both upgrades, but the context of my statement is that I understand why our shots against are actually up so far this year, cause the dmen we have are not shut down defensive types. But I like them both as they both fit well in Coach’s system of getting the dman involved in the rush, Schneider’s only going to be here for a year, but I like that move too as he is Bogosian’s mentor for this year, the kid will watch and learn on the fly.

By glovesave29

October 17, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Dunno Dave, I just don’t see things a negatively as you do. I think last night was a great effort, but we lost to a better team that has been together for years and has the future NHL leader in wins and shutouts guarding their net.

I thought Slater had a decent game, but he is on a line with players he is much faster than…but if he were to curl back and wait for them, he plays right into the hands of the Devils defensive style. The left wing lock they play is horribly boring and tedious…but it wins games. As for Enstrom, I thought his play improved, and look for it to continue to do so.

A truer test of how the team is progressing will be against Buffalo. They play a similar attacking style to the Thrash.

I wouldn’t get too caught up in the SOG numbers just yet. Take into consideration the quality of the shots. I saw a lot of outside and poor angle shots last night. The past brought wild scrambles of 4 and 5 shots from the low slot and left the goalie at the mercy of the shooter.

I wish this team could have started out the season with more road games instead of all of them at Philips. Team chemsitry seems to form quicker when you are not each going 40 different directions to your home, but instead all jumping on the team bus to go to the hotel.

By Smoothie

October 17, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Bob, I can’t disagree with neither one of them exemplifying the characteristics of a Scott Stevens. I know Hainsey is more of an “offensive” D-man, but I don’t think anyone (not just you) is giving him enough credit for his ability to anticipate a play and generally be in the right place at the right time. Problem is that he does not really even attempt to take advantage of his size with physical play, but I do think he has the potential to develop into a Scott Neidermyer type of player. I like the idea of a core of players that consists of Ron, Bogey and Toby. Just need to find some complimentary players who can play a more physical style without sacrificing mental acuity and savvy.

By Nikita

October 17, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

I thought Slater had a decent game, but he is on a line with players he is much faster than…but if he were to curl back and wait for them, he plays right into the hands of the Devils defensive style.

Playing the broken record here…neither Slater nor Thorburn should be on the 4th unless the 4th is deployed differently than it has been in the past.

By the way, I just perused the Thrashers calendar at Borders…which features no less than three players we ridded ourselves of.

By PJ

October 17, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Nikita How’s the calendar? Is it one I could hang in my son’s room or is it more for the likes of “Midtown Marvin”?

Rawhide I really hoped the new team under Anderson would step up, have faith and kick a$$ all on their own by now but Unfortunately we are 1-2-1 and I’m beginning to think a little intervention from the higher power might be in order to kick start this team. Does anyone want a prayer tomorrow?

Thrasher Ryan You still blaming me?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 17, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Dave — Yeah, I’m retarded, I totally didn’t get his reference. First I thought he was snapping at Knobler, then when he said “reference” I immediately thought “what’s a movie that older people than myself might reference?”, and couldn’t come up with anything for “Krak” or “L” to save my life.

Thanks for the clarification, I’m going to blame the misunderstanding on my current attempt to learn a new language, and how that muddies things up. Oh yeah, it was also 4am local time when I was blogging, that’ll get you too.

By the way, thanks for spelling my name right this time around.

By Bob (other)

October 17, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Bob and Dave. One two or three games do not a season make. I for one have missed one due to business travel. You guys are idiots. I actually checked the first 3 games last year versus this year. Attendance is down 9%. That, although not a good thing is certainly not indicative of people staying away in droves due to some kind of customer revolt. I think if you check the economic news of the day, that there are many businesses off at least that much versus a year ago.

facts guys… a foreign concept to you both.

By Nikita

October 17, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Nikita How’s the calendar? Is it one I could hang in my son’s room or is it more for the likes of “Midtown Marvin?

Suitable for chilluns. Except the obscene joke of Brad Larsen on ice in a hockey uniform.

By HookyBob

October 17, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Just checked the +/- for our boys in blue. Guess who’s leading,………Exelby. (OK tied w Hainsey, also +4, who has spent more time on the ice.)

Guess who’s lagging,….Toby and Schneider, both at -4. (Get off the Schneide, eh)

I know it is early and perhaps Toby plays more against top lines. Still this tells me Hainsey’s defense may be underrated (no offense intended Bob), even if his offense is helping his +/-. Second,.. maybe Toby is battling the sophmore jinx (good call Bob,…really good).

Go figure.

While looking at +/- I took a look at the SA/G team stat. Our boys in blue are at about 36,…which is better than only Tampa (@ 40, I’m glad we play them soon, and 6 Xs). A blogger earlier mentioned the quality of shots. I’ve been at, or watched, all regular season games and my biggest take away is that if Kari isn’t making several high quality saves every night we aren’t even in these games. Yes, with 36 SA/G, many may be from the outside,..but there are also many from right in the slot. If there is a stat on “shots against off of rebounds” I’m sure we’d get the red lantern award (ie,….come in last). With marginal offensive potential, this is one stat that we can’t outrun. Too bad our offensive minded coach has been dealt (or accepted such) a very limited hand.

Conversely, what is the quality of our shots? And,..regarding “shots off rebounds for,..I think we may win another red lantern. Lots of long range shots. One thing that would really help this approach is someone in front to screen of deflect. Good call Tony And,..regarding “shots off rebounds for,..I think we may win another red lantern.

Buffalo, an offensive team after 2 defensive teams, should be an interesting game. Who’ll give me an over/under on whethr or not we’ll see 80 shots on goal Saturday.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 17, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

I’ll take the under, by 15. 65 seems like a good number to me.

Unless you mean shots against…then I might be willing to take the over just for grins — could you imagine a 80 shot game? Didn’t Luongo have a 70 save game in the playoffs two seasons back, against Dallas I want to say?

By HookyBob

October 17, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

My bad. The 80 shots on goal was meant to be total shots (sum of shots taken by both teams).

By The Joker

October 17, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

facts guys… a foreign concept to you both.

Investment…a foreign concept to Bob(other)

By the way Bruce, stay in Washington and drink (you may refer to it as an investment in liquor) heavily.

By Bob

October 17, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

I for one have missed one due to business travel. You guys are idiots

Fear not, Thrasher faithful. Our fans are simply traveling on business, they soon will come to MaroonLand and fill the rafters with cheers.

I actually checked the first 3 games last year versus this year. Attendance is down 9%

You might want to check your bifocals while you’re at it (and the figures of Thrashers’ giveaways).

Hey, check this business stat, Warren. The Thrashers revenue sharing is contingent upon year upon year attendance growth. You like apples, bob?

By R. Stroz

October 17, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

For those of you headed to the Buffablow game tomorrow night, you may have a traffic problem. The BET music awards are being held at the Atlanta Civic Center tomorrow night.

What a combination of events.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 18, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

“…Our fans are simply traveling on business, they soon will come to MaroonLand and fill the rafters with cheers….”

HaHa!!!

Economic ‘voting’ is taking place—and only in the figurative joke otherwise known as ‘Blueland’ is the utter and consistent failure known as Don Waddell allowed to remain at the helm of a sunken ship…

I salute the fans who have decided to do the only thing which will get the attention of the pitiful ownership…

(But that’s another chapter to discuss…They’ve shown some intelligence by not giving our bumbling GM the max-cap to spend, as they’ve tried that only to see it frittered away on yesteryear’s all-stars and underperformance…)

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Bruce Levenson will be at the game tonight? I hope Darcy Regier made the trip. And I hope he just “falls in love” with the City of Atlanta. I don’t blame Regier for what’s happened to Buffalo. It’s not Regier’s money. It’s Golisano’s. And if Golisano wants to disenfranchise his GM, there’s 7-10 teams who would like Regier to fill whatever future vacancy may arise at their GM slot.

Buffalo is off to a great start this season, including a win last night over Vancouver. I guess they locked up Pomminville, Roy, Miller, etc., over the past two offseasons. Maybe Golisano learned from the Drury/Briere/Campbell fiasco?

Let’s keep an eye out for Clark MacArthur and Drew Stafford, of the Buffalo Sabres, two of their young, rising players. I’m not sure, but I don’t think either has been re-signed early by Buffalo. I’m sure they will re-sign them. But hey, Buffalo’s “player retention” issues aren’t completely over. The Sabres had to pay through the nose for Vanek, due to an RFA offersheet. It’ll be fun to watch Buffalo’s personnel decisions between now and next July.

By Smitty

October 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

I only got to watch the 3rd period the other night. Saw a couple of PPs and I agree with Tony C. Thrashers need to start crashing the net. A lot of PP goals are of the garbage type. Rebounds,lucky bounces are caused by traffic in front of the net. We do not have the finese to pass the puck around the box. As for 80 shots tonite, I don’t know. The Sabres limited thr Rangers to 20 shots the other night. After they got the lead they went to the neutral zone trap very effectively. Thrashers need to jump on the Sabres early tonite. Sabres played last night and then travel to ATL.

Was listening to Don Cherry the other day on the HNIC channel on Sirius. He mentioned a place called the Wharf he used to go to while in ATL playing the Flames. Does anybody remember this place and where it was? And is it safe to talk about this place in front of the kids.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

If anyone’s seriously interested, Here’s Buffalo’s roster and payroll. Notice the RFAs: Drew Stafford, RW, 22, Clark MacArthur, F, 23, Patrick Kaleta, RW, 22, $500K, and Andrej Sekera, D, 22, $675K.

The pending UFA’s: Teppo Numminen, D, 39, $1.1M, Max Afinagenov, RW, 28, $2.5M, Tim Connoly, C, 27, $3.5 million, Ales Kotalik, RW, 29, $2.5 million, Matt Ellis, LW, 26, (league minimum,) and Jaroslav Spacek, D, 34, $3.3 million.

By Nikita

October 18, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Economic ‘voting’ is taking place

Whoa, there, tiger. It’s taking place everywhere. That said, it was pretty dumb to raise ticket prices.

I was looking at Buffalo’s web site, incidentally — that team has differential pricing according to the demand for the game, which strikes me as more honest.

By Nikita

October 18, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Economic ‘voting’ is taking place

Whoa, there, tiger. It’s taking place everywhere. That said, it was pretty dumb to raise ticket prices.

I was looking at Buffalo’s web site, incidentally — that team has differential pricing according to the demand for the game, which strikes me as more honest.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Russ, Sara and Red Light, I have a project for you, if you are so inclined to undertake it. Ready?

At www.nhlnumbers.com, it breaks down how the cap has been spent, by position, for each and every team. For example, the Thrashers have elected to spend $4.088 million on goaltenders compared to Buffalo’s $3.667 million. Atlanta has spent $19.590 million on its defense corps in contrast to Buffalo spending $14.896 million. Buffalo invested $31.45 million in forwards, as compared to $22.202 million, for Atlanta.

It might be interesting to log or note how the Thrashers do against teams who spent more on offense (forwards) than Atlanta did. In tonight’s match up, Buffalo spent $9.248 million more than Atlanta did for forwards.

Likewise, it might make for an interesting study to see how the Thrash do against teams that they outspent for defense. In tonight’s game, Buffalo spent $4.694 million LESS than Atlanta did on defensemen, for example.

We often ask, in hockey and other sports, what’s more important, offense or defense? And what wins Championships more, offense or defense? From my perspective, I still see good defense, especially goaltending, as the most critical ingredient for winning a Cup. Only a few teams have won the Cup with mediocre goaltending.

Before the season gets too far along, and rosters get too radically altered, especially as 9-game auditions come to a close, I’d like someone to look back at the previous four (4) Thrashers games to determine some trends along these lines.

I’m sure there’s other interesting aspects to consider, such as, (1) how did the Thrashers do versus teams with higher/lower salary caps, (2) how did the Thrashers do versus teams when we look at “combined” goaltender/defensemen spending, (3) how did Atlanta do when it outspent the other team on defense, but not offense (That would be tonight’s Sabres games, for instance,), and (4) how did Atlanta do when it outspent the other team on offense, but the other team outspent Atlanta on defense.

Combined, (Goaltenders/defenders) Buffalo spent $18.563 million on defense, cap-wise. Combined, (Goaltenders/defenders) Atlanta spent $23.678 million on defense, cap-wise. That’s a differential of $5.115 million, on behalf of Atlanta.

Of course, it goes without saying, that just because a team spent more doesn’t mean it got better QUALITY. Someone will come forth to argue that Buffalo’s blueline, at $14.896 is as good or BETTER than Atlanta’s, at $19.590 million. They’ll argue that Teppo Numminen, 39, at $1.1 million is a better value than Matthieu Schneider, 40, at $5.75, and that, essentially, this is the price disparity that exists between these two clubs.

If that hypothesis is true, about how the money on defense was spent vs. its value for the money, some might argue that the $9.248 million more that Buffalo spent on offense hinges the outcome of the game. But uhh, that’s getting way too technical, and assumes, perhaps falsely, quite a bit.

The best way to evaluate the game, in my view, is with a beer, a pretzel (The Wetzel variety,) and a hot dog. With ketchup.

By josh

October 18, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about that bob(other). I’ve watched every home game so far and 116 has been empty every night. Same with the 2 adjacent sections. Even on opening night it was said to be a sellout, but there were still plenty of empty seats in 116 and the surrounding sections, as well. You are full of crap, but we all already knew that smart guy. lol

By Nikita

October 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Someone who can see — what sparked the fight so early in the game?

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

I was in the car, listening to Dan Kamal, when the fight happened. So I couldn’t say. What I can tell you, is Randy Cunneyworth, Assistant Coach, gave a wonderful intermission interview on MSG. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to be with the Thrashers” is the quote that stood out the most.

The Sabres announce crew has been down, like someone stole their Bible, kicked their dog, and dented their car, talking about the 1st period, which they claim, is their worst period of the young season.

Thrashers are shooting high on Lalime, who is starting in lieu of Miller, with goals by Kovalchuk and Little.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Lalime has played a great game for Buffalo. He’s had some rebound-control issues, that’s for sure. But his rebound saves have been spectacular.

Buffalo’s announce crew thought that it was funny that they named the arena after a screwdriver. Kari Lehtonen made a spectacular save on Thomas Vanek, on a breakaway, here in the 2nd period.

The Thrashers have missed some glorious opportunities in this game. But so has Buffalo. It’s been a “wide open” sort of game. Fun to watch, if undisciplined. Still 2-0, T-birds.

If you’ve got Comcast, and you purchase Center Ice ($159.00), you can watch this game on Channel 775.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Vanek just scored for Buffalo, on a 2-man advantage. Slapshot was a bullet, right to the top corner of the net. Hey, don’t blame Lehtonen. Vanek was at point blank range, on a 5-on-3.

Atlanta 2, Buffalo 1.

By Sage's Shrink

October 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Are you as infatuated with buffalo as you are with sheep?

That would be very baaaad.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 18, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

I’m watching on CenterIce as well—and two observations:

1. When Buffalo scored, half of the crowd cheered. I’m not kidding about that. Phillips is loaded with Sabres fans tonight.

2. Our bumbling idiot of a GM was interviewed during the 2nd intermission…again (he was interviewed by the NJ crew as well; it’s a Buffalo crew tonight). My point? I’ll have heard him more—from the opponent’s feed—than from the AJC and the local market.

How downright pitiful. Either our esteemed beat writer or op-ed writers don’t get much from him (well, our bumbling blusterer refuses to talk to Schultz and likely anyone else who DARES to write a discouraging word of his reign of incompetence) or it’s not being covered properly.

How sad! Yet another reason for why we continue to deserve precisely what we get…This is what happens when the main suspect(s) are not held accountable.

By the way, I don’t know what our idiotic GM was blustering about—I had to take a phone call right as he came on…I intend on rewinding the DVR to see…

I’ll tell you one thing, though: he still looks like a clown to me. A minor league clown. A clown who will, mark my words, push part of the ‘blame’ of low attendance on the economy.

Just you wait and see. Either he will bluster about it or the owner(s) will as they continue to defend the indefensible.

And the buffoonery will continue…What year again is it of his vaunted “Five-Year Plan”?

(That’s what I thought…Why doesn’t he open his big mouth to the local media like he used to all the time? Wait, you know the answer to that…well, if you’re not a sheep, that is…)

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

About 6 and half minutes into the 3rd, Erik Christensen missed a glorious opportunity, right in close to the Buffalo net.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Lehtonen just made a huge stop on Vanek. Critical save, in a 2-1 game. Hey, Lalime is keeping the Sabres in this game. Neither team is giving their goalie tremendous goal production, thus far.

Reign of Incompetence … that just might gain some steam, Sage. And you’re right, Waddell can, and probably will, blame the economy. But I’d wager that even in a bad economy, the hockey fans in the 20-county metropolitan area would come out to support a Cup contender.

There’s a lot of competition for the discretionary sports entertainment dollar, Sage. All the more reason that the Thrashers have to improve to bring out that fan. By improve, I don’t mean going from 28th to 26th. That would only reflect incremental progress, and not significant progress, at that. But I see this as a longterm building process. We just may finish 26th. And if we do, we’d better make the lottery draft lottery count!

Jason Pomminville scored on the rebound of a shot Lehtonen initially had in his glove. That’s a rebound Lehtonen should not have surrendered. He could have gloved that one cleanly. Here comes TRON. Stay tuned.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

We’re in overtime now. Kovy had a minor chance, early in. It’s about halfway through OT now.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Christensen had a great “wrap-around” try in the OT. And with 8 seconds left in OT, Lehtonen robbed Ales Kotalik of the winning goal.

We’re in the shootout.

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Sabres announcer Harry Neale: “Lots of Sabres jerseys in the crowd tonight. Rick Janneret: “There sure ARE!!”

In a “build year,” this is going to happen.

Thrashers win the shootout! Shootout goals by Kovy and Kozlov. Lehtonen stopped Kotalik, gave up a goal to Drew Stafford, but Vanek shot it wide, to secure the win for Atlanta.

New Jersey just defeated the Capitals, 4-3, in the shootout, when Brodeur stopped Ovechkin. The Devils won the shootout, 1-0.

Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay is 0-0, in overtime. Check out “On the Fly” coverage of this game later on for a “game-salvaging point” save by former Thrasher Eric Belanger, who stopped Tampa Bay’s Gratton, point black, just outside the goal crease, with about 5 seconds left in regulation. The Wild goaltender was way out of position and couldn’t have come back to make a play on the shot.

Tampa Bay has yet to get a win this season. They’ll either be 0-2-3 or 1-2-2 after this game. Go Wild!! C’mon karma, bit the Bolts again!

By NASCAR Dave

October 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Bob and Dave. One two or three games do not a season make. I for one have missed one due to business travel. You guys are idiots. I actually checked the first 3 games last year versus this year. Attendance is down 9%. That, although not a good thing is certainly not indicative of people staying away in droves due to some kind of customer revolt. I think if you check the economic news of the day, that there are many businesses off at least that much versus a year ago.

BOB (OTHER) - There’s no need to try and make excuses at this point. The fans know “what’s up”… I saw your section again tonight - Half of it was filled with BUF fans… WHY is THAT??? Surely you’re not gonna tell us that all of those BUF fans are Thrashers Season Ticket INVESTORS are you??? LOL

As for the rest of the arena, SAGE is 100% correct… The arena was 50% BUF fans… THAT is a FACT.

Now, on to the game. We WON. That is good. Kari saved our a*******es tonight. 1st goal he had no chance. Most goalies wouldn’t, either. 2nd goal was mainly due to BOULTON’S inability to clear the puck at a crucial time. Look, he has no skills. Even when he fights, he loses 75% of the time. That is NOT an effective enforcer. At least THORBURN showed up for his fight tonight…

Here is another FACT… We (or DONNIE, mainly) got FLEECED in the HOSSA trade. CRUSHED is absolutely pathetic!!! This guy is WORTHLESS!!! I hear he is a “shootout specialist”… LOL!!! ARMSTRONG (like this JASON WILLIAMS guy) has been INVISIBLE!!! Speaking of invisible, has anyone seen this REASONER guy we signed this summer??? I haven’t seen JACK SQUAT!!!

SLATER… Well, SLATER is absolutely ineffective and worthless as usual, as well… PERRIN??? Haven’t seen him yet - Does he know the season has started yet??? Someone oughta give him a call and tell him to SHOW UP!!!

It’s funny how we have all of these players contibuting NOTHING, yet they continue to EARN (snicker/LOL) roster spots year after year… Clearly it’s not based on performance! LOL

Hell, a win is a win, so I’m not trying to be a downer, but everyone here needs to admit, this team still has MAJOR problems… Without KOVALCHUK and LITTLE, we’d probably have 0 Wins…

This game never should have gone to OT, but we won, so nobody’s complaining… Oh yeah, DONNIE FRAUDell’s interview was quite laughable… Check it out if you missed it… This is where SAGE is correct, again… It seems like DONNIE FRAUDell is only doing interviews for the out of town media… WHY is THAT??? LOL, you know the answer already… Don’t second guess yourselves!!!

By Brendan

October 18, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Oren Koules, owner of the Lightning, “architect” of TB’s offseason moves, much moreso than former GM Jay Feaser, is being shown countless times during this telecast from TB. His exposure rivals Paris Hilton. He just might become the Arthur Blank of hockey at this rate.

Stamkos missed TB’s final shot, so the Wild win!! Vinny Lecavalier also missed, I should note. Karma, dude. Karma.

The Lightning are 0-2-3; that’d be 0-5 in baseball or basketball. But in the NHL, that’s a points percentage of .300.

Atlanta raised its record to 2-2-1, for a .500 mark on the season. It’s a 2-point swing for Atlanta over Buffalo in the Conference standings, as Atlanta takes a 3-1 split of the possible 4-points. That is, Atlanta get two-points for the win, while denying Buffalo one of the two-points the Sabres might have earned on the evening, had Buffalo won the game.

So, 2-2-1, after five games. 1-0, in the shootout. In preseason picks, I thought Atlanta might try to push games to the shootout, where they do have a bit of an advantage. Both Kari and Moose have excellent track records in the shootout, while Kozlov, Christensen, Kovalchuk have decent history, as well. Let’s not forget that Eric Perrin, Marty Reasoner, Jason Williams, and Bryan Little are available in deeper rounds of the shootout.

Florida shutout the Islanders, 2-0.

By Nikita

October 18, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Where’d you get that rock, NASCAR? I’m guessing from stendec’s mother.

I’m seeing the game strictly off the stats and some highlights that showed up on the NHLN later on. But let me cheer for small victories.

1. Relatively few penalties.
2. Kovy’s BACK! His line played great tonight. Enstrom looked better, too.
3. Atlanta outshot Buffalo. How much does that rule?

By Bob (other)

October 18, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Nascar Dave, If you want to continue to be negative and an emotional child that is your prerogative. As for attendance, Buffalo fans always show up in droves and have since year 1. The attendance season to date is off about 8 or 9%. The fourth home game last year was 14,076(NYR). Tonight (4th game this year) was 14,091. That calculates as an increase.

Your idiocy continues. You really might want to consider getting some intelligence.What a moron.

There are many more people that pay, show up and support the team and unfortunately are not effectively represented on these blogs. These blogs represent the opinions of a few.

By R. Stroz

October 19, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

There are many more people that pay, show up and support the team and unfortunately are not effectively represented on these blogs. These blogs represent the opinions of a few.

Bob(other) - So why are season tickets sales down? Why did the Thrashers have 13 and 7 game packages for sale before the schedule was set for the first time in Thrasher history? Why were there so many more select a seat events this year? So, where are all these supporters? Why do so many fans believe that Waddell and the owners are detrimental to Atlanta Thrashers hockey?

Yes, many of us support the team; but, we want results, not platitudes. We want to see promises made by management kept, not dismissed later with lame excuses.

By R. Stroz

October 19, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Our bumbling idiot of a GM was interviewed during the 2nd intermission…again (he was interviewed by the NJ crew as well; it’s a Buffalo crew tonight). My point? I’ll have heard him more—from the opponent’s feed—than from the AJC and the local market.

Everyone cross your fingers, maybe Waddell is auditioning for a job elsewhere.

By Nikita

October 19, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

I’m not getting into the Bob vs. everyone else p** match, but seriously, ticket sales are down FOR EVERY TEAM IN THE NATION RIGHT NOW. Tickets are a luxury that a lot of people — 10%ish — don’t have right now.

By NASCAR Dave

October 19, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

It was actually quite hilarious how much the BUF crew bashed us…

NIKITA - If you want to debate, let’s go… What exactly is it that I said you take issue with??? If you disagree with someone, at least expalin why… LOL… By the way, you didn’t even watch the game (per your 7:36 pm post)… How can you even say His line played great tonight. Enstrom looked better, too.??? LOL

Please, let us all know. Also, when you say, seriously, ticket sales are down FOR EVERY TEAM IN THE NATION RIGHT NOW. Tickets are a luxury that a lot of people — 10%ish — don’t have right now. , you DO realize, those numbers were already down BEFORE this little financial crisis (that I warned everybody about months ago, by the way)… You do know that your excuse is months late, right??? LOL

Yes, many of us support the team; but, we want results, not platitudes. We want to see promises made by management kept, not dismissed later with lame excuses.

Exactly, R. STROZ…

NUFF SAID.

By Nikita

October 19, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

How can you even say His line played great tonight. Enstrom looked better, too.??? LOL

The stats. His line scored both goals, has the best +/-, and logged a comparatively large amount of time, even the least seasoned member. and I did manage to load some video off the net as well as catch some footage on tv. But don’t let something silly like two goals get in the way of your ranting about the players you’ve decided to make your whipping boys for the season.

you DO realize, those numbers were already down BEFORE this little financial crisis (that I warned everybody about months ago, by the way)… You do know that your excuse is months late, right??? LOL

As I said, I’m not in any way involved in your spat with Bob. I don’t care, and it does not matter to me. But it is wrong to disregard major factors that are affecting all major league franchises, and to ascribe the decrease to certain factors because you are obsessed with them. I’m sure people are p** about last season and management and whatever — but you cannot quantify that effect given that the larger trend is in the same direction.

Oh, and I don’t respond to people who type like 10 year-olds. LOL. Go dawgs.

By NASCAR Dave

October 19, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

NIKITA - The truth hurts, this I know… They are not my “whipping boys”. I am looking at facts. Or stats, as you call it. I have no problem with LITTLE or KOVALCHUK (like I said)… They scored our 2 goals (not counting the goals in the Shootout, by KOVALCHUK and KOZLOV)…

Just go back and re-read what I said… We need more contributions from those other guys, that’s all… As for SLATER, he has DEFINITELY had his chance (s)…

Get back to me about 15-20 games down the road, so I can tell you “I told you so.”

Thanks.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 19, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this

Sage — Subscribing to Center Ice is effectively subsidizing the incompetence, but to a lesser extent. Center Ice subscriptions are considered revenue, which the Atlanta Thrashers will get more of in the revenue sharing aspect of the CBA, due to low attendance.

By you not showing up to games you’re entitling the Thrashers to more money from revenue sharing…money that is technically paid in part by your subscription to Center Ice.

I just thought you should know…technically speaking I, a sheep, have given less money this season to the reign of incompetence than you.

Dave and Sage — Since you two are hockey fans and watch televised games, how often does the Atlanta crew while in another city interview players from the away team? It’s one of the things that frustrates me to no end…seeing an Atlanta Thrashers microphone in front of Eric Staal, or John Erskine, or any other non-Thrasher.

While it’s interesting that Waddell was the person they chose to interview, it’s indicative of nothing save for your funny conspiracy theories about him. The ajc doesn’t employee television crews, so they’re out of the question for mid-game interviews. The away broadcasts, when made, often interview the away players (annoyingly so). So, I don’t see this as anything but par for the course regarding how another television crew handles their mid game interviews. If it was between the 1st and the 2nd period, Buffalo was down 2-0 to an inferior team, and likely wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone except for Ruff.

Re: Attendance of Buffalo fans — Buffalo fans always always ALWAYS show up in droves. If you have watched any home games where the visitor was Buffalo, Philadelphia, Toronto, Detroit, and any of the other LARGE market teams, the crowd is often split down the middle for fans of each team. This has been true since I began paying to go to games, and will be true until Buffalo turns into a city people actually enjoy living in, and not saying they’re originally from.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

CenterIce is “indirect” subsidization of the incompetence of Don Waddell and the ownership of the pitiful Thrashers. I agree with that wholeheartedly—and it DOES bother me to a degree. Honestly.

However, I am a fan of the ‘game’ (as a whole) and the Thrashers are ‘my’ team—and I feel (emotion warning) that it’s subsidization “on my terms”. If I don’t like what’s going on, I can turn the tube off (as opposed to buying another beer at the center of the incompetence—the arena).

I will have to alter my message to differentiate the difference between direct and indirect subsidization. If 10,000 STHs simply paid for CenterIce (at $160) as opposed to spending THOUSANDS at the nest of incompetence, then I can guarantee you the ownership—even in their slumber—would take note.

I think it’s such a no-brainer it’s not even funny. Ever since I gave Center Ice a trial years ago, I haven’t even thought of pouring MORE money (relatively) into the pockets of those who do not deserve it.

To witness-IN PERSON—Don Waddell and crew’s incompetence? A waste of time, gas, money, and air…A complete and utter waste…Instead, they get roughly $5 from me per year (assuming that the revenue is split evenly among the 30 teams and a portion for the league offices?).

But, it is true—I actually contribute to the bluster of Don Waddell…I’m going to have to lay down as I feel terrible now (haha)…Stop DIRECTLY subsidizing the incompetence (Get CenterIce! Stop the waste at Phillips)!…Hmm, not as catchy…Will keep tinkering…