AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBoth Home Crowds See Exciting Game At Philips
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
That loud roar you heard Saturday night just before 10:00 pm came from the “partial” sellout crowd of 14,091 at Philips Arena. OK, well…maybe from half of them. The other half of the crowd was obviously made up of first-time hockey goers who accidentally bought the wrong jerseys at the team gear store and just didn’t know which team to root for…tsk, tsk, tsk.
Seriously though…as per usual with games against Buffalo…there were a lot of Sabre jerseys in Philips Arena last night.
The Thrashers, who had jumped out to a 2-0 lead, held off a comeback attempt by the visiting Buffalo Sabres to win 3-2 in the shootout. It was Buffalo’s first defeat of the season after winning their first four.
The Thrashers are now 2-2-1 on the season so far.
The opening period was 20 minutes of the best hockey the Thrashers have played since…since…well, just “since”. They outshot the team wearing the Flying Banana Peels to the tune of 19-6, (not a typo). Said Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, “They smoked us in the first”.
19 shots to 6…two goals to none. Basically, the Thrashers rolled ‘em, lit ‘em AND smoked ‘em…in the first period. But I guess the way coach Ruff put it was OK too.
Atlanta coach John Anderson seemed to be pleased with first period display. About that opening frame he said, “That was probably our best period to date”.
He went on to commend Buffalo’s ‘keeper by stating, “Without Patrick Lalime standing on his head, it might have been four or five [to nothing]”. I would have to agree. After letting up the Kovalchuk breakaway goal early on…he looked very sharp, only allowing a goal to Bryan Little at the 17:12 mark of the first period.
Little leads the team with 4 goals and 6 points.
Todd White…often referred to as “Charmin” in these parts because of his “soft” play…assisted on both Kovy and Little’s goals. So, at least in this game, he certainly was…on a roll.
Thank youuuuu…..
White is the second leading scorer with a goal and four assists.
Atlanta outshot Buffalo 34-28, (again, not a typo), after regulation and 3-2 in overtime…37-30 overall.
After Lalime stopped Erik Christensen’s opening round shootout attempt, Kovalchuk and Kozlov netted both of their tries for the Thrashers. Kari stuffed Kotalik on Buffalo’s first attempt, was unsuccessful against Drew Stafford, then watched as Thomas Vanek’s shot sailed wide to seal the victory for Atlanta…sending home happy the crowd.
Or at least…half of them.
For the night, Lehts stopped 28 of 30 shots…one goal on a 5-3 Sabre power play. The second came with 3:08 remaining in the third after allowing a rebound that, quite frankly, he should have snared with his glove.
For the season, Kari has a .919 SV% and a 2.78 GAA.
In the un-good segment of today’s blog, the Thrashers were outshot 26-18 after the first and went 0-6 on the power play. That’s…what…21 straight fruitless attempts on the man-advantage now?
Regardless, in the end it was Atlanta securing two more points in the standings after a hard-fought, well played, fast-tempo game. One that was very entertaining to watch by the home crowd.
Both sets of them.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By R. Stroz
October 19, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
FIRST
By LL
October 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Watching the lines come together and seeing JA’s system come together even more made last night’s game made it an incredible to watch.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
So you’re saying a game was won where Atlanta outshot their opponents??
I don’t believe it.
By sisu
October 19, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
A great game and the team is back at .500! If the team can play at least .500 hockey for the first two months then the road to the playoffs will be looking good. Each game the players seem to get more comfortable with the new “system” and this will only improve as time goes by. It seems clear to me that the team is headed in the right direction and that the coaches system will work just fine in the NHL.
By Brendan
October 19, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
I have never been upset that Todd White is a Thrasher. I deferred that function to Marian Hossa. Todd White a capable depth player. At second in team scoring, and 7th on the team payroll, cap-wise, at $2.35 million, Todd White is good value for the money.
To be clear, I’ve never thought, “Thrashers just got Todd White!! Stanley Cup, here we come!” But every team needs “depth players.” I see Todd White’s role to be that of a 3rd line center, who can step up the 2nd line when needed. I’ve never quite envisioned him as a 1st line Center. But I digress.
It was a solid game for Atlanta last night. It was one that Eric Boulton would like to put behind him, however. It was his failed clearing attempt along the wall, and subsequent “whiff” at the blueline when the puck came back to him, that directly led to the increased population of “Ponmminville.” Kari would also like a 2nd chance at squeezing that puck in his glove, rather than surrendering that juicy rebound.
Buffalo’s fans always come out in full force. Sabres announcer, Rick Jeanerett remarked, “There are TONS of them,” referring to Sabres jerseys in the crowd.
If you’re the Atlanta Spirit Group, LLC, “all the money is green, right?” So what if half the arena ERUPTS for the other team’s goals and great plays.
By Brendan
October 19, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Uhh, make that Todd White is a capable depth player. And it’s “Pomminville.” So, my apoligies to the residents there.
By Jason
October 19, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
After hearing the Shootout intro video last night all I can say is….I really miss Steve Craig!
By Alan
October 19, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Rawhide - Interesting to note, but Atlanta handed Buffalo their first loss of the season during the 2006-2007 campaign as well. Before the Atlanta upset, they had gone 10-0-0.
By Brendan
October 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
In Alan’s link to that game, at 15:58 of the 2nd period, Niko Kapanen scored (!!), from Andy Sutton. Amazing. Kozlov scored in the shootout in that game, too. And, the shootout ended when Vanek failed to convert Buffalo’s final shot. The 2006-07 Sabres went on to win the President’s Trophy. Of course, they lost the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals to Ottawa, whom they had defeated the previous year, in the Conference Semi-Finals, in a huge upset. You’ll recall that the series clinching goal was scored by Jason Pomminville, short-handed, in overtime, after he “wheeled” Captain Daniel Alfredsson.
In Alan’s link, you’ll see the Sabres scored late in the 3rd period, to force the extra session. Great catch, Alan.
By Thefan
October 19, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
was i in Buffalo last night or Atlanta
By NASCAR Dave
October 19, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Both Home Crowds See Exciting Game At Philips
LOL, that was hil-a-rious RH!!! Good one!
:)
By kracker
October 19, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
That was simply a fantastic pass by White. It got every body going that first period…..Points leaders Little and Hainsey are also leading in the +/- column…..Little also has an amazing 4 goals on 13 shots.
By Thefan
October 19, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
The whole section behind Kari was Buffalo fans .
By Capt Caveman (The Original Dawg)
October 19, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
YO Rawhide
Let’s start on the good foot this year. BUDDY.
I’m feeling good about the Thrash, especially with our defensive pickups in the offseason. How much better is our back line defense - especially in front of the net this year - versus last year??
By Rawhide
October 19, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Caveman - I think our D looks better…but then, how much worse-er could it have been from last year, eh?
Hainsey instead of Klee = good.
Schneider instead of Zhit = good.
Bogosian instead of McCarthy = good.
The past two games the SA/G numbers have been more respectable…hoping that continues.
By Capt Caveman (The Original Dawg)
October 19, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
I think Kovy’s having a make or break year with the Thrash. If they don’t make the playoffs and win some while there, he will want to be out of here. I know that the rest of the team is pressing hard but what do you think is going on in Kovy’s head??
on a different note: we should have a game viewing at Taco Mac / lindbergh again soon. Might be good to get it in early.
By Rawhide
October 19, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
I’d like to think a few Thrasher Viewing Parties will be held this season…but at the Lindbergh Taco Mac??? After what happened the last time we were there…the 7-0 game three beat-down? I still get bad vibes about that place.
A different venue may be necessary.
As for Kovy…I think a lot will go into his future here. $$$s aren’t an issue…he’ll get that anywhere he plays. But I bet he’d like to have his talents on display in front of a half-full arena.
Spirit Boys better find a way to get some butts in the seats or the job to keep his services will be tougher.
Having players around him to complement his talents will help matters as well. Maybe how Little matures and develops plays into this equation as well as who DW might be able to bring in here as well.
Also, there is the John Anderson part of the equation…a lot can be said about being a part of a team that has a coach you believe in and WANT to play for.
By kracker
October 19, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
I guess Kovy is waiting to see how the team develops just like the rest of us are. The more wins, the better it will go for Mission: Extend Kovy.
How is the Taco Mac in Duluth for game viewing? I need to check it out one night.
By R. Stroz
October 20, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Concerning the Thrashers play:
Are they perfect? No. Are they more entertaining to watch? Yes, if you like team play.
Actually, these guys are doing much better than I had anticipated. Hainsey looks like a bargain, Little and Kovy are working well together, and Z-Bo is learning quickly.
Concerning Attendence and Revenue
Attendence is not nearly as much of an issue as revenue. I actually suspect revenue, as a percentage, has dropped more than attendence.
Also, keep in mind, two (Washington and Buffalo) of the four home games were half price Chick-fil-A four pack nights.
Furthermore, attendence can be manufactured by ticket give-a-aways to schools and charitable organizations as part of community outreach, not that there is anything wrong with community outreach.
Anyway, my point is revenue is the real measure of the pain being felt by the ASG.
The Cure
Winning, or at least, entertaining hockey. So far, this team hasn’t shown any give up in their make up, unlike last year’s team.
By kracker
October 20, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Everybody feels good when we beat TB so let’s get the road trip off to a good start with a regulation W tomorrow and keep the Dolts off the win column.
PS: We got no help in Anaheim yesterday. The Ducks slipped on the Pond, losing 1-3 to the Canes.
tick tick tick….waiting for next insightful Rawhide/Knobler blogs. Or would that be incite-ful?
By glovesave29
October 20, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Hey Kracker…if the Taco Mac you are asking about in Duluth is the one on PIB at Pleasant Hill…that place is a great place to watch a game. Not only does it have the usual sports bar prerequisites, but the staff is great. I’d be up for meeting over there.
By kracker
October 20, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
OK, great! The Taco Mac at 3543 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth, GA (678) 387-3403 has been nominated by kracker and seconded by glovesave29.
Perhaps the blogging chairman can weigh in with his thoughts and solicit opinions from the floor? We have three road games this week.
This location is good for those living in NE Atlanta area. Here’s a map to it.
By Rawhide
October 20, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
kracker - If by “blogging chairman” you mean…me…well, I live in the Kennesaw/Acworth area. However, the place you guys are chatting about is a good place to watch should you be so inclined. Been there a few times to see a game after the boys played at the Duluth Ice Forum.
BTW, I grew up in that neck-o-the-woods…Norcross High School, class of 1983.
Now…later in the season, maybe we can indeed find a centralized location for a Thrasher Viewing Outing, as was part of the discussion between the Caveman and myself above.
The Lindbergh Taco Mac is where a group of us watched the infamous game 3 beatdown in the playoffs in April ‘07….so, I’ve never return there…bad vibes.
Maybe there is something in the Perimeter Mall area that is convenient to those in Gwinnett, Cobb and downtown to get to???
If we can at least agree on a game and place, I’ll get Trixie to set up the arrangements.
By glovesave29
October 20, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
I live in Alpharetta, so I am in the middle…just tell me where to be!
After games at the Cooler we often go to Millers. It is on Davis Drive…just off of Mansell at 400. Might work better for those on the NW side of the city. Is this easier for you Rawhide? It’s a quick trip across 120.
I was Riverwood HS - Class of 1985. There are not too many of us in Atlanta that actually grew up here!
By R. Stroz
October 20, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Why not meet in Ecclestone’s place in Alpharetta?
By Alan
October 20, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
All these places sound good, except for one thing:
I can’t get to them!
Perhaps that is by design, though :P
By kracker
October 20, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Alan is on MARTA, yes? There is a Taco Mac in Perimeter Mall
Doesn’t the North Line stop at Perimeter Mall?
By Alan
October 20, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I do use MARTA … and Dunwoody station is right there.
But I understand that Perimeter won’t be convenient for everyone. If worst comes to worst, I’ll try to get a ride. And hope that she doesn’t get robbed or get strep throat again.
(She still hasn’t recovered her phone or her $400)
By kracker
October 20, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Thrashers board says there is no HOME or AWAY for the TB game, so that game is out for viewing. It’s a VS only night and they will probably show Bruins at Sabres for the early game.
By glovesave29
October 20, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Both TJ’s and the Taco Mac Perimeter have the Center (or for you Canadians - Centre) Ice package. So yes, we’ll have to listen to the Tampa feed, but such is life….
By kracker
October 20, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
We got Kamal only for the Lightning game. Center Ice is not doing it. That’s OK, I like to listen to Dan say funny stuff when we score. Having the NHL game stats page up and commenting online makes for a good game.
Hey, do any of these places do Texas Hold ‘em poker? Ummm…that may be too much for me to handle lol!