AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLittle Upgrade Makes Big Difference
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Early on in this 2008-09 season, Bryan Little is providing a spark of energy that the Atlanta Thrashers have sorely needed for some time. While his four goals, six overall points and +5 leads the team… the amount of energy he injects into the course of action on each and every shift he works seems to be having an even greater impact on the team’s overall production.
As the season began, it just seemed inevitable that he would soon join Ilya Kovalchuk and Todd White on the top line. Two games in…he had made that jump and looks like he’s there for the foreseeable future.
His new line mates are already benefiting. After a total of five games played, the last three with Little, White is second on the team with five points…Kovy now with a pair of goals and assists for four points. But again, it’s not just the numbers…it’s the energy infused into the line that seems to be making a difference.
The first period of Saturday night’s 3-2 shootout victory over the previously unbeaten Buffalo Sabres is a prime example of what John Anderson was hoping for when he made this move last week. The top line was instrumental in the 19-shot barrage that fell upon the Sabres defense and goalie Patrick Lalime. When the first twenty minutes came to an end, Little and Kovalchuk had netted a goal apiece while White assisted on both. The pace of the game originated from…and fed off… this line. The skating was fast, the passing was crisp, the shots were on target and they poured into the attacking zone like the rushing waters over Niagara Falls.
When was the last time that could be said about a Thrashers O-fensive line?
If not for the outstanding play by Lalime the Thrashers’ top line trio alone could have easily doubled the two goals that were actually scored…in the first period alone.
As it were, Little, Kovy and White accounted for 8 of the 37 shots on goals and each finished a +2. Considering that seventeen shots came from the blueline, that leaves a total of 12 shots coming from the sticks of the lower three lines…an average of 4 per line.
But as I opined earlier, Little’s energy…his spark…goes far beyond statistics. It’s the type of stuff that acts like a power conduit to not only those he is skating with, but also to others as they take their shifts. Every time Little, Kovy and White take to the ice now, I’m expecting something to happen…sitting on the edge of my seat. I’m quite sure that those who make up the other three lines react much the same way.
It’s infectious.
You just gotta know that when the Perrins and Reasoners and Armstrongs and Christensens and Williams are coming off the bench…they are jazzed up and ready to keep the fire lit on the ice.
For evidence of this, look no further than the fact that the Thrashers are averaging 30.4 SOG so far, which is seventh best in the league. Last season, as you will recall, that number was a league-low 25.8.
Obviously, this helps out coach Anderson tremendously as well. He can now take comfort knowing that at least this line is clicking and he can focus more attention on the second and third line makeup…tweaking them if need be to find similar chemistry. Some of this has already taken place as Army and Crusher have been reunited on the second line with Kozlov. Jason Williams, who began the season up top with Kovy and White, has joined the third line with Reasoner and Perrin.
Also, as Mike Knobler is reporting, we could see Brett Sterling play into the mix depending on the health of Colby Armstrong.
So, good things are happing now as it relates to the O-fensive production of the team…and it’s starting from the top line down.
Now…if only some of that energy can just be transferred to the power play.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By kracker
October 20, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to be able to write something like “Big things come in Little packages” and have fun with it, isn’t it?
By kracker
October 20, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Slava can effectively move to RW while Sterling is getting a chance so Sterling can play LW to give him the best chance to excel? I want Sterling to help the team, of course, but also improve his trade value if Waddell can find a team that is really thin on LW scorers.
Barring injury, I don’t see Sterling supplanting Kovy or Slava at LW and he’s just too darn small to routinely play on the checking or energy lines. So it’s either a trade or back to Chicago and he is kept for what I see as a less than ideal LW depth player in case one of our top guys gets injured. Or maybe Brett worked hard at RW this summer.
What’s the word on Army?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 20, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Now…if only some of that energy can just be transferred to the power play.
And the fans not in attendance…
By kracker
October 20, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Now…if only some of that energy can just be transferred to the power play.
You know, I’m really starting to think that’s coming pretty soon. And that the whole game effort will improve as the new style of play becomes not a new style of play but just how the Thrashers now play the game.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 20, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Holik is out for about a month…with a broken pinkie.
By kracker
October 20, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Sorry….my first reaction was a big belly laugh! His pinkie!
Stop that, I don’t want to jinx us. Oh, look, we play NJ on Nov. 1st.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 20, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
kracker — Too true, but it’s part of the game that everyone must deal with.
At least he didn’t get poked in the eye by a down pillow…
By kracker
October 20, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Ranallo You made some good points on the Konbler thread. One point was not to automatically discount a small guy from playing a physical position just because of his height. That’s a fair point hockey players.
Here’s my take on it: I figure that Anderson, as a former and current coach, knows what type of play Sterling is capable of game in and game out. So if Sterling was able to play on the 3rd or 4th line better than the other available players he would already be doing it.
Sterling could kick my butt in my best days 30 years ago, believe me! I’m sure he’s a tough dude but he may not be tough enough for the NHL on a rigorous line. Anyway, I hope he fares well in this opportunity on a scoring line.
By Bob
October 20, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
When was the last time that could be said about a Thrashers O-fensive line?
Who centered Hossa and Kozlov a couple years ago when they were clicking like all get out?
You know what I’m keying on now? Kari. Every single year Kari comes out hot the first 5 games or so. And when he’d get hurt, he’d always come back hot for the first 4 or 5 games. This week is a key to watch on him. The weakness with him is that he’s always broken down mentally after 4 or 5 games in the past. If he can stay solid now, that is a key for him going forward on this club as our goalie.
By Brendan
October 21, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
Oh wait! I’m confuuuuused. I thought “FrankenBobby” was too ugly to get hurt. Pfft. Obviously, a pinky injury can happen to anyone at ANY age. But you just had to know, at his age, that he’s become very susceptible to injury. The ticker says he’s out 3-4 weeks. I wouldn’t have bet a nickel on Holik playing 82 games this season for Jersey. For the record, I hope Holik fully recovers and has a fine season, and a decent playoffs, with NJ. While I’m still on the record, I’m very pleased with Waddell’s decision not to approach Holik for an extension with the Thrashers.
Truthfully, I never saw Holik as “the right fit” for Atlanta, right from the start. And the organization paid ‘dearly’ for that contract (3-years, $12.75 million), as it prevented the team from having enough flexibility at the trade deadlines of 2006 and 2007, when the cap was $39 million and $44 million, respectively.
Why did Waddell pay Holik so much? In Waddell’s own words, “We didn’t want to get into a bidding war. Who knows how high it might have went.” Holik’s other offers, in 2005, were St. Louis and Toronto at $3.6 million, and New Jersey, at $3.7 million. When Holik’s agent heard Waddell’s offer of $4.25 million-per-year, at the same 3-year duration, he probably spewed out his coffee all over his lap. Bygones.
By five_hole
October 21, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
Holik is out for about a month…with a broken pinkie. - What is he, a baseball player?
By glovesave29
October 21, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Bobby Holik….meet Karma; Karma, this is Bobby Holik.
I guess Toronto cannot sit and wait around for the Leafs to figure out a way to end their 42 year drought…so they are pushing for a second team in TO -
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=253294&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main
Would be pretty funny if the get it and win it all before the Leafs do…
By Bob
October 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Truthfully, I never saw Holik as “the right fit” for Atlanta, right from the start
That was a good call. I liked him, right from the start and thought he’d be great here, I couldn’t have cared less what he was getting paid, I figured his shut down ability was something we sorely needed. But it didn’t work out and you were right, he was not a good fit here and I’m sure the room is much more cohesive with him gone. Remember how the Ranjerk players threw Bobby under the bus when he left? He’s not a “team guy”.
By Stan Drulia
October 21, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know if the game tonite is being televised on Center Ice? The Thrashers schedule on their site says it has no tv… but the Center Ice schedule has the game listed. Just curious to find out before I head out to a bar to watch.
By Bob
October 21, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Random thought of the day: The Tampon Bay Lightning are 0-5 on the season (work with me here). Yet, if they beat us in regulation tonight, they tie us in the standings. That just ain’t right.
By Paminski
October 21, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
It is a testament to Little’s developed abilities that a Macarthur tried to start a fight with him in the 2nd.
What’s Little’s contract status? Now is the time to extend.
By Bob
October 21, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know if the game tonite is being televised on Center Ice?
I don’t think so, my DirectTV schedule shows it on Channel 215, but that’s the NHL channel and it won’t be on there. I think tonight is the national VS game, so no TV for us, but mabye keep the fingers crossed
Atlanta Thrashers at Tampa Bay Lightning 7:30 pm 215
By Rawhide
October 21, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Stan - I looked on the TV menu this morning listing all the games that were scheduled to be on Center Ice tonight and saw no ATL/TB game.
Paminski - I believe we have Little signed for this season and next…then he is an RFA.
Bob - Yup…that is an oddity…but that’s what OTLs do.
Now, speaking of Southeast Division standings…All teams in our division have played 5 games so far. Washington and Carolina have 7 points each, Atlanta has 5, Florida has 4 and The Mullets have 3.
Now…the Caps have scored the most goals in the division, 20…followed by Carolina with 17…the Thrashers have 14…Panthers have scored 12 and The Mullets have 8.
That falls right in line with how they rank in points.
But, goals against…different story.
Mullets have allowed the fewest with 13…the second fewest goals allowed is Atlanta with 14…then Carolina with 15…Washington and Florida have each allowed 17.
By Spud Webb
October 21, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Great game against the Sabres, especially the first period. I hate that the Thrashers seem so slow and out of it in second periods for some reason. As a Sabres fan I couldn’t ask for much more, we got a point and my second favorite got 2. I think the Thrashers needed it more at this point!!! So i’m happy. TV schedule is frustrating with the Thrashers, when Center Ice doesn’t have it, I’m not able to find it on local channels, am I missing something. FRUSTRATING FOR SURE. I vote for changing up the fourth line, love Bolts, but we need more muscle and more ability to get under teams skin. We don’t do that. Love Hockey Season, Thrasher have me slightly excited. Heck, Little is playing so well he’s making Todd White look good, never thought I’d write that!!!!!
By Tony C.
October 21, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
I’ll try to get an update about CentReIce for yall by like 2:30-3pm or so (at least on our system).
but it may be blacked out.
Anybody heard anything about Hoffman?
By Alan
October 21, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
The waiver wire was pretty active yesterday, and the claims are coming in today. For example, Tampa Bay claimed Mike Pettinger from Vancouver, as injuries with the big club at forward forced the Canucks to recall a couple players from Manitoba.
Bonus: Ken Klee is on waivers.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 21, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Wow, Atlanta just dodged a bullet with Koci being claimed by St. Louis. That guy is scary, and not in the highly skilled player sort of way.
Kyle Wellwood cleared waivers earlier this week.
By Sunny
October 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
As soon as I heard Klee had been waived I came here to see if NASCAR Dave had heard the news! Some of the funniest stuff I’ve ever read has come from you, ND. I hope you’re here sharing some final thoughts about Klee soon!!!
By Brendan
October 21, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Glovesave29, I was thinking the exact SAME thing. Toronto’s drought has resulted in this belief: “Maybe if we had TWO TEAMS, the new Toronto team will win us a Cup before the old Toronto team does.” I’m sure they’d try to lobby to have the other one in the Western Conference, so they could meet for the Cup one day. Plus, they’d see more Western Conference teams that way, too. It’s all … just too d#mn funny.
Funnier still … is that I bet if Balsillie wanted to buy the Sabres off of Tom Golisano, that could be arranged. Buffalo is only 90 miles from Toronto. No relocation expenses. Nothing. It’s a short boat ride across Lake Ontario or a 90-minute trip up the QEW, by car.
Bob, I do recall the Rangers seemed please to be rid of Holik, almost as if he were a “cancer.”
Allan, would you want Ken Klee back, at half-price? (I’m guessing “no.” But this is still an interesting tid-bit to know. Thanks!) Heck, he’s only $1.25 at FULL-PRICE. I’d still rather try to develop Boris Valabik than have Klee return. Bogosian already has his mentor.
By Alan
October 21, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Brendan - Not for all the tea in China.
Hope that helps. :)
By Alan
October 21, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, here are some power rankings:
TSN and Sportsnet.ca has Atlanta ranked 20th, Custance has us at 24th, and CBS has us at 25th.
ESPN updated theirs on Thursday last week, and had us at 27th.
TB, for what it’s worth, is in 30th on ESPN. So they’re not in the tank for Melrose, at least.
By Bob
October 21, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
We need to kick some Tampon Bay keister tonight. I don’t like them one bit, nope, not one bit. LeCavalier and his smarmy self needs to be 0-6. Think they’ll fire Melrose at 0-6? That new ownership group may just be loose cannon enough to do it. That’d be a nice change to get another coach fired.
By Alan
October 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
That’d be a nice change to get another coach fired.
It would be funny, wouldn’t it? I wonder which one of the Tampa owners would coach the team?
By Alan
October 21, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Interesting blog from Damien Cox at The Toronto Star about that “second Toronto team” that has been talked about today.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 21, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Alan — What’s more interesting to me is the unnamed GM who said Risebrough offered him Gaborik, which the anonymous GM reportedly declined.
By glovesave29
October 21, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
All the Canadian papers are betting on Montreal to get Gaborik. The rumor is they are offering Higgins, Halak and a first round pick.
What is it about guys named Marian holding teams hostage? First Hossa, now the Wild have reportedly had their 10 year $80M offer rejected from Gaborik.
By Tony C.
October 21, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
No dice on CentRe Ice…the game-feed is only available to our frostback-cousins…you may be able to see highlights on On The Fly: Final-but otherwise no US broadcast (although I understand the internet feed should be available).
By Tony C.
October 21, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
If I’m Risebrough, I’d make them add another minor-leaguer (with promise), and jump on that offer-Halak is no joke, and this coming draft looks to be only slightly less deep than the ‘08 draft (depending on who you ask)
By Alan
October 21, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
ranallo - Indeed! That too is pretty strange. Though Gaborik can be perceived as a liability, since he is injury prone.
But for someone like Gaborik, I’m sure everyone is looking in their depth and looking at their roster players, to see who they might have to give up for someone of Gaborik’s scoring caliber.
On to other thoughts… at the end of two periods, TB is up 2-0 over our Thrashers. Shots are 28-18 in their favor. Still 20 minutes of hockey left, so maybe we can pull an offensive explosion out of our rear ends and make it happen.
By glovesave29
October 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Ugh…listening to Kamal is like fingernails on a chalkboard.
By Alan
October 21, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Armstrong (unassisted) and White (Schneider, Hainsey) scored to tie it up. We’re going to OT!
By Brendan
October 21, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Thrashers did very well to earn a point. I’m watching “On the Fly” to try to see the highlights. That’s “NHL TV” in your directory. Channel 296, on Comcast. Ohhh joyyyy, Thrasher-basher Dave Reid is working the desk tonight. I’m sure we can expect some un-biased commentary and analysis of tonight’s game.
I saw a tremendous game on Versus between Buffalo and Boston. The Sabres came back, down 2-0, to win the shootout, 3-2. Drew Stafford and Thomas Vanek tallied in the shootout. Ryan Miller couldn’t ice the game when Boston’s third shooter scored. But after Vanek scored in the latter round, he shutdown Marc Savard to ice the game for Buffalo. The Sabres got goals from Clark MacArthur and Drew Stafford in regulation, the two players that Buffalo don’t have locked up on longterm contracts.
Toronto was down, 2-0, but rallied to force OT against Anaheim. Recurring pattern tonight! But the Ducks won in the shootout. Is it true, the Leafs switched goalies in the shootout, Bob Hartley-style? Washington leads Calgary, 1-0, after one period.
Don’t look now, but former Thrasher “rental” Keith Tkachuk is on a goal scoring tear. I think he’s up to six (6) goals already. Hey, he’s a good player. But he was old for the Thrashers to build around. Keeping Tkachuk would have meant “No Bogosian.”
Let’s go FLAMES tonight!
By Brendan
October 21, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
PFFT! Of course, they didn’t show highlights. They just told us Lecavalier won the game in OT, and Lehtonen had 35 saves. Then the “On the Fly” boys proceeded to do an indepth analysis of Steven Stamkos’ minutes played thus far this season. Truly fascinating, but not what we Thrashers fans wanted to see.
By LAC.
October 21, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
On The Fly is not the mark with Atlanta for sure. That Larry Murphy is flat BAD, talks like a first grader… and THEY rag on us ?
Brenden is correct, they hate Atlanta on the NHL channel, makes no sense, weare in the NHL and deserve the same coverage as the other teams… When will those Canada CRYBABIES ever grow up and move forward ?
Good come back, tough to lose… but a point is a point. Last season after six games… how many did we have ? ZERO.
By Alan
October 21, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
not what we Thrashers fans wanted to see.
Personally speaking, I’d rather they analyze Stamkos’ playing time than rag on the Thrashers. Maybe that’s just me, though.
By R. Stroz
October 21, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Maybe it was a good thing that the game wasn’t on Center Ice.
Oh well, a point is a point. Otherwise, playing tonight would have been pointless.
By Brendan
October 21, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
They’re pretty much going to rag on the Thrashers no matter what. But Alan’s right. A study of Steven Stamkos’ development beats their Thrasher-bashing each and every time.
By Brendan
October 21, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
You’re pretty much on point tonight, R. Stroz.
Hey, I just realized … Dave Reid actually has a valid excuse this time for not having seen the Thrashers game before commenting on it.
If Dave Reid ever watches a Thrashers game, it’s in 5-minute increments. And unless the Thrashers put on a clinic in those 5-minutes, Dave Reid is going to say his usual spiel.