Ice Man

By Bob

October 27, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Then there is the giant elephant in the room here that I’ll recognize. There are a few fans that willingly placed the word “former” in front of the phrase “season ticket holder” because they firmly disagree with the Spirit Group’s decision to not make a change in the general manager’s position this past summer

Oh there’s quite a bit more than “a few”. I’d say the reasons for our season ticket holders to be down the huge number of 60% (I’ve never heard of that happending to any team in any sport) is that they kept the worst GM in league employed, against all logic. Second, fans were p** about all the discounts given away. Third, the horrible record of this club (which goes back to the first reason).

It’s also obvious that they’re inflating the announced attendance. What would you guess the actual butts in seats were for those two mid-week games? 6, mabye 7,000?

By Patrik Stefan

October 27, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

1st?

By Rawhide

October 27, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

1st in the 1999 NHL draft?….Yes.

1st player ever to cause me to travel 75 miles from the lakehouse to a TV set in order to watch a highlight on ESPN that I heard on the satellite radio the night prior…also YES.

By B. Thenet

October 27, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

I love how DW tried to play off having a bottom of the barrel salary cap number is a positive thing.

By Nikita

October 27, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

There are a lot of reason why no one’s in those seats. First, it’s beautiful out there — not prime hockey weather. Second, yes, STHs are down. Third, the economy and the fuel costs are cutting down on attendance. And that’s true across the league. Some of the away games have been well-attended, but not all of them.

Incidentally, AYCE? It’ll never put my butt in a seat.In fact, as far as I’m concerned it’s the sports equivalent of nickel slots.

By R. Stroz

October 27, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

The real reason attendence is down is simple:

The season ticket holders learned last season that all they had to do was wait for the discount tickets and they could save 50% instead of paying nearly full ticket price on the season ticket package.

And….within two weeks, the former ticket package holders are being rewarded for their patience with discounted games and double the number of Chick-fil-A nights.

So let’s proceed with Psychology 101:

The season ticket holder invests (joke intended) in nearly full price tickets for the entire season and gets pi$$ed watching everyone else pay 1/2 price for the same ticket stratum.

So what do the season ticket holders do? They learn from last season. They wait for the discounts and the ASG rewards the former season ticket holder by offering 1/2 price tickets within two weeks of the start of the season.

My hat’s off to the ASG for applying the concepts of behavorism in a manner which encouraged season ticket holders to become former season ticket holders.

The problem with the former season ticket holders is they are all a bunch of smart a*******es, when the ASG thought they were a bunch of dumb a*******es.

Well, at least Levenson was right for once.

By Wings fan in Ga.

October 27, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

How is the attendance in Columbus? I don’t feel like looking it up. If it is high, that shoots down Waddell’s comment about football because Ohio State is right next door and plus you have the Browns a couple of hours away, and they care more about football than people in Georgia, which is saying a lot. One thing Waddell failed to mention to Knobler was people are fed up with Waddell. That’s why I didn’t go to a game last year for the first time since moving to Georgia. I don’t like him.

By Nikita

October 27, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Columbus’s attendance is also waning.

By The Joker

October 28, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

How do you know when Waddell is talking garbage?

His lips are moving.

By Ghostbusters

October 28, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

We are on our way to Philips Arena, the site of thousands of spirited fans, who are of the invisible variety.

Don’t worry, we will have all the spirits under control within a few weeks.

We have assured management that they can commence selling 1/2 price tickets to all games soon without fear of paranormal activity.

By The Joker

October 28, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

In light of the profound proclamations by our beloved general maanger and his success for the past 10 years, the Thrashers should hold a promotion in his honor.

FREE GAS CARD NIGHT

By shaker

October 28, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

Let’s compare the Thrashers to the Braves before 1990 and after 1990. The pre 1990 Braves were cellar dwellers year after year and attendance at games was usually only a few thousand fans or less. Why? Who wanted to watch a triple a team play that only had one true major leaguer on the team. (Dale Murphy) Can you remember Ted Turner going through the stands giving away tickets for future games just to have people in the seats? I can. When Ted starting spending money to bring quality players to the team they started winning and the attendance went up. So where is the comparison? Well, the Thrashers have one great player in Kovy surrounded by castoffs much like the pre 1990 Braves. Would you pay to watch Mike Tyson fight a 90 year old man, a race horse run against mules, a Corvette drag race a Model T, a football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the local peewee team? I don’t think so. I wouldn’t go into a gun fight with a water pistol. I want the best money can buy so I can see a competitive team on the ice. Fans will pay to see a winner, the Braves hve proven that since the early 90’s. If the product is good people will buy it. Right now the product the Thrashers is putting on the ice is not good and people aren’t buying it.

By Street Prophet

October 28, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

If the season ended today, we got a Lotto Pick.

By Lenny

October 28, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

I agree with Shaker. Some of us have just had enough. Waddell is constantly making excuses, blaming things on this and that, while in the meantime, constantly refusing to accept responsibility for this disaster that he alone constructed. That’s why I don’t go anymore..

By LAC.

October 28, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this

I quit my ST’s the past three years now.

While I do attend a few games, until waddell is gone for good, I will NOT be back. Bad product on the ice, star players TELLING the team they are NOT improving and leaving, failure to retain players who were good here with ones that have been… Well not too good, let’s see… Modry,Kappenan,Zit and so on… Savard, Hossa etc…

When the chance came to go after Dave Nonis last summer, nothing was done, same with Ron Wilson.

Then what I have to call the complete LIES coming out of waddell and these owners. First they told us they were going to bring in a guy to oversee hockey operations… NOT. Then Zit is going to be a big part of our team this season, remember that fish story and then cutting him, what a week later ?!#

I have to believe this and Mr.Potty Mouth blasting the STH’s which made him out to be a complete FOOL, have about killed interest in this team.

Until they fire waddell, bring in solid players who will contribute and show the FANS they want to win… Well, this team could be in real trouble… I do not want to see this team move, BUT unless they change things and made solid commitments to the FANS and Players,well the script has been written and it is ungood as Rawhide would say.

By sape

October 28, 2008 5:35 AM | Link to this

I feel back for the team but I am voting with only way I know against ticket price increases which is not to open my wallet for DW. I was looking for tickets from 307-308 sections to first game but DW had decided that those sections were too cheap last year for under $40 per seat and decided that in this year same seat will cost $59.

I see this also as bad management by GM and he should be changed sooner than later.

Team itself has been performing pretty good and games have been entertaining based on stories so maybe I will find myself sitting at Phillips at some day. But that is not because of DW but because of the players and JA.

By sape

October 28, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this

I meant that I feel bad…

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

Waddell doesn’t set ticket prices.

By Former STH

October 28, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

Poor attendance? Tell me they didn’t see this coming! The “Waddell” factor is the # 1 reason why attendance has dropped, and will continue to drop. He was the biggest reason we didn’t renew. Another reason is the lameness of the ownership, as demonstrated by keeping Waddell here. I will continue to protest against going to the games until that man is gone, and new ownership dedicates itslef to winning with superior talent!

By Matt

October 28, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Poor, poor deluded Don.

He’s getting positive e-mails about the team and how it’s playing?? Hahahahahahahaha.

Man, I would dearly love to see those e-mails.

(Don, I want to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge, interested?)

ASG and the GM clearly believe that ticket buyers are fools. Surprise, we know when a substandard product is being pawned off on us and act accordingly.

Want me to come to the games? Show that off season commitment to winning that Don thinks is overrated.

By five_hole

October 28, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

When I saw the title of this blog, I wasn’t sure if you were going for the Pink Floyd theme.

I think all of the above are valid reasons for low attendance. Weeknight games historically draw lower attendance. The uncertainty of the economy was certainly part of my decision as to why my wife & I chose not to renew our tickets. We also didn’t like the makeup of the team (at least before the acquisition of Schneider). Winning would certainly fix a lot of the attendance issues.

I tend to rank Waddell at the bottom of attendance issues. Last time I checked, he hasn’t logged any minutes on the ice in an NHL game. Plus, how many of his decisions/acquisitions since the end of last season do any of us disagree with? Drafting Begosian? Getting rid of Zhitnik? Acquiring Schneider for 4th line players? I wish he had gotten a real 1st line forward instead of Williams, but at least he’s scored a couple. And as ranallo10 (in AT) said, Waddell doesn’t set ticket prices.

As Rawhide said, winning will solve a lot of these issues.

By Sara

October 28, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Some things I would like to know:

How do season ticket sales this season relate to all eight prior seasons? Comparing it just to last season doesn’t seem like a rational statistical argument - for one thing, the team was coming off a Division Championship and play-off berth. Two, they had the lure of the All-Star Game. So how were ST sales in years before when the team had struggled previously and they did not have an additional lure? The numbers may well turn out the same - this might be the worst year overall for ST sales. But I think that’s a more valuable and insightful reflection that just a comparison to last season.

Another thing I’d like to consider is the economic impact in the Atlanta area specifically. While ticket sales may be up in some parts of the country, it is also decidedly down in others. Detroit and Columbus are getting hammered because the economy is horrendous in those former manufacturing bastions than anywhere else in the country. That shows that the overall numbers of the NHL do not accurately depict every franchise’s reality. So how is Atlanta faring compared to other areas? I haven’t seen anything to indicate Atlanta has skyrocketing unemployment. But on the other hand, Atlanta is really struggling with the housing bust because there was so much development in the surrounding areas. Also to consider is how gas prices come into effect. We had a major shortage shortly before the season started, prices had been high. Most people have to commute a decent way to get to a game, on top of the commuting they are already doing for work. Has there been a decline in entertainment spending across the board here? I haven’t looked to see how the Falcons have done though if memory serves the home games were definitely sell-outs. But overall, is the economy really hurting people in Atlanta in general and thus is it really hurting the team?

Personally, I think in general the ST sales have been impacted primarily because of the ticket price issue Stroz discussed at length and a keen disappointment with the team’s performance last season. I know a couple of people who made the decision for personal budget reasons (the economy factor) but most I know either didn’t renew because of the former two issues or downgraded their seats in reaction to the increased prices.

I think the economy will play a bigger role in individual game sales. The other factors will still apply, so I don’t mean it will be the #1 reason. I just believe the impact of the poor economy will be felt more for individual sales than it was for ST sales.

One last thing I would like to know, the one I am least likely to get the answer to, which is why exactly has AS stopped spending? Are they getting cheap? Are they struggling with liquidity issues? Is it because of legal costs or a plan to save money for a potential buy-out of Belkin’s share? And is it going to change? I don’t think they can ever really make much money with the Thrashers, even if the team sustains on-ice success. Can the revenue from the arena (which is reported to be substantial) or revenue from an improved Hawks club be enough to sustain the group overall and thus ensure the long-term viability of this franchise?

And if you are blaming Waddell, could you at least limit it to things he actually has control over and direct impact on? Waddell doesn’t set ticket prices and he doesn’t set the budget either. He also cannot promote himself and bring in another GM or hockey advisor.

By Toby

October 28, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

The poor economic atmosphere is an issue, however not the big reason the Thashers won’t draw a 13,000 average for the season. I grew up a big Whaler fan, so I am a bit bitter…granted (‘86-‘87 Adams Division Champs!!). While I don’t hate on Don as much as most, the “expansion” and “rebuilding” years should be long gone. We have had many draft picks and chances to become an elite team, and all have fallen through the cracks. That said, the biggest problem is the ownership group. They don’t show a bit of interest in the fan and is completely faceless.

This offseason, they had a chance. Kovy still has 2 years, #3 pick Bogo starting already, a new coach, and lots of $$ under the cap. Other than the coaching moves, however, since the playoff flop of 2 years ago, there has been no desire shown to build a winner. That SE title now seams like a fluke and this team is the official “rock bottom” franchise of the NHL.

I wasn’t present at the “town hall meeting” this offseason, but I hear/read that the feeling was that the ownership said the season ticket prices will go up and we don’t have a choice but to pay it. I understand that there are these confusing legal issues, but until there is an owner with a face and a passion for the Thrashers, I’m afraid it’s going to get worse every year from this point on. I think that the best thing for the Thrashers right now is for someone to be able to buy just the Thrashers and sign a 25 year agreement to lease from Philips and have the same passion for the team as most the fans do (or Arthur does for the Falcons).

I think the breaking point has been reached with most fans and (I so hope I’m wrong) I don’t think it’s going to get better for a long time.

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Has there been a decline in entertainment spending across the board here?

Yes, there has.

Moving along, I appreciate all the annoyance issues…but the fact remains that we have a game tonight. a GOOD game, one that should be exciting.

Unfortunately it’s one that I’m going to be participating in via my radio or television, but I can’t wait. Reasoner is back, right?

Also, I think Greek Gods is a lame name, and only because it’s not very easy to say fast. I’d prefer to call them the Titans, particularly since they clash with others a lot.

And finally, I’m sick of hearing people refer to the team as garbage. First, that’s simply not true — and it’s simply wrong to pan the team as individuals based on their win-loss at this point. Second, I’m sure that support translates into a team that wants to win, and I know it makes my day every time I get to read about it.

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Backtracking a bit to happier subjects…

From Smoothie:would you agree that Sterling has earned a chance to play at least 3rd line mins if not supplant a very ordinary Slava Kozlov on the 2nd line?

I agree that he should be off the bench. I don’t necessarily agree about supplanting Koz. IMO, Koz is doing o.k. so far.

I really liked what I saw from him over the weekend and the line of Sterling, EC and Army was the one line that consistently kept the puck deep and cycled effectively.

Likewise. Actually, in general I like the discipline that the former Pens have and I think it’s a good atmosphere to pop a learning player into.

*I think we’ll have to live with our first line being more of a “one and done” attack line, but I’ve seen enough grit and scrappiness in Bryan Little to think that the complexion of this line can be changed as well if someone other than White was our C. *

I don’t think you’re putting the blame in the right place here. Saint Kovy isn’t fantastic on the crash and stuff game, either — but I like them otherwise, and wouldn’t be surprised to see net crashing on the list of skills the team works on next. ‘Cause it needs work all down the line. I think we would have won 2 more of 8 if we’d been more effectively harrying opponents camping out in the crease, and if we’d been better at screening or otherwise compromising the opponents’ goalie.

Problem is who can do it? EC? Not a good enough passer? Reasoner? Too slow. Perrin? Too small? Perhaps the answer is Bryan Little.

I agree that Little can do it. I also think Perrin could (he plays like a much bigger person than he is), but I think we need him in a deeper position to anchor younger players.

Your lines were:

Kovy — Little — Thorburn

Sterling — EC — Army

Kozlov — Reasoner — Williams

Boulton — Perrin — Slater

And I LOVE the top line. I’d probably modify your scheme like so:

Kovy — Little — Thorburn

Sterling — EC/White — Army

Kozlov — Perrin - Reasoner

Boulton — Slater - Williams

The PK stays as it is, but I’d also like to see the PP continue its experimentation.

By Bob

October 28, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Apparently, Da Nile ain’t just a river in Egypt for a dwindling few of you.

For the majority of us, we know why we didn’t renew. The majority of the guys in my section, over the past few years have dropped out because of Waddell. Last year was the big tipping point that pushed the last of us holdouts over the edge.

When they bring in a real GM who instills confidence in the fan base, then you’ll see our fans return and fill up the arena.

I love how DW tried to play off having a bottom of the barrel salary cap number is a positive thing

Waddell is the lamest of lame ducks. The proverbial boy who cried wolf. The man has no credibility left, and the owners have lost any credibility they had left when they retained him yet again for this season in the face of all the facts. And some wonder why we don’t waste our time, much less our money, on his product anymore?

By Toby

October 28, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Kovy - White - Little (Been working so far, so why change it?)

Sterling - EC - Army

Kozlov - Reasoner - Thorburn

Perrin - Williams - Slater (Coach is saying he likes Williams at center)

Boulton can sit

By Russian

October 28, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

I want to make some Resume to Empty seat on Phillips Arena. I read all posts, everyone said lot of good and un-good things. My view to that Problem is only one thing. WIN Damn GAMES!!! That’s all. Fans will come and see suceeful team. About game today. I agree to keep First line together. Put Sterling to Second line and keep him couple games there. Slava moved to third line will good idea also. I do not know about Willi to come as 4-th center. I like to see him in 3-d line. My third line will be Slava-Reasoner-Willi Fourth line will be: Thorburn-Slater-Boulton. Perrin will seat or Reasoner, if he is still has a bruce on his knee.

By bulldog52

October 28, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

win and the fans cometh.lose and fans stay away. Give the coach a little time and you will see winning hockey.is Ask yourself how many hockey fans are living in the Atl area? 15,000, so how do you expect to sell out if you donot promote the other seats. 1/2 price tickets give aways are all part of putting rears in the seats.Cry all you want about DW but if he is not allowed to spend to get players then you get what you now have.

By Toby

October 28, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Just read that Hoffman has been placed on waivers…is this true?

Wonder if he got p** when he got sent down….

By Empty Seats

October 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Wow… there is a fair amount of delusional thinking on the part of the management and owners, but at least that’s consistent.

As a former STH, I’ve seen every home game this year (for 30% of what I paid last year) all of the televised games and 4 practices – there’s a lot to enjoy if you enjoy the sport. On top of the list is the opportunity to purchase tickets at a fraction of what I paid last year. Thanks for the motivation ASG.

Management can rationalize, pontificate, meditate, analyze – or do what ever bad management does when their business is failing, or they can address the real issues.

After 8 years, 4 coaches, bumbled personnel choices – at all levels, one post season appearance and no play off victories – tell me again why anyone would be surprised at the lack of support for hockey in this market? Oh sure the economy and gas prices are issues, but the product materially declines in value (expressed in terms of results - wins / losses) and management raises prices… So now we’re talking about all you can eat seats, football and midweek games … come on!

Grow up ASG, make the tough calls, win some games and really earn the support of your fans. Failing that, sell the team to someone capable of maximizing their opportunity with the sport.

By Bob

October 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Ask yourself how many hockey fans are living in the Atl area? 15,000

Ludicrous. We sold out as a first year franchise, with attendance off mabye 10% the 2nd year, it’s slowly dwindled each year until the bump with the All Star game year. Each time Buffablow, Pens, Detoilet, Rangers, etc. come to town, their fans fill the arena (hint, they don’t fly in for the games).

Half of the growth in this town over the past 10 years is from transplanted northerners that come from hockey towns. Shoot, there’s probably 15,000 Gladiators fans alone.

One thing this club does do well is promote in the schools, that’s smart marketing, hook ‘em young to build lifelong fans—that’ll pay dividends down the road. That’s why I’m a hockey fan, my Dad took to me games.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

There’s a saying…you get what you pay for. Spending more money than only one other team in the league is setting yourself up to be the second worst team in the league, by design. Sure, you can overperform and surprise everyone with a better than 29th finish…but monetarily you have not committed to anything but a bottom of the league team.

Of course, that’s assuming that money can bring a good player…which isn’t exactly a correct assumption.

The point though, is that unless you spend near the league average, you’re at a significant disadvantage unless other stars align just right for your franchise (players develop into good NHL players before their entry level contract expires, as one example).

Toby — There was a quote from Hoffman last week by Knobler where he spoke about being sent down, and had no negative reaction to such a move. He’s looking for ice time as the final stage to his recovery process, and Chicago is the best way for him to get that time in. I don’t think he’s p**, based on his comments.

By Tom

October 28, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Bulldog

No one is crying, we are just stating fact. Face it, most of us are Notherners who are willing to make changes for a better life. If we were not we all would have stayed up north in our cities and never ventured out.

So the majority of fans in Atlanta are people who think with their feet. If we as season ticket holders feel like we are getting the shaft, we walk. It is not like these tickets have been in the family for 3 generations and we would be breaking a sacred trust.

Until the Thrashers organization gets it’s proverbial stuff together, many of us will not be forking over the cash for season tickets. It is that simple. We will attend the occasional game but that is it.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

By the way, Marek Malik was signed by Tampa Bay to a one-year contract for $1.25M.

By Smoothie

October 28, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

If Hoffman WAS indeed waived and Ken Klee has been put on re-entry waivers by the Ducks (per that rumour blog), does that mean DWad is clearing space to bring KK back at a pro-rata portion of his $600 (1/2 a year’s salary) to be our 7th D-man?

Anyone crazy enough to think that might be happening soon? I am.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

No Smoothie, I don’t believe that is in the works. But hell, I’ve been wrong before.

By Alan

October 28, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

When I saw the title of this blog, I wasn’t sure if you were going for the Pink Floyd theme.

When I saw it, I had vivid memories of watching “The Wall” with a bunch of stoners. No matter how old or young you are, that is one hell of a movie.

And it’s even better when you’re not high, whether it be from first hand or a contact high.

I saw this article this morning, and had to share it. If you think the worst of the Thrashers this year, think again… it could be worse!

By Empty Seats

October 28, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Spot on Bob,

I’ve observed similar attendance patterns. Furthermore with approximately 5 million people in this metro area, there is no way the arena wouldn’t be close to full every night if the team consistently won more games.

To fill seats in the NHL you either have to be located in a major Canadian market, or you have to win in the USA, period.

Unfortunately, the owners and management of this organization have not won enough games and their business suffers because of that fact, period.

By NASCAR Dave

October 28, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Anyone crazy enough to think that might be happening soon? I am.

Makes perfect sense… Sounds like typical DONNIE to me… Pick Up KLEE off waivers and send BOGOSIAN back to Juniors saying “We think he needs more time to develop”… and then say “KLEE played a big part for us last year, and we think his veteran leadership will help out on the Blueline”…

LOL… Ring a bell yet??? VALABIK, anyone??? LOL

By glovesave29

October 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Empty Seats - I have to disagree with the comment about having to be in a “Major Canadian Market” to fill the seats when the team is bad. The Toronto teams of the late 70’s and early 80’s played to a half full MLG because people were fed up with owner Harrold Ballard.

Even big hockey markets like Boston, Chicago and Detroit have had similar attendance problems under similar circumstances that we find ourselves. Until ASG gets serious about hockey, I don’t blame anyone for cancelling their season tix. I go to about 5-6 games a season (along with similar numbers to the Glads) and I get scalped tickets, or the half priced tickets offered by my league almost every time.

Alan - good call. Love that movie. I remember going to the old Perimeter Mall theatres (before they were torn down) and seeing that countless times at the Midnight Movies. We must have smuggled 100 beers into the theatre over the course of the years…good times.

By Rawhide

October 28, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Five_Hole & Alan – Yes…very good. You did indeed pick up on the Pink Floyd / The Wall reference in the title.

Now…regarding attendance and all that…

We all know that the organ-I-zation wants people to be at Philips to see games In The Flesh…watching Thrashers games in person can be among The Happiest Days of Our Lives…it’s especially fun when we bring along our friends…like, say, Vera. Heck…I even once brought my Mother to a game. Most of the time, I only have two tickets, so I alternate between the two sons as to who attends with me. Just the other day my youngest asked me, “when is One Of My Turns to go with you”?

Several times a year, I take the whole family down with me…so if you knock on my door…there is Nobody Home. Most of the time, we are making the weekend games because we have to Run Like Hell to get there after work during weeknight games.

After long road trips…I cannot wait for the schedule to Bring The Boys Back Home so I can get back down there and experience the coldness of Blueland that makes my fingertips go…Comfortably Numb.

And yes…I do stay for the whole game regardless of the score. Nothing bugs me more than when people leave early. I just wanna yell out, “STOP…Don’t Leave Me Now”!

But I have to say, it is sad to see all of the Empty Spaces in the stands…particularly during weeknight games. I wonder how it affects the players as they sit on the bench…just Outside The Wall of The Thin Ice that is the playing surface.

All in all…is it just Another Brick In the Wall…that keeps this city from being perceived as a true hockey town by the players and the pundits?

groan…

OK…I’ll quit now. You may all resume your blog-versations…

By Alan

October 28, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I’m glad I have the entire Pink Floyd discography on my portable mp3 player, because after reading your post Rawhide, I’m going to need to listen to it on my trek home from work this evening. And probably for many more evenings.

Or I’ll just watch The Wall, since I’ve got that on there too.

Oh, the choices I have this evening!

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Nice, Rawhide. love it.

I see no proof that Hoffman has been waived. And I can’t imagine why we’d do that unless we think we can do without him. Which I doubt we’d think based on Ken Klee. Also, it woudl make sense that someone would misconstrue his conditioning stint as him being placed on waivers.

By kenny

October 28, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Alan there, I would rather listen to Pink Floyd than watch the Trash.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Nikita — If Hoffman is out of options (to be sent to the AHL), he would need to clear waivers before he can begin his conditioning stint. I think the only exception is NHL only contracts (one-way contracts) and a player that is placed on the injured reserve (IR) list during that time.

Anyway, the contract itself would stipulate if he needs to clear waivers. Two-way contracts are not a free pass to move a player up and down every day, rather they have a limit on the amount of times the player may be moved around (“options”). This is why Lebda had to go on waivers earlier in the season, and was subsequently claimed by Los Angeles.

I’d be very surprised if someone claims Hoffman…but then again someone claimed Koci (St. Louis) when he was waived by Tampa Bay. Big men are an asset to have, even if their skills stretch only as far as their punching arm.

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I was being imprecise. What I should have said is that I see no sign that Hoffman is being waived for the purposes of ditching him.

But I do have a question — would we not be eligible to claim Hoffman back ourselves if one of the 28 teams above us in last season’s rankings attempted to claim him?

By Alan

October 28, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Kenny - Now now, I didn’t say all that. The fact is, by the time I get home this evening, there might not be much of a game left for me to watch. After all, my commute is about two and a half hours, starting at about 6:30pm and ending at 9pm. That’s mroe than enough time for The Wall, which runs for only one hour and thirty five minutes, according to IMDB.com

By Bob

October 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

And it’s even better when you’re not high, whether it be from first hand or a contact high

Typo? I assume you meant it’s better when you are high. I remember the first I watched it I was sober and while the music was awesome, the marching hammers just seemed kinda goofy. Much better flick if in the proper, uh, frame of mind.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Nikita — No. All 29 teams get a shot based no last season’s standings, with Atlanta’s claim opportunity removed from the equation.

By ThrashersFan

October 28, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to 3 games so far this season and keep taking advantage of the cheapo seats on offer. Why in the WORLD should anyone pay for season tickets at full price when you can get just about any ticket half price or with free food added?

By Jeff

October 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I have been a STH since Day 1, and this may be my last year. For me, football does get in the way in the fall, as I am out of town watching my beloved but lousy UT Vols, but the main thing is that I cannot find anyone to split tickets with! People I know like going to a game or two (weekend, of course), but no one wants more than that. And I do not want to go to 41 home games. This is not a hockey town (heck, it’s not even that good a pro sports town), and it is a front runner town. So if the boys in Blueland are not any good, you are not going to have fannies in the seats. The only teams that sell out regularly despite their W/L records are the football teams of the SEC.

Sorry, but it’s true.

By Alan

October 28, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Bob - While I bungled the sentence there (I blame a lack of coffee), I actually preferred the movie sober (judgement not clouded by a contact high). It’s far more striking when you understand it than when you’re too busy digging around for more Doritos or pooling money for pizzas.

By timthebrave

October 28, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

The main reason for a drop in attendance is that at the beginning of last year the Thrashers were coming off their first division championship and first trip to the playoffs. There was a lot more optimism going into last season. I think that the team is playing ok, but there is nothing to make me think that we are anywhere near winning a cup. That being said I will still go to about 10 games this year. My first will be this upcoming Sunday. Go Thrashers

By glovesave29

October 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

OK, Rawhide…now you lost me. Is this “In the Flesh?” or “In the Flesh”…and who is on lead vocals, Roger Waters or Bob Geldof? And can I be one of the “million tear stained eyes” while Don Waddell creates “the crack in the ice that appears under my feet”?

Well this Roman Meal Baker wants to know…

By glovesave29

October 28, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

On a different note…enjoy

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0810/nhl.goalie.masks/content.1.html

By Sara

October 28, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Sweeeet. I love goalie masks. Coolest things in sports, hands down.

Kari’s is still my favorite, more for the style than anything else. I love DiPietro’s though, as well as LaBarbera’s shout-out to guitar gods. The Vader mask is pretty cool too.

By Sara

October 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

The Coyotes claimed Klee off waivers. There went your conspiracy theory Smoothie :)

By Bob

October 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

when you’re too busy digging around for more Doritos or pooling money for pizzas

Ah, college. Youth is wasted on the young.

By Dominos Delivery Guy

October 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Ah, yes. Um, I have a delivery for a Mr. Alan…

2 large pepperonis, a supreme and 3 bags of Doritos.

By A$G

October 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Maybe we have AHL attendance numbers to go along with our AHL roster.

Maybe there is a correlation between the A$G’s spending habits and the spending habits of the fans.

Redistribute the wealth.

Maybe we can just ask some of the good teams if they will GIVE us some good players!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

glovesave — First, how could they not show one of the many variations of Hedberg’s Moose helmets?

Those pictures are such great quality, it makes you have sensory overload looking at all 52 of the designs. My personal favorites are the two Senator’s helmets.

Martin “Darth” Gerber and Alex Auld had some cool designs that were based on helmets, which is what I prefer. Huet’s Indian headdress was cool too.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 28, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Alan — My favorite quote from the Lions story you linked to earlier:

“It’s sort of like how the Patriots went 16-0 last year, except without any of the great players or coaches or game plans.”

My second favorite was the one about scouting.

By Empty Seats

October 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

glovesave, sorry I should have said, “the only way to fill seats these days…”

Though I clearly remember getting kicked out of the Garden in TO, for trying to sneek in to see Bore Salming play in 1979. The Leafs weren’t 500 and tickets were tougher than the police.

Ultimately, the points are that there is clearly more inherent interest in northern, hockey-centric markets than there is in the southeast and most importantly you have to win.

By Sara

October 28, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

What you need is the old Domino’s (in Hilton Head I believe it was) which many many moons ago used to deliver both the munchies and the recreation. ;)

In fairness to not inappropriately slander a major corporation, it was an independent franchise owned by a guy who was already in the “delivery” business as it were.

By Alan

October 28, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

ranallo - My personal favorite is this one:

Marinelli is like a weatherman who forecasted 85 degrees and sunny and is now standing outside in the snow in his swimsuit, telling everybody he still thinks the sun will come out.

I laughed out loud when I read it, and I was on the bus. I had a lot of strange looks come my way.

By Alan

October 28, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

An incident involving Buffalo’s Adam Mair will be reviewed, according to league officials. A video of the incident can be seen here.

By Sara

October 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

OK I missed it from the video - what was Mair so p** off about? Holy jeez.

As for reviewing it, well, duh, cause we can’t have hockey players getting in fights… er … hmmm.

By Bob

October 28, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

I gave up my 4 seats in row 2. The product didn’t support the price! The elite Kovalchuk and a bunch of mediocre, at best, players after 9 years of building! I thought they should have moved Waddell as well but have since thought that he’s the messenger and the real problem is the non-spending owners. I know that I’m ahead of myself but I don’t see any way that this team keeps Kovy after next year. And then it will be just a bunch of mediocre, at best, players.

By R. Stroz

October 28, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Since I received FREE TICKETS for tonight’s game, I will be attending in full Thrasher attire, that means with BULLHORN in hand.

In recognition of stendec, I will yell out stendec on every Filthydelphia goal.

By Empty Seats

October 28, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Bob, like you I tossed mine back - 12 rows off the ice. But the good news is, I’ll see a lot of hockey this year at a fraction of the price - including the game this evening.

PS - the Kovy situation will be interesting. As you know it’s a very small, elite league. On the inside, behind closed doors, the decision makers, players and coaches know what’s going on down here.

PSS - Did you notice the other ex-Thrasher in Detroit with Hossa? In quiet moments, with no cameras, agents, or fans, I can only imagine what guys like McCrimmon (and Cobern, Savard, Hossa et all) are saying. And before anyone says it doesn’t matter, it really does.

By Don *(Not That One)*

October 28, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Ok, so I know they are counting how many people actually come through the door, has this info been published anywhere.

Sorry, I guess I’m old school attendance means people who actually came to the game, not people that bought or were given tickets.

So I guess is that’s how it works, I never missed a class in college from a hangover, because I paid for the class, I attended every day.

BTW: I was a season ticket holder from day one of the Thrashers. I didn’t renew this year because they don’t take care of season ticket holders. Last season I paid slightly under face value for my seats, in a section that was maybe 1/8 full of season tickets. Low and behold, every Monday, Tuesday and Friday game my section was packed with people that came in on 1/2 off deals of Shane’s Deals.

Seems even worse for season ticket holders this year, I’ve been to 3 games and got my tickets for 50% or less of face value each night, and can buy them now for most of November’s games at 1/2 off.

The Flames never treated us this way, and in case you forget, the Flames left because TV revenue was too low (this was before the sharing that goes on now). They never had problems selling enough tickets for the Flames.

I love the Thrashers, but management is running things so poorly, I give them 2 or 3 more seasons before they get bought and shipped somewhere up north.

By Brokeback Cowboy

October 28, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

ASG, I just don’t know how to quit you.

By Jameson

October 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

shaker- You may call it a sick sense of humor, but I just might pay to see the Dallas Cowboys play against a local peewee team.

By tommysteele

October 28, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Rawhide. I watch this in total disbelief. Thrashers are fast becoming National Hockey League laughingstock. Stendec is making a believer out of me. No goals after 40 minutes in such an important nationally televised matchup? Totally unacceptable. Early and late goals by Kari Lehtonen were killers. Stendec was right about the kid. Probably Ilya Kovalchuk too. Boneheaded play. Sad night for all Thrasher warchers. Cheers Stendec. Wherever you are.

By Bob

October 28, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Wow, pitiful showing so far. At least nobody there to watch it, I thought at least there’d be Philthy fans in the house.

Man, this might be one long year, I don’t even care to watch the 3rd period. Keep the eye on the prize though, Tavares.

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Oh, my god, this is HORRIBLE. Energy was good, but this is NOT GOOD.

On the other hand, it’s kind of fun watching Eric Perrin play golf — what’s that move called? I’ll analyze this later. The gist is Toby Enstrom, WTF?

By tommysteele

October 28, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Stendec is right about everything. This bunch is worse than an expansion unit. Sorely disappointed in complete lack of competitive fire. These Thrashers do not deserve fan support. Well done, Stendec. God bless you.

By Russ

October 28, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

tommysteele, just so you know, you lose all credibility when you say “Stendec is right”. All Stendec consistently comments on is how “terrible” Lehtonen is. According to him/her/it (whatever Stendec is) Lehtonen is basically the sole reason the Thrashers suck. If the Thrashers just had a competent goalie the rest of the pieces are in place for a Stanley Cup run…do you still think stendec is right?

By josh

October 28, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

wow, that was just downright pitiful to witness! why did they have such tired legs? where was kari’s mind in this game? just awful.

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Keeping it brief…horrid luck, but also some horrid play. 1. Not at all impressed with Enstrom or Schneider. 2. WTF, Kovalchuk? Sloppy passes and hot heads — anybody know what the unsportsmanlike is for? 3. Philly was on average faster and bigger than Atlanta. Mainly faster and more precise, though. And lucky. That penalty shot was b.s.

On the positive side: 1. The checking line did its job. Those players are all even, and they’re the only people who are. 2. Some nice saves from Lehts. 3. Er…well…at least it wasn’t as bad as last year’s Buffalo experience.

By tommysteele

October 28, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Hi Russ. I am perplexed. You say Stendec claims goaltender Kari Lehtonen is terrible? I hardly call seven goals in 60 minutes an all-star performance. The netminder is not the sole reason the team stinks on ice but he is a major part of it. Moose too. These guys are the last line of defense. They set the game tone. Early and late goals should not be condoned or tolerated. This team does need far more than a competent goalie. It requires an immediate heart transfer. Notice I said transfer - not transplant. No heart, bad or otherwise, in this group. I also believe Stendec may be correct about Ilya Kovalchuk. I see with my own eyes he does not compete with the fire or passion he did last season. I just want Thrashers to win. Tonight was totally unacceptable.

By Empty Seats

October 28, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

All I can say is wow. I had terrific seats in the Club for 30% of face value and it still wasn’t worth it.

I love the game - been a fan for 35 years, but that was pretty rough to sit through. On some level it’s sad to see what’s been done with this franchise and to the game in this market.

The owners can paper the house until ‘you know what’ freezes over. They can give tickets to their employees, their friends, relatives, associates, etc… they can report 11,000, 12,000 or 18,000 fans in building, but I was there and there might have been 9,000 people actually sitting in the seats before the blow out began.

This thing is unraveling. Boy do we need a couple of wins.

By champ

October 28, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

I think it might be time to fire Don Waddell

By Russ

October 28, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

tommysteele, my point is the Thrashers could lose 1-0 in a shootout being out-shot 60-5 with the Thrashers killing off 20 minutes of 5-on-3’s and stendec’s post after the game would look something like this:

“Untalented Finn was in Lala Land again. Couldn’t even cut it in ECHL. Maybe High School, MAYBE. Worthless piece of garbage should go rot in an alley somewhere. Let’s in another monkey puck in shootout.”

It is these fantastically intellectual and always insightful rants by stendec that I (and many others if I may speak for them) have a problem with. I am down on this team as much as anybody (I’ve been calling for DW’s head for years), but I am down on the TEAM, not calling out one particular player over and over again when the problems clearly go well beyond one player. Any logical person can see this…oh wait we’re talking about Stendec, nevermind.

For the record I think Lehtonen is a good, not great goalie. He has some nights where he is brilliant, but still has problems with consistency. I didn’t get the (dis)honor of seeing tonight’s game, but the score alone tells me the team was horrible in every facet, goaltending included.

By a$g

October 28, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Got free tickets, paid $7 for marta and $7 for one beer. I spent a total of $14 for my wife and I to go to the game and it was not worth it. I feel sorry for Ilya. I will actually be happy to see him leave. He should get to pay for a team that wants to compete.

By R. Stroz

October 28, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Prediction

Due to poor attendence and poor team play, Waddell will be forced to resign in order to create some form of impetus to sell tickets.

By Nikita

October 28, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Actually, Russ…the game hurt, but it wasn’t as bad as the score suggests. Let me add to the positive column:

1. Net crashing was improved.
2. The SA/SOG differential wasn’t unreasonable. We held the Phillies to 31, which would be fantastic if it didn’t come with 7 goals and only 24 shots on.
3. Hate to say it, but Ex looked decent. Except his one board hit, which should have been an elbowing penalty.

Also, my own personal broken record, as you all know, is the kiddos on the checking line. I really think it’s time to move Thorbs up. Kovalchuk needs his weight to enable his scoring.

Also, Hoffman can’t come up soon enough. We need a little weight, and someone who’s willing to clear the crease.

By shaker

October 28, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Jameson, if you watched the Thrashers and Flyers game tonight you saw what amounts to a Dallas Cowboys vs peewee game and you didn’t have to pay to see it. The Thrashers played like the Atlanta Zombies. they are a dead bunch of guys with hockey sticks in their hands and have no idea what to do with them. I have a suggestion where they could stick them. on second thought maybe they could handle the puck better if the sticks were there. By the way the team looked tonight it wouldn’t hurt only help. Tonights game was embarrassing. Now the rest of the country and Canada knows what kind of a hockey team the Thrashers is. I wonder what the tv ratings were at the end of the game on the Versus Channel? The most exciting part of the game was turning to QVC to see handbags on sale. We as hockey fans can make all kinds of excuses why the Thrashers are losing. The bottom line is that every excuse that has been mentioned has a little to do with it. The only thing that will fix the problems with the Thrashers is changes. The old saying goes “one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel”. I think our barrel is already spoiled. It’s time to clean house starting with Dumb Waddell. John Anderson deserves a shot at coaching an NHL team but once again he is stuck coaching the Chicago Wolves, southern edition. The players pretty much speak for themselves, they suck. The owners, who the hell are they anyway? They don’t care about this team. Maybe it’s just a writeoff for them. When all is said and done the only ones who care about this team are its fans. If the Thrashers leadership would read the blogs maybe they would get the picture. And then again maybe not.

By a$g

October 28, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

DON WADDELL……..they won’t fire him. he is their patsy. there is a clear pattern with a$g. don’t spend at all. hire an AHL coach that is cheap. move out all high salary players and replace them with low pay low play. if you buy tickets you are getting fleeced. how bad are you getting fleeced…about 7-0.

LOW PAY = LOW PLAY

By Bob

October 28, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Well done, Stendec. God bless you

lol.

Due to poor attendence and poor team play, Waddell will be forced to resign in order to create some form of impetus to sell tickets

One can only pray, but meantime great job by all my fellow former STH brethren for helping shine the light on his incompetence.

By NASCAR Dave

October 28, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Well, now look what happened… It’s those same GUTLESS COWARDS from last year!!! You know, the ones with NO guts, NO heart, NO pride… NOTHING!!! Same JOKE of a team from last year… QUITTERS!!!

NO RETALIATION for an injured Comrade is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE!!! These guys are a bunch of WIMPS!!! AGAIN!!! Same as LAST YEAR!!! Absolutely EMBARRASSING!!! This team gets BULLIED around, every damn night!!! WTH!!!

LETEMIN played like one PATHETIC Pile of CRAPOLA!!! My goodness, NO excuses for that!!! The (BOY) got SHUTOUT at HOME!!! Totally Unacceptable!!! Where was his FOCUS???

This team will be “CRUSHED” against NYR, NJD, and FLA if this crap keeps up…

Speaking of “CRUSHED”, where was he tonight??? What about PERRIN??? Does everybody STILL wanna re-sign PERRIN??? LOL

One guy that WAS stepping up recently was BENCHED… BRETT STERLING… WTF was up with that??? For BOULTON??? LOL, The guy who wouldn’t even do his JOB (ENFORCER) tonight??? I know, that is a Coaching decision, this I know… But like I have stated before, COACH gets the Free Pass… He’s NEW… *It’s DONNIE’s Turn, and DONNIE’s Time.

These are the EXACT SAME issues we had last year, and we have a TOTALLY DIFFERENT Coaching System this year, with multiple new players… WHY is THAT??? WHY do these things CONSTANTLY seem to happen??? What is the one CONSTANT that has been here the whole, entire time??? DONNIE FRAUDEll…

NUFF SAID.

By Brendan

October 29, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Hey, what a night for former Thrasher Glen Metropolit. I think he’s truly found a home with Philly, after returning from Europe with Atlanta, St. Louis, Boston and now Philly. He had a nice goal and a few assists, I think. I’m not sure, but I think Braydon Coburn was kept off the scoresheet.

Russ, I don’t know how to say this other than to just say it. HaveNOT, once again, failed to score. How many games does this make now, without a goal? When will the excuses stop? Does this untalented Swede not realize that the puck is supposed to go in the OTHER team’s net? Had HAVENOT scored, Niittymaki would not have gotten a shutout. HaveNOT didn’t even take a shot on goal! Bench him now!! Trade him for some practice nets at the Duluth facility! If you could even get that! Not likely. Maybe 12 pucks, but not much more. How much longer will the organization sustain this worthless two-legged, sack of crap? How he ever got a Gold Medal in Torino, I’ll never know. Team Finland must have been drunk in the Championship game for HaveNOT to own a medal. I’m going to petiton IOC Chairman Jacques Rogge to strip it from him. I bet HaveNOT only played a shift in that game. Well, half a shift, at the most. Finland probably scored on that shift, and Team Sweden wisely sat him the rest of the game before he could do anymore damage. I don’t know when you’ll see this, Russ. I just can’t make it plainer than that. And I don’t want to hear about how many shots he’s blocked, Russ. You get me?! If he’s not on waivers tomorrow, the whole team is packing for Winnipeg. Manitoba Thrashers, has a nice ring about it.

Alan’s sarcasm detector, like that’s a USEFUL invention, (rolling eyes,) is going off the chart! Oh, would you look at that. It’s broken now. Great! Just great. Now how will we detect the serious posts from the rest?

By (bob) other is a petty liar

October 29, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this

what’s with that levenson character playing around on knobler’s blog ? how sad .

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 29, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Brendan — Quality. It’s pitiful though, as the character you’re mocking swore off this blog but couldn’t stay away, so he’s using other names to promote his own message.

That’s just sad.

By LAC.

October 29, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this

Well here we go folks… This may get REAL bad.

A number of outlets that reported on last nights game, refer to The Hapless Atlanta Thrashers and Lowly Atlanta Thrashers, and one source refered to us a worst team in the NHL.

Well what the HELL do you expect, we have The Most HAPLESS GM in professional sports. Are we moving forward don ? You still like the makeup of this team don ? Why don’t you RESIGN don ?

You don waddell are a Disgrace to the sport of professional hocky. You know nothing about any aspect of the game or how to play it, or how to aquire the proper players to form a WINNING team.

You, don, have all but killed NHL hockey in this city for the second time. I realize you work for agroup of liars and bafoons, but YOU don have been a loser ever since you got here. You are a Complete Disgrace to us The Fans, The Players and The NHL.

You have been quoted as saying you LOVE this team, well is YOU do, then RESIGN TODAY. We cannot afford your continued path of distruction you have carved since 1999,you are like a never ending Tornado, everything you do ends up destroyed… Go Away don and let this team try to heal from your years of neglect and stupidity.

By Russ

October 29, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this

Brendan, nice post. I’m glad someone else sees that every problem this team has can be put on one person - HaveNot. All he needs to do is score one more goal each game than the other team scores and this makes 7 out of 9 games that he has failed to do so. Didn’t score in two wins either, but luckily teammates saved his a$$. Untalented Swede. Always in Lala Land. Don’t know why he is kept around. Guess just because he helps meet salary floor. Big contract, no production.

By five_hole

October 29, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

I got to go to the game, courtesy of R. Stroz. It wasn’t pretty. My impressions:

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a game where the opposition got two goals off of our skates. On the other hand, I’ve never seen a team mis-measure where to paint the blue lines before, either. That was bad luck, to be sure, but that’s not the reason we lost.

Hate to say it, but Ex looked decent. - Nikita I think you’re right. He was one of 2, maybe 3 d-men that played decently last night. Hainsey was our best d-man and Havelid and X were OK. Enstrom was playing midget hockey and Schneider was for the most part, invisible. Can we get SOMEBODY that can clear the front of the net? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Valabik? Valabik?

Forwards - Christensen, Slava and Williams were mediocre, at best. BTW, my new name for Williams is Angel Soft. He’s softer than Charmin. What was up with Kovalchuk, skating in circles when we were going to get a PP? It looked like he thought the rink was the size of an ice cube. I thought our best forward was Slater. I also think that Charmin (AKA White) had a good game. When those 2 are the best you’ve got, you’re going to get your a$$ whopped.

Lehtonen wasn’t the reason we lost, but he wasn’t the reason we won, either. I thought he looked slow going from one post to the other.

Brendan I think Coburn had at least an assist.

You’ve got to hit bottom before you can start back up. Hopefully, this was the bottom.

By Thrashernut

October 29, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

I’ll repeat what I posted last year on several occasions (widely dissed): Kovalchuk is one of the most over-rated player in the league. His talents don’t work in a team-oriented game like hockey. It took a few years, but other teams have discovered how to neutralize him. Let’s face it, beginning about the time of the All Star break last year, he has been ineffective. You can blame 3 goals on him last night - the offensive zone give-away, and the 2 Philly PP goals scored for his inability to control his frustration. I know, I know - if he had some support that would draw some attention from him he would be more potent. However, there’s lots of history for great players being great amongst less-talented teammates.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 29, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Okay, so if Kovalchuk is overrated, what is his correct rating supposed to be?

For what it’s worth I would take 6 overrated players that play like Kovalchuk and let everyone in the league complain as each of those players puts up 40 goals per season, and is in the top 3 for goal scorers over a 5 year span.

Sure, he has his defensive problems (he’s a goal scorer…HELLO!), and he’s got some temperament issues at times (he plays for the Thrashers, who wouldn’t have those issues after playing their entire career for this team?), but he’s far from being an overrated goal scorer. Nobody claims he’s the best overall player in the NHL.

For all of those teams that have discovered how to “neutralize” him, they’ve still failed to do so at an epic rate (#2 in goals scored last season, behind another one-dimensional winger).

I’ll take an overrated Kovalchuk, personally.