AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEarly Halloween Turns Philips Into BOO-Land
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the Atlanta Thrashers could find a way to create a costume based on Tuesday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Flyers…you would see kids of all ages showing up at your door on Halloween wearing it to extort candy from you in the cruelest of ways.
Ding-dong….”Trick or Treat”!
“Why…what are you dressed up as young man”?
“I’m a replay of the Thrashers’ 7-0 loss to Philly…gimme some treats or I’ll make you watch it again”.
“Auuugh…NO! Here, have the whole %$#@& bowl…go on, take it…and leave this place in peace…I beg of you, just GO”!!
Normally when you see a final score that reads Philadelphia 7, Atlanta 0…you would think that the Eagles defeated the Falcons in a hard-fought defensive struggle. But not this time… it was indeed the outcome of the Flyers vs. Thrashers game.
To be fair, things started off well enough…I mean, the Thrashers’ starting five skaters took to the ice and lined up just as nicely as the Flyers did…then the puck was dropped.
After that, it was pretty much all Flyers.
Before many had even made their way from the beer stand to their seats…it was already 1-0 and Atlanta was down one defender as Zach Bogosian suffered an injury from a hit by…I believe…Darroll Powe. Bogey left the ice for good having played but 52 seconds.
Trailing 2-0 late in the second Atlanta had a chance to worm back into this game. Braydon Coburn…remember him?…had just taken a hooking penalty and the Thrashers were on the…POWER PLAY! But Ilya Kovalchuk’s pass at the blueline was intercepted. Seconds later… it was 3-0 with 15 seconds remaining before the second intermission.
Kovy then felt inclined to see how far he could throw his stick. He was awarded a 2-minute penalty for conducting himself in a less-than-sportsmanlike manner. He decided to conduct a discussion session with the official on his way across the rink after the horn sounded and was given an additional 2-minute time-out for his efforts.
By the time he was eligible to play hockey again in the third period…the score was 5-0…one of those goals deflecting into the goal off of the skate of our own Ron Hainsey.
Then Simon Gagne kicked in a sixth goal for Philadelphia before Glen Metropolit…remember him?…added the extra point with 2:40 remaining in the game.
Seven to goose egg!
The crowd then turned into ghosts and goblins, shouting…BOOOOOOOOO!!!! …before vanishing into the cold October night. In voicing their displeasure, they displayed more passion and energy than the boys in blue did all night. It was truly a team effort, this loss.
Kari in the goal…un-good.
The blueline…un-good.
O-fense…un-good.
(Insert any particular observation or stat here)…un-good.
Of his team’s dominant win Mike Knuble said, “We got a great result…we scored every which way. These are the treats”.
Indeed…and the Thrashers were dishing out the treats all night to those in the black and orange Flyers costumes.
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By LAC.
October 29, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
We will be lucky to get 40 points with this team this year. We ARE now an expansion team again, ALL thanks toTHE Dumbest GM in the history of ALL professional sports one DUMB A$$ don waddell.
Is it is now not time for him to be FIRED, Will he ever be canned ?
How long would he last in any other NHL city ? No team in their right mind would have the jerk.
Resign don for the sake and future of this team, you have ruined pro hockey in Atlanta for too long now !
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 29, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Crap. Hopefully it’s just a bruise, but bone bruises are not always easy to heal from quickly.
By gator
October 29, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Spirit: Please take this piece of crap and leave. Atlanta has already seen this dog and pony show many times.
By R. Stroz
October 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
O-fense…un-good.
That should read:
NO-fense…un-good.
By Bob
October 29, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
I didn’t expect much out of this lineup. Anyone that did was just setting themselves up for disappointment.
But the only negatives that are lasting negatives that I take away from last night’s game are these. First, Lehtonen looked bad again. Real bad with the lack of focus, once again. The reason we lost is not all on him, but he’s falling back into the exact same pattern we see out of him each and every year. He starts out the first 4 or 5 games very strong, looks like the top pick he was, but then he loses focus and falls back into this type of play. That’s something to keep an eye on. If it keeps up again this year with the losing focus, I say cut bait with him and give Pavelec the reins.
Second, Kovalchuk is obviously frustrated. That is not good. They need to re-sign him to an extension next summer. Does anyone still suffer under the delusion that he’s going to sign an extension here under these conditions? This is reason #297 that one Don Waddell should have been cannned long ago. They have to do it before next summer so the new GM can come in and get things turned around and try to talk Kovy into an extension. As it stands right now, I see the chances as slim to none of Kovy re-signing here. He doesn’t look the same this year and is probably looking at Hoss (who just got one of the 3 stars of the week and is off to a great start in De-Toilet) and is dreaming of the day he gets to choose the club he toils for. Kovy deserves better than to be tied under Waddell’s ineptness for his career.
Third, I see last night’s game as an indictment of Coach’s system working effectively over the long haul in the NHL. I think in the AHL, you can play the run and gun, but you need a more effective scheme in the NHL where not only the players are better, but the scouting and coaching schemes are a step up. This system of just having the d push the puck up ice and jumping into the play is exposing us to counter attack and will be exploited all year.
Over all, I’m not suprised that this club has gone 2-7 out of the gate. The talent just is not there. But Kari, Kovy, and Coach’s system are all looking like big issues for us.
Little and Hainsey are bright spots, and let’s hope Bogo didn’t break his leg and can come back quick, we need him to get that experience under his belt this year to accelerate his learning curve.
Big picture, the fans that cancelled their season tix made the right decision and will force the owner’s hand to make the right move. It was nice to be able to just flip the switch over to a bad football game and some poker, I’d have been mighty p** if I dragged my happy a* down there last night through traffic to pay full price and subject myself to that travesty. Been there, done that far too many times over these past 9 years. Those 7-0 bombs are the thing of a 1st year expansion club, we should be so far beyond that now.
By Wintirwolf
October 29, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Hmmm….so how come there’s no post-game report from Knobler about how the Thrashers players had a closed door meeting and the supposed group of Asst. Capts leadership of this team went on a tirade about performance? The explanation of “Yeah…we’re still getting used to the system,” has worn out it’s welcome. As to the one who wants to be King…If Kovalchuk wants to be the leader soo bad, then why doesn’t he act like one rather then melting down when he screws up. I don’t recall many times when Messier or Yzerman melted down as bad as Kovy does. And Yzerman had to suffer through early years in Detroit which pretty much mirror what we have in Atlanta. Messier….all you have to do is ask him about his years in Vancouver. Seasons still early….maybe someone will catch a clue about the correct way to make this team productive.
By sisu
October 29, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
The sky is falling, the sky is falling!
It is one game, it was ugly and the team failed to show up. But come on, are we all showing why ATL is known as a fair weather fans of the ol’ USA???? The season is young, lose like this now and get over it. If you watched the game on tv you would have heard what Elliot had to say about the way Kari played. Playing a game with 5 demn is not easy and it showed tonight. I hope that Kovy learns from his mistakes and decides to grow up and let this be a lesson on what not to do.
It is early in the season.
By Sunny
October 29, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Lol, Boo-land. This was really funny, Rawhide!
I’m going to be checking in throughout the day, b/c after a loss the thing I look forward to is reading NASCAR Dave’s comments. I’m being totally serious, NOT sarcastic, btw. An embarrassing loss featuring awful goaltending from Kari PLUS Klee getting picked up off waivers…now if that doesn’t get him going, nothing will. Don’t let me down, ND!
By Russ
October 29, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
I’ll ask again, just like I did before the season started: Is there any reason Sterling shouldn’t be playing LW on the second line while bumping Kozlov down to the third line? Put him on a scoring line at his natural position for an extended audition to see what he can do. This season is clearly going nowhere fast, the only realistic accomplishments could be to analyze the future roles (if any) some of the young guys can fill. Sterling being on pace to play nine games isn’t productive at all.
By misty
October 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
What a horrible game!!!! What the hell is wrong with the team?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 29, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
The explanation of “Yeah…we’re still getting used to the system,” has worn out it’s welcome.
9 games in…how soon do you want them to adjust to this new system? 8 games? 5 games? Following a 28th place finish, how soon do you want this team to be making the playoffs consistently? 1 year, 2 years? Now look at your answers and think if it makes any form of logical and realistic sense that those goals can be attained.
You people who seem to consider a span of 9 games as the end of the world simply confound me. Have you ever stuck with something through the hard times, or has it always been sunny days and cloudless skies in your life? This team isn’t built to win every game, deal with it. The coach gave you PLENTY of notice that this team might not play up to his standard until January. It’s not even November and you people are b*** and moaning already.
If you spent money, I feel for you (though it’s your own fault). If you don’t enjoy the product, don’t spend the money. Plain and simple. You can disagree with the GM (no harm in that, so long as your disagreement actually has to do with things within his control), you can disagree with the coach, or the players, etc. But there’s a difference between disagreeing and moaning like a baby everytime something goes wrong.
Jebus Christopher…I can’t imagine how you would be acting if you were Toronto fans.
If you can’t shake off a 7-0 loss this early, you’re not really going to enjoy any aspect of this season from here on out. So, maybe you should find something new to do with your spare time.
By Alan
October 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
When it comes to Us And Them, it looks like they sent us On The Run. And it all started last night with One Slip. If it weren’t for Time running out, I’m sure they would have scored even more against us. After Philadelphia f*#ked us last evening, they wouldn’t even tell us to Have A Cigar. Meanwhile, Washington is looking down on us in the standings, and is saying “Wish You Were Here.” But we all know they don’t really mean it.
Thrashers, we’re looking for some Signs Of Life from you, because as of now, you are causing us immense Sorrow.
…wait, today isn’t the Pink Floyd blog, is it? Drat. Nonetheless, I still have High Hopes for this season.
By fergy
October 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
ranallo10 (in AT)
I agree with you….don’t spend the money on this crap if you don’t want to see it. The effort last night was totally unacceptable and the Thrashers should refund all the money to all who paid when they give THEIR fans a 10% effort. National TV and now we, once again, are the laughing stock of the NHL….AWEFUL effort
By maali
October 29, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
i just wanted to say i thought “booland” was clever. well played. :)
By Nikita
October 29, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
sigh Man, you fair-weather fans get me DOWN. Anderson said it would take at least a month, and possibly longer — we’re not even at that point yet. Also, I did actually watch the whole game at the correct speed last night, which is something I don’t do when Atlanta appears to be hopelessly on the ropes. I even pulled up some footage from that hellish game I attended last year to compare. And the two? not comparable. Last night was bad, but the team’s behavior and morale did not begin to compare to, say, Atlanta vs. Boston or even Atlanta vs. Carolina last year.
My stars and daggers of the game:
Stars:
Jim Slater, Todd White, Eric Boulton — Slater and Boulton for playing well despite the whole thing crashing down and ending up with both scoring chances and an even +/-, and White for maintaining high standards and an 89% faceoff percentage despite his teammate’s extended hissy fit. I’d add Chris Thorburn in here if not for the simple fact that he’s a -1, and that’s the case because of a lackadaisical changeup. That’s gotta stop.
Daggers:
Kovalchuk first and foremost, for acting like a spoiled brat and indulging in behavior that led directly to two Philadelphia goals and arguably the ones that broke the Thrashers’ backs. Which is thoroughly unacceptable from someone wearing the A. He also was less than engaged at the end of each period, and set a poor example for the rest of the team. I appreciate that he’s more naturally talented than at least 80% of his teammates, but he’s a frickin’ brat and his attitude needs work. Especially since he still plays a poor two-way game. I hope Anderson chews his a* but good.
Toby Enstrom. All I can say here is WTF? He misread the rush, made several bad commitments, and even had a goal go in off his skate. His energy looked good, but he was not mentally on his game.
Mathieu Schneider — also WTF? You know, I can appreciate when a player plays hard and simply doesn’t do well, and I know how many minutes Schneider is pulling, but it still p** me off watching him coast around the rink like he’s on a nice Sunday stroll. He and Hainsey had about the same minutes, and Hainsey hustled all of his. Schneider rarely seemed to be in high gear, and was notably strolling at the end of the periods.
Additionally, I’ll give kudos to Armstrong and Kozlov for playing hard and gritty. When did Reasoner lose a tooth and get his black eye?
A couple of moot questions: 1. Why did Ex and Philly get penalized equally for roughing, when Philly had two players in the mini-fight? 2. Why didn’t anyone kick Powe’s a*?
3. I don’t understand the thinking behind Braydon Coburn’s penalty shot. And I remain annoyed at the uneven way that the interference penalty is applied, as well as think it’s a patently stupid rule.
By Lazarus
October 29, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Heehee,let’s go down to BOO BOO land,to see a bunch of boo boos Happen. ACtually you should call it Boo-Hoo Land,because that is all there is to do there,cry and pout and BooHoo about evrything wrong with the team of a bunch of boobies,down there in Boo Hoo Land !
By Fred
October 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
So I guess this mean’s Bogo is going to be sent back to Juniors?
By joe
October 29, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER FIRED BOB HARTLEY, YOU SHOULD HAVE FIRED WADELL, THIS MAYBE THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SPORTS CURSE “THE SHOULDN’T HAVE FIRED BOB HARTLEY CURSE”
By Nikita
October 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Also, forgot to mention, I can’t wait for Hoffman to come up.
My lines would look generally like so:
Kovy - White - Thorburn Koz - Crushah - Little Army - Reasoner - Perrin Boults - Slater - Hoffman
Working in Williams as makes sense, of course.
By Russian
October 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
It is not too much to say about game with Philli. They were playing Great, we were playing Horrible. Usually it happens with our team. But we have to move on. Forget about 0:7 lost and think to game in NYC. I think we will loose again game, but I got an idea with lines. Lot of people talked that Kovy needs bigger players (partners). I am think to make lines for NY Rangers like that:
Kovy-Crush-Armi (they are both big and actually they play together good)
Little-Willi-Sterling (I know this line will be toooooooo small, but they got good speed)
Slava-Reasoner-Hoffman (if he is ready, but if he is not Throburn take his place)
Slater-White-Boulton/Perrin (I still think that White is not First center)
D-men Haincey-Havelid
Schnider-Bogus(if he is OK or Oystrich)
Toby-Ex
Call Pavelec from Chicago and make Kari thinks that he is not first Goalie.
By Bob
October 29, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
you fair-weather fans get me DOWN
Fair-weather fan of the Thrashers? That’s funny.
By joe
October 29, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
THROW BOGO TO THE WOLVES! CHICAGO WOLVES THAT IS
By Alan
October 29, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
So I guess this mean’s Bogo is going to be sent back to Juniors?
No.
THROW BOGO TO THE WOLVES! CHICAGO WOLVES THAT IS
Bogosian is ineligible to play in the AHL until age 20. It’s either Juniors or NHL. The link above should prove helpful to those of you who still think he’s going to be sent back to Petersborough.
Anderson said it would take at least a month, and possibly longer — we’re not even at that point yet.
No doubt. It’s frustrating to witness catastrophes like the one that occurred last night, but we have to take the bumps and bruises … and broken bones, concussions, and unadulterated beatdowns as they come in this Build Year™.
By tommysteele
October 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Excellent article Rawhide. Since I am still sort of new to this sport blog a friend of mine helped me out when I became curious about statistics. After noticing Stendec mention them several times at another site. Still do not know why his posts do not show up here. Oh well. I was finally able to locate the following for goalie Kari Lehtonen (who is really not a favorite of Stendec):
G 8 7 482 2 4 2 1 28 3.48 286 258 .902 0
From my understanding he has a 2-4 overall record, allowed 28 goals, one empty net goal, a .902 save percentage (below .905 NHL average) and a 3.48 goals against average (below 2.79 NHL average).
These are not good numbers are they?
Stendec has not lied or misled us.
That said, I hope Thrashers go on a long winning streak.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 29, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
joe — He’s too young to play in the AHL, they have rules against that.
By Alan
October 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
These are not good numbers are they?
They are acceptable numbers for this early in the season. He was off his game last night, though, as has been noted… though also noted, is that everyone else took the night off as well.
Look at the stats before last night’s game, and they paint a much different picture.
It’s still early in the season. We can’t stress it enough that there will be a lot of rough times until this team really starts to settle in with the new system.
By Monkey Puck
October 29, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
THROW LEHTONEN TO THE WOLVES!
replace “Wolves” with “Curb” and you have a brilliant idea
By Red Light
October 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Thrashers are now 7-21 since Hoss left town. Kovy has been held without a point in 12 of those 28 games, and goalless in 16 of them.
Thrashers employees and ushers outnumbered the fans last night.
Yes, please juggle the lines, as if that’s going to matter.
By Damian
October 29, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Hi Rawhide. Stendec seems to be correct. These owners must Fire Don Waddel and do it now. This is all his fault.
By Concerned Parent
October 29, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Please don’t let stendec out for Halloween, he’ll scare my kids.
By Lazarus
October 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
WHen is the next game at Boo-Hoo Land??When do we get to go Boo-Hoo over the Boo-Boos?That is a good name for this junk,Boo-Hoo Land.Rawhide do you believe in Boo-hoo Land??
By PJ
October 29, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Rawhide Can we find a GOOD in the SOG? What was it last night anyway?
I’m not going to go on and on about the disappointments of the evening. I’m still feeling it this morning. Both Moose and Kari have not faired very well recently which makes me wonder if Pavs wont get an opportunity sooner rather than later. Anyone care to speculate? I wonder how many soft goals (stendec-tm) will it take to make Anderson mix it up?
By Rockem Sockem Thrasher
October 29, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I recorded the game and was able to see the first period before I went off to the land of nod. On the ride into work I heard that the Thrash lost.
Got to work and fired up the computer only to see that they lost 7-0! Like a lot of fans, am shocked that this happened. I know, they have one of the lowest payrolls, they have a new coach with a new system and upper management isn’t very good. But Coach Anderson has got them to play harder. The Thrash (until now) have fought hard in each game. Despite the losses I was able sleep at night believing that better days are ahead.
Its getting harder to get excited about the next Thrasher game.
I think that tBob may be right.
Though Kari ahs improved from last year (no more outburts after getting beat) he stills lacks the focus.
I think Kovy has checked out. What happened to last years Kovy? This guy put the team on his back and keep me tuned in. Of all the let downs, Kovy’s lack of fire and passion is the greatest of them all.
I’m hopeful that Coach Anderson’s system will improve matters. At times it looks like the new system is what we need. It could be that this system requires better players. Its too early.
With last night’s game in mind I’d like to see some AHL players. In fact bring up the whole team! They could probably do better.
Yuck
By Alan
October 29, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
In case anyone is interested, here’s a followup from yesterday: Adam Mair has been fined $2500 by the NHL for the incident I posted about yesterday. The fine is the maximum allowed under the CBA.
By THEFISH
October 29, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL ALREADY, YOU MORONS!!!!!!!!!!!
By Frightened
October 29, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Oh no, there is is a two headed man outside the house. One head is stendec and the other head is tommysteele. The two headed man is wearing a Thrashers jersey with number 32 on it and wrote monkey puck over the players name.
By Bob
October 29, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Stendec has not lied or misled us
God Bless him! lol
Thrashers are now 7-21 since Hoss left town. Kovy has been held without a point in 12 of those 28 games, and goalless in 16 of them
Wow, those are some sobering numbers. We certainly are a one trick pony.
Thrashers employees and ushers outnumbered the fans last night
lol. At least the owners are getting the message. Bet they’re not taking clients or family to many games this year, “come with me to EmptyLand”
By Rawhide
October 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
PJ - Nope…can’t help you there in your attempt to find a statistical “good” last night.
Atlanta was outshot 31-24.
Maybe…if you dig deep down in the numbers…you can find some “good” in the fact that the Thrashers did outshoot Philly 6-4 in the first period.
By tommysteele
October 29, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I see what Stendec means. Some folks on this site are positively rude. What did I do to upset you, Frightened? Please tell me. God bless you.
By The Riddler
October 29, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
How many apologists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
2, 1 to screw it in, and the other to make excuses for the incompetence the whole time. New system, new coaches, new players. Time’s up with that excuse, apologists.
Fire Waddell.
By Keith Brooking
October 29, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
OK stendec, I’ll be visiting your house on Friday night. It’s time for a face to face, man up or shut up you old fart.
Get ready to have the puck knocked out of you. Just for kicks, I’ll be wearing a Lehtonen jersey.
By Steely Dan
October 29, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
That game last night was pathetic!
I know it is just ONE game and I am sure the team will play better. But that was just B-A-D.
By glovesave29
October 29, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I am trying to forget last night. What a waste of time and money. As a joke, I mailed my ticket stubs to the team and asked for a refund.
I am torn between two trains of thought…one is that is just a single game and one cannot judge a season by one game and things should improve. The other is we showed some horrible descision making last night, and we barely gave an effort. I understand that Anderson’s system may take some time to implement, but exactly what is the excuse for the half effort? Philly went hard into every corner, and skated THROUGH the puck, not TO it. You are never going to take a puck away from an opponent unless you make the full committment, and I did not see it last night. We had several opportunities to deliver a big hit and get some momentum on our side, and each time we backed off…why? And what is so difficult about clearing our zone? Rip the thing, stop trying to place it perfectly, and crank that biscuit into their zone.
Oh, and tommysteele…stendec knows NOTHING about this sport other than how to complain about the players he doesn’t like. He never gives any insight or opinion other than the most obvious. How about giving us YOUR opinion rather than rehashing his?
By Stan Drulia
October 29, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Stendec is Tommysteele… one and the same… both losers. God bless yourself old man.
By glovesave29
October 29, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Old man? Not yet, my friend!
By Sara
October 29, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
*PJ - Nope…can’t help you there in your attempt to find a statistical “good” last night.
Atlanta was outshot 31-24.
Maybe…if you dig deep down in the numbers…you can find some “good” in the fact that the Thrashers did outshoot Philly 6-4 in the first period.*
We got smoked 7-0 on the scoreboard and only got outshot by 7?? Gave up the third-lowest SOG of the young season?? And still got smoked 7-0 on the scoreboard?
I can’t decide if I should be im-pressed or more de-pressed.
By Alan
October 29, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Sara - Either way, I’m “pressed.” What about you? :D
By Nikita
October 29, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Statistical positivity:
By Sara
October 29, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Yeah Nikita that’s the frustrating part. We didn’t get outshot that bad and the overall SOG were low (relatively speaking of course) and yet still the team got hosed. It’s like damned if you do damned if you don’t.
I’m just really sick of all the b*** going on around here. Some of the most inane stupidity I have ever seen. Why is eight seasons’ worth of frustration getting dumped onto this year’s team? What did Bogosian or Little or Armstrong or Christensen or Williams or Schneider or Hainsey or Anderson and the rest of the coaching staff for that matter do to deserve this much disrespect from supposed “fans?”
People don’t break bad habits in 9 days, or even in 30 days. Darren Eliot made a great point last night when he was talking about Nic Havelid. On the PP, the puck had bobbled around a bit and at one point Philly looked like it could get possession and bring it down ice. Schneid’s recovered it and sent it to the opposite corner where…no one was home. Havelid had already backed up toward the redline in anticipation of a Flyer SH rush. Why?? Because that’s how Havelid has spent his entire career playing. He’s a defensive defenseman and Anderson wants him to be something else. Now that isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it will take time for Nic to adjust. He instinctively reverts to his former habits. Everyone does that. And some of the guys that have been here the longest spent years picking up bad habits and attitudes.
People do not just up and kick bad habits cold turkey after years of having the habit ingrained, not generally (I mean yeah sure you get the occassional cold-turkey wunderkind). It just flat out does not happen on a regular basis. And everyone should know that from personal experience or common sense. Yet somehow you think it’s acceptable to hold athletes to a higher standard? Why, cause they make more money or because it’s their job? Bullsh*t - they are people and have the same issues we all have. All they can do is work as hard as they can to make changes individually and as a group. And real fans would support that effort, not kick the crap out of them when they’re down.
Some of you people have your head’s stuck so far up the “Fire Waddell” blackhole you have lost complete touch with reason and common sense. I get being frustrated over 8 mostly disappointing seasons. I get not wanting to give money to a group of dunderheads. But to treat the entire team you profess to be a fan of like complete and total sh*t in reaction to that is truly pathetic.
Anyway, /rant.
By Alan
October 29, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Shanahan has put himself on the open market.
Just FYI.
By Russian
October 29, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
TO Sara I like your optimism. I told very many times that I am truly hockey fan. I watch hockey on my life and played hockey. I saw successful Soviet Union team and Detroit with 5 Russians. I saw very many games in NHL, Olympics and World Champion. I am following Thrasher team since 1999. I was very happy when they started to play here. First year when they played I did not expect to see Stanley Cup in Atlanta. Nobody did. It was BUILD year. Second year was a same thing. It is almost impossible to bring Cup if team only two years old. I was agree with Coach, Don Waddel and Owners that we are still young team and need time to BUILD a Team. Our GM said that it will be 5 years plan and I kind of believe him. I can continue year by year and can show you that Atlanta Thrasher did not BUILD Team yet. Every season we lost our key-Star players and bring someone else. We made a Bad Reputation in NHL. Who is fault? Fans? They spent their money to saw games. That is a reason fans get upset. 10 years is long time to BUILD a Team. Team is making Play Off and wins some games in PO. I am a Fan of Atlanta Thrasher and I am upset to see only two wins for 9 games. We are staying on 29-th positions in the league, only NYI won 2 games same as we are. Do you think that is not a reason to be upset as a Fan??? Every Fan wants to see your team successful and do not want to see 0:7 in home ice. I did support team, but I give up. I did not see any way how they make better. After this season they will loose half a team again plus Kovy will be ask to transfer. Some one said that we need new blood, new GM, new Owner, and new Coach. I agree they should be done few years ago. Look at the players, they played together half September and all October and still did not have Chemistry. Why? What’s wrong? I guest they are not good enough, not talented enough. That is another reason why Fans getting upset. I was on Sabers game and I saw lot of Sabers fans around me. When we beat them in SO, I was so happy, but one of them Sabers fan told me: “why are you happy, man? This team is not going anywhere except bottom on the league. This team did not win any PO game and made PO only one time.” He is right, I could not argue with him. Well, it was a long speech. I like hockey and until Atlanta Thrasher will stay in Philips Arena I will support them as much as I am INTERSTING. Now my interest is very low. End of Story
By Nikita
October 29, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Alan, let’s buy him. I love me some Shanny. Of course, we all know he’s not going far from his home area, but I suggest we try to convince him anyway.
Sara, agreed 100%.
and Russian, if you really think the team is simply not talented enough, particularly those players who played well last year despite great odds, then I don’t know what to tell you. Perhaps you should find another team. My house is fond of more than one team, which I must admit takes the edge off when one of our teams is getting killed. Also, what else would you expect Buffalo fans to tell you?
By Russian
October 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
to Nikita Good point. Listen youself. particularly those players who played well last year Tell anyone, except Kovy, Toby and….! Of cause I have second team to like to follow. I like Detroit, but I live in Atlanta and Thrasher is not playing hockey here.
By Russian
October 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Shanny will be OK for us. Question? Who is going to sit if we take him?
By Alan
October 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Russian - The more important question to ask is: Will it improve our scoring chances? He’s a big body that goes to the net, so there’s a possibility that it improves our power play numbers.
A secondary question of “who sits?” may turn out to be “who gets waived?” But this is only under the assumption that we manage to sign Shanny.
By Brendan
October 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
I would seriously doubt Shanahan would come to Atlanta while we are building. If we were contending, then yes, I do think he would consider it.
Sounds like an interesting poll question: On your mark, get set. Go! Q: “Which team will Shanahan play for next?”
I honestly have no idea. Who’s got cap room ANNNNND is a contender? If Shanny could just wait until Christmas, or New Year’s, I’d bet the Rangers could take on his pro-rated salary.
Shanny once played for Jim Rutherford in Hartford; I wonder if Rutherford would give Shanny another gig in Carolina? They do have $5.2 million in cap space. I have no idea how low Shanahan might go, in terms of salary, but if an offer of $3.75 million or even $4.0 million were palatable to him, he could wind up in Carolina.
Note: Shanahan has expressed precisely ZERO interest in the ‘Canes, to my knowledge. If Shanny wants to stay local, the Devils don’t have the room, and the Islanders don’t have the likelihood of contention. But the Isles do have $8.3 million in cap room, if money were the only concern. If so, and Shanny went to the Isles, he would probably be moved at the trade deadline to a contender, who could then possibly afford his pro-rated salary.
By Steely Dan
October 29, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Would I take Shanahan right now, sure. But I think Brendan makes a good point about would he even want to come here and help us build for the future.
But even if he did want to, then who gets the bump to mske for him in the lineup?
I think that name is Sterling. His develpment gets retarded for another season.
On top of that, then one of the current forward, Boulton or Thorburn, gets relegated to that 13th forward slot and olny plays in a few games here and there.
All in all, I don’t see it happening.
By Nikita
October 29, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Just my opinion, but Shanny isn’t going anywhere that’s not in the northeast.
And Russian: Eric Freakin’ Perrin. Colby Armstrong. Nic Havelid.
Also, (partially to Russian, but to anyone this applies to) I understand the frustration about the time it’s taking build or not…but I see no sign that this team right now isn’t trying to improve over recent teams. I think Waddell did o.k. in the offseason — I think he did about 90% of what I’d want him to do. And I can’t bash the team based on the actions of Bob Hartley and Don Waddell prior to 2008. I don’t think that’s fair.
By HookyBob
October 29, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Shanahan, what would he cost us? What wing does he play? I see him as a bit like Tkachuk should he come here.
Rawhide; Your previous blog noted that you stayed to the very end of games. If you did last night,..I love you man.
I had tickets to last night’s game and chose not to go. No regrets,..either. I know things may turn around,…but if DW truly loves this team,…he’d resign. Better yet he’d find a 10th floor open window. “Oh happy dagger!” Methinks the damage done will take years to turn-around.
The only reason I’m not as disappointed as last year is that my expectations were markedly lower this year. So far even the lower expectations have not been met.
Finally, I know politics are supposedly off limits on this blog,…but I’d love to know who Stendec is voting for.
By Eileen
October 29, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Rawhide, I haven’t posted in a while, but I have to compliment you on this article. It really gave me a chuckle. Sounds like the team (Christenson’s comments) took the booing to heart. The team did play well 4 out of the 5 losses, but that is not good enough. It does get hard constantly putting your emotions into this team only to feel disappointed in the end. Having said that, I wish them well on this very tough road trip.
By Rawhide
October 29, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Eileen - Thank you…and, as always, a pleasure to hear from you.
I hope you are right about the team taking things to heart. A stinker here / there is one thing…but stringing a few together?…un-good.
HookyBob - I was unable to attent last night’s debacle. But I never…never…leave a hockey game early.
Brendan - as ususal Professor…excellent points regarding Shanahan. I agree thet he probably has no interest in coming here. He’ll be…what…40 in January? He wants to play for a team that’ll take a run at the cup. Where that is?…I dunno.
Steely Dan - Welcome. I think the scenaro you describe is probably what would happen. But, I’ll echo my previous comments that he ain’t comming here.
Nikita _ agree with much of your 7:02 pm post…specifically the part about comparing this team to those of 2007 and prior. This team does need time to form properly and judged on it’s own efforts.
However, it’s real tough sometimes to keep that in perspective after a game like last night’s which looks soooooooo much like something from last season.
By glovesave29
October 29, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
More fuel for the fire…
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/31/nhl08Atlanta-Thrashers317422.html
What is going to happen to the payroll once we lose the $6M from the CBA? Ugh, I hate to be so negative here, but things are going to get MI-T ugly….
By Tom
October 29, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
A New Atlanta Thrashers Promotion: “Empty Seat Night”
A story on the Bleacher Report
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/74686-a-new-atlanta-thrashers-promotion-empty-seat-night
Think the Thrashers are missing the season ticket holders? Here is a great section of the article.
Tonight Versus had the Philadelphia Flyers/Atlanta Thrashers game. I am a Flyers fan, so as much as I wanted to find out how to fill my own cavities, I put the flipper down and watched the game. As my eyes followed the puck up and down the ice, I began to notice that there was no one at the game. I’m not exaggerating here. The lower bowl was as empty as a third grade classroom in July.
Good thing Dandy Don Waddell has such good job security.
By five_hole
October 29, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
John Anderson is supposed to be an offensive-oriented coach, and we’re getting outscored 23-34. There are 5 teams in the east which have scored less than us, but 4 of them have played fewer games. In the west, only 2 teams scored less and 1 played fewer games.
On the other hand, we are tied (with Philadelphia) for giving up the most goals in the east. 2 teams in the west have allowed more than us.
Not sure about you, but this screams “we suck” to me.
By Spotmiller
October 29, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Okay I have seen several games where things started off bad and got worse but I think this one takes the cake. If this is the way the Thrashers are going to play I would rather take my time and money to go see Gwinnett Gladiators play. At least they have one several playoff games as well as series. One thing I noticed how are you supposed to get a goal with only one player in the offensive zone. It seemed like every time the Thrashers got the puck in the offensive zone there was one maybe two thrashers and ALL five of the Flyers? Did I miss something on that one? Okay one last thing. GO Gladiators!!!
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
There are games that get horribly out of control. This is true for every team in the league, as Sara mentioned. How many pucks went into the Thrasher net off Flyer or Thrasher skates? How many had to be reviewed? The answer to both questions is: much more than usual, that’s for sure. Had the final score been, 3-2, it counts exactly the same in the standings. It’s one “regulation time” loss. (With a whole lot of Goals Against.)
Now, I hear ya. Loud-n-clear: 7-0 is getting SPANKED. Worse yet, at HOME. Worse still, on national television. Clearly, this was a game that had been circled on the Thrashers calendar from the moment the schedule was published.
John Anderson isn’t happy. Don Waddell isn’t happy. The Assistant Coaches and Assistant GM aren’t happy. And the Atlanta Spirit, LLC is … more than likely … blissly unaware. I wouldn’t be entirely surprised to discover that Levenson, Pescowicz, Gearon and Seydell are off on some escapade in Tahiti, Seychelles, the British Virgin Isles, or the Netherlands Antilles. And if they are, news of the 7-0 whitewashing potentially hasn’t reached them, especially if they’ve tucked their blackberries into the nightstand of their hotel rooms, while getting a fine massage.
Of course, they might be right here in Atlanta. But they just don’t care. Hockey isn’t first and foremost on their radar. They’re more apt to be enraptured by the Hawks season debut. And rest-assured, this ownership would HARDLY FIRE Waddell over an isolated game, considering that seven out of eight playoff-less seasons doesn’t even “rank” as concern on their part.
Want a paraphrashed quote, do you? Bruce Levenson, circa April 2008, in the AJC: “I wouldn’t say that’s true (to Craig Custance, responding to the statement “Don Waddell doesn’t seem to be able to build a contending roster, or to be able to draft players successfully into it). We don’t judge Waddell based on his performance under prior ownership. Who knows how much Don was ‘handcuffed’ by them? Under our stewardship, Waddell has two winning seasons and a division title.”
Well, ya know what, Bruce? The cap limit is $56.7 million. Your “Opening Night budget” was $45.8 million. That’s more than $10 million under the cap. Which ownership is it, again, that ‘handcuffs’ Waddell? Ted Turner? AOL-TIME-WARNER? David McDavid? Who?
Except that it’s an absolute ‘faux-pas,’ Don Waddell would be WELL JUSTIFIED in screaming about his poor working conditions. No OTHER GM would put up with it. I can no longer distinguish what’s going on. I can’t tell if Waddell is manipulating them, or if the AS, LLC is manipulating him. In the end, it probably doesn’t matter. What matters is putting out a decent product that captures the attention of the 20-county metropolitan area. Others might argue, what matters is winding up in the lottery draft. Still others will argue, what matters is removing Waddell as “Step One” to any real change.
By Mikeyy
October 30, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
you are a complete moron sara and wrong on so many levels. we are all SICK AND TIRED OF this joke of a team. we had to win that game and instead we got our taints pushed in and now its all over and everyone here knows it. the team sucks and anyone who was at the game knows how bad this has gotten. it was the worst loss EVER on so many losses and i could not give 2 sh—ts now about the stupid thrashers i hope they get run out of town. everyone is tired of this crap and i dont see how you can stay positive. i hate to say it but all the haters on these blogs for years have been right on and not that the players or owners care but the team has lost me as a fan. sure i will still watch them on tv when i can but i am no where near the level of support i have had for them the past 7 years. i have finally woken up and i encourage everyone else to see the whole picture here. this garbage should be outlawwed and i hope to god no one pays any more of their hard earned dollar to see this crap. if they do go, i would love to see fire waddel signs or bags over the head. thats it for me peace out brothas… go mccain!!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
but I’d love to know who Stendec is voting for
I’m guessing he’s writing-in Theodore Roosevelt.
By five_hole
October 30, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
but I’d love to know who Stendec is voting for
I’m sure he’s not voting for Don Waddell
By h
October 30, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
stendec is voting for Kari Lehtonen as a write-in candidate….he secretly has a man-crush on him
By Nikita
October 30, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
And Mikeyy calls SARA a moron. Go, Mikeyy. Just go.
So, we do have a game tonight, yes? How about we concentrate on winning it? where’s our prayer?
By h
October 30, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Mikeyy’s post has made us all dumber just by reading it.
By Thrash
October 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Bogosian injury update:
Fractured fibula, out indefinitely
By glovesave29
October 30, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Ugh…that is awful.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that the Thrashers are one of the candidates to get Marian Gaborik. WHAT? What exactly do we have to offer them in return? They are stout in the net and on defense…all we have is Ilya, and I’d never trade him for the oft injured Gaborik.
By Rawhide
October 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the update, Thrash.
No pun intended here whatsoever, but that is a tough break for the kid and the team.
Here is the link to Ben Wright’s announcement of the severity of Bogey’s injury.
And here’s Knobler’s report…in this, DW says he’ll be out 6 weeks.
By PJ
October 30, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Nikita, The Thrashers are always in my prayers and would love to post one. Gawd knows the Ranjerks are doing amazingly well right now but I’m dumbfounded as to where I should start. Let’s see, we need to score more goals but even that didn’t help us in the losses before Tuesday night. We need our opponent to score less, yes yes that would be good. We need Bogo and Hoffman healthy and I personally would like to see some retaliation, you know the kind of retaliation that gets played over and over again on sports center so every frickin’ team in the NHL sees what will happen to them if they mess with a Thrasher, yea…some more of that PLEASE! How bout’ less fruitless battles for the puck along the boards and a shield in front of our goalie making it impossible for our opponent to get within 15 ft. Sharp clean passing, efficient line changes, more shots on goal, did I leave anything out??
I really try not to spew negativity on the blog. I hope I didn’t offend.
By NASCAR Dave
October 30, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
BOGOSIAN is out 6 weeks with a fractured Fibula (MIKE VICK??)…
Time for BORIS! BORIS! BORIS! At least he’ll Drop Em!!!
By Bob
October 30, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Seems to be some new people around, so I’ll write once again, what I’ve written every year for the past 5 years:
Nothing meaningful will change here until meaningful changes are made and a competent GM is brought in
Until then, just enjoy watching Little grow, watching Bogosian grow when he gets back, watching Enstrom see if he can turn it around (he’ll do better when put down to the 2nd pairing where he belongs) and see if Coach’s system is one that will work at the NHL level (I have my doubts on that one, but granted, Coach hasn’t been given any horses by Waddell).
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
If we’re going to repeat ourselves ad nauseam, then I get to go too:
Until ownership makes a business model adjustment and doesn’t focus on the bottom line, nothing meaningful will change even *with a new GM in place.*
Incompetent GMs, and incompetent owners — which is the lesser of the two evils?
Toronto has proven over the last 40 years that incompetent ownership will always hamper the GM, no matter how competent or incompetent that GM is.
So, would you rather a band-aid (new GM), or the wound (ownership) properly healed by way of being replaced, or having some fundamental changes made to their current model for operating this franchise.
If you can’t stand the GM, who has the authority to remove him? Who hasn’t used that authority to do so? Maybe you should be directing your ire towards them now, instead of rehashing the same old crap but on a different day.
Just a thought.
By Nikita
October 30, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Or here’s a crazy idea…how about we not rehash it at all any more, and instead concentrate on discussing the team, especially BECAUSE WE HAVE A GAME TONIGHT AGAINST A VERY GOOD TEAM.
Also, this is a blog for Thrashers fans, right? ‘Cause most of you don’t sound like fans at all.
By Midfield
October 30, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Anybody knows the status of the legal case re the team’s ownership? Any implications, expectations, predictions in that regard?
By Tony C.
October 30, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Midfield- RE: AS LLC/FUBAS court case;
I think the next date for actual progress/action to happen isn’t until ‘09.
By Bob
October 30, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
If you can’t stand the GM, who has the authority to remove him? Who hasn’t used that authority to do so? Maybe you should be directing your ire towards them now, instead of rehashing the same old crap but on a different day
ranallo, I will take the moratorium off of not engaging with you (self imposed as you seemed like a good egg and all we would ever do is argue—life’s too short for that), but this is a reasonable question that deserves a reply.
The reason is simple to me, it’s because you can’t fire the owners Yes, I agree with you re. the owner’s incompetence, when they kept Waddell and might have even extended his contract 3 years last October, they also went on my s** list. But they’re definitely not going anywhere. I am convinced that a new competent GM will turn things around here, even with the same owners (hell, he can’t do any worse). So, that’s why.
Oh, and since we’re talking, how’s Austria? Hope that is going well for you, getting married? Do it, it’s good for the soul.
Also, this is a blog for Thrashers fans, right? ‘Cause most of you don’t sound like fans at all
I appreciate this sentiment. But to give you a peek inside how I for one feel, I’ve given up on the day to day ups and downs of our club, because the big picture is, we’re not a playoff club and we won’t be until we get a new GM. Of this I am convinced. So, as a fan, and believe you me, I bleed blue, I want this club to succeed. I dragged my sorry rear down there night after night for 8 seasons to the tune of hundreds (thousands?) of hours of my time, tens of thousands of dollars, but I’ve had enough and am taking a stand with my fellow fans who really do care and who really do want to see us suceed, so I beat the drum slowly to get us a new GM, because as a fan, that’s what I am convinced will finally get us where we all want to go.
Some fans left and didn’t look back. I know many in my old section who would drop out, come back for a game or two the next season, and then never come back again. Some I’d call when I had an extra tix and they eventually would say, nah, better things to do. So, those fans are gone, I think it’s better for those of us fans who are taking a stand for the betterment of our team, and demanding a new GM and an improved club and withholding our hard earned money until that action is made. Make sense?
Now I would highly enjoy beating the Blue Skirts tonight, would make for a great evening, get er done.
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
There’s an article about David McDavid’s case against TBS, if that’s of any interest.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Nikita — Sorry, but the fact that I can’t watch, listen or read about the game live kinda takes away the excitement for me on game nights.
For me to listen to a game (meaning Kamal…YUCK) would require me to stay up until 1:30am for the puck to drop, and not go to bed until 4am ish. On a Thursday night, that’s not going to happen.
Midfield — There are some interesting articles regarding the McDavid trials, one came out yesterday in the AJC. As for the legal case, I haven’t heard anything in a few weeks. I’d like to hear an update as well.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Bob — I understand man, believe me I do. I’m of the thought that bringing in another GM with potential will only result in the same thing we’ve seen…fleeting successes, some highs, some lows, but ultimately nothing (save a team that some people enjoy to watch, while others don’t).
You can’t fire ownership, that’s true, but you can urge ownership to change their ways. It took the death of a owner in Chicago to finally get them to invest in their team. They may not be where they want to be, but they’ve at least made some headway.
Personally, I don’t mind waiting another 10 years with a new Waddell (everyone by now should know I’d like to see Yzerman here, even if it’s unrealistic) to see a few playoff games and no true shot at The Cup. I can deal with that, because I enjoy the game for what it is, not for victories and trophies (though, they definitely make the game more enjoyable).
So yeah, change the GM (I really don’t care), but until the ownership decides to invest in the team, the community, and focus on the things that matter to making a successful franchise (not profitable, which they failed miserably at according to the Forbes link), I’m just along for the ride. They’ve yet to convince me they’re focused on anything but the bottom line…hopefully they will soon.
P.S. — Austria is good, but marriage isn’t going to happen anytime soon. Thanks for asking.
P.P.S — I’m glad you’re warming to Little. That kid is fun to watch.
By glovesave29
October 30, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, you need to invest in a slingbox and give it to a friend here in the states who has TiVo / DVR. That way, you can watch the games on your schedule on your computer. I have one and I love it…my work takes me all over the world, and I can always catch the game, in Amsterdam to Rio to Bangalore.
By Bob
October 30, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Austria is good, but marriage isn’t going to happen anytime soon
No rush, but a good woman is hard to find.
I’m glad you’re warming to Little. That kid is fun to watch
Absolutely. He was a question to me last year, but he kicked it up that gear this year, he’s going to be an NHLer for a long time, good player.
By shaker
October 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
It sounds like Thrasher fans are at each others throat now. Come on people, look what’s going on. One comment stated that we don’t sound like Thrasher fans because we speak about how we feel? Wrong! How else could we express our feelings about what is taking place with the Thrashers? As fans we have the obligation andt right to speak our mind, good, bad or indifferent. Maybe by speaking up those in charge just might listen. That is if they read these blogs that we post. If they don’t we’re just blowing off steam. In the mean time I will continue to vent how I feel about the incompetent ownership and the GMs office. If they don’t listen they don,t give a d* about the Thrashers or their fans. Nuff said.
By Rawhide
October 30, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Right on, Shaker…someone should create a blog or something to allow fans to do just that, vent and comments on how they feel about the team!!!!
By shaker
October 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
just read where Anderson laid down the law to the players. Does that mean if we lose tonight by 3-0, 4-0,5-0 we are headed in the right direction? Also read where our illustrious GM was going to take a wait and see approach on replacing Bogosian on the roster. What is he thinking? Is he going to ask for volunteers? Come on Waddell do your job and start making some wise decisions. Speaking of volunteers are you a volunteer GM or do you actually get paid to make the bonehead decisions that you make?
By NASCAR Dave
October 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry SHAKER… DONNIE is a Lame Duck… This will be his final year here… Watch and see…
By Russian
October 30, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
To Dave I hope you right that is a last year for our “Perfect” GM. But I am affraid he will survive. he is very tricky man. He could stay here 10 years and did not get any success. It is MIRACLE. :-)
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
As fans we have the obligation andt right to speak our mind, good, bad or indifferent.
You’re right. That means that Nikita or whomever is free to speak their minds when complaining about other people and their writing style or preference of topic.
It’s a two way street.
The positive people complain about the negative posts, the negative complain about (or more often ridicule) the positive people, and in the end barely anybody changes their opinion based on the plethora of opinions put forth.
By NASCAR Dave
October 30, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Sorry, but the fact that I can’t watch, listen or read about the game live kinda takes away the excitement for me on game nights.
RANALLO - Man, I really wish you could see this stuff. They look like CRAP! SCHNEIDER sucks, man. You can totally tell he doesn’t care, and is only here to collect a paycheck. And yes, LITTLE is the sh!t… That is why both BOB and myself were saying that he needs to be the Top Line Center at the start of the season…
Actually, IIRC, you also suggested LITTLE as the Top Line Center, right???
I don’t know what the hell they are thinking putting “CRUSHED” as the Top Line Center… That is just asinine… He has been on the 3rd Line and still looks like crap…
PERRIN has been MIA, RANALLO… If you see him over there in AT, please let him know to show up, because our season has started.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Dave — I’ll keep an eye out for Perrin. It shouldn’t be too hard to spot him…just look for a guy that comes up to my belly button.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Bolton vs. Orr…how was that battle? Anyone??
By Rawhide
October 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
ranallo - They both went at it toe to toe for several minutes exchanging blow after blow…it was one of the better ones!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 30, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Orr is a tough cookie, I give Boulton credit for taking him on AGAIN.
By Nikita
October 30, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
B.S. on Perrin. He’s not playing enough minutes to be MIA.
The Boulton/Orr battle was pretty decent.
1st period looked o.k. Nice energy. Good goal from Slava. PP looks bad, as usual.
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Atlanta has had lots of good chances in the 2nd period. A few times, I couldn’t believe it didn’t go in.
Nikki Zherdev has a PPG for the NYR, to take the lead, 2-1. This game has hardly been an 8-2 blowout.
SCORES!! Bryan Little!! PPG!!!*
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Scores, NYR. Zherdev is having a whale of a game. Zherdev even broke up a short-handed Todd White breakaway. White never even got to take the shot.
Well, after all that Zherdev praise, he has IMMEDIATELY a totally unnecessary penalty against Eric Boulton. It’s 3-2, Rangers. Let’s go PP Unit!
By Nikita
October 30, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
DANG, that was a beautiful shot.
By glovesave29
October 30, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
I didn’t get to see the whole game…was anything said about Schneider no longer wearing an “A”?
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Jeff Carter just scored for the Flyers, in OT, versus the Islanders. That was a fun overtime. I love Center Ice. Unfortunately, I see Bolts beat the Sabres, 5-2. Keith Tkachuk is off to a tremendous start. I think he’s up to 8 goals on the young season. Carolina and St. Louis are tied, 0-0, in the 1st period. On NHL TV, you can check out Ottawa vs. Florida. It’s 2-1, Senators. And yes, Dany Heatley has a goal. There’s just over 4:00 left in the 3rd.
By tommysteele
October 30, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Hi Mr. Rawhide. Third goal was not a good one by Kari Lehtonen. Guess Stendec is right. A 3-2 defeat counts as an “L” the same as a 7-0 stinker. I do not count moral victories. They do not exist. Thrashers played well except for goaltender. Yes Stendec, I do see what you mean. I understand your frustration and feel your pain. I want the team to win too. What was said here recently about close?
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Ottawa hung on, in a frantic finish, over the Florida Panthers.
By Nikita
October 30, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Well, actually, I don’t care about close. I care about the team continuing to cohere and continuing to learn the system.
The good: 1. Bryan Little. Marty Reasoner. Slava Kozlov. 2. The PK, which killed several 5 on 3s. 3. Faceoffs.
The bad: 1. Kovalchuk. Still not playing well and in the game tonight it looked like he quit after that wild carom in the 1st. 2. The PP failed to capitalize on its advantages. 3. Kari was much better than yesterday, but he misjudged two of the goals. He’s still on the mend.
By stendec's doctor
October 30, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
**Nurse, nurse, stendec is talking to himself again, would you please bring his medicine. stendec why do you keep telling everyone you are tommysteele? Don’t you know your name anymore. The dementia is really getting worse.
By Tony C.
October 30, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
grrr
Just when I thought they’d pull it out…
Anybody else think that KL looked very sloppy? I dunno if he had new boots on or what, but his lateral was crap tonight. that’s not to say that he wasn’t woefully over-committed on the 2nd goal, still, he was flopping like a fish for much of the game, successful save or not.
By tommysteele
October 30, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Rawhide. Why do some people on this site attack others. Calling out players is one thing. Insulting fans is another. Can I not express my opinion here without being criticized? I still have a lot to learn about this great sport. Why is Stendec so hated? Where is he so wrong? Bless you.
By shaker
October 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Much better effort tonight but still another loss. I must admit the Boulton vs Orr fight was a good one. Reminded me of ole time hockey fights. I am still not convinced that Boulton is an enforcer. He took too many shots before he got started but it did seem to fire up the team a little. If they would show this intensity game after game they would win their share no doubt but intensity is something that is missing most of the time. Maybe Anderson should light a fire under their butts before every game. They did play like a hockey team should tonight and that is promising.
By Thomas W. Hicks
October 30, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Stendec, I’m the real Tommy Steele, and trust me, you are no Tommy Steele.
By R. Stroz
October 30, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
LAC - I believe we had the lowest point estimates at 69. Brendan is that correct?
By Steely Dan
October 30, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Has anyone ever met this Stendec/Tommysteele guy? Is he some old fart or just a 12-year old mommas boy in some serious need of attention?
Back to the Thrashers, tough loss tonight. I would have really loved to have come away with some points but the Rangers were just that much better.
If they fight like they did tonight, I’m sure some good things will happen for them, hopefully this weekend.
By Brendan
October 30, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
The lowest entries on the total points contest were: (1) LAC, 69, tied to 5th in the division and 15th in the conference, (2) R. Stroz, 69, tied to 4th in the SE division and 13th in the Conference, (3) Sage of Bluesland, 70, tied to 5th in the division and 15th in the conference, and 30th overall. (4) NascarDave, 72, (5) Bob, 73, and (6) Russ, 74, tied to 5th in the division and 13th in the Conference and (7) ThrasherNY, 74,** 5th in the division and 15th in the Conference.
Presently, the Thrashers are on pace for a 50-point season, with a .305 points percentage. Currently, the team’s points percentage is .300, with six of a possible 20-points, thus far on the season. And no, stendec did not submit a vote.
Tonight, Hossa has a goal against the Sharks. But Hossa was in the penalty box with the 3rd San Jose goal was scored. It’s 3-1, with 4:30 left in the 2nd period. San Jose’s Coach, McLellan, used to be an Assistant Coach with the Sharks. So, I’m sure he’s instructed his team all about Detroits trends and patterns.
By Brendan
October 31, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
You know what I meant. SJ’s coach used to be with the Red Wings. The Sharks are a solid pick to win the West. But this is why we play the games. Detroit, Dallas, SJ … along with a few more worthy teams could win the West. My “adopted” Western Conference teams for this season are Chicago and Columbus. Last year, it was Los Angeles and Phoenix.
By R. Stroz
October 31, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Thanks Brendan, I guess Jethro hasn’t been mathematically eliminated yet.
As of now, it looks like LAC stands to win.
By Brendan
October 31, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
What was Jethro’s guess again, R.Stroz?
Vancouver leads the Kings, 3-0. And the Sharks continue to lead the Red Wings, 3-1, with 17:00 left in the 3rd. I love Center Ice!! I suppose I should check out the “On the Fly” desk to hear what they say about the Thrashers tonight. I must say … and Craig Button and Gary Green were very kind to the Thrashers after the 7-0 debacle. Gary Green is an admitted “friend” of Don Waddell. Gary never bad-mouths Waddell.
Oh LOOKY who it is! Dave Reid is manning the desk. Well, I can only imagine how he’s harpooned the Thrashers tonight.
By Sage of Bluesland
October 31, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
I TOLD YOU (ALL) SO.
Said I wouldn’t say it…I lied.
The real question is have you learned something now, finally?
I laugh at those pitiful enough to continue defending the indefensible—and that is this organization, the owners, and Don Waddell—the real architect behind this shambles of a “team”.
It won’t be long before Mr. Sunshine (the coach—I’m not even concerned with his name yet) will have to keep his ridiculous comments to himself—you know the ones about ‘making the playoffs’ and other such bluster…Getting dangerously close to Waddell-territory with that type of tripe.
Of course, the banter among the sheep is amusing to me, as well—as they talk of ‘building’ and ‘winning’ and other such nonsense…
Wake up. Stop subsidizing the incompetent. This is the only way things will change for the better.
Listening now? Or are you continuing to stick your narrow-minded head in the sand?
(That’s what I thought…We’ll see if you stick around till the end of this year…)
By LAC
October 31, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
I hate to think my point total may indeed win. We palyed hard tonight, but again a let down takes it all away.
We are starting to edge into the deep end we have to turn things around and soon… or a lot of guys will be leaving March 4th trade deadline… and where will we be ?
I still wonder at just what point does it take for these IDIOT owners to have the light switch go on and see waddell is worthless… Everyone see’s he is a complete failure, why not them !?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 31, 2008 6:18 AM | Link to this
Is Lehtonen switching pads for home and away games?
By shaker
October 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
ranallo, By the way Lehtonen played in goal Tuesday night against the Flyers maybe it was the time of month he should have changed pads.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
October 31, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
shaker — Very true. But, I’ve seen photos of him this season in the blue pads and several times (including last night) in the white pads. I’m just curious if he’s got a routine of sorts, or if he’s uncomfortable with the new pad restrictions so is going back and forth between his old pads, or whatever reason he might have.