Ice Man

By Nikita

October 31, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

First. Heh.

By The Other J.B.

October 31, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Another fantastic game and another loss. If you take philly out of the mix, every game has been pretty good if not great and we still only have 6 pts. Im not one to complain about bad luck but we could really use a break… sarcastic comments about Bogo’s fibula will be ignored, as i already thought of that punchline.

By Red Light

October 31, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

You’re right Rawhide, moral victories are for first- or second-year expansion teams. Tuesday’s game was a farce, followed by a not-good-enough effort. It’s wise to remember that during an 82-game season, every team is going to have several bad nights. October hockey is brutal, particularly in this era of constantly changing rosters in the off season.

The Lightning can use that excuse because so many players were added and many left. The Thrashers can use the excuse of getting used to a new coach’s system. The problem is this: Atlanta’s post-lockout record (collectively) in the first 10 games of the regular season is now 14-22-4. Subtract the season of anomaly (2006-07 when they began with a 7-1-2 record), the Thrashers are 7-21-2.

Playing catch-up for an entire season can wear on a team mentally and physically. Teams that get off to a great start normally can carry that momentum forward.

Obviously, this isn’t the start Anderson needed, nor is it a roster that can compete for anything other than mediocrity.

In November, the Thrashers play seven home games and six away. They have four division games and 10 Eastern Conference games. We’ll know by the end of November if they are in or out of the SE race. I think they need a minimum of 18 points in 13 games to remain in it.

What do you think?

By Nikita

October 31, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Ok, otherwise, I’d really like to see them post a W, but I’m not terrifically unhappy with last night.

Positives: 1. Bryan Little, Slava Kozlov, Todd White.
2. Shots on/shots against numbers were respectable. 3. the PK was on fire. 4. Faceoff %s were great, other than Crush’s and White’s. 5. Line combos seemed to work, other than the top. I was especially pleased with the 2nd (who generated all the scoring) and the 3rd (which generated chances and successfully fended off the NYR). 6. Pressure was applied more or less consistently, and we were able to play a good defensive game.

Negatives: 1. Wow, does our Power Play suck. I am afraid we’re going to lead the league in goals scored by opponents on the PP unit. 2. Too many penalties. 3. It looked like Kovy was pouting and had given up after the wild carom in the 1st period. In fact, his whole line’s stats look bad. 4. Lehts was still not completely present. 5. We need to be more aggressive about puck possession. Giveaway/takeaway numbers weren’t great.

Also, something I liked is that Anderson rolled the lines more evenly last night. So, for example, no one played less than 10 minutes unless they were being subbed for.

By Bob

October 31, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

moral victories are for first- or second-year expansion teams

But unfortunately that’s where we are, guys. I’ve been trying to preach it for a while, but this is a build year and please don’t expect too much out of them. I was very happy with their play last night, that’s probably about as well as they can play, but we just don’t have the talent to stay with a club like the Rangers.

I may have been generous with my 73pt prediction on this year, they’re on pace for 49pts and while they’ll surely have some stretches coming up where they’ll do better, it’s going to be tankland the last 18 or whatever games after the trade deadline.

What do you think?

I think any idea that this lineup competes for the SE, much less a playoff spot, just isn’t realistic.

By B. Thenet

October 31, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

How many bad luck losses are we going to see this year?

They are playing better than last year, but what is the point if we get the same results as last year.

By Alan

October 31, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

We’ll know by the end of November if they are in or out of the SE race.

By the end of November, Washington was way out of the SE div race. I mean, waaay out. They fired coach Hanlon after we spanked them at home.

They went on to win the SE div.

Now, I have absolutely no playoff hopes for this years Atlanta Thrashers, but Washington proved last year that it doesn’t matter where you sit in October or at the end of November, but where you sit in April. And at the end of the season in April, they sat on top.

By Stats

October 31, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Hi again all. I posted a few times last year, but not too much. Work is busy, so I have just been enjoying reading when I can. A few early stats/trends which are troubling. Last year I hinted that the Thrashers better be careful if Hossa is traded and they pay TOO much attention to defense, without helping the offense. Last year Atlanta was near the bottom in shots taken (no one but Kovy was even in the top 50 in the league in shots) and time of possession. This year and the new offense is proving the trend. While SOG are up, so are shots against. Last year Atlanta was dead last in differential of SOG v. Shots Allowed. This year we are at the bottom again. So while SOG might be up, SOA are up equally. BUT, the differential between Goals Scored/Game and GAA is almost double (on the negative) from last year. You would think goaltending (Stendec) but you would be wrong. KL’s save % is off from last year, but not that far. In fact, a site did a computation of true goaltending stats by factoring Goals Against Above Average which allows for goals due to extra skater, power play, etc.. and discounts stats like goals against average (which is always lower for goalies who only see 20 shots/game) and save percentage (which is higher for goalies who see more shots). KL finishes number 11 of all goalies facing 2000+ shots since the lockout. What does it mean? Your eyes do not deceive you. Atlanta is getting more shots, but they are not quality scoring chances (our percentages are terrible). At the same time, opponents are getting MORE quality chances. Even though we tried to work on the defense, the new offense is currently making their lives HARDER. You can see the reasons – giveaways, breakway goals, penalties, penalty kill etc…. In addition, we have no SIZE to keep people out of the crease and out of Kari’s line of sight. Other teams should be paying property taxes with the amount of time they spend in front of our goal. I do not post often, but try to be objective and informative when I do. Thanks for reading.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 31, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Stats — Good stuff, thanks. The link you gave doesn’t work, so can you simply tell me who the 10 goalies are ahead of Lehtonen?

By Red Light

October 31, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Way out of it Alan?

2007 Standings on Nov. 21 Carolina 27 pts Atlanta 22 pts Tampa Bay 22 pts Florida 21 pts Washington 13 pts

In baseball, that’s seven games out of first, with 61 games left to play - not impossible to overcome. But, Washington was a very good example of what can occur, but rarely does. Atlanta doesn’t have Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, Nylander, Green, Clark and Federov, et al. either.

By Alan

October 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Red Light - If we’re talking “the end of November” as being the benchmark of how this team ends up (which is what the post I quoted said), then you most assuredly have Washington “way out of it” at that time. With their new coach taking over, the team pulled way ahead and squeaked out a division win, thanks to Florida’s win over Carolina. He brought a system to Washington that made those guys what they are, and ultimately made Washington buyers at the deadline instead of sellers.

Also, Federov wasn’t with Washington until the trade deadline last season. And how many of those others were pretty much invisible until the new coach came in?

Anderson is thinking big. He’s thinking playoffs. Most of us are skeptical, if not in denial, that playoffs will even occur for Atlanta this year. But Anderson also brings with him a very unique system.

When you look at our lineup, the only name that sticks out is Kovalchuk, and even he’s been nigh invisible this year thus far. No one really thinks Little, Christensen, Armstrong, Kozlov, or White. But once the system starts to take hold and our guys, who are used to the old system, stop falling back on said system… we could have a very exciting team to watch. And they might win some games, too.

Sure, Washington was “only seven games out” of it at that time. But, you have to realize how hard it is to play catch-up. They did it last year, against nigh insurmountable odds.

By Bob

October 31, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Even though we tried to work on the defense, the new offense is currently making their lives HARDER

I concur, and this is why my eyebrows are raised about whether or not Coach’s system will work at the NHL level. It leaves us much too exposed to the counter attack when our d jumps into the play.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 31, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Red Light — Atlanta doesn’t have Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, Nylander, Green, Clark and Federov, et al. either.

Nylander was injured for the season, and Federov wasn’t on their roster at that point in time (he was a deadline acquisition, if I recall correctly).

I understand what you mean, but Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, Green and Clark isn’t exactly an overpowering roster at that time (two rookies, one question mark, a superstar and Clark), especially considering at that time the Lightning had St. Louis, Lecavalier, Richards, or Carolina had Staal, Whitney, Cole.

On paper Washington wasn’t supposed to come back from that deficit, especially considering they were playing so poorly that the fans were calling for the coach’s head, and he was fired mid season.

I think the fact that Boudreau won the coach of the year award shows that everyone in the NHL considered that comeback feat to be something special. Ovechkin rising his game definitely helped, but would they have come back without that coaching change? The voters for the Jack Adams award didn’t seem to think so, apparently.

By TGforCenterIce

October 31, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Having one and a half top six forward on the team, I am not surprised JA system does not work. They need to change the system to play more defensive minded game.

By Stats

October 31, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Sure - here is the url

http://www.mc79hockey.com/?p=2954

They are (in order 1 - 10)

Vokoun Luongo Brodeur Kiprusoff Giguere Huet Lundqvist Backstrom Thomas Hasek Lehtonen

Interestingly, Cam Ward and CuJo show up near the bottom.

By Russian

October 31, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I hope it will be intersting for everybody. I got this interview from Russian newspaper.

*His opinion “SE” about the situation around Kovalchuk gave the main hockey columnist leading American sports channel ESPN, a resident of Atlanta.

Scott Burnside: “I think Kovalchuk will no longer wants to play for the Atlanta

  SB:- I have not yet spoken to Grossman, the agent Ilia, so I can only base assumptions on the basis of what was happening with "Atlanta". Obviously, Kovalchuk for the moment disappointed and annoyed. He spent his entire career in quite a bad team, which failed several Draft, made many mistakes and did not provide his top center forward. And now it seems that in the next three or four years, "Atlanta" will not be among the applicants even in the play-off, not to mention the Stanley Cup. With this in mind, and that in 2010 it will become a free agent, we can assume that he wants to change the team. The fact that "Thrashers" unable to sign Mariana Hossa says a lot. Ice hockey do not see Atlanta as a promising market. All this, I repeat, my suggestion. As far as I know, the team had not even started negotiations with Ilya. But I will be very surprised indeed if Kovalchuk will be open to the extension of the contract. 

  - And if this is true, it turns out that "Atlanta" should change it now, you can still get something worthwhile. What they can expect for Kovalchuk? 

 SB: - This is the dilemma: when it changed? Is it a market value of the highest now, or better to wait until the end of the season or even until the spring of 2010 th ... On the one hand, we are waiting for a very good Draft in 2009-m, and "Atlanta" is likely to again be among the top five purchased. Perhaps it makes sense to recruit as many good draft positions, as well as some young and promising players. On the other hand, it is very difficult to see exactly who it solved. There is talk of "Rangers", but in this version I'm not sure, especially now that cool play Zherdev. Reference was made to "Ottawa", that is, of course, it would be interesting, because it plays Dani Heatly, but the "Ottawa" there are financial problems. "Los Angeles", which was interested in Mariane Gaborik, may switch to Kovalchuk, who is not so susceptible to injury. In general, the options available. 

  - But "Atlanta", it seems, the situation is such that any decision would be bad. Indeed, the exchange Kovalchuk (a similar player "Thrashers" for him in any case not receive) will cause a fatal blow to the already terrible traffic. 

  SB: - "Atlanta, of course, made many mistakes. And Draft, and in exchanges. Remember, for example, the exchange Brandon Coburn Alexei Zhitnik? In general, all of which quickly fixed not succeed. The team need a long, thorough restructuring. And it means - parting with Kovalchuk. But you're right: fans had already left from a bad team, and now give a better player, just a few months after the departure of Marian Hossa, looks very bad in terms of PR. But in terms of hockey another break from "Atlanta" simply do not. Change it now and getting him promising young men, can significantly reduce the club process restructuring. 

  - It turns out that "Atlanta" should follow the path of "Washington" at the end of an era Yagr: admit mistakes, give a better player and slowly build a young team. 

  SB:- Exactly. And by the way, just as did the "Pittsburg". A long time, it was a very bad team, fans turned against her, and even went on rumors that the "penguin" would have to move. But the team has overcome difficulties and grown a great team. Unfortunately, "Thrashers" so bad all these years draft and threw so much money on free agents in an attempt to put a sock in their many holes that now they need to start from scratch and prepare for a very long period of recovery. This, I repeat, then exchanged Kovalchuk. 

  And, perhaps even goalkeeper Kari Lehtonen. 

  - No, knowing "Atlanta" and what solutions they have recently received, there is likelihood that Waddell says: "To hell with plans for the future, we must preserve the fans! Let us give Kovalchuk everything he asked, and keep it at any cost? 

  SB:- The likelihood is, of course, is yes. In any event, such as persuading Ilya stay, they can try. In the off-season, they suggested Brian Campbell even more money than he eventually got in "Chicago". As you can see, money does not solve everything, and I think that was the case with Ilya they too will not be the prime consideration. All decide what will be whether the Ilia faith in the management of the club and its future. It is my personal point of view: it has no such faith, and he does not want to play more in Atlanta. "*

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Haven’t posted in a while because frankly all the pi$$ing and moaning just doesn’t make for interesting reading.

Substitute the words Atlanta and Thrashers for Columbus and Blue Jackets in this piece:

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/10/tuesdaywasadarkday.shtml

and I think it sums up the sentiment here in Atlanta as well. Interesting the same argument being used for lack of attendance:

“Among the excuses I’ve heard for the low attendance: 1) It’s a high school football night; 2) people are getting ready for Ohio State; 3) it’s raining and 4) tough economic times. The first three excuses are lame. This is Columbus. Not Norman.”

I think it’s time to break up the Enstrom/Havelid pairing…they have long since moved past living off of last year’s performance. They are atrocious this year. I’d even consider sitting Havelid in favor of Oystrick if we still had 7 healthy D.

By Red Light

October 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

And, that was my original point guys: Playing catch-up for an entire season can wear on a team mentally and physically. Teams that get off to a great start normally can carry that momentum forward.

Washington’s success last year hasn’t been the norm, Boudreau should get a ton of credit for it, and Atlanta, as has been pointed out, doesn’t have the talent to fall way back in the standings and put together that same kind of run.

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Here is the link a second time

Hopefully this one works…sorry ‘bout that!

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Crap…one of those days…i give up…go here (assuming THIS one works):

http://goaliepost.com/default.php?page=quickhits

and click on the ‘The Good ‘Ol Days’ link….

back to my coffin!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Washington’s success last year hasn’t been the norm, Boudreau should get a ton of credit for it, and Atlanta, as has been pointed out, doesn’t have the talent to fall way back in the standings and put together that same kind of run.

Agreed. But, I’m not expecting them to make the playoffs, and haven’t been expecting as much since the free agency frenzy ended. I’m 100% supportive of developing the talent we have, and hopefully (key word) building a competitive team for the 2009-2010 season. That’s when Little should be completely comfortable, Enstrom will have shown the type of defender he is after his second full season (Bob and I have been in agreement with his potential being maxed as a 3rd defender and PP QB…I know, it’s weird for us to agree on something), Bogosian will have gotten a taste of the NHL so as to understand what it will take for a full 82 game season of the best hockey in the world, and players like Christensen, Armstrong, Sterling, Oystrick, etc will show exactly what type of commodity we have with them.

Simply put, I’m focusing on the development of players, and not the win-loss record.

I personally took Anderson for his word that it wont be until January time that this team will be clicking, if the system is taken well by them. Until then, there are positives and negatives to see, but I am not focusing on them. I don’t worry about the playoffs, because it’s not even in the equation in my opinion (despite Anderson’s rally call, which I can’t blame him for since he’s here to lead these players and make them want to win, not coach his players for a lottery pick).

Anyways, thanks for joining us again.

You too Hip Czech.

By Rawhide

October 31, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech - There…now it works. Try to stay away from very long text lines inside of the [brackets]. Good article too…

Stats Great numbers and statistics as per usual. Try to chime in more…it’s always insightful information.

Red Light - I don’t look at November as make or break…personally I want to see how this team is playing in February/March vs. how it does in October/November.

If I thought this team was indeed a playoff contender this season…then you are spot on with your comments about needing something like 18 points for the month of November.

By Sara

October 31, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Ahem…where is the love for Oystrick?? taps foot impatiently Only his second game of the season, against the #1 team in the league and boyo was even on +/-, had 2 SOG (one of which was a dandy chance early in the first), 6 hits, and a takeaway playing 14:29 total minutes at mostly ES. Pulled a “Zherdev” himself on a Rangers break-away attempt even. Gotta say it - his game last night looked better than what we’ve seen thus far from Bogosian overall. That isn’t so much a negative on Bogo - he’s an 18 year old rookie, expectations aren’t that high for this season - but more a real positive for Oystrick. Most impressive.

Hey Russian any chance you can post a URL for that since it got garbled on the blog? Although anything having to do with Burnside and Atlanta has to be taken with a grain of salt IMO.

And lastly, anybody else notice the interesting numbers starting to filter out from the McDavid v. AOL/TW case? Losses every year for both franchises (although it didn’t escape my notice that arena revenue figures were not included) and yet if you look at the projected losses AOL/TW had figured up prior to the sale, the teams actually lost much less than those projections.

By Alan

October 31, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Atlanta, as has been pointed out, doesn’t have the talent to fall way back in the standings and put together that same kind of run.

Neither did Washington, really, which was also pointed out. They were a huge surprise. A couple of rookies, a man who wasn’t even on their team until after the deadline, a powerful two-way player and a question mark is what got them to the playoffs.

All I was saying is that you can’t really use “end of November” as a benchmark of how successful a team will be overall for that year.

I agree that we don’t really have the players necessary to make a successful comeback from such a deficit to clinch the playoffs. I don’t think we will pull a Washington. My point was simply that Washington changed the way we should look at how successful a team will be. “End of November” is no longer a good benchmark, as indicated by our own fall last year. And Carolina, who was in first on 21 November, didn’t even make the playoffs.

I think it’s time to break up the Enstrom/Havelid pairing

I couldn’t agree with you more. In no particular order, Enstrom-Schneider Hainsey-Havelid Oystrick-Exelby. Those parings would give the younger guys (Enstrom, Hainsey, Oystrick) someone older and a little (or a lot) more experienced to work with, and might improve the D overall.

Or it could have absolutely no effect on our D whatsoever. shrugs Either way, that pairing should be broken up. They do look pretty awful this year so far.

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Sara…what I found interesting (if I read the thing right) was the amount of the sale to the ASG vs. what McDavid was offering…something like McDavid was offering 96 million and they wound up selling to the ASG for less than half that price (around 43 million).

But I could be confused on those numbers…I can’t even balance my checkbook.

By Nikita

October 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of hearing about how poor Kovy is just doing what any elite player would do when surrounded by players not up to his standard.

a) it’s unfair to the other players, given how many members of the team could well be as skilled as Kovalchuk or complementary in skill to his skill as they develop.

b) There is no team in the NHL that is completely filled with top-drawer talent. And there are many teams that are now pretty evenly performing well that were where we are now a few seasons ago, with undeveloped players and a few key pieces. That’s the beauty of the salary controls — they force the teams to stay within a competitive distance, and to cycle through various points on the competitiveness spectrum.

c) true pros don’t bellyache and make their failures about the material surrounding them. They don’t pitch hissy fits and take stupid penalties. They maintain high personal standards and use those standards as justification for demanding the same of their teammates. Show me Kovy’s high standards this season. Would that be the -2 he took last night, the leisurely ambulating around the rink in the last two games, the godawful power play, the consisted lack of two-way play, the stick throwing, or the badmouthing?

I don’t want to lose Kovalchuk. But a) I want to see Kovalchuk play like he is capable and b) I also don’t want to hear for the rest of the season how Kovalchuk can’t wait to leave, and that’s because the other 22 people on the roster are unworthy of being associated with him and everyone associated with the team sucks except the guy who’s unhappy.

As for what the current record means for the rest of the season…I think Anderson is right that we could make the playoffs. A lot of interesting things happen over the course of the season, and he’s doing what’s appropriate to make the team competitive over the long run instead of mortgaging the future for the present. Plus, to make it in, you only have to be better than half the league. Obviously it’s an uphill climb, though.

By Rockem Sockem Thrasher

October 31, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Any word on whether or not someone from Chicago is getting called up? I’d like to see Grant Lewis get a chance.

I’m sure this won’t be a surprise to anyone but the word is that the Thrash maybe willing to trade Kovy.

Here’s the link

By TrueBluefan

October 31, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

If you care at all about this team, you will want McDavid to win this case. He rightfully entered into an agreement to buy these teams. Ted Turner then sold to the Spirit at a much lower price. Why? Because a Turner son and son in law is part of the Spirit? Probably. The solid case is clearly there. The question is why did that happen? Why did Turner illegally breach a contract, leaving us all to suffer in mediocrity? The fans are the ones getting screwed by this (as well as McDavid) - This is a serious deal, folks. There is some shadyness going on at the TOP of the Organization. God I hope McDavid wins and the Spirit is STRIPPED of their ownership. Go McDavid!

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

The way he is playing I have no problem with trading him.

Two years ago I was uneasy appointing Kovalchuk as the franchise player…too immature, too one dimensional. Last year eased those doubts somewhat as he LOOKED to be gaining maturity and a two-way game.

So far this year has been a major step backwards. He looks dis-interested…you know something’s amiss when Kovalchuk is continually looking to pass first, shoot second. He needs to put 8-10 shots/game on the board…I don’t know what the stats are but I don’t think he’s anywhere close to that.

By Alan

October 31, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

A lot of interesting things happen over the course of the season, and he’s doing what’s appropriate to make the team competitive over the long run instead of mortgaging the future for the present.

Nikita, you’re exactly right. In my mind, though, I’m not expecting a playoff berth this year. Next year, perhaps. If we get one this year, I will be amazingly happy — even if we go out in four straight — mainly because this team was picked to be a “Tavaras Sweepstakes” contender, not a “Stanley Cup” contender.

Anderson is most definitely working to shore up the future by working with our players in the present - some of who will be around for a long time (Hainsey, Enstrom), while others we hope will buy in and stick around (you-know-who).

By Stats

October 31, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks RH - Can I give you my boss’ telephone number? Maybe you can tell him my skill set is needed elsewhere.

Last notes, then back to work. At this pace, if Kari plays in 70 games (he played 68 in 2006), he will break the NHL record for shots faced (2488 by Luongo). Also, I am giving Kovy the benefit of the doubt (for now). His yearly stats always show a slow start. Playing w/ new lines in a new system is probably not helping.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 31, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

TrueBluefan — We have no idea if McDavid is any better than the ASG as an owner of a sports franchise. The sole reason he wanted to purchase this franchise was the price he was paying (~$93M) was substantially less than his research showed the team was worth at the time (~$300M). We don’t know if he would’ve flipped the team to another group after a year or two, or focused on building a successful franchise.

What we do know (or hear) is that he did his due diligence for purchasing the franchise, and his offer was sniped by a group that not-so-surprisingly had two individuals in it that were related to the a board member (and namesake) of the seller.

Now, as for the amount the franchise was sold for — the down payment was more for McDavid than for ASG, but the interest was the same (4% on the subsequent payments). However, the ASG’s deal was to pay annually a larger amount over more years (10 years), while McDavid payed a smaller amount over fewer years (4 years). All in all I believe (I don’t have the numbers in front of me) that the ASG technically paid more according to their agreement, just less up front (substantially less). I’ll have to look around for that article again to be sure, but feel free to correct me with the actual numbers if you find them.

However, I’d rather McDavid or Belkin than the ASG. I don’t trust Seydell or B. Turner, and the whole shadiness of their purchase agreement just compounds the perceived inability of the group to function as a cohesive unit free from idiocy.

By Rockem Sockem Thrasher

October 31, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Any word on whether or not someone from Chicago is getting called up? I’d like to see Grant Lewis get a chance.

I’m sure this won’t be a surprise to anyone but the word is that the Thrash maybe willing to trade Kovy.

Here’s the link

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 31, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

At this pace, if Kari plays in 70 games (he played 68 in 2006), he will break the NHL record for shots faced (2488 by Luongo). Also, I am giving Kovy the benefit of the doubt (for now). His yearly stats always show a slow start. Playing w/ new lines in a new system is probably not helping.

Good stuff again Stats. I’d bet $10 that Luongo has the better GAA and SV% in that season. Lehtonen is no Luongo, but he could be a solid goalie if he wasn’t facing a full bucket of pucks every game.

Kovalchuk has always started slow, that I can remember. If he started hot it was usually followed by a prolonged cold streak. Last season Kovalchuk was cold while the team lost, and Hossa was hot. Roles flipped, the team started winning again. By mid season both were back into the swing of the season, but Hossa was playing less than his average self, and Kovalchuk was having a good season (even for his standards).

Kovalchuk will bounce back, it’s still technically October. If he’s playing with the same attitude and effectiveness in December or January, then we’ve got a problem.

By Alan

October 31, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I think the Thrashers are more likely to convince Gretzky to come out of retirement and suit up for them than they are to trade Kovalchuk. On the idiot scale, I’m putting any rumor of trading Kovalchuk at a I5.

By Alan

October 31, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Apparently, New Jersey has injury problems. Hopefully we can capitalize.

By Steely Dan

October 31, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

red light, what do I think? Some may call me foolish, but I do think this team can make a run at the playoffs. Why? Well if you look at it, the Thrashers will play game #11 tomorrow night in NJ. Eight of those teams were playoff teams from last season and probably are going to be good enough to be so again this season. In all but one of those games the Thrashers have competed well.

8 of the 13 teams the Thrashers play on November are teams that did not go to the playoffs last season. So this is a perfect time to get things rolling.

By Sara

October 31, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Trueblue from what I have read, ownership of the franchises is not at stake in the lawsuit…if McDavid wins AOL/TW will have to pay him a chunk of change. So ultimately this will have no direct impact on the teams.

Rockem sockem Waddell indicated they do not intend to call anyone up from Chicago right now. He doesn’t want a young player sitting (although last time I checked Oystrick’s butt had been parked in the press box most nights). His other point was that the Thrashers are playing along the East coast this week, as are the Wolves so in the event there was another injury (unless it happened right before game time), they would have time to fly someone in.

As for the Kovy discussion…he’s had slow starts in the past, so it’s not abnormal for him this year. Two, it occurred to me that Kovy may be struggling himself to fit into Anderson’s new system. While granted this kind of system might as well be tailor-made for Kovy, his exact role in it may not be defined by Anderson they way Kovy would define it on his own. Anderson has made more than one comment about Kovy taking on too much responsibility for the club, to the point where it became a liability. Waddell made the same types of comments last season when he was behind the bench. Kovy gets so caught up in trying to carry the team on his back that he goes rogue and gets out of the team concept. It’s also IMO why Kovy isn’t wearing the C (yet). I think Kovy is frankly over-thinking things. Afraid to jump into the play and risk “doing it all himself” so he hangs back and tries to let other guys get involved as well. Sometimes he reverts to old form and becomes the one-man show. It’s like everyone else … trying to figure things out as they go along. Eventually he’ll get into the groove along with the others.

By Nikita

October 31, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

He needs to put 8-10 shots/game on the board…I don’t know what the stats are but I don’t think he’s anywhere close to that.

Nope, he’s not. He has put up 25 SOG so far. Way to lead there, bro.

Incidentally, the shots tallies are interesting. The top shooters don’t have a lot of goals, but Bryan Little is currently converting 25%. Kovy ranks 4th in shots. The top two shooters, incidentally, are Schneider and Christensen, and Christensen hasn’t converted any.

On a totally frivolous note, my husband is currently man-crushing on Exelby and Bryan Little for a really stupid reason — because they both appear to be thoroughly insane/ overly invested in killing someone. Did you see Ex foaming at the mouth as he was cleaning off his shield last night? Little went off the ice last night seeming to grind his teeth while talking to himself. Oh, well. Whatever gets them fired up, I guess.

Also, do we really have to get into why Turner might have sold to the ASG? He’s related to at least two of them.

And finally, Rockem, I would love to see Grant Lewis brought up. He’s a solid two-way player, decently sized, and has a good head on his shoulders.

Also, I failed to give love to Oystrick last night, but he played great.

By stupid people shall not breed

October 31, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Waddell said this. Waddell said that. But, Waddell said it was like this, not that. Do you stupid morons believe everything Waddell says? Waddell is a complete liar about everything. How you sheeple can continue to wait for every single word he says and believe it to be a fact is astonishing. Get a clue. Waddell is the problem here. Ask Kovy about it. That’s why he is demanding to be traded right now. There is much more going on than what Waddell tells all the sheeple. Wake up, and think for yourselves for once, fools!

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Knobler posted some new line combinations…interesting:

Kovalchuk - Williams - Sterling

Kozlov - White - Little

Armstrong - Reasoner - Thorburn

Perrin - Christensen - Slater - Boulton

I’m liking that (mostly for my fantasy team…I have Williams and faceoffs are a category in our league). But give Sterling a shot on a scoring line and let’s see what he does.

Count me on the Grant Lewis bandwagon as well, I’ve liked him since rookie camp last year.

By Bob

October 31, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

That’s why he is demanding to be traded right now

Ok, somebody spill the beans here. Between the supposed rumors in a Russian paper, what was said on XM radio by Tampa’s GM, and by looking at Kovy’s play for us so far, I’m inclined to believe that there’s some fire behind all this smoke, but somebody clue me in, has he demanded a trade ala Heatley?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

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

has he demanded a trade ala Heatley?

I’d say no, as the same rumors happened last year, the year before, etc. But obviously none of us know for sure.

Half of the rumors I’ve read say Kovalchuk isn’t involved in any trade discussions, half say he is.

Waddell would be committing career suicide if he traded Kovalchuk, I’m sure he’s well aware of that.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

October 31, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I forgot to add that these are the typical trade rumors that surface when Atlanta suffers. Soon Lehtonen will have demanded a trade, Kovalchuk will have told his mom’s sister’s dog’s best friend’s groomer that he doesn’t like any of the Thrasher players, and wants to be in Montreal because he likes the sound of French.

Take note of the teams always rumored to be in the running of the important players (like Gaborik, Hossa, etc). They’re either a Canadian team like Montreal, or a big market team.

Last rumor said Hossa signed a one-year contract so he and Gaborik could be a package deal in July 1. If any team can afford those two players on one team they will have little to surround them with. It’d be interesting to see them playing in Los Angeles or Phoenix.

By Hip Czech

October 31, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if it would be suicide to trade him….it could be depending on what they got in return.

Scenario A - it’s a Heatley for Hossa type thing. Team A has their problem player who is an elite player, we have Kovalchuk

Scenario B - the never ending rebuilding continues and Kovalchuk is traded for high draft picks and/or stud prospects

Scenario B is suicide….scenario A I can’t see happening, the only scenario that comes close would be a Gaborik for Kovalchuk deal (or a Spezza for Kovalchuk trade if you believe the rumors out of Ottawa).

Gaborik never plays more than 45 games so that is not a good deal…Spezza would be interesting, and that would be the way it goes, we finally get a top line center and have no top line wings.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 31, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Would YOU want to play for this wretched organization?

It’s not about money after a point—it’s about legacy. With the Spirit and Don Waddell, we will never build a consistent winner here, period.

Kovy knows that, too. A figurative blind man can see it, as well.

Yet some still subsidize the egregious incompetence which goes on? There is only one word for that, friends: Embarrassing (with a capital ‘E’).

Stop the excuses, Sunshine-crew, I beg of you…

By R. Stroz

October 31, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

More Ticket Discounts

By Sara

October 31, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech that’s always the problem with trading Kovy - there is no getting equal value for him. The most you can get is a push - one superstar for another - but that doesn’t make sense for us or another team. The point of trading is to get better, not essentially stay the same. And sure we could trade him for first round draft picks but let’s get real - what kind of team is going to trade for Kovy…a competitive team (and if they aren’t before Kovy they sure should be after). Which means low first round picks which does not equate to drafting a replacement superstar.

Bottomline is we need more players like Kovy, not fewer.

And people can speculate all they want about Kovy wanting to be traded, but, well, let’s hear it in Ilya’s own words shall we?

“I like everything here,” Kovalchuk said. “It’s a great city, my family loves it here. I feel very comfortable in the locker room and with management, trainers, everybody. I don’t have any problems. If we’re going to play well, I want to stay here. I want to win the Cup and bring it here because I was drafted by this team.”

As a reminder, that’s an excerpt from the interview Custance did a month ago. The line preceding it in the article was He insists a trade request has never creeped into his head.

While there were some grumblings in the press at the end of last season, everything that has come out of Kovy’s mouth since Anderson was hired has been completely about being committed to this team for at least the duration of his contract, and longer if the team is going to be successful.

Could Kovy just be playing nice out of professionalism? Sure he could be. But do not mistake Kovy for Hossa. Hossa put his time in here because he was a pro and he had to, nothing more. Kovy genuinely loves this team, always has, and never made any bones about it. It won’t keep him here forever if the team never shows significant improvement, but he will show a lot more loyalty than Hossa did (all due respect to Hossa).

By Mikeyy

October 31, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

you want to talk about no fan base… if we trade kovy abosolutely NO ONE!! will go to the games. He is THE most exciting player in the nhl (amoung Crosby and Ovy) but seriously that is detremental to every fan in atlanta who has a kovy jersey and loves him. Take our attendance numbers, divide by 2, and that is what you will get when you trade Kovy Waddell trust me

By Jameson

October 31, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Bob- I think I’d avoid breaking up Hainsey and Exelby. they seem to be the only pairing that’s working right now. As for the other two pairings… You might as well pull names out of a hat.

By Jameson

October 31, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Here’s Russian’s article. Hopefully it’s readable this time: SB:- I have not yet spoken to Grossman, the agent Ilia, so I can only base assumptions on the basis of what was happening with “Atlanta”. Obviously, Kovalchuk for the moment disappointed and annoyed. He spent his entire career in quite a bad team, which failed several Draft, made many mistakes and did not provide his top center forward. And now it seems that in the next three or four years, “Atlanta” will not be among the applicants even in the play-off, not to mention the Stanley Cup. With this in mind, and that in 2010 it will become a free agent, we can assume that he wants to change the team. The fact that “Thrashers” unable to sign Mariana Hossa says a lot. Ice hockey do not see Atlanta as a promising market. All this, I repeat, my suggestion. As far as I know, the team had not even started negotiations with Ilya. But I will be very surprised indeed if Kovalchuk will be open to the extension of the contract.

• And if this is true, it turns out that “Atlanta” should change it now, you can still get something worthwhile. What they can expect for Kovalchuk?

  SB: - This is the dilemma: when it changed? Is it a market value of the highest now, or better to wait until the end of the season or even until the spring of 2010 th … On the one hand, we are waiting for a very good Draft in 2009-m, and “Atlanta” is likely to again be among the top five purchased. Perhaps it makes sense to recruit as many good draft positions, as well as some young and promising players. On the other hand, it is very difficult to see exactly who it solved. There is talk of “Rangers”, but in this version I’m not sure, especially now that cool play Zherdev. Reference was made to “Ottawa”, that is, of course, it would be interesting, because it plays Dani Heatly, but the “Ottawa” there are financial problems. “Los Angeles”, which was interested in Mariane Gaborik, may switch to Kovalchuk, who is not so susceptible to injury. In general, the options available.

• But “Atlanta”, it seems, the situation is such that any decision would be bad. Indeed, the exchange Kovalchuk (a similar player “Thrashers” for him in any case not receive) will cause a fatal blow to the already terrible traffic.

  SB: - “Atlanta, of course, made many mistakes. And Draft, and in exchanges. Remember, for example, the exchange Brandon Coburn Alexei Zhitnik? In general, all of which quickly fixed not succeed. The team need a long, thorough restructuring. And it means - parting with Kovalchuk. But you’re right: fans had already left from a bad team, and now give a better player, just a few months after the departure of Marian Hossa, looks very bad in terms of PR. But in terms of hockey another break from “Atlanta” simply do not. Change it now and getting him promising young men, can significantly reduce the club process restructuring.

• It turns out that “Atlanta” should follow the path of “Washington” at the end of an era Yagr: admit mistakes, give a better player and slowly build a young team.

  SB:- Exactly. And by the way, just as did the “Pittsburg”. A long time, it was a very bad team, fans turned against her, and even went on rumors that the “penguin” would have to move. But the team has overcome difficulties and grown a great team. Unfortunately, “Thrashers” so bad all these years draft and threw so much money on free agents in an attempt to put a sock in their many holes that now they need to start from scratch and prepare for a very long period of recovery. This, I repeat, then exchanged Kovalchuk.

  And, perhaps even goalkeeper Kari Lehtonen.

• No, knowing “Atlanta” and what solutions they have recently received, there is likelihood that Waddell says: “To hell with plans for the future, we must preserve the fans! Let us give Kovalchuk everything he asked, and keep it at any cost?

  SB:- The likelihood is, of course, is yes. In any event, such as persuading Ilya stay, they can try. In the off-season, they suggested Brian Campbell even more money than he eventually got in “Chicago”. As you can see, money does not solve everything, and I think that was the case with Ilya they too will not be the prime consideration. All decide what will be whether the Ilia faith in the management of the club and its future. It is my personal point of view: it has no such faith, and he does not want to play more in Atlanta. “

By Sara

November 1, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Thanks Jameson (and Russian for the original find).

Wow where to begin. So Burnside admits he hasn’t actually spoken to Grossman (or presumably Ilya) so basically he admits this is all just speculation on his part. He also acts as if Kari and Ilya are all this team has of value. Granted this roster isn’t Detroit’s or the Rangers’, but come on, there is a foundation here. Little, Bogosian, Enstrom, Hainsey, Army, Perrin…we still have Pavelec and Kulda, Oystrick. There isn’t the derth of talent on this team that Burnside suggests.

And he mentions the team hasn’t started negotiations … well DUH, they can’t talk extension until next off-season under CBA rules.

Look, we saw what came of trading Hossa. While it did garner this team some solid pieces, not one of those players has replaced Hossa himself. There’s a chance we could see great things from Esposito if he gets his game back on track (which it seems like he has thus far in juniors but that’s also juniors). We might not see Leveille for four years if he stays at Michigan State. And even if Esposito does become a great NHL player, that’s still one great player for one great player. The team has to add, not subtract or just push. I still can’t see the logical value of moving Kovy, especially not right now.

And I still don’t think Kovy is going to ask to be traded. He may not be happy and he may leave after his contract is up, but Kovy saw what the Hossa situation did to the rest of the team. I don’t think he will put them through that again. In even the most negative light, I think Kovy has resigned himself to playing out his contract here, for better or worse. He respects this club as the team that drafted him (he’s mentioned that numerous times) and I also believe he knows how that would affect the fans who certainly aren’t responsible for the lack of success in this franchise. He might not be happy, but he’ll stay anyway, at least for two more years.

By Steely Dan

November 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Looks as though we will have a Moose sighting in New Jersey tonight. Mike Knobler is reporting that Kari didn’t skate and is “under the weather”.

By Rawhide

November 1, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Not only is Moose in the net tonight, but Pavs has been called up as well.

By Nikita

November 1, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

4 mins in, they look great. Now, let’s hope they sink some shots.

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

New Jersey is up, 1-0, on a goal that the Devils got just by outworking the Thrashers on a tenacious forecheck. We coughed it up, gave them a “point blank” shot, which Hedberg stopped, then let the Devils beat us to every loose puck in our end. Eventually, the Devils flipped a “seeing eye” shot through a maze of players that eluded Hedberg. I’m not sure ever saw it. He looked around for it in a few places, before checking behind him. Yeah, that’s where it was.

What a worthless sack of Swedish fodder Moose is! Doesn’t he know he’s supposed to BLOCK the puck? (Kidding. I just felt a real lack of criticism over Thrasher goaltending.) Look at Alan’s sarcasm detector. It’s off the chart.

Brodeur is in net for New Jersey. He shut us out last time. I think he got his 99th shutout after that. So, correct me if I’m wrong, but Brodeur’s next shutout would be #100. He needs 103 to share the record with Sawchuck. I wonder if Pavelec is studying Brodeur from the bench, hoping he gets his chance to play against him?

By Sage of Bluesland

November 1, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Where is all of this, umm, “talent” I keep hearing about?

Oh, ok. Sure. Whatever you say in your wittle world must be true…

Devils up 2-0 now. Our only hope is for the opposition to completely overlook us, play their backup goalie, etc. We will only beat those who bring their “C” game (certainly not their “A” or “B” games).

Welcome to EXPANSION-level play, folks…and that’s after, what, EIGHT years of “building”?

As for Coach Sunshine, I’m wondering if he’s having 2nd thoughts about this “opportunity” (to look like a fool with his completely unsound “system”).

Great, now we have a coach as minor-league as our GM…Combined with ownership that is equally inept is a wonderful combination.

Everyone with half a dose of REALITY can see it so clearly!

(Oh, and the Devils are up 3-0 now)

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Darren Eliot just said, “Great 1st period out of the Moose on the 13 saves he made.” Didn’t Darren get the memo, that Moose is a no talent sack of crap? I thought media puts out scouting reports before every game. Under Atlanta, goaltending it says, “untalented Finn” and “worthless Swede.”

R.Stroz: The count is up to two (2). I’m just gettin’ started!

Kovy just passed up a shot on a 3 on 2. Why does he do that? Devils Score! It’s 2-0, NJ. Kovy didn’t get back in time. Matthieu Schneider with the goal! Yes, it was tipped it off Schneider’s stick. Don’t pin that one of the Moose. I’m sure “The Hammer” is sulking enough over that rather unfortunate break.

Hey, Thrashers haven’t played badly tonight. Both Devils goals were a bit “fluky.” Uht-oh. 3-0 Devils. Kozlov and Havelid failed to take out Zach Parise, who was camped out on the doorstep after Jamie Langenbrunner had run the goalie. Poor Moose was flat on his back. There’s no way he could have stopped Parise, “point blank,” in the goalcrease, knocked on his posterior, as he was. All three goals are really on the defense to clear the puck out of the zone and the wingers to backcheck.

We might see Pavelec just to try to change the momentum.

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Gionta scores, it’s 4-0, New Jersey. Well, I said the Rangers and Devils would be a “litmus test” if you were of the persuasion to disagree that this is a “build year (TM, Poster Bob, All rights reserved.)”

What do you make of the test? I thought the Thrashers played a good game against the Rangers. A late goal got us in that out. But tonight, despite “fluky” goals, the Devils are taking it to us. And now, up 4-0, they’ll just go into full “lockdown” mode, Devils-style.

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure why, but Weekes is in net, in lieu of Brodeur. Brodeur would still get credit for a shutout if the Devils can pull it off with Weekes in net. Weekes and Brodeur each get a shutout, if that happens. Brodeur would get the win, since he was in net when the winning goal was scored.

By Rawhide

November 1, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Brodeur went off with an injury. Looked like he went down wrong on his leg making a stop…or maybe he got whacked with a stick.

By Bob

November 1, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

this is pitiful, simply pitiful.

Where are the excuses now, apologists?

When Waddell is gone things will improve, the sooner that happens the better.

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, that’s for that update.

Brett Sterling and Marty Reasoner nearly followed up on the Kozlov goal. That would have been nice. I think it’s important for the Thrashers to try to win this period, to take some momentum into the next game.

Brodeur just lost his shutout bid, for #100 of his career. Kozlov refused to celebrate the goal, after he scored. Proper response.

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Err, make that “thanks” for the update. Well, if it’s any consolation, the Capitals are losing, 5-0, to the Buffalo Sabres, in Buffalo. Carolina lost to Edmonton, 3-1. Ottawa leads Tampa Bay, 2-1. And the Florida Panthers lead Nashville, 2-1. If you are hoping for a lottery draft pick, then WANT Florida to win that game.

The NY Isles led Montreal, 4-1. But the Habs just scored to make it 5-4, Montreal. The puck was redirected by Kovalev and then off the Isles’ d-man’s skate into the net. Again, if you are hoping for a lottery draft slot, you WANT the Islanders to win this game. There’s 4:00 left in the 3rd period, out on Long Island.

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

It’s a final. Montreal 5, NY Isles 4. Ryan Miller got the shutout for Buffalo, vs. the Ovechkin-less Capitals. Chicago and Columbus are in overtime, if you have Center Ice. The Bruins-Stars game is now a fight-marred contest, as spured on by a cheap hit by Sean Avery. Surprised? First Bruins to response to Avery?: Marc Savard, who was then joined by 3 other Boston teammates in jumping on the prone Avery. Don’tcha just feel sorry for Avery? (Yeah, right.)

By Brendan

November 1, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Puckjunque, Nash and Huselius both missed for the Jackets in the shootout. Chicago won, 4-3. If it counts for anything, PJ, Nash rammed the goalie during his shot. It was a beautiful deke. It just didn’t result in a goal.

By Tony C.

November 1, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

wow.

That was bad.

By A$G

November 1, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

We are turning the corner now. Come down to Blueland and buy lots of ticket$ (lower level of course) Get ready for our “deep playoff run”

Buy more ticket$

$incerely, A$G

By Nikita

November 1, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Godawful.

Good: 1. Faceoffs 2. Pavelec’s play in the 3rd 3. Kozlov’s goal, and play in general.

Bad: 1. Penalty minutes, particularly on Exelby. 2. Schneider. 3. The 2nd period.

By R. Stroz

November 2, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

FI-UR WAD-DELL

bang-bang, bang-bang-bang

FI-UR WAD-DELL

By Tony C.

November 2, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Stroz-

Yeap. It’s that time. Somebody has to be accountable for this debacle-one of the players (Moose?) was quoted to the effect of :

“We expect to be better… it’s mind-boggling”

Yeah, it is. While I can see where the effort has been there in fits and spurts, but honestly, when perhaps your best player as far as going to the net is Brett Sterling, all 5’9” of him-well kids, that’s a problem.

We’ve got guys that are willing to pay the price in front of the net, unfortunately, all the guys with heart are too light in the @ss to do much about it, and the guys that aren’t well, there’s thorburn (who I think was one of top-3 players last night), but that’s about it.

So yeah, let’s get a nice

Fi-Re WA-Dell chant going at every opportunity.

Safety-Orange “Fire Waddell/We deserve better” T-shirts available before weekend home games.