By Sage of Bluesland

November 2, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

Make the change and begin the fans’ healing process…We are a patient lot, and most if not all, would fully support another complete rebuild. I would.

However, my conditions are simple: Don Waddell must go (and not be retained in any capacity whatsoever with this team and organization; he has stolen enough).

The scouting department must be revamped.

A real GM, with real experience at the NHL level, must be brought in and given free reign to get the Waddell-stench out of every office and every fiber of carpet.

Do what is inevitable—now—and faith is restored. Hope is lit again. The fans will come together (and the Waddellites can pack their bags, STFU, and get out of here…)

By Brendan

November 2, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

Right now, I’d wager that the ASG is more more enraptured with the Hawks to even notice what the Thrashers are doing. They’re just not passionate hockey owners. The hockey-side of things is, more than likely, just business. And the “business” angle says, solvent. They talked about the budget in the offseason. They told Don, keep it low as you can, I imagine. He did. $45.8 million speaks to intent when the cap limit is $56.7 million.

The AS, LLC paid for a bargain-barrel, K-Mart “blue light special” hockey club. That’s what the AS, LLC authorized. This is what they got. They got what they paid for. It’s very unfortunate for Waddell, who is a sub-par GM to begin with, to be asked to work under such conditions. In short, he’s Anne Sullivan. And the ownership is Helen Keller. Waddell is asked to be “A Miracle Worker.”

The “On the Fly” desk is being manned by E.J. Hradek and Dan Pollard.

Pollard: “Well, you’ve got to think the Thrashers have hit rock bottom. We saw it coming, but it’s here now.”

Hradek: “Gotta feel bad for 1st year Head Coach John Anderson. The Thrashers had a pretty decent game vs. the Rangers, but earlier lost to the Flyers, 7-0. And now this. So yeah, it’s right about rock bottom time, if you’re the Atlanta Thrashers. It’s hard to believe that this team is going to win under ANY head coach.”

Ouch. I know. They’re biased. But really, I’ve never found Dan Pollard to have an ax to grind against the Thrashers. He keeps an even keel about them. Dave Reid, that’s another story. He hates us. Gary Green? Well, Greener loves Waddell and the Thrashers. But even Green had to admit that after the 7-0 loss to the Flyers that times had gotten tough in Atlanta and for his “friend” Don Waddell.

IFFFFF the ownership is contemplating making a change at the GM position, which they probably aren’t, the good news is that they can point to the 2005 and 2006 seasons as seasons that spent to the cap limit by the end of the season. In 2005, they came close to being MAXED OUT on “Opening Night.” Another thing, and I’m not saying this is really ‘that great’ of a thing, is the ownership appears to be very ‘patient’ with their GM’s. That is, if a GM candidate is just looking for secure work and an ownership they can hornswaggle and bamboozle, without accountability, this Spirit Group sure has proven themselves to be just that. The GM assures them that nothing is wrong … and they believe it. Or, after an 11-4-1 stretch, they believe it. I doubt the Spirit Group is going to evaluate an interim Head Coach, or sitting GM, on a 15-game plan ever again.

But in the end, it’s THEIR money. They’ll spend it how they like. And buying low, then selling high, is a time-tested, proven to be successful formula of doing business. Who knows? Maybe the Spirit Group do want to be in the lottery draft? Perhaps that was the goal for this season. And if so, Waddell is still doing EXACTLY what they expected him to do. And they’ll EXPECT HIM to find another Zach Bogosian at the draft in June. And if does just that, don’t drop your jaw that he’s still here in October 2009.

By R. Stroz

November 2, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

FI-UR WAD-DELL

bang-bang, bang-bang-bang

FI-UR WAD-DELL

bang-bang, bang-bang-bang

FI-UR WAD-DELL

(repeat refrain and disdain)

By Brendan

November 2, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz, imagine that the Spirit Group actually read or took stock of some of the criticism directed their way? Still with me. They might tell Waddell, “Go get someone. We’ll authorize it.” I said, “might.” But probably not. Waddell will counter-argue, “I can’t give up any more prospects or draft picks. That’d be very irresponsible.” The Spirit Group says, “Any un-signed Free Agents left?”

Waddell gazes out the window, in a pregnant pause … starring at the cars passing by, then says, “Well, there’s Shanahan. He has expressed an interest in playing with some team immmediately.”

Spirit Group: “Great. Sign him.” Waddell knows full and well that Shanny won’t come here. So he says, “Shanny’s situation with his family is such that he cannot leave the Northeast.” In a move that completely stuns Waddell, the Spirit Group says, “Then get us Sundin.”

Waddell, stupified that any Spirit Group member knows who he is, replies, “Mats isn’t interested in playing out a full season. He wants to stay in Toronto, if he comes back at all. Barring that, he’ll wait ‘til New Year’s Day for a contender with cap room.” Now, the Spirit Group says, “Scour European leagues for a player we can steal. I’ll authorize the pay upgrade from what he’s making over there.” Then Waddell rolls up his sleeve and starts dialing international digits.

Don’t think Jagr. Think Glen Metropolit. Better still. Don’t think ANYTHING. On Opening Night, this team lit up the Capitals. What happened to that squad? Even the Rangers game was a competitive game. Things tend to snowball when they go wrong for this team. Let’s see how things go in this next game.

By LAC

November 2, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

Brenden… After seeing this MESS, I really… I mean really am starting to believe this franchise may fold before season’s end and crease operations.

They are such a complete mess, there is no hope of this thing being turned around. We’d be much better off folding and starting over with a new OWNER and new players, an expansion team all over again !

But if attendence continues to fade, this team could fold. These owners are simply WAY TOO STUPID, to know what to do or worse care one damn bit.

I marvel at how levenson and company waltz around doing nothing when any fan worth his or her salt can see the entire problem, the GM and his lack of hockey knowledge. The team this year is NOT good… period.

So what can the fans do ? The only thing that will make them notice stay away. But then do they fold the team or sell it to another Nelson Skalbania and off the Thrashers go like the Flames.

If you think the NHL would EVER return you are a better dreamer than I.

If Bob Hartley was fired for the start last season, then don waddell must be fired for the start THIS season. His collection of players is sick. Just like him, sick, very sick. Don says he loves this team, OK… If you DO don, then do the correct thing and RESIGN, you have NO creditability, NO respect and NO way out of this any longer this team needs new blood and you have to GO.

Like I have stated, don waddell has all but destroyed NHL hockey in Atlanta…

By Barry

November 2, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this

I’m beginning to wonder if this team will ever be competitive and at least a team that has a chance to make the playoffs….EVER AGAIN. I mean seriously. Nobody wants to sign here. The only players that do are either at the end of their career and looking for employment, or castoffs of other teams and looking for employment. Thrashers can’t win without remotely good NHL caliber players. We can’t get remotely good NHL caliber players to sign here unless we win. Perhaps after about 3-4 more years of getting good draft picks and another 2-3 years of those players being able to develop can we start to seeing a competetive team that has a chance to make the playoffs in 5-7 years, and oh ya…Kovy will probably be gone by then. Heck with his play now…he’s already gone, because it’s obvious he has no desire or passion anymore for this team or to help it win. How many actual shots he have in the Devils game? 1? Maybe 2?

By R. Stroz

November 2, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I’ll take the bait.

So is the problem the owners, the GM, or both.

Both is the answer.

That said, the owners should start to see the light soon. First, attendence/revenue this season is putrid. Second, when the owners did green light the GM to spend during free agency, there were few takers. Why, because the team has a terrible reputation around the league.

So what are the owners to do? Simple, fire the current GM and hire one with a reasonably good reputation. Yes, the ASG will have to spend money; but, they are getting the message that if they don’t spend money neither will the fan base.

Firing Waddell and hiring a competent GM will send a meassge across the league, the ASG is starting to get serious about hockey. The result, player retention will improve and the end of this practice mentioned above:

Nobody wants to sign here. The only players that do are either at the end of their career and looking for employment, or castoffs of other teams and looking for employment.

Also, leaving Waddell in place sends a message across the league, the ASG thinks hockey operations are fine. In which case, attendence/revenue, player retention, and player procurement will continue to suffer.

The ASG will eventually get tired of getting smacked in the wallet, scapegoat Waddell, and hire a new GM to at least make the case for the fan base to return.

Anyway, will firing Waddell solve all the problems? No. But the ASG doesn’t have any other option, unless losing more money and watching more superstars leave is an option.

By Empty Seats

November 2, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

Question to the group…

Who leaves town first - Kovy, Waddell, or the team?

PS - I know the order of departure that everyone believes is most appropriate, but is that reality?

By Smitty

November 2, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Kovy could be the first. The Toronto Star reported Kovy could be headed to Toronto. Rumor only.

By MWC

November 2, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

The owners don’t care, Waddell must go, and you can just see the writing on the wall already. It breaks my heart to lose another NHL team. The clock is ticking….

By Baldheaded Thrasher

November 2, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Empty Seats- Fair question and I won’t hazard a guess.

Which team shows up tonight? Exelby calls eveyone out and Kovy admits he’s embarassed with the team’s play. Team will be tired from getting in late and playing at 5:00 so who shows up? It’s pretty much gut check time.

If they tank it in tonight it’s pretty much an indicator of what we have to look forward to the rest of the year.

The bottom line is the Trasher’s are trying to make 3rd and 4th line personnel into 1st and 2nd line. That is not the fault of the coach, DW needs to start filling out a resume!

By Big Shooter

November 2, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - I agree. I posted this morning over at The Chronicle that it is time to make a move with Waddell if things continue much longer.

Craig Patrick is sitting there without a job. Just saying.

By Rawhide

November 2, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Big Shooter - Good point…and here is your fine post for everyone else to read.

By Bob

November 2, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

it is time to make a move with Waddell if things continue much longer

The time to make a move was years ago, when it was obvious to knowledgeable hockey fans that Don just does not have the ability to build an NHL club.

I agree with E.J., it’s hard to imagine any coach winning with this lineup, which is why I’ve been saying don’t get your hopes up for this build year, just watch some individual players grow. It’s been nice to see Little, it’s been disappointing to see Enstrom, and Bogo is out for now, but he’ll be back.

If they tank it in tonight it’s pretty much an indicator of what we have to look forward to the rest of the year

I think we all can see now what to expect for the rest of the year, this lineup just cannot be competitive over the course of a 82 game season. But I expect a good effort today, and as they say On Any Given Sunday

By Rockem Sockem Thrashers

November 2, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Does anyone think that the Thrashers start winning the moment Wadell is out of the picture? Yes, management isn’t very good and change is needed. But what about the team on the ice?

I know we have one of the lowest payrolls in the league. These massive blowouts can’t completely come from payroll levels and talent. I think that some players have given up and aren’t playing well at all.

The worst example of this is Kovy. I love hearing pregame shows talk about him. He’s described as this incredible weapon. I have yet to see anyone this.

I think we need to call up a bunch of players from Chicago and send down a bunch of crappy players. Also, I think Kovy should be put on the 2nd or 3rd line. His level of play isn’t deserving of a spot on the top line.

I really like Coach Anderson. I just hope that he survives this poor play.

By glovesave29

November 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

First of all, discount the article from the Sun saying Kovy is on his way to Toronto…according to them, EVERYONE is on their way to the Leafs. Let them go back to reporting every bowel movement that Mats Sundin has…

Now, true…when Waddell is let go, we will not begin to win immediately. But as the saying goes, every journey begins with a single step. That first step is needed. We need a professionally run front office that attracts, not repels, the top talent. It’s not impossible, and I have not given up hope, and am resigning to us moving to Winnipeg. The proof is right on the other side of town. The Braves were laughingstocks until 1991 - they hire Scheurholz and the rest is history. Why can’t that happen at Philips? Waddells players did not work for Fraser, himself, Hartley, himself and now Anderson. In the past, I have thought to keep Waddell around in some other capacity. But now, I think his presence is poisonous, and as good of a man as he is, I want him gone.

I am also a bit concerned about the coach. He has a system that worked in Chicago…such is true. But we do not have the type of team he needs to run his offense. It’s kinda like putting the square peg in the round hole. I am not saying that this system CANNOT work, but that until we have the type of player he needs, Anderson needs to tinker with this to fit what he DOES have. Can you see Matt Ryan fitting in to the same offense as Mike Vick? It would never work as they have different skill sets. Anderson needs to tinker a bit to take advantage of the meager amount of talent that he has been given. I AM NOT BLAMING THE COACH…he has not been here long enough and he deserves a chance. But what I am saying is I’d like to see a bit of flexibility on his part, or by the time we get it (by his estimation of December / January) we are go to be sooooo far out of it, the weighted lottery for Tavares will give us a 99.99% chance at the first pick.

Kovy’s for 3rd line…? Now that is just being silly. Try to go run a NASCAR race in a bicycle and see how you do. That’s about what Ilya has to deal with every night. He is frustrated and I can certainly sympathize with him. I would just like to see him channel that and use it for something positive…

By joe

November 2, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

As I said, you never should have fired Bob Hartley, he was obviously the scape goat for Don Waddells’ incompetency, I guess as fans we should hope things get even worse, in order that they will get better after they give Don the hook.

By Sage of Bluesland

November 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

We will NOT start winning ‘magically’ if anyone—from the blustering idiot Waddell to Coach Sunshine—is fired. We simply cannot bring up a bunch of players from Chicago (or Gwinnett, if you prefer) and things will be all-right. The “players” you see on the team ARE the ‘best’ that our system has produced.

Think about that. Herein lies the real cause of our pitiful performances on the ice year after year. Waddell and the draft department have failed to find/develop talent at all levels of the draft. Period.

I see some still think he’s a “nice” guy—well, I can’t tell you what that does to that feeling inside of me…More silly and emotional EXCUSES for nonperformance.

Will you people ever TRULY wake up? I remember one of the owners told the paper that the Thrashers were ‘further along in their development—and thus expectations were higher’ (Brendan, do you recall that?).

Another lie. Only coaches are accountable in this veritable joke of a franchise.

Coach Sunshine (I don’t even bother with the names of those who won’t be here too long) runs a laughable minor-league system and is destined for failure with this ‘fountain’ of “talent” on the squad.

It’s not getting better, folks—it’s getting WORSE…I know it’s hard to believe, but the truth is right there in front of you. Too bad it took some so long to wake up.

I simply hope it’s not too late. Where are all of the Sunshine Sheep, by the way? Come on out, I know you’re there.

By Tom

November 2, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Here is my question?

Who are the best GM’s on the market that would come to the Thrashers? If you were a quality GM, would you put yourself in the grasp of the ASG?

As we are a place were old defenseman come to die, with this ownership, could we be the place where GM’s come to die?

If that is the case, why would a quality GM come to the Thrashers…

Tom

PS I think that Waddell is not the man for the job, felt that way for years, but what really scares me is that we are becoming the Oakland Raiders of the NHL…

By glovesave29

November 2, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Really Sage - c’mon. I cannot dislike his performance, but still think that he is a good and decent person? That is ridiculous. I said he needs to go…what else do you want? Grow up.

By Hotrod

November 2, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

At the very least, DW needs to be given a public ultimatum by the ownership.

If they do not, then the ownership is not in to this and we got what we got. They will have earned their lost millions through their lack of effort.

By Toby

November 2, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I’m begining to think we are owned by the woman who owned the Indians in Major League. Makes me wonder if they are trying to get a low appraisal on the team so that they can buy out Belkin for cheap.

Rockem

No…firing DW won’t make the team win right away, but it’s got to happen now. It’s the only way to show the shrinking fanbase you actually care….at least a little.

By Tom

November 2, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Toby

Great point on the Cleveland Indians Major League analogy.

And do not forget that the ownership of the Spirit is an inside deal if there ever was one. Nepotism is rarely pretty.

By Spud Webb

November 2, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Toby that was funny, great movie too. Firing Donnie isn’t going to do much at this point. Maybe causing more chaos? Who knows. What gets me is that there is no light at the end of the tunnell. Does DW deserve to go, most definate, YES. But I don’t know when this will end (I HATE BEING SO NEGATIVE). I don’t think that theres a chance in hell that Kovy signs when elegible. I don’t see a bunch of talent coming from Chicago or anywhere else in the minors. We have no scorers (minus Kovy). Bottom line is that no consistant offense. I don’t care what system we are running, zero scoring. Not one of our lines scares anyone on a nightly basis. We don’t scare anyone period. We don’t do one thing well, it really, really sucks to watch. Frustrating isn’t the only word, embarrising sure, but that doesn’t even sum it up. We look like a minor league franchise and it’s very, very sad. I’m fairly certain that DW will be here for the remainder of the year, the ASG is clueless and I really don’t think could care less. The only thing that saved me last night from jumping was the Sabres game and the Texas vs Texas Tech game, so I didn’t have to gouge my own eyes out watching the thrashers.

By Toby

November 2, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I will say one thing about a possible Kovy trade…I’m one of the few who believe it is time to let go…..at the right price.

At this point, we are not winning a thing with him and haven’t. Now he is pouting and isn’t giving any effort. If this continues, his stock will sink. I know he is the most exciting player on the ice, but with 5,000 fans in the stands with him, I don’t see trading him at this point makes it too much worse (can it get worse?).

I just think, if we can get high draft picks and young top prospects and first/second liners…we may as well give it a try.

That said….it looks like DW will be the one who pulls the trigger on this which is not good.

By Nikita

November 2, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

I’m fairly frustrated about the team myself, but I think it’s important to note what is and isn’t working.

1. Defense is more or less working. We are better at limiting shots and applying offensive zone pressure than we could ever have dreamed of being last year. It could work better.

2. Offense is not working. Well…it’s working in that people who previously did not contribute offensively are now contributing, and the strategy is better rounded. We need more shots on, and we need to be better at finishing.

3. Certain players aren’t working. Such as Hedberg, Kovalchuk, Christensen and Schneider.

So…what we need. Well, we need to put the Princess on notice that he needs to play like a professional, for starters. There is no excuse for an expensive asset who is supposedly the face of the organization to sandbag like that. None. Obviously the other underperformers need to be put on notice as well. We probably need to keep Pavs up.

By Brendan

November 2, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

LAC, I don’t think the team will fold. I think the league would step in to run it, first. The team is ‘solvent,’ so the NHL doesn’t care. I, too, wish we could have new owners. But there’s no way to ‘overthrow’ them, like a bad government. They run the team. It’s THEIR money. And if they were displeased with Waddell, they’d fire him. I kinda think the AS, LLC likes Waddell. And I further think that, as evidenced by the $45.8 million “Opening Night” budget, that the ownership PLANNED this to be a build year, with lottery draft position in mind. So, I hardly think they’re upset by what has transpired. This is PRECISELY what they thought might happen. The only “hitch” in the plan is the bluster about “trade dealine moves,” if the team is already out of it by then. At that point, the team will sell off assets and promise to address the deficiencies in the 2009 offseason. That’s how it works with them. Just review last season.

R.Stroz, “both” is the correct answer to the question. And add the lawsuit to the list of things that are wrong with the Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Club. If that lawsuit could just be resolved, it might free up some constraints that the ownership faces. And that would make it easier to fire Waddell and hire a top candidate to fill the position. But right now, they’ve got legal fees. Again, everything that has befallen this organization is “self-inflicted.” Failure to meet a timeline for filing an appeal to an appraisal. Procrastination on player contract renewals, coupled with a refusal to be PROACTIVE in re-signing key components of their rosters (until the Toby Enstrom contract, anyway). Failure to address a deficiency at the GM position when it first surfaced, etc. Yes, R.Stroz, more players will leave, when they reach UFA status, until the Thrashers are a serious contender or are, at least, a better-run franchise.

Sage, I don’t recall that specific quote. But it sure sounds like something they’d say. After the Custance Interview with Levenson last April, my jaw just dropped. At first viewing, I really thought it was something from The Onion. But then I realized, Bruce Levenson was SERIOUS. And things were far worse than I’d ever imagined. Don Waddell feels bad about what’s happened, I’m sure. He knows that he, alone, has made the personnel decisions for this club for nine seasons now. It hasn’t worked out the way he’d planned. Waddell would admit as much. Waddell is trying to BETTER the franchise from an extreme position of weakness. (1) The owners don’t empower him with money. (2) The sports agents who represent Tier I players have a ‘crisis of faith’ in Waddell’s abilities to build a winner. (3) Sports agents who handle Tier I playoers see the financial aspect of the Thrashers and steer their clients away from the organization, on that basis, too. (4) Well-established Head Coaches wait for a BETTER OPPORTUNITY than what the Thrashers can give them for their next assignment. Again, this relates directly to the ownership’s finances and decision-making abilities. Including its decision to RETAIN Waddell as GM, given the results through eight (8) completed seasons.

By Brendan

November 2, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

If ANYONE thinks attendance is suffering NOW, wait ‘til Kovy is traded. Which is PRECISELY WHY he won’t be traded. Not THISSSSSS season anyway. If Kovy is un-signed after training camp opens next September (2009), then it’s a very serious problem for the organization. And if not signed by the trade deadline in 2010, then the Thrashers will be forced to trade Kovalchuk. But we’re not there yet.

By Rockem Sockem Thrasher

November 2, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t buy the theory that the Thrash must keep Kovy to keep selling tickets.

WINS will get tickets sold.

Trade Kovy! The sooner we got Mr. Unhappy the better. Kinda of a sell high theory. The longer he goes playing as poorly as he does the worse the trade will be for the Thrash.

Also, Coach Anderson’s system made be partly to blame. Or maybe the players can’t figure it out. But it seems like a lot of the goals on us come from poor transition play.

The poor play of the Thrash is so hard to figure out. I mean this team plays nothing like the team from last year. Even after the Hossa trade they didn’t get blown out like they are now.

Yes send Kovy down to the 2nd or 3rd line. The top line should have the players that are playing the best offense not the players named Kovy. His place on the team should reflect his play. I vote for the 3rd line.

By Toby

November 2, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

BrendanAttendance is already awful and I don’t think anyone goes to just see Kovy anymore. He’s dogging it on purpose and his value only goes down if we wait till the offseason to trade him. I agree that wins and playoff appearances would make us forget this mess. Unless we get a true #1 center tomorrow…Kovy is gone anyway

By Tom

November 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Toby

So are you saying that Kolvachuk is pulling a Hossa a year early?

That I doubt. He will cost himself a fortune if he dogs it for 2 years…

By Toby

November 2, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

I agree Tom, but he just doesn’t look like he has in years past and even coach has said Kovy is real frustrated and is not working the “new system”.

Is he pullig a Hoss? I guess it’s too early to tell, but he’s not showing me otherwise

By Tom

November 2, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

We are having opportunities but are unable to get the puck in the net. ugh…

Talk about squeezing the sticks too tightly.

By Hotrod

November 2, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Alright , they are moving with a little more life, Theres a score!!!!! Koozy at 19:51.

Pav , could he be the spark we need?

By Toby

November 2, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I’ll say one thing that’s going well for the Thrash…Kamal is the best radio announcer in any sport. He keeps me totally interested in the game. I think he’s going to have a hernia calling a game. Even an icing call he’s yelling

By Tom

November 2, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

15-4 shots going into the second period. Can we survive this second period. Stay tuned, same Bat Channel, Same Bat Time…

By Tom

November 2, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Nice plays by Ilya and Little. 4-1

By Alan

November 2, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

A win? We … we won?

By sisu

November 2, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

The ownership has never hid the fact that they love Basketball, they just happened to have to buy an NHL team in the process…

By Tom

November 2, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

It was real Alan, we did win, you are back at Aunt Em’s…

There is no place like home, there is no team like Florida, There is no team like Florida…

By R. Stroz

November 2, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Was it just me or does Pavs have an issue with rebound control and proper postioning?

By Alan

November 2, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Stroz - Sounds a bit like the same thing said about Lehtonen, doesn’t it?

By BG33Brown

November 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice that 17 looked like he was benched in the 1st period. Minus the PP. I only saw him out there for about a 30 second shift early in the game.

And after that, what a game by 17. Finally nice to see him play as he is capable.

Pavs was very suspect, especially his rebound control. Also the first 30 minutes he was overplaying everything which led to the horton wrap around.

Overall, a win is a win and man did we need it.

By sick of bad hockey

November 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope that every loss leads DW one step closer to the chopping block. Since the owners won’t fire themselves, they need to get rid of the other person responsible for this putrid team.

Don’t blame Kovy—he is a man among boys and sick of playing for a lousy organization. If he goes—via trade or free agency—turn out the lights at Philips because that will be the end of the franchise.

By Brendan

November 2, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Guys, I hear what you’re sayin’ and I AGREE. Wins put butts in seats. But isn’t Ilya our best player? Isn’t he our best chance at winning games, as our roster slowly improves?

If you were an opposing coach, what’s your strategy for beating the Thrashers? Shut down Kovy, right? Well, until we get the kind of “depth scoring” like we did on Opening Night, Kovy’s fighting an immense uphill battle.

Explaining why we traded Kovy is a tough-sell to the vast majority of Thrashers fans. Most Thrasher fans I know want Kovy to play his entire career here, if possible. And once he’s gone. He’s gone. Is Heatley comin’ back? Is Savard? Is Coburn? Do you wish we still had them? Kovalchuks don’t grow on trees. He’s the most prolific winger in the NHL. I’m sure he’s just as stunned as we all are that Waddell is still the GM, that the owners STILLLLL haven’t bought out Belkin, and that Dan Marr is still a scout for the Thrashers. I’m sure Kovalchuk didn’t fail to notice that the team went 76-games without naming a new Head Coach. I’m sure Kovalchuk didn’t fail to observe that Waddell wasn’t fired in the offseason. And I’m pretty darned sure Kovalchuk didn’t overlook the team’s $45.8 million opening night budget, either. Especially as he contemplated the “major” offseason moves the team made.

Two years ago, Jon Sim had 5 goals before Kovalchuk got his first. Sometimes, Kovalchuk gets out to a slow start. Let’s not stress over attendance. Let’s focus on which players we still want to be here 3-5 years down the road. Kovy’s on my list of keepers.