AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKovy & Co. Cruise By Cats
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No victory comes at a bad time. But the 5-3 win over the Florida Panthers really couldn’t have come at a better point during the Atlanta Thrashers’ schedule. Had they not been victorious Sunday, the Thrashers would have been riding a seven game losing streak with three days before the next game. That is a lot of time in between games to allow a losing streak to affect one’s psyche.
Instead, the hometown ice combatants will be able to utilize the next several days to find ways to build off a big win as they prepare for games later this week against the Islanders and Sabres.
Last season the Panthers were 3-0-1 in Atlanta. Prior to last season, the Thrashers owned Florida at home. So much so that Philips Arena and Chinese restaurants were similar in that they were both places to be avoided by Cats.
Ilya Kovalchuk led the charge for Atlanta, netting a pair of goals and assisting on Bryan Little’s breakaway tally…a goal that made the score 4-2 with three minutes remaining in the second. This was the type of game we’ve been waiting for from Kovy this season and…like the win it’s self…could not have come at a better time for his team.
Equally impressive was his “non-goal” late in the game. After Todd White lifted the puck out of the defensive zone toward the Florida goal which had been vacated in lieu of an extra attacker, Kovy chose to simply run interference on a Panther defender…allowing the puck to continue into the net…instead of tapping it in for the hat trick.
Slava Kozlov continued his outstanding play, scoring his third goal in as many games. Unlike Saturday night’s consolation tally toward the end of a 6-1 route in New Jersey, he allowed himself a celebratory fist-pump after putting his team up 1-0 with only nine seconds remaining in the first. Kozzy now has 6 goals and nine points on the season.
Erik Christensen had a multi-point game with two assists.
In many ways, Sunday’s game was the first time the Thrashers have put together three solid periods in a game. Of course the score indicates such…but the stats tell the story even more. First off, Atlanta outshot Florida 31-21…taking 15 SOG in the first period and holding the Panthers to but 4 in the first and 6 in the third. Once on the scoreboard, Atlanta never allowed Florida to even tie the score.
Yes, you read that right…the Thrashers defense held an opponent to only 21 shots during the entire 60 minutes. This came as a very big help for young Ondrej Pavelec who was making his first start for the Thrashers after being called up to the team just the day prior. Kari Lehtonen, who has been “under the weather” the past couple of days, would consider a game in which he had to faced only 21 shots almost like a vacation.
Now, if we want to start pickin’ at nits here…we could point out that 18 saves on 21 shots is only a .857 SV%. Even considering Saturday night’s 6 saves on 6 SOG performance, Pavelec’s overall SV% is still only .889…but the fact of the matter is that Opie is 1-0-0 and that’s the line that matters most.
The big question now for John Anderson is…assuming Kari is “over” the weather later this week…do we see Pavs return to the Wolves or will he want to see if the kid can handle another start or two at this level?
Given Mike Knobler’s write-up on Sunday’s game…the fact that Pavelec will need to do some clothes shopping Monday indicates he may just be hanging around here for a little while.
Other Odds And Ends
After twelve games, Atlanta has found most of its success from inside the Southeast Division. The Thrashers are now 2-0-2 versus division rivals and 1-7-0 outside the Southeast. To that point, 16 of the 31 goals the Thrashers have scored have come during those four divisional match ups.
Too bad the NHL reduced the amount of intra-divisional games this season down to six from eight, eh?
Also, in the six games played during the three back-to-back sets played so far, the Thrashers are 2-3-1 and 1-1-1 on the back end of those sets. Five of the eight points gained in the standings have been won during those back-to-backers.
Not exactly blockbuster numbers…but much better than those from last year.
While Little and Kozlov share the team lead in goals with six each…the overall points leader is none other than Todd White. He has netted 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 total points.
Charmin continues to be…on a roll.
And Finally
I think I found something in the world of sports that was just as ugly as they way the Thrashers played last week…maybe even uglier. Have a look at this golf swing.
At least it was for charity.
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By LAC
November 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
A win is a win is a win… Finally.
Still this team needs much more balanced scoring…
By Brendan
November 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
I’m happy for Kovalchuk’s performance. He’s our best player. And I certainly understand his frustration over the direction of the team, not only lately, but since 2007. Trading him would be a major misstep, barring a virtual “king’s ransom,” for players who ALL have 5+ years remaining on their contracts. Which isn’t going to happen.
Hopefully, the team can rally around this game. Granted, it’s Florida. Not some upper echelon team. We just had our “litmus tests” with Detroit, the NY Rangers, and NJ. We didn’t fair well against playoff-bound teams. All I can say is … let’s continue to develop talent.
By R. Stroz
November 3, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
For this first time this season, I saw Kovy express some real passion for the game.
Hopefully, the boys can continue to push on and blow out the Islandturds on Thursday.
By Barry
November 3, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
Last season the Panthers were 3-0-1 in Atlanta. Prior to last season, the Thrashers owned the Panthers at home. So much so that Philips Arena and Chinese restaurants were similar in that they were both places to be avoided by Cats.
Oh man you HAD to go there didn’t you? :)
Charmin’s continues to be…on a roll.
Snicker…good one. :)
I’ll agree this was a very good 60 minute effort by our boys and very pleased to see the Kovy we are used to seeing when he decided to finally show up in the 2nd period. I wasn’t happy with his multiple turnovers in the first period but he rebounded. Now if this team could just believe in each other, believe in what Anderson wants them to do and stay with the game plan no matter what happens, then they should be alright. They just can’t go out and start laying rotten eggs and try and do individual play when things don’t go to their liking. Hockey is a team sport. Thrashers need to play like that every shift every period as the commercial says..”there is no I in team. There’s a T..E..A..and an M…but there is no I in team…period. Now there are periods in hockey…”
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 3, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
“there is no I in team”
No, but there’s an M and an E.
It’s only one win, and against one of the only teams worse than Atlanta (on paper). Regardless, I like seeing Kovalchuk and Little get on the score sheet, and perhaps Christensen can parlay this performance into getting himself back onto a scoring line, and out of the slump.
It’s still early, and the Ws were bound to come…but this definitely makes things interesting on the goalie front.
By tbone
November 3, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Can we start Pavs a couple more times and if it works out can we then start trying to trade a goalie?
By Sara
November 3, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
ranallo you hit it on the head. They beat a team in exactly the same situation we are in - new coach from outside the NHL, new system, issues with balanced scoring, a star player on the potential verge of an exit, coming in on a losing streak. DeBoer was pointing all that out before the game. So essentially we won the battle of the bottom. But it will be the mental relief of the victory that should help this team the most.
Some stark differences I noticed last night though…the team overall did better putting pressue down low in front of the goalie…and goals and victory resulted, imagine that. The PP is still the same perimeter passing crud…look at how even FLA generated a lot of down-low pressure. The Thrashers have to deal with that…learn to work on goalie screens, deflections, and having someone there to pick up junk rebounds after point shots (that need to actually hit the net). Shooting accuracy is a problem for this team that it shouldn’t have.
As for the goaltending…Pavs might get an extended look but frankly he hasn’t proven he’s better than Kari. He faced little pressure in the NJ game and gave up three last night. I’d still send him back for one more year of growth in the AHL, then bring him up and let him and Kari go head-to-head for a season. If for nothing else than to let the team try to get this new system down more before throwing yet another young goaltender into the fire.
Three long days of no Thrasher games but three long days of practice that begin on a positive note. Hopefully the team and coaches can address some of the lingering issues…like second period collapses, the PP, taking too many penalties, hitting the net on a regular basis, and having the forwards cover the D better. Actually awareness would be a better description there - more awareness of where teammates are and what they are doing and what is going on elsewhere on the ice (like when there was a huge gaping hole in the net cause Vokoun was stuck behind it and no centering pass with the puck to take advantage of it because the player seemed unaware and no one bothered to tell him apparently).
I also wonder if Anderson will do some teambuilding with the guys…this seems like the absolute best time for a team day-trip or something. They’ve got plenty of downtime this week, it will go better with the win under their belts…and they desperately need it.
By Russian
November 3, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Good Game against Florida. We had to win this game and we did. Pavs is looking Ok now and I hope he will start with NYI at Thursday. NYI is buttom on then leauge and he will handle it. If Kari will be fine I like to see him against Buffalo. Moose needs to take a brake, he was not good enough to save out asses.
By tommysteele
November 3, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Best Thrasher game I have seen in quite a while. New goaltender was not overly sharp but got more than enough offensive support. Know Kari Lehtonen would like to see that type of scoring when he is on the ice. Defense was adequate but three goals were too many. Still not sold on system. I see now why everyone considers Illya Kavolchuk a superstar. He was certainly one this night. Good win. Keep rolling on.
By Rockem Sockem Thrasher
November 3, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Sara In his post game interview, Coach Anderson mentioned team building plans some time before the next game.
Anyone know whats going on with Kari? First they say he’s under the weather, now he’s day to day.
Nice to see Kovy step up. Coach Anderson mentioned Kovy was hurt after his first shift as was in the locker room for about 10 minutes. Nice to see he came back out and played as strongly as he did. This is the kind of Kovy we need.
I know its just one game, but I’ll take it.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 3, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Rockem Sockem Thrasher — If Lehtonen had the flu I’d consider him day-to-day. If your player can’t decide between throwing up or blocking a puck, he shouldn’t play. Thus, day-to-day and under the weather is a proper description.
Remember, this season the coaches do not need to divulge as much information about why a player will not play. Thus you’ll see more “upper body injury” reports instead of “elbowed in the head by an oaf defender with a gap between his front teeth who blames it on ‘height differences’ and ‘style of play’ instead of the obvious dirty elbows that he throws each and every shift”.
As for Kovalchuk’s phantom injury…he said he needed to sharpen his skate, Anderson said he pulled something in his leg. I’m guessing Kovalchuk was being proud, and not giving his opponents anything to key on.
By Sara
November 3, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
As for Kovalchuk’s phantom injury…he said he needed to sharpen his skate, Anderson said he pulled something in his leg. I’m guessing Kovalchuk was being proud, and not giving his opponents anything to key on.
Who knows - maybe the new strategy is when Kovy gets p**, he walks back in the tunnel and cusses out a wall instead of a ref. ;)
As for Kari, I dunno. I saw something somewhere (the Nest I think) where the Chicago Wolves’ broadcasters mentioned Pavs got called up because Kari was having back spasms. That’s a wee bit different from my interpretation of “under the weather.”
And thanks Rockem Sockem - I remember reading Coach wanted to do some team building exercises with the guys early on in the season. That’s something that I think got skipped in the last season or two but that most organizations do. It’s especially critical for this team given all the new players and all the seemingly confidence issues - that “fragility” issue we keep hearing about (ad nauseum I might add).
By Hip Czech
November 3, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Anyone have a link to see Kovalchuk’s 2nd goal? Sounds like one worth seeing….
Thanks
By Bob
November 3, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Yes, Kovy looked much better, was skating harder and looked like he had the passion. That goal Horton scored on Pavelec was a nice play, it’s kind of strange how when Pavelec goes down, he leaves a lot open up top, you’d think for a big guy he’d take up more space, if he can get that worked out, I think he’s our goalie going forward.
By Tony C.
November 3, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
If you have NHL TV, they are showing highlights on NHL On The Fly
also highlights on NHL.com
17’s 2nd goal is just sick-no way he should be able to get that much zip on a shot while falling down….Wonder if the whole Pavalec thing is KL’s “wake-up” call? As in, ” Look here buddy, we got this other boy who WANTS to play ” ???
Good win against sub-par (at best) cometition but a W is a W and I’ll take W’s every time
GO BLUE !!!
By Jim
November 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Team played a decent game and hustled. But, we still continue to cough up the puck in our own end far too often leading to many good scoring chances. How many times has Exelby lost his stick when being pressed. Forwards give him a stick but we end up a man short. Why in the world is he still out there? He has no wheels, no grit, and no scoring ability. Also, we are getting nothing from Thorburn and Perrin. Let’s give Colin Stuart, Jordan Lavallee and Boris Valabik a chance. Good to see Toby playing back to last year’s form.
By joe
November 3, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Love the Chinese restaurant/cat reference,LOVE IT!!!!!!!
By Russ
November 3, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Good win last night. I hope they can carry that momentum over to another winnable game Thursday vs. the Isles.
By Andrew
November 3, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
jim- relax man, those guys are out there as niche players not to score 25 goals a year. If they put up 20 that is a plus. Perrin is stellar on the PK and Thornburn was throwing around his body great last night. I saw some good chemistry devolping last night and we don’t need to tinker with that just because we had 2 bad games… that happens.
I’m sure I’ll get jumped for saying this but if the Thrashers get 6 pts this week this is a new team that will start digging in hard and really be entertaining in JAs system.
By WW5
November 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
how long will it take letemin to get over his bruised psyche
By Alan
November 3, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I may be the only one, but watching Kari last week, I thought there might be something wrong with him and he just didn’t want to tell anyone. I can remember writing that out in this comment box at least three times last week before deciding I didn’t want to be stendec’d to death and deleting it.
But yeah, I think he’s injured with something just a bit more than the flu.
By glovesave29
November 3, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Well Alan, when being interviewed by legendary sportscaster Jim Carr, Dave “Killer” Carlson did admit to having the flu settle into his kidneys.
Perhaps the same thing has happened to Kari…
By Nikita
November 3, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
He looked pretty rough last week against Philly. Just not engaged.
Jim, I don’t agree with you on Thorburn and Perrin, especially not if your solution is Boris “crush the wrong guy, leaving the zone open” Valabik and Jordan Lavallee. They’re both playing fine so far, and haven’t had consistent lines to work with.
By dhj_1962
November 3, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
perrin and thorn are playing ok, just ok, the team need to be playing just ok, if they were, Thrashers would not be 3-7-2. MS game will pick up because of ZB being on the IR. I feel he might have been worrying about ZB’s play causing his play to suffer. lets see what happens…yalls thoughts?
By Nikita
November 3, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Just to put this in perspective, Eric Perrin has more points and a better +/- than half the team. Yes, he could do better, but he’s already doing way better than Valabik, Stuart, or Lavallee would, and doing it on whatever line he’s put on.
IMO, thorburn is also doing fine, He could do better, but I think that will come, As it is, he’s playing big and hard.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this
I feel he might have been worrying about ZB’s play causing his play to suffer.
I don’t see why that would change too drastically now that Oystrick is playing. True, Oystrick has more professional hockey under his belt than Bogosian…but not AHL experience, not NHL experience.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
Grr…
“but AHL experience, not NHL experience.”
I’m a moron.
By FormerIslesFan
November 4, 2008 5:20 AM | Link to this
Just some general thoughts.
This was the first full 60 minutes I have seen the Thrashers play the entire season. One thing that caught my attention was just how much the Thorburn/Boulton/Reasoner line was on the ice (including the opening face-off). I’m not sure about TOI for this game, but it seemed to me that this game, more than any other, Coach Anderson was making a distinct effort to “roll” 4 lines and distribute ice time.
I really like Oystrick the more I see of him. He was clearing people out of the crease every time he was on the ice and has a lot of confidence in Schneider being there to cover him when he roams. Exelby seems to be playing with a new purpose and the pairing with Hainsey seems to have done wonders for him. (Note: Did anyone see X’s comments after the Devils game about players needing to stand up on Sunday and start accounting for themselves).
When you watch the Thrashers come back into their own defensive zone, you can really see the box defensive scheme that Coach Anderson is putting into play. Reasoner and Williams each got my attention at how they slide back to cover the vacated point in the offensive zone when a defenseman pinches in and joins the play (as Anderson has repeatedly said he wants his defensemen to do).
Finally, RH, what, no shout-out for Lilibeter and I getting on the Kiss Cam (first time!)?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this
A GM gives in to a prospect’s demand to be traded…
It’s good to know that even Ottawa has the problem that their prospects feel they are not properly developed.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this
(Note: Did anyone see X’s comments after the Devils game about players needing to stand up on Sunday and start accounting for themselves)
Well, at least he fought, but he got his helmet handed to him in that bout. Sheldon Brookbank is no slouch, and paid Exelby back for cup-checking Clarksson. Clearly Exelby and Boulton were trying to goad Clarksson into a fight, but Brookbank took exception to Exelby’s stick between the legs.
By dhj_1962
November 4, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
ranallo, oystrick is not 18 and he has played in JA’s system.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
dhj_1962 — And he’s never played against NHL caliber players, just like Bogosian.
I understand the difference, but I don’t see it being enough to completely turn-around Schneider’s play. Basically I don’t feel his stats are purely Bogosian’s fault, but rather a slow start by a veteran defender who missed all of training camp due to his previous GM hanging him out to dry.
But you’re right, Oystrick will have less bumps in learning the system, but just as many learning the speed of the NHL.
That being said, does anyone else consider this year Enstrom’s second rookie year? He’s got a new coach, a new system, and was still acclimating himself to the NHL game after a surprisingly good rookie year…we might find out this season that Enstrom isn’t suited to play in Anderson’s system.
By dhj_1962
November 4, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
i am not blaming ZB, i’m just saying. not arguing. we could go back to JA’s statement that it might be January before everyone, he did say everyone, is one the same page in his system, then again, he said he is coaching his team like they are going to make the playoffs. i hope he is right. i think TE will work out fine. speed covers alot of mistikes, speed never goes in a slump..etc.etc. if they can put a few small winning streaks together and avoid those 3,4,5,6 and 7 game winless streaks, they can get out the cellar.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
dhj_1962 — Understood…I too was simply saying, not trying to argue an opinion.
I agree with Enstrom having an advantage because of his speed, plus his experience at this level, plus his usually solid decision making.
I do like seeing three youthful defenders getting a fair share of time on the blueline…that’s promising in and of itself.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 4, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
dhj_1962 — Understood…I too was simply saying, not trying to argue an opinion.
I agree with Enstrom having an advantage because of his speed, plus his experience at this level, plus his usually solid decision making.
I do like seeing three youthful defenders getting a fair share of time on the blueline…that’s promising in and of itself.
By Masha7Player
November 4, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
I was at the game Sunday and got to tell you…Christensen looked real good on the wing. Besides Kovy’s 2nd highlight reel goal and Little’s goal, Christensen had the pretty plays of the night. He had a couple of beautiful backhand passes, set up the Kovy’s first goal on a nice quick pass in front of the net and did anyone see his “tuck and pull and shoot” move in the 3rd period. Of course there was no goal, but that was some skill. I hope really hope this kid does work out for the Thrashers.
By dhj_1962
November 4, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
EC will do fine on the wing with JW and Kovy. He doesn’t seem to play well at center with Kovy.