AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStreaking, Filling Up Philips & Becoming One
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A week or so ago we were lamenting the fact that the Atlanta Thrashers were languishing in last place. Not just in the division…or conference…but in the NHL. Their .333 winning percentage at the time was worst in the league.
What a difference a week makes.
After Sunday’s 5-2 win on the road versus Carolina, the Thrashers now find themselves riding a four-game winning streak and in a much-improved situation in the standings. The winning percentage has improved to .467, which is 22nd in the league and the once-struggling O-fence is now producing goals at the rate of 2.93 per game, that’s 15th best. Also…and you may want to be sitting down for this one…the power play, which was awful for the first month of the season, is now 19.4% effective which is tenth best in the NHL.
audible ooohs and aaaaahs from the blogosphere
There is still much work to be done, for sure…but continuing the efforts of the past week-plus will go a long way to getting the job done.
Atlanta has scored 19 goals during these past four games. The White, Little, Kozzy line has been much talked about for good reason. But Kovy’s line has looked very good the past couple of games as well…accounting for 2 goals and 3 assists in both the wins in Buffalo and Carolina. Also, the third line chipped in as well during the last game, thanks in large part to a pair of tallied from Marty Reasoner. Yes indeed, we’re seeing some great play coming from John Anderson’s O-fence lately.
Not to be overlooked is the job Johan Hedberg did in the net over the weekend. His play in the third period of Friday’s game was outstanding and his 35 saves on 37 shots performance against the Canes was just what the doctor ordered for him and his team.
About the only thing disappointing for Thrashers fans right now is that the schedule calls for four days off between Sunday’s game in Carolina and Friday night’s rematch with the same Hurricanes team.
Which brings me to…
Let’s Fill Up Philips Friday
I normally don’t get on the “Come Out If You’re A Real Fan” soapbox. The way I see it, you are all big boys and girls and can decide on your own how to spend your money. But I gotta say…if you are one of those who have been taking a “wait and see” attitude about this Thrashers team, then maybe…just maybe…you need to wait no more and come out and see them for yourself this Friday.
Of late, this Thrashers team has been playing some of the most exciting, entertaining hockey that I’ve seen in many, many moons. I can just imagine how pumped this group of players would be to skate out to the roar of a sold out Philips Arena…and quite frankly, these guys deserve it the way they’ve been performing.
Think about it… you’ll get a chance to see a hard-working team that has played some very inspired hockey of late, it’s a Friday night, you’ll get the first look at the new third jerseys, plus…well…it ain’t gonna be on TV.
I’ll be there…section 119. Love to see everyone else there, too.
Become One…Literally
Now, the above having been said…there are two of you that shall be granted a full and total pardon for your lack of attendance this Friday. Those two being regulars in this forum that go by the handles of “ Former Islanders Fan” and “Lilibeter”. Their excuse being that they will be in the process of voluntarily institutionalizing themselves in the bonds of holy matrimony that evening!
Geeze…talk about “Becoming One”! That’s really taking a slogan a tad to the extreme, eh gang?
Now, I understand that the sentencing…er, ah…ceremonies are set to begin at 7:00 pm. But keep in mind you two…face off is set for a little past 7:30, so if you get the “I dos” and “He had betters” out of the way fast enough…there is absolutely no reason why the second and third periods are not makeable. Just sayin’…
But if not…I guess we all understand. In that light, I would like to propose a toast for you both at this time. So, if everyone will raise his or her cyber-champagne glasses with me…
ahem
FIF…I got news for you, dude. You are marrying WAAaaaay above your head. I know what I’m talking about here…I am a 19-year veteran at this marriage thingy. That’s 19 years as of today. That’s right, on November 11, 1989…in a little church just north of Tampa, Florida…the Divine Mrs. R and I agreed to be husband and wife.
We’ve not agreed on a gosh-darned thing since….
Anyway…if you simply remember, FIF, that she is far too good for…you’ll be just fine. I myself am reminded of that in regards to my wife each and every day…yup, every morning she reminds me, “Bill, I’m far too good for you”!
Lilibeter, you’d be well served to do the same…keep him in line, ya know. But if he does get out of line, a good stiff body-check against the boards should do the trick.
As you’ll both soon see, love may indeed be blind… but marriage is a real eye-opener!
Seriously though…congratulations to both of you! You’re a delightful couple and I pray that your union will be blessed from above and is as full of happiness and joy as mine has been so far!
So, go “Become One”…have a wonderful, marvelous time on your day Friday. I’m sure you will be a lovely bride, Lilibeter and that you, FIF will be…well, you’ll be… there. We’ll see ya both next time at Blueland.
The rest of you…see you at Philips on Friday!
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By GTthrashfan
November 11, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this
Let’s just hope the team hasn’t frozen over in the last few days without a game, worst thing possible during a hot streak.
Rawhide any insight/rumblings on this SI rumor?
I know I wouldn’t mind seeing ol glass-crotch Lehts get shipped off, but knowing who’s in charge of the trading what would we get stuck with in return?
By Sage of Bluesland
November 11, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Nice comments concerning our glass-groined wunderkind, GTthrashfan…I had to chuckle at a couple of them.
If our bumbling, lisping idiot of a GM DOES decide to trade Lehtonen (or Pavelec), I hope and pray it’s not to the Senators. Hasn’t blustering Donny given them enough?
He feels that it’s more important to be a “nice guy” and act with “honor” than it is to be, oh, acting in the best interests of the Atlanta Thrashers.
Same with that ridiculous extracurricular assignment with USA Hockey—which was a shambles. Donny hasn’t proven he can do even ONE assignment good; why completely overburden him with more than one? Two-plus things to do = utter disaster.
I think the past week is nothing more than a mere ‘blip’…Just wait until the opponents have their ‘sea-legs’ under them. We’ll see, then…
(and don’t trade with the Senators—unless it’s for half their roster…Donnie is completely outmatched and outclassed…Simply don’t do it!)
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 11, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
Congratulations FIF and Lilibeter.
RH — You did it again…jerk
By five_hole
November 11, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
Congratulations to Former Islanders Fan and Lilibeter. Here’s hoping you have many years of wedded bliss (to each other, of course). FIF, I’d like to pass along some advise. She’s right. it doesn’t matter what you know. Bite your tongue and get over it. I just saved you a dozen years of sleeping on the couch.
Will Schneider be playing Friday? And, does anyone think that’s a good thing?
By wristshot
November 11, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
I agree that the boys deserve a filled up arena on Friday night as a reward for their hard work and hustle over the last four games. Huge four point game on the line that night and I’m sure there will be some Canes fans in attendance.
By maali
November 11, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
aww happy anniversary!! :D give the mrs my congrats.
i’m shocked, SHOCKED, that you didn’t say nice things about the job pony did in net for us. everybody loves moose the most, the kids get no love!
By kracker
November 11, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Big congrats to Lilibeter and especially Former Islanders Fan. See, great things happened when you flushed the Islanders.
I will be in Blueland Friday, may it arrive asap. The Caniacs online were p—-ing and moaning about losing to the Thrashers! So, I invited them down for more fun and games and bade them a happy trip - back home.
Oh, darn, I see we’ve been infltrated with another gloom & doomer from the Thrashers team board. May they be thwarted by happiness during a huge Thrashers winning streak. Kari’s going nowhere, most likely. If he does it will be for a huge return, IMO.
By Nikita
November 11, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Congrats! I just celebrated my 9th anniversary.
I doubt we’ll deal Lehts at this juncture. Perhaps later in the season, if we are sure Pavs can be the #1.
As to Friday…I hope.
By Brendan
November 11, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Happy Anniversary, Rawhide and Mrs. Rawhide. Congrats to FIF and Lilibeter.
And FIF, when she says, “Fiiiiine. Go to the game with your friends. It’s not like you have obligations, here at the house. Enjoy yourself,” … there’ll be other games to attend. And, you signed up for this! Voluntarily.
By Christy
November 11, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Happy Anniversary Rawhide. Hope you are taking your wife out to celebrate. No excuse of a game tonight.
By Rawhide
November 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Five_Hole - Will Schneider be playing Friday? And, does anyone think that?s a good thing?
I’ve heard he’ll be ready to play but you pose a good question. Does Anderson stick with the same formula that has played so well this past week or put Schnieds back in? I guess he still has a couple days to figure that out.
Christy - Yes indeed, I will be taking her out!
maali - Yes, you are correct in pointing out that Pavs played well while here. Before I read Knoblers post that he was being sent back down, I was beginning to believe there was some fire to all that smoke in regards to Kari being traded away.
Purely speculative on my part…but I wonder if there was some sort of deal discussed to obtain some help up front, but the good play of the forward lines of late made DW decide to not pull the trigger just yet.
Or, maybe Kari was just under the weather as was reported all along.
shrugs
ranallo - hehehehehehehehehehehehehe
By PJ
November 11, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Rawhide! 19 years is a very long time - We should all be so lucky. Enjoy yourselves tonight kids! Congratulation Former Iles Fan and Lilibeter on “becoming one” Friday night. May you have a long and happy life together.
By Jason
November 11, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Someone over on the Thrashers message board posted this link about the Blues attracting fans to the game by selecting one random fan every Saturday home game and paying their mortgage/rent for four months. That is more along the lines of creative ideas this ownership needs to do to help get butts in the building, as long as they properally market/advertise the promo. While the main draw may be wins, there are great and relatively inexpensive ways to get fans to at least some of the games. What they lose in paying for promotions, they should more than make back up in concessions IMO.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=391783
By kracker
November 11, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t have a mortgage or rent…so I’d be a cheap date for the ASG :)
By Sara
November 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
I’m about to acquire a mortgage…I’d take the first four months free - I can think of plenty of other things to buy…new appliances, new paint, new furniture, oh that list goes on for days. :D
By Jameson
November 11, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
What I wouldn’t give to be able to make it to the game on Friday. Unfortunately, I’ll be at work from 4:30pm until 1:30am this Friday, so here’s to hoping that the 680 website has a good stream all game long.
By Alan
November 11, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Money is tight now, so no game on Friday for me.
With hours being cut at work (I’ve lost 24 so far this pay period), can you really blame me for not showing up?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 11, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Jameson — Go to the Thrashers website and you can get a streaming audio link there. It’s the same feed that 680 sends.
Also, you can find a realtime scoreboard on NHL.com.
By Jason
November 11, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Sara-My 4.5 year old town home is for sale in Kennesaw. I would pay the first four months of the mortgage if someone bought it. Hell, I’d even throw in a coulple of good seats to a half dozen Thrashers games. The market is pretty lean on buyers who actually qualify these days.
By five_hole
November 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Jason I hate to be the one to say it, but we ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Traditionally, the stock market is the forecaster of what will actually happen in about 6 months. The massive drop in the market won’t really show up until February/March timeframe. Add to that the projected Christmas sales are (optimistically, IMO) only 1% over last year, and the economy is going to be really, really scary for the next 6-9 months.
there is no warranty either expressed or implied in any market/financial advice and all rights are reserved
Sara if you’re comfortable/safe in your job, go for it. But I’m personally kinda scared by what I see/read/hear. Also, I don’t think Jason is alone out there. You might get a better deal in 6 months, probably wouldn’t get a worse deal.
I’m not committing for tickets because my wife & I are really worried about what’s going to happen.
By Tony C.
November 11, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
To FIF & Lilibetter-Congratulations! All the best wishes!
To Mr. & Mrs T.- 19 years? Congratulations (P.S. Y’all are ruining the curve for the rest of the class)!
By Jason
November 11, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I hear you five-hole. I put it on the market in August and have been really motivated to move it. Just can’t seem to find a buyer yet. The good thing about my situation is I am in a “want to sell” position, rather than “have to”. But, I got married, got a dog, and stopped traveling for work after I bought the place. So, we’ve been there almost five years, and just want the traditional next step change. Not a bigger house/mortgage mind you, just the flexibility back to move when the economy gets better down the road.
So far, the same with me on tickets. I’ve cut back on a lot of things since last spring. So far, I’ve only been to opening night and the Wild game. In past years, I would say I go to an average of 15-20 games. I can tell it will be less this year, unless the team starts consistantly winning and therefore convincing me to squeez the old wallet for tix.
By Tony C.
November 12, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this
bad@ss wiki today
By Sara
November 12, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
five_hole I’m actually in a really great position work-wise - I work for an independent CPA and our business overall is still very strong. We’ve lost a few accounts - all of which were residential construction surprise surprise - but not enough to cause a noticeable dent. Plus I’m still unlicensed - I have to finish up my CPA exams and my two-year work requirement, all of which will happen next year. So I’m lucky enough to know a year from now I’ll be making substantially more money. I’ll likely buy this summer when my lease expires, which gives me more time for the market to drop.
Jason I’d take you up on that except I work in Gainesville - bit more of a commute than I’d care to make.
On a hockey-related note, anyone besides me catch that Wings-Pens game last night? That was awesome! I am mad about one thing though - how come Hossa lit us up for two and couldn’t even score one against the Pens? That’s just rude.
By jerry
November 12, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Kari’s back-winning streak in jeopardy.
By glovesave29
November 12, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Sara…caught the game last night. Never thought I’d see the Wings blow a 5-2 3rd period lead - just to have their best player pick-pocketed in OT. That game winning shot was picture perfect.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 12, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
how come Hossa lit us up for two and couldn’t even score one against the Pens? That’s just rude
Uh…they have the same defense that won the Eastern Conference championship. I think that should explain it well enough.
By Get The Puck Out
November 12, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I watched it Sara and it was an awesome game. Any time the mighty Redwings get beat, especally the way they got beat in the third period is OK with me. Man it’s just to long between games- and Sportsouth is lettin all us hockey fans down. Dadgum it!!!
By FormerIslesFan
November 12, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Fellow Bloggers,
On behalf of Lilibeter and myself, I want to thank everyone for their kind words. We’ve had a chance to meet a number of you at games over the past season or so and those that we have not met we hope to in the future.
RH, believe me, I know that I am marrying WAY up. But, thank you for your friendship and kind words.
Sorry we won’t be joining you guys at the ‘canes game this Friday, but as you’ve read, we’ve got something else to do.
We’ll catch up with you soon…
FIF
By Steve
November 12, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
I’m ready for this game on Friday and thank goodness I have Center Ice and the Canes are actually broadcasting the game.
By Alan
November 12, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Re: Red Wings game last night… that was some Thrashers style “giving up in the third” last night. I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes. The D deteriorated like pressure washing a paper bag.
I guess there’s a little bit of the 2007-2008 Thrashers in every team in the league.
Congrats, FIF and Lilibeter …and to you, Rawhide and Mrs. R!
By Alan
November 12, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Oh, and surprise! It looks like Ruutu is in trouble again…
Yes, this time, the league has even scheduled a disciplinary hearing. Good. It’s about time the league stepped in and did something about his talentless goonery.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 12, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Alan — I don’t know…sometimes he’s got some pretty sweet moves. More often than not he’s headhunting, but I wouldn’t consider him as talentless as a Ryan Hollweg, or a Donald Brashear.
By Alan
November 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
ranallo - You read that wrong. I said his goonery is talentless, not the player himself. Though he will likely be most remembered for his goonery, much like Brashear and Hollweg.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 12, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Ahhhh, I see. He needs to become a master of the elbow, like Chris Pronger.
“He’s shorter than me! I had to throw my elbow out three feet to my side to hit him across the jaw — that’s called ‘defense’. I don’t intend to change my game because 95% of the league is shorter than me. The referees are clearly targeting me.”
By Alan
November 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
He needs to become a master of the elbow, like Chris Pronger.
Crouching Senator, Hidden Elbow.
By Sara
November 12, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
They can’t suspend Ruutu!!! He’s on my fantasy team!!! I need all those PIMS darnit!
Yeah Alan I was shocked at how sloppy the guys were in their own end last night. But major credit to the Pens for battling back. I may not have liked the outcome, but games like that are always great.
ranallo well that best-D in the Eastern Conference coughed up 6 goals total so I’m thinking that had nothing to do with nothing. It’s not like they neutralized Hossa - he had a bunch of SOG and a couple of assists. Just couldn’t finish.
By Jason
November 12, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Sara-I will give you Gainsville might be a little trek to make each day, so I won’t hold that against you…LOL. Good luck finishing your CPA requirements and finding a nice pad around there.
That was a great game last night against the Pens and Wings, even though I can’t stand either.
I’m sure Rawhide will start a new post about this, but who should start in goal for us Friday? Kari, because he’s ready and been a while since he played, or Moose because of his recent wins and long term success against the Canes? I’m up in the air on that one.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Jason — Lehtonen. He’s the number one goalie, there’s no point in letting him sit another game if he’s ready to play…in my opinion.
Sara — And the defending Stanley Cup champions coughed up a 3 goal lead and lost, giving up 7 goals in the process.
I would think returning Pittsburgh players were extra motivated to keep Hossa out of the goals column. Plus they have the talent to do so.
But you’re right, it’s rude of him not to torch Pittsburgh too.
By Lanny McDonald
November 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Jason — Lehtonen. He’s the number one goalie, there’s no point in letting him sit another game if he’s ready to play…in my opinion.
Ranallo, I will respectfully disagree with that. Lehtonen has not beaten the Canes since March 4, 2007.
He has lost everytime he has played them since that time. Hedberg looked decent against the Canes last weekend, so I would stick with him for this game, and start Lehtonen after that game.
By Jason
November 12, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Well, we may have our answer. I really hope this isn’t a trend this year. New Knobler article: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/thrashers/stories/2008/11/12/thrashers_lehtonen.html
This guy needs to be healthy, and playing pretty good for us to have a chance to win this season, or get anything worth talking about if DW wants to trade him.
By Tony C.
November 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Ok, does KL want to get traded?
I mean everybody not named Don Waddell is falling over themselves to praise “The Giant”… did KL think getting re-injured would shut them up.
While the overall vibe of the NHL is a humble, hardworking one based somewhere between the great lakes and the endless tundra/plains… one thing that bothers me is how once “the estabishment” decides what kind of player/person you are, you have to almost perform miracles to change that reputation.
KL has better watch out or he’s going to be the most talented backup in the league.
Once the frostbacks decide you’re “lazy” or “a prima-donna” it’s over. Look at #17! He’s still painted with that “selfish” reputation although if anyone bothered to watch the guy over the past two years they’d see how wrong that perception can be.
I like KL, I hope he gets over his troubles, but I’m not going to cry if they give the reins to Ondrej.
GO BLUE !!!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 12, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Lanny — I understand your point.
The way I see it, the past is the past. I don’t care if Lehtonen has NEVER beaten Carolina, he’s the best goalie on this roster and should be suited up no matter the opponent. He’ll never break a streak if you hide him from it whenever the Hurricanes are your opponent.
If you start protecting your goalie from a team who seemingly has his number, you’re hurting his confidence, showing your lack of confidence in the player to him and his teammates, and banking way too much on the past as an indicator of future performance.
So sure, agree to disagree. In my opinion Lehtonen is our best goalie on the NHL roster and should be playing in any game he’s physically able to play. If Hedberg was on a 2 game tear and posted at least one shutout, I wouldn’t be saying this…but Lehtonen is the man this team should be leaning on, and what better way to do it than instill confidence in the kid by saying “screw the past, start today with a clean slate”.
By Rawhide
November 12, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
&%$#!&-IT!
And I was just getting busy on my “Who’s Your Goalie” blog per your request Jason.
sigh
Well…looks like it’ll be Moose and Pavs may be racking up some more frequent-flyer points.
By kracker
November 12, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
…did KL think getting re-injured would shut them up.
Did I miss something new or this is referring to the same stiff back?
A stiff back - That just fits the trade rumur scenario way too well for people not to run with it! Which may be 9/10s of what this is trade thing is about.
By kracker
November 12, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
OK, sorry, I see it. groan….
By Russian
November 12, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Definitely, we have to call Pavs today and get ready to play at Friday. If Kari has a problem let him stay in press room. It will be very risky to dress Kari on Carolina. We have to continue to win game by game to make our team more professional. They can not loose tomorrow, because it will be lot of fans come to see them.
By h
November 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
This proves the golden rule of “You can NEVER have too many goalies”…..no reason to move anyone for a while……we need to see how things play out. I think you give Pavs the starts and keep Moose playing on back-to-back nights through next 3 weeks, then, and only then, see how Lehtonen is feeling. Why rush him back when you can give Pavs the minutes he craves and deserves.
By Rawhide
November 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
h - Good point.
At this juncture…I would just let Moose start Friday night. I mean, he did great against the ‘Canes Sunday, right?
Another question is Schneids. If he’s ready to go does Anderson start him? Again, same logic applies here as with the goalie situation. Why not start the same D-pairings as we did Sunday?
By Alan
November 12, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Brian Burke has been fired.
By Steely Dan
November 12, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Interesting news about Burke. I’d say fire Waddell and bring him in but isn’t he all but Toronto bound as it is?
By The Joker
November 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
If there is a sequel to the movie Unbreakable, Kari should play the part of Samual Jackson.
By Alan
November 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I’d bet he could be persuaded to work anywhere, but it does appear he has his heart set on Toronto.
Money talks, b****** walks. If another team put up the money, I’m sure he’d take it.
By Spud Webb
November 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Former Islanders Fan and Lilibeter & Rawhide (and wife) congrats Can’t make it to the game Friday. Things are just too tight. Thank god for the hockey package, it makes it just a bit easier not to be going to games. Hopefully after the new year. I see Kari is hurt again, re-injured. That stinks.
By Bob
November 12, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Alan, Brian Burke has not been fired. Like I’ve been trying to tell a few of you for a while, Burke is going to Toronto to take the highest profile position in this league. That’s why Tronna left the position unfilled last summer, they’re holding it for him. He is under contract in Anaheim until the end of this year, and he went to the Anaheim owner last summer and asked out of the contract so he could go to Toronto then, but Anaheim’s owner refused.
It’s beyond me why he’d want to keep him there when Burke obviously wants to leave to take the most high profile position in hockey, but that’s what the owner did. Word is that the owner and Burke sat down again and Burke probably told him in his easy going way “look numbnut, I’m going to hamstring your entire club in my last days here if you don’t let me loose” and the idiot owner finally wised up and let him go free so he can sign in Tronna.
By Kevin
November 12, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Would love to be in Blueland Friday, but I will be in HSBC in Buffalo for the Sabres and Blue Jackets, drinking Canadian Beer and Anchor Bar Wings. dont worry, my Thrash tickets are in good hands. I am sending two hockey novices. Be kind section 212.
By Bob
November 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I’d say fire Waddell and bring him in but isn’t he all but Toronto bound as it is?
You know what’s funny, Burkie fully expected to be our GM back in 1999 when we were getting operations fired up. He’s had the interview and was expecting the offer, which he would have taken, but they gave the job to Waddell.
Imagine where we’d be if but for that fateful decision? If not a Cup banner hanging, we’d at least have several deep runs so far.
By Alan
November 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Like I’ve been trying to tell a few of you for a while
That’s funny. Stating the obvious while the writing on the wall was written in neon pink lipstick isn’t “trying to tell” anyone anything. But hey, you’ve met your “smarmy attitude post” quota for the day, so I’m guessing you’re happy.
By Rockem Sockem Thrasher
November 12, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Looks like Kari is out for the next two games and Andre has been called back up.
Thrashers Press Release
By Jameson
November 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
ranallo- The feed from the Thrasher’s site is usually my backup if the 680 feed cuts out, since the Thrasher’s feed cuts off the post-game, I believe. I really like NHL.com’s new Gamecenter, but I can rarely get everything working right on it. It could be because of the proxy server I have to go through here at work. I dunno, but like you said, I usually pop up the realtime scoreboard as well.
By Brendan
November 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
I doubt the idea has even occurred to the AS, LLC that they could fire Waddell and hire Burke. I don’t give them that much credit for awareness.
By Buzzeng
November 12, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Classic line from The Joker! I’m beginning to think “Lehtonen” is Finnish for “glass groin”, or maybe “glass back”…!
By Sara
November 12, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
In six seasons with Vancouver, Brian Burke’s teams never got beyond the second round of the playoffs, and they only got that far once (Better than Atlanta? Yes. Desired results or truly impressive? No.) In Anaheim, he inherited at least half the Cup Championship roster, lucked into Pronger and Scott Neidermayer, and got to play with a nice fat checkbook to boot (something a GM here won’t have the luxury of doing).
And then comes his horrendous drafting. Out of his six seasons of drafting for Vancouver, there are 7 NHL players still in the league (Allen, Ruutu, Sedin twins, Umberger, Bieksa, and Kesler), and 5 were those “can’t miss” first round picks. 3 of them are no longer with that team. There wasn’t a single NHL player to come out of his drafting in 2000 and 2002.
There is also not one single player on the current Anaheim roster that he drafted (course they only have two drafted players on their roster period). Only Bobby Ryan has seen any time in the NHL (23 GP, all last season) out of Burke’s 4 drafts with Anaheim.
By contrast, out of Waddell’s first six seasons of drafting, there are 9 current NHL players (6 being first rounders) playing (Kovy, Exelby, Enstrom, Lehtonen, Slater, Heatley, Hordichuk, Coburn, Valabik). 3 are now gone, one not by choice. Out of the last three years of drafting, we have Little and Bogosian already contributing (injury notwithstanding) - Anaheim has jack squat. As I said, 2 drafted players on the current roster, versus 7 on our team (I’m only counting one goalie and Valabik, not Bogosian, since likely only one would be up here while the other would be in the AHL).
This is not a big market franchise and we do not have a limitless checkbook. In order to be successful in this market, a GM has to be able to draft very well, bring in a respectable free agent or two, and make the occassional savvy trade. Waddell is average in drafting, which isn’t quite good enough IMO for this market, but at least it’s average (as opposed to Mr. Well-Below-Average in Anaheim). He’s had some good FA pick ups and some very good trades … it would help if they had been done a bit more simultaneously.
Call for Waddell’s head all you like, but if you are going to start picking replacements, at least try to focus on someone with strengths suited to this market, not someone describable at best as mediocre.
By Sage of Bluesland
November 12, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
At this point, I’d take mediocre over pitiful any day of the week…
Now I see our glass-groined wunderkind is injured again. Wow. I’m glad we waited all this time—for ‘this’.
Thanks, Don. Good job. I can’t imagine where we’d be without you.
By Bob
November 12, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
You really should stick to your spreadsheets, Sara, you make yourself foolish typing such tripe as not someone describable at best as mediocre
It’s quite laughable of you to try to tear down the best GM in hockey per The Hockey News
And Alan with more sobbing. Ranallo should be here soon to complete the cluless trio. But I’m sure the 3 of you know more than Toronto, The Hockey News, and the knowledgeable fans in the league. Hoo boy. lol.
The guy’s the best GM in hockey, everyone in the league knows it, that’s why the highest profile job in the league awaits him. Is he a complete a*? Sure, but as Don Waddell proves year in and year out nice guys finish last
By LAC
November 13, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this
And to follow Sage with some comments from the trial, Which I Hope David McDavid WINS, I see that LIAR worthless piece of $hit rutherford snydel is LYING yet again… This time in a court of law.
I simply cannot believe guys like this snydel, get off with lies, lies, and more lies.
When will THEY ever tell THE TRUTH and quit acting like they know everyuthing when they know nothing ???
It is WAY past time they EXITED the sports business once and for all, I hope they get trashed by Bilkin and get dumped on their collective BUTTS !
I will say it again, rutherford snydel you are a stinking LIAR and COWARD. go away as quickly as possible,we do not need a STUPID IDIOT like you around the Thrashers, I hope you get your stupid looking face smashed by a puck, I’d do it but you are a gutless coward and you’d stand up for yourself !
Carolina looks Fragile at this time, outscored 10-3 in last two home games, We cannot take lightly, but looks like they will be ripe for the picking…
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 13, 2008 4:46 AM | Link to this
Jameson — I have the same problems with Gamecenter. I liked last season how you could simply choose between which audio feed you wanted to listen to. In certain games (like Carolina versus Tampa Bay) you had the opportunity to pick between which idiots you wanted to listen to.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 13, 2008 5:10 AM | Link to this
Re: Anaheim — I’m curious if Murray will be their GM next season too, or if we’ll see Nonis take over the position as I suspected once he was hired in Anaheim. From everything Burke has stated, Murray handles most of the work already…so he’s the logical choice as immediate successor. Once this season is over, however, my thought was that Nonis would take over as GM and Murray would either follow Burke to Toronto, or take the same role for Nonis that he was for Burke.
Toronto fans have to be going CRAZY today.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 13, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
You know, I wish we could vote on the Young Stars game. Is that going to be played this season? If so, I fully expect Little to get a roster spot.
By Get The Puck Out
November 13, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Do you think we could talk Donnie boy into trying to to hire Burke to take his job?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 13, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
An ESPN story by Scott Burnside about the possible destinations of Burke
I like the first sentence about why Toronto is a likely destination…
Sure, everyone knows the Leafs have been interested in Burke for months now
By Get The Puck Out
November 13, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
I liked what Burnside said about the Thrashers and Burke. That would work with Donnie in the front office and him GM, but i believe i’d save a little money and send Donnie out the front door. He’s not gonna come to Atlanta because of all the turmoil that is surrounding ownership, but there is such a thing as devine intervention. Just hope thrashers keep playing with SPIRIT - no pun intended. Also read on The Hockey News Rumors that Lets could be on the move. Looks like a few teams could use a goalie.
By Get The Puck Out
November 13, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
By the way - what do you think of the new third jersey?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
November 13, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
GTPO — Fugly.
By Rawhide
November 13, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
GTPO - On first glance in photos…I’m not a fan. But I’m willing to hold off my official opinion ‘til I see ‘em in person tomorrow night.
ranallo - Got ya again!