By **THRASHYOU**

November 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

RAWHIDE If Kari was traded to the Sens or anyone for that matter, what do you think we could get in return? who would you want from OTT? LA? Who do you think needs him the most?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 13, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I just don’t like messing with things when they are netting positive results.

I would agree with this statement IF the team were playing close to perfect…but that’s not the case.

In my opinion there is always room for improvement, and tinkering is not a bad thing if you leave the core things in place the helped you succeed, while moving around the parts that kept you from being perfect. Practicing fundamentals helped (there was a good write-up by Knobler on that part), but roster changes can always help too.

True, there’s a risk of it hurting more so than helping…but no matter what happens there’s always something to point the finger at as being THE reason things failed, the team lost, or whatever you decide to focus your frustrations on.

So, though Hedberg had a fine game in the last one, he wasn’t perfect. The team wasn’t perfect. Tweak it, try to make it perfect. Pavelec is the better goalie (as is Lehtonen), so in my opinion that’s one step towards bettering the team, as opposed to staying status quo.

Personally I don’t think the team, as it played the last four games, is good enough to leave things untouched. But, that’s my opinion.

By Steve

November 13, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I agree we should start Moose against the Canes, but with our recent struggles with the Flyers I would give Pavs the nod to try and turn things around. I think if we roll into Philly and play a close game - regardless of whether we win or lose - then it should be considered a good sign after the thrashing the Thrashers took a couple of weeks ago.

As far as the D goes, I would not start Oystrick over Schneider. I will be the first to admit that Matty hasn’t played the best hockey lately, but he’s a veteran and he knows what to do and how to turn it around. I think it only helps to have that veteran presence on the blue line.

Regardless of what JA decides to do, I’m ready for some Thrashers hockey! It feels like it has been well over a week since the last time I’ve seen the boys in Blue (I guess they’ll be in red tomorrow) play. Beat the Canes and get 2 points tomorrow night!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

To clarify my statement “but no matter what happens there’s always something to point the finger at as being THE reason things failed”, this is what I mean:

If the team changes nothing and loses Friday — people will blame the coach for not changing anything, or Hedberg for having a bad game, etc.

If the team changes some things up and loses Friday — people will blame the coach for changing things during a winning streak, Pavelec for having a bad game, etc.

If the team wins despite the changes made or not made — people will complain about the manner the team won, the sweaters they wore, the attendance, etc. Such is life during winning streaks, because no matter the outcome of the game some people will always find something to complain about.

By glovesave29

November 13, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Speaking of change…Jason Blake wants out of Toronto. He’s at $4.5M this year, but the last two seasons of his contract are at $3M. He brings energy and grit, and it only a year removed from a 40 goal season. Toronto still has hopes of landing Sundin, so they need to make salary space. Trade for him for “future considerations”?

By Russian

November 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

to glovesave29 Yes Jason Blake???? Hm, I was thinking about him lately. He is left wing. I did not see place for him in our Roster. i do not want to mess with 1-st and 2-d line. They were usually scored a goals. 3-d line for Blake will be good, but he is more offencive forward. We can take off Throburn from 3-d line. I do not know about BLake. But it is very intersting thinking. By way, I got my ticket, I will see everyone at Friday. I will sit up HIGH!!!:-)

By Rawhide

November 13, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

THRASH YOU - I really have not given much though to trading Kari…much less whom I would want in return. However, who I would “want” would certainly be different than who we would probably “get”….I mean, I would “want” Alfredsson or Spezza or maybe Pecard on defense…then the question becomes who do you drop from the roster for those players…Maybe Boulton or Valabik or Oystrick?

Same with LA…I would love Kopitar here…maybe that kid Dustin Brown, (although he does tend to rack up PIM).

But that ain’t gonna happen anyway. At least not now…he could be perceived as damaged goods unless he returns to play soon and goes several weeks without a relapse with his back.

Regarding LA…would they WANT to trade for a goalie right now? Erik Ersberg is 3-1-1 with a .904 SV% and 1.93 GAA. I doubt they are in the mood to give up a Kopitar for a goalie right now.

By Tony C.

November 13, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Again, here’s what that StL. Blues marketing team is up to now

By B. Thenet

November 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I would go with Pavelec in net. Moose has a tendency to fall off a bit after a couple of decent efforts.

Hopefully we can kick the Canes while they are down, they have gotten thumped their last outings, by us and the Caps. Poor goaltending was the root cause of both losses.

By The Other J.B.

November 13, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Seen alot of ‘Trade Kari’ rumors online THRASH YOU. If he is going to be traded, it hasn’t happened yet. He didn’t skate, but he was at the Ice Forum this morning.

By Scotty

November 13, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

RIDE THE MOOOOOSE!!

By Bob

November 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Yep, run with Moose again. The Canes are going to be gunning for us tomorrow night, they’re not running so well lately and need a win, should be a good game.

By kracker

November 13, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

One of the failings of the Waddell-as-coach era and the 2nd half of the Hartley coaching tenure was the inability of those coaching regimes to have the team come back sharp following the longer layoffs. Generally during those years the team would come out very flat if they had 3 or more days off. How they were playing before a break didn’t seem to matter. Home or away didn’t seem to matter. Observing other teams performance after a similar layoff made it seem to be more of a Thrashers problem.

How JA and staff fares tomorrow in having the team sharp will be most interesting to see.

By JayBird

November 13, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

RIDE THE MOOOOOSE!!

I tell my girlfriend that all the time!

By kracker

November 13, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

JayBird Paraphrasing Bush 41: “Not going to go there. Wouldn’t be prudent.”

By Brendan

November 13, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

My feeling is that Kari will not be traded; he’ll be re-signed. Uhh, in June. Probably right after the draft, but before the July 1 “frenzy.”

It is a mistake to trade him, in my opinion. First off, we’re not going to get enough compensation for what a former 2nd overall pick should bring. Second, even if Kari isn’t the best Atlanta goaltender, he’s at least #2. And having him as our #2 goalie has value. Especially at $3 million. If Kari doesn’t improve his situation any, he won’t make more than that, or much more than that, in his next contract. The length of that contract is up for grabs, however. Kari is restricted until July 1, 2010. Then, and only thennn, can Kari finally test the waters of unrestricted free agency. So, Don’s got a choice this offseason (2009). He can lock Kari up on a 5-year deal, or he can try out a 3-year deal. Or, if Kari is eyeballin’ the exit, a 1-year deal. If Kari re-signs on a 1-year deal, Waddell might have to move him at the 2010 trade deadline. I’m more inclined to believe he’ll offer Kari a 3-year deal in this offseason. It gives the team some flexibility until 2012. Hedberg’s contract runs through 2010. I’ve forgetten Pavelec’s contractual situation. But I’m 100% sure he’s still restricted. And unless the Thrashers are stupid, (let it go… let it go,) they’ll match any RFA offersheet. Ideally, they’ll be PROACTIVE in re-signing Pavelec, like they were with Toby Enstrom. Slowly … slowly … the Thrashers are beginning to grasp the dynamics of being an NHL team.

By Jameson

November 13, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Isn’t the question Schneider or Valabik as apposed to Schneider or Oystrick?

By kracker

November 13, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Bryan Little…he’s legal for a beer now!

By Rawhide

November 13, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Jameson - It could be…but the way I have viewed it, Valabik is in due to Bogosian’s injury. But the way you pointed it out could be the case as well.

Either way, I still say let Schneids sit ‘til it’s completely better.

I understand that Schneider skated during practice, but left the ice when they started running their drills. Could be precautionary…

By Alan

November 13, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Bryan Little…he’s legal for a beer now!

I almost made this same mistake yesterday.

Legal in the US, sure. But in Cambridge, Ontario, he could drink when he was 19. :)

(And if you’re going by birthplace, he could drink at age 18 in Edmonton, Alberta …and drink underage with parental supervision!)

By Sharon

November 14, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

Realistically, I think Lehtonen could “thrive”, but not here. The unsavory mix of his issues and the team’s issues seems difficult to overcome, at least anytime soon (we all know the history so I won’t write a laundry list) . If it comes down to Lehtonen or Pavelec, I’ll take Pavs. At this point in their respective careers, both are a bit of a gamble.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 14, 2008 4:21 AM | Link to this

If it comes down to Lehtonen or Pavelec, I’ll take Pavs.

So you’re picking the guy whose agent publicly called “foul!” and all but demanded a trade from Atlanta?

I think it’s far too early to give up on Lehtonen. As Brendan has pointed out, he’s restricted this season, as is Pavelec…in my opinion the decision does not need to be forced now due to an injury, poor play, et ali.

I also feel that giving Pavelec the reigns so soon after his agent’s temper tantrum would send a bad signal across the league that this organization can be bullied into making roster changes.

By Bob

November 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Lehtonen has proven every year that he’s fragile. Remember all the groin injuries when he was in Chicago? Remember the groin injuries with us? Remember the monkey puck? The blue hair? The drinking? The back is out? The constant mental breakdowns? Name me one other #1 goalie in this league that’s had all the problems he’s had?
Goodness, if you don’t see that this kid just isn’t up to being a #1 goalie, well, you’re just not capable of seeing reality for what it is.

But this is just another thing that we’re learning in this build year, whether or not Kari can be our #1. I think we already see the answer.

By Tom

November 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I was thinking back to Pavelic’s outburst after being sent down.

My initial viewpoint was he was a prima donna. He needed to man up and go down.

But now I was thinking that maybe he saw something we did not. He did share a locker room with Kari and he may have seen behavior that was, how shall we say this, lacking…

What if Pavelic was annoyed that the Thrashers would keep a moron like Lehtonin and not himself. He may have been p** over that and figured the talent analysis of the team was so poor he wanted to get out.

This is completely out of left field, but it could explain some of his antics. Competitors hate not being in the game when someone not worthy is taking their place.

By Alan

November 14, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I was thinking back to Pavelic’s outburst after being sent down

It was his agent who complained loudly and proudly, not Pavelec himself. We honestly don’t know what Pavelec thought or felt, because all we heard from was his agent.

By PJ

November 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Roll Call Who’s going tonight?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Goodness, if you don’t see that this kid just isn’t up to being a #1 goalie, well, you’re just not capable of seeing reality for what it is.

And apparently neither does Anderson, Hartley, or Waddell. Good point though.

If Lehtonen wasn’t capable of being a #1 goalie, why would there be so many rumors about where he’s going to be traded? In your world are those pundits all trying to lock up their backup position??

Think of it like you do about Burke. You feel he’s obviously good because people are clamoring for his services (and an article from 2007 agreed with you). Well, according to many of the same rumor mills, people are clamoring for Lehtonen’s services.

So, one could surmise that people other than yourself feel Lehtonen can be their #1 goalie, and are willing to gamble on him despite those superficial issues that have no bearing on his talent as a goalie — issues that haven’t been even mentioned as being a problem in the locker room, where it would truly matter.

Dyed hair? PLEASE. It was two years ago, get over it already.

By Bob

November 14, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Who’s going tonight?

This will be my first game of the year in person. I apologize in advance for our loss tonight, as I’m obviously the jinx.

BTW, I got two tix in Section 116 tonight. I hope there’s room!

By Rawhide

November 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

PJ & Bob -The youngest tax exemption and I will be in 119 row J. Look us up…OK?

By NASCAR Dave

November 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

RAWHIDE - I’ll be there with the fiance and my nephew. It will be his first hockey game.

By NASCAR Dave

November 14, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

BTW, I got two tix in Section 116 tonight. I hope there’s room!

Very cool BOB… Maybe I’ll stop by and talk with all of the INVESTORS (snicker)…

By Sharon

November 14, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

So you’re picking the guy whose agent publicly called “foul!” and all but demanded a trade from Atlanta?

Absolutely. I doubt that a decision will be made right now, but rather in time. Either way, I’d still pick Pavs.

I don’t agree with the agent’s approach, but I understand their concern. Pavelec’s path to the NHL is in limbo as Lehtonen’s drama plays out over yet another season. That would burn me too.

From what I’ve seen over the years, I just don’t know that Lehtonen will ever be stable, strong, or committed enough to achieve his potential here. Tie that in with this franchise’s issues (roster, player development, commitment to winning, spirit crushing, the list goes on) and the outcome is, as always, a big question mark. It’s just a bad mix.

I could see why other teams would be interested in him though. Maybe I see him as they do, a possible jewel in the junkpile. A solid franchise may be the polish he needs to mature and thrive. Lehtonen may never get that here.

By Sharon

November 14, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Last but not least (haha) - I’ve not completely given up on Lehtonen, I just think his potential would be best realized with another team (see prior post).

As a fan, I’ve taken too many dizzying spins on the Kari-Go-Round.

By Bob

November 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Very cool BOB… Maybe I’ll stop by and talk with all of the INVESTORS

Come on, ask me what I paid for them? ok, $25 for the pair. lol.

As a fan, I’ve taken too many dizzying spins on the Kari-Go-Round

I completely agree. Time is up with him, got to move on.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 14, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Sharon — All good points, I can’t disagree with you there.

In the long run I see two different types of goalies. One (Lehtonen) who has all of the talent in the world, but needs to things to fall in place for that talent to be fully realized. The other (Pavelec) a goalie with solid talent, but not heads and shoulders better than his contemporaries, but who makes up with a competitive fire and desire to succeed.

Since watching Pavelec play in Chicago I’ve been torn between which goalie I’d like to see as the main man in Atlanta. I don’t know which of the two I prefer, because they both have their pluses and minuses. However, so long as one of them is the goalie for this team over the next few years, I will be content.

In my opinion the problem isn’t how good these goalies will become, it’s how good the team in front of them will help them become. You can have a swiss cheese defense in front of either goalie and the results will be the same…so what would it matter who was in net? Likewise you could build a steady defense in front of either, and the team could succeed.

For me, I tend not to focus on a position that this team truly has solid depth at (for possibly the second time in the history of the team), and rather focus on the other pieces that I feel would make this team better in the long run. Lehtonen or Pavelec…either way I feel this team is in good hands.

And unless the return pieces are substantial, I don’t think either should be dealt while they’re still eligible for restricted free agency.

By glovesave29

November 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Whoa! Melrose just got canned by the Lightning!

By Alan

November 14, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Barry Melrose just got canned.

Who didn’t see this coming?

By Brendan

November 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. I give you Tampa Bay Lightning owner Oren Koules at his finest, Bolts fire Head Coach Barry Melrose

By Brendan

November 14, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Well, 2-0 Thrashers. And this, including Cam Ward robbing Bryan Little in the 1st period in one of the best saves of the year. Reasoner scored on a nice feed from Colby Armstrong. In the 2nd period, Eric Perrin got his 1st of the year on a nice pass from Eric Boulton, also assisted by Jim Slater. Yep, that’s right. It’s not a misprint. Perrin, from Boulton and Slater.

By Tony C.

November 14, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I dunno if yall’re aware or not-but Yahoo! is streaming the game

By five_hole

November 14, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

The Lightning already had LeCavelier; they got the rights to draft Stamkos; now I think they want to get Tavares too?!?

Great game so far. Enstrom came back to make an outstanding play on a breakaway; really highlight reel stuff. Moose has been solid in goal.

Also this may be the 1st game in a long time where we played a solid second period. I was shocked.

These 3rd uniforms may grow on me eventually. I like the “THRASHERS” across the front, but it’s the Thrasher head on the shoulders that make it look funky.

By Jameson

November 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

So much for calling the Bolts the Mullets. I was looking forward to that on my birthday, or mullet wig night as ASG calls it this year (when Tampa is in town BTW).

Looking at the differences between Pavs and Lehts, I can’t help but think that Lehtonen is likely to have one amazing season in his career where he may break all kinds of single season records, but likely won’t have another like it. Where Pavelec is more likely to give you a chance year in and year out.

If I had to pick one to stick with, I don’t think I could just say Pavs because he’d be more likely to consistently get us to the playoffs because I can’t trust that he’ll stick around. Let’s not forget it was around the same time that all his drama unfolded this off-season that his agent was in an article bashing the Southeast Division. What worries me is that he listened to his agent, and went home instead of to Chicago. What happens when he becomes unrestricted, and his agent tells him to take a couple million less than we offer him to play anywhere north of the Mason Dixon Line? I’m worried he’s going to be just another player looking for a way out of town once we give him a chance.

I don’t think we can afford to lose either of them right now. Although, trading one of them may wind up being the only way to get the players on the ice we’ll need to keep Kovalchuk.

By five_hole

November 14, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Yahoo is streaming the game, but you need to use this link Make sure your yahoo userid has a non-Atlanta zip code.

By NIKITA

November 14, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Wow, this game sounds good. Woo, Eric Perrin!

By Jameson

November 14, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Rawhide- After that holding call, I think the question is almost definitely going to be Schneider or Valabik.

By Alan

November 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I seriously held my breath through that entire sequence of events in the last two minutes of the game, but it was really nice to see Atlanta pull out the win.

Now to increase the streak to six!

By Tony C.

November 14, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

five-hole-

Thanks… I forget sometimes.

Loved the Boulton-to-Perrin goal, Ward had no chance.

Almost had a heart attack that last scramble @ our net, but our boys pulled through…I wonder when we are trading Lehtonen? I’m not buying a bad back for 2 weeks in a row.

Good win, looks like the guys are buying in, and maybe just maybe we can set a new franchise record with a win in Philly!

GO BLUE !!!

By Steve

November 14, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Definitely not the best played game of the year. The PP didn’t look good and the PK was mediocre. Too many bad penalties as well. But, a win is a win and I’ll take it. Lets see Pavs in net against Philly and hope to make it 6 straight and a new Thrasher record!

By Tom

November 14, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Steve

Think of it, 2 weeks ago we would have never expected to win ugly. To win was taking our best effort and that was not good enough.

Now we did struggle tonight but overall we played solid hockey. Good job boys, and to the Carolina announcers, you just made JP look good!

Keep up the good work boys, you earned this one tonight. I have not seen the Thrashers lay out for pucks and blocks in a long time like they did tonight. Attitude and effort are everything in hockey.

By Brendan

November 14, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Thrashers hockey has never won six (6) in-a-row before. Will this be a new franchise record? The Flyers aren’t off to the start they’d hoped for, but now … they’ve got Matt Carle, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

My two “adopted” Western Conference teams both had good nights. Columbus beat up on Buffalo, 6-1, and the Chicago Blackhawks rallied from down, 3-1, to earn a point in a 4-3, OT loss to St. Louis.

It was great to see Atlanta take a four-point swing off the ‘Canes. Eight, if you count the last two games. (That’s denying Carolina 4-points, while taking 4-points in the standings, makes an eight-point swing, lest there be some confusion about this.) John Anderson’s system seemed very aggressive tonight. I liked it. Slava Kozlov got the GWG. Well done, guys. Go Thrashers!

By Brendan

November 15, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Steve, if the Thrashers go with Lehtonen, I’d bet the Flyers counter with Niittymaki, whom Kari has never defeated in the NHL. Wouldn’t it be great for Kari to get off the schneid, while at the same time, establish a new franchise record for consecutive wins?

But, my feeling is … we won’t see Pavelec. I think Pavelec should start, as Steve said. Let’s see what JA does.

By R. Stroz

November 15, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

No more mullets, Melrose is fired

By Sharon

November 15, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this

ranallo10 - There’s a new blog, but what the heck, I’ll respond here anyway (haha).

Great breakdown on the goalies, I think you nailed it.

The overall skill of the team is typically pretty sketchy, and that’s where most of my worries come in. Lehtonen has always seemed rather fragile and our defense (though improved) may be emphasizing that. I think that Pavelec would be better able to mentally and physically handle the onslaught in the long run.

From what we know, management seems content with the goalie situation right now. We’ll see what the future holds. I wish the best for both Lehtonen and Pavelec. It’s kinda odd, with our goalie surplus it’s like being in a good and bad situation all at once.

Now, on to the fun stuff. It sure is nice having a winning streak to enjoy :)

By dhj_1962

November 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

anyone who knows hockey knows KL has more talent than Moose or OP at this point, but winning is everything and Moose and OP have been winning. it will be intresting to see how the TEAM acts when(or if) KL gets back in net