By trlblzr

November 20, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

what a load of crap from those Pens-biased refs tonight… White wasn’t just assisted to the boards, he was knocked the f**k out. no call. X is interfered with. no call. but as soon as Ms. Crosby is put on her butt, penalty on Thor. oh no! you can’t touch the Anointed One™! two minutes for you! even Darren said in the post-game that should have been a Thrash power-play at the end. I’m blind! I’m deaf! I want to be a ref!

Pavs played great tonight, especially during the 5 on 3. some great saves!

By The Joker

November 21, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

How do you tell the difference between Cindy Crosby, Danielle Briere, and stendec?

You can’t, they whine, they flop, they should all be a mop.

By The Joker

November 21, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

Thanksgiving is coming and we still have the same turkey as a GM.

By LAC

November 21, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

I really have to say Crosby is NOT anywhere near a GREAT player, In my terms he is slightly above average. Why all the hype is beyond me… Just not THAT good.

But when it comes to looking out for the leagues poster boy, the ref’s do exactly what the league wants… Help him win !

Nothing but a LITTLE crybaby in my book, amazing how anything can be done against Atlanta, and how dare Atlanta beat Pittsburgh… Damn shame, wish some beat writers would take the refs to the woodshed once in awhile !

By The Joker

November 21, 2008 3:51 AM | Link to this

In order to add a little levity to the blog, I have decided to start a new blog game show:

Are you smarter than a stendec

Each day one Atlanta sports related question will be asked to see who knows the answer.

If you answer the question correctly, you are smarter than a stendec.

So lets try a question.

Which two bloggers, while standing at the top of the Islanders player’s tunnel after a Thrashers/Islanders game last season, informed Mandy Sutton that he still sucks even though he is getting paid 3 million dollars per year?

By The Joker

November 21, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

As a corollary to the above mentioned blog game, I will be taking suggestions for a new comedy routine:

You might be a stendec if…..

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 21, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this

The Joker — I can only remember half of the answer to that question…I guess I’m not smarter than stendec. Damn.

LAC — I would disagree with your statement about Crosby, though I would agree that he is overrated based on the promotion he gets from the league. He’s amicable (one plus), he’s a good playmaker (another plus), and he is an adept scorer…all combined make him a jackpot in the league’s eyes. However, it’s not just the NHL that loves the kid, the GMs also do. There was a pole of NHL GMs over who they would choose to build their team around (beginning of the year, done by TSN), and if I recall correctly Crosby beat out Luongo and Ovechkin as being the favorite among all NHL GMs.

Granted, there is probably a good argument stating that Crosby’s support from the NHL marketing department would be enough to make any team he plays on an instant draw, so the GM data isn’t exactly flawless due to the fact they are interested in running the franchise as a good team and a good business.

Anyway, I think he’s a better player then you give him credit for. I don’t think he’s the second coming, and would probably choose other players to build a team with before I’d choose him…but that doesn’t mean he’s merely mediocre. He does seem to whine a lot, but so did Gretzky.

However, I liked Semin’s take on him as a player, and as a person promoted by the league. I liked Semin’s honesty.

By five_hole

November 21, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Sometimes the calls go against us; sometimes they go our way. In theory it should all even out. I’m just hoping White is OK. And why, even in a close game, didn’t ANYONE go after Letang? Especially in light of our last discussion; someone should have at least called Letang a bad name; made fun of his haircut; something. The rule is; you come into my house and mess up one of my guys (even Stendic), I’m gonna rearrange your teeth. Instead of the Thrashers, maybe they should change the team name to the Cum-by-ya?

Finally; I’m a kid at heart. I have to say it. Could it be … … Satan?

By WW5

November 21, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

it is a fact, for the last 3 yrs, if the thrashers don’t score 4 goals, they are headed for: (1)loss, (2)tie, (3)shootout

By Russian

November 21, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

First of all I hope we will not go down badly. THis second game we did not get any point. We have to win at Saturday. Second one I am worry about White. I hope he will be OK. It was clean hit. Someone said that hit was dirty. It is not true. Everything was by the rule. Unfortantly current Thrasher team did not have phycal players anymore. Ex did not do it. Any way I do not think that White will be playing at Saturday. Who will be call from Chicago? I hope it is not STERLING, Please. If Perrin move in second line as center, Hoffman shold be call.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 21, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

It’s only right that he signs with New Jersey before he retires.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 21, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

If White is out for an extended amount of time, I’d like to see Holzapfel or Machacek come up (which one would depend on if they move Little from the RW). Why not give one of the kids a taste of the NHL now?

I wouldn’t mind seeing Armstrong with Little and Kozlov, but I’m guessing they’ll keep Little on the wing and bring a center up to that line.

If Hoffman is called up I’d prefer to see someone with size on that second line, like Armstrong. Give Little some time back at C even though he’s worked well at RW, and let Armstrong play his natural position instead of the off-wing like he has been playing.

Kozlov - Little - Armstrong

Perrin - Reasoner - Thorburn

Boulton - Slater - Hoffman

With those lines there isn’t one that is exposed due to smaller or weaker players being unprotected, so to speak.

However, I’d rather see the young prospects given a taste, instead of the role players like Hoffman. I’d be fine seeing more of Lavallee or Stuart, but I’d rather the skill players given a brief NHL stint.

By glovesave29

November 21, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

I am concerned about our “goalie in waiting” Pavalec. He had some pretty rough play last night. On the first goal (which was the fault of the defense, I am just concerned about Ondrej’s fundamentals), he was way past his post and was not squared to the shooter…thus when the puck went across the crease, he had no post to push off of and go across, and left the net wide open. It would have been a GREAT save…the player scores more often than not…but with his positioning, he had no chance.

Many times he is in his butterfly and leaning roo far forward and his gloves are too low. He needs to have more pressure on his ankles to that he can get up faster. He needs to be more upright in his butterfly…leaning forward leaves you at the mercy of the shooter. They will always go high on you. Ondrej is a big man…take advantage of that. He made a save in the 3rd where he kind of threw himself at the puck…great, it’s a save, but it leads to an opportunity for the Pens where he is TOTALLY out of position.

Don’t get me wrong, the goals last night were the fault of shoddy defense…I just am not ready to hand the reighs over to Pavalec just yet. His game is just not polished enough.

By BlueSpark

November 21, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

The hit on White was clean, and I assume he had a concussion. The hit on Kozlov was clean too, but the FACT is that no one on the Thrashers did anything about it.

TOO SOFT! Nobody finished their checks.

Also, they need to shoot more. I swear I thought Reasoner was going to try a drop-off on his short-handed breakaway. But he actually shot it!

I think it’s pretty clear the Hossa deal was a bust. Christensen is notable for one thing only - he can’t finish (so basically he’s DuPuis, minus the hustle). Armstrong isn’t a factor in any game I’ve seen this year.

Saturday is a must-win.

By Nikita

November 21, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

And why, even in a close game, didn’t ANYONE go after Letang?

Because it was close. No one wanted to be the cause of a five-minute major that would give the other team an advantage.

The hit on White was not clean. a) did White have the puck? b) it was high, which is propbably not accidental since LeTang and White are similar in size. but c) it was also given hard and sufficiently far from the boards that White had time to skid and fall down in such a way that his head hit the boards first. It should have drawn a boarding call, since the hit was delivered into the boards from some distance.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 21, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

glovesave — All very good observations of Pavelec. I believe it was poster Sharon and I who briefly discussed the differences between Pavelec and Lehtonen’s “style” and potential, and Pavelec’s fundamentals is one of the things I tried to highlight (though in an admittedly less technical way as I’ve never been a hockey goalie, as you clearly have been).

My opinion is that Pavelec is not the most fundamentally sound goalie, he doesn’t have the natural talent compared to someone like Lehtonen. He’s inexperienced at such a competitive level (relative to Lehtonen), which means he’s still “learning” some of the facets of the game that are only found during game time. This is one of the reasons I feel it’s more useful to his development if he’s playing night in and night out, instead of serving as a backup.

Lehtonen, though not perfect, is a much better goalie in fundamentals…in my opinion. Pavelec, though not as fundamentally sound as Lehtonen, is the type of goalie that will battle through those deficiencies, and will do whatever he needs to compensate and still emerge victorious. I see Pavelec similar to how I see Turco…not perfect by any means, but willing to fight for a win.

In a few seasons Pavelec will be well honed to playing at this level. I don’t think he’s able to take over on a consistent basis just yet, but I’m not against giving him more and more chances.

Besides, even goalies have off nights…they can’t be perfect in every play of every game. 28 saves on 31 shots against a top 5 team in the league is rather stellar, in my opinion. But I agree, he could use some improvement in several areas of his game.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 21, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

BlueSpark — The trade was a wash, at worst. Pittsburgh got a spark that pushed them to Stanley Cup elimination, and a roster player. Atlanta got two roster players, a highly touted prospect, and a late first round pick.

If Christensen and Dupuis are a wash, Armstrong is a non-factor, what about Esposito and Leveille?

Hossa no longer plays for Pittsburgh (and wouldn’t be playing for Atlanta), so they only have Dupuis to show for it. On the other hand, Atlanta has 4 players…so how is it a bust trade?

By Jeff

November 21, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

I agree NHL refereeing is highly inconsistent…I can make the same comments as all of you about the Pens last two home games and the way penalties are called. Letang’s hit was legal and crushing, actually I thought the call the refs really blew was not calling Kennedy for tripping that led to Crosby’s goal. All this whining about Crosby….really…there’s not a fan in the league that would not want him on their team. And if any of you say you would not want him then you do not know jack about hockey. By he way nice crowd last night, or was everyone disguised as an empty seat. Ya’ll better start supporting that team or they’ll be playing in Suburban Toronto.

By stendec

November 21, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Jeff. If the Thrashers are so unconcerned about success (winning) then perhaps they SHOULD be skating in Surbuban Toronto. As if THAT fine city would HAVE them. Nothing boosts attendance like success (winning). No REAL hockey has been played in Atlanta since the Knights folded!

By glovesave29

November 21, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Ranallo…the one consistant presence in the Thrashers heirarchy other than Dan Waddell is Steve Weeks. He’s had everyone from Rhodes to Nurminen to Dafoe and now to Lehtonen, Moose and Pavalec. Weeks is a small guy who flopped around to do anything he could to stop the puck (poor guy played for the Whalers…the 1980’s version of our Thrashers - oh and Whaler fans, you know that is a legitimate comparion…you will show more trips to the playoffs, but in those days 16 of the 21 teams qualified). His style brought the best out of the “Finnish Flop” Pasi Nurminen. His style does not compliment Pavalec or Lehtonen. Perhaps we get someone from the Francois Allaire goaltending school - where the butterfly was perfected.

The problem with Pavalec is his too low and leans forward in his butterfly. He cannot put the pressure against his skates and ankles to lift up quickly enough as his knees are on the ice. His positioning scares me too. There were some overhead shots last night on TV that showed his clearly not facing the shooter, and he’s reaching for shots that are well wide which wput him further out of position. It is a difficult place for him right now…his talent and size alone make for a great AHL goalie. No so at the NHL level…so what is better? Playing a lot of AHL games of just a few NHL games? More games will hone his skill, but is he being taught correctly? I don’t have the answer, but as it stands now, he is obviously the 3rd best option we have…

By Nikita

November 21, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Here’s the dialogue between myself and el husbando last night.

Him: Oh, no, breakaway. It’s…DUPUIS! Never mind. He dropped it.

As far as I’m concerned, that trade’s working out GREAT for us. Seriously, we already have Slater if we want players with more wheels than hands and Slater’s still developing. And if you look at last year’s team early on, we really did have a lot of holes in the lineup where someone like EC or Army was needed. And then there are the prospects.

If Todd White’s going to be out a while, I hope Anderson considers plugging in Reasoner.

That would make the lines:

Kovy-EC-Williams (still gellin’) Koz-Reasoner-Little (chunky, small, fast) Perrin-Thorbs-Armstrong (big, with finesse) Boults-Slater-Hoffman (some offensive potential, serious checking)

By drew

November 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

first subject: Koharski is the worst ref in the NHL. He should have taken Jim Schoenfield’s advice and had a few more donuts.

next subject: trade Lehtonen. Pavelec is a much better big game. Seems to have the focus/concentration that Kari lacks. We needs some scorers & out someone to get Kovy the puck.

last subject: Stendec. kill yourself

By Rawhide

November 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Five_Hole - And why, even in a close game, didn’t ANYONE go after Letang? Especially in light of our last discussion; someone should have at least called Letang a bad name; made fun of his haircut; something.

If it’s worth anything…he got a good “raspberrying” from me and the “thumb on nose-waving four fingers” routine.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 21, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

glovesave — Though for less educated reasons, I’ve not been a fan of Weeks. I’ve always felt that the goalies in net could play better, but simply didn’t. Nurminen being the exception, most goalies that have played in Atlanta for an extended time have not lived up to their potential. Is that the goalie’s fault, or the coach’s fault?

In my opinion the blame falls on the coach (in this case the goalie coach) when a large quantity of talent comes through, yet only a few shine.

I have no idea who could be a good replacement that is good at teaching fundamentals, but I think Hedberg already has the knowledge and personality to be a good coach in that regards. However, Hedberg isn’t exactly fundamentally sound in my opinion, so perhaps he wouldn’t be a good developmental coach, but rather a good preparation type of coach.

Also, if Pavelec was playing in Chicago he wouldn’t be coached by Weeks, but rather the goalie coach in Chicago. The problem with his lacking fundamentals could also come from that coaching staff.

By Eileen

November 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, Kovy defintely called Letang a name or two. The refs separated them. I still think someone should have decked him. Seeing Todd White struggle to get up was very upsetting.

By Smoothie

November 21, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Did everyone notice how much “jump” our 4th line had last night? They were spectacular all night against the Pens version of a 4th line. They hustled, they cycled, they grinded and they HIT! They were not afraid to be physical and they reaped the benefits of their physical, controlled agression with a scrappy goal by Slippin’ Slates who actually scored from his knees a la Cindy Crosby who scored earlier from his bum.

Mad props to Boults, Slates, Perrin and, yep, KOVY who was double shifting even before White got knocked the hell out.

By MashaPlayer7

November 21, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Watched the game on hi-def last night…tough loss but I thought a good game against a class opponent to really judge where the Thrashers are at and what they need to improve. My observations…starting with the goalie and out…

Goal: Pavs played very well…he needs some seasoning but I am getting tired of Kari and his injuries and inconsistency…may be time for a Moose/Pavs tandem.

Team defense: I thought the team played great defense, especially the forwards and their backchecking.

D-men: Much better than last year, but still the same embarrasing mistakes…Toby loses his balance on Satan for the 1st pitt goal; Hainsey tripped on the actual goal on the 2nd pitt goal; and Exelby lost the puck, which led to Thorburn’s penalty and the PPG.

Forwards: I like the skill, I like the speed, but dang, we need to get a body in front of the net. Other than one cycle in the third period, there was no one screening Sabourin all night…he had clear view of all shots more than 20 feet out. I would be all for bringing up Hoffman just to hang out in front of the goalie on powerplays…or bring X up front and camp out in the crease on the PP. The Devils used to do that with Scott Stevens…it was pretty effective.

And Christensen…this guy is talented but I am beginning to think this guy will never be a finisher. Two more prime scoring opportunities for him wasted…missed a half-open net, and then a shot right into Sabourin’s logo on another great chance.

By Russian

November 21, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

My opinion about Hossa Trade; It was absolutely perfect trade. We got very good and strong 3-d Line Players. YES they are. Crush and Army are good checking line forwards. They should not score lot of goals, but their size and skill should stop offensive lines. Crush is not a First line forward. He’s never been. He could not make perfect shot and finish his job (put puck to the net). It is simple. He is Third line Center. What we are all expecting from him???? Army is playing on third line and I saw his doing OK on that line. The PROBLEM is that Don Waddell had to bring First Center and First Winger on this Club. He thought he did to sing Williams. But it did not work again. Second line is looking fine now. Unfortunately White is down I hope it will not be as bad as Rucchin. Please God! Now JA needs to make changes on the line. What do you think about this combination?

Kovy – Reasoner – Williams

Slava – Perrin – Little

Army – Crush – Thorburn

Boulton – Slater – Hoffman

By Smoothie

November 21, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Okay, with the prospect of White being out at least 1-2 games and a CBJ team who likes to engage in fisticuffs (16 fighting majors this year already), I think it’s time to shake things up personnel wise.

First and foremost I think JA needs to call up Hoffman, who earned a spot on the team out of training camp, because he will not back down from a fight if necc. Secondly, move Perrin to the first line with Kovy and EC down to the 2nd line. This will help jumpstart Perrin’s offense and his scrappy playmaking may benefit Kovy who needs to start shooting more.

The fact that Little and Kozzy are scoring regularly reinforces the fact that EC doesn’t need to score goals by the bushel. He is pressing too much when the scoring chances come. I’d rather see him step up his game by focusing on face-offs, playing two-way hockey and setting up Little to do his thing…kid just knows how to score.

Lastly, I think we stick with Pavs and bring Boris back into the lineup to play with Enstrom. Let Boris patrol the crease and rely on Toby’s heady play with and on the puck. This will allow Schneidy to play with Havelid who is the more reliable “old” man. MS seems to be a 1/2 second too slow with his decision-making and perhaps playing with the savvy veteran will allow him to settle into a more simplified game.

Here is my lineup for CBJ and perhaps even TOR if we can get the W on Sat.

Kovy — Perrin — Williams

Kozzy — EC — Little

Thorby — Reasoner — Army

Boults — Slater — Hoffman

Hainsey & Ex \ Enstrom & Boris \ Havy &

Schneidy with Pavs betwixt the pipes

If Perrin and Williams are getting pushed around too much, shift Williams back to C and move Army up to RW. Perrin is so versatile he can play anywhere and a line of Perrin — Marty — Thorby isn’t such a bad thing either.

So let it be written, so let it be done!

By glovesave29

November 21, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Ranallo - I would like to see the Thrash do something like what the Falcons did with Vick - when he was drafted, they hired Steve Young to mentor him. Well we found out later that the pupil was less than motivated and a terrible character, but it does not take away from the proper line of thinking the team employed. They found an intelligent person that played that position that had both the same skill set and the ability to teach. Those factors are critical when it comes to selecting a coach. Steve Weekes is not that person, and if you’ve had the chance to go to a practice or two (before you were deported ;-) then you’d see how little time he spends with the goalies. Moose would be a great teacher for a work ethic…but that would be by example and I don’t know if he’d be a good coach for the basics. I can’t completely blame Kari for having yet to reach his potential…and I don’t want to see the similar destruction of Pavalec. It’s obvious there is something wrong there and we need a new mentor to step in and stop the bleeding.

I had two ex-NHLers coach me…both had me doing stretching exercises with a ballet instructor and using some basic yoga techniques too - both for the stretching and conditioning, and for focus and calm. I’d like to see the team do the same. These are expensive investments, and it is time we see a better return on them.

By Russian

November 21, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

People were talikng about Anderson’s Hockey System a lot. PLEASE anybody EXPLAIN to me his SYSTEM. What is John Anderson Hockey System??? May be we can make INdividual post about it. I am very intersting to hear it. Thank you.

By Brendan

November 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

BlueSpark, what I think you meant to say was … Atlanta didn’t get a Tier I player back for Hossa. In that sense, the deal was a bust. Or, you might have meant “just having to trade Hossa was a bust.”

Hossa is, fairly consistently, penciled in for 40 goals and 40 assists in any given season. I cannot pretend that I’ve done the math on Christensen and Armstrong’s production, compared to Hossa’s pace. Perhaps that’s an unfair comparision, right from the start. Hossa’s lost production for Atlanta is rather unfortunate.

When the NHL considers players that it wants to promote, I think it ought to consider Marian Hossa. I know. Maybe I’m wrong about that. Marian is soft spoken. He lets his performance on the ice do the talking. He’s not a “controversial” or an especially lovable figure. And ABSOLUTELY NOONE would confuse him with Jeremy Roenick. But Hossa is a skilled player. Hossa is a Selke Trophy candidate. Hossa can mix it up, when called upon to do so. I remember Darren Eliot’s comment, after a Hossa scrum, “That’s not Euro-Disney, folks.” Marian Hossa is also a Lady Byng type candidate, for gentlemanly conduct.

Why doesn’t the NHL promote this guy? He scores. He makes plays. He’s sound, defensively. He’s a power forward. And he’s a Tier I player.

Certainly, his decision to not want to be part of the Atlanta Thrashers’ future shouldn’t hurt his image at the league offices any. They’re probably “high-fiving” each other on Hossa’s decision to play in Detroit.

By dhj_1962

November 21, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

x in front of the net?? haha, if the puck fell at his feet in front of the crease and the goalie went for a beer and nachos, he’d still miss the net. and by the way..people..i dont think the trade was a bust, yet. Espo is the key to that deal, CA and EC aint done much at all, but the season is still young. still hoping. as only a Thrasher fan can do.

By The Joker

November 21, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers need to hire Billy Smith as the goalie coach. Smith was willing to clear the crease even when his defense didn’t get the job done. Heck, Smith would whack his own defensemen if they screened him.

Smith would give Blueland a whole new meaning to opponents.

By JBD

November 21, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Went to the game last night, aside from some of the suspect calls, the Thrashers played well and Pavs stood on his head at times. My issue was with the crowd. We didn’t have a great turnout but why in the hell were people leaving in droves after the Pens scored the PP goal? Are you going to use that minute and a half to be first on the train? or a spot ahead of me in the deck? C’mon, support the team for all 3 periods! Especially if it is close. We have all seen NHL teams score in the last seconds of games to tie it up, even our home team Thrashers.

By Rawhide

November 21, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Joey Crabb has been called up from Chicago to take White’s place while he’s out.

By Eileen

November 21, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

JBD, in defense of the fans who left after the PP goal (me being one of them), I had enough of the Penguins fans around me. After seeing the Thrashers play such a great game, I literally could not stomach their gloating. Have you ever noticed that when the fans who cheer for another team (such as Buffalo and Pittsburgh) score, they all turn around and some how make a spectacle of themselves such as looking around for other fans on their side? It is like they want to rub your nose in it. I am a die hard fan (I don’t even like to miss the national anthem), but last night’s loss was hard to take. Once the Thrashers were not able to get to Pittsburgh’s end, I took the opportunity to leave. On another thought, my frustration with Christenson is also growing. He had so many fantastic opportunities to put the puck in the net last night. One particular pass by Kovalchuk was beautiful. I hope he improves. Seems like a great guy.

By five_hole

November 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Crabb replaced winger Eric Perrin on the fourth line; Perrin replaced Erik Christensen on the top line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Jason Williams; and Christensen took over White’s role centering the second line between Slava Kozlov and Bryan Little. - Mike Knobbler

I hate it when they mess with the chemistry of 3 lines. I’d rather put Perrin on the top line and only affect 2 lines.

With regards to the trade, I think of it as we traded DuPuis for Army. The Hossa trade was for Christensen, Espo & the draft pick.

By Midfield

November 21, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

It’s a complete baloney that Pavelec was out of position on the Hainsey turn over. Kennedy not only had an option of setting up the scorer, which is what he did; he could also try to tuck it in by the near post. If you expected Pavelec to seal the near post and to square up and cut a shooting angle for the guy on top of the grease at the same time, perhaps you would also be asking for free beluga caviar and a bottle of champaign to go with a $30 ticket to Philips arena.

By dhj_1962

November 21, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

i agree with smoothie. i like the new pairings, especially for Kovy, maybe Perrin can bury a couple of shots. Kovy is fustrated, you could see it last night, especially after the final horn sounded. as for EC in the middle of our 2 top scorers, maybe they can get him started.

By Smoothie

November 21, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Well, I got everything right save for Crabb. I can understand rewarding Joey for his stellar play, but what’s the point of taking a goal-scoring forward and putting him on the 4th line? Then again, if he can play with Perrin-like energy on the 4th line AND add some scoring touch, perhaps we’ll get more than an occasional goal from Jimmy Slater.

By The Joker

November 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Is Eric Christenson the son of Maxwell Smart?

Missed by that much.

By Tony C.

November 21, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

I have to admit that watching Christensen launch anther puck to the actual roof of the barn, rather than the roof of the net is getting pretty frustrating.

I’m sure moreso for him. However, I can think of at least 7 instances where even Petro would’ve scored, that Christensen has just LAUNCHED….right past the crossbar.

By Thrashers27

November 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

TSN.CA is reporting that Kari has been placed on IR.

By Scotty

November 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Eileen, I here ya. They can be the most obnoxious group of a-holes ever. Oh, and don’t even think about looking in their direction when the Thrashers score. They take it as a personal offense, as if you are acting like a classless a$$.

Of course, all you’re doing is what they do all night long.

Pittsburghers aren’t as bad though as those slimey a$$-wipe Buffalo fans or Filthy-fans.

By Rawhide

November 21, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Thrahsers27 - Dern it boy…ya scooped me on the Kari news!

(.\/.) grrrrrrrr

Here is the linkage.

By glovesave29

November 21, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Midfield - square up…yes. Seal the near post…yes. Cut down the angle…no. The play did not dictate that as there was too much traffic in front of the net. I didn’t blame Pavalec…read my post again, it was the fault of the defense. But Pavalec WAS out of postion. That is why he could not push off the near post to cover the far side.

By Thrashers27

November 21, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry ‘bout that. I knew I should have growed up to be a professional journalist.

By Bob

November 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Which two bloggers, while standing at the top of the Islanders player’s tunnel after a Thrashers/Islanders game last season, informed Mandy Sutton that he still sucks even though he is getting paid 3 million dollars per year?

That was Buzilla and his buddy, his buddy yelled it. They’re my heroes now.

I really have to say Crosby is NOT anywhere near a GREAT player, In my terms he is slightly above average. Why all the hype is beyond me… Just not THAT good

Dude, get a grip. He’s the best Pen since Mario and probably the best player in the league since him as well. Not that good? No, he’s not, he’s great. Goodness.

You might be a stendec if…

You correctly point out that Lehtonen is a waste of space?

Hey, I was all over him before too for the nonsense, but the guy’s right. Lehtonen is just plain damaged goods. He’s a head case and his the amount of injuries he has proves he’s not cut out to be a #1 goalie. I’ve heard he can drink a lot of Lick-Her though.

By Rawhide

November 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Which two bloggers, while standing at the top of the Islanders player?s tunnel after a Thrashers/Islanders game last season, informed Mandy Sutton that he still sucks even though he is getting paid 3 million dollars per year?

As Bob correctly points out it was Buzilla and his buddy…better known as Rone.

Here is Rone’s account of the incident.

By Midfield

November 21, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

glovesave29

what on earth are you talking about? Kennedy picked up the puck behind the net and skated out on Pavelec’s right. Any goal keeper MUST kneel and seal the near post in this situation, and that is exactly what he did. That is what you also called out of position. Perhaps you have some revolutionary goal tending technique to offer. Why don’t you call Anderson first thing on Monday morning?

By N/A

November 21, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I thought it was a solid effort by the guys. I was watching the game with dad and niether of us are Pittsburgh fans by ANY stretch of the imagination. The hit on White was painful to watch, poor guy looked like he’d just been run over by a train :(.

I like that, in the words of the announcers “Kovy was fiesty”. It’s nice to see him play with such passion but I’d like it even more if he’d scored a goal!

The call that gave Pittsburgh the PP was complete and utter BS! God that ref was horrible!

I thought Pavs played an incredible game, I still can’t believe the Pens didn’t score on the 5-on-3.

Anyways that’s my humble opinion of last night’s game, solid effort but a point or two would’ve been nice….

By Mikeyy

November 21, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Jeff - write on your own teams blogs you puss package. russian - learn to speak english. great game last night lets win tomorrow

By five_hole

November 21, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

This is an exerpt from Yahoo Sports take on the hit:

A bad character flaw (an apparent lack of backbone) was on display in the third period of the loss to Pittsburgh. After C Todd White was flattened by Kris Letang on a questionable hit along the boards, the only Thrasher to challenge Letang was LW Ilya Kovalchuk. With the score tied 2-2, the Thrashers had to be careful not to take a penalty, but somebody other than Kovalchuk should have objected to Letang’s hit.

By Tony C.

November 21, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Somebody else should have objected to Letang’s hit.

amen

And I mean rightaway!

By Nikita

November 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Uh, yeah. This is great and all…but we have a game tonight! One we should win! And I’m going to it!

Can I get a rousing cheer for the boys in blue? Let’s go Thrashers!

By Stevo

November 22, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Wow. Surprising to see Todd White in the lineup. I hope he’s ok and knows what he’s doing. He would be a tough player to lose for an extended period of time.

Lets GO THRASHERS!!!

By five_hole

November 22, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

It’s not surprising to see White on the ice; it’s amazing. Todd White has been a butt boy of this blog, and sometimes deservedly so. But as of tonight, I’m asking for a new rule; he no longer gets called Charmin.

What in the H-E-double hockey sticks is wrong with Kovalchuk? Is he using Slater’s stick? He just looks all out of kilter out there.

By Tom

November 22, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

What was Schnieder doing missing the puck with an empty net with a shot from the point. Led to the empty net goal.

Like making an angle shot on the power play, you have to hit the net. Or in Schnieders case, you have to hit the puck…

I am really believing that Waddell has a hard on for old defenseman, but can not judge when their days are over. We have had a progression in the history of the Thrashers, Krup, Klee, and now unfortunately Schnieder.

I am believing we are better off giving up experience and adding hustle.

By B. Thenet

November 22, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Why is Schnieder even on the ice in that situation? He certainly is not one of our best 2 offensive defenseman.

What is Anderson doing putting this washed up hack on the ice during the most important part of the game.

BTW, are we now on an 8 game losing streak with Schnieder in the lineup?

By LAC

November 22, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Most listless game since 7-0 whipping by Philly.

No emotion, no spark, flat in just about all areas.

Saw don waddell on CBJ side, spewing the same crap, we are a young team, we are building, we have a GOOD chance for the playoffs… With this team don… we have ZERO chance of playoffs, we need MORE SCORING…

Meanwhile Darrin was lauding all the POSITIVE changes made by the NEW GM in Columbus, Gee wish that could happen here.

Lastly, did everyone see how uninspired #17 was tonight, looked like he is already planning which WINNING franchise to go play for… Because it sure aint here !