By Smitty

November 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

We need some muscle up front to help protect our stars. There are some who will say Kovy should not put himself into a position of taking aggressive penalties. But until we get some size, Kovy is going to have to take care of himself. Some great hits by the Thrashers. Both Grabovski and Blake had their heads down when they got clobbered. The guys on the NHL network said Colby left his feet on the hit to Blake but he did not. He tripped over Blake after he hit him. I thought the elbow by Finger to Little’s head was worse.

By Jason

November 25, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

That was a really fun “old school” type game to watch. If they had even brought half the energy they had tonight to the two previous home games, there might be a few more wins in the column. Oh well, nice road win…..

I do wish when other teams take runs at our star player, or any of our guys for that matter, whomever is on the ice would take quicker exception and come to their defense. Kovy took a lot of abuse tonight, and no one “directly” came to his defense, IMO. That’s not the first time I’ve watched that go down this year. So is this current squad a little to “wimpy” at times, or do they just not really care to have their teammates backs?

The guys on NHL-on-the-fly are convinced Armstrong will/should get some major punishment from the league for his hit on Toronto’s Jason Blake. They kept reffering to him as a bad repeat offender. I thought the hit was a little questionable, but compared to other hits this season around the league, maybe fine him or suspend him one game, maybe two at the most.

Just nice to see some fire from the team, AND 60 minutes of effort.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll owe me $50. I won the Schneids Island prediction, n’est-ce pas?

Misc. thoughts, since I have been traveling all day and am too damned tired for much speechifyin’.:

The Armstrong hit was clean and hard, but also a tad late. I doubt he’ll get penalized since it should count as finishing his check.

Good for Kovy. I don’t want to see him fighting much, but this was a great example of exactly what he should be doing.

Good play on the whole. A little dirty.

Schneider played great. The photo of his slapshot in the replay is a must-view.

By Brendan

November 26, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

There’s definitely a brewing sentiment out there that not enough is happening in Blueland, vis-a-vis “enforcement, muscle and protection.” Kovalchuk should not be the scorer and enforcer of this team.

When Keith Tkachuk was here, he had to his own policing, as well. It’s a bad trend.

By LAC

November 26, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

I was stunned, Dave Reid said GOOD things about the Thrashers on NHL network. While not glowing, they… for once, were not the same old snide comments he seems to always say.

He even defended Armstrong on his hit… I guess wonders DO happen.

Need another GOOD game tonight, good one for Boris to be a part of…

By Sara

November 26, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to call a team that delivered about as many hits as they did shots wimpy. And rushing to the aid of a teammate/linemate depends on the player in question IMO. If that had been Enstrom who’s head White tried to remove along the boards, then yes someone should have stepped in. But Kovy is a big boy in his own right and can take care of himself. There are times when it’s a team issue and times when a player just needs to assert himself in his own defense.

Now the draw-back to that happening on a regular basis is that Kovy can’t be taking penalties like that all the time because we need him on the ice, not in the box, especially for 5 minute stretches. But taking a stand once in a while is perfectly acceptable.

That said, I vote Coach brings up Hoffman for the next Toronto game because White has pretty much already put a bounty on Kovy publicly and that just will not do.

As for the rest of the hits TO received, well, perhaps they need to work on keeping their heads up in practice today. Even the TO announcers said Blake set himself up to get rocked by Armstrong by paying no attention while skating through the neutral zone - I believe the quote was something along the lines of pausing too long to admire the pretty drop pass.

By five_hole

November 26, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

I did a little research, and I’d like someone to verify my conclusion. It occurred to me that the Thrashers play much better when not televised on local TV. By my count the Thrashers are 6-3 (1 OT loss) when not on Sportssouth or Versus. Coincidence? I think not. Obviously our hockey team is media shy.

I attribute this to the loss of Erin Andrews. On Sportssouth, they have to be interviewed by the cute but clueless little bubblehead between periods. Her Miss South Carolina-like qualities leave them confused, which carries over when they go onto the ice. When Ms Andrews conducted the interviews, there was no such confusion (although I do remember Marc Savard preferring to stay with Ms Andrews, rather than return for the 3rd period).

Therefore, I suggest we start a campaign to bring Erin Andrews back to this city, for the good of the Thrashers!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

I’m not too worried about Kovalchuk taking on a 5’10 defender who’s never fought before. If he was going after Hordichuk or Tootoo (again), I’d be a bit more concerned. Ian White’s fists don’t worry me regarding their potential of hurting Kovalchuk. Hell, I’m less worried about White getting ahold of Kovalchuk than I am stendec being left alone with Kovalchuk or Lehtonen for more than 10 seconds.

Had it been Luke Schenn that Kovlchuk was throwing punches with, it would be a different story. Don’t mess with Schenn.

Personally, I don’t mind Kovalchuk taking exception to hits and defending himself. Obviously I’d rather a player known for fighting (i.e. Boulton, Hoffman, Valabik, Thorburn, possibly Exelby) being the person sticking up for Kovalchuk, but often times those players aren’t around when such things need enforcement in an immediate fashion.

I’d prefer a defender know that Kovalchuk isn’t going to take crap and will throw some punches if need be, rather than defenders continuing to take liberties on him because they know that unless Thorburn or Boulton is on the ice they’ll get off relatively easy.

By BAF

November 26, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t want Kovy getting in a fight every night like George Parros. But if a hockey player is a complete player and tough, I see no reason for him not to drop his gloves versus a non-goon. Look at Jerome Ignilia (sp). Talented and tough as nails and because of it, he makes those around him even better.

By Bob

November 26, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

Our boys came out flying and gave an excellent effort all night. We needs Pavs to step up tonight against the Caps as our guys will surely be a bit burnt out from all that work last night. I love beating the Laffs.

It was real nice to be able to watch such a professional broadcast, mabye SportsSouth could take some lessons from them.

By Rawhide

November 26, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Five_Hole - I have it a 5 wins, two loses and an overtime loss when not on TV…3-8-1 when they are on TV, including the 7-0 loss to the Flyers on Vs.

I agree…bring back Erin Andrews!!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry for this repost in advance. I realized I put this post on Knobler’s blog instead of this one:

Armstrong had his left skate off of the ice, but otherwise it was a clean hit from the three replays I’ve seen. He didn’t vault his body, as Wilson made it sound, he simply followed through on his check. Blake wasn’t paying attention, the puck was relatively loose and next to him (due to a drop pass if I’m not mistaken), so it’s he’s fair game and it’s his own fault.

Also, what type of checks is Wilson referring to when he says it’s not the first time seeing this from Armstrong? In the Columbus game I saw Armstrong go shoulder high and follow through on a Columbus player, but he’s not head hunting or anything like that from what I’ve seen. White’s first check was no more legal than Armstrong’s.

However, the Out Plus idea would mean Armstrong is fined and sitting if Blake misses any games. I don’t like that idea.

As for Kovalchuk vs. White, I liked this quote:

“We have three games against them, so if he has something against me (shrugs), I’m always ready to answer” — Kovalchuk, post game interview.

By truehockeyfan

November 26, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

NOW, that was a hockey game. If this team plays like that most nights they will win most games. and Kudos to DW for giving a most deserving person the chance to coach in the NHL.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Look at that, I copy and pasted my own typos…I’m so professional.

By five_hole

November 26, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Rawhide I’m willing to use your accounting. My point is statistics don’t lie. Clearly, the team is not as competitive when being interviewed by little miss oh-my-gosh. Clearly, I am more distracted by Erin Andrews.

And if PJ or Sara take offense at my sexist position, I don’t think this is any worse than Nikita’s all-hotness team. Although I would be curious if Kovalchuk losing his teeth increases or decreases his rating.

By jen

November 26, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

One of the desk jobbers on NHL on the Fly last night said Colby had a history of this type of hit, left his feet and should be made an example of ‘if the league really wants to crack down on this type of play’…I think when the Leaf homers call it mostly clean you have to agree with them. Wilson is going to stir the pot, because they have to have something to talk about in Toronto, but I didn’t see anything that marginal about it. Neither did the Leafs media, since they picked Colby as the #1 star last night. I think seeing Kovy step up like that was great. He has been called out by a lot of people (MSM and bloggers) for not being the leader he was last year, and I think this was a statement game from him. Captains have to mix it up some times, and take their team on their back, and he was a monster last night, threw the body around, and scored the GWG. I think its the first time I’ve really seen him play with passion all year.

All in all, fun game to watch, old time hockey (guess it made sense since the Hansons were on hand). Hopefully some more tonight against the Ovechkins.

By PJ

November 26, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Looks like I missed a really good game last night. Darn! Good to hear Kovy really stepped up his game. Five-hole Yea, I have to admit, the missing teeth didn’t hinder his stud-factor but I wouldn’t count on that to work for a non-hockey-loving women.

By The Other J.B.

November 26, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

As they made their way up ice, Ian apparently mentioned something about a female member of Kovy’s family and promptly was put on his backside by Ilya…double-fisted style.

Is this true or just entertaining blogging content? I haven’t been able to find any interviews that indicated what Ian said to Kovy.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I doubt it’s anything more than entertaining blogging content, but it’s obvious that he was talking trash, and White admitted to doing so after the game. Clearly he was surprised by Kovalchuk’s reactions, but in my opinion his request for the league to look at the hit is beyond silly.

Kovalchuck dropped his stick, then double fisted the guys face. It’s a roughing penalty, nothing more. Had he been holding the stick it would’ve been a suspension, but he was smart enough to drop the stick.

The boarding penalty that made it a double minor was suspect in my opinion, but I didn’t see the entirety of the hit to form an educated opinion from.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

On Kovy’s enforcement…you know, one fight does not a trend make. And also, every player on the ice should be ready to drop the gloves on rare occasions. Plus, I think Kovy’s response was not particularly premeditated — there were several pokes leading to it, and following it. Basically, Kovy was renegotiating a relationship that was headed south otherwise, and making it clear to White that he’d better keep his hands off him. Which is something that a player of Kovy’s size and ability should do occasionally. I wouldn’t even call it enforcing.

And for enforcing…we do need the entire team to establish that they will not take abuse. Ideally this would involve playing the body and not fighting, but if it takes the occasional fight then so be it. If we can’t get our existing players to step up in their own defense, we’ll have to promote fighters up the lines. And that’s not as good a solution as simply getting everyone to stand up for themselves, and leave the serious needs to the serious fighters.

On hits…Armstrong is accused of two previous dirty hits, to my knowledge. Saku Koivu (leaving feet) and…some dude on Ottawa’s team (Eaves? Army didn’t get penalized, but Eaves was out a while). But in general, I think Armstrong is vulnerable to those kinds of accusations because he is not heavy and so he makes his hits by getting extra power out of an upper body snap — it doesn’t look great, but generally it doesn’t matter. In Blake’s case, he made a fairly conservative movement, but was moving quite fast and went over Blake. The injury resulted from Blake spinning into the ice. Out Plus wouldn’t apply.

By Sara

November 26, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

five-hole I don’t have a problem with hot female announcers/broadcasters but I expect them to know their stuff as well as their male counterparts do.

Anyway, after a perusal this AM of all hockey sites canadian, they sure are doing a lot of whining. A LOT of whining. I haven’t heard this many pathetic excuses for suckiness since the last time I talked to my ex. As if it’s the Thrashers’ fault the Leafs are a bunch of pansies. Or that their coach didn’t thoroughly prepare them for the game. I mean DUH! Anderson publicly called out the team for being pansies against Columbus…what do you think their reaction to that is going to be?

I know it seems hypocritical in some ways to poke fun at the Leafs when we have displayed equal portions of suckiness, but the fact is, Toronto being this bad season after season is as pathetic as it gets. They have money coming in hand over fist to spend on players - our team bleeds red on the financials. They are an Original Six market that players still line up to play in - we can’t even overpay top tier free agents to come here. That said, both ownership groups are complete and total cluster**s. But that organization lacks class from top to bottom and has for years. Maybe one day they will figure out how karma works but until then, I’ll continue to enjoy the implosion.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Many of the fan comments I’ve read following their loss to Atlanta have been “Is Burkie sure he wants to take over this team” or “Toronto isn’t in position to win a Cup like the Anaheim team was when Burke them took over”.

What I find amusing is the people calling out Toskala as being the next Raycroft (speaking of him, how is he doing with Colorado?), and needing to be shipped out. Then they complain about not having enough defenders, though for the majority of the offseason they called for McCabe and Kubina to be traded every other day.

I’m hopeful that Atlanta doesn’t go through 40 years of what Toronto has, but we’re 1/4 of the way there and as of late the ownership group hasn’t given me any confidence that they plan to change that trend in the next 30 years.

Karma has a funny way of working, so perhaps we are getting a dose of it by teasing Toronto for all of these years of painful seasons they’ve been faithfully suffering through.

Maybe if they wouldn’t whine so much I’d feel worse for them.

By Rawhide

November 26, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

The Other J.B. - That was meant as amusement…however Ian White was indeed barking something at Kovy after the hit.

To be honest, Kovy’s hit on White was no worse that what White dished out. I was surprised that White took exception to it. He must have said something “outside of the norm” because Ilya was long gone…heading back into the defensive zone to defend. As White came through center ice…he yelled something at Kovy…who then stopped, turned and decked him!

By Sara

November 26, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

ranallo I saw a couple of comments along the lines of “well at least they took out our worst player.” Jeez - talk about a tough crowd.

Like I said earlier, IMO, there’s a world of difference between our suckiness and their suckiness. It’s at least somewhat understandable in a market like Atlanta (lots of people aren’t exactly surprised). What amazes me is the fans up there keep on supporting it. They whine along with the team and they keep filling up that arena to watch craptastic hockey season after season. I guess they never got Bob or Sage’s memo about sending a message with your wallet.

By Barry

November 26, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

I’ll say this…I hope the Thrashers make the playoffs and if they play the Leafs in the 1st round OMG it will be very very entertaining playoff series. :)

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Barry — I think you’ll have to wait until at least 2011 before you see both the Thrashers and the Maple Leafs competing against eachother in the playoffs. And honestly, I’d say that’s wishful thinking for both franchises.

By shaker

November 26, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

It’s great to see the Thrashers getting physical as a team on the ice. But do you really want guys like Kovalchuk fighting? Exelby was in his second altercation in the last few games, Armstrong giving vicious hits Kovalchuk fighting. Do I see something or someone missing here? Where was our so called enforcer, Eric Boulton. It is necessary at times for a player to take matters into his own hands but your top player getting into fights should be the last thing he should do. Over the course of the last few games Kovalchuk has been throwing his weight around on the ice. When he takes the ice he is already a marked man but he is making it a lot easier for some opponent to come after him when he gets a little to rough himself. We need him to score goals, not his fighting skills. When Kovalchuk, Exelby and Armstrong have to supply the muscle that tells me that they don”t have much confidence in our enforcers protecting them on the ice. It also tells me the enforcers are not doing their jobs. The Thrashers have proven that when they play physical they can win. Physical play gives the opponents something else to be aware of but they also know if our scorers like Kovy are in the penalty box they can score. We need a 1st class enforcer to protect guys like Kovy so he doesn’t have to do it himself. It’s obvious Boulton can’t get the job done. I don’t believe opposing enforcers fear him very much. We need an enforcer who commands respect. When the subject of enforcers comes up is Eric Boulton’s name one of the first mentioned? I don’t think so. Give the Thrashers another option for opponents to consider, someone to keep your eye on when he’s on the ice because you may be his next target.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Sara — What I don’t understand is some people consider that type of criticism for their team and players as a good thing. They’ll often say it’s holding players who aren’t performing accountable for their inaction. They’ll say that as fans they’re entitled to expecting the world out of every player on the roster, because they follow the team during away games and often attend home games.

Personally, I don’t understand that line of thinking…but it seems that the most vocal fans from the majority of Canadian teams seem to fit that mold. If the team is down, kick them as often as possible. If the team is up, kick them so they don’t get too full of themselves, and remind them of the times they were down. If the team is up for an extended amount of time, remind the world that you have been a fan for _ amount of years, that you’re a “true” fan, and remind everyone of how awesome your team is currently and will be in the immediate future. If you have time, knock a few non-traditional markets (read: most American teams), the commissioner, the American fanbase, and your local Canadian rival.

If you get bored with all of the above, make fun of European hockey.

By BlueSpark

November 26, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

On enforcing: they needed to save it up for tonight against Washington. Who’s taking on Brashear? I expect to see Boulton or Thorburn fight someone tonight.

An aside: Didn’t Ex fight Brashear in his rookie year? Or did I invent that memory?

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

shaker — Do you think it’s bad that Armstrong and Exelby are throwing their weight around, or are you simply highlighting the unexpected players (Armstrong and Kovalchuk) as evidence of why the team needs a bonafide enforcer?

White is not an enforcer, so why should it be expected for Boulton to run him into oblivion? What message is sent when a team sends their enforcer to take out whomever they so desire? In my opinion that message is that they’re playing goon hockey, sending Brashear after Bogosian, sending Ruutu after Kovalchuk, sending Andrew Peters after Heatley…those actions deserve little to no respect, as it’s lowering the quality of hockey simply because you took exception to something that happened minutes to hours prior to the “enforcing”.

Kovalchuk exacted immediate retribution. Look at the replays and you’ll see he did have people around him immediately, but he was quicker on White than they were. Meanwhile Boulton was on the bench, with the rest of the fourth line…as is expected. Toronto didn’t send out their enforcer after Blake was destroyed, nor did they after Kovalchuk checked White.

Sometimes the issues on the ice are not supposed to be taken care of by the team’s tough guy, but rather the people immediately involved.

Kovalchuk showed that he doesn’t need his team’s enforcer to pay a player back for a dirty hit. He’s done it before, he’ll do it again, no matter who this team has as the enforcer.

The Lightning had Andre Roy, yet Lecavalier would fight every so often. The Flames had a plethora of willing combatants, yet Iginla would throw punches with delight. Jokinen has stood up to Sutton. Sometimes the good players need to throw their own weight around, and not always rely on their fighters to do it for them.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

BlueSpark — No, Exelby did not fight Brashear according to Hockeyfights.com. For the most part they only give status for it being a fight if a 5 minute fighting major was given, so it’s possible the two hugged for a little while and got roughing minors.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

And if PJ or Sara take offense at my sexist position, I don’t think this is any worse than Nikita’s all-hotness team. Although I would be curious if Kovalchuk losing his teeth increases or decreases his rating.

Well…teeth you kinda have to look beyond. Marty Reasoner looks horrible in a helmet in general, and even worse with half his lower jaw missing, but he’s pretty hot when he’s off the ice and has been to the dentist. Plus, the teeth thing undescores his Timex qualities — takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Which, um, is super-HOT.

But I’m downgrading Kovy on the hotness scale this year due to conditioning and performance and execution — he’s got a spare tire, and makes it worse by also having minimal fashion sense. Seriously, paunch + hot pink tee + cardigan + stubble + sweat pants = hells to the no. And this is for an event where he knew there would be cameras! Teeth are, well, it’s like asking me how I feel about the curtains in a burned-out house.

Which is how Eric Perrin got upgraded. He’s buffer this year and knows how to dress. Though he needs to lay off the Recchi-style bling. Exelby also gets the B-squad nod. Nice smiles, fun style, seem like nice people, and buff. But not quite top line hotness squad material.

Anyway…I’d like to defend the general validity of the hotness team. We need people who play ugly, but it is not necessary that they look ugly, and quite frankly ugly didn’t work out for us. Zhitnik, Holik, and Recchi never made my squad. Stevie Mac not only didn’t make my squad, but played and acted so badly that he’s not currently playing for ANY squad. Can’t recall who else I panned, but most of the guys who are fugly in general also turned out fugly for the team.

By Alan

November 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Sara - I saw TSN’s NHL front page last night, and the headline was “Thrash and Burn.” I got a great big laugh out of that.

I don’t pity the whining of the fans. The whining and blame game is pathetic. They’re like a fanbase full of stendecs.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

November 26, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

But I’m downgrading Kovy on the hotness scale this year due to conditioning and performance and execution

You know, this isn’t the first time you’ve said this but I don’t understand where it’s coming from. Kovalchuk has always been one of the larger players on the team (weight wise, and often height wise). Prior to Holik, he was second on the team behind Sutton in overall size. Without the acquisition of Armstrong, he’d still be one of the tallest players on the roster. Without Valabik and Hoffman, he’s the heaviest. Always has been.

I know you look at his photos with a much different purpose than I do, but his “conditioning” appears to be no different than that of the past, though you’ve taken time to highlight it several times this season.

Methinks (sorry Alan, had to steal that word for this post) you’re letting your dislike for his supposed attitude and execution issues and letting it rub off on your perception of his conditioning.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

All I can tell you, ranallo, is that the same things I find un-hot now I found un-hot in the past. But Kovalchuk looks far worse this year than he did in previous years, kind of like Ex looked last year.

To illustrate: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/geneen/2349765756/] (Hot in ‘08) and http://www.flickr.com/photos/dacardworld/1356935316/ vs. http://thrashers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=390895 I’ll change my mind if Kovy changes anything that I cited in my grade.

By Alan

November 26, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

While I am amused ranallo, I’m afraid it’s not my word… though I might one of the few who use it.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Um, no. Kovy was in notably better initial condition last year and in ‘06 than he is now. Look at the Fort Benning photos. Even Tyler Perry’s Mama looks more prepared to be awake at 10 a.m.

By Sara

November 26, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

The way I understood it, from what was said earlier this year, Kovy actually came into camp in better shape this year than last. And no question, the man is fine. Hence the reason I keep my pic with him on my computer desktop at home and at work.

We’re lucky (from a female perspective) because we’ve typically had a plethora of hot players on our team. So at least if the team sucks, they are still nice to look at (though I realize that is no consolation to most of my fellow bloggers here).

That said, winning hockey players >>> hot hockey players. Course, I prefer the Detroit approach myself - winning AND hot!

By rj

November 26, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I prefer to see Kovy be more of a complete player like an Iginla or Ovie; scoring touch, see the whole ice, support the D in our own end and PHYSICAL .

Part of what is wrong with the Thrashers is they are not physical. When playing the Thrashers other teams are used to being able to safely skate around with their head down making beautiful passes and shots. If the Thrashers would play every game like the one last night the other team’s skilled players would be watching out for the next big crunch instead of making pretty plays.

If I remember history correctly, for the next game the Thrashers will be back to their soft play again.

By Bob

November 26, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Oh, the humanity. Our fanbase has been reduced to an assortment of Puck Bunnies, a few remaining season ticket investors, and a couple guys that live so far away that Erin Andrews nips couldn’t touch them if she stood in the middle of Philips’s ice (what was that girlies name who married Damian Rhodes, yaknow, the one we nicknamed “Nips” after that jumbotron appearance?).

By Brendan

November 26, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Bob, the Intermission Babe who married Damian Rhodes is named Amanda Jahn.

The “On the Fly” analyst Jen references is named Craig Button. It was Button’s assertion that Colby Armstrong was a repeat offender. I thought that was a bit of a cheap shot on Button’s part. But if Button can come up with the vidoe highlights to support his claims, I’ll let it slide. I don’t personally consider Armstrong to be a dirty player.

Ranallo, you are “en fuego” on this topic today, sir. This is one of your best blog topics. I think I might just re-read them!

By ThrashersFan

November 26, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

On the TV Situation…

I just looked at the stats and sorry if they aren’t correct, but they should be.

Televised Home Games: 2 Wins, 4 Losses

Televised Away Games 1 Win, 5 Losses

Untelevised Home Games 5 Wins, 0 Losses

Untelevised Away Games 3 losses

Basically we need to not show any games on TV for this team to win games. I came on here to prove that our horrible crowds this year could be a reason that our team doesn’t do well on TV because it must be BORING as hell to play to a quiet arena (see Toronto’s game last night for real energy and how this team reacts to it) but came up with no answers. Basically we are a 500 team home and away.

On the hitting - Toronto and Atlanta have a long history of these physically brutal games. Who cares if Kovy fights once in awhile? He had a beef with this Mustachioed White clown and took it out on him. This is hockey, enforcer or not, if you want to drop gloves, just do it.

However, when you are getting run at and are up 1-0, it’s probably not best to instigate a fight and put the other team on the powerplay. And for all the whining about the hit from Armstrong, where is the league in reviewing the nasty hit on OUR White the other night? Nowhere…

Toronto, stop whining - see you Dec. 22.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Oh, screw you, Bob. Hotness is just the icing on the cake. Or the consolation prize, on any given evening — though I’d prefer a win.

Speaking of which, I hope tonight looks as good as last night. Particularly since we’re playing Washington’s fill-ins for the most part.

Also, where was the game on last night? It’s amazing how much footage has hit the web given that it didn’t even show up in my Centre Ice feed.

By Alan

November 26, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Also, where was the game on last night?

Toronto.

By Bob

November 26, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

the Intermission Babe who married Damian Rhodes is named Amanda Jahn

That was it, hi-larious that night was. They never showed anything below her neck the rest of that year. I wonder if that’s why Damian, um, noticed her?

Oh, screw you, Bob. Hotness is just the icing on the cake

Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being a Puck Bunny They don’t put the Ice Girls out there for we Cave Men to admire their shoveling and scooping ability, mind you.

By Bob

November 26, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

it didn’t even show up in my Centre Ice feed

You got hosed, hoser, eh?

It was on Channel 770 on DirectTV’s CenterIce. It was the Tronna feed, and it was great. I especially like the pregame “behind the scenes” or whatever bit where there was no talking and they just showed the guys coming out of the rooms, etc., very cool.

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Damn my DVR. I was not home, so I listened to the game (and enjoyed Toronto’s commentators) on XM. But it breaks my heart that the only footage I have seen was on the ‘net and recap shows. Because my machine apparently failed to recognize the correct game. Grrr.

Of ocurse, I enjoyed CGY/NYR, but tha’s not the same.

By Brendan

November 26, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

I think it was Channel 774, on Comcast’s Center Ice. Toronto’s broadcast crew and production was top notch, I must say. By the way, that’s my Christmas present. For all the wives out there who wish to give their hubbies the gift that keeps on giving, all year long … (suppress what you’re thinking) how about giving Hubby the Center Ice Package? (I know. I do realize that I said the word, “package.” Let it go.) He’ll get to enjoy it (stop that!) from October to April. It costs between $159 to $169, depending on when you buy it. That is, if you want hubby to have THE FULL SEASON. The “half-season” is usually available around January 1st, for $129. And if you wait all the way to February, you can get the last few weeks for $49. Just put a card under the tree that reads, “Remember, Center Ice was your gift.” And if you’re into “stocking stuffers,” (again, suppress what you’re thinking,) then the NHL network, for $5 a month, as part of Comcast’s “Sports and Entertainment Package,” is an excellent choice. (You can even contact our very own Tony C. to get the best available deal.) In your TV listings, that channel is described as “NHL TV.” When you hear bloggers referencing the “On the Fly” boys, this is what they are talking about. (Gary Green, Dan Pollard, Craig Button, Dave Reid, etc., etc.) It’s a recap of all the night’s NHL action. It is something that he’ll watch with consistency, if he’s a serious hockey fan.

This concludes my marital counseling on how to make this the ‘Best Christmas Ever.’

By Hockey Biltong

November 26, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Wow, I really enjoyed that one!!! We gave better than we received and hopefully the wandering ‘mojo’ will remain with the team. We can put the Scrapitols to bed early with that kind of effort.

By Tony C.

November 26, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Nikita,

email me

hispeedtest@hotmail.com

if you’re a comcast subscriber I can put you down for the Sports&Ent. package for $5/mo.

If nothing else you’d get to see highlights of X’s big hit in the 2nd as well as Hedberg’s kick save of the century (seriously, it is an amazing thing).

Other thought: Man our PP sucks.

I just watched the 2nd-to-worst kill IN THE LEAGUE get multiple SH opportunities and also, we can barely cross into the O-ffensive zone if the opposing team just stacks guys on the left-side boards.

grr.

GO BLUE !!!

By Nikita

November 26, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Tony. Unfortunately, I’m not — ad I actually do have the game. My DVR just put it for some reason in the same category as Hockey Academy and whatnot.

I am now finishing it up and about to switch over to tonight’s game. Though I’m sure I speak for everyone, looking at the score, when I say “what the f, Thrashers?”

Go, blue!

By Brendan

November 26, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Capitals 4, Thrashers 1, with 11:00 left in the 2nd period. I guess we used up all the ‘mojo’ last night.

By Tom

November 26, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

We have come out in our normal soft mode. Where is the hitting that got us moving last night. How about a fight?

This is what drives me nuts about the Thrashers; we come out and show how to play good solid hockey one night and then the next we play softer than a roll of charmin.

The team has potential to be a playoff team if they want to, but they have to want to do it night in and night out.

By Bob

November 27, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

The team has potential to be a playoff team if they want to, but they have to want to do it night in and night out

Tom, the Thrashers played their absolute hardest against the Leafs. Expended all energy and outworked them. But that level of play cannot be kept up over an 82 game season. When they do it, they’ll look great as they outwork the other team, but over the long haul, the basic lack of talent evens things out.