AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUndoing The Un-Good
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last summer during the town hall meeting with season ticket holders, John Anderson indicated that playing time would be determined by who was playing hard and producing on the ice. Work hard, play hard…more ice time would be awarded. The opposite, of course, applies as well.
Well, true to his word, he has made some adjustments in regards to the forward lines and special teams. I’m quite sure he is trusting that these adjustments will take place in attitudes as well.
Most notably, Ilya Kovalchuk, will play this week in Montreal and Ottawa on a lower line along with Marty Reasoner and Chris Thorburn. Kovy’s play seems to be off of late and, at times, he appears to be lost and/or unmotivated. Reasoner has played most of the season as the third line center and hasn’t done a bad job there, IMHO…and I like coach’s decision to put Thorny opposite of Kovalchuk.
As for your top three forwards…it’ll be made up of the line that has been the most consistent and productive so far. White, Kozlov and Little will remain together and simply move from the second to first line. Again, hard work and results will be rewarded.
Jason Williams…who has been somewhat of a disappointment thus far…will center the new second line with Christensen and Armstrong. The fourth line will be constructed from Slater centering Crabb, Perrin or Boulton.
But the changes don’t stop there. According to Mike Knobler…Reasoner, XLB, Perrin and Oystrick practiced the penalty kill together, (Hainsey out) and the other PK line consisted of Enstrom, Havelid, Crabb and Slates. The top power play unit, it seems, will be made up of the White line with Kovy and Hainsey on the point.
So, why do we have an overhaul of the current cast of characters? Well, simply put, John Anderson is efforting to undo several un-good aspects of this team. Let’s look at the numbers, shall we?
Atlanta’s penalty kill is a league-worst 73.8% effective. Un-good!
In 19 of the 23 games so far they have let up at least one power play goal. Un-good!
The Thrashers 27.3 S/G is 27th in the league. Un-good!
Their 33.3 SA/G is 28th in the league. Un-good!
The 3.56 GA/G is better only than Dallas’ 3.65. Un-Good!
Since winning five straight, they’ve gone a miserable 1-5-1 in their past seven. Un-good!
After beginning November 5-1-0, they finished 6-6-1 for the month. Un-good!
And the most un-goodest of all…Atlanta is sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings with 19 points.
But what Anderson is attempting to undo here goes beyond simple statistics. As he pointed out Sunday, the Thrashers have a bad habit of “not competing”. It’s one thing when a team gets beat…it’s quite another when the desire to compete is not on display 100% of the time. That’s when players get moved down in the lineup…off the lineup all together…then off the team.
To Anderson’s point about “not competing”…
Of the five regulation loses in the past seven games, two have been by one goal, another two were within a goal until empty-netters padded the margin. The Washington loss was by a pair of goals.
Outside of two games in which they were blown out, the Thrashers have had it within their reach to come away with points in just about each game. The difference has been thiiiiis much in many of the losses. And thiiiiis much is normally the difference created by that extra bit of hustle and effort. That extra hustle and effort…or lack thereof consistently… is apparently what John Anderson is unhappy about.
Something else to digest…Last year after 23 games, the Thrashers were 11-12-0 for 22 points…this season they’re 8-12-3 for 19 points. The difference? The overtime losses. Last year had won all five played in the first 23 games played, this year they are 1-3.
Again…all of the one-goal games and the overtime losses simply add to the un-good element because it meant the team was unable to come out on top more often. Unable to because they were unwilling…or unable…to give that extra effort required to finish the job. In order to win most of these games players must give thiiiiiis much more effort…for an entire 60 minutes… more if need be.
And what if Anderson cannot gain a measure of satisfaction from the current squad even after these drastic line changes? Well, as he said after Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Blues, “We’re going to look at the whole situation, look at what we have, what we have in the minors and figure out what steps have to be taken”.
That would mean the very real possibility of seeing the likes of Colin Stuart, Brett Sterling, Jordan LaVallee …or even Joe Motzko who leads the Wolves with 10 goals and 16 points in 22 games played…playing for the big squad before too long.
Question is, whom would they replace in the lineup? I guess that will be determined by who receives Anderson’s message through the lineup changes, adjusts their attitudes in regards to work ethic and does their part in undoing the un-good aspects surrounding this team right now.
And who doesn’t.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By HookyBob
December 1, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Tooooooooo passive. How can they watch film of themselves?
I love these guys but I sure wish coach had a bit more talent to work with. To some extent hustle can makeup for less talent. Now the hustle is lackluster. It isn’t even a “build year” (yo Bob) if we don’t progress.
Seems like all sorts of 3rd and 4th liners are getting chances at lines 1 & 2 and are unable to prove they belong there.
By Barry
December 1, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Kovy on the point on the PP? As you say Rawhide…ungood. I don’t like it. For one Kovy has been coughing up the puck alot and turning it over even at our own blueline! Also the goalie and the defenders on the PK know exactly what Kovy is going to do when the puck is on his side…it’s going to get blasted, so what will happen? They will be blocking his shot as they have been doing all season. We have better choices to work with Hainsey on the point on the PP. There are other guys who can maintain puck possession better and who can shoot the puck on net through a screen or to generate rebounds. Kovy needs to be alot more mobile on the PP…hell so does the whole PP unit. What’s scarier to the opposition? 1) A supposedly 50 goal scorer moving all over the place who can shoot the puck with pinpoint accuracy? or 2) A supposedly 50 goal scorer hanging out in a 10 foot area looking for the long windup and one timers. As a matter of fact I’ve noticed Kovy actually whiffing on those one timers…ALOT. Since when does he miss on those? He’s obviously having an off year.
By Brendan
December 2, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
We’re close. Real close. Those were comments made by Don Waddell, in the 2nd period intermission vs. Nashville. Yeah, but what team can’t make this kind of superfluous claim?
“If ‘ifs and buts’ were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas.” So very true. Think about it. Now THINK HARDER.
In this league, you either win … or you obfuscate excuses. Lose long enough, and you get a “pink slip” for Christmas. Except in Atlanta. I hardly think the point of our market should be to draft and develop talent for other teams. And yet, I hear bloggers talking about making trades involving our prospects and draft picks.
Every time we trade away a 1st or 2nd round draft pick, that’s what we’re doing. We’re being the farm system of the other NHL clubs. That’s not acceptable. The point of drafting these players is to sign and develop them … for our market. Then lock ‘em up, PROACTIVELY, on longterm deals before they hit the RFA market.
Is this rocket science? Look, if we want to shed the label of an EXPANSION team, we’ve got to stop operating like an AHL team. We’re not the minors. We’re the pros. That said, we’ll put together another 4 to 5 game winning streak at some future point in the season. That’s what happens over the course of an 82 game schedule. We’ll get teams ripe for the plucking at the tail end of a long road swing, etc. Even the worst team in the NHL will put 4-5 wins together once or twice in the span of the season. And when that happens, the Coach, GM, or ownership can lay claim to the team being close, real close to turning the corner.
Even a bad team can go 7-1-2 in an isolated 10-game stretch. Still with me? Does that small fraction of the season merit a contract extension? Does that small fraction of the season merit turning a blind eye to eight seasons worth of history?
I’m asking you to do some soul searching. Do some substantive thinking. Connect the dots. To quote Bruce Levenson, “From one mistake … flowed all the others.” You Spirit Boys can still rebuild in the manner you planned with a different GM. You failed to act last April 9th. I know. You Spirit Boys don’t want to pay two GMs when the goal is the lottery draft this season. But changing GM’s at least sends a message that you’re AWARE of the situation. It might help to attract free agents in the offseason. Don’t care about that? Okay. Let me speak a language you can understand. It might help to sell more season ticket packages along the glass.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 2, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this
A recent comment I read on TSN’s story about Avery vs. Iginla:
habitant5 — HABS INSIDE/OUT site will have Avery as a guest after the game tonight. The rumor is the Habs are trying to work a trade for him.
Seriously, I thought our little visitor made that site up (I have never visited it)…it’s funny that trolls will go anywhere to get their message across.
By fanfan
December 2, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Time to think to sell. Let’s enjoy football, and basketball teams. Ice hockey here, in deep south? Nah. As I said many times before - it is just too much to be asking for. Situation repeats itself - in this case less IS more..
By Nikita
December 2, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
IMO, we’ve got a traffic jam on the 2nd and 3rd lines. Virtually the entire team is mid-range, relatively young talent. So I hope we bring up checkers and brawlers, trade the chaff, and move up our existing checkers.
Misc. stuff, mostly from above:
Oystrick on the PK is an improvement, but X should not be there as well. The PK requires, more than any other role, positional defense. And X does not have it.
Ya’ll saw the new Ron BUrgundy bits, yes?
By Jim
December 2, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Under the “Un-good” category, add a non-aggressive penalty kill. Even with a collection of dead wood, we should be able to challenge the point a lot better. And, how about a little banging around the boards trying to break up the other team’s tempo and cycle? May too much poking at the puck and not enough playing the man. Here’s my recommended package of guys who should be destined for the “dead wood” bin- Schneider, Boulton, Exelby, Thorburn and Christenson. They are definetly “non-contributors” and we won’t miss a one of them if Donnie and Johnny choose to give some of the kids a shot. Here’s a long shot try- Esposito and Pacquette from Junior ranks onto a line together. Would be exciting and Pacquette is one tough cookie.
By Bob
December 2, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Why does the phrase Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic come to mind?
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Jim - Under the “Un-good” category, add a non-aggressive penalty kill.
So noted and logged.
Bob - Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic
Some will definately see it that way. I think it’s more a progression of events. After the loss to the CBJs, JA had a little chat with Kovy…seemed to work for the Toronto game. Now he’s moved beyond talking and is taking corrective actions.
Mind you, it isn’t just Kovy…but he is who JA sees as a leader on this team and he holds him even that much more accountable.
One other thing. Knobler reported that JA held a closed door meeting with DW regarding making some changes. I don’t think Anderson needed to consult with the GM about switching the lineups around. I still think that the next measure of action comes by way of roster moves.
Sooner rather than later.
By Nikita
December 2, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Let me note that I’d like to see two forms of roster moves:
A top-tier forward, and let’s not worry about that forward playing with Kovy. Someone who can make a major scoring contribution, with or without Kovalchuk, and can compete with him and challenge him.
Checkers/banging forwards. We can probably bring these up.
Ya’ll want Sean Avery? I’m sure we’d see on-ice fights among the Thrash, but we’d also see some additional secondary scoring and a lot more penalties drawn on opposing teams.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Raw to the Hizzle — I’m curious who initiated that meeting…Waddell or Anderson.
My money would be on Anderson, based on Waddell’s statements about the team being “close” as of late.
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Ranallous Maximus - I definately think JA instigated that discussion.
Probably asked him “So, exactly what is your ‘definition’ of ‘close”, Don”?.
I don’t think JA likes “close”.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 2, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
I don’t think many people like “close”, as presently defined.
By MashaPlayer7
December 2, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Great write up by KP Dupont in Sunday’s Boston Globe. Perhaps we should start from here with this Thrashers franchise?
The three most important hires for a hockey team are: 1. the GM; 2. the coach; 3. the goaltender. If those spots are nailed down, then turn on the arena lights, scrape the ice, tap the beer kegs, and collect the money - a playoff spot is a virtual fait accompli.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 2, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Hm…does anyone else find it ironic that a Boston writer uses French when making a point about how to be successful in hockey?
By Bob
December 2, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Knobler reported that JA held a closed door meeting with DW regarding making some changes. I don’t think Anderson needed to consult with the GM about switching the lineups around
I disagree. You bet your sweet bippy that Anderson would want to talk to his boss first and getting clearance before yanking Ilya’s chain like this.
By Smoothie
December 2, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
getting clearance before yanking Ilya’s chain like this
I don’t think JA is yanking Ilya’s chain at all. I think he has come to the realization that Kovy is better off playing with two guys who can do all of the little things well in addition to fight and scrap for every inch of ice to control puck possession or crowd the crease in the effort to make the goalie less comfortable.
Obviously having players like Williams and EC, who supposedly have a scoring touch and a nose for the puck in positions to score, playing with Kovy is not working out. I think this move is more an indictment of players like EC, Williams and even Armstrong to an extent.
Make no mistake, Kovy will still get his 20 mins per game so the ASG can get by selling discounted tkts and Chick-Fil-A family night packages.
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Bob - I’m quite sure that it’s “good form” to let the GM know when a player of Kovy’s stature is getting demoted. But I don’t think it was to get his “permission”.
I just don’t see Anderson as that type of coach. He’s gonna do things his way. I really think the chat hd more to do with possible roster moves.
That’s just my impression.
MashaPlayer7 - I think we have 2 of those 3.
Smoooothy - Wazzup??? Don’t be too stunned if you see Kovy’s TOI numbers slip…if even just for a few games. I seriously think JA is telling the truth when he says effort + results = ice time. Otherwise, what good is going through these motions?
We’ll see.
Everyone - It has come to my attention that tonight’s game in Montreal will be seen on Center Ice but that the feed will be in French.
I guess I’ll be employing the ‘ol “Turn-Down-The-TV-And-Turn-On-The-Radio” trick. I just wonder if there is a dely….
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 2, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
RH — Sometimes the French feed is much more enjoyable than Kamal…even for those of us that don’t know French.
By Russian
December 2, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
French is not big deal, if you know rule of hockey. Puck is Black, ice is White. Blue Line and Red Line. Game today will interesting. Russian rumors said that Kovy will be trade to Montreal or Toronto. Few days ago we saw The Kovy Show in Toronto. I am very much sure that it will be Show in Montreal also.
By Fifi (Rawhide's Maid)
December 2, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Monsieur Ranallo - Le son de télévision sera relevé et le français sera entendu. Je fournirai la traduction pour Rawhide de Monsieur.
giggle
By zack
December 2, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Our un-aggressive or non-aggressive PK is terrible…watch any other successful penalty killing team in the league and see how aggressive they are…we must improve that!
By LL
December 2, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry I do not find Jason Williams as a dissapointment at all. He is in the top six in points and has helped develop plays that have either been scored with or should have been scored on but the person at the end of the play did not follow thru.
By The Other J.B.
December 2, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
French is not big deal, if you know rule of hockey. Puck is Black, ice is White. Blue Line and Red Line.
I always, without fail, enjoy Russian’s posts and usually laugh out loud. This was a great line and I can’t wait to use it on the next person (newbie) who attends a game with me and asks me about a specific rule.
Isn’t there always a rumor or two floating around Russia that Kovy will be moved to Toronto or Montreal that just won’t die? I always like reading the articles people have translated, so if you’ve got the source and the means, I’d love to read it.
Спасибо заранее
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
LL - While I understand an appreciate your defense of Williams…I’m judging the whole perspective. That being that the “Kovy, Williams, Crusher” line isn’t what it was hoped to be.
True, he has 6 goals and 6 helpers. That puts him on pace for about 42 points or so. The man opposite Kovy needs to help balance things out or defenses just look to shut down Kovy’s side…and 42 points doesn’t do that.
Now, maybe I coulda said he has been somewhat of a dissapointment “of late”. He has 0 goals and 2 assists in the past 8 games.
I certainly do hope his role centering Christensen and Armstrong is a success.
By Russian
December 2, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
to Other JB Yes it is happend every time in Arena, that new hockey fans asked too many questions about hockey rules. The Rumors did not present anymore. They were talking very loud and close in November. What do you expect? Any team will like to see Kovy on Roster, because he is a scoring machine. I hope a new line will work woth him. JA has to keep them together at least 3 games - Habs, Ottawa and NYI and see how is works. And last one. I know you can laugh for my English, most my American friends do :-) But you should say: “заранее Спасибо”
By The Other J.B.
December 2, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the tip! I speak very little russian and write even less; and actually needed assistance with that little phrase.
Ha! I don’t laugh at your english at all. Anyone could have said Puck is black. Ice is white. Blue line. Red line. and I would have started laughing. I guess it just struck me funny. It really is all you NEED to know right?
I don’t mind answering questions at games. Often I’m bringing friends and family who don’t know anything about the game and the knowledge they gain tends to get them excited about the Thrashers which I love. The more fans, the better so bring on the questions newbies!
Agreed. Any team would be happy to have Ilya on their roster. Regardless of being on a 29 goal pace right now, I’m glad we’ve got him. I can’t put my finger on it but I really like the way the new lines look on paper. They just ‘look right’ to me… If this works out even just for a while and we can put another string of wins together, we’ll be right back in the thick of it. I’m an optimist, what can I say?
I’ve seen us beat the Canadiens before. I see no reason why we can’t do it again. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since I started watching this game, it’s that ANYTHING CAN, WILL, & OFTEN DOES HAPPEN!
Go Thrashers!!!!!
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Nikita - Sean Avery? No…never. He’s too much of a head case and comes with too much baggage.
Oh, and did I mention…he was suspended indefinitely today.
By Nikita
December 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Sweet. I love Sean Avery. He scores a little, but he never plays or talks a boring game. No doubt whatever he got was fully deserved.
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
He basically went outa his way to refer to Dion Phaneuf’s girlfriend…who is his ex…in a fairly vulgar manner while on camera in Calgary.
No I will not repeat it here
On TSN, the network carrying the Thrashers/Canadiens game on Center Ice, Torts just called Avery a “selfich a$$” for doing this intentionally and now leaving his team without a key player.
Gotta say I agree…there is no way I’d ever want that type of cancer in our locker room.
BTW…it is SA-Weet that we are getting the un-French audio!
By Tony C.
December 2, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Whatever.
I betcha if it wasn’t every frostback’s latent homo-fantasy BF Phaneuf, he wouldn’t have gotten in nearly as much hot water.
“He said that The Dion is getting his ‘sloppy seconds’!!! How DARE he?!!?”
In a related note, I have now officially lost any remaining shred of respect for Elisha Cuthbert. Avery and then Phaneuf? Somebody get her Hollweg’s number, and she can score a DB hat-trick.
By R. Stroz
December 2, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
They should have let Avery play and let him deal with the consequences.
I’d pay a dollar to watch highlights of The Dion and Avery beating the crap out of each other.
By Hockeyfan
December 2, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Doubt seriously that Kovy’s ice time is going down tonight. Watch Thorburn’s go up. Ditto with Reasoner.
By Nikita
December 2, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Oh, come on. That’s a good call-out, but it’s not particularly offensive. I’ve seen worse. In fact, I saw worse out of Jeremy Roenick last year during the playoffs.
By Tony C.
December 2, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Nikita
Exactly my point! His quote was something along the lines of:
“…I love being back in Canada, the fans are so great [insert hyperbole]… The only problem I have is how Canadian NHLers are always picking up my sloppy seconds…”
So Betteman has suspended him indefinitely for “detremental off-ice remarks”
What a crock. R.Stroz, you’re right, it would be kind of like watching Florida vs. Ohio State: I’m just rooting for the refs and (non-career threatening) injuries.
By Rawhide
December 2, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Hockeyfan - Kovy’s got 13+ minutes after 2 periods. Looks like he’ll get 20 or so.
By Tony C.
December 2, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
I wonder if we should get Coach some Pepto-Bismol & Xanax for Christmas.
Lord knows I’d need both if I was in his shoes…
By Brendan
December 2, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Hey, I gotta say it. Thrashers looked like they were headed towards a shutout, but then got four (4) goals in the 3rd period. And Kovalchuk did not look lethargic or uninspired in the effort to salvage a point from this game. What are we now?, 1-6-1 in the last eight games?
Hey, it’s a build year. What do you expect? I’m at least thrilled by Hainsey’s third period play. But Russ, this time I’m serious. Havenot played a bad game. He was at fault in the 4th and 5th Habs goals. Although, I do have to credit him with his 1st goal of the season, not to long ago.
By The Joker
December 2, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Which team is Havelid playing for?
Would someone ask Levenson if the Thrashers are still three games out of first place?
Can Santa give Waddell a pink slip for Christmas?
By Brendan
December 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Aw, c’mon Joker. We’re nippin’ right at the heels of the Rangers and Bruins. Of course, Levenson sees 1st place as something housed EXCLUSIVELY within the SE Division. And the trouble with such thinking ought to be obvious to any upright walking human with a neck and a heartbeat. Worse yet, with the division as lackluster as it is … the Thrashers will seemingly ALWAYS be within what Sage of Bluesland might call, “blustering distance.” Yeah, it works like this. If the Thrashers win 19 of their next 26 games, they’ll host a playoff series. PFFT.
Joker, I’ve arrived at this conclusion. Either Bruce Levenson lies UNCTUOUSLY … or he’s genuinely ignorant at best, and utterly stupid at worst.
By The Joker
December 2, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Levenson is egregiously inebriated with an incessant propensity for a plethora of pardons and platitudes.
In other words, he is a damn drunk that is always full of $h!t.
By The Joker
December 3, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Register your complaints here:
Donald D Waddell
XXX XXXXXXX Ln
XXXXX, GA XXXXX-XXXX (678) XXX-XXXX
By Nikita
December 3, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
Oh, hell no. NOT cool.
By Thomas
December 3, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
Joker,
If that is DW’s real address, take it down now. Only an arrogant dick would call or write to a GM at his personal address.
By The Joker
December 3, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Thomas and Nikita, I have requested that Rawhide remove the information.
By Sara
December 3, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this
Joker you are dead on about Levenson. I can’t count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him interviewed in-game sober and not holding a drink because it’s never happened. Tone is set from the top and the Six Yahoos are completely tone-deaf.
I’ve seen on more than one occassion people say Waddell is bamboozling the owners and pulling the wool over their eyes (which in Levenson’s seemingly continuous inebriated state seems unnecessary) but come on. These guys can read the standings and the scoreboard, not to mention the empty seats littering the arena. And what have they done about it? The COACH was the one person in the organization to bring up the roster. Waddell likely wasn’t going to bother - he knows what’s what. But the owners, the ones with all the millions of dollars on the line, sit by and do nothing, say nothing, spend nothing. It doesn’t even make sense from a business point of view. Their investment is costing them cash at ridiculous levels and it’s value is in rapid decline. Even if they know nothing about hockey, they can surely understand those basic concepts.
Folks are wasting their time taking shots at Waddell. Raise your aim just a tad and complain about more than just Waddell. I’ve had it with these a-holes. They need to either step up to the plate or get out of the game.
By five_hole
December 3, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
Tony C. - I can’t believe that anyone would refer to Elisha Cuthbert as sloppy, although I did see the clip of Avery saying it. I think R. Stroz had the best idea. Between periods of the next Stars/Flames game, put Dion out there to call out Avery, and let Dion beat the snot out of him.
3 goals in 59 seconds! Really! And they couldn’t hold the lead! Really! Are you kidding me? Really? Oystrick tripped on the blue line? Really? Really?
By Lew318
December 3, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Another loss and and another game in which we skated for less than 30 minutes. In response to something Brendan said in an above comment “we are in a build year”. nine years into a five year plan says volumes. We have one complete player on the team that, from what the Montreal Commentators suggested, did all he could to fire up this bunch of mediocre players. Waddell should be blamed for this and if we lose Kovi, Waddell should be fired.
We play with little intensity or passion and when we do play with passion as in the third period last night; we score. No consistent forechecking killed us last night.
Waddell continues to fill holes on this team with players that must have a career year in order to make a difference. Almost every decision he makes seems to be middle of the road. Even the Montreal Announcers said, and I paraphrase, we have surrounded Kovi with a mediorce team. why should he stick around?
It is frustrating to have three season tickets to a last place team. It is frustrating to see the arena half filled and it is frustrating to see professional athlets play with little or no passion. AND VERY FRUSTRATING TO SEE THIS TEAM CONTINUE TO LOSE
By Bob
December 3, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Can Santa give Waddell a pink slip for Christmas?
It’s our only hope, I will keep my fingers crossed, but I remain skeptical. Keep in mind that these moron owners extended Waddell’s contract about a year ago, that was mind numbingly idiotic.
I will keep my hopes up that they do the right thing and get us a real GM, that’s the only hope we have, folks.
What’s so bad about what Avery said? What the heck difference does it make to the NHL what he would say about Phaneuf picking up his sloppy seconds. A, it’s an accurate statement (didn’t he also date one of the Olsen twins who afterwards starting dating Gomez or somebody?). I saw a MTV Cribs episode where they did Avery’s house and there was Elisha laying out on the deck looking like a complete Puck Bunny hanger on. B, why would they suspend him from NHL games based on statements that have nothing to do with hockey? I find that completely ludicrous.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 3, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
What the heck difference does it make to the NHL what he would say about Phaneuf picking up his sloppy seconds.
I couldn’t agree more.
The quote per TSN:
“I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don’t know what that’s about.”
What’s interesting is he’s not simply picking on Phaneuf, but also Jared Stoll (dating Rachel Hunter, Avery’s ex) and I believe another NHLer who has dated a famous ex of his (can’t recall whom off the top of my head).
Though obviously sexist, there are FAR worse things he could’ve said, and far worse has been said by players like Roenick. After his “boring” comment about Iginla, I firmly believe the NHL was looking for a reason to keep him off the ice. It’s pretty sad, in my opinion, that an idiotic statement like that would get him suspended indefinitely, and would happen within a few hours of the statement being made. No time for a review, no time for meeting with him in person.
I guess the suspension was due to him being a repeat offender (remember the French Canadian/visor jab from two years back?), but it’s still ridiculous.
An elbow to the head is a two game suspension, but a partially veiled cutdown on a colleagues girlfriend is an indefinite suspension?? Holy wacky priorities Batman!
By Sean Avery
December 3, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Bettman is mad because I turned his daughter down.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 3, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Let me guess…she was “boring”.
By Trish
December 3, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
hey rawhide, still want a new coach? canes have fired laviolette. rumor is paul maurice is coming back.
GO CANES!!!
By Nikita
December 3, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
We have one complete player on the team that, from what the Montreal Commentators suggested, did all he could to fire up this bunch of mediocre players.
IMO, the stats don’t lie. And the stats indicate some nice work on the part of about a third of the team.
Kovy, Reasoner, Thorburn ended up +1. I’ll additionally praise Todd White, Eric Perrin, and Toby Enstrom for ending up even, hustling, and contributing consistent two-way play. (Also, not sure who fed the Hainsey goal — Enstrom? Havelid? Whoever’s banked pass that was did a great job.)
Also, ya’ll, we have got to quit not appreciating the members of the team for what they are. Everyone cannot be Kovalchuk. Nor could we field a team of all-Kovalchuks. And it doesn’t reflect poorly on, say, Colby Armstrong not to be Kovalchuk as long as Colby Armstrong is excelling in general and filling a role appropriate to this team.
As for Avery, of course he’s a jackass. But the reason he’s on the ice is a) his numbers aren’t bad and b) he plays with way more than the average amount of showmanship. I suspect he’d bite the heads off bats mid-ice and skate in KISS boots if it’d get more press coverage.
By Bob
December 3, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Nikita, didn’t you say you didn’t watch the game but listened on the radio? That would explain why you don’t see what we saw, the stats lied in that game, it wasn’t even close. Habs a complete meltdown for a minute after they only sent 4 guys out and let Hainsey score, but we were outplayed, badly.
Brendan, do you have the predictions handy on how many points we all guessed the club would get this year? Seeing how we’re a little past the 1/4 pole, it’d be fun to see where we stand.
By Smoothie
December 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
I didn’t see the game, but I followed the gametracker for the first 10 mins or so. If I recall correctly, Montreal had 6 shots against Hedberg before we finally got one in on Price. And it may have been on the PP in which we finally peppered the net with a few shots.
The slow starts are not the result of lackluster effort necessarily. I think it’s more a byproduct of this team’s overall lack of talent, size and force, for a lack of a better word (combo of speed and size). The Thrashers get dominated at the beginning of games as long as the other team decides to show up. It’s only when the other team builds a lead and relaxes some that we have any success. Last night’s rally was Fool’s Gold I’m afraid.
It’s time to face facts, this team is going nowhere and there are several guys who are not getting the job done. Aside from trading Kovy to get value in return, I really don’t know what this team can do to get better in the short-term. So this season is hopeless in my estimation. Might as well bring up a few Wolves at a time and hold 10 game auditions to see what they have which might be NHL material, which prolly isn’t much!!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 3, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Trish — If Tampa management (read: Oren Koules and Len Barrie) wanted to be smart they’d hire Laviolette as their new head coach.
He’s a good coach, in my opinion, but his message seems to have gone stale in Carolina.
Another team that could use his services, in my opinion, would be
From the TSN article:
“Maurice, who resides in the Toronto area, has been attending university classes since being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs last May. He interviewed for coaching vacancies in Florida, Atlanta and the New York Islanders during the off-season and has most recently been helping monitor games in the NHL’s war room in Toronto on a weekly basis.”
I wonder what the university classes were that he attended. If they were in Toronto, I’m curious how many of his classmates decided to give him a hard time about his leadership of the Maple Leafs.
Also, I’m glad he wasn’t hired in Atlanta. Good for him though, as he’s been snagged by a slightly better organization (and better GM) than he would’ve been in had he gotten a job with NY, Florida or Atlanta.
Good position for him to be in.
By Trish
December 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
while i’m not a trashers fan (my sister is a sth though), i did watch the game on tsn last night. i thought atlanta played hard the entire game. they even scored in the last minute or two to bring it to 5-4 making the empty netter the game winner. when was the last time you heard an empty netter as the game winner? the go ahead goal bounced off enstrom’s leg—can’t blame moose for that. i saw that kovy was moved to a new or lower line (however you choose to phrase it) but he got a helluva lot of ice time and i noticed him every time he was on the ice.
as with the fair-weather canes fans (yes i’m a proud canes gal), you all are so used to losing that you don’t appreciate good play even when it’s a loss. and you aren’t happy unles you’re b*** about something!!
By Nikita
December 3, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
*Nikita, didn’t you say you didn’t watch the game but listened on the radio? *
I did both, actually — listened to the radio through the flurry of Thrasher goals in the beginning of the 3rd. (I was competing in a sporting event.) Then went home and watched the Habs television feed. I always do both if I’m not able to be at the game or watch it in realtime — I record any games that are broadcast.
The first period was HORRIBLE. Shots were literally two against for every one on. The only stats that looked good at that point were the faceoffs and hits (and faceoffs declined as the game went on). The 2nd was about even, statistically (Atlanta outshot by 1). And in the 3rd we outshot Montreal.
We could also take as a positive from last night the stat that two of the goals were on the Power Play.
I mentioned this on the other blog, but I still think the primary problem is mental. Small changes would have gotten the Thrashers into a competitive situation, but too often they attempt to be adequate rather than good. and that has to stop.
I’m also going to pan John Anderson, again, for pulling the goalie too soon. That is stupid, particularly when your defense has already demonstrated that it is struggling.
By Bob
December 3, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers get dominated at the beginning of games as long as the other team decides to show up. It’s only when the other team builds a lead and relaxes some that we have any success. Last night’s rally was Fool’s Gold I’m afraid
Yep, 100% spot on.
So this season is hopeless in my estimation
Which is why preseason I called this a build year, the ultimate goal of this year is Tavares. If you had your hopes up for more, you’re just not looking objectively at this club. There are still compelling reasons to watch.
See if Little continues to progress into a regular NHLer (a big yes there and a plus so far for the build year).
See Bogosian develop (on hold for now, but he’ll be back)
See if Enstrom continues to develop (big oops there so far, he has looked awfully average and his lack of size is catching up with him, he’s getting manhandled regularly)
See if Lehtonen is a #1 goalie in this league (survey says, Nyet)
Beyond that, there’s not much compelling here. I guess it’s nice to see Hainsey playing well, there’s another guy to keep. But going forward (assuming Kovy is gone as soon as he has the chance), I see us building around Little, Bogosian, and Hainsey and Enstrom on D and then let’s see if Pavelec can be a #1 goalie for us, we’ll figure that out next year. Plug in Tavares or whoever we get with our guaranteed top 1, 2 or 3 pick, and the new GM has at least a little built to start to rebuild with.
Lord help us.
Anyone else hear about Perrin’s comments to a French Canadian radio station before yesterday’s game? Word is that he’s very unhappy and has already requested a trade.
By Rawhide
December 3, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Trish - Lavs is out in Carolina? Wow! I had heard rumors of such for a few weeks now but I’m still a bit surprised.
But…I am happy with Anderson right now, thank you anyway!
By Nikita
December 3, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
*Anyone else hear about Perrin’s comments to a French Canadian radio station before yesterday’s game? Word is that he’s very unhappy and has already requested a trade. *
No, but I’d be curious. Also, IMO, perrin is one of few people who has too much integrity to be brought down to the level of his teammates. He hustles, regardless of what’s going on. And, quite frankly, he deserves better than to be on the checking line.
By Smoothie
December 3, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I can’t blame Perrin for wanting a trade (assuming he actually said something to that effect) as he is being under-utilized in my opinion. Why is he not at least playing consistent minutes on the third line? Perhaps his ability to set up his teammates would benefit a guy like Jason Williams who does have an accurate shot if little else.
Why not give Eric a chance to center Williams and Armstrong? Then you have two lines (Kovy’s and # 3) with a blend of grit, size, speed, scoring touch and passing acumen. Erik Christensen is a bust and Pens fans were right to warn us when the trade was made last year. Boy did Donnie Fraudell get duped on that one. We should have held out for Jordan Staal and Army even if we had to give up Esposito.
By Niikita
December 3, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Yep. I’ll post my ida of new lines on the new topic. They don’t involve EC, and they do involve putting Perrin in a consistent position with people he plays well with.
By Bob
December 3, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
And, quite frankly, he deserves better than to be on the checking line
Apparently that’s his complaint. He says he proved last year what he can do and he’s sick of sitting and watching other guys (Christensen, Williams, etc.) get top 2 line minutes while he has to sit. His agent has gone to Waddell to request a trade. I understand his gripe, he’s not going to get a good contract putting up the low pts he’ll put up playing on our lower lines.
Go read the Nasty Nest site, some guy on there heard the interview and then I read it somewhere else as well.
By Alan
December 3, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Which is why preseason I called this a build year
I called it that at the end of last season. I think everyone knew that this would be a build year.
the ultimate goal of this year is Tavares.
The ultimate goal of every team during every season is to win. This goes beyond the team, though, and straight to the top. The guys who put this mess together, their goal might be Tavares. The goal of the team themselves, however, is not.
By Brendan
December 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Alan, you’d be amazed to learn how many people still don’t think we’re in a build year. Who just yelled, Section 116! Stop that, you. That wasn’t nice.
Bob, your preseason point total pick was 73. Four posters listed point totals lower than yours. They were: LAC, R.Stroz, Sage of Bluesland, and NascarDave. Technically, with tie-breakers, the lowest point total guess was LAC’s, at 69, with 5th place finish in the division and a 15th place finish in the Conference.
By Brendan
December 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Lew318, guess how many appearances in the Conference Finals the Thrashers have since they began their building process? I’ll help you a little. It’s the same number of appearances in the Conference Quarter Finals (2nd round). And, what the heck, it’s the same number of playoff wins, too.
But, it is a terrible thing to “assign blame to Waddell, for what happened under previous ownership.” — Bruce Levenson