Ice Man

By Get The Puck Out

December 14, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

AMEN RAWHIDE COULDN’T HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER MYSELF.

By Steely Dan

December 14, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Here is what someone should do at D-Wad’s next press conference.

By Get The Puck Out

December 14, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

You think maybe the Falcons GM knows anything about hockey? Is JP about done with hockey broadcasting? I saw him doing a NCAA soccer game on ESPN2 saturday.

By R. Stroz

December 14, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

A pink slip for Waddell equals a Very Merry Christmas for Thrasher fans.

By R. Stroz

December 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

IT’S OUR TEAM, IT’S OUR TIME

UNLEASH THE FURY

CALL YOUR REPS AND TELL THEM

I’M MAD AS ++++, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE

FIRE WADDELL

By Scotty

December 14, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Holy crap! How Don Waddell is still GM is beyond me. He HAS to have photos of someone!

By 10yr plan

December 14, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Rawhide,

WELL SAID! I agree completely. Anyone you want in particular as the next GM?

By glovesave29

December 14, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

In addition to staying away from Philips, why don’t we start spending our hockey budget on the Gladiators? If their numbers rise, it will take away from the ASG / Waddell excuse of it just being the economy keeping fans away instead of the poor product they have assembled for us. It’d be really interesting if the ECHL outdrew the NHL in Atlanta. It may be far-fetched, but it would certainly send a stronger message than just not going to the Thrash games. And could you imagine if the national media caught wind of this…hmmmmmmm

By Alan

December 14, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

I’m with you 110%, Rawhide. Looking forward to the next game I attend, so I can participate in the holiday festivities in telling the Spirit what they need to do.

By Rawhide

December 14, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

10yr plan - How about N. E. Body?

Seriously, I threw out the name of Kevin Cheveldayoff. I bet JA wouldn’t mind that.

Pat Quinn also comes to mind…I’ve even seen some mention Craig Patrick.

Would any of those be be a sure-fired bet to turn this situation around? No…there are no such guarantees. But if you give me the option between giving another person a chance that may or may not work out …or continuing down a path that over ten years has proven it hasn’t worked… I choose the former.

By Sage of Bluesland

December 14, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

FIRE DON WADDELL. BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

It’s going to take more than ‘talk’, unfortunately. It will take unpleasant ‘action’.

It means the fans must forego the asset that they previously purchased and BOYCOTT this team until a glimmer of hope is restored to us.

We’re not asking for the moon. We’re simply asking for a different direction; a different ‘plan’, if you will.

Short-term deprivation for a longer-term hope. Only the fans can now cause this action to be taken.

I hope everyone does the absolutely correct thing here and now. It’s the only way to start bringing the base together again.

FIRE DON WADDELL. BOYCOTT THIS PRODUCT UNTIL HE IS REMOVED COMPLETELY FROM THE ORGANIZATION.

By Barry

December 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

I’m amazed that these owners continue to allow this to happen to this organization. Yes we finally made the playoffs two seasons ago only to trip and start tumbling down the hill and two seasons later we are still tumbling down the hill and it can’t be stopped. The owners are raising ticket prices expecting people to still come out? Ya maybe in bizarro world! I agree it’s about time the ownership show some balls, or “have they all dropped off” as the Joker asks in the latest Batman movie, and let Don go and bring in someone else who is a better evaulator of talent and what this team needs. Players like Slater, EC, Perrin, XLB need to go. Thrashers need couple of solid D and two top 6 forwards to be really competitive. Kovy needs help on his line. Maybe after 4 draft years with the top 3 pick we’ll get there, and by this time this 5 year plan turns into a 13 year plan.

By Jason

December 14, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Spot on Rawhide!!! ASG, FIRE WADDELL ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!

Just curious if Rawhide, or anyone here for that matter, ever see ANY of the owners at the games? I usually see Gearon and son around Hawks games. This team and franchise can be successful with the right GM and his folks, even on a budget.

By Jason

December 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

I should have said “successful” compared to this current mess. Which would mean respectable, but on the way up the power rankings for a change.

By Rusty

December 14, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

As a season ticket holder from Day One, I like Don Waddell. But he is in a business where performance is clearly measured and his performance has been weighed and found wanting. Obviously, the ownership has no real commitment to quality or success, which was why Hossa left. Either Waddell is a poor judge of NHL-quality talent or the disfunctional ownership has prevented him from bringing in the talent necessary to be competitive - or both. Even if he is an adequate judge of NHL talent and the team’s woes are solely ownership related, Waddell has lost the confidence of the Atlanta hockey fan and it’s time for him to go.

Atlanta will never be a Toronto when it comes to a hockey fans, but there is a sufficient fan base to create a successful NHL franchise if an owner is willing to put a competitive team on the ice and that starts with hiring a competent general manager. The best thing that could happen to Atlanta hockey is for the Maryland courts to declare this ownership group incompetent to stand trial or manage a hockey franchise and award it to someone who knows and cares about hockey, and is committed to the sport in Atlanta. Right now, I just don’t know who that would be unless Arthur Blank has an interest in another sports franchise.

By polskidawg

December 14, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

RH - close to perfect.

My fear is that this “ownership” will cause the franchise to close its doors.

Guess its time to order Center Ice and support the Flames…again.

By LAC

December 14, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

I agree RAWHIDE, you… showed the GUTS ajc/asg’s tool mike kobler will not do.

don waddell has hurt NHL hockey here much more than we realize. He in fact may have destroyed the existance of the NHL here for good… Changes are not made and made NOW !

So I ask… Just what IS your problem waddell ? WHY won’t you RESIGN for the sake of the team ? You are a career LOSER. The absolute WORST GM in the NHL, you have no peers on that, you STINK !

So why do you not have the BALLS to say it’s over and go away. You said once you “love” this team, well then RESIGN.

You are a disgrace, a complete failure at every level of what an NHL GM is supposed to be. You do not have a clue as to put a winning product on the ice, NONE !

So don… Do the NHL fans in Atlanta a BIG favor and present us ALL with the BEST Christmas present of all, YOUR RESIGNING, you are a failure don, we ALL know it and it is DAMN time YOU DID TOO !

By Jay

December 15, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

I understand the ASG have their own issues right now with lawsuits and stuff, but unless they do something with Waddell, they could go down as the worst owners in the history of sports in Atlanta. I do not doubt that Don Waddell is a very nice man and has had the best intentions of the team when he has done any of his deals. I would like to see him stay with the organization in some capacity, but he definitely needs to go as GM. Fire all of the scouts, too. Waddell doesn’t work alone in these deals.

By Thrashy Thrashy

December 15, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Knobler is a beat writer. He is not a columnist. It is a columnist’s job to write incendiary stuff, not a beat writer’s. You’ll never see Knobler call for the head a manager or GM. That’s not his job.

Please learn the difference, some of ya (that means you, LAC).

And yes, Don Waddell is a piece of s** GM who should have been fired years ago. The Thrashers are so far on the totem pole in the Atlanta media that no one even cares. It’s sad, but true. A real owner would care about that, but ASG isn’t a real owner. It’s a consortium of dim-witted, slack-jawed dopes who can’t get their heads out of their asses.

By Thrashy Thrashy

December 15, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

The head of a coach or GM, that is.

I just don’t think ASG cares about the bad publicity. They certainly don’t care about the Thrashers. The Hawks have managed to stumble their way into being a likely playoff team for some years to come. ASG sees the Hawks as their moneymaker. What’s so bad about this is that the strategy (if you can call it that) used by the Hawks to become a decent team is incompatible with hockey. It’s damn hard for hockey teams to just stumble into winning. It takes a lot of dedication to put a cohesive hockey team on the ice. Until Waddell is gone, we won’t know how green the grass is on the other side. It surely must be greener than this poop-colored (and scented) stuff, right?

By LAC

December 15, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

Well MR. thrashy thrashy, some strong words… Why stand up for kobler ?

With the constant and growing call for waddell’s head, why won’t the guy who covers the team ask him ?

Simple question, has a nice “ring” to it, he may not get an answer, but at the very least waddell might start to see the wave of discontent the fans have for him…

By Nikita

December 15, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Because thats not necessarily Knobler’s job. Also, personally I’m sick of hearing about it like it’s new. There are plenty of good ways to put pressure on Waddell. If you really want him out, flood youtube with videos, stage protests (preferably highly theatrical ones involving good stage props, like when the guy in the chicken suit followed a politician around to bring attention to his chickening out of earlier debates, send the ASG a letter a day until he’s gone, etc., etc. But don’t badger a beat writer to make Waddell personally uncomfortable. That’s not appropriate for either party, and it won’t even help get Waddell ousted.

Also, Don Waddell is not an idiot. I’m sure he’s aware of the feedback pertaining to his position, particularly since he did the public forums last year when the same issues were in play.

By This Gets Old

December 15, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this

Actually I’m quite surprised that anybody but Shultz has the guts to write this. What’s amazing is that there are still fans who support him.

I don’t see Waddell leaving any time soon. Just because we want it doesn’t mean that it’ll happen. If you go back to the meeting with the STH last year it was management that came out and attacked us despite the awful situation.

This team will get in deeper and deeper, with fewer and fewer fans. Atlanta will get blamed as “not a hockey city” Someone will then buy the team and move it. Don’t want to seem so maudlin but I just can’t see it any other way.

By 12345

December 15, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this

Gee Nikita, you sure have an odd prespective on things don’t you ?

Do you support Don Waddell ? If so please tell all of us why, we really need to know so we can relax knowing the ninth year of five year plan II is starting to bare fruit !?

I do not give a damn about he said she said, but the facts speak volumes, Don Waddell is a complete failure as a NHL GM. Even with budget constraints, he could put a better team than this on the ice.

It’s been a poor product for a long time and it may… may lead the team right out of town, so Nikita, look at the record and you tell us, why should this guy remain GM ? Please ?

As for the beat writer, I always thought they asked the questions no matter how unpleasant they might be for the person in charge… Strange this guy will not.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 15, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

As for the beat writer, I always thought they asked the questions no matter how unpleasant they might be for the person in charge… Strange this guy will not.

You thought wrong. Linkity link

There’s no sense in continually attacking Knobler over something that is not in his job description. You don’t ask nurses to perform surgery, so stop asking a beat writer to do opinionated hard hitting journalism. It’s a different beast and not in his job responsibilities.

By sisu

December 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Just wait until February:) could have a new owner and one that would clean house!

So who could we bring in as a GM? What about former players for this team? Mellanby comes to mind or promote the Chicago GM to come here…

By 10yr plan

December 15, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Rawhide,

I agree again who your GM picks. I’d like to see a combination of Quinn and Cheveldayoff. Bring Quinn in to stabilize the franchise while showing Cheveldayoff how to run a NHL franchise. After 2-3 years let Quinn become President with Cheveldayoff taking over the GM duties. Quinn would also bring a connection to the days of the Flames when we actually had a competitive team that made the playoffs and qualified GM in Cliff Fletcher.

By Hockey Biltong

December 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Bring on Sundin and Avery!!!!

By Bob

December 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

After Mike O’Connell was fired in March of 2006, Peter Chiarelli was hired as GM of the Bruins the following April. Apparently team owner Jeremy Jacobs didn’t feel that missing the playoffs for the first time in five years was…ahem…”moving in the right direction”

Wait, this is shocking info to me, shocking I say!

You mean to tell me that Boston has the same moron owner Jacobs in charge (who is universally hated by Boston fans), yet the same owner remained in charge and the only change he made was firing the incompetent GM and getting a new GM and now under the same owner, the new GM went out and build the best team in the Conference? And did all this in 2 years?

Shocking I say, simply shocking!

Fire Waddell

By Hockey Biltong

December 15, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

BTW, Josef Stalin had many 5 year plans. Don is operating from his perspective…..

By Brendan

December 15, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Couple of things. First and formost, I want to amplify something Jay touched on in his very excellent 12:31 AM post last night. I agreed with all of it, except this part: “I would like to see him (Waddell) stay on in some capacity.”

Let me explain why I disagree with that portion. Stay with me. If Don Waddell doesn’t CLEAR OUT HIS DESK, then the residue of his INFORMAL POWER will remain. The next GM will be a puppet GM, answering to Waddell, on matters like budget, and quite possibly, “by committee” advice.

David McDavid touched on this very subject in his lawsuit vs. TBS. He said that the “by committee approach” to conducting business isn’t the way to go. Or words to that effect. He said a franchise needs a face, to either applaud or belittle. I think he’s right. But I digress. If Wadddell stays, ask yourself this question. Would you want to be the next GM who has to ask, “Mother, May I?” to Don Waddell, the “President and Executive V.P. of Hockey Operations, Chief Budgetier, and Board of Governors Member?” Well, let me go ahead and answer that one. “NO!! You wouldn’t.”

Suppose for the moment, that Cheveldayoff or Quinn or even Neil Smith, took over as GM. And one of them said, “Looks like Mats Sundin is still out there, let’s get him as Priority #1.” In steps Waddell, overseer of Hawks/Thrashers budgets, to say, “Uhhh, no. Denied. He’s too much money.” Then the new GM says, “Well, the Dallas Stars refuse to let Sean Avery back, I think he’s the infusion of heart this team never had.” Waddell steps in, “You’ve got to be kidding me, right? There’s no way we do that deal. At any price. Not for a bag of pucks.”

And the point is?? (Shhh, whoever wants to seriously talk about Sean Avery. That’s not the point!! And you missed the boat entirely about the point!!) “Yes,” to whomever just screamed, “The point is … that the new GM … still ISN’T IN CHARGE. And Don Waddell still is.” Bingo! You win the prize. I just haven’t decided what the prize is just yet.

Next… LAC, I think I found a way that you can ask Mike Knobler the question you want answered. Try this: “Mike, can you ask Don Waddell if the organization is planning to promote him up to Bernie Mullin’s old job, as President of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC?” Dude, seriously. That’s as close as you’re ever going to get to having your question asked. Remember LAC, Mike Knobler is the pipeline to the AJC from the GM’s office. If Knobler alienates Waddell, then the flow of information ends. Think about it. That’s why he can’t ask Waddell, “Your record is awful. You’re a terrible GM. When will you resign, for the good of hockey in Atlanta?”

By Alan

December 15, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

sisu - Mellanby is currently employed by the Canucks, and I’m not so sure they would allow the Thrashers to talk to him, since he only became employed by them during the offseason.

I’m all in favor of bringing the Chicago Wolves GM in, but I’m not so sure they’ll let us talk to him in mid-season.

The sadist in me really wants to see Levenson GM the team until the end of the season. We’ve already hit rock bottom, so why not make him squirm a bit? It’s not like we can get any worse.

By Rawhide

December 15, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Bob - Uh-huh…yup. Strange but true.

Here is another one for you….

On April 18, 2006 the L.A. Kings fired GM Dave Taylor. Three days later they hired Dean Lombardi to be GM.

Why is that relevent to today’s discussion? Well…

If the Kings were to get 2 points out of their game vs. San Jose tonight…and that one big, fat, hairy IF…they would jump over Edmonton, Phoenix and Minnesota into 8th place in the Western Conference.

Again, the Kings…who have floundered around the bottom of the standings for years, last making post-season in 2002…who made a change in the front office 32 months ago…who picked just ahead of the Thrashers in last June’s entry draft as the 2nd worst team in the NHL…could be sitting in a playoff position by this time tomorrow.

Shocking…is it not?

By zack

December 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Hellllllllllllll yeah!!!! I’ve been saying since before we even made the playoffs (to only be swept) FIRE DON WADDELL!!!*

By Bob

December 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Shocking…is it not?

Shocking! And do the Kings also still have the same owner as when they were floundering? Boy, that is shocking, same owners of floundering clubs make one change, getting a new GM, and bam, all of a sudden they get turned around? Who woulda thunk it?!?!

By Alan

December 15, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

If you haven’t seen it, check this out:

…The talk is Atlanta GM Don Waddell is on thin ice. There was speculation yesterday a change is imminent. He might not be the only GM moved.

Perhaps the final nail in the coffin will be consistent and loud calls for his head. An idea would be, even if you’re intent on not attending a game as a way to get Waddell out, you could instead stand in front of the arena and have a protest of sorts. Parking is free at many MARTA train stations, and it’s not like you need to buy anything to yell “FIRE WADDELL” in front of the arena. It’s also bound to attract some media attention, which could also be helpful in swaying the hands of our befuddled and incompetent ownership.

Just an idea, of course. The sooner he’s gone, though, the better. The Spirit might have been choking his budget (we’ll likely never know for sure), but there are a few GMs around the league who can get it done on a limited budget (see: Nashville), so that’s no longer an excuse.

Some of you will undoubtedly disagree with me, but we are in dire need of a change of some sort here. We changed the coach, and it’s way too early to do that again — we’re not Tampa Bay, after all — so what’s left?

Waddell is a good guy, but he just has no hockey sense. Maybe the Spirit is finally starting to wake up.

By Bob

December 15, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Bruce Garrioch? Pfft. He probably got his “info” from reading this blog.

By Rawhide

December 15, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Bob - Simply shocking, indeed.

Want more?

OK…the Columbus Blue Jackets came into the NHL one year after the Waddell-“managed” Atlanta Thrashers. The CBJs are yet to make the playoffs and have exactly as many post-season wins as the Waddell-“managed” Thrashers….ZERO.

After finishing the first two season after the lockout with 74 and 73 points…they fired GM Doug MacLeon on April 18, 2007…then hired the Asst. GM of the Edmonton Oilers, Scott Howson, on June 15 of that same year.

Last season the CJBs finished with 80 points…four more than the Waddell-“managed” Thrashers. This season they have 7 more points then the Waddell-“managed” Thrashers and are currently sitting but 2 points below the 8th and final playoff spot in the west.

Should the CBJs qualify for post-season…and they are a lot “closer” to doing so than the Waddell-“managed” Thrashers…and should they actually win ONE playoff game…that would leave the Waddell-“managed” Thrashers as the one and only NHL franchise without a single post-season victory.

Shocking!

By Nikita

December 15, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

*It’s been a poor product for a long time and it may… may lead the team right out of town, so Nikita, look at the record and you tell us, why should this guy remain GM ? Please *

Nope. because that’s not what I said. Let me translate my comments in plain english for you: Acting like a jackass won’t get Waddell fired. And he won’t quit. And it will probably make life for his family uncomfortable.

Your only hope is to have a useful strategy and deploy it. I strongly suggest you arrange a protest which is clever enough and visually interesting enough to make it beyond the sports section. Petition the owners. Do something which is about achieving a professional change and not shaming Don Waddell as a person.

By Nikita

December 15, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

P.S. Brendan, you’ve made a great case for why someone needs to kneecap Nash.

By PJ

December 15, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Well put Rawhide! Alan - you are a tease! I’ll believe it when I see it.

By Alan

December 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

He probably got his “info” from reading this blog.

You manage to take optimism and burn it, every time. Did someone stomp on your sand castle as a kid or something?

Who cares if the guy is a hack. It’s a rumor anyway, but it’s a small ray of sunshine during an otherwise dark and dismal day.

By Alan

December 15, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

PJ - A tease, eh? I’ll take that as a compliment! ;)

Really, though, we fans have to take control. Everyone has their own idea of how to accomplish the same goal, it seems, but we can and should work together as a team to accomplish this goal.

Our goal is to incite change, and I’m not talking about Obama for GM. So let’s do it, eh?

By Bob

December 15, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

You manage to take optimism and burn it, every time. Did someone stomp on your sand castle as a kid or something?

Oh, Alan. Are you bitter after I told this past summer to temper your expectations for this year and understand it was a build year, when you were hoping playoffs?

Believe you me, I want nothing more than to hear some solid info that Waddell’s job is truly in jeopardy, but Bruce Garrioch is the kind of the unfounded rumor. He makes the Kovalchuk to Edmonton for 3 picks and a carton of eggs E(5) guy look like the Sage of Hockeyland

After finishing the first two season after the lockout with 74 and 73 points…they fired GM Doug MacLeon on April 18, 2007…then hired the Asst. GM of the Edmonton Oilers, Scott Howson, on June 15 of that same year

Shocking! And they’re having better success, and the owners are the same, you say? Shocking! Really? No, Really!? Really?

And I’d hazard to guess that the Blue Jax are not spending max cap either. So, the GM is getting it done under the same owners and not spending max cap. Shocking!

Fire Waddell

By Alan

December 15, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Oh, Alan. Are you bitter after I told this past summer to temper your expectations for this year and understand it was a build year, when you were hoping playoffs?

First and foremost, I would have you go back to the end of the season, where I mentioned it was a build year this year. Yep, you weren’t the first nor the only person to say it.

Second, I never once hoped playoffs. I was optimistic, I will give you that much, but I certainly recall stating that the playoffs were out of reach for us.

In the future, you should temper your thoughts and refrain from tossing out obvious bull in an attempt to discredit another obviously unhappy fan.

Now, if you’re done with the lies, let’s get down to the business of fully expressing our collective displeasure, shall we?

By Rawhide

December 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Bob - Yes…shocking!

One more….

During the 2002-03 season, the Cal-GARY Flames replaced GM Greg Gilbert with Darryl Sutter. The Flames finished that year with 75 points…the year prior, 79 points…the year prior, 73 points…the year prior, 77 points, (which was 1999-2000-the same year the Thrashers entered the NHL).

Anywhooooo - the following season the Flames finished with 94 points and came within a 2-1 game 7 loss to Tampa Bay of winning the Stanley Cup. The next season, after the lockout, the won the Northwest Division with 103 points…the next season = 96 points…then last year 94 points.

Currently, the Flames are on pace to net 96 points.

Shocking!

By Stats

December 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

All - Bear with me, this might be long, but I do not post much. This might provide a new perspective.

I made it to the game on Friday. I cannot afford to go often, this was my first game this year.

Since you cannot see anything on TV, Friday was my first real chance to evaluate this team. I understand it is one game, but here is what I see (some obvious, some not).

Pavelec is not ready for the NHL. I know he had a bad night and it happens and you cannot judge on one game. However, his technique was poor (which has nothing to do with having a bad night). He does not have the raw skills to overcome bad technique.

While no one works harder than Hedberg, his skills are wearing down. As the game goes on, he gets tired and his technique suffers.

In sum, the team cannot trade KL. We are going to have to make it with him. I believe he is the difference between getting blown out on most nights and keeping a game close (even if ATL eventually loses).

Offense - looks much better than last year. Better puck control, better pressure on the goaltender. Not all “dump and chase.” We still rely to much on one and done shots from Kovy in the slot.

Kovy - Simply put, he quits. He comes out with energy, but when the team gets down, he is simply trying to add stats for himself. I saw multiple sloppy turnovers and a complete lack of hustle after some pucks.

Defense - We have young guys who are out of position alot. Also, I cannot understand why we cannot keep people out of the crease and keep the goalie clear of traffic. We finally have some size, but we are not using it.

Overall - JA’s system seems to lead to higher scoring, shootout type games. I mentioned this as being backed up by stats a few weeks ago. We are putting shots on goal on offense, but cannot keep pace on the other end from a defensive or goaltending standpoint.

I think this team is a LONG way from being good as it is today. Having KL in net helps a lot (after seeing the team Friday I think KL might be worth an extra 15 - 20 pts per season), but not near enough to be anywhere near the playoffs. Waddell needs to go in order to keep the whole thing from imploding. Attendence was horrible and the fans are truly miffed. The team has lost the casual fan. If ASG does not take action, it will lose the die hards.

Being there reminded me how great the game is. With Waddell in charge, there is NO HOPE for the future. ATL will not support a bad team with no future, even if the sport is a great one.

By Rogie

December 15, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Rawhide:

Well said. Stats, I agree with your assessment but with a few other observations. Pavelec is not ready for the NHL…but he’s not that far away. He reminds me a little of Olaf Kolzig in his first years with the caps. He was inconsistent and out of position a lot but at other times brilliant. A little more seasoning and playing time in the AHL will help him immensely. But, on the other hand, you may be right that KL is the only true NHL every day starter on our team, but I don’t think he’s the long-term solution. Some teams are carried on their backs by hot goalies who are leaders through inspired play. He’s played well at times but I can’t even remember a period of time when he carried the team or was “on fire” winning games on his own. I’m told that he’s a great guy, but is aloof and just doesn’t add to the locker room like other goalies and players. Some day, with the Thrashers hopefully or some other team, I just don’t see him carrying a team on his back in the playoffs. By the time the Thrashers are even contending for playoffs, Pavelec should be ready. We might get to that point sooner by picking up other talent.

Other than that, in my opinion, this team has a few tier one NHL players but has mostly mediocre journeymen players, some young players who may eventually realize their potential, and a few players who don’t belong in the league anymore. This team can’t contend. If they somehow had a .500 season, it would be a miracle. There are about 8 or 9 players on this team that are worth building around, but this would take a lot of time and a GM and ownership that really care. There’s no quick fix here —- and that’s the problem. I like Kovy too and have nothing against him. But, is he willing to hang around for a few more years to rebuild? I don’t see him resigning if things don’t change. I’m not sure he resigns if Waddell is replaced. So, to me, it’s rolling the dice to hold onto him. He may leave on his own and his trade value just decreases in time. As much as I hate it, this team needs more NHL pieces to have a chance to compete in the longterm. Firing Waddell is one thing. Replacing him with a competent GM is another. But, I just don’t see how we even can compete in a few years with contract realities and this being not a free agent preference destination unless we actually gut the team and increase our young talent depth overall.

By Brendan

December 15, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Ummn, how did I do that, Nikita? I don’t even remember referencing Rick Nash. And I’ve never in favor of Jeff Galooli (sp?) type moves.

But, while I’m thinking about Columbus, and GM’s, they did fire Doug MacLean, after he proved himself to be their village idiot. They brought in Scott Howson, an Assistant GM from the Edmonton fold. I think there’s been mixed-reviews of the Howson Administration. But I don’t think he’s made anything WORSE. I was a little bit shocked when he moved Nikki Zherdev to the Rangers. But, if he was a cancer in the lockerroom, then I understand it. Howson picked up R.J. Umberger, a player whose stock rose during the Flyers run to the CF last year, for a 2nd round pick, I think. I can’t criticize that too much. But I’m not a connaisseur of the Blue Jackets organization.

The only thing I ever remember saying about Nash was … that it wasn’t unreasonable to suppose that he could have beem drafted by Atlanta, 2nd overall, back in 2002. All it would have taken was Atlanta telling Florida, “You don’t pick Bouwmeester with that 1st overall selection, we will. Bouwmeester won’t be there at #3. If Florida picks Bouwmeester 1st overall, refusing the trade with Columbus, then Columbus must approach Atlanta for inducement not to take Nash. Simply put, we demand a 1st round pick from Columbus, or Nash is ours. And if we don’t get the 1st rounder, we pick Nash at #2. Not exactly a far fetched scenario, either.

By Jim

December 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Right on Rawhide. Time to close out a failed 5 year plan now staggering through it’s 8th year. Firing Don now will at least show us fans that the owners do have some interest in the team.

By Bob

December 15, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Now, if you’re done with the lies, let’s get down to the business of fully expressing our collective displeasure, shall we?

Um, we sure do have different memories, and I certainly don’t lie, that’s just plain silly, but I will take your final sentiment and say I agree and carry on.

Cal-Gary did it as well, Rawhide? Really? I am still shocked, shocked I say.

I have to disagree about Kari. I think if you line up a healthy and focused Kari (how often have we seen that combo out of him?), and Pavs and Moose, then sure, Kari is the cream of the crop. But if he’s not injured, he’s unfocused. It’s like 1/3rd great goalie, 1/3rd IR, and 1/3rd head case. Sorry, time to vote him off the island. Move on to Pavs and get him his starts here or in Chicago so he’s good to go next year. I’m fine with Pavelec and Moose as guys next year. I do agree that Pavs needs better positioning, but that can be taught, it’s the raw skills and reflexes that can’t be taught, and he has those.

By Russ

December 15, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL!!!

Bring in stendec as his replacement.

By Sunny

December 15, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

from How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths:

When you say it’s gonna happen “now” -
well, when exactly do you mean?
See, I’ve already waited too long.
And all my hope is gone.

By Brendan

December 15, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Thrashers are in the midst of their ninth (9th) season. If you prefer, we’re in Year Four of our SECOND “5-year plan.” Waddell’s drafting, I think, improved slighly in the “2nd 5-year plan.” But results are results. Ask any GM not named Waddell what a GM’s job is … and they’ll tell you, TO GET RESULTS. As in, “good ones, not bad.”

Stats, or Russ, do either of you have the cumulative record of the Waddell Administration, through this, the 9th season? I’m curious as to what they are.

I have second question. Ready? Put on your thinking caps. Touques, for those of you reading in Canada. Here now, the question: “Even if you had NOTHING but the FLOOR of the CAP to work with, ANNUALLY, would it be unreasonable to expect a team that owned five (5) Top Five picks, and eight (8) Top Ten picks … to be better off than the Thrashers are now?

Just out of curiosity, if you said it was REASONABLE to expect the T-birds to be BETTER than they are now, how much BETTER should they be? I know where I think they should be, in Season Nine. I’d just like to hear what the rest of you have to say on the topic.

By Rawhide

December 15, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I know you asked Russ or Stats for this info but…

The Thrashers have played 685 games over the 8 full seasons + 29 played so far this season.

The overall record is 247 wins…342 losses…51 OTLs…45 ties.

Thats a winning points percentage of .431, or 70.6 points per season on the average.

If you consider the first 5 years…the original “5-year plan”…the team won 120 games…lost 225 games…20 OTLs…and 45 ties.

That’s was a winning points percentage of .372, or 61.0 points a season on the average.

So, one could say he’s getting better.

However…remove the 286 games coached by Bob Hartley…in which the Thrashers went 137-112-28-9 for a .544%, which would get you 89.2 points on the average….and Don Waddell’s Thrashers have gone 110-230-23-36 for a .349 winning percentage.

That will get ya 57.2 points for a season on the average.

UN-GOOD!

By Stats

December 15, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Apparently the all time record is a well kept secret. You cannot really just add up each season b/c of the changes in OT.

Not surprisingly, the franchise records is not anywhere on the team website and the ASG stopped listing the season by season records.

I found this:

As of the 2005-6 season, the Thrashers earned a record of 161 wins and 258 losses.

In 2005-6, ATL went 41-33-8, in 2006-7, ATL went 43-28-11, in 2007-2008 ATL went 34-40-8.

So, by counting OT losses under the new system as true losses, I get 279 wins 386 losses. .419 win pct.

By the way, I also found this stat - The Atlanta Falcons at 256-378-6 for a winning percentage of .405

By the way, the worst professional franchise ever is the NBA Vancouver Grizzlies at .219% over 6 years.

By harleyman

December 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By glovesave29

December 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Bob…if you cut bait on Kari and feed Ondrej to the lions before he is ready - then what do you have? Just another case of unfilled potential. His confidence will be shot and he will have compiled some pretty bad habits while just fighting for his life. Send him to Chicago. Let him improve and get used to winning again. Let’s give him to tools he needs to succeed.

By Brendan

December 15, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks Rawhide and Stats. Stats, I urge you to check out the complete team history of the Los Angeles Clippers. If that’s not the worst, all-time win percentage, I don’t know what is.

By FireDWNow

December 15, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

How much would it cost to buy a front page of AJC, so we politely could ask DW to step out? This will sure get a media attention.

By Midfield

December 15, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Since Spirit Group appears to be completely disinterested in this team, should the petition be addressed to NHL directly, particularly Bettman?

Did I mention that Spirit Group appears to be completely disinterested in what the hockey fans from Atlanta say or think?

By glovesave29

December 15, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Well Midfield - the Commish is on the NHL network each Thursday for a call in show with Bill Clement. I’d be great if one of us could get through!

By Brendan

December 15, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

The Leafs and Blackhawks, even the Rangers and Bruins, were mismanaged for DECADES while the league stood by … and watched. If the NHL didn’t care about those “Original Six” teams faltering, they SURE AREN’T going to care about Atlanta. The only thing the NHL cares about … are “healthy franchises.” As far as I can tell, the Thrashers break-even with revenue-sharing dollars. Waddell keeps the budget very low to offset the bleeding. The NHL sees a franchise that is fully operational. Now, if the ownership were to file for bankruptcy, that’s what triggers NHL-intervention. At that point, someone steps in to run the team. But we’re not there yet.

I don’t think Commissioner Bettman places phone calls like this one: “I know you guys aren’t going so well. Let me be direct. Do you guys know what you’re doing?”

By HookyBob

December 15, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Bob: Despite all the recent success being enjoyed by teams who have changed GMs, not ownership, I believe a change in ownership may be quite beneficial here.

The ASG own both the Thrashers and Hawks. As long as you are in Atlanta, GA and have limited dollars to focus on a good product,…I’d have to think the Thrashers come in second in that race. While we have seen years where they did not restrain spending,…their pockets may not be so deep in these times.

That said I’d welcome a change in GMs, even if ownership remained the same. That is especially true if an owner who would keep the team here cannot be found.

I like the idea of petitioning the NHL to take over mgmt of this mess. The argument could be made that current mgmt is running this team into the ground and that few things would impact the NHL more than to see Atlanta lose a second team.

Bloggers, how about some sample petitions?

By Sage of Bluesland

December 15, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

So Alan has FINALLY stopped his ridiculous defense of the indefensible?! My, how things have changed…Where once there was a lone voice or two in the wilderness, there is now a virtual chorus!

Too bad it took you so long to see what Bob (and others, ) had been saying for years to much criticism by the sheep-set, including yourself…

Oh well, I see you’re still saying we should pay for tickets and ‘protest’ at the games…The owners would LOVE you for it!

One day you’ll change your tune on that, too—and say you’ve been saying complete BOYCOTT for years…I know the pattern…

FIRE DON WADDELL. BOYCOTT THE PRODUCT IF YOU WANT REAL CHANGE.

By Alan

December 15, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

So Alan has FINALLY stopped his ridiculous defense of the indefensible?!

Where in the nine hells have you been for the past 9 months? Not here.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 15, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

So Alan has FINALLY stopped his ridiculous defense of the indefensible?!

You’re absolutely rucking fetarded. Alan, from the beginning, hasn’t been a fan of Don Waddell. From the first posts he put on these boards (to my recollection) he has not been anything but an advocate for Waddell’s being fired. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised you missed that.

Just like glovesave, who you like to tease because he had a nice moment with his daughter at a Thrashers game. For ostracizing everyone who disagrees with you, you have a horrible knack of misremembering those that actually agree with you. I guess you don’t realize that your “lone voice or two in the wilderness” has been around for quite a while, they just weren’t as annoyingly vocal as you (or perhaps they simply don’t/didn’t frequent this blog).

People have said it for years, it’s not your message, it’s how you shove it down our throats with every post. I know you wont change, but for the sake of those who actually agree with you, how about you lighten up a little. I can deal with your criticisms, but I think it’s rather pathetic when you tease/mock/belittle the same people who have agreed with you for longer than you’ve cared to realize.

By Alan

December 15, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

From the first posts he put on these boards (to my recollection) he has not been anything but an advocate for Waddell’s being fired.

To be fair, I wasn’t at first. But it wasn’t long until I begun feeling that Waddell should probably be ousted. Really, I think it’s time for a change. But that’s neither here nor there. Hopefully, it’s coming soon. Heh.

Also, thank you. After I posted, I was wondering if my recollection was actually more of a fever dream. Either both of us got really sick and hallucinated the same things, or it really happened. Really, who knew?

By Sage of Bluesland

December 15, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

What do you expect, Sheep of a feather stick together!…All of the sheep sh&% that I’ve waded through over the years here…

Welcome to the party, Swifty!

By Bag of Salt

December 15, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

The Sheep Corollary to Godwin’s Law: The more Sage of Bluesland posts in a topic, the probability of sheep being mentioned approaches one.

Baaaa!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 15, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, old faithful. When in doubt, call a person a sheep. A tried and true method…well done.

I find myself silenced in awe of your originality and wit. It’s inspiring, really.

Alan — As far as I remembered you’ve been an anti-Waddell poster…I guess I was wrong. My bad.

By LAC

December 15, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Interesting events out of Kansas City today, albeit not NHL hockey, but a very close mirror image of the Thrashers.

The Kansas City Chief’s long time GM Carl Peterson resigned, people there are ESTACTIC over his departure, lifting of a cloud as one friend put it.

There were parties at various watering holes from Overland Park to Blue Springs, EVERYONE is thrilled to have a completely NEW direction, not the same dysfuctional direction the Chief’s were in.

All I can say is this… What The Hell Is don waddell waiting for ?

I’m ready for a NEW direction aren’t YOU!

By jcwhitingjr

December 16, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

There is only one reason for DW to still be the GM, he’s playing within the parameters that the ASG have set for the management of the team.

They aren’t worried about winning they are just worried about their bottom line. If they were serious about having a winning NHL franchise then they would remove those parameters and see what happens.

By PUTTING ON THE FOIL

December 16, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By Cheech

December 16, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

I am not even considering going to a game and have ven stopped watching on TV. I usually go to about 5 games and watch almost all. I’m sure there are many more like me out there… Donny, you are a good guy but a lousy GM…not even “close”

By Kevin

December 16, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Sure Fire DW,….go ahead. I am sure that will make everyone feel better. You still have an owenership that is in litigation, blleding money like a stuck pig, and no real fan base. Putting a new butt in the GM seat is not going to change anything when it comes to FA’s, only a drop in the cap will do that because players will only have the choice to sign in a place like Atlanta who has money to spend, or take less to play elsewhere. Also, you seem to forget, that our up and coming talent pool is pretty deep. You CANNOT build a quality NHL franchise without solid drafting. Ours has been very solid the last 3 years. You dont see it now, but you will , and in some cases (Valabik, Oyserick, Little, Stuart, Pavelic, Crabb, Enstrom) are all our drafted guys. Not to mention Michalek, Kulda, and maybe even Esposito. The Kings are mentioned as a 32 month turnaround. Nice analogy. Look what good drafting can do. We will be there. Yeah, it is almost unbearable to watch now. DW made big offers to top FA’s, they chose not to come here. Not his fault, more about ownership, poor marketing, and lack of fan base. Dont tell me that the fans will support a winner. The fan base is too small to fill that arena 41 times a year and then playoffs. The ownership situation needs to be resolved. I dont care who ends up with it, just stop fighting about it in court and in the press. Make a comittment to putting a strong team on the ice and the court. The Hawks were in the same boat. They rebuilt from the ground up which is a LOT harder to do in the NBA than in the NHL. The went to the playoffs with a young team that was mostly their own talent. They overpaid for an FA. He turned out to be awesome. The Thrashers are doing the same thing. Do I hate the poor sloppy play,..yes! Do I see the future,….YES! Am I willing to wait another year! YES!

By Bob

December 16, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

if you cut bait on Kari and feed Ondrej to the lions before he is ready - then what do you have? Just another case of unfilled potential. His confidence will be shot and he will have compiled some pretty bad habits while just fighting for his life

This is true, you can ruin a young goalie by rushing him. But he got a full year in Chicago last year. And I assume he’ll go back and be the #1 in Chicago when Kari is ready, so that’ll be another good pro year under his belt, what do you think about him as our #1 next year?

Despite all the recent success being enjoyed by teams who have changed GMs, not ownership, I believe a change in ownership may be quite beneficial here

I agree completely, the last straw for me with them was when they retained and extended Waddell against all reason. But you can’t fire ownership, so got to start with the GM.

Alan, good to see you’re coming around to the one move that will really make a difference for we fans, Fire Waddell

By Alan

December 16, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Sure Fire DW,….go ahead. I am sure that will make everyone feel better. You still have an owenership that is in litigation, blleding money like a stuck pig, and no real fan base.

While this is indeed true (it will make everyone feel better, and we still have a crappy ownership to deal with), which one is easier to replace? Which person has been here since 1999? The ASG wasn’t even around back then, so you can’t say them.

Indeed, we could use a new ownership group. Ownership interested in building a contender. Ownership interested in filling the building every night of the season. Ownership interested in seeing Atlanta make a far run into the playoffs on a consistent basis. It doesn’t appear we have such an ownership, nor is our on-ice talent even close to resembling that of a contender.

Believe me, if we could fire the owners, we would. That, however, is simply not possible. So, let’s consider our options here:

a. “Stay the course” or b. “Make a change”

So, which will it be? Sit idle while our team continues down a path of self-destruction? Or shake things up, bring in a GM who wants to see this team succeed?

I know the answer. Do you?

By Rawhide

December 16, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Kevin - You do make some valid points regarding ownership as well as the pending legal situation…and I thank you for sharing them. However, the one person who has made the decisions regarding the on-ice product is Don Waddell and he has failed miserably. It isn’t an issue of making a change to “feel better”…it is simply needed. 10 years is enough.

Have his hands been tied somewhat in regards to what he can spend on payroll…sure. But take a look at the Kings, who are competing on a lesser payroll. Look at Nashville, Phoenix… Vancouver…who have winning records with fairly similar payrolls.

It CAN be done if the right choices are made.

Oh…and he WAS allowed to throw $8 million at Campbell last summer…so his hands may not be as “bound” as some might think.

And, yes…I do hold DW at least partially to blame for some FA chosing other teams over Atlanta. The reason they do is because they do not feel the Thrashers have the commitment to winning that…say Chicago…does. Why is there that perception? Well, because ownership fails to do what it needs to in regards to making the changes needed to show there is such a commitment…that change being in the one aspect that has remained consistent with the franchise, Don Waddell.

Waiting another year?…Well, I guess we’ll have to, won’t we….again. But you may be being somewhat optimistic there. We may be 2 years away still. What DW has done to us over the past 2 trade-deadlines has set us back years, IMHO.

Deep talent pool? Sure…but what good is it when the bolt once they become UFAs? Can you name me one player of significance that hasn’t bolted when they could? (Besides Kozzy)…I listen to why they chose to go…”they just wanted to compete for the cup”, I always read and hear. Translation…and they can’t do that here! Yes, I pin that on DW and the ownership.

Has DW done good things? Sure…Hainsey was a great signing. Bringing in JA was the right call too I believe. But my belief that he should go is based on the whole…not parts of it.

Lastly…do I belive a change in GMs will guarantee success? Nope…there is no guarantees as such. But you give me the option between a change in GMs that MIGHT bring success and sticking with a GM that has a PROVEN 10-year track record of disappointment…and I will chose the former over the latter any day!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 16, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I have a long response following this one, but I had to reply to the silly Campbell argument brought up continually.

Schneider + Hainsey = $10.125M in payroll.

Campbell would’ve = $8M.

The money was going to be spent. It had to be spent. There was no influx in potential payroll. The money was earmarked for defense, and was spent on defense. Without that money, the team would’ve been under the salary cap floor.

The Campbell argument is completely invalid.

Hainsey and Schnieder are two roster spots. Campbell and Klee were the two they are playing in place of. $10.15M of H+S replaces the (wait for it) $9.25M of C+K.

It’s beyond useless to continue to bring up that point.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 16, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Screw the long response, it’s not worth it. Here’s the condensed version:

If the following people are still employed after Waddell is fired (he will be, it’s going to happen, it’s just a matter of when), then nothing substantial will happen with this franchise:

Vice President/Assistant General Manager — Larry Simmons

Director of Amateur Scouting and Player Development — Dan Marr

Director of Player Personnel — Mark Dobson

Each person has been here from the beginning. If the ownership decides to fire Waddell, they should clean house and let the new GM replace each and every position in the hierarchy of the organization.

Everybody knows Waddell will be gone at some point (it’s guaranteed, he can’t be GM for life), but the length of time it takes for ownership to force that decision should show everyone exactly how committed they are to fielding a successful franchise.

If the next GM is as bad as Waddell, are you sure that the ownership group will actually fire him?

I know we all hope for a GM of Poille’s ilk who can do more with less, but I think people underestimate the chance we could find a Waddell 2.0, who could remain employed just as long as Waddell is. Despite what most people want to admit, it could honestly get a lot worse. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t…

By NASCAR Dave

December 16, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well… Has everybody figured it out yet??? You know, the “Black Cloud” they keep talking about??? Yeah, the Black Cloud is none other than DONNIE FRAUDell, the Master of Disaster… The sooner you people figure out that he is the One and Only Problem, the better off your lives will be…

I told you PAVELEC was ready… I told you VALABIK was ready… I told you our young Wolves would contribute more than our washed up retreads/”Team” guys…

I told you ERICA PERRIN and ERIKA CHRISTENA are in COACH’s doghouse… He wants them both OUT, can’t you see???

RANALDO, SARA, and the usual flock of apologists have to feel pretty silly trying to argue with me all season that players like VALABIK/PAVELEC/OYSTRICK/CRABB were not ready… Once again, I prove them all wrong, AGAIN…

I know the truth hurts and I know you must feel pretty silly knowing that a guy with “NASCAR” in his name knows more about hockey and THIS team than any of the “alleged” educated fans up in here… LOL

Keep watching, see me be right again and again, and in the meantime let’s get SLATER/CHRISTENA/ERICA PERRIN/and MOOSE out of here and bring up some more Rookies… Oh yeah, and FIRE WADDELL!!!

NUFF SAID.

By Rawhide

December 16, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Ranallous Maximous - In regards to Larry Simmons, Dan Marr and Mark Dobson…I understand your point completely. But the top of that food chain is Waddell and that’s where the ax needs to swing first…if not all 4 together.

As for your very astute observation regarding Campbell… You are, as per usual, spot on. My point was that he DID have the ability to throw that type of cash at the Campbell last summer, yet he chose to go elsewhere for less.

The question is…why would someone do that?

Well…there could be a number of answers, but the one that sticks out to me is that Campbell felt he could be a success in Chicago more than here.

Why?

Because if your desire is to win a Stanley Cup…you tend to go to an organ-I-zation with just that type of committment.

He obviously did not feel the Thrashers were that team.

Same with Hossa.

Same with Savard.

Same with Heatley, (yes, I do feel that is why he bolted along with the other reasons).

This is the problem facing the Thrashers and will until ownership does the right thing and changes course. They start that course-change by replacing DW.

And the rest as well.

I know we all hope for a GM of Poille?s ilk who can do more with less, but I think people underestimate the chance we could find a Waddell 2.0, who could remain employed just as long as Waddell is. Despite what most people want to admit, it could honestly get a lot worse.

So…are you then suggesting the organ-I-zation stand pat out of fear it “could be worse”?

By Nate

December 16, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Anybody willing to print up some “Fire Waddell” t-shirts?

I’ll buy one, or two, or three…

By Spud Webb

December 16, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Thrashy Thrashy I respectfully disagree. It is the beat writers job to call this franchise out, its GM & it’s owners. To ask the tough questions, at tough times. Waddell would’ve been run out of town in Philly years ago. They ran out one of their greatest players of all time (clark) because he was doing a horrible job. Knobs needs to start asking some serious questions and getting serious answers. Not some BS.
The AJC should be writing something EVERY SINGLE day about this horrid franchise until something or someone changes things.

By Alan

December 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Spud - As ranallo pointed out up thread, your idea of what a beat writer is really isn’t what a beat writer is. Click here to know more about the job description of a beat writer.

By Bob

December 16, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Despite what most people want to admit, it could honestly get a lot worse

No it can’t. Even if they put you in charge, it wouldn’t get worse (and that’s a compliment, backhanded yes, but still a compliment).

By glovesave29

December 16, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Others have said this and I agree - merely changing the GM does not guarantee positive results. But then KEEPING Waddell sends the message out to all potential FA’s out there that the Thrashers are willing to accept mediocrity. When you have spent your whole life trying to be the best you can and reach the pinnacle - the NHL - the last thing you want is to toil for an organization that just wants to go through the motions.

Of course the team is bleeding money…most do. The money made in professional sports is because the franchise gains value as you own it. The team can be sold several years later for a considerable profit. Unless you are the NY Yankees, Toronto Maple Leafs or Dallas Cowboys (and there are a few others) the day to day operations are in the red.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 16, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Bob — I would argue that Ferguson Jr. and Mike Milbury would be a step backwards.

Rawhide — I know it’s a long post so many key sentences can get lost in the jumble. So, the first sentence I’ll point out is “If the following people are still employed after Waddell is fired”. That should answer your statement over where the axe should hit first. I’m saying when removed, the whole cupboard should be made barren.

Brendan has said similar things recently, I believe.

So…are you then suggesting the organ-I-zation stand pat out of fear it “could be worse”??

Of course not. My point is that everybody assumes that change=improvement. Nobody seems concerned that change can very well equal worse.

Remember, this ownership group thinks Waddell is doing a good job. If they didn’t, why else would they extend his contract!? So if they think Waddell is doing a good job, but finally decided to fire him, why would you imagine they would hire someone better? It’s illogical to me, and not something I’m willing to bank my hopes or expectations for this franchise on. My only hope for this franchise to turn around is that the ownership group buys a clue, hires a true hockey adviser, and gets out of the decision making aspect of both of their franchises.

I’m not against change, I just don’t believe that one simple personnel change makes the sky bluer, the sun brighter, and the air cleaner.

By Bob

December 16, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, are you employed by the UAW as their lead negotiator? Just wonderin’

By Rawhide

December 16, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

ranallo-nator - I hear ya dude…

But see, it’s easy to assume change=improvement because it’s tough to imaging “worse” in regards to how this team has been managed.

My only hope for this franchise to turn around is that the ownership group buys a clue, hires a true hockey adviser, and gets out of the decision making aspect of both of their franchises.

I agree 100% with that statement…but they need to make one more good decision…which would be their first good one…and that is to decide, like you said, that the change has to be made and get the right guy(s).

That was part of the reason for this whole article I posted Sunday night. THEY…the Spirit Clowns…are the only ones that can bring about this much-needed change. They need to do so or continue to look like the gutless, brainless, sack-less bafoons that they look like now because of their inaction.

And again, I know change does not guarantee success…but sticking with the same guy after 10 years of this un-success is sheer madness.

Say hello to the lovely Ms. (in AT) for me!

By truth

December 16, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

it’s lehts, slater and some others for Gaborik

By R. Stroz

December 16, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 - Let me paraphrase:

The following are all rucking fetards:

1) the owners

2) Don Waddell - major rucking fetard

3) Larry Simmons

4) Dan Marr - major rucking fetard

5) Mark Dobson

AGREED

That said, only 2-5 can fired.

Then lets fire 2-5, but I’ll stick to the FIRE WADDELL chant.

By Tony C.

December 16, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By Steely Dan

December 16, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

it’s lehts, slater and some others for Gaborik.

Interesting. Sources? Hope or Reality?

By Tony C.

December 16, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

It is possible for someone to do a worse job than DW (Milbury), but I feel that many people on this blog could do the job just as poorly as DW and quite possibly better.

Now, one of the things you run into with DW’s replacement is the old-boy network. As you can see from the Tampa whirlwind this year, that network takes a large amount of satisfaction from newcomer’s failing, and in fact, from making sure that newcomers fail.

That being said, must agree with Mr. T’s comments above; at least it is an easily understood demonstration of the ogranization’s commitment to winning, if not championships at least that mediocrity will no longer be encouraged.

GO BLUE !!!

FIRE WADDELL

By Brendan

December 16, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Fine win tonight, by Atlanta. They went into the Nation’s Capital, Ottawa, and beat a Canadian city at its own game. Pavelec had a pretty solid outing. Armstrong had a terrific game. Slater caused a few penalties to be taken by Ottawa, including a 10-minute misconduct by Heatley. Which was priceless.

Ottawa’s announcers sounded like someone shot their dog, and punctured all the tires on their car. Apparently, losing to the Thrashers, at home, is hitting rock bottom. The Alfredsson, Spezza, Heatley line was totally ineffective tonight. Todd White was interviewed in the 1st intermission, and he said, “Right now, we’re just looking for answers. We’ve dug ourselves a huge hole, in terms of the playoffs. We have to string a bunch of wins together. And it’s got to happen now.” I must say, I didn’t expect Todd White to drop the “P” bomb. I admired the interviewers restraint in not pulling a Jim Mora, Sr., moment. (Playoffs?!! Playoffs??!!) Well, Todd White put the icing on the cake with the empty netter, to firm up the win. So, he’s got to be happy, sticking it to one of his former teams.

By R. Stroz

December 16, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Favorite Part of Game:

Boris leaning over the boards yelling “I’m going to +uc+ you up” after the hit on Bryan Little.

That’s why this team needs BIG BORIS.

BTW, FIRE WADDELL

By Get The Puck Out

December 16, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Great win tonight. If they can get this kind of production out of the second line, and the first line wakes up they could make it two in a row. Anybody see that wicked one timer from Ovech with ten seconds left in overtime?

By Brendan

December 17, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

OV let it fly. That’s one the best OT goals of the year. Because it was scored by Ovechkin, it’ll get even more attention.

Carolina beat the Habs, 3-2. So, it was a good night for the Southeast Division. Chicago, at last glance, was winning 7-1, over Edmonton. At Rexall Place. Ouch.

By Brendan

December 17, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz, get ready. I’ve got a major prediction. Levenson will say, “With this win, we’re only a few wins out of a playoff spot.” And Waddell will amplify, “With 100% determination, we’ve got the skill set on this team to start winning a lot of games.”

Watch.

Strozie, ya know what bothers me the most? It’s the flagrant dishonesty of the intentions of the season. What team guns for the playoffs, $10+ million UNDER the cap, on “Opening Night?” Dawes just scored a Dandy of a goal for the Rangers, LATE in the 3rd period. 2-1, NYR. But I digress. Think back to what Billy Jaffe said today on NHL Radio. “Don’t lie to fans. Be honest. Let them in on “the plan.” Get the fans on board. And they’ll be in your corner. Don’t shut them out, include them.”

I love it. Jaffe’s right. But what the AS, LLC is doing now … it’s just so disingenuous. Worse yet, Waddell purposefully passes off an egregiously FALSE premise as some ABSOLUTE TRUTH. Which premise? “Bad teams don’t win five games in a row in this league.” Oh really?? What’s closer to the truth is: “ALLLLL bad teams put together 5 wins in a row.” It’s an 82-game season! Stop. Under Curt Fraser, Atlanta put together a 10-5 December. They did. Look it up. Would anyone consider ANY of the Fraser years as “good?” That’s the point. Even this team, before the end of the season, will put together some 5-1-2 stretch. That isolated little “fraction” of the season hardly justifies claims of PLAYOFFS. It’s an unctuous misrepresentation of facts. It’s a foul and odious distortion of truth. And yet, it goes “unchallenged” by Darren Eliot, who conducted the interview with Waddell, during that 2nd period intermission, of the game with Nashville.

Okay, back to tonight’s game. Nine (9) different Thrashers got on the scoresheet. Todd White had a goal and an assist. Army had 2 goals. Kozlov got his 14th of the season. Hainsey, Havelid and Oystrick picked up helpers. Kovy got his 20th assist on the season. Interesting note, Nathan Oystrick has as many assists as Perrin does (6).

By LAC

December 17, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

I agree Stroz, Boris was ready. Did you notice neil never looked his way.

Later I liked it when Boris simply stiff armed a Senator to the ice in front of the net, Excellent or as RAWHIDE says Real-Good for a change.

And Killer heatley, the Whiner Crybaby he is got all upset BOO-HOO A-Hole, loved it !

Hey dany have you done your Comm.Service Work Yet ? Hope Atlanta PD picks you up in January for the violation of ducking them ! Spend the night in The Fulton County Jail, Great thought !

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 17, 2008 4:24 AM | Link to this

So um, is Little okay? Did Neil catch him looking elsewhere?

What happened on the Heatley situation to set him off for a 10 minute misconduct?

By Alan

December 17, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this

ranallo - He played during the third period, so Little is okay. He was just dazed after that hit in the second, so Anderson kept him off the ice til the third.

As for Heatley, he roughed up Slater and the refs caught it. Heatley let his frustrations get the better of him, and chirped off at the refs. They rewarded him an additional 10 minute misconduct on top of his two for roughing and two for unsportsmanlike.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 17, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this

Okay, thanks for the update. Everyone seemed to forget to mention Little’s well being…he’s rather important for this team, short term and long term. When I hear about Neil checking someone, I have flashback to the Drury drilling a few season’s back. I’m glad the same didn’t happen to Little.

Danke.

By five_hole

December 17, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

I saw the replay of Neil’s hit on Little; wow. According to Yahoo sports account, it was Oystrick’s pass which set up Neil’s hit. I believe they called it a “hospital pass”. Nice to know he played in the 3rd. Little is my dog.

Also nice to read that Ondrej had a strong game, considering that he may end up being our starting goaltender. From my lips to Waddell’s ear. Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised if Waddell were to trade Kari for Mathieu Schneider’s Grandfather.

By Sage of Bluesland

December 17, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

“Bad teams don’t win five games in a row in this league.”

Wow—Did our bumbling idiot of a GM really say that, Brendan?

I counter with:

“Good organizations don’t keep failed GMs around.”

By Spud Webb

December 17, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Yes, Boris was classic last night, love seeing him on the ice & not taking stupid penalties. Neil laid Little out, clean but OUCH. I remember that hit, on Drury, double OUCH. Great win for the Thrashers. They played with a bit of an edge, nice to see. Even Kovy was chirping with Neil.

By Brendan

December 17, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

It’s true, Sage. I chronicled the entire interview on Knobler’s blog. Just look up the date of the Nashville date, then find Knobler’s blog from that date. I provided, “word-for-word,” the entirety of the Waddell interview with Darren Eliot.