AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNice Recovery, Opie!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last Friday night when the Bruins invaded Philips Arena, Ondrej Pavelec let in 3 of the first 4 shots taken against him. In his previous start prior to that nightmare, he allowed 5 against the Ottawa Senators on 34 shots. So obviously, seeing that the Thrashers were heading back to Ottawa, it was time to see Johan Hedberg ‘tween the pipes…right?
Nope.
John Anderson decided that Opie was the man to put out there and the young Czech rewarded his coach’s trust with the finest performance from a Thrasher goalie so far this season. He stopped the first 28 shots he faced, allowing only the 29th and final shot to zip by. However, by that time the game was in hand and the only disappointment was that Chris Kelly’s goal denied him, and his team, the first shutout so far this season.
Ondrej’s shutout bid fell 1:19 short, but his team won 4-1 thanks in great part to his performance.
Coming into the game, the Thrashers had gone for 180 minutes and 18 seconds without holding a lead. But at the 10:50 mark of the first period in Ottawa, Slava Kozlov’s tip-in goal from Ron Hainsey’s shot put an end to that nonsense.
Going into the second intermission, Kozzy’s goal was holding up as Opie had turned away all 21 shots the Sens had taken against him to that point. It was a much-needed display of the kind of net minding that teams have to have every once in a while. The kind that buys the skaters time to get things going without having to worry about having to recover from a two or three goal deficit.
It sure didn’t take long for Pavelec’s mates to provide some cushion once the puck dropped to start the third. Colby Armstrong notched his fifth goal of the year…a power play tally at the 2:10 mark. It was the Thrashers second goal of the game while on the man advantage.
31 seconds later…Army scored again.
For Pavelec, this was a great recovery from those previous two starts. In fact, it was his first win since beating the Islanders 4-3 back on November 6 and his first road victory of the year.
So…do we see him again Thursday night when Pittsburgh comes a-callin’ at Blueland or does Anderson return to the Moose?
Power Outage In The Northeast
No…I’m not talking about the hundreds of thousands who have been left powerless from the winter weather up north. I’m talking about the Ottawa Senators offense. After the 4-1 loss to our Thrashers, the Sens have accounted for but 67 goals in 29 games. That puts them on a pace to net about 189 goals for the season.
Last season, Ottawa’s 261 goals were second only to Montreal’s 262. The season prior, their 288 was bested only by Buffalo’s 308. In the 2005-06 campaign Ottawa’s 314 lead the NHL as did two years prior…the season before the lockout…their 262. Also, in 2002-03 their 263 was second behind Detroit’s 269.
The folks up in Canada’s capital are not used to this type of power outage.
Healthy Serving Of Oysters
Nathan Oystrick’s assist on Todd White’s empty netter Tuesday night gives him five points in the last five games. He’s a +3 over those same five games and is playing very solid defense.
The Regina, Saskatchewan native who will turn 26 on the 17th of this month is playing like he does not want to be the odd man out once Mathieu Schneider is healthy again.
Did Ya Get The License Number Of That Truck?
In the second period of Tuesday night’s game, Bryan Little took a wicked hit from the 6-1, 214 pound Chris Neil. Neil politely declined Eric Boulton’s invitation to dance after the hit and ultimately it was Jimmy Slater that defended his teammate’s honor when he went up against Jarkko Ruutu. But Boris Valabik sure seemed as though he wanted to have a word or two with the Senators winger. As Little was helped off the ice, Valabik leaned over the wall and had a few choice words for Mr. Neil.
For those of us who were viewing the game via Center Ice and able to read Valabik’s lips…I’m quite certain that Boris’s very vocal desire of just what it was he wanted to do to Neil was strictly platonic.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Get The Puck Out
December 17, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Opie looks ready to me. Any more trade rumors floatin around?
By Buzilla in CT
December 17, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
great game
By Buzilla in CT
December 17, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
damn…almost first
By Get The Puck Out
December 17, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
This is what you do when you are unemployed.
By Hockey Biltong
December 17, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Great road win. I wonder when we see Bogo back in the game?
By Bob
December 17, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Yep, Valabik told him “I’m going to kick your a** I lol’d, he should have, Neil left his feet, and that’s just intent to injure and has no place in this game. I don’t mind a good clean hit, but when you jump up and through a guy, that’s just dirty, but that’s Neil. Valabik should have been let loose on him.
Heatley is a little baby, man I have no respect for that punk. Nice little tantrum by him at the end. Anyone else notice Exelby takes every opportunity to throw cheapies at poor little Dany at every opportunity.
Hey Heatley, how you like that real hockey town with real fans now, punk?
By David
December 17, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
please tell me why Exelby is still playing? He gets burned routinely and has absolutely no offensive skills.
By Kevin
December 17, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
So far a bunch of good replies and not one fire DW. When the team looks good like they did last night I guess the fire DW guys are just too glowy to care. That is the kind of game I expect to see every night. Even if they didnt win it, the effort and grit was there for 60 minutes. Good job boys. Keep it up and win or lose a lot of us real fans will be very satisfied, because we are seeing the future, and it is good!
By Brett
December 17, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Hey Kevin……Great game last night! Fire Waddell LOL
By Stats
December 17, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
This game only proves that OP is not ready, but does provide the best trade scenario. Up and down performances are often what KL was criticized for in his early years. Although KL has evened out his performances, he has no trade value due to injuries. Last night’s performance by OP equals “potential” and “upside” which equals trade value. ATL needs to trade away some goaltending for help in other areas.
By Scotty
December 17, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
That better, Kevin?
Dude, the team did look awesome last night. Great win. But if that is what you expect every night out of this bunch then you are delusional. I’d LOVE to see it every night, but it just isn’t reality.
And like you Kevin, I hope what we saw last night is the future. But the question is, are these great up-and-coming players OUR future, or another team’s future.
As long as D-Wad runs the show, there is always the chance that he trades the Littles and Oystricks away for a 36+ year old on his way out.
See also, Zhitnick for Coburn as RH likes to point out.
Oh, and don’t go off on the “real fans” stuff. Unless your definition of a “real fan” is a fan who shoves his head up his a$$, fails to see reality, and not demand a failed GM be given the boot.
FIRE WADDELL
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Glad to the team play well last night.
FIRE WADDELL
By Steely Dan
December 17, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers were really fun to watch last night. Lots of energy, lots of hustle and fight! Wish we could see this every night, maybe tomorrow?
FIRE WADDELL!!
By Alan
December 17, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
It was a pretty good game, after all, wasn’t it? I was happy to see Atlanta dominate in the third period, and Army breaking the quickest back-to-back goals record (formerly held by Kovalchuk) was icing on the cake.
Oh, and let’s fire Waddell, while we’re at it! Perhaps we can clear out some of the morons in the front office, too!
By Rawhide
December 17, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I just thought about something…for what it’s worth, last night was only the second time this season that the Thrasher took two points from a team that qualified for the playoffs last spring.
The other time was opening night vs. the Caps.
Atlanta is now 2-14-2 against playoff teams from last season and 8-2-2 vs. teams that did not.
After the Pittsburgh game tomorrow…8 of the next 9 games are against the “non-qualifiers” from last year.
Carry on….
By Brendan
December 17, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
People … last night … what happened? Here now, the choices (A) NHL players practiced pirouettes, (B) The WBC was in town, recruiting boxers, (C) the abominable Snowman came out of hibernation, or (D) two lower echelon hockey teams played each other.
The correct answer is, Fire Waddell. Oops. I forgot to list it among the choices. My bad.
Stats, I can agree with you that we have a surplus of goaltenders right now. But what I cannot agree with … is the notion of trading a 21-year old goaltender, who will only get better in the future, and who represents the franchise’s 8th overall selection, via trade, to the 2nd round, in 2005. If Pavelec is traded, it reinforces the notion of “stupid is … as stupid does.” The Thrashers CANNOT control the future of Kari Lehtonen past June 30, 2010. On July 1, 2010, Kari becomes an unrestricted free agent. That means he can sign ANYWHERE he jolly well wants. Truth be told, we may not want him back and will be happy to see him go. That’s not my view of things, however. Johan Hedberg is in his mid-30’s, and cannot be called upon to be the #1 goalie here. Pavelec, on the other hand, will be Thrashers property for a good, long while. Pavelec was drafted with the intention of being “Lehtonen insurance.” And he still is … just that. Actually, he’s a bit more than that. Pavelec should, in the future, challenge for the #1 goaltender position. To trade Pavelec … is a ridiculous move. By 2010, Hedberg can be gone and so can Lehtonen. And there’s not a blessed thing the Thrashers can do about it. It’s called UNRESTRICTED free agency. Pavelec is the only piece of the goaltending puzzle that Atlanta can control. To go get offensive help now, in a build year, at the sacrifice of the most important position on the ice … for the Thrashers future is … well. You know what it is.
By BG33Brown
December 17, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Fire Waddell
I know he is playing on the “top pair” but when schneider comes back, X needs to be the 7th Dman. He is terrible. I have no idea why he is paired with Hainsey. All he does is drag him down.
Schneider wasn’t great pre injury. But this is a proven player. His slow start to me can be attributed to missing training camp b/c of the contract issues in Anaheim. He may not be the same player but at least he can skate.
By ben
December 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
GREAT GAME CAUGHT HIGHLIGHTS ON NHL NETWORK WHILE MAKING BREAKFAST! I HOPE KOVY STAYS! SERIOUSLY THOUGH, WE SHOULD BE THINKING DRAFT CHANCES. THIS CURRENT CROP IS 2 YEARS AWAY. THAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH A WADDELL TEAM. IT’S ALWAYS WAIT FOR TWO YEARS FROM NOW.
By Tony C.
December 17, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
GetThePuckOut-If pavelec can repeat that performance when Cindy Crosby & Co. come to The Flatscreen on thurs. then maybe you can start saying “he’s ready”
Consistency is what seperates the thousands of highly-skilled hockey players around the world from the hundreds of NHL players.
By PUTTING ON THE FOIL
December 17, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
By R. Stroz
December 17, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
The next time the Thrashers plays the Sens, I’d love to see Hoffman and Valabik in the lineup.
When the Sens put their goon line (4th line) on the ice, the Thrashers should send Hoffman and Valabik on the ice to give them a good ole southern welcome.
FIRE WADDELL
By harleyman
December 17, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Just let me say FIRE WADDELL
By five_hole
December 17, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’d just like to point out that the trend of Thrashers winning games not televised locally continues. If we really wanted to make the playoffs, they would cancel the rest of the TV schedule.
Oh, and FIRE WADDELL.
By Stats
December 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Brendan-
Good points. However, your reasoning is also part of the reason that KL has no trade value. He would be a 1 year “rental.” There are generally few teams who are in the playoff mix who need a potential frontline goaltender. It would take a team with a goalie injury who needed someone to keep them alive until the starter got back.
On the other hand OP would suit any number of teams who have an older starter with no viable heir in the system.
You are correct about KL in 2010, however the Thrashers CAN control him. He is a RFA in 2009. The Thrashers can sign him to any offer tendered. Since he will probably draw at least a few low offers, it will be the perfect opportunity to lock him up.
KL and OP are simply too close in time. When the Braves were successful, they always traded “potential” and old talent looking for big contracts and keeping serviceable players at modest contracts. The timeline is better for developing Kangas as a replacement for KL.
By Rawhide
December 17, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Five_Hole - As I calculate it, the Thrashers record in games not televised locally, (on SPSO or VS) is 6-4-1.
The record for locally televised games… 4-12-3.
In the one and only game so far that game was not even able to be viewed via Center Ice, (the Carolina game on Nov. 9)…the Thrashers are 1-0-0.
Thus, you are correct…the less the Thrashers are seen on TV, the better record they seem to have.
I believe you have a theory as to why this is and it regards the lovely Erin Andrews….?
By Brendan
December 17, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Stats, I’m not advocating trading a goalie. I don’t think there’s value there. I only agree that we have a surplus of goalies. It’s kind of a nice thing. Lehtonen got injured again. We had a Moose-Pavelec insurance policy in place. In 2010, I think Hedberg either signs with another team, or he retires to become the Thrashers goalie coach. In 2009, I think KL probably signs a 1-year to 2-year contract. The two-year contract buys Atlanta another year, until 2011. It’s not really much more than a “banaid” solution. The chance Atlanta has to lock Kari up is this Summer. If the Thrashers present Lehtonen with a 5-6 year deal, that’s how they CAN control him. Buttttttt, Kari has to be willing to sign it. That’s the power that the player holds. Shoot, without transfer agreements in place, Kari can go play in Europe next year, or for the rest of his career, if he so wishes. He doesn’t have to sign with the Thrashers, or any other NHL team. If you really stop and think about it. If the Thrashers GM, whomever that may be in May 2009, doesn’t lock Kari up, then he’ll hit the open market in 2010. Now, Kari may, as a UFA, still re-sign with Atlanta. That’s possible, too. I wouldn’t rule that out, entirely. Pavelec should not be traded, barring an utter FLEECING of the other team.
And yes, I do realize that Pavelec can also go the European league route, but he’d be forsaking the NHL at a very young age, for quite a few years. I think he’d prefer to remain in North America, in the NHL. Possibly playing for Atlanta. That is, I hope that he wants to play for Atlanta.
By Tom
December 17, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
Just because…
By five_hole
December 17, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
I believe you have a theory as to why this is and it regards the lovely Erin Andrews?.?
Hey, I’ll make any arguement that I can to get the Thrashers bring Erin Andrews back. If I could draw the analogy to one of my old favorite TV shows, “WKRP in Cinncinatti”, she would be Loni Anderson. The receptionist who was the highest paid employee in the place. I would make Erin Andrews the highest paid employee in the ASG. I could draw other analogies to Erin & Loni, but I think they go without saying. Mr. Carlson would of course be played by Don FIRE Waddell.
By Homer Simpson
December 17, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Mmmmmmm…….Erin Andrewwwwsss!
AG-AGA-GLAGA-SCHLURPA-GLAGGA-AGALA……
Oh….and FIRE WADDELL!
By Hockey Biltong
December 17, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Keep Waddell Forever,
Lionize him.
Make him the bowsprit of the Philips Arena Ship.
Catapault him to the rafters so all can see him during a home game to pay homage.
Plaster his quotes around each section, so that we may remember and repeat them.
We need to keep him as the Elmers glue of this operation.
By Tony C.
December 17, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
Uhhh… I remember WKRP, and IMHO, while Loni may have “comparable” features to Ms. Andrews-Erin is prettier-AND she’s a hockey fan. Way cooler than Loni’s character on WKRP.
Something tells me that the checks from ESPN are a little fatter than what she was getting from FoxSPSO
Completely unrelated to last night’s game, but I think we can all make an exception for Ms. Andrews.
By Ilya's Dad
December 17, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
I see Chris Drury may be available. He could very well be the center for Ilya. I think a pkg of Schneider and any center except White would help even out the $$$ difference. Schneider is 39 and on the last year of his contract. Drury has 3 more years on his and 8 years younger.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 17, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Nice win. More of that and I’ll relax.
However, I’ll believe it when I see it.
FIRE DON WADDELL AND BOYCOTT THE PRODUCT UNTIL REAL CHANGES ARE MADE.
By Get The Puck Out
December 17, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Fire Waddell. Get New Owners,PLEASEEEEEE SANTA.
By R. Stroz
December 18, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Don Waddell Sighting
The village idiot, Don Waddell, was seen in the main concourse area of Philips Arena this evening during the Atlanta Hawks game. My son sighted the village idiot while working at the arena.
Unfortunately, my son waited until the village idiot had left before contacting me. He said something about needing a ride home and believing, if given a one on one opportunity to confront Don Waddell, I might be spending the night with the APD.
@#!*) kid.
FIRE WADDELL
By gretschdrum
December 18, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
In the one and only game so far that game was not even able to be viewed via Center Ice, (the Carolina game on Nov. 9)…the Thrashers are 1-0-0.
Rawhide, make that record 1-1-0. They lost the Nov. 30th game to the Blues and that was not televised on Center Ice either.
By steven lemos
December 18, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
Craig Patrick for thrashers GM look at the penguins those are all his players he drafted his unbelievable credentials speak for themselves I think this is exactly what the thrashers need a guy with his experience to rebuild the team just talk to colby armstrong or eric christeansen about what a great experience they had in Pittsburgh under Craig Patrick.
By steven lemos
December 18, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Craig Patrick took over for the penguins when they had only one superstar and then a year later won back to back cups and last years cup finals team was all Patricks team and coach Waddell has not done anything here since he has been here and i go to several games a year and there is no excitement at the arena at all unless they are there to see the visitors like tonight the penguins are in town so it should be sold out to see all the pens young stars in action
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 18, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
However his later years were plagued by a the Penguins’ financial woes as well as a series of poor trades. Perhaps his most infamous trades came in March 1996 when he send future NHL scoring ace Markus Näslund to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Alek Stojanov, a role player with just two career NHL goals. In 2003, a Sports Illustrated article described this as the “worst trade in NHL history,” The subsequent trade of Sergei Zubov, a perennial contender for the Norris Trophy, also hurt the team. Another disaster came in July 2001 when Patrick sent NHL superstar Jaromír Jágr and role player Frantisek Kucera to the Washington Capitals for three minor league prospects (Kris Beech, Michal Sivek, Ross Lupaschuk) and nearly US$ 5 million cash.
Just a snippet from Wikipedia about Patrick.
By Rawhide
December 18, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
gretschdrum - You are correct about that Nov. 30th game…I was at Philips for that one and just figure it was at least televised by St. Lous.
Good catch, thanks!
By sydney
December 18, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Thrashers!
By sydney
December 18, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
The problem seems to be deeper seeded than simply the players or coaching staff, a much better performance upon the recruiting and player evaluation intent would benefit more,dwindling crowds, discontent in the dressing room, management being questioned with due reason as goes the law in sports world, win or at least show some building progress, Curt Fraser was the first mistake and Managements first sign concerning a lack of comprehension of the needs and leadership needed by an expansion team,second mistake was when the Gm Waddell took over the reins (after Hartley)without the necessary qualities needed to coach or handle this group of athletes,It is difficult to question the hiring of Hartley as he had a Stanley Cup ring but his style would never prepare this team to be a contender as the ingrediants both on and off ice were lacking and he needed a stong leadership within his dressing room to be able to be successful along with a few top notch veteran players, he has trouble controlling his intent (passing his message) within a dressing room in more than one area, now Anderson is behind the bench and he is deserving of the chance as his past reflects this, was he Waddells first choice, who knows? one thing jumps out here to any interested fan is the fact that there is an immediate need of a complete overhaul within the management side, from top to bottom, new Gm, new development people, new recruters, fresh ideas from others who would probably have a much different approach to the situation and team building.Look at our drafts and you will see some incompetence there, forget Kovalchuk that was easy, pick your staff with logic and put frienship or favors aside, also there is a definite need of a revamped marketing and Public relations intent, there seems to be a complete lack of respect/comprehension for the fans,city etc. this department can do much better,we need more community involvement, anyway we could go on and on,our thirst and love of the sport makes us hope and have the want for the team to be successful not just in wins & losses but overall, then wins usually are a result. Hopefully once this ownership battle is over then maybe and I say maybe we will see a complete change of direction of thought process and new faces in many roles appearing for the better! We see and hear about this one or that one but never about the true ones left since the Boomer passed on, Ubriaco, Paris were both fan favorites and for a reason where is the respect shown these two, excellent ambassadors and community people as they have interperonsal skills and both hold an important piece of the page in Atlanta sports history. so much food for thought, time to give you some space for others.
Thank you Sydney a concerned fan
By Tony C.
December 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Sydney-Well said.
By HookyBob
December 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Until I decided it might be bad luck,… I used to bring a extra hat to Thrahser games. Rarely did I get to throw it.
Now I’m thinking maybe we should all start carrying an extra shoe. If Waddell is spotted we can pelt him. That would send a message(not only to him to everyone in sight),..eh.
By Tony C.
December 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Hooky- Great idea!!!
although, I’m thinking there may be some legal consequences if we “pelt” the guy with footwear.
FIRE WADDELL
By glovesave29
December 18, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Sundin just signed with Vancouver. That’s not exactly the breaking news I was hoping for…
I did hear from a friend within ASG that the team may be put up for sale. Let’s just hope one of the contingencies is to stay here in Atlanta. It would make sense to the ASG, since they do have operating rights over the arena, and losing a tennant for 40+ events a year would be a big loss.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 18, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
glovesave — While nice to hear (and not very surprising), I would have to think they’re not able to sell the team until after the trial with Belkin ends. Unless the purchasing party is Belkin.
Sundin to Vancouver could mean Matthias Ohlund is available…who I would acquire in a heartbeat.
By Jameson
December 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Boulton and a pick for Demitra? They need to dump some salary.
By Jameson
December 18, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Ohlund would be nice, but he’s not signed past this year, and we’d have to move someone on the blueline to make room for him. If we could get Demitra, at least we’d have him next season for our big “cup run” that will convince Kovy to stay.
By Jameson
December 18, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Well, it looks like Pavs is starting to make Kari look consistent. Maybe his back will be better for Saturday, which is my birthday. I’ll be sitting in 121 with about 10 other likely drunk and obnoxious 20-somethings if anyone wants to stop by and say hi.
By glovesave29
December 18, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Nice thought, but because Sundin is prorated, they will not have to clear any cap space. According to Cap Central at HockeyBuzz the Nucks are still under the limit by $1.318M.
Embarrasing effort tonight. In the beginning of this season, I had them pegged for 76 points as a tough and rugged team. May not win much, but they would be gritty and entertaining. Guess I was waaaaaay off. This team has no heart.
I did figure the best place to get a “Fire Waddell” sign noticed. Hang it over the railing when the Thrashers go to the locker room. There is a camera at the end of that hall way, and SportSouth uses it often. Set up someone a few rows down and when he/she sees that red light come on, someone up a bit can unfurl it and let the message make the airwaves…
By Tony C.
December 18, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
No way they give up Ohlund unless they’re completely out of it by the trade deadline.
Word is Sundin wanted NYR, but they couldn’t move enough salary to offer more than $5M/yr. Mats went for the $$$.
By Tony C.
December 18, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, FIRE WADDELL
By Cindy Crotchby
December 19, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Protect your nads, I’m coming to hit them.