Ice Man

By R. Stroz

December 19, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By Cindy Crotchby

December 19, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Protect your nads, I’m going to punch them.

By Alex

December 19, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

This talk in Mike’s article of Waddell wanting to add a 30 goal scorer, coupled with reports of him looking at Gaborik, bugs the bejeezus out of me. Build for the future Donny!

It is basically impossible for the Thrash to make the playoffs this year, unless they can get a points percentage in the rest of their games that is similar to what Boston has done so far. We are not one player away from that, more like five. I would much rather finish last in the East, than give up somebody to get a veteran who will be a UFA that lifts us to a 10th place finish

By R. Stroz

December 19, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Maybe we can get Cindy Crotchby to punch Waddell in the gonads like he did to Valabik. I’d pay to see that.

During the game, Brendan, Rawhide, and I made numerous attempts to start the FIRE WADDELL chant. Unfortunately, the chant never caught on because most of the audience was there to see and cheer for Pittsburgh. Yes folks that is what the Thrashers have come to, Thrasher fans with free tickets and the out of town fans paying the bill, thanks DUNG WADDELL

FIRE WADDELL

By Brendan

December 19, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

Now, now, Stroz, there were a few neighboring sections who joined in, with unbridled smiles—and ‘bout time! expressions on their faces. It was an Emperor isn’t wearing ANY clothes type of moment. The highlight of the evening may well have been Colby Armstrong’s unassisted, errr … assisted by a Penguin, goal against his former mates. But, for me, it was meeting our incomparable Blogmaster, while singing, “All I want for Christmas … is a new GM. A new GM. A new GM.”

Much less successful, however, and sung to the tune of “Silver Bells, Silver Bells, it’s Christmas tiiime in the city,” was born the following: “Fire him! Fire him! It’s ‘pink slip time’ in At-lanta.” Sadly, it didn’t catch on a bit. Then again, perhaps no arena in the NHL drowns out disenfranchised fans with music better than Philips Arena.

Penguins fans were out in full force. And, to their credit, they didn’t rub it in. Perhaps they remembered that it wasn’t so ago that the Penguins were at the bottom of the league, and wound up with gifts from the lottery draft named Malkin (3 goals) and Crosby (very noticeable non-ejection for 3rd man in).

Before we bury the results of the evening’s event, I want to congratulate all my fellow fans who brought Toys for Tots, as the bins were overflowing at the arena entrance. And, I must confess, the team’s willingness to provide vouchers for the upcoming games on January 2 and January 14 against Vancouver and Ottawa was a welcomed surprise. A rousing “Semper Fi,” for making that happen.

By Stevo

December 19, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

I’m going to Blueland on Saturday night and I want to see a win, dammit! BEAT THE BOLTS AND….

FIRE WADDELL

By Tony C.

December 19, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

Dude. I have to work sat but Im going to see if I can move the time around to make it work for the game-promise I’ll scream the best slogan in ‘08 FIRE WADDELL

By Sage of Bluesland

December 19, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

The song remains the same…Next we’ll hear from the ‘statisticians’ that Don Waddell is weally, weally an above-avewage GM…

Grow up…Wake up…This is beyond pitiful…

Now Donny is blustering about wanting to give Thrashers fans a 30-goal scorer for Christmas…Gee, thanks for nothing, Don…I wish you could give us alot of things, including your resignation.

But, the equally buffoonish ownership just won’t let that blustering, lisping idiot go. I have no clue why, but this is beyond egregious. They do NOT deserve your dollars.

Period.

Question: Want change? Answer: Stop subsidizing the incompetence.

End-of.

By Brendan

December 19, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this

On the drive home, I caught most of the post game show, on 680TheFan. I didn’t quite catch the caller’s name or statement, but it did evoke the ire and stern rebuke of one Darren Eliot, who said, “It’s UNFAIR to say the owners don’t care when two of their three (2/3) assets are working.” Eliot continued, “The Hawks were broken, now look at them. No one is sugarcoating where the Thrashers are now, but it’s unfair to say the owners don’t care.”

Pausing … pausing … pausing. Why pause? Well, it takes time to sugarcoat a response to such an allegation. I came up with this. “Is it unfair to say people live in squalor when they clean their oven and refrigerator, but leave a sink full of moldy dishes for weeks and months on end?” Would you clean your living room and dining room, but not your bedroom or bathroom? Is everything “OKAY” with a house whose upstairs is neat and clean, but whose basement is replete with cat excrement? Is that a house in ‘fine working order and condition?’ Or, would the Board of Health condemn it, and revoke it’s “certificate of occupancy?”

I’ve got you thinking now, don’t I? Sorry. I do that sometimes. I hope it didn’t inconvenience your day, Darren Eliot. Honestly, to quote the band EMF, “The things … you say … you’re UN-BELIEVEABLE, OH!!!”

Not an apt comparison? How long has this GM been in place, without so much as a playoff win? GM’s get fired after three (3) seasons simply because they didn’t advance the club to the 2nd round, or in some cases, the Conference Finals.

Stop. What is the primary role and function of a General Manager? Answer: To get results. As in, “good ones, not bad ones.” Don Waddell is entrusted with the oversight of this team. He has not grown the sport within the region. The team still, after nine seasons, doesn’t have an identity, beyond that of “EXPANSION TEAM.” And the team cannot pretend to have any sort of consistency. Under whose purview does this fall, if not the GM?

Take your time. Think it over. It’s an Immodium moment, all right. We’re not the Dallas Stars. We’re not about to change GM’s in mid-season. And truth be told, the best GM candidate might not be available right now. But, at this point, I’d settle for a symbolic gesture of letting Larry Simmons, the Assistant GM, finish out the season as GM. It gives him a chance to pad his resume and to interview for the position, full-time. It also sends a message that, “status quo is insufficient; we will change direction.” It simply CANNOT be said that Waddell never got his shot. He had eight (8) picks in the Top 10 overall, to build this club. Forget about budgets. If Waddell nails down those eight picks and does nothing but re-ink them, he’s taken CARE of what he COULD control. Those picks were Stefan, Heatley, Kovalchuk, Lehtonen, Coburn, Valabik, Pavelec & Chad Denny via 8th overall pick, traded twice in 2005, and Zach Bogosian. The primary role and function of a GM is to oversee the team to obtain favorable results. You’ve seen the results. Irrespective of where the blame lies and can be divvied, the results are what they are. Any other organization would have looked at the squalor … and cleaned it. Sadly, the Board of Health won’t intervene here.

By LAC

December 19, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

Brenden to put it mildly Darren Eliot is a mama’s boy for the asg. Hard to, like you said sugarcoat an out of control problem. NO, these so called owners not only DO NOT CARE, The could CARE LESS about the Thrashers… It’s evident from top to bottom and like you touched on, the one consistant don waddell has overseen this FAILURE of an NHL franchise from the start.

I agree NOT one other NHL club would have let waddell finish his FIRST five year plan… now which plan are we on don ???

Plan 6B, artical 11C, sub 114X.

That about sums it up, but no these idiot out of touch with reality owners, who LIE every step of the way COULD CARE LESS about the Thrashers, IF they DID care, then changes would have been made and the team would be better off for it, but these collective little liars who cannot be trusted. So Mr.Darren Eliot, get off the home boy box and admit what is evident to us all, the team is not very good and don waddell is responsible and the owners DO NOT GIVE A DAMN !

By truehockeyfan

December 19, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

The Passion.The Passion. The Passion. We all want to win. The Owners, DW The Fans, All of Us. Do the Players want to win. Why do they continue to make the same mistakes over and over and over. And, it’s not the youngsters but our veterans who are supposed to lead this team. We have no Passion as a team. we all see it game after game. But a terrible team does notwin 5 in a row with out some talent. The powers to be need to name a CAPTAIN now. A player who has Passion to lead this team. Maybe It’s time for Kovy to stand up and say,”Coach I can’t take this anymore I want to be the captain and lead these guys night in and night out.I know we can be better, Just let me try.If we are to make the playoffs and I doubt we will. We need to win 35 of our next 51 games.

By B. Thenet

December 19, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

I wish we had players with the fire and passion it takes to punch a guy in the nards,,,,from behind no less.

Fun game to watch for the most part, too bad Pavelec was attrocious. I still don’t get why Anderson left him in so long.

By five_hole

December 19, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Anyone else hoping we can get Eric Christensen back in the lineup? Hey, I always heard it was good to start with a joke.

I’m hoping that the NHL reviews the tape of Crosby punching Valabik’s (I’m going for the high road here) a$$. What did Valabik do that sent Crosby over the edge? I thougth it was Reasoner that did the adjitating.

I don’t understand why Anderson left Ondrej in to start the 2nd period. He was obviously struggling. We actually played well offensively. You have to give Andre-Fleury credit; he stood on his head. Several of his saves were outstanding.

By Cindy Crosby is a PUSS

December 19, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL Nothing like a girl punching someone from behind while they are being held and then taking a nut shot. Or maybe he just wanted a feel of old Boris.

By Get The Puck Out

December 19, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

It’s true, passion does lack, but so does player accountibility for lack of effort, or skill whichever applies. I agree that someone needs to be named captain now, someone that has a complete desire to win, no matter how bad the score is. If someone is lacking effort, and if you watch any of the games you know who it is, send them to Chicago and bring someone up that will show effort and sometimes more skill than the one who was already here. There’s no easy fix for this situation, but it would help if Waddell was fired. I think probably the players would realize maybe someone upstairs finally realize that someone in charge is trying to take a new direction and thus maybe a different mindset for everyone. Mental mistakes are the number one killer for the Thrashers right now, so i think a change could help. If the owners care anything about this team they need to make a change in power NOW or the seats will never be full, never be many sth’s, and no hope for any kind of playoff chances. The puck is in their corner and they’ve got to do something with it. They can pass it on(which i expect), wiff on it(which i also expect) or put it between the pipes(what needs to be done). If they cant’t do this the club needs to be sold to an owner(one) that has a complete desire to win with Quality players and Quality management. Please help Santa. All we want is a good hockey team! Oh yea - FIRE WADDELL.

By five_hole

December 19, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Face it. If the Thrashers had been shooting at Pavelic and our own defense last night, we could have scored a dozen goals.

By Sage of Bluesland

December 19, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Well stated, Brendan—Darren Eliot has become as irrelevant as Mark Bradley in their continued defense of the indefensible—to the point of offending my intelligence.

Don’t ever do that.

But, that is precisely what this organization does year in and out. How little regard for the fans—yet there are still some who still go to the game and gripe!

It’s like getting fed putrid and rotting food—complaining—but then going back for more the next evening!

WAKE THE F%(* UP, FANS…ONLY YOU CAN CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THIS FRANCHISE…BUT, YOU MUST MAKE A SHOW OF SHORT-TERM SACRIFICE…YOU MUST BOYCOTT THE GAMES IN ORDER TO GET THE CHANGE YOU DESERVE.

If you do not, then you are nothing but sheep. Pure and simple.

(Or, fans of the visiting team…Great, that’s what we are now: Come see the mighty XXXX battle ‘your’ Atlanta Thrashers! How pathetic! You get what you deserve if you continue to subsidize the incompetence).

I don’t want to hear a SINGLE gripe from a STH if they keep buying these tickets. Take your medicine and enjoy it—YOU are the ones impeding the demand for change…

(or maybe it’s because you actually believe in those who prepare little spreadsheets which prove, with geometric logic and calculation—in my best Queeg impression, that Don Waddell is actually an above-average GM—and simply needs more TIME to get the job done!)

Silly little sheep; when will you learn?

By Tom

December 19, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Well, watched last nights effort on the television. It was uninspiring, but the Penguin’s did have 4 days off after a terrible loss to their arch enemies the Flyers.

You knew they would come out playing hard.

We also had some chances and they did not happen, Fluery was way off his game. We could have stolen this one, if Pavelic had shown up.

I was not too impressed with his play in Ottawa, he got lucky a couple of times and the Sens did not show up. We caught them at the right time. Pavelic gives up big rebounds. Moose has a nice soft chest, Lehtonin also for the most part if he is focused. But Pavs is a friggin rubber band right now. So he needs to get lucky that the pucks do not find a stick to be successful…

But that is not the point of the post. The real point is that the Thrashers found a way to get me to Phillips. Yep, they went straight to my weak point.

The Tax Exemptions…

The youngest is going to be playing in an in between period (1st and 2nd) scrimmage with his inline team.

He is 8 and his first ice hockey game will be at Phillips Arena… :)

The marketing folks at the Thrashers have figured out that their ticket pricing schemes and lack of dedication were not working, but allowing my boy on the ice was a good enough promotion to get me in Phillips again was a smart move.

But I do doubt they will be able to do this on a regular basis so do not expect me to re-up for my tickets in the future.

By Stan Drulia

December 19, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Sage… We get it. We have heard your insane preaching for MONTHS now. Let it go. I agree that the team is at an all-time low… and man we have had some lows. But c’mon… by not going to games and not supporting the team financially, you are going to lose the team. Do you really think that by not giving any of your money to the team it is going to cause them to do a 180 and ‘win you back’…. That is a nice fantasy but totally not gonna happen. The team is suffering enough right now by fair-weather fans and once-or-twice-a-year-with-the-whole-family-goes-to-a-game fans not going to games… the team needs the real fans to stay in there to keep the team in the city. Believe me… they know changes need to be made and eventually I hope they make them… but seriously… STOP WHINING AND SAYING THE SAME LAME THINGS OVER AND OVER AND OVER! We get your freakin’ point!

PS.. Your name is pretty lame.

By Hockeyfan

December 19, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Rawhide

I need to come down from the back of 119 and say hello to you at some point.

Trivia question. How many penalties called against P** last night were called by Massenhoven ? Especially when he was the closest official to the infraction?

Does Massenhoven have naked pics of Bettman with farm animals? Why is he still officiating?

By Midfield

December 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Actually, it was a decent offensive effort by Atlanta. Not only they had shots on goal, some of those were solid scoring chances. Fleury was actually pretty good yesterday. As for Pavelec, he looked sleepy during the warm up and, obviously, they did not manage to wake him up. And another thing: Mr. Anderson, whatever system you are trying to put together, apparently it does not include PK addendum. The stats don’t lie, these guys are clueless on the PK rotation, it is a very sorry sight.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 19, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Does Massenhoven have naked pics of Bettman with farm animals? Why is he still officiating?

I didn’t watch much of last night’s game, but I could tell immediately who was in charge. He’s absolutely horrible. Not McGeough horrible, but pretty darn close in my opinion. And it’s not just this game, it’s nearly every game he officiates.

What sucks is that he’s more likely to do the ATL games, because they assign referees to games based on the region. I think he lives in Atlanta.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s very rare that a referee loses a game for a team…but consistently inconsistent calls (or non-calls) ruins the flow of the game for one if not both teams. As a referee you’re not supposed to control the game, but keep the game within their control.

Neither of the aforementioned referees seem to understand that concept.

By Rawhide

December 19, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Hockeyfan - Please do…I’m in those seats quite often.

Brendan - Thanks for mentioning the Toys-for-Tots success at the arena. Friday night’s bins were full as well. I saw Pens fans as well donating and it was great to see.

Tom - That’s cool about your youngest tax exemption…what game?

Truehockeyfan - Passion… Indeed. It does seem to be lacking from the players at times.

And “passion” is why I do not advocate the “boycot” movement. I want “passionate” fans at the game…and lots of ‘em. Empty seats provide fuel for the “Atlanta isn’t a hockey town” jive.

Don’t get me wrong…I understand 100% why those who do “boycot”…do. And what people do and don’t do with their money is their business.

But I would rather be at a game with 16,000-18,000 fans….screaming our heads off FOR the team while at the same time chanting “FIRE WADDELL” all night. Maybe even see a couple guys ringing the walkway between the 100s and 200s with a long “FIRE WADDELL!! banner.

Oh sure…the Spirit Clowns would send security down ASAP to put an end to that last suggestion…but all it takes is for something like that to be captured by the camera crew broadcasting the game for the visiting team and…then the On The Fly guys from the NHL Network pick it up…and…well…

“Passion”…and it can’t be on display from the couch.

By Paminski

December 19, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

We came out of the gate with some fire. Passes were crisp. Positioning was spot-on. Fleury had to stop at least three great shots. Then Pavs stopped to admire the scenery. Crosby should have been ejected. The fire of the opening eight minutes disappeared.

I am not at all optimistic about the team or the season. However, many of our players have individual talent. It’s too late for a trade to help us this season. Use what we have to develop Crabb, Oystrick and others. Rolling over and competing for the number one pick is not the answer. It doesn’t make FA’s want to come here.

By Scotty

December 19, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

TRADE WADDELL AT THE TRADE DEADLINE!

By TableHockey

December 19, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I’m with Paminski - no trades.

Let this season play out and get our best shot at Tavares. Trading away anything substantial to accomplish nothing other than taking ourselves out of the Tavares race is foolish for us at this point.

By sisu

December 19, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

This season is well on its way to the toilet, to say you want a 30 goal scorer? Get Avery here and I guarantee he will make guys at least stand up for themselves. What a bust Schneider has been! 5 Million for nothing.

I think that the Waddell needs to go, what other choice is there to shake up the team??? Do we fire the coach? Trade Kovy? No, it has to be Waddell or the Owners who go next.

By Paminski

December 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah. I forgot.

FIRE WADDELL

By Sage of Bluesland

December 19, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

A full house will never happen with this pathetic product. Fantasy-thinking there.

A full house will convince the ownership that all is well; that everything they are doing is supported.

The current ownership doesn’t deserve a full house of fans paying inflated prices for everything.

Unless these same fans accept that we are mere schedule-fodder for ‘real’ teams and franchises out there, then know what you are getting for your money. Hey, it’s still your choice.

If you still continue to subsidize what has been proven to not work, then by all means continue to fill this excuse of an organization’s coffers—but I don’t want to hear a single complaint. To know what is coming, have a CHOICE, and still complain is the height of lunacy (and sheepdom).

It’s like the dense kid that keeps sticking his hand in the bee nest and wondering why he’s still getting stung. Most laugh at that kind of ‘smartness’. I know I do.

Look in the mirror for those of you that fit into this category (which, thankfully, is shrinking because ‘most’ people learn from their mistakes and tend to stop supporting shoddy products and services), you are part of the problem for the lack of change.

As the losing continues…and continues…and continues…the economic votes will grow and grow. Thank goodness. If these selfsame pathetic owners decide to sell and/or move the team, then so be it. Get CenterIce—or go to Nashville to watch a real team that doesn’t make laughable excuses to its fans…Excuses that are unconditionally accepted by those with the most power in the entire equation!

Excuses-accepted which are then complained about by the lambkins! Now that IS funny!

(Maybe I’ve been looking at this all wrong? Instead of paining over a crap product and actually trying to ‘fix’ this mess, I should simply laugh at the ridiculous prognostications, the geometric spreadsheets to show our progwess, the growth and development of the “Legends of Blueland”…)

By Dave M

December 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

You want something really embarrassing? Take a look at this Pittsburgh Post Gazette blog.

LOTS of empty seats. Were there even 10,000 fans of both teams combined?

What I do not understand is why the prices for tickets for this game on stubhub and craigslist were not the same great deals we got for Penguins games last year if there were this many empty seats? A lot of the 100 and 200 level seats were going for only 10-30 less than face value. Last year I was able to get those seats for 50 bucks close to the middle . Last year a few people gave away their club seats. This year, not one decent deal. I am not paying high prices to subsidize a terrible ownership.

By Scotty

December 19, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

75 more days until the trade deadline. I just cannot wait to see how Waddell screws this team THIS year.

By Tom

December 19, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Rawhide

The tax excemption will be playing between the 1st and 2nd periods this Saturday.

See you all there.

By Rawhide

December 19, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Tom - Excellent!

All else - Mike Knobler is reporting that Pavs was not on the ice this morning at practice. Only Kari and the Moose.

By Brendan

December 19, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Has Pavelec been returned to Chicago?

By glovesave29

December 19, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

It’s like the dense kid that keeps sticking his hand in the bee nest and wondering why he’s still getting stung. Most laugh at that kind of ‘smartness’. I know I do.

How is that any different than your posts that say the exact same thing every time? We know you are protesting. Come up with something new for a change….please!

By Tony C.

December 19, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

wow. Trade Waddell.

Not a bad idea. Do you think that we could get nash-vegas’ Asst. Gm for DW, Dan Marr & Kulda???

Dude, although I hate the way it’s come about, I think everyone will see how “bad” KL is once he gets back into the groove.

Even with his attention being diverted to the ice chick he’s with, even stendec would agree that KL stops that 3rd Pens goal.

it hurts my heart to see how bad this team is.

FIRE WADDELL

By Alan

December 19, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Looks like Exelby has been playing with a broken leg for two weeks now.

Linky linky

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 19, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it, but that’s better for the team with him out.

I’d like to see Lehman and Lewis get some time, but alas Schneider is getting healthy soon and will get that ice time.

Re: GM “Fenton oversees the Predators’ amateur player development, manages the team’s professional and amateur scouting staff and advises General Manager David Poile on all player trades and signings. He has been in charge of all player acquisitions since joining the Predators and has managed the club’s Entry Draft efforts since 2003. Fenton also serves as general manager of the Predators’ primary developmental affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.”

From Nashville’s bio of Paul Fenton, Assistant General Manager.

His drafting has been too superb in my opinion, but he’s a fine prospect. He’s young too, learned from Poille for the last 3 years, and has been doing well enough scouting/developing talent to be promoted to his current position.

I wouldn’t be opposed to giving him a shot. My first choice would still be Yzerman and second Cheveldayoff (for familiarity reasons).

By Tom

December 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Looks like Exelby has been playing with a broken leg for two weeks now.

I read this and thought you were joking. This would explain why he was getting burned so much recently.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 19, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

”[…]has not been too superb”, my apologies.

By Alan

December 19, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

This would explain why he was getting burned so much recently.

I don’t blame you for thinking I was kidding around, Tom. I thought the same thing, ‘til I read the story. And yes, it does explain his performance in recent games.

By Midfield

December 19, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

About that Pittsburgh Gazette blog. Of course, the empty seats shots were taken well before 7 PM, when most of the crowd was trying to beat the traffic. So, no matter how bad things are with the Thrashers, to take things out of context and run with it like this is just dishonest, not to mention moronic, with all due respect.

By Nikita

December 19, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

five_hole, yup, that game was lost completely on goaltending. Otherwise it wasn’t bad.

Dave, there are fewer season ticket holders to sell theirs.

and Alan, yabbut, what explains his play for the last three YEARS?

By Alan

December 19, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Does it matter, Nikita? He’s no longer in the lineup, and could be out for three weeks. :P

Worry not about Exelby, but the defender who takes his place. Personally, I’d like to see what Kulda can do.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Midfield — The caption said it was mid-second period, and in the background you can see a large section of people in the “cheap” seats.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it was mid game. I’ve attended games like that in the past…it usually happened on Tuesday nights against Carolina or Florida.

What kills me is how we’re all trained to instinctively stay in our “assigned” seats. I’ve had my ticket checked only a few times in the years of games I’ve attended…sneaking forward isn’t hard to do, nor does it hurt to try. At worst they’ll send you back to your paid seats.

By Dave M

December 19, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Well it is tough to check the veracity of the first pic with the empty blue seats considering we can’t see the ice to tell when it was done.

The next one is clearly during one of the intermissions as you can see the zamboni and it is understandable to see a lot of empty seats as people head out to the restrooms and concessions.

So, can we get the scoop from the locals?

As far as less season ticket holders being responsible for less online deals, that could be a factor. But I think there are still some season ticket holders who hold out to avoid devaluing their ticket, I guess. I dont blame them totally. And some probably never heard of stubhub to get rid of their tickets.

By Rawhide

December 19, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Dave M - I would put the in-house number at about 11K…maybe.

By Tony C.

December 19, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Another reason for the empty seats in the lower bowl is the prices-I mean who’s going to pay upwards of $125 a seat to get a “premium” view of the dog-doo that is your ‘08-‘09 Thrashers???

FIRE WADDELL

By Midfield

December 19, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I was at the game yesterday, and it sure did not look as empty as the close-caption shot on top of the column even between the periods. Yet, the implication is that this is what the game attendance was.

By Nikita

December 19, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Lewis! Lewis! Lewis!

That’s my vote, though supposedly he’s been injured. Kulda would be good, too.

By Alan

December 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

TB has waived Jussi Jokinen.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

December 19, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Alan — I don’t think many people here will enjoy watching him play, and he’s not a drastic improvement over any of the current players, but I’d take him.

By Brendan

December 19, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

That Len Barrie and Oren Koules, Tampa Bay’s owners, they sure know what they’re doing, huh? Chuckling. Ex-Bolts GM, Jay Feaster, is rolling on the floor. Dan Boyle will dedicate his first sip of Stanley Cup-winning champagne in their honor. Boyle tilts the Cup, “For Oren and Lennie!,” gulp, gulp, chug, chug. Ahhhhh!! Champagne never tasted so good!!

By PUTTING ON THE FOIL

December 19, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

* FIRE WADDELL*

By harleyman

December 19, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

* FIRE WADDELL*

By Get The Puck Out

December 19, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By Sean Avery

December 19, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I think Cindy Crotchby needs anger management and counseling.

By Tony C.

December 19, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Cindy Crotchby…. NICE!

I would take Jokinen as well, although I think we need more guys with the ol’ sandpaper, and Jokinen’s more of a dangler, but he did put up decent numbers given his TOI in Dallas-and he should have more than a clue about “sound defensive hockey” Dallas emphasizes responsible play and that’s the system he learned the North American game… basically I’m saying is that he’s like Christensen (or at least what Christensen was billed to be) except he’d have scored on half the shots EC sent over the crossbar. Maybe he doesn’t hit as hard as Christensen-although I’ve never seen a hit that would make me call EC “Crusher”.

KL back in the net Saturday??? Good News.

GO BLUE !!!

By HookyBob

December 19, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Rawhide: I was one section over from you at last night’s game. During your chant folks around were asking “What are they saying?” Well, really it was more like “What are those fine looking, intelligent, and distinguished fans saying?”. (Cue “We three Kings” music)

In my mind we need to come up with something creative, clever, humorous, or catchy to help the message spread (like wildfire). Brendan is on to something by revising the lyrics for some well known tunes. Work on this if you will… “We have a GM from Nantucket….”

Does anyone recall a year or two ago when the guy riding the Zamboni pulled off his shirt to reveal an Islanders jersey (whom we were playing)? Think about that guy with a shirt that says “Fire Waddell!” Talk about visibility.

A blog or so ago I suggested we carry an extra shoe to throw at Waddell if we see him in public. Think that would get the message out? I should add the anticipation / dreaming of this possibility is much like what one feels when they have a lottery ticket. Well worth it.

Tom hit the nail on the head when he said last night’s effort was “uninspired”. I really miss seeing Kovy’s fire,..it is sad to see him now.

Go Blue. (Or will we see the 3rd jerseys Saturday?)

By Tony C.

December 19, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

It’s gonna be the craptastic burgundy sweaters on sat.

By Adam

December 19, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

I can’t for the life of me see how paying to see this turd of a team helps anyone other than AS. I won’t even take free tickets in fear of spending a dime on concessions.

I don’t care what this town is called in other markets. We’ve see what Atlanta can do we the record is +.500. In any other hockey market there would have been several management changes by now and the fans see that and keep supporting. Here everything has been changed other than the GM that has orchestrated this mess. Pre-lockout there were fewer fans at Blackhawks games than there have been here lately, is Chicago not a hockey town? Get real.

I really don’t care if the team get moved at this point If AS keeps DW in place. I would rather watch this team win somewhere else than watch it continue to lose here. I’ll go to games in Gwinnett and watch the NHL on Center Ice.

Call me a fair weather fan or whatever you like. Show me you are willing to make the decisions that need to be made and make meaningful changes and you’ll earn my money. Even through the rebuilding I’ll show up and support because I know at least your trying. I don’t care if they don’t even hire a new GM till April and only get 50 points this season. I’ll be back the moment DW is gone.

You want to get me down to Phillips? Organize a protest out front. I’ll bring a cooler full of drinks and a grill, help make banners and most anything else asked of me. But I will not set foot inside till DW is gone.

FIRE WADDELL

By Tony C.

December 19, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

oh yeah, FIRE WADDELL

By Sage of Bluesland

December 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Adam has captured the essence of what I try to say so many times. Well stated.

I don’t mind rebuilding at all—even from complete scratch. In fact, there’s something ‘exciting’ about thinking that the figurative ‘sun is rising’ in your place among the league.

What Thrashersland has become is offensive to every part of my thought process. That idiot Don Waddell has run this team into the ground, where it languishes in the squalor that he represents.

I don’t care who takes over—I don’t care. I WILL NOT GO THROUGH ANOTHER REBUILD WITH THAT LISPING, BUMBLING, BLUSTERING IDIOT AT THE HELM…

I don’t want him anywhere in the organization, either. He has made a ton of money to do something that every single one of us here could do, as well (i.e. not win a single playoff game in near ten years).

I’m open and reasonable to many constraints. However, the removal of Don Waddell is unconditional. That’s the deal, folks.

Wow, someone above stated an entire section looked at those starting a ‘Fire-Waddell’ chant and wondered what the heck that was about…You know, that is sad, in a way, isn’t it?

Ignorant-is-bliss folks, I guess. It takes all kinds, I guess. I wish they knew what they were really doing by spending money and subsidizing the utter incompetence which goes on right under their noses…The owners must LOVE that kind of “fan”! (and I use that term very loosely).

IF THE FANS DO NOT BAND TOGETHER AND EFFECT REAL CHANGE, THEN WE DO NOT DESERVE ANY BETTER…THE ENABLERS WILL DESERVE PRECISELY WHAT THE OWNERSHIP IS SHOVELING.

Wake the f(*& up, Atlanta…For the sake of self-respect, wake up and demand some long-overdue accountability…Reading some of the sheep-tripe around here is simply embarrassing…

You know who and what I’m talking about, too…

By Wings fan in Ga.

December 19, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

I have nothing to add other than Sidney Crosby is a douchebag and deserves to be punched in the testicles.

By Brendan

December 19, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Ya know something, Sage and Adam, your posts got me to thinking, “What if the ownership put a BLOGGER in charge of the GM position?” Stay with me. Let’s just call the poster named to the GM position, “Snuffalupagus.”

And GM “Snuffalaupagus” was left in charge for nine full seasons. While the rest of the world laughed hysterically that such a thing could actually happen, the blogosphere that cares about the team rather vociferously protested, opining, “What did you expect from a BLOGGER but eight seasons in the bottom third of the Conference, and ZERO playoff wins?” Admit it, folks. You’d think a bunch of Special Ed. flunkies owned the team. Yes, you would. Don’t sit there at your keyboard thinking, “No, I’d want the BLOGGER GM to remain in Charge. One more year and Snuffalupagus is bound to turn things around. Snuffy is actually well thought of in ‘NHL circles,’ and could certainly land another GM gig somewhere ELSE in the league. Snuffy even led TEAM USA Hockey to a 1-4-1 record at the Olympics!”

And yet, isn’t it the VERY SAME PATH we’re on … with a NON-BLOGGER GM? And people act surprised that there’s a groundswell to remove the GM? The actual, real GM, with these very same, REAL results.

If this post resonated with you, but you’ve been SHY to speak up, please come out of the woodwork now. People read this blog, but don’t want to post. The time for the silent voices to be heard is now. Let this ownership know … that you simply won’t tolerate Snuffalupagus running your hockey team anymore.

By Snuffalupagus

December 19, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey now, Brendan. I’m a great GM! And if you still disagree, here’s a voucher for two free tickets to an upcoming game. Ask me about “all you can eat” seating arrangements, too. We’ve got it all, at Snuffyland.

By Tony C.

December 20, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Dude.

Call me snuffy and get me J.P. Barry’s number

oh yeah

FIRE WADDELL

By LAC

December 20, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

It gets me that there is so much discontent for waddell and constant calls for his removal by legions fo fans here, but you NEVER hear one word from the Canada press, or Hockey News or Sporting News, telling the NHL fans outside Atlanta how bad it is here and how much we ALL want that thing waddell gone ?

Why does HNIC not report “Fans in Atlanta are fed up with don waddell and demand his ouster.” Or some headline to that effect, so people out there ARE aware of the many LOYAL fans who know what the real issue is here and why will the little boy owners not FIRE HIS A$$ !

Just seems like it is us here who know the mess for what it is and the ONLY thing the Canada press and fans up there talk about is… When will they sell and move to Canada… Just nuts !

By Brendan

December 20, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Two theories, happening simultaneously, may account for it, LAC. One is … They believe he’s a good GM, who is merely ‘shackled’ by bad ownership. Plus, they “like him, personally.” Second theory, “They like him, personally, because his moves make Canadian teams look better by comparison.” Also, DW really helped the Ottawa franchise turn the corner. Stop. We took Damian Rhodes off their hands. We took MacEachern’s $3.1 million salary and threw in Brian Pothier, who played capably for them on the latter pairing D. We gave them Heatley, and took on deVries salary, too. Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. If you were Canadian, wouldn’t you like DW, too? He’s one of the most accommodating GM’s in the league. He likes to talk to the Canadian press. His fellow GM’s like him. He must be personable. Or they just like making ‘deals’ with him. Or, they secretly hope he runs the team into sale up north. Any of these ideas grab ya? No?

Okay, how ‘bout this one. Maybe, just maybe, it’s THIS THEORY: They just don’t care. Atlanta’s not even on their radar of things that matter. Well gee, I think we’ve got a winner!

By stendec

December 20, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

One thing to consider, the only interest the press has is what is happening with Kovy. There really isn’t anything else to report. I know that all of us are passionate on this blog but we may make up 1/2% of the fans in Atlanta so there is no overwhelming voice for us….

Look at what the ownership did with the Hawks, didn’t they interfere and say that the coach stays and then their GM resigned or something like that??? Aren’t these the same guys who got in to a big mess by fighting about JJ coming here?

I do not have much faith in DW or the ASG

By Sage of Bluesland

December 20, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

“…They just don’t care. Atlanta’s not even on their radar of things that matter….”

I think this is the answer as well…We are completely irrelevant in the world of the NHL. We are mere schedule-fodder for the other teams.

That’s all we are. We don’t even warrant a “the fans are upset” because there are still too many sheep at the games!

Now, if 1,000 or fewer showed up, THAT would make news—and slap the owners in their collective faces…Which is precisely what they deserve for continuing to employ the blustering buffoon Don Waddell…

I hope you sheep are enjoying your purchase?! You deserve every bit of this…