AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLehtonen Shows Moxy. Cindy…Not So Much
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The last time we saw Kari Lehtonen on the ice for the Thrashers was the night before we sent the kids out into the streets to extort candy and treats from the neighbors. The Thrashers lost 3-2 to the Ranger that night…two nights prior Philadelphia dropped seven on the Finnish keeper. Since that time he has missed 21 games due primarily to a back injury.
Saturday night Kari returned between the pipes and delivered the kind of effort that his team desperately need, helping his team to a 4-3 win over Tampa Bay.
The evening didn’t exactly start of well for Lehtonen, however. After being staked to an early lead thanks to Slava Kozlov’s 15th goal of the season…Kari then allowed the first two Lightning shots to get past him. After Ondrej Pavelec’s last two start, I though that maybe Opie had kidnapped Kari and stuffed him into the equipment closet…then put on the #32 jersey and played in his place.
But from that point on, we saw what Kari Lehtonen can be when on top of his game. After Martin St. Louis’ power play goal at 3:54 into the game made the score 2-1 Bolts, Lehtonen turned away the next 31 Tampa Bay shots over the next 53 minutes and 34 seconds of play. During that time, his teammates in front of him took the opportunity Kari afforded them and scored three consecutive goals.
Eric Perrin and Todd White made the score 3-2 by the time the first intermission rolled around and Joey Crabb notched his second of his career 4:06 into the third period.
And then that’s when all Hell broke loose in front of Kari!
After being limited to but 15 shots on goal in the first 40 minutes, Tampa Bay assaulted the Atlanta goal with 24 shots in the final period alone. The Bolts were on the man-advantage three times as Atlanta took penalties at the 11:40 mark, (Perrin-hooking)…14:20, (Schneider-interference)…and 16:59, (Valabik-holding).
For the game, Valabik took three penalties but did manage to finish the game a +2.
Kari stopped the first 18 shots…including a 4-shots in 12-seconds flurry between 8:10 and 8:22 of the third… before St. Louis was again able to convert on the power play at 17:28.
He then turned away another five Lightning shots to help preserve the win.
Hopefully this type of outing will be on display more often as the remaining games unfold. Well…minus the two-goals-on-two-shots way the game began for him, that is.
That we can do without for a while.
Speaking Of Big Saves
Kari Lehtonen will get credit for stopping 36 of 39 shots on goal on Saturday night. But one of the biggest stops of the game came during the first period when Marty Reasoner slid through the goal-mouth and denied a Tampa Bay shot on goal as the puck deflected off the Thrashers center. The “save” kept the score 2-1 Tampa Bay at the time and Atlanta followed up the play with a pair of goals before the end of the period.
However, later in the game Marty took a slap shot to the hand and had to leave early. Coach Anderson indicated afterwards that X-rays came back negative, so let’s hope it’s nothing too serious.
Also Returning To The Ice
Mathieu Schneider also made his return to the lineup Saturday night after playing last on Nov. 30 against the St. Louis Blues. The 39-year old defender had been down with a shoulder injury and he finished the night having played 19:23 with an even +/- rating.
Biggest Point Of The Night
The biggest point of last night’s action in Blueland goes to Tom’s little tax exemption earning an assist during the intermission exhibition match. Congrats on your first point on NHL ice!!!
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
The next two Thrashers games…Monday against Toronto and Tuesday on Lon-Gisland…will not be on local television. However, the good news here is that the Thrashers are 6-4-1 in such games so far this season.
But… for those who are Center Ice-less… as you are adjusting that AM dial looking for The Grand Kamalian’s call on 680 The Fan, keep in mind this interesting little ditty. The Thrasher’s AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves have a deal with Comcast Cable in which all 80 games and playoff games are televised in Chi-town.
Just sayin’…
Now, About Cindy
In case you missed Sidney “Cheap-Shot” Crosby’s “unwanted touching” incident Thursday night during Pittsburgh’s 6-3 win in Atlanta, here’s a little clip for ya…thanks to Sam. You can also review Valabik and Anderson’s comments about the incident here.
Ya know, for as great a player that Crosby is…anyone who takes multiple swings and a player’s “boyz”…while he is bent over tangled in a scrum with someone else and not in a position to defend himself …defines “classless” and “punk”. It also shows a severe lack of “boyz” on his part as well.
And… as per-usual for Cindy… he whined and cried all the way to the box before finally grabbing the hem of his skirt as he stepped in.
“How dare the mean ‘ol official man call me for a penalty. Doesn’t he know I’m the ‘chosen one’”?
Anderson, in my opinion, has an argument regarding Cindy being “third man in” in this case as well. As the clip clearly displays, Cindy came in late and then commenced to wailing away at the back of Valabik’s head while he was being held.
But let’s be honest here… Anderson shouldn’t hold his breath waiting for the league to dish out any punishment upon their golden-boy…their poster-child for the NHL’s post-lockout market recovery. In their eyes, he’s untouchable in that regards.
But I’ll tell ya something, Cindy…better keep your head up. ‘Cuz karma has this nasty little way of coming back around and biting ya square on the butt.
Or possibly…somewhere else.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Brendan
December 21, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
The definition of “eternity” is … when the NHL decides to discpline Crosby for on, or off, the ice conduct. And there it is.
By HonkyTonkHockey
December 21, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
It sure was nice to see what our defense looks like without X in the mix. Oystick has proven to be an energetic and smart d-man and I think with Scneider back in the mix now there is no room for X. Sorry X I don’t the think the Wolves want ya either…waivers…trade?
I also think Crabb has replaced EC for good. I love his energy, chippyness and speed. He will only get better. If we just find a replacement for Slater.
Good win tonight boys! Keep it going!
By BG33Brown
December 21, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
HonkyTonk I couldn’t agree more. Schneider looked good considering how long its been. And watching him move the puck and thinking “hmmm….X sure as heck couldn’t do that” was great. And Schneider doesn’t leave his position to head hunt.
I just hope JA sees it that way.
By truehockeyfan
December 21, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Sure is nice to win. answer this please.why doesn’t a player like Williams play like this every night. Surely he has been the biggest disappointment this year. giving up all those shots in the third period is just a lack of effort on the entire team. Glad to have Kari BACK.
By Krust
December 21, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Ah Cindy,
He needs six games off just like Avery. I think what he did to Valibik is just as classless. Whats the difference sloppy seconds or punching a guy from behind in the Jewels, both have no class.
Maybe Cindy and Sean would like to date each other, I do recall that Sean would like to be a fashion designer. They could compare purses.
After Crabbs performance last night, I don’t expect him to go back down someone has to leave. He already has more goals I think than Christiansen. Cut Christiansen loose, waver wire.
X, update I saw him scamming on a hot chick in the club section, he had a top hat on. He looked more like a pimp than a Hockey Player.
By Nikita
December 21, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
That was a fun game to attend. Does anybody know if I would be able to take in a bullhorn?
By Tom
December 21, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Rawhide
Thanks for the mention, the little tax exemption came down this morning wearing his Zach Borgosian signed hat and jersey still grinning.
But the smile that he had when he saw he made the AJC Ice Man Blog, priceless.
By Alan
December 21, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Just an update for everyone…
The other day, Seth from the Pittsburgh P-G posted a blog entry about the Thrashers game and how empty the stands are. If you remember yesterday, I mentioned that I emailed him with some comments about it.
He posted a blog today with my email in it. Have fun reading. While you might agree or disagree with my explanations, one thing is certain: I spoke up, and my voice was ultimately heard.
Good win last night. I’m not counting on miracles, but perhaps we can turn it around a bit. I’ll be happy with a .500 season. Or the first overall pick. As the season plays on (we’re not even at the halfway point), we’ll see what happens.
By Rawhide
December 21, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
HonkyTonkHockey & BG33Brown - I agree with your points regarding XLB. It’s especially true once Bogosian is ready to play again.
Havelid, Enstrom, Hainsey, Schneider, Bogosian and Oystrick with Valibik as the seventh.
No room at the inn for X because I certainly wouldn’t send Oystrick back down. Of course, as Krust points out…XLB seems to be a “player” in the club seats.
BG33Brown - Williams did have a strong game. In the second, his hustle and drives to the net created two power play opportunities. Hope to see more of it.
Nikita - You should consult with RStroz, our resident bullhorn expert regarding your question.
Tom - My pleasure! Those looks are indeed priceless and I just know he had a BLAST last night!
Alan - Hey, great job with that response and congrats for getting it posted in-full in his blog! I do think that the empty seats are being noticed by the Spirit Clowns…but I just don’t think they are bright enough to figure out yet the connection between Waddell, losing hockey and declining attendance.
Maybe one day…before they completely screw up things here…they will.
fingers crossed
By Alan
December 21, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Rawhide! Stroz pointed out a few things I could have added yesterday when I spoke to him, but I was feeling a little under the weather and didn’t have a chance to ask him to add those.
He also misspelled my last name, which is cool with me. Not everyone needs to know that, and those of you who email me frequently know that anyway.
By Jim
December 21, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Lehtonen when healthy is a big difference maker. I watched the Center Ice telecast. Interviews between periods with Slater, Oystrick and Schneider all elicited the same comment “While Pavs and Hedberg did a good job of filling in, Kari is an elite NHL goaltender”. Those who champion trading him and having Pavs in as #1 simply don’t know talent. The players obviously know who is the best. If he stays healthy, we stay in games regardless of defensive lapses.
By sisu
December 21, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Considering this is most likely the last season for Havelid in the NHL it will be more than important to develop new dmen for next season. It looks like Nathan is a keeper, and Bogo will be great for years to come! Boris is starting to find his groove and Kulda could be here next season. Maybe X will be the 7th dman? Either way the d looks better than I have ever recalled!
Great win last night, Kari was amazing in the 3rd, making 4 consecutive saves in about 5 seconds!
By kracker
December 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Nicely done, Alan.
crosby = classless
By Alan
December 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Off topic, but congrats to the Falcons for the playoff berth. Who knows, this could be life after Waddell for the Thrashers next year?
kracker - Thanks! And yes, it seems Crosby is a bit classless with that kind of play.
By PW
December 21, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
NHL should never have made Sid such a star without a few years of him proving himself. Now they are as stuck as DW with their decisions. So far he has not lived up to anything. He was not the best rookie and every year they have to excuse his not living up to potential; not to mention the diving and tantrums.
X has made some big mistakes recently that resulted in goals against. I think he is on the list of favorites so will be staying in the lineup. No matter how well the others are playing, someone will be sent to Chicago. DW will make sure of that.
I think Oystrik and Crabb should stay as long as they keep going like they are now.
Welcome back, Kari!!! It was great to see him back and in form. I heard the interviews as well. On another team, Kari would be appreciated for the talent he has. Anyone who doubts should watch last nights third period.
By Alan
December 21, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
… but back on topic, it looks like James Mirtle decided to write about the Thrashers decline in attendance, too.
Hey, ASG: Are you listening yet?
By Cindy Crotchby
December 21, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
I look like a squirrel, and like a squirrel, I like to hunt for nuts.
By R. Stroz
December 21, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
By THRASHYOU
December 21, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Here is a e-mail I sent to the NHL. Hope everyone feels the same as me.
I am a real big fan of hockey in general and of the Atlanta Thrashers, I love the product on the ice and I believe that everyone should be treated the same. My question to you is why won’t, or as of yet, Sidney Crosby be punished in some way for the CLASSLESS actions against Atlanta and Boris Valabik? It shows me that the NHL has no guts to punish any actions of its “choosen one.” He is no Wayne Gretzky. I have included a rule that I feel pertain to these actions.
47.16 Third Man In - A game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene (third man in) in an altercation already in progress except when a match penalty is being imposed in the original altercation. This penalty is in addition to any other penalties incurred in the same incident.
This rule also applies to subsequent players or goalkeepers who elect to intervene in the same or other altercations during the same stoppage of play.
so I ask what part of these rules do not pertain to sidney crosby???? If time permits I would like a response. thank you for your time.
By Nikita
December 21, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
About the game the other night…you know, I really, really don’t want to see an empty arena. I don’t care about the reasons why — it has a huge effect on the team. Which is emotionally delicate, anyway.
I understand why ASG doesn’t want to discount the product. But I sincerely wish they’d put effort into putting butts in the lower-level seats. It would help the team’s effort.
By sisu
December 22, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
ASG is already deeply discounting seats Nikita. This is why it is a bad deal to buy season tickets since their value declines as the discounted seats become more and more common….
As to crotchby, doubt anyone will punish him as he should be, what a jerk!
By Rawhide
December 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Nikita & Sisu - I have a friend of mine who has has season tickets since day one. In the 300s.
Three weeks ago he recieved an e-mail offering him, and apparently all STHs, the ability to purchase season tickets for the remaining 29 games at the time for just $99.00.
That comes out to just $3.41 per seat.
Again, that’s in the 300s…but even so…$3.41 per seat?
By David
December 22, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I have read on msnbc and they site the Toronto Sun as saying the Thrashers have offered Kovalchuck and Armstrong to Minnesota for Gaborik and Kim Johnson? what gives?
By Alan
December 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
David - You mean something like this, right?
It’s horsecrap. See Knobler’s blog for reasons why it’s horsecrap.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Again, that’s in the 300s…but even so…$3.41 per seat?
Well, they already have that individuals money for a certain amount of games, why not milk them for even more? To them $99.00 is better than $0.00. The purchased tickets help them get to that unknown magical number for revenue sharing, so $0.00 and no revenue sharing is MUCH worse than $4 tickets and a couple million in revenue sharing.
I hope they get desperate enough to come out with one of those “buy this in the next 30 minutes and get a free _ (while supplies last)” commercial campaigns. I find those commercials humorous.
By Rawhide
December 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Rannallous Maximous - Yeah…could you see Billy Mays pimpin’ Thrashers tickets on one of his “But wait! There’s more…” type of commercials?
David - That would be a huge mistake if it is indeed true. Under normal circumstances I would cast it aside as speculative fodder.
But, we are talking about Don Waddell…so there is no such thing as a “too-dumba$$ to do” scenario here.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
December 22, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
That would be a huge mistake if it is indeed true. Under normal circumstances I would cast it aside as speculative fodder.
But, we are talking about Don Waddell…so there is no such thing as a “too-dumba$$ to do” scenario here.
What’s changed over the past 8 years for you to think this is not “normal” circumstances?
Kovalchuk has been rumored (key word) to be going to countless teams since he became an Atlanta Thrasher. Interestingly enough, he’s not been dealt to any of those teams despite the “sources” and “trade discussions” being reported.
Speculative fodder is no stranger to Bruce Garrioch.
But wait, there’s more! Buy season tickets now and you can have RON BURGUNDY drop off your tickets!! This offer is too good to be true, so buy it now before it’s too late!!
By david
December 22, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Alan, yes and thanks.
By Alan
December 22, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
ranallo - While having RON BURGUNDY drop off my tickets personally, I would prefer the cute anchorwoman instead. ;)
David - No problem… alas, Rawhide said it best. Waddell has (Zhitnik) done dumber things (Zhitnik) during his tenure (Zhitnik); therefore, it would be no surprise (Zhitnik) if he did something else just as dumb (Zhitnik) as the acquisition of Zhitnik for a player in Coburn, who had a ton of unrealized potential.
By Smoothie
December 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Either way the d looks better than I have ever recalled!
Okay guys, I too think the Thrashers D “looks better” for the most part, but let’s be realistic here. If they really were marginally better, would we have given up 24 shots in 15 + minutes of action against the likes of Tampa Bay who has struggle to put pucks on net all year? We still do not clear the crease in a physical fashion, we do not win key puck battles in the corners to thwart extended pressure on the PK and we still turn over the puck too many times trying to get out of our own zone.
I still contend that Toby needs to play more full strength minutes and less on the PK. He is not going to move any large bodies out of the crease on the PK. I would rather see the following tandems on the ice to help take advantage of each players strengths:
Hainsey / Valabik — Hainsey is physical enough and big enough to block shots on the PK and at F/S. Hainsey moves the puck, Valabik kicks mucho a$$ in the crease. Use Havelid with Hainsey on the PK when Boris is in the box for his customary 4 mins / game.
Oystrick / Enstrom — this would be our quickest and most skilled tandem for sure as both make good decisions with the puck and are skilled enough to move the puck out of traffic and onto a forward’s stick with accuracy. Only problem is Enstrom’s size on the PK so let Havelid play with Oyster, Crabb and Reasoner on the PK. Then our PK could also be called the Swedish Seafood Special Team!
Havelid / Schneider / Bogey — this tandem would be better served playing closer to 15-16 mins / game as opposed to 18-22. As their legs are quite aged, they need to play less and less frequently against faster first-lines. We need to count on Tobes & Oyster to “out-skill” the other team’s first line, hope Boris can hold his own with Hainsey against 2nd line and let Old Man Winter Tandem dominate 3rd and 4th liners.
I don’t see any reason to leave the Swedes together. Yes they may have chemistry, but I think Toby plays too conservatively with Havelid knowing he is a step slow. Plus, Havy is not really a threat to create and apply consistent forechecking on the offensive end. I can totally see Enstrom and Oyster taking more chances because they have the giddy-up to recover on a bad bounce or break out. And when Bogey is healthy, let him do his thing with Hainsey and learn from the guy who is truly our best and most skilled mover of the puck. Bogey would be a better combo plate of stay at home enforcement and puck moving adroitness than our Beloved Boris the Bruiser.
XLB should be the new between period interview guy / radio analyst for Kamal and once in awhile guest hockey player.
By Nikita
December 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
ASG is already deeply discounting seats Nikita.
Yes, but the ASG is not putting appreciably more butts in seats. And they are not putting more butts in lower-level seats, where they matter most.
It was suggested that they should add value to seats/get more people in the arena. Relatively easy ways to do that would include: 1. Free Parking/Free MARTA. 2. Upgrading STHs at low-priority games to better seats, and giving those STHs in premium seats additional value. 3. I suppose more giveaways might do it, but I’d never attend a game for a giveaway. 4. Give STHs add-ons which are not transferable for key games.
Three weeks ago he recieved an e-mail offering him, and apparently all STHs, the ability to purchase season tickets for the remaining 29 games at the time for just $99.00.
I got that email, as well. I think it’s a good first step. The problem is that in a system where the demand waxes and wanes, you can afford to ride out the rough times. But Atlanta needs to rebuild from the ground up almost like a new team, while keeping its STHs.
I think the SportsSouth and PR crews bear a little responsibility for this, as well. I’ve noticed how much better the broadcasts are for other markets — they do a better job of getting people interested in the team as an organization rather than as a group of people who show up and throw the puck around. I think this year they’re doing a better job — I see better efforts at getting the team covered from angles that are more about them as people and less as some guy who’s on some team who plays a sport that never has and never will rule this town. But it’s got to continue and improve.
I’d like to see some PR emphasis on the fact that this is an established team in a relatively long tradiion of Georgia hockey. I’d like to see the Thrash treated more as a tradition than as a mercenary organization.
I have read on msnbc and they site the Toronto Sun as saying the Thrashers have offered Kovalchuck and Armstrong to Minnesota for Gaborik and Kim Johnson?
Unlikely. a) that would not be an even trade and b) Gaborik is still injured,. right?
But, we are talking about Don Waddell…so there is no such thing as a “too-dumba$$ to do” scenario here.
I don’t think so. That’s way too dumb to do, and it would serve no strategic purpose.
ranallo - While having RON BURGUNDY drop off my tickets personally, I would prefer the cute anchorwoman instead. ;)
Exelby’s still a notch below par for Fire on Ice. But send me Thorburn and we’ll talk.
Waddell has (Zhitnik) done dumber things (Zhitnik) during his tenure (Zhitnik);
I don’t think so. a) That was a while ago, and b) it made wishful thinking sense at the time. Unless he’s a complete idiot, he will know how bad of a choice that was. I’m sure he does, since he no doubt is aware that that decision is one of few with a demonstrable cost to the organization. Coburn — meh. Waddell should have know that he would develop. But he didn’t — he knew that he might develop and he needed an established player to juice the team’s playoff run. He chose poorly. There’s no estimating the value lost in Coburn, but there’s a number on a balance sheet, which is a constant issue for the owners and the league, and it’s directly attributable to DW.
Also, hate to be all cynical here, but prior coaches really sucked at developing players. Coburn may never have developed if he stayed here. That’s one thing I like about Anderson.
By Alan
December 22, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
I don’t think so. a) That was a while ago, and b) it made wishful thinking sense at the time.
(a) Stupid decisions are timeless. Coburn for Zhitnik will be remembered for a very, very long time. (b) We made the playoffs with Zhitnik, but who is to say we wouldn’t have made the playoffs with Coburn? We really don’t know that. It takes time to figure out exactly what kind of potential a player has. I hated seeing Coburn leave, and as early as Preseason 2007, we saw why Coburn shouldn’t have been dealt.
Stupid decisions are stupid, no matter how much people try to sugar-coat them.
By Rawhide
December 22, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Nikita - Unless he’s [Waddell] a complete idiot, he will know how bad of a choice that was.
Did you intend to lob up that juicy softball for someone to crush over the fence? LOL!!
Anyway…new blog time.