AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHard To Get Happy After That One
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are a lot of times that I would love to be in the Thrashers locker room following a game…to hear what is being said, to experience the moment. Friday night, however, I’m sure it wasn’t a happy time in that room.
Wasted in the 5-4 come-from-ahead loss to the Carolina Hurricane were a couple of very strong efforts from some of the hometown ice combatants. Bryan Little’s first ever career hat trick…Slava Kozlov’s four assist night…Todd White’s one-goal, two-point showing…a two assist effort by Ron Hainsey…the power play going three for three on the evening.
The Thrashers held a 1-0 lead after White’s power play goal in the first…then grabbed back a 3-2 lead when Little netted a pair of power play goals 1:43 apart late in the second and then took a 4-3 lead with 10:08 remaining in the game after Little turned the trick. But in the end, the drive to win back-to-back games for the first time since…well, the last time the Thrashers played Carolina in the second week of October…stalled out late in the game.
Or, should I say…Staal-ed out.
Eric Staal took this game over in the third with three goals separated by just 4 minutes and 31 seconds in the final frame. The last two were of the unassisted variety and were but 76 seconds apart.
On the night, the Canes were one shot shy of dropping 40 on Johan Hedberg. After the game, a dejected Moose was nothing short of “stand up” saying, “My third period was probably the worst I played all year, and a very bad time, and I think I cost us the game…It’s unfortunate. I felt like I let the boys down there”.
I think Heddy is being a bit harsh on himself. As the Thrashers have proven time and time again over the course of the past couple of seasons…you aren’t gonna win a lot of games in which you allow your opponents close to 40 shots in the game.
As frustrating and agonizing some of the many 1-goal losses have been this season for Atlanta…I’m guessing Friday night’s was probably the toughest of them all to take for the boys in blue…er, huh…burgundy. These are professional guys, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if more than a few inanimate objects took the brunt of their ire and were slammed upside a wall. To be honest with ya, I wouldn’t blame the players one bit if that were the case.
If so, I’m glad I wasn’t in the room to see it…or I might of caught a stray flying object in the chops.
Whole Lot-O-Scorin’ Going On Back There
In the three games Atlanta played this week, they allowed 13 goals, bringing the year-to-date total to 130 goals against after 35 games. In case you’re wonderin’…yes, that would be the most of any team in the league.
That will also put them on a pace to give up 305 goals on the season. As bad as last season’s NHL-worst GA stat was, the Thrashers only gave up 272. The last time an NHL team let up 300+ goals in a season was in the 2006-07 season when the Philadelphia Flyers let up 303.
Philly finished that season 22-48-12 for 56 points.
Schultz Knows…SOMEthing!
The AJC’s Jeff Schultz has another fine post on the current state of the Thrashers…which is an un-good state. Among other salient points, Schultzie notes that, “All of the problems obviously can’t be attributed to finances. Most of the problems can be traced back to year one. Waddell was here, the Spirit wasn’t. Even in budget-crunching times, a general manager can make things work to a degree if there’s a solid foundation. Waddell poured the foundation. It hasn’t been just about bad drafts or miscalculations in personnel. It’s mostly about never having a successful plan, a structure, an identity”.
ding-ding-ding
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
According to Hockeybuzz.com, there are ten teams with payrolls that are under $50 million. Atlanta, $45.5M…Carolina, $49.2M…Chicago, $49.7M…L.A. Kings, $41.5M…Nashville, $46.3M…N.Y. Islanders, $43.2M…Phoenix, $42.4M…St. Louis, $47.9M…Tampa Bay, $44.7…and Toronto, $48.1M.
Only two of those teams have fewer points than do the Thrashers and four of those team…Chicago, Carolina, Nashville and Phoenix…currently hold playoff positions in the standings. The Kings, who have the lowest payroll, are currently 14-15-6, six points better than Atlanta and only three points out of the eighth and final playoff slot in the Western Conference.
So, it can be done. Even if the GM is saddled with an ownership that su…er, inhales profusely!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By LAC
December 27, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
Choke job tonight, this is a BAD team put togather by The Worst GM in professional sports, I am sick of this losing, losing and more losing with the Thrashers.
Something, Anything has to be done to remove don waddell, he is a menence to ALL Thrasher fans and this game is yet another example of what a stupid SOB he is No clue about anything.
Let’s hope Brenden or Stroz or Bob or NascarDave get the GM job here, Stanley Cup in three years… With don waddell here at the end of this season, this team will be sold and moved within two.
waddell you are yourself alone killing hockey here in Atlanta, Get the Hell out of Atlanta and take your losing back to Detroit !…and jim slater too !
By sisu
December 27, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
This was tough to take! Hard to believe that the team choked after such a promising effort for 50 minutes.
So my guess is the ASG will probably not do a thing until February so that leaves only one way to shake up the team. A player needs to be waived, my vote, Williams. If this is done perhaps some motivation will start to take place and it also opens a spot for someone younger to come in from Chicago…
By jason
December 27, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
Actually sisu, it was a good effort for about 30 minutes. We had one shot - 1! - for the first 10 minutes of the game. We had five - 5! - for the final 20. Meanwhile we had 26 shots over the last 10 minutes of the first and the entire 20 minutes of the second.
I’m just wondering what “changes” Anderson can make that were promised a couple of weeks ago if the GM thinks this is a good team?
P.s. - At the sign of the first Fire Waddell chant from 318, Thrash was up there banging as loud as he could on his little drum.
P.p.s. - Our P.A. announcer went from bad to worse tonight. If you can’t pronounce Lehtonen’s name right and you get more excited announcing the other team’s players, you need to give the mic back to the only slightly less sucky P.A. announcer from Project 961.
P.p.p.s. - FIRE WADDELL
By PUTTING ON THE FOIL
December 27, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
FIRE WADDELL
FIRE WADDELL
By Brendan
December 27, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
At this point, LAC, it’s all about player development. Right now, there aren’t any other options. Tier I guys eyeball financial instability, coupled with weak decision-making, and steer clear of the Thrashers.
By Rawhide
December 27, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Jason - At the sign of the first Fire Waddell chant from 318, Thrash was up there banging as loud as he could on his little drum
Yes, the Spirit Clowns will do whatever they can do to surpress “The Chant”. But Thrash cannot be everywhere at the same time. This is why “The Chant” must be done in all sections and all throughout the game. Not just at the end.
Hundreads, if not thousands, doing “The Chant” all night cannot be “drummed” out.
Bringing “FIRE WADDELL” signs helps too. Banners if you can get ‘em are also nice.
Sure, the Spirit Clowns will sent their boys to make you take ‘em down…but all it takes is one TV camera, (from the visiting tam’s broadcast of course), to get a shot of it and then it’s eternal.
I’ve even read someone advocate bringing pink post-it notes with FIRE WADDELL written on each one…sticking them on the walls, on the railings, on your seats when you leave.
I kinda like that idea…Operation Pink Slip you could call it.
By glovesave29
December 27, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Rawhide…gotta agree with Moose on this one. He gave the game away. Yes the defense was beaten by Staal because they we flatfooted - not a goo sign, But each time they did force him wide along the goal line. Moose should have handled them. A good effort was wasted. It was an entertaining game if nothing else…
Again - bring the fire Waddell signs and hang them over the railing along the walkway to the dressing room. Sportsouth uses that camera angle after each period.
By Rogie
December 27, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
You could print “Fire Waddell” t-shirts. There’s body paint with letters (a certain Seinfeld episode comes to mind…) or even placard cards spelling out Fire Waddell for the section. Just enough to get on camera. I’d make it a point to do it at game with a Canadian team —- even email the Canadian TV network and the local hockey beatwriter with the section —- they’d eat that up.
Back to the misery….last night doesn’t happen to teams with character. If there wasn’t inanimate items being destroyed in the locker room, there should have been. You could just feel the game slipping away minute by minute. I can’t put my finger on just one thing the meltdown…and that pretty much sums up the problem with the team. There isn’t just one problem…the issue is systemic. Too many shots on goal, inconsistent backchecking, a bad penalty at the wrong time, a mental lapse on the penalty kill…..there’s no real leader on the team, no team confidence, and a rookie coach who was given few good pieces to work with.
If the patient continues to be sick and you’ve lost confidence in your doctor (or he’s incompetent), change doctors.
By five_hole
December 27, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
May I suggest for the next home game … . paper bags?
This was a solid effort from our guys for the first 50 minutes. Problem is that we were 10 minutes short.
And let’s face it; Eric Staal controlled the 3rd period. He played outstanding, made great shots. He totally owned Oystrick on that last goal. Give the kid credit.
Having said that, I found JA’s system lacking. We should have flooded our defensive zone, played the 1-4, much the way Carolina had been playing.
This loss was Anderson’s, as much as Moose or anyone else on the team.
By Nikita
December 27, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
I have a better idea. Women in pink slips. Giving out “Fire Waddell” pink slips to fans like an impromptu anti-Blue Crew. Better yet, have them march on the Spirit headquarters and invite the press.
At minimum, make some trojan horse “hot chicks for the Thrashers” videos, which involve hot chicks talking about how imperative it is to fire Don Waddell. Like Obamagirl, but Thrashergirl.
Or maybe we could use the “leave Britney alone” guy to emote about how we should “leave Waddell alone…just because he’s never fielded a winning team, because he traded Braydon Coburn, and because he’s totally unqualified. LEAVE HIM ALONE. He can’t help being totally outclassed and having his hands tied.
And so on. Keep up the youtube onslaught until he leaves.
I had a really interesting experience last night upon my free tickets. I was sitting not too far from 318 and “Fire Waddell” was pretty clear, but there was a more involved chant that I could not make out.
The game was, well, very frustrating. The person I brought along for her first game since the lockout enjoyed it, but we were both very, very p** off at the end — it was completely freakin’ unnecessary. They had Carolina on the ropes, but for some reason opted not to finish them.
(Waddell’s interview touches on exactly how many times the team has stopped short of finishing with either a lead or a tie in the third. He seems to think it’s an incremental improvement issue, but I really wonder if the team is choosing to sandbag. I saw only some of the lower-level players really scrapping to win near the end, and there were several times when the setup seemed prolonged for no apparent reason. If you’re behind, you don’t play a checking game — but the Thrash certainly did.)
Afterward, we somehow ended up deep in conversation a lot of people who are employed to promote the Thrash…some of whom were, um, privately pretty negative about the prospects of hockey working out in Atlanta, or this particular team working out.
Oh, re: the game, I’d hate for the final result to sully the awesomeness of the Little/Koz/White line last night, or the generally good performance of the special teams. And I feel Chris Thorburn should get an emmy nomination, both for his “fighting” agitation (which he’s lucky no one actually acted on, since he’s not talented at fighting) and his “oh, my eye!” on-ice swooning in an attempt to draw a penalty. Hilarious, if ineffectual. Also, Jason Williams looked fairly good.
Looking forward to Boston…if they’re going to be close or win, they’re going to have to take the physical play up a notch. Several notches, actually. These last few games they’ve played like fine china. Also, I think we need to trade for a RW who takes the skills of our existing players up a notch in a big body, and he needs to play in place of Thorbs on the Kovy/Reasoner line.
By ben
December 27, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Waddell must go. The fact that Thrash was banging a drum, maybe he was just a guy doing a job, maybe the owners are behind it. Ten years on, this is bizarre that Waddell has lasted this long. We don’t know if he has some sort of ownership stake in the team. That is the only logical reason that this man is still there. I mean he has depreciated an investment which started off at nearly a half a billion dollars. So why is he still around? It’s not Atlanta sports culture, because people do care. And also Blank cleaned house. And the Braves would clean house for years. There is something bigger afoot than just gross incompetance, but I have no idea what. Could anyone enlighten as to if Waddell has a stake in the team?
By sisu
December 27, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Afterward, we somehow ended up deep in conversation a lot of people who are employed to promote the Thrash…some of whom were, um, privately pretty negative about the prospects of hockey working out in Atlanta, or this particular team working out.
HUH??? care to elaborate? That is grounds for firing in mind!
By Tony C.
December 27, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
yes, please elaborate Nikita.
I thought they played well last night, and yes, I do believe that Moose flubbed it on two of their goals (not the game winner tho-Staal’s release was beauty-so fast and accurate), especially the one that went through his legs on the left-to-right shift on their PP. that’s the goalie’s responsibility-he has to have that play accounted for.
I liked the look of the Army line-they just might be gelling. Thorburn played maybe his best game of the season while on #17’s line-Ward absolutely robbed him in the second.
Honestly, I feel that Ward was the difference-he made at least 4 highlight-reel saves in the second, and held it down in the 3rd.
I’m going on Sunday, and yes I do believe that
OPERATION: PINK SLIP is a GREAT idea!
Think I’ll go by wal-mart tonight for the post-its.
FIRE WADDELL
& GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
December 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
I also thought Crabb looked real good, Kovalchuk isn’t really giving us but maybe 80% (uses only one move on breakaways), but I did see him doing some “hockey things” that he didn’t do in years past (i.e. big hit on Ruutu after he hit a linemate in the back-borderline boarding call that wasn’t made)-still I think it’s obvious now that the guy is just turning calendar pages.
FIRE WADDELL
By Jim
December 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Hedberg was bad in the third period, but where were the back checkers? Staal was free to roam. We have nothing on the third and fourth lines except Armstrong. Put him on the first line and let’s say good bye to the non-performers- Bad hands Thorburn, board hands Slater, the “don’t touch me duo of Perrin and Williams, and the star of the Ice Capades, Boulton. He’s supposed to be tough and mix it up- yeah right. fire Waddell and let’s get a bunch of hustlers in from the Wolves- Motzko, Stuart, Hoffman, et. al. This isn’t a bad team. This is a pathetic team.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 27, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Want a GUARANTEED way to fire Don Waddell?
STOP GOING TO THE GAMES.
Some don’t want to listen to me because, after all, I’ve been correct all along (and their wittle ego cannot handle the truth).
Listen to me now and repeat after me:
STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE…THIS IS THE ONLY WAY DON WADDELL WILL BE FIRED…
Don’t let your wounded pride stand between the long-term good of the team and your incessant desire to be correct when, in fact, that boat sailed a long time ago…
By Alan
December 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Hundreads, if not thousands, doing “The Chant” all night cannot be “drummed” out.
Bingo! Chant loud, proud, and from everywhere! The drum nor the music can drown us all out!
Bringing “FIRE WADDELL” signs helps too. Banners if you can get ‘em are also nice.
This is something I wanted to get done at the beginning of the season, but the economic crisis really started to hit home. Then my hours got cut at work, and … well, I know I’m not in a fair position to do this any longer, but I would be more than willing to donate to the cause.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 27, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Since the “beginning of the season”, huh, Alan? [The ‘fire Waddell’ bandwagon]
Yep, I knew it…Silly little sheep…
By Rawhide
December 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Sage - “Boycotting” the product is only half the answer. Believe me, the empty seats have not one un-noticed. If that’s how you and other wish to show your displeasure…then God bless you brother.
However, if no one attends the game then that only gives feul to the aruement that Atlanta will not support an NHL team. Not a good thing…and you and I both know that isn’t true.
“Boycotting” is but one front in the protest.
The “second front” is in the arena it’s self. Those of us who are there…who do know it is past time for a change in the front office…HAVE to let it known.
“The Chant” HAS to be heard all night long in the background of the radio and TV broadcast…not just in the last minute of the game…ALL NIGHT. Sure, the hometown crew will look to silence it or mute it out…but not the visiting crew.
IF you truely care about this team…I advocate going to the games and letting the Spirit Clowns HEAR that you want a change.
Let them HEAR “The Chant”..all night.
Make them SEE the posters and banners demanding the change.
Force those broadcasting the game to TALK about what they are hearing and seeing.
They can’t do that if everyone is at home.
Oh…and the Spirit Clowns can’t shut you up in CNN Center when 680 The Fan is broadcasting Buck and Kincade before the games as they sometimes do.
hint hint
Let the rest of the NHL world know Atlanta has passionate fans who “get it” and are demanding change.
Don’t just b!tch about it here. DO something.
Oh…and for those of you who do “boycott” the team until Waddell is fired. If and when he is…then show up!
Again…I am NOT criticizing those who choose to “boycott”…but it’s only part to the protest.
I love this team…I support this team…and I HATE watching it driven into the ground the way Waddell and the Spirit Clowns have done over the past few years.
Make your voices heard…NOW!
By HookyBob
December 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Last night’s game left me in sad state. I should be getting used to it though. This team keeps finding new ways to disappoint the faithful. Sad.
So,..why be faithful? There’s a lot of really good hockey being played out there. Did anyone see Ovetchkin’s goal against Buffalo? Looks to like he’s got the fire that Kovy used to have. Sad.
It is that time of year when we look back and reflect on the 10 best __of the past year. Opening night was pretty good, and since there aren’t many highlights, it would probably make the top 10. Can’t think of any others at this time. Please offer up some highlights for the faithful fans to cling to.
Still looking for a Gordie Howe Hat Trick from this team.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Nope, Rawhide, too many soccer-moms and Saras around to be effective if the arena is filled up.
The owners will believe that all is well in Blueland IF the arena is full.
Do you honestly believe that the entire arena will shout anything? Do you think that more than 5 in 100 even know what is going on?
Nope—I don’t. I’ve seen too many sheep in my lifetime to believe that…The bigger the lie, the more it is believed…I’ve seen the ‘faithful’ with my own eyes—and now simply laugh at them and their delusion.
The only sure-fire and effective way to get things changed is to cut the funds. Pure, simple, and devastatingly effective.
Why don’t the owners have a fan “council”, to hear the ‘voices’ of the fans?
Therein lies your answer—if you are honest with yourself and with reality…
FANS OF THE LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF THE THRASHERS: YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO…STOP ATTENDING THE GAMES AND STOP THE FUNDS…WATCH HOW FAST BEHAVIOR IS CHANGED WHEN THE MONEY IS CUT!
STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE—IF YOU CARE ABOUT GETTING ANYTHING CHANGED, ANYWAY…
By Rawhide
December 27, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Sage - My friend…I have a firm grasp on reality, thank you.
Again, my intent is not to argue with you…just exprssing my opinion that it’s not enough. If everyone stayed away…the team goes away.
Do I expect 100% of the 9,000 in the building will join in? Nope…I’m not delusional. But if enough will and do…then it can be heard.
My point, however, is that if those who DO chose to go…and DO agree that Waddell has to go…then they SHOULD let it known while they are there.
Besides…we need someone at home to let us know if we are being heard through the TV or radio. That’s your job if you would like.
But I ask you…if DW were fired tomorrow…would you be at the next home game?
By Sage of Bluesland
December 27, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Fair enough, Rawhide—and, to answer your question, I just don’t know (if I would attend the next available home game).
To be honest, I have become a fan of the NHL ticket and enjoy subsidizing any and all such events at my choosing. I will let you know if I hear anything on the tv, which is usually done by the opposing broadcast team (thankfully, as Daren Eliot is completely lacking any credibility and is unlistenable to).
I would probably begin purchasing the Thrashers merchandise if, once again, I can be proud of the franchise and agree with its direction.
I’ve had too much bluster blown up my backside to simply let it go—as well as the ridiculous and continued defense of the utterly indefensible by the gaggle of sheep frequenting these parts…But, the firing of Don Waddell will go a long way in the healing process, indeed.
By sisu
December 27, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
So once again a nice blog has turned into personal attacks for people voicing their opinions! Nice of people to “hide” behind a keyboard and talk smack about someone they do not know. Everyone has opinions and they are not meant to be agreed on but you can share your opinion without personal attacks!!!!
By Sam
December 27, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the fire Glen Hanlon chant in D.C.? It worked. Ironically, the Thrashers were the opponent that night. I agree 100% with Rawhide. Attend the game and participate in the chant. The ASG can’t hide from the protest if it is so public.
By Nikita
December 27, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Which post are you referring to, sisu?
My personal top 10 would include Bryan Little’s hat trick the other night.
As for details, I’m not getting into that. Suffice it to say that everyone knows times are tough. Also, I doubt firing Waddell would fix everything — it would at best be a symbolic gesture, though one that’s sorely needed.
By krust
December 27, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
the guys in the 300 section I hear you, my dad and I sit in the 103 handicap section, your not loud enough. My row barrly hears you, but we like it Louder. We need a night with t-shirts that read fire Waddell, something loud like pink or oringe t-shirts. Or paper bags over your head with fire Waddell, Basically make the attmosphere so miserable for Don that he has to resign. We could do it. Make the owners take notice. This might make it hard on the players but?
On Iyla, I know he sometimes looks out of it but you would to if your line mates were pipe fitters
By Alan
December 28, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
Since the “beginning of the season”, huh, Alan?
Yes. Since before the beginning, even. I’m pretty sure there are people here who remember me mentioning the creation of a banner. I know I’ve talked it over with a couple people on here, too.
Bandwagon my arse. A movement is what this is. If you don’t want to be a part of it, kindly sit down and shut up.
By glovesave29
December 28, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
C’mon now Sage…you are getting sillier every day. Are you soooo insecure with your own beliefs that they MUST be validated by others following your every demand? If you want to boycott…fine. YOU do it. Why should you care if anyone else does? ESPECIALLY in the light of what others are saying. FIRE HANLON worked…so why not FIRE WADDELL? Just because YOU say so?
By HookyBob
December 28, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
How about “Waive Waddell” signs?
The way this season has gone,..absent a good win streak or a big trade, I think DW is gone by the All-Star break.
Go Blue. Give us a Gordie Howe Hat Trick today/tonight.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 28, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
“…Why should you care if anyone else does? ESPECIALLY in the light of what others are saying….”
My, you ARE dense, aren’t you? As opposed to silly sheep, I care about the LONG-TERM picture of this team. The sooner the wittle wambs STOP going to the game, the SOONER ownership will have to take action to get them back quick.
Alan is new to the ‘Fire-Waddell’ crusade—and even he misses my earlier point.
I guess I have to literally spell everything out for some of you?
Oh well, keep waving the wittle fwags at Bwuewand, ok, Glove?
(One thing about the lambchops is they provide some laughs! Maybe I should just sit back and see your ridiculous ‘dreams’ and ‘prognostications’ completely dashed by midseason? Then your whining and griping will commence—when you ARE a major part of the problem…Finally, there will be revisionist-Alan-history…)
By stan drulia
December 28, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Sage… just give it a rest. How about along with boycotting the games and merchandise and things, you also ban posting on the message boards? It is hard enough to be a fan of the Thrashers right now without constantly seeing the ALL-CAPS rantings you post every single day. We know your feelings. We get it. Jesus.
By Tony C.
December 28, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Who’s going to the game? Knobler ‘s blog says we can expect to see EC out there launching the puck over the net some more …. SWEET!
Seriously, who’s going?
By Sara
December 28, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
I am sick unto death of people saying this team totally blows. Of the top 8 teams in the League right now (Boston, Washington, NYR, Philly, San Jose, Detroit, Calgary, and Chicago) - guess how their lines compare point-wise to ours? The only teams with better 4th lines? San Jose and Detroit. The only teams with better 3rd lines? Boston (who’s third line is unreal), Detroit, Calgary, and Chicago. The only teams with better 2nd lines? None. Not ONE of those teams’ 2nd lines has scored more than ours. But the 1st line - almost all of those teams have TWICE as many points as our first line. We have 52 points from Kovy-Reasoner-Thorburn, compared to 82 NYR, 117 WAS, 95 DET, 103 BOS, etc etc.
Number of games Thrashers have lost by one or two goals…17 or the equivalent of 34 points. Number of points separating the Thrashers from the 8th spot - 11. You figure it out.
By Scotty
December 28, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
12-19-4
5 wins in the last 19 games.
130 goals given up in 35 games.
I think that’s all the “figuring out” needed.
By Rogie
December 28, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
There must be someone studying the culture of blogs….seems like there’s a “tipping point” before they deteriorate into personal attacks.
For the most part, I enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts, observations, opinions, and passion for the Thrashers and hockey in general whether I agree with their position or not. A minority of bloggers always seem to want to take apart others and sometimes personally challenge them with their points of view. It’s all about attention in my opinion. They revel in the response to the shock value to their attacks….any response to them is what they crave —- positive or negative. It just fuels these people to write more nonsense.
Back to the subject. Although I agree that Waddell needs to go, the problem is deeper than just him. Waddell “magically” speaks of this team as being somehow playoff-worthy….. but is that enough? I don’t want a team that’s just good enough or should contend for the playoffs. I want a team that will contend for a Stanley Cup. I get the feeling that just making the playoffs would satisfy Waddell and ASG. This season will soon be officially unsalvageable in terms of those playoff goals. Time to clean house.
By glovesave29
December 28, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Geez Sage, while you are so busy patting yourself on the back for being right, and having to tell all of us how intelligent you are, you sure make a ton of comments that we can bury you with, don’t you?
How do you know if I am going to games or not? I am not a season ticket holder. I have gone to exactly two games this year…once opening night because i have never missed opening night for hockey in Atlanta (Flames, Knights, Thrashers or Glads) and once to take a relative who was about to do a two year tour on the USS Monterrey and wanted to go to a game. I paid $20 each for the $78 seats from a scalper…hardly the sheep you pin upon me.
I noticed again…same message from you. Those who disagree you call by names. You cannot see the forrest through the trees even though Alan, Sara and Rawhide (to name a few) all make valid and cohesive arguements in their behalf. Try for once seeing something from another persons point of view. You don’t have to agree…but you may actually learn something from others.
By Tom
December 28, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
There must be someone studying the culture of blogs….seems like there’s a “tipping point” before they deteriorate into personal attacks.
It is called Godwin’s Law…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin’s_Law
“As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.”
By Tom
December 28, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Sara
Great post. Think about it, if ownership or Waddell stepped up and paid for a top line center and wing as we have the money, our 1st line would be rocking. Then the only big issue left is our being the worst defensive team in the league, but odds are we would be a playoff team.
Instead we are fighting to get John Tavares.
Thrashers rankings:
Points: 29th Goals Against: 30th Goals For: 10th Power Play: 8th Penalty Kill: 30th Shots on Goal: 30th Shots Against: 27th
Our issues are not on the offense, it is on the defense.
By Sage of Bluesland
December 28, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Glove—stop being so emotional just because I burned you earlier this year…It’s not personal…Get over it and move on…Or keep on sniping at me whenever you get a chance.
But, if you do continue to snipe, please make it count. Otherwise, it’s really embarrassing.
You assert that I cannot “see the forest for the trees [sic]”; yet such luminaries as Sara, et. al. are “visionaries” to be learned from?! I called Waddell a bum in 2002 and have taken nothing but flack since then—well, until recently, when the majority have ‘magically’ come to the same conclusion on this.
Who, again, cannot “see the forest for the trees”? Sara still prepares her spreadsheets to show that we are, on paper, a “good” team! Yet, it’s funny when I look at the standings—which are “facts”, by the way, and they show a different picture altogether! Surprise—if Glovesave and Sara say it, by gum, it MUST be true! But GaVa and Alan say that Donny hasn’t made a “bad” decision yet!
Yeah, they are fountains of knowledge and wisdom, aren’t they?
I DO learn from people here—Bob and Brendan foremost. Others are too busy with their fantasyland spreadsheets and Thrashers pillow-covers and having their face painted cool colors to be taken seriously…
You’re so far off on that “forest for the trees” comment it’s actually pretty humorous. As opposed to many, I do offer solutions—real solutions—to problems but it doesn’t go with the emotional mindset of those who don’t want to hear the painful truth.
Keep up the fantasy, by all means, Glove, if it makes you feel better! But, for Heaven’s sake, please stop sounding so emotional…it really is embarrassing…Don’t you know that among the worst decisions made are the emotional ones? Sounding emotional is clue number one you’re on the wrong track…
(Yet more attempts by Sage to provide guidance to those in desperate need…Why do I even try?…)
By Jeff
December 28, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
What kind of prospects do the Thrash have? How long till they’re ready? I say dump some vets near the trading deadline and bring up the kids, ala the Blackhawks. thoughts?
By Bob
December 28, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
I think that’s all the “figuring out” needed.
lol. Yep, it boggles the mind to think that there are actually fans of this club that don’t understand how badly we well and truly suck.
By glovesave29
December 28, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
You burned me? Ha. All you EVER do is call people names who disagree with you. I take nothing personal from this…I have asked you on several occasions for you opinion…but all you give us is the boycott / sheep angle. We are all here because we like to DISCUSS hockey. It is not the case with you. In your mind, those who disagree know nothing of this game. Why do you even visit here?
I am by no means an apologist for Waddell. I think he should lose his job. I think this team lacks direction and leadership. It is true that he is hamstrung by the A$G, but other GM’s are doing fine with lesser payrolls. I watch players out there like Hossa, Savard and Coburn out there playing at a high level and get PO’d they are not here any longer. I cancelled my season tix after last season when DW left himself behind the bench.
By LAC
December 28, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Good teams win close games, Bad teams find ways to lose, We are a VERY BAD team with NO hope for the future, today was close but NO cigar.
Sage right AGAIN as usual on his take on the team, so is Bob, why in nine years can we not improve the defense ?
One very very simple answer, the man with NO brain for NHL hockey don waddell…
Hey don, what way are we heading now ? Are WE moving forward yet ? Is this team where it should be ? What plan are we on now, which year of what plan A,B or X… When in GODS name will you get fired or QUIT !!!???
By Sage of Bluesland
December 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Don Waddell will never quit—the money he makes is far too good and he will never duplicate it anywhere else. I would even bet that he actually thinks he can turn this around.
Well, we don’t have that kind of time anymore. His stench will be tough enough to clean up as it is.
I hope we win the Tavares sweepstakes, I really do.
I hope we truly rebuild the right way.
I don’t want Don Waddell to have anything to do with this next rebuild. He has done enough as it is.