AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAbsolutely Embarrassing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Once again…the Thrashers failed to carry over any momentum from a win into the next game. This time it was the Tampa Bay Lightning that snapped the “streak” with a 4-1 win in Philips Arena. The Lightning used the win in Atlanta to leapfrog over the Thrashers for fourth place in the Southeast Division, thirteenth place in the Eastern Conference and leaving the Thrashers a mere three points north of the bottom of the NHL standings.
Thank goodness for those three wins against the Islanders, huh…otherwise, the Thrashers place in the standing would be really embarrassing, eh?
Tampa Bay came into the game sporting the league’s sixth worst power play, (14.2%), second worst goals per game stat, (2.34 G/G), second worst shots against stat, (33.1 SA/G) and their 2.97 GA/G was tied with Edmonton and Philly for only 22nd in the league. However, they went 2 for 4 on the man advantage against the Thrashers… Martin St. Louis and Steve Eminger did the honors for Tampa Bay… they scored four times, allowed but one, took 35 shots and allowed Atlanta only 28.
Folks, when a 10-18-10 team, particularly one with those stats, comes a-callin’ to your barn…on the tail end of a back-to-backer…having lost three games straight over a span of four nights… and they drop you to the tune of 4-1…it’s nothing short of flat out embarrassing.
Bolts goalie Mike Smith stopped the initial 27 shots he faced, but Erik Christensen’s tap-in with 21.2 seconds remaining in the games spoiled his shutout bid. Smith finished the day’s work with 27 saves on 28 shots for a .964 SV%.
On the other end of the ice, Kari Lehtonen wasn’t exactly having a Sunday stroll in the park as he allowed four goals on 35 shots. In the six games started since returning from his back injury that put him on the shelf for 21 consecutive games, Kari is 2-4 with a 3.31 GAA and .902 SV%.
Once Again, Win Streak Ends At One
Since the now-infamous five-game win streak that Don Waddell points to as proof that he has iced a “good team”… the Thrashers have won six games and netted 15 points over the past twenty-fours games. In fact, remove that five-game win streak of two months ago and the Thrashers haven’t won back-to-back games all year and are 8-22-5 in the other 35 games played.
That’s not good, Don. And trying to pawn off the team you are responsible for as such is…embarrassing.
10,750
That was the announced attendance at Sunday’s game. Yeah, that’s what they said…10,750.
Unless about 4,000 were all milling about in the concourse area all game…there is no way 10K-plus fans were in the building. The Spirit Clowns and Don Waddell should be nothing short of…embarrassed…at the sight of so many empty seats on a Sunday afternoon.
Several weeks ago, Don Waddell was asked if he was concerned about the attendance figures. He cited that the team normally struggles in this department early on but…once the football season ends and the lovely fall weather gives way to winter…folks tend to come out and watch the team he constructs at a much higher rate.
Well, the Falcons wonderful season came to an end Saturday, Tech and UGA played their bowl games last week and…last I checked…it’s been winter for a couple of weeks now. So now what’s the excuse?
Hey Donnie…here’s a thought. Maybe…just maybe…it’s the fact that the fans have seen what you have done to this team over the past couple of years and have decided it isn’t worth paying the higher prices that the Spirit Clowns put on tickets this year?
Just sayin’…
Keeping Up With The Bruins
The Thrashers have now surrendered 146 goals in 40 games played so far this season, which keeps them right on pace to see 300 get past Atlanta keepers. As awesome as the Boston Bruins’ offense is this year…they have only been able to produce 143 in 39 games.
“Give-A-Crap Level Was Like At Zero”
Those were the words of Thrashers head coach John Anderson after the 4-1 beat-down at the hands of the “mighty” Tampa Bay Lightning. He went on to add, “I’ve got to question whether anybody cares in that locker room. That’s a joke”.
Only, no one is laughing.
Although I have to agree 100% with the coach’s comments, let’s be honest here. The current general manager for the team has had 8-1/2 seasons with zero playoff wins to show for it…only 251 wins in 696 games…and has set the team back years due to his last two trade-deadline dealings.
If the Spirit Clowns refuse to hold that type of failure accountable, what makes anyone in that locker room fear that they will be?
Little Rib Injury
Bryan Little…and his team-leading 19 goals… left the game late in the second period with contused ribs and did not return. Coach Anderson indicated that he did not know how long Little would be out, but said that ribs are normally something that need weeks, not days, to heal.
Joy…rapture.
A Good Day For Mike Smith
On Sunday, the Associated Press named Falcons head coach Mike Smith NFL Coach of the Year. A few hours later, Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Mike Smith comes within seconds of a shutout in Atlanta during a 4-1 win against the Thrashers.
So, it was a good day in Atlanta for those named Mike Smith.
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Tom
January 4, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
I am glad I missed this game. The boycott of the Thrashers sounds like it is almost complete. They can not give away tickets to the games, the NHL does not send much money over, and the team has quit.
And we think we are going to keep Kovalchuk. Maybe Waddell, of Fire Waddell fame, trades Ilya for a bag of pucks. Owners reward him with a contract extention, terms remain sealed, because of the cost savings he provides the franchise.
Ugh, at this rate we are going to get Tavares in the draft and he will stay in Junior hockey to avoid the cluster that is “YOUR ATLANTA THRASHERS”.
By Get The Puck Out
January 4, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
I’m sick of it. If the team isn’t going to give any effort to win, why should i waste two and a half hours to go to Phillips or for that matter watch it on tv? I’m done. Will the last player that gives a crap please turn the lights out cause it’s over.
By Alan
January 4, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
I turned the game off at the end of period number two. From what I saw, Anderson’s assessment is indeed correct — the players, in general, really didn’t care to play today. And that’s after working their rears off (again, in general) to win against Vancouver!
Mystified I will remain at the Thrashers’ inability to hustle against lowly teams, yet come out flying against better foes.
Anderson is obviously not a happy camper, and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see some of these lazier players sitting and some of the kids in Chicago coming (back) up.
I hope the Little injury isn’t too serious… but regardless, we need the whole team out there hustling, not just a couple of players.
By Bob
January 4, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this
If the Spirit Clowns refuse to hold that type of failure accountable, what makes anyone in that locker room fear that they will be?
Yep, that’s it right there. Why should the players give a crap? They know it’s not going to get better till Waddell is gone.
I think tonight was the most empty seats at any regular season Thrashers game, entire sections had just a couple people in them.
If only those darn people on business trips in Section 116 would come back!
If only Kari had a 1.000 save % again tonight, we would’ve won!
By B. Thenet
January 4, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
I am starting to turn on Anderson as well.
He called this performance by the Thrashers “average”.
I have plenty of words I could use to describe what I saw tonight(few of which are acceptable on public blogs)….average is not on the list.
By Sam
January 4, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this
What continues to amaze me is Darren Elliot and Dan Kamal on the radio show saying this team is just a couple of players away from success. I feel like all of them from management on down are living in the twilight zone. We are last in the league!!!!
By Jason
January 4, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
You know, I had no intentions of coming to another game for a while after I already was so lucky to attend the Flyers and Blue Jackets debaucle earlier this season. But a friend at Phillips called last minute with EIGHT tickets for me if I wanted. I knew the Thrashers must be beyond desperate to put some, any butts in the seats.
And wouldn’t you know, my family and friends were treated to such a passionate and determined effort by the Trash. Oh..wait, that was the daydream I was having as I kept nodding off to sleep at the game.
By Kaat
January 4, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this
Sam: Darren Elliot and Dan Kamal work for the Thrashers, what else are they going to do but follow the team’s talking points?
It is beyond ridiculous. Some friends and I are flying in from Houston and Denver to go to Casino Night. At first we were really upset there are no games that weekend in Atlanta or even nearby on the schedule. Now, gosh, I think I am glad I am spending all my money on a fancy dress and hand bag, because the team is not worth watching.
Here’s hoping they will pull it together for at least one game — in Dallas — when we go up there to see them play the Stars.
Depressing.
By LAC
January 4, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this
Sad, Sad, Sad to play without any system today was just sick to watch.
Just where the HELL is our defense ? Was THAT not addressed during the off season ?
I saw the MINDLESS Wonder waddell sitting there on my TV and wanted to get my .357 out and shoot the TV, I am so fed up with him and the sprit nobody’s, clowns as Rawhide said, They don’t give a damn what happens to this team ?
Two players away darrin, what were YOU drinking today ? That is more complete sprit BS ! Two players WHO darrin WHO ?
I am sad to say, but this franchise needs to fold and or move. As longe as waddell and The sprit Idiots continue to DESTROY it, either the NHL or someone should step in, but they will not.
Thanks waddell, Drunk levenson, Liar snydel, Hey rutherford… Still chasing 10 year old girls at the beach ?, are in control, close it down and start over, this franchise has had it !
By truehockeyfan
January 4, 2009 11:18 PM | Link to this
It is easy to blame DW, say that it’s JA’s system. The players should be ashamed of themselves, all of them. schneider is just collecting a paycheck. That lazy play he made to start the game. Atroucious. Hainsey is so soft he let little St. LOUIS skate right around him. Kari is just a little boy in a man’s body, he neither has fight or determination to be a top flight goalie in this leauge. This whole team is soft and embarassing. They should be ashamed of themselves and donate their paychecks to a favorite charity.
By Thrashy Thrashy
January 4, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers are two players away, folks.
Just remember that when Waddell gets his “Napoleon Dynamite” time machine, travels back in time, and signs Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.
After that happens, you’ll all look soooo stupid for questioning Don Waddell.
By B. Thenet
January 4, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this
You guys are such pessimists, we are about three players away from competing like they said on TV.
Sure those players happen to be Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, and Larry Robinson all in the prime of their careers.
But only 3 players away.
By R. Stroz
January 4, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this
truehockeyfan - You left out the softest, laziest of them all, Jason Williams.
I really feel for Kovy having to play on the same line as that worthless piece of excrement.
By sisu
January 4, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this
The team is extremely fragile…not having a Captain is killing this team.Hell even how bad Holik was at least he was a captain
By Sage of Bluesland
January 4, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
It would be too easy to ‘pile on’ now, wouldn’t it?
But, I did tune in to the game—albeit only very quickly as NFL playoffs were on…and saw many empty seats as well as being behind…I chuckled and moved on…
Silly sheep. When will you do what is BEST for the franchise and STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE?!
Stop enabling this any more…If you could simply stop attending, there would be changes made. Would it be ideal? Likely not, but a message must be sent to ownership to come forth with their plan and its details, including benchmarks—otherwise no money for you…
Maybe it IS best if this pathetic and sick joke of a team moves away…
By MacDaddy
January 4, 2009 11:59 PM | Link to this
I’m done. After the fiasco today, I am not renewing my season tickets next year after 8 seasons. Bad ownership, bad management, lousy coaching, NO TEAM CAPTAIN, players who don’t appear to be trying and many players that aren’t good enough to make other teams. It’s a shame, I really enjoy hockey but that cluster %&*# today was anything but hockey.
By The Joker
January 5, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this
Do you know why they call it Blueland?
Because all of the empty seats are blue.
By KRUST
January 5, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this
Do I give a crap. Anderson you hit on the head. At one point in the game Christensen sent a pass to kovy that ,missed its mark, Kovy shook his head like Christensen was a peace of crap. Well kovy that type of attitude brings your teamates down, what you should have done was chase the puck down into the corner and fore checked your a* off. (dig dig dig ). Oh weight your beyond that, you are a hot shot. Kovy you remind me of a spoiled little brat, grow up carry the team you have the talent. If you can’t (Waddell Trade him right frikken now). Don’t weight trade him now.
By R. Stroz
January 5, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
By Brendan
January 5, 2009 1:37 AM | Link to this
Sage, there’s no doubt that you’re right, economically, about the team, its plan, and its ownership. But even this lame group, almost by definition, has to get better in 3 seasons. It began with Bogosian (3rd overall) and Leveille (#29) as 1st round picks last year. This year, it’ll be Hedman or Tavares. Next year, it’ll be the next “consensus, can’t miss” prospect. By 2011, the system ought to be filled with “Kopitar-Staal-Malkin-Heatley-type” players. (Assuming they’re willing to sign with us, after being drafted by Atlanta.) And when the day comes, I don’t want the team to be gone, playing in some other venue. We’re the ones ENDURING this debacle. We ought to reap the rewards of it. Atlanta is also one of the teams favorably positioned to snare players off of waivers. (Think Bryzgalov, in Phoenix.) Didn’t Frank Kaberle just clear waivers? This team is how many million under the cap? And they don’t make waiver claims? Prorated ones, at that? (Look, I’m not actually advocating that we get Frank Kaberle. You’ve missed the point, if that’s what you’re thinking. Grasp the BIGGER PICTURE.) Yet, Waddell and his paid mouthpieces on TV and Radio CLAIM the Thrashers to be a “good team.” The GM claimed it based on the fact that it once won 5 games in-a-row. Whooptido. All BAD TEAMS win 5 in-a-row over an 82-game schedule. The proof is right in front of you. Don’t make me open up the books on the bottom third of the Conference, over the past 20 years, to prove this to you.
Now, I know what people will say. “Don’t blame Don; it’s not his money. If the owners say ‘no’ to a waiver claim, or to some trade for expensive help, then ‘no means no.’” Stop. If the team had been built properly from the onset, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
By DWTOO
January 5, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this
Absolutley embarassing! Since the players didn’t want to be there neither did I. We left at the end of the second period. Have started a good book and that was far more appealing than watching that lack of effort. I’ve been attending games since the beginning and never would have thouhgt about leaving early, but, this we’ve left early about half the time. It’s just not worth it. Losing happens, but, when the team flat out doesn’t try why stay to watch.
The pre-game tailgate was the highlight of the afternoon. Good chicken and beer!
By Sara
January 5, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this
LAC re: the posting on the last blog - I did read the beginning of your post. Perhaps you should have read the entirety of my response (lengthy though it was)…like the parenthetical reference that the trade postings were not of your creation.
Brendan this team was being built fine until two things royally screwed it up - the Heatley trade and the 2007 trade deadline trades. The first was absolutely not Don’s fault - heck it wasn’t anyone’s “fault.” The latter is a matter of opinion I suppose. You blame Waddell for desperation moves to save his job (although funny how nearly two years, one play-off sweep, and closing in on two crappy seasons later he still has that job - yeah it was sooo in jeopardy). I blame ownership for pushing those deals - whatever it took to ensure a play-off appearance. Think how good that would look for them - third full year of ownership and they had led us to the play-offs. Aren’t they just wonderful? Pure salvation even. snort
I wish all of you that hate Waddell so much could intern for just one week at that God-forsaken company. You’d be jumping ship faster than the rats on the Titanic. What were the words someone used last week? Oh yeah “living hell.”
By glovesave29
January 5, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
How bad is it? A 5’9” 177lb forward is not afraid to park in front of our net. And he’s right to do so…he scores TWICE when he should be picking himself off of the ice. We have no guts.
I don’t see how some here are blaming Kari…a tip 3 feet in front of him and two point blank shots from St. Louis. He didn’t get back to cover his post in time for the last one, but the game was loooong over by then.
Who is Darren Eliot kidding? He claims Angelo Esposito is having a GREAT tournament? GREAT? He’s tied for 11th on his team in scoring…2G 1A. He’s only 11 points off of the lead.
By Bob
January 5, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this
Espo looks like crap. He plays on the 3rd or 4th line and he plays the PK, no PP time at all. I watched the Russia game and he did get time with Tavares in the OT on the 4 on 4, but the guy is a floater and prefers the blind pass behind his back, to good solid hockey. There’s some great players on the Canada team, but Esposito is not one of them, looks to be all skill, no heart and no head.
By thrashyou
January 5, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen has reportedly fallen out of favor in Atlanta, according to the Edmonton Journal. Lehtonen, 25, has posted a 4-8-2 record this season, with a 3.34 goals-against-average and a .904 save percentage.
The Los Angeles Kings were looking for a new goalie, and were close to acquiring Nikolai Khabibulin from the Chicago Blackhawks last month, but appear to have put their search on hold.
The Journal claims Lehtonen could possibly be moved to the Kings for center Patrick O’Sullivan.
also reported schnider to ott for vermette
By R. Stroz
January 5, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
If this team wins more than 22 games for the entire season, I’ll be shocked.
Until Little is back, I’d bet they don’t win more than two games.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 5, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
also reported schnider to ott for vermette
Holy balls, I’d take that in a heartbeat if it were even remotely true. Sure, most fans east of Vancouver feel Vermette is overpaid and underskilled…but he’s a vast improvement over some of the centers this team has currently (Little being the only exception that comes to mind).
By 10yr plan
January 5, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this
There is a gentleman available after today to hire and turn this franchise around. He’s led Canada(a country that treats hockey like a religion) in the Olympics(gold medal) and now the World Juniors(playing for gold). He’s also was captain of the Atlanta Flames and has ties to the city. ASG, wake up and call Pat Quinn before someone else does. He’ll be back in the NHL before the trade deadline, hopefully here.
By Bob
January 5, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this
I think the World Juniors Gold Medal game Canada vs. Sweden is on tonight, on the NHL Channel, in High Def glory. Tune in for some great hockey.
By smokey
January 5, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
Waddell has taken on most of the duties previously done by Bernie. If the Spirit do anything they’ll just bump him up and only take away the GM duties. That would be fine as long as Don doesn’t veto any new deals.
By Russian
January 5, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
Yes. Canada and Sweden will be today on NHL Network channel. I watched almost every Canada games and looked very closed to Travers and Expo. First of all Travers will be a Good Player:
I am not agree with someone about Expo, He is doing OK for 3- line center. But he will be better for next year. I will be superise if I did not see him on Roster.
About Trade: I will be glad to see Schnider go out from Atlanta. He is expencive, old D-man. He did not teach anybody, not Bogus, not Oistrick. If Don can make deal with Ottawa it will be Great. We can give them Williams also.
Kings and Atlanta trade. I hope it will be works. O’Sillivan will be good center for Kovy. We can bring Pavs from Chicago and START to build our TEAM for next year.
By Viking
January 5, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
While Esposito might not excite us in the Junior World Championships, Nicklas Lasu (5th Round last summer!!!) seems to be a good one in a few years.
He was one of the better players in the semi final between Sweden and Slovakia. The Canadian commentators even compared him with Holmström! He plays with grit and is not afraid to take a beating in front of the net. In a Swedish newspaper he says losely translated about tonight’s final:
“Think how it would feel to “get” a Canadian in front of 20000 spectators. Then you would become hated. And it couldn’t be better!”
It is a question mark if he will be able to play tonight in spite of injuries he sustained on Saturday, but “it will have to take a lot to keep me from playing”.
So if yesterday’s Thrashers terribilities did not take the short term umph out of your hockey interest, it might be interesting to check it out tonight on the NHL channel. (Comcast ch. 296)
By Hockey Biltong
January 5, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
10500, my posterior!!!! More like 5,500…I’m gonna sit on the ice next game!!! Oh yeah, and I want my ashes shot out of the t-shirt gun, right after the AS boohoo group has their collective as**s shot out FIRST.
By Bob
January 5, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
Nicklas Lasu (5th Round last summer!!!) seems to be a good one in a few years
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll keep an eye on him tonight, should be a great game.
By Scotty
January 5, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
Yesterday was indeed an embarrassment. How Don Waddell still has a job here is beyond me. He has to go to bed each night thank God that the Spirit Group morons that own this team are too stupid to fire his arse!
FIRE WADDELL
By TableHockey
January 5, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
I posted this on Knobler’s blog but thought I would post it here as well.
Practice was interesting today. JA worked the team hard including running some suicides.
Schneider skated for about the first 5 minutes and then left the ice. Channel 5 was out there filming as well. made me wonder if there was some credibility to the trade rumors.
Kari got ticked after one of the drills and threw his stick against the boards behind his goal.
Little is making the road trip and says he is day-to-day.
By Tony C.
January 5, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL
Also guys, let’s make as much noise as possible in national media- post “FIRE WADDELL” on bligs like Kukla’s Korner, Puck Daddy, etc.
call 877.6456696 between 12pm-1:30pm M-F and see if you can get on air and say “FIRE WADDELL”. Write Spector from FoxSports-hell write the NHLPA, write Colin Campbell, any and everyone you can think of.
Let’s get the word out; management and ownership may be OK with the mediocre-at-best product they put forth, but the hockey world needs to know that the fans in ATL are NOT pleased and are trying everything they can to shake things up.
GO BLUE !!!
FIRE WADDELL
P.S.-if they’re down to trade Vermette for Schneider, depending on what/who the sweetenr we include with Schneider then I say run with it!
If we trade KL for O’Sullivan, I want O’Sullivan and a prospect (preferably at D, LA has a lot of kids on the blueline that won’t crack their NHL lineup of budding star defenders), or a 2nd-round pick.
Oh, and if you’re down with OPERATION: Pink Slip, let’s get together and figure out a game to goto where we can make an effective demonstration.
Not saying any of that will work, I just prefer being proactive to finger-pointing and “I-told-you-so-ism”.
FIRE WADDELL
By glovesave29
January 5, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
I can’t see LA picking up a goalie, considering they just traded LaBarbera away for just a 7th rounder. They also have Bernier in Manchester.