Ice Man

By R. Stroz

January 5, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By THRASHYOU

January 5, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

WHAT ABOUT THE ONE WITH SCHNIDER TO OTT FOR VERMETTE???

By J(Z)

January 5, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this

I would be willing to bet that there was no football to watch Jan 28, 2006!!!! :)

By THRASHYOU

January 5, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this

JAN 20 VS. MONTREAL… FIRE WADDELL NIGHT LETS GET SOME IDEAS ROLLING FOR THEN… IF WE CHANT FIRE WADDELL DURING THE GAME PLAY THEN THEY CANT PLAY LOUD MUSIC TO DROWN IT OUT.

By Rusty

January 5, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Why stop with Waddell? The fact that management keeps him indicates they accept responsibility for the abysmal condition of this franchse and that, in their mind, it’s not Donnie’s fault. Lethargy infects this hockey operation from the lockeroom to the place where the rot begins - the ownership group. Sell this franchise to someone who cares even if they leave and this becomes hockey’s last chance ever in Atlanta. It’s tragic because there are enought fans in Atlanta to support a competitive team, but this ownership group is basketball only…they took the hockey franchsie because it was a twofer or nothing.

By HookyBob

January 5, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this

Methinks there are two things that will keep Waddell from being replaced before the Allstar game. First, is a good winning streak. Not much chance of that. The second thing would be some big trade that brings hope back to Blueland. I’m betting DW is looking under every rock for a good trade,…and Kari could be the sacrifical lamb that allows him to keep his job.

Kari might consider himself lucky as he could join a long list of Thrashers who have gone to have very successful careers with other teams. I wouldn’t be surprised if players on the team trampling over each other to be the “sweetner” (a la Dupuis) in any trade.

During intermissions the scoreboard over center ice scrolls text messages from the fans. Has anyone tried to text “Fire Waddell?” Not sure how those are screened,….but a dozen or so of those would have to be noticed.

By Rawhide

January 5, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

Rusty - Waddell IS management. the Spirit Clowns are owners. Believe me, I’d love to see them gone too…but you cannot fire owners.

As bad they Spirit Clowns are, all they need to do right now to show they “care”…to make a difference… is to make a change in the GM office. Outside of signing the paycheck…that’s really all they can do.

THRASHYOU - For the life of me I cannot see how anyone would want to trade for Schneider right now. But, if D-Wad can get even as much as a Burger King value meal for him… I’d say do it. If he can get any NHL caliber player for him, better still.

BTW, the Jan. 20th game is not televised locally. To get the most bang for the buck…I’d suggest a game that will be viewed in Atlanta.

Say…next Wednesday when Ottawa pays us a visit? Especially if the team takes an O-fer this week during their 3-game road trip…

By maali

January 5, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

like i said, buddy… trading kari will only further his career, and further sink the thrashers. i’m not sure if i hope for it or not.

By Matt

January 5, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

Ummm, I’m all for Waddell being canned, but the really nagging question is, what makes anyone think that the person hired by ASG is going to be an upgrade from the current one??

What exactly has ownership done to justify any faith in their finding a qualified and better GM than Fraudell and the “ten to twenty year plan”?

This is the most frustrated I can ever remember being as a hockey fan. Believe me when I say I’ve seen some bad hockey teams in my time (Grew up in Minnesota and defy any of you to watch Northstar hockey from the mid-seventies.)

I don’t want the team to fold or move, because I know that ATL will NEVER get another NHL team and frankly minor league hockey (which is, admittedly, better than what we are seeing from Le Thrash now) doesn’t and won’t cut it.

I love hockey and will support a team that gives effort and appears to be moving in the right direction. However, I can’t support this bunch with the “Give a Crap” meter at zero. I’ve seen high school hockey that’s more entertaining

I want to believe, but I can’t see the light at the end (except maybe for the train coming towards us)

By Alan

January 5, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

Ummm, I’m all for Waddell being canned, but the really nagging question is, what makes anyone think that the person hired by ASG is going to be an upgrade from the current one??

We won’t know til we cross that bridge. Is the grass really greener on the other side? Who knows. But something has to change. We can’t fire the owners, but we sure as hell can force their hand in firing the GM.

By Rawhide

January 5, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Matt - I hear what you’re saying about having doubts the Spirit Clowns can actually choose a quality GM. But the way I see it, there are two choices.

One…change with possibility of success or failure, or…

Two…stick with proven failure.

Given the two options, I’ll take the former over the latter anyday.

maali - My friend, I know many share the belief that if Kari is indeed traded away, he’ll just wind up being a success for that team. But there has to come a time that this situation tips one way or the other.

Maybe…if he is traded…it’ll be a blessing for both sides, who knows.

Of course…maybe he’ll go on a tear over the next month, go 8-2-1 with a 2.31 GAA and .945 SV% for us and finally become the goalie everyone expected him to be after all. Who knows…

But, if give that deal to do right now…I’d do it.

By Tony C.

January 5, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

Dude, Matt I’d be willing to bet that you could do as good or better a job as GM of Le Thrash as ol’ Donnie has. Heck, you even lived through the No-Stars…so you apparently have one skill that DW does not; you can in fact, detect a crappy team right off the bat. DW does not seem to have this ability.

So yes, there is a possibility that DW’s successor would be even less effective, but let’s face it, that person would have to work hard to exceed the level of craptastic-ness that DW has achieved.

It hasn’t all been bad, but seriously, go look at the Ottowa paper’s site-they’ve got a poll up where the overwhelming majority or respondents think both the GM and the Coach should be fired for the lackluster season the Senators have authored so far.

DW has gotten away with craptastic-ness that would’ve resulted in his dismissal and/or injury in darn near any other NHL town (I shudder to think what the Red Mile would do to DW if he’d done this to the Flames). Blame it on unfamiliar fanbase, blame it on multiple passes due to ownership turnover/personnel tragedy-the fact of the matter is, between bad drafting, general ineptness and (quite probably) the worst ownership in north american pro sports-this guy has almost killed NHL in Atlanta.

I agree with Rawhide, we need to have the official FIRE WADDELL/ OPERATION: Pink Slip night be televised, and be televised where the national shows will pick it up. this means a game against NYR, PGH, Philly-somebody along those lines, a team that you know is going to be featured by all the highlight shows.

Clearly, FUBAS ain’t gonna do anything unless they’re forced to. So let’s force ‘em to.

By Bob (other)

January 5, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I realize we are not playing well. I realize we only give up 2 more shots per game than Boston. I realize we have the same shots per game as Pittsburgh. Our issue is we do not make plays at key times which make a difference. The effort last night was awful. Worsyt I have seen in years.

Nonetheless, for all the negativity, according to Forbes, The franchise increased in value last year by 6% and had an operating loss of $6M. ASG is not a bunch of clowns, but rather a group of successful business people.

Granted attendance is down, particularly with those actually showing up, but PAID attendance is still ahaed of other teams. ASG with 2 teams and the arena, the team isn’y moving. There is over $35M in corporate sponsorship tied to 2 teams here, plus the dates. DW will not be released, accept it. Our team is good enough to win, but a consistent effort is not there night in and night out. Motivation, for some reason is an issue and was last year. Anderson needs to hold PLAYERS accountable. They get paid, win or lose and if they don’t give effort, then bench them. That’s what he said he would do and he HAS NOT. Hartley won here, every year expect the 0-6 start last year. An NHL cocah holds players accountable.

Some of you may certainly disagree and make fun of my opinion, but frankly check out the NHL statistics and the business assessments by independent sources such as Forbes.

I want to win as much as anyone, but will remain rational.

By Alan

January 5, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this

Esposito just scored a sweet goal for Team Canada, and he appears to be playing on the top line. Good stuff so far. Canada winning 2-0.

By Hanson Brothers

January 5, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

HookyBob I have tried a few times to text Fire Waddell and it never has appeared on the scoreboard so they definitely screen the message. I even tried Wire Faddell once and it did not make it. So much for free speech.

By Rawhide

January 5, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

Bob (other) - I welcome your insight and input…also, I agree with your assessment that the team isn’t going anywhere…so please, take none of the following personally….but when it comes to being the owners of this team, the Spirit Boys are indeed a group of Clowns.

And that’s putting it nicely, my friend.

One can cite whatever Forbes has to say, but there is one thing that reigns over all of that…and that is what the team does on the ice. No one goes to an NHL game…or NFL game…or NBA game…or MBL game… to chant and hold up signs declaring…

“WE’RE PROFITABLE…WE’RE PROFITABLE!!”

Ws and Ls, my friend….

A professional franchise is indeed a business, but it is also a “sports” business…and Ws and Ls are priority #1. And Don Waddell’s record as a GM in that department is abysmal.

251 wins in 696 games is awful. 49 wins in the last 122 games is terrible! Definately NOT “moving in the right direction”. Don Waddell is directly responsible for that. The Spirit Clowns are as well for not recognizing that and doing something about it.

No other NHL organ-I-zation…no other sports franchise… would allow 8-1/2 season go by with ZERO playoff wins and not hold it’s GM accountable. Especially after the last season and a half.

And seriously… the “paid attendance” figures? The Spirit Group also include the give-away tix in that count. That people HAVE tickets they purchased and still CHOOSE to not show up to the games is even more damning to the job D-Dub and the Spirit Clowns are doing…it doesn’t help the arguement in their support.

You cite Bob Hartley’s run as coach, seeing the team improve every season he was here. That’s 100% spot-on.

But who fired him after giving him an inferior product to coach when the going got tough for the first time in 4 years?

Don Waddell did. Truth is…his a$$ should have been out the door…not Bob’s.

What Waddell has done with his trade deals over the past two seasons has been a disaster to this club! See also the decline in the standing as well as attendance.

That Levenson and the Spirit Boys cannot see that and do what is needed only proves my point that they are Clowns when it comes to owning this team.

Worse, they know what needs to be done but lack the testicular fortitude to get off their butts and do it!

I don’t care how “successful” they are in business…I care what they and Waddell have done to this team…and it just makes me sick!

And stating the above is hardly irrational.

By glovesave29

January 5, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

That Kari for O’Sullivan rumor came from a blog. It’s just just as substantive as this - Kari for Crosby and Malkin.

Matt - before I moved to Atlanta, I lived in the Bay Area and got to see the Oakland / Cailfornia Seals / Golden Seals…white skates and all. THAT was some baaaaaaad hockey! I sympathize with ya from the NoStars days!

By remaining pat and not moving away from Waddell, we reinforce to the league and the players that we are not serious about hockey, and will accept mediocrity. FA’s will not consider Atlanta, and even them using us a bargaining chip to get higher offers elsewhere will not work. We will have any player under contract pulling a Denis Lemieux - “trade me right f$*&@%g now”. And here it’d be just about hockey, because the “hair here doesn’t make you puke”.

By bob (other)

January 5, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, I respect your opinion but have to disagree. It is appreciated what you do here with this fan blog. I am disgusted with our performance as well, but our PLAYERS need to be held accountable. We generally do not give a consistent effort….showing heart and will to win. I don’t know why that is, but that’s they way I see it.

I have seen enough games where we skate hard and play with effort, but far more we coast around, that’s what is most disturbing to me.

By bob (other)

January 5, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, you are correct on the total record, but let’s throw out the first few years after expansion. The past 4 seasons, prior to this one we have 151 wins, 142 losses and 31 ties/OTL. So basically add this year and we are a .500 hockey club over the last few seasons. Puts us in the lower middle third of the league over that period. That does not reflect incompetant management. We are playing horrible at the moment, do not disagree there. I just think it is more about effort. We are coasting and players get paid either way.

By Rawhide

January 5, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

Bob (other) - We have gone from 43 wins and 97 points two seasons ago…to 34 wins and 76 points last season…and are on pace for 27 wins and 63 points this season. That’s hardly coasting and yes…that reflects incompetent management because the players on the ice are there because of Don Waddell.

The only reason we are close to being a .500 team over the past 4 seasons has a lot to do with the Hartley era. Again…as you correctly pointed out…his teams finished better each year he was here than the season prior. But Waddell fired him after 6 games last year and since then…

For me, it’s the sum of the whole with DW. There was indeed something building between 2003 and 2007. But, starting with the Coburn for Zhitnik fiasco two years ago, Waddell has overseen the distruction of what little that was built up and has no one to blame for it than himself. The decisions made that have lead us here have been made by Don Waddell. Period.

The Spirit Boys standing by and doing nothing while this team continues to slide in the standings and attendance proves to me their total incompetency and foolishness. Can’t continue to make money if no one shows up to buy food, beer and jerseys at the store ya know. And people won’t show up again until something is done to change the overall direction of this team. That means making a change in the GM office.

It is what it is…

By Alan

January 5, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - Counting all the tickets given away isn’t just a Spirit Group thing, it’s a NHL thing. It’s just not as noticeable in many other markets.

By R. Stroz

January 5, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

but PAID attendance is still ahaed of other teams.

Prove it, give actual numbers including the Thrashers numbers and cite your source.

but our PLAYERS need to be held accountable.

So does the GM that brought these underperforming players into the Thrashers organization.

By glovesave29

January 5, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

Bob (other) - I don’t buy the expansion excuse…let’s look at other modern expansion teams. Minnesota made the playoffs the 3rd season and has been over .500 for 5 of 7 seasons. Florida went to the finals in their 3rd. Ottawa has been over .500 for 10 of their 15 seasons and to the playoffs for 11 consecutive. Anaheim - a cup and 7 seasons in the playoffs. Tampa - a cup and 6 seasons over .500. The Sharks were in the post season after just 3 seasons and have been back for 11 out of 16.

We steadily improved…then fell off of a cliff. No other team burned out a quickly as we did. Even when those other teams were missing the playoffs they were competitive…and we are anything but!

By goose

January 5, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

Glovesave29-You are forgetting about the flames when they were in Atlanta. They made it to the playoffs seven out of the eight seasons they were here. Also just before the thrashers went on that five game win steak we had just lost six in regulation and one in OT.

By glovesave29

January 5, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this

Jim - I didn’t forget the Flames…they were my team. But the expansion rosters were stocked so differently back then than they are today…plus adding free agency - I felt such a comparison wasn’t warranted. Otherwise I’d have to add the Isles, Caps, Scouts, Nucks, Sabres and the full expansion of 1967.

By R. Stroz

January 5, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

bob (other)

but rather a group of successful business people.

What does Beau Turner do for a living?

Aren’t these the same 9 or 10 clowns that could only put up a 10 million down payment to buy the teams (Hawks & Thrashers)?

If they are so successful, why are the owners having difficulty making their capital contributions to the organization?

The ASG is in such bad financial condition they are selling remaining season ticket packages for the Hawks at half price. The ASG is selling $99.00 dollar remaining sesaon ticket packages to current season ticket holders. So, they need money so bad that they are selling tickets for $3.00/game.

They can’t afford the spin-a-wheel, thunder sticks, decent promotional giveaways…

The ASG looks like an organization that is about to go belly up.

Yeah, these guys are brilliant. They watched the bottom line at the cost of sales, and now, they appear broke.

Maybe, they should go to work for Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Fannie Mae, or Washington Mutual.

BTW, bob (other), where exactly do you sit? Just name the section and the row.

And, how is that ticket investment panning out this year? Have you figured out yet that tickets are an expense, not an investment. No wonder you think the Spirit Clowns are smart.

By Scotty

January 5, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

The pictures are worth 1,000 words. Actually, make that 10,750 words.

FIRE WADDELL FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!

Could he kill a franchise more if he were trying to?

By Steely Dan

January 5, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this

Take a look at this photo that I found on the Thrashers Message Board.

It was taken just before the puck was dropped before the game Sunday. Are the ASG clowns going to tell us that there were 6,000 people still standing in line to buy beer?

FIRE WADDELL - NOW!

By R. Stroz

January 5, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Steely Dan - Yeah boy, that looks like 10,750 people.

By sisu

January 5, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this

only question remains is how many season ticket holders are staying home with their tickets?

By LAC

January 5, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

WOW… If that shot does NOT send a message that waddell needs to go what does ? A picture is worth what…… 8,000 WORDS ?

It is shameful to see how the sprit IDIOTS and waddell have killed this team…

There is no reason waddell should be employed a second longer !

By Barry

January 6, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

It is seriously time for Waddell to go. Coburn for Zhitnik? Please! Hossa for Christensen, Armstrong, Esposito? Hmm. Only player of that trio even making that deal worth anything at all right now is Armstrong. Christensen is maybe starting to find his game and Esposito is unproven. If Kari gets shipped out then that will be the end of this franchise. Moose is serviceable but not as a #1 goalie. Pavelec is was like Jekyll/Hide when he was out there. One game he would be great and the next game give up 4-5 goals and most of them soft. Goal tending used to be an area of strength in this organization, but this year it’s been looking like an area of weakness along with every other area on this team. I still don’t see how he is still GM of this team…seriously. There have been other coaches and GMs fired for much much less. What kind of message does that send to Thrashers players? “Oh you can do bad, but it’s okay…you’ll still get to play”. Accountability…this franchise has none…this team has none.

By Andrew

January 6, 2009 3:25 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, I have a feeling-maybe just a feeling of hope-that once the Belkin ordeal is fixed (is it this spring?) that the Spirit will finally sell the team. The question then (since it will happen eventually) is will this/these guy(s) be in it for the Hawks or will the owner(s) be separate for JUST the Thrashers. Who the hell knows who these clowns will sell the team to. Remember, it’s their call in the end (whenever that may be).

By LAC

January 6, 2009 5:38 AM | Link to this

Hey worthless waddell read this from NHL.com preview for tonight’s game…

Yeah you DUMB S.O.B. you are a great GM !

I hope you and you alone understand that you have about destroyed NHL hockey in this town !

Read This waddell and ask yourself… Are We Moving Forward ? Answer HELL NO we have moved deeper into the abyss !

You did this to the fans in this town, I just wish we could get OUR HANDS on you and take care of business !

Oh and rutherford have YOU found any 10 year old girls yet ??????? LIAR !

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins can’t seem to score these days. As a result, they’ve dropped five consecutive games in regulation for the first time since Crosby’s rookie season.

A date with the league’s worst defensive team might be the perfect solution.

The Penguins will try to put an end to their losing streak and their offensive drought on Tuesday when they host the last-place Atlanta Thrashers.

Read the last sentence waddell Read it !

By erock

January 6, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this

If we are lucky enough to get the # 1 pick this year in the draft and pick TAVERAS…I guarantee he will REFUSE to sign with the Thrashers…Anybody like to wager ?

By Smitty

January 6, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

I grew up a Sabre fan. There first GM was Punch Imlach a 4 time Stanley Cup winning coach for the Leafs. He started out well for the Sabres leading them to the finals in their 5th season. But after that the Sabres went downhill and Imlach was let go. So the Sabres bring in Scotty Bowman. He drafts some young talent (Andrechuck, Ramsey, Barasso, McClannahan, Hously et al) but could not get past Islanders and he was let go. Now can anyone tell me how 2 hall of fame coaches who failed to win even after getting into playoffs can be let go and DW is still here? Some will argue the Sabres made a mistake with Bowman. Maybe so. But the object here is to win. And in most cases if you do not win you are gone. ASG, what are you waiting for????

By mr. mike

January 6, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

Rawhide: Enjoyable blog, as always. I read it daily; just don’t get time to write much. I’m sad to say I’ve given up. We(wife & I) have done 10-12 live games annually for the life of the franchise; and probably watch another 30-35 on terrible SportsSouth. Like Matt & a few others; I just fully believe this team has quit. Don’t know how many of you guys saw the Sports Illustrated article about J. Spezza a couple weeks back; basically that Ottawa’s fans see him as an A-Rod type player; i.e; never scores in the clutch or when it matters; but he did have a breakout game; but, oh yeah; it was against the Thrashers “no-hit/no-hands” defense. Coupled with Ferraro’s remarks on TV last week that skating against the Thrash defense is like a public skate in Rockefeller Center… It won’t do any good for this team to get Tavares, either. Kovy will definitely bail out after next season & we’d eventually just lose Tavares anyway(like Brunette, Savard, Heatley, Hossa, Kaberle, et.al.). I hate saying this, but I honestly believe that the NHL is doomed here in Atlanta.

By Alan

January 6, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

Looks like this linesman was a little stendecian in his reaction to being tripped on the ice.

I was watching this game last night, and hoped to see this clip online this morning. Sure enough…

It happens at around 42 seconds in.

Guess there’s a little (SE) stendec in all of us.

By PuckedUp

January 6, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

I think Bob is either DW or one of the Spirit Group in disguese. He may as well type the phrase “if the gloves don’t fit, you must acquit!”

Blaming the players. Yeah, that’s because the roster sucks! And I think Stroz hit that nail on the head. DW created the roster. Yeesh.

I wonder if Bob is a CPA. He must be. Because he sure as hell doesn’t understand what sports is about.

By glovesave29

January 6, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

Alan…that was pretty funny…especially since the linesman was at fault. That’s why theres a 2” plastic covered ledge on top of the dashers. He’s supposed to jump uo onto it and out of the way of the play. It’s just more fun to yell at others and blame them!

By Bob

January 6, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

I want to win as much as anyone, but will remain rational

lol. Bob (other), in order to remain rational, you’d have to exhibit some rational opinions once in a while.

The mere fact that you don’t understand that the mythical announced attendance figure is not paid attendance, just shows your lack of rational thinking.

As I told you many times, the majority of season ticket holders have bailed, they’re not on business trips, they’re not paying money and just sitting at home leaving the seats unused.

You also say the problem is the players aren’t performing, but your irrational thinking doesn’t understand the basic fact of why, it’s because this lineup is not good enough to compete in the NHL

On any given night, this club can and will win a game, but over a 82 game season, they are overmatched. That’s not the players fault. That’s not the coach’s fault. That’s not the Spirit’s fault for picking the players, but it is their fault for retaining the guy that picks the players.

Do not give up hope, my fellow rational Thrasher faithful. We are nearing the end, you know you’re near the bottom when all looks bleak and hope is lost.

I guarantee you all this: The Thrashers are not moving, they will not fold. There is little chance of that happening.

Here is how it plays out. The Spirit finally settle the deal with Belkin. They fire Waddell. They will bring in a new GM who now has Tavares, Little, Bogosian, and Pavelec as a core to work with. If the new GM can work a little magic this summer, mabye, just mabye they get Kovy to stay. Esposito turns into something as well? It’s doable folks, but it’s all moot until the necessary first step is made, and that is to bring in a new competent GM.

We will have better days, and remember, it’s always darkest before the dawn.

Nothing meaningful will change here until meanginful changes are made and a real GM is brought in

By glovesave29

January 6, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

Bob - I do agree our line up is not up to NHL levels, but I also see a lack of effort which only compounds a bad situation into something worse. The latest example is that little Marty St. Louis can sit in the slot TWICE and score without paying the price. We are undertalented AND soft.

By Nikita

January 6, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

We’re not undertalented. We are missing essential pieces, but have improved the role players at every position except G.

Of those I can recall, we released Mark Recchi (sandbagger), Bobby Holik (who I like, but he was slow, sloppy, and divisive), Ken Klee (slow, old — I liked him a lot, but I like him even more in Phoenix), Brad Larsen (I’m not even sure why Larsen’s in the NHL. His stats are laughable.), Steve Rucchin (who wasn’t a horrible signing, but wasn’t top-drawr to begin with and had a season-ending injury), Alexei Zhitnik (penalty bait, lazy, HORRIBLE season), Stevie Mac the Mulletface (ha. Absolutely horrid until the last 5 games), Pascal Dupuis (couldn’t finish, flukey), callups Popovic and Kwiatkowski (both competent in the AHL, challenged to make the transition), etc.

There’s nothing wrong with our roster that a $5 million minimum annual commitment won’t cure. Or a lesser amount and some good trades.

By Alan

January 6, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

We’re not undertalented.

Perhaps you’re right. However, some of our guys certainly do a good job of giving the impression they are undertalented.

By Bob

January 6, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

We’re not undertalented

Yes we are ma’am. To think otherwise is just fooling yourself. Just because you upgraded garbage like Rucchin to lesser garbage (better garbage?) like Christensen, doesn’t make the team NHL worthy.

I also see a lack of effort which only compounds a bad situation into something worse

This is true. Which begs the question, are the guys simply demoralized as they know what’s what, or are some tanking it on purpose in the hopes of getting a one way ticket (via trade or waiver wire) out of this hell hole?

By Spud Webb

January 6, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

What’s interesting is that instead of Kari we could’ve drafted the STUD D man, Boewmeister (spelling I know!!) that Florida has. Interesting, then we all knew (at least me and my hockey buddies) that we needed a D man (ALWAYS HAVE!) and the Jay was going to be a monster. Insead we took Kari. Just another day in “blueland”. One more bungled draft/trade/free agent transaction. It gets old. Don, STEP DOWN ALREADY. My brother in Philly just laughs and laughs at me & more directly the Thrashers. UGH.

By Spud Webb

January 6, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

bob (other) sorry I’m a day late!! With all due respect…you can hold the players accountable but we have very, very, very little talent on this team. That is a fact. I agree Accountability is needed, but you have to accept the fact that this is a p** poor franchise with very little overall talent. That is a direct result of DW and the &ss Clown owners. That has to change or we will continue to be losers, UGH. Tavares looked great in juniors. I can’t wait to see him here next year!!! lol, unless DW trades the overall pick for a bag of pucks & Claude Lemieux!!! hahahahhahahhahaha WADDELL IS HORRIBLE.

By Tony C.

January 6, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

I think what you’re trying to say is

FIRE WADDELL

By glovesave29

January 6, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

Nikita…we are certainly missing talent, and also chemistry. We turn over this roster too often and don’t build from within. We pick up scraps from the waiver wire and the left over UFA’s. This team is a disaster.

Let’s look across the street to what’s going on under the Dome. We have a local, involved owner and a great GM. A running back like Turner liked what was in place and beleived in them and signed with the (then) 4-12 Falcons. This can be fixed…just not from this crew. I would like nothing more to get a competitive team here, fill up the arena…and thumb my nose at all the hockey elitist that say this is a bad market. I don’t believe that.

By goose

January 6, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

It is interesting when ever we get new players when they first start they play hard and all out. But after the second or third season it seems as if they aren’t trying anymore. Also the only chemistry I have seen in the last two seasons working very well was Kozlov and Hossa last year and Kozlv Little and White this year. And now little is hurt with some bruised ribs according to TSN and will be out at least the game we play against the Penguins.
All I’m trying to say is FIRE WADDELL

By Nikita

January 6, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

To think otherwise is just fooling yourself. Just because…doesn’t make the team NHL worthy.

I didn’t say the team was stellar. I said the role players are more talented than last year’s squad in every position except G. Which is true — the problem is that we have one fewer marquee talent than we had last year. We need several more players, for which we will have to pay, and we need some time on the newest of the recruits. I don’t know if we’ll get the first this year, and I’m skeptical that the team will resolve its mental issues if we don’t.

If the team wants to keep Kovy, they may be planning to make ‘09-10 their year. In that case, I think we should expect to see everyone who is up this summer and either underperforming, adjusting poorly, or not long-term renewable on the auction block at the deadline. Or they could try to make a comeback, in which case I still think we’ll see at least one center traded. I would bet in either case that Schneider will be allowed to go to free agency.

Which begs the question, are the guys simply demoralized as they know what’s what

I would suspect they’re demoralized by a) not being in a traditional hockey market, b) not having fan support, c)having other issues with management. d) thinking they don’t have to succeed to draw paychecks.

By Bob

January 6, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

I would suspect they’re demoralized by a) not being in a traditional hockey market, b) not having fan support, c)having other issues with management. d) thinking they don’t have to succeed to draw paychecks

You gotta be kidding me? It’s the fans fault and Atlanta’s fault for not being a hockey market? Really? No, Really!?!?

This town will sellout every game once we get a real GM who can build a team. There are tons of transplants here who will drop their dirty ragged ol’ Pen/Wing/Hawk/Philthy/BlueSkirt sweater in a New York minute when this club wins.

By glovesave29

January 6, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Nikita - the city they actually call “Hockeytown” used to ignore the Red Wings in huge numbers. Why? The team was bad. VERY BAD. No direction. Couldn’t even make the playoff when 16 of the 21 teams qualified. The players don’t care if they are in Toronto or Atlanta. If the team is good (and they are getting TOI) and the stands are full, they’ll be happy. And those of us who go back to the old Flames can tell you we filled the Omni regularly and we were LOUD. During last years ASG, Clark Gillies and Dave Schultz were at TJ’s recalling how much they hated playing here because the team was tough and skilled and the building was so loud they could barely hear each other on the bench. Give us some hope and build toward a winner and Philips can be packed again.

By Bob

January 6, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

Bob, you are an arrogant smart a*, think you know it all. That’s why you must have such demand for your services in owning or managing a professional franchise, which fundamentally are entertainment businesses. :eave your smart a* comments and say something constructive and based on facts.

By Midfield

January 6, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

Perrin has been horrible in the first @ Pittsburgh. Talk about small, but slow - literally and figuratively speaking.

By Midfield

January 6, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

In the second, Williams decisively overtook the lead position in sucking.

By Tom

January 6, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this

Watching this game on delay right now I am amazed at how soft Jason Williams plays. He was so highly regarded coming in, but he is nearly useless out there as he waves at the puck and his play on Malkin was criminal.

By B. Thenet

January 6, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Dude, it is much easier to name the players that don’t suck on a given night.

Nice to see Army putting an effort in now he is away from Philips Arena.

By Midfield

January 6, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

Who’s going to suck the most in the third? It’s an exciting competition!!!

By Tom

January 6, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

Linda Lovelace never sucked as much as the Williams has tonight.

By Midfield

January 6, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this

Williams is certainly trying hard. Commendable effort.

By Midfield

January 6, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Special recognition goes to officials sucking up to Sydney the Whiner Kid and trying so hard to help Pinguins defeat the incomparable Atlanta Thrashers.

By R. Stroz

January 6, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

In keeping with the concept of naming Atlanta sports teams after birds, the Thrashers should be renamed the Swalllow because they really suck.

By B. Thenet

January 6, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this

Do you think Don Waddell even cares if the team wins or loses anymore? Or does he spend the entire day playing solitaire and polishing up his resume.

By Bob

January 6, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

say something constructive and based on facts

Ok Bob (other), how bout these apples from the rational world of facts from Bob (other): if only Kari would have had a 1.000 save % again tonight, we would’ve won, isn’t that right?

You’re hopeless, Sparky. You wouldn’t know a fact if it came up and slapped you silly and called you Shirley. Enjoy stretching your legs out in Section 116 the remainder of the year, mabye your fellow season ticket investors will return from their business trips next season if we get a real GM.

By Bob

January 6, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

Do you think Don Waddell even cares if the team wins or loses anymore?

I think he is truly confounded on why this lineup isn’t winning. Really. No, really. That’s how out of touch he is in what it takes to build a winner in the NHL.

He really could go down as the worst GM in the history of pro sports. Matt Millen has nothing on Don Waddell.

By Get The Puck Out

January 6, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

I finally figured out the identity of the Thrashers. The Thrashers are SLUMP KILLERS. The Pens had lost five in a row and all they needed was to play the Thrashers and lo and behold NO MORE SLUMP. THANKS DON.

By R. Stroz

January 6, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

It’s a good thing the Pens had played the night before; otherwise, the score would have been worse.

FIRE WADDELL

By Tom

January 7, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this

I finally figured out the identity of the Thrashers. The Thrashers are SLUMP KILLERS. The Pens had lost five in a row and all they needed was to play the Thrashers and lo and behold NO MORE SLUMP. THANKS DON.

No wonder all the other GM’s love him so…