AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThrashers Getting Some Air Time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At 9:30 this morning, Don Waddell was the guest on 680 The Fan’s Rude Awakening. Later at noon, coach John Anderson will be featured on NHL Live…which can be heard on XM Channel 204 and Sirius Channel 208. Later in the day newly named Thrashers captain Ilya Kovalchuk will be on 680’s Buck and Kincade show at 4:00.
I’ll update this as the day goes on to give a recap of what was said. As always, please feel free to add what you hear and your thoughts…
On The Rude Awakening…Waddell basically talked about Kovy being named captain and why it wasn’t done earlier in the season. He cited that with so many new faces and a new head coach, the team felt it was best to take the route they did regarding waiting to officially put the C on his jersey.
Don also spoke about just how happy was when he learned of the decision.
Continuing… the subject of getting a #1 center for their captain was also discussed and that it “will be” a to priority to find one for him. I don’t know if that means now, at the trade deadline or this summer. Last summer, according to the GM, the team wanted to address the defense and thus, Hainsey was signed and Bogosian was drafted.
In all honesty, there really wasn’t as deep a pool for quality #1 centers last summers as defenders.
Waddell indicated that he believed the D was better overall and that the goaltending was “solid”…not great, but “solid”. He also said that this season had been frustrating because of this belief and where the team is now…citing the last two games as an example, the 4-0 win in New Jersey followed by what happened in Florida.
He also discussed all of the “close” games the team has been in and how if the team fails to play the full 60 minutes, then they are going to simply be “average”.
Lastly, he stated emphatically that Kovy was not going to be traded and the full effort would be made to re-sign him. He admitted that it would be a “sell job” because Ilya “is going to get his money” wherever he signs but that there has been good discussions that have taken place between himself and Kovy’s agent to further that along.
As for NHL Live…Anderson chatted with Don La Greca and Jim Dowd and the conversation pretty much revolved around his experiences in his first year of coaching.
The coach used the word “disappointing” to describe how things have unfolded so far, but he still seems to have that positive outlook that, given time and patience, things will come around.
The one most frustrating things for Anderson is the high goals against number. He cited too many “unforced errors” that have accounted for it.
The Little, White, Kozlov line was said to be a “wonderful surprise” to him. Indeed, it has been to us all.
Another term he used for this Thrashers team is “fragile”…pointing to this past weekend in Florida, after following the great game in New Jersey, how the team couldn’t recover from the early goals in the third after tying the score in the second. Funny, “fragile” is a term I have heard very consistently in regards to this team over the past year and a half.
As for Tobias Enstrom, Anderson said he wants the defender to “be more selfish” when it comes to moving the puck up the ice. Obviously, the coach wants him to push the play on his own, as he is confident in his puck-handling skills.
When asked what one of the big differences is in coaching in the AHL and the NHL, he spoke about the money that players make in this league and…consequently…the attitudes that have to be dealt with.
Anderson stated that he is “assuming” Kovalchuk will be with the team long-term and that making the star winger comfortable is key to making that happen…making the experience here as “pleasurable for him” as possible.
One thing that I found interesting were his thoughts regarding the red line passing rule that was dropped after the lockout. He stated that he would like to see the old rule return that prohibited the long outlet passes from the back. His point being that it takes away the aspect of working the puck down the ice with passing abilities.
The old Atlanta Flames and the presence that the team still has on the hockey community was also brought up. The coach stated how he wants this team to be “big and tough”…much like the Flames of that time.
According to Anderson, Rich Peverley may also be the center that the team is looking for on Kovy’s line. I’m guessing we’ll probably see that tomorrow against Ottawa. I think that’s expecting a bit much of the kid…but hey, it isn’t like we are spending a pant-load of money to find out.
Lastly, when he was asked about any 3-year of 5-year plan for his Thrashers, he quipped back that he’s looking for a “40-game plan”.
Kovy On 680: John Kincade wanted to know if there were going to be able to turn things around and Kovy pretty much told him that “that’s what we hope to do”. Kovy also indicated how much he appreciated the trust that his teammates placed in him and that he wants everyone to bring the type of intensity needed to be successful.
Also, Kovalchuk stated that he’s not really been one to yell and scream at guys in the locker room.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By five_hole
January 13, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
He also discussed all of the “close” games the team has been in and how if the team fails to play the full 60 minutes, then they are going to simply be “average”.
Here’s a thought; get rid of players who aren’t willing to play a full 60 minutes. Do we pay them to play 45 minutes?
By maali
January 13, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
nothing on k huh? :-\
By THRASHYOU
January 13, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
can anyone on here build web pages???? I have an idea and I went and bought the domain name RETIRE37.COM I would like for everyone here to help with this so maybe we can convince the ASG to put that number in the rafters. let me know and i with give you my email. I hope everyone pitches in and we can do this.
By B. Thenet
January 13, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
I fail to see how the word average can be used when talking about a team that has been one of the worst in the NHL all season.
I simply don’t get it.
By Rawhide
January 13, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
B. Thenet - At least he’s brought it down a notch from calling it a “good” team.
By Buzilla in CT
January 13, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
Was Waddell taking calls from the public?
By Rawhide
January 13, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
Zilla - No…I mean, that would be a HOOT, but I don’t think he would subject himself to that!
By R. Stroz
January 13, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
I fail to see how the word average can be used when talking about a team that has been one of the worst in the NHL all season.
For a Don Waddell team, this is average.
By FRENZY
January 13, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
“For Atlanta fans - Patience, Patience, Patience.” Host of NHL Live at the end of the interview. No hard questions about Don.
By Bob
January 13, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
For Atlanta fans - Patience, Patience, Patience
I’m fresh out, anyone got some to spare?
I’d take average play out of this club. Average? Average!? You want to talk average?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 13, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
I love the new HD-widescreen format for this blog, but the lack of bold and italics is already getting annoying.
I’m sure I’ll regret this statement after stendec’s next posts, once bold works.
By Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
January 13, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
Mr. Ranallo - Mr. Rawhide has charged me with dealing with the bold and italics issue.
Please be assured that I am working to effort a swift resolution to this matter.
By Tony C.
January 13, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
does 680 have a webstream?
By Rawhide
January 13, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
Tony C. - Yes…here ya go
Just click on the Listen Live button.
By Alan
January 13, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
Tony - Yes, it does. Go to http://www.680thefan.com and click on “Listen Live!”
Unlike a lot of live streams I’ve listened to in the past, on 680s, you have to click the “play” button to actually make it work.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 13, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
Trixie — Will you be in charge of the eye doctor’s bills that will be accumulating after the next mid/post game rant?
Job well done.
By glovesave29
January 13, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
Uh, Don…average means .500 in my book. Ten games under that means you are not very good.
I just cannot fathom Don is that thick that he thinks Kovy will stay because the conversations are good with he and his agent. Just because Kovy isn’t being the jerk Hoss was? Perhaps this is a poker face? C’mon Don…wake up!!!
By glovesave29
January 13, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
Peverly took 47. Good call Rich.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 13, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
glovesave — Peverley likely never got the option to take 37. I’m guessing the equipment manager (I think he’s the dude who gives out sweaters) said “you can have 34, 35, 36 is Boulton’s, 37 is Snyder’s, 38, 39…”.
I’m also guessing a guy like Peverley has to be explained the reason he’s not allowed 37. It’s not like Snyder is well known outside of Atlanta and the other teams he’s played for.
By glovesave29
January 13, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this
Ranallo - true, but after seeing a washed up Jerry Rice take the then retired 80 from Steve Largent and the Seahawks, nothing surprises me…
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 13, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
True. But really, Rice > Largent. Maybe not to Seattle, but still.
By glovesave29
January 13, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
Agreed, for the overall career Rice was better than Largent. But Seattle had already retired 80 for Steve and Jerry came in at the tail end of his career and wanted a number that was not supposed to be available.
I think the Dan Snyder story is out there more than you think. The Snyders travel to each city and the teams to raise money, and the Canadian media gives them a lot of ink. Plus Dany is a really well known player that keeps his Dan’s story alive. I would venture to say that moderate to knowledgeable fans in each NHL city know the story.
By Sara
January 13, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
ranallo I think everyone in North American hockey knows who Dan Snyder is/was. It was a pretty big deal. I mean, we know who Cherepanov is, or Luc Bourdon, right? Same idea - stuff that major doesn’t happen without people always remembering it.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 13, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this
Sara — Do you know any of these players: Mickey Renaud, Martin Cech, or maybe more obscurely Sergei Zholtok, or Darcy Robinson?
Cherepanov and Bourdon were both first round picks. Snyder was an undrafted free agent. I would argue their draft status alone gave them a much higher public profile, which made their deaths much more “tragic” than the other players who have untimely deaths.
I think glovesave’s idea is more in line…Snyder’s parents get out there and spread the word, and Heatley possibly talks about it often (I don’t remember anything he’s said about Dan Snyder since the accident, but I also don’t chase down every statement he’s made since then — does he do anything special in honor of Snyder’s passing?).
By B. Thenet
January 13, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
Heatley hosts the Dan Synder Memorial Golf Tourney every year in Synder’s home town.
I did not like how Heater left town, among other things, but when it comes to honoring Dan Synder he has held up his end of the bargain.
By Tony C.
January 13, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
17 just did a phone interview w/680-Kincaid was badgering him about “turning this thing around”…Kovalchuk was polite about it “Yeah that’s what we hope to do” but the main thing I took away from the interview was wehre Kovy said (words to the effect of) “It’s really cool being named Captain, it’s great to know the guys believe in me-I’m not one of those guys that goes and yells and screams in the room, or calls people out in the media-you know, now I guess I have to talk to you guys more too, but I’m not going to be that kind of guy, I just want everybody to bring the intensity I do and we will be much much more successful”By Hockey Biltong
January 13, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this
Junior Lessard for D. Skinner.. a ‘d’ guy…hmmmm.
By polskidawg
January 13, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
In furtherance of my recent use of definitions, I offer you Merriam-Websters third choice for average:
3: a ratio expressing the average performance especially of an athletic team or an athlete computed according to the number of opportunities for successful performance.
Clearly, Mr. Waddell graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree is “spin.”
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 13, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
B. Thenet — Thanks, I wasn’t aware.
By Tony C.
January 13, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this
I have been one of Kari’s biggest defenders, but this is just too damn funny
By Jameson
January 13, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
Hockey Biltong- I’ve heard a couple of reports that the Wolves are running short of D-men due to injuries.
By glovesave29
January 14, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
Tony C - too bad that shot was taken during a very low point in the Thrashers history (yeah, I know…there are lots of them). During that first home playoff game against the Rangers
By RS
January 14, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
Dan Snyder’s parents hosted that tournament in Elmira every year. Heatley did attend every one though. They reached their goal of raising enough money to build a new arena and I don’t think they are going to have that golf tournament any more.
By Sara
January 14, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Tony C I have a similar shot on my myspace page. As mad as Kari got last season, I’m surprised he didn’t do that mid-game just one time to make a point to his teammates.
By TableHockey
January 14, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
I remember when that picture of Kari was taken - it happened while Tkachuk was fighting on the other end of the ice.
It was featured on NHL’s frozen moment the next day.
By NZ_Thrash_Fan
January 14, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
I am really hoping for good things tonight. I know many people aren’t overly excited about Peverley joining the team, but I got to watch him while he played for South Carolina in the minors and I think he has got alot of potential to bring to this team. Also, it seems we have a few injuries that are returning tonight. I just hope that we don’t get the “average” Thrashers today.
By Rawhide
January 14, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
NZThrashFan - I’ll give a big “second” to that motion! I’m actually a bit pumped for the game tonight…cautiously optimistic that we just might be pleasantly suprised at what we see.
Am I expecting Peverley to be the missing peice to the puzzle in order to win us the cup? No…but if he brings some energy…some spark…then great.
Also, I am glad Army is getting a chance to play up there, too… and that Christensen is not the one who’ll be sitting with Williams. EC has played well of late and I would not be at all shocked if he has a very good 2nd half of the season!
Now that Bogosian is back, I’ll be curious to see who the D-man is that is out, Schneids or Oystrick. I hope is Schneider, but I bet it’s Oysterick…but if they are doing so to showcase #18 for a trade…wonderful.
GO THRASHERS!!
By Alan
January 14, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
I think Oystrick is sitting tonight, Rawhide. They probably wants to get the most mileage out of Schneider as they can, as it comes to mentoring Bogosian, since Schneider will probably be moved at the deadline. Puck-moving D-men are in demand, so we might pick up a couple of good assets in moving him.
By Rawhide
January 14, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
Roger-that, Alan!!
BTW, I heard that Kovy was on 790 The Zone this morning…did anyone catch that?
It sure seems like the Thrashers organ-I-zation are trying to get the PR machine cranked up lately.
By LAC
January 14, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this
Big and Tough like The Flames… Not.
Look at the forwards then and now…
Eric Vail, Willi Plett, Ken Houston, Tom Lysiak. Plus big defense, Russell, Ribble, Quinn just to name a few.
The Thrashers have a steep hill to climb to have forwards of that size. I heard an interview with the late Fred Shero,former Flyers coach in the 70’s. When asked which team he did not like to play because they could “handle us” guess what… As Marshall Mann used to say…
Your Atlanta Flames.
These days Anyone can handle the Thrashers. We are NOT a tough team, though glad Boris is here, about the only guy who will go after someone.
Have to say the Williams run has about run it’s course, just has not produced at all. Get what we can for him.
Well let’s hope not to be ripped tonight… but who knows what Thrashers team will show up, The one in NJ or the one in Fl. Guess we will see !
By Alan
January 14, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
Hey Rawhide! I’m demanding a second hot dog from Philips from ya!
Consider it half-interest and half-breaking another story here on these blogs:
Jason Williams to CBJ
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 14, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this
The Columbus Dispatch is saying Jason Williams has been traded to Columbus for an AHL defender (Clay Wilson) and a 6th round pick (originally SJs).
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 14, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
Wow, scary coincidence. Even I can guess correctly sometimes.
LOOK OUT EKLUND, HERE I COME!
By Jason
January 14, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this
ranallo10 (in AT)-You’ve already surpassed Eklund in my book with that correct trade. What’s up next for us?
By Brendan
January 14, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
Ranallo, looks like you nailed that one! Good read!
By Buzzeng
January 14, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
Game over. Drat. I had really hoped that all these good stories (Peverley, BoGo, Little, etc.) would have given us an edge at home. Sadly…no. I had hoped to be impressed, not depressed.
By Brendan
January 15, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
Lulled to sleep, pharmacies everywhere seek to pattent Thrashers Hockey (TM, Atlanta Spirit, LLC, all rights reserved) and sell it in a bottle for $9.95. Executives at Ambien are very worried.
By Wayne
January 15, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this
I remember the old Flames…If you took the Flames from any year (other than the initial expansion year) they’d whip today’s Thrashers both on the scoreboard and on the boards 5-2…
FIRE WADDELL!!! FIRE WADDELL!!! FIRE WADDELL!!!
By five_hole
January 15, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this
I’ll give Waddell props for getting more than a bag of pucks for Williams, after the season he’s had with us. A minor league defenseman and a late round pick. Not bad for a useless winger.
I was less than impressed with our new “savior” last night, although I know it takes time for the “chemistry” to consolidate a line.
Although I’m hoping Christensen follows Williams, I’ll give him props for saving a goal last night. He had to play “D” on their rush and took out the Senator.
FIVE penalties in the 1st period? Really?
Can someone get Mathieu Schneider a wheelchair with skate blades? It would be a nice retirement gift.
Bogosian made some rookie plays, but the kid has wheels.
By R. Stroz
January 15, 2009 7:48 AM | Link to this
Can someone get Mathieu Schneider a wheelchair with skate blades?
Someone should call the Scooter Store for Schneider, that way he would have wheels again.
By Bob
January 15, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this
I agree five-hole, Peverly looks like another AHL-NHL tweener to me. The key thing is, we lost again and are one step closer to Tavares.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 15, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
I was less than impressed with our new “savior” last night
He’s an experiment, not a savior. Just thinking he’s the “savior” is setting yourself up for disappointment. If it works out with him next to Kovalchuk, that’s great. If the experiment fails, it costs the team nothing really.
Does it hurt the team to try?
It’s the same situation as the beginning of the year with Christensen. People who buy into the idea that this person is THE solution are just going to be p** when it doesn’t work out. Waddell or Anderson don’t come to the media saying “Peverley is going to bring The Cup to Atlanta”, or “Peverley is the dynamic center Kovalchuk has been looking to play next to since Savard’s departure”, so why do fans translate the acquisition and subsequent placement on the lines as such?
There are 82 games to try line combinations throughout this season. The hopeful approach is that one of the current centers can get that chemistry with Kovalchuk. If it fails, then you at least know going into the offseason that you tried everything within your power, so now you need to go outside of the organization to fill the spot.
Sure, it’s a foregone conclusion that the #1 center spot needs to be filled from outside of the Thrashers organization, but why not try to strike gold with what you have currently (low priced centers with limited NHL experience and some obvious upside)?
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 15, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
What’s up next for us?
Jason — I’ll have to speak with my “sources” (i.e., consult other rumor sites on the internet, look at a TSN.ca depth chart, and then make a WAG as to who I think could be moved). I’ll give you more on this later…
By five_hole
January 15, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
ranallo10 (in AT) I think you need a lesson in scarcasm, or perhaps I should preface my remarks with “not to be taken seriously”. When I referred to Peverley as “the savior”, that was me being scarcastic. Like, when I suggested that Schneider use a wheelchair on the ice. If I have to explain the joke, it loses something.
I did point out that although I know it takes time for the “chemistry” to consolidate a line. It is unfair to evaluate based on one game, especially with as little practice time has he’s had.
However, it is not the same situation with Christensen. He was the big asset in the Hossa trade, and I think there was an expectation in Blueland that he would produce here.
By glovesave29
January 15, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
I would like to see a bit more of Peverly before I render any opinion on him. I would say that he did show good energy, and there were times he went into a cycle mode to get things moving, and the rest of the team didn’t seem to know what to do with that. So I applaud him for being creative in the offensive zone. He did win 12 of 15 faceoffs - so that too has to be a positive. He did miss a golden opportunity late in the third on a rebound, but at least he was in the right place.
On the negative side, his replacement for next season, Tavares was injured last night in a OHL game.
By Rawhide
January 15, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
RANALLO ALLERT! RANALLO ALERT!
Do not post on this blog…repeat…DO NOT POST ON THIS BLOG!!
You have new blog to post on, Ranallo!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 15, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
five_hole — Look at Bob’s response to your sarcastic post. “I agree five-hole, Peverly looks like another AHL-NHL tweener to me.”
Apparently not everyone understood you were being sarcastic with that one statement.
Rawhide — Wait…I should post here or not? Where AM I?
By Bob
January 15, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
sarcasm seems to get lost on ranallo, five hole. I blame the time difference.
Apparently not everyone understood you were being sarcastic with that one statement
What are you babbling about? Of course I understood that he was being sarcastic with the savior comment. But while being sarcastic about him being a savior, I understood that he was saying the guy just plain didn’t look that great on the line, and I agree, don’t even know he’s an NHLer, which is a common theme amongst far too many of the stiffs Waddell stocks his roster with.