Ice Man

By LAC

January 15, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Decent game last evening, they got the lucky bounce… we did not. Otherwise we were not flat or coasting for once.

Let’s see what happens Friday night, would be nice to go home with a WIN !

Had to chuckle when Eliott said the team was flying straight to Nashville after the friday game. Come on Darrin, it’s a 40 minute flight, they could drive up I-75 to I-24, leave at noon and get there in PLENTY of time.

Look forward to it, have my tickets, hope we do not get bombed !

By glovesave29

January 15, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

Oh, man - I just Ranalloed and posted on the last blog just seconds before a new Rawhide post.

So, going back to that post….

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.

I was great to meet everyone last night - Rawhide, Stroz, Brendan and Biltong…had a great time.

Oh, and Sage…..BAAAAAAAAAAA

By Scotty

January 15, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL!

Anyone else sensing a pattern here? Play Carolina on night, come to Atlanta the next day and beat the Thrashers.

FIRE WADDELL!

By BG33Brown

January 15, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

wiskey tango foxtrot…..that was great. I thought peverly looked real good.

Similiar to how Hainsey looked at the beginning of the year-defensively sound. My only concern is he goes to pot just like Hainesy has.

By Warnerspot

January 15, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

Okay so I have one small favor to ask. What did it cost the Senators and Dany Heatly to buy the Refs and the game? Now I am not saying that the Thrashers played a game on the level they played against New Jersey last week but come on there were several no calls that were outright obvious.

First how does an Ottawa player (I think Neil) pin our player (I think Vlabik) and our player end up with a 4 minute penalty?

Second what should be the call when a player falls on top of the puck and then tucks it up under his body to keep other players from getting to it? This happened right in front of me and my wife who were sitting in Section 121. Then on the next faceoff the same player tried to do it again. Am I wrong in assuming that this should be a delay of game penalty?

Third is it not a penalty for checking a player into the boards using your stick up about the shoulders? This also happened as the Thrashers were on a pretty good rush toward the Ottawa goalie.

On to a different note. I agree with Glovesave29 in that I was fairly impressed with the play of Peverly. He was fairly up and moving about. He seemed to have a good chemistry with Kovy and his other linemate. He seemed to know if Kovy was not going to shoot he would place himself close to being able to get the rebound.

Okay I will get down off my soapbox and give someone else a chance.

Just one last parting thought: FIRE DON WADDELL!!! FIRE DON WADDELL!!!

By Buzilla in CT

January 15, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

So by trading away 2.2 million in salary, are we now under the cap by getting rid of Williams?

By DWTOO

January 15, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

Like Warnerspot we too were in 121 last night and saw the Senator center scoop the puck under his body to freeze play after the face off. We both were pointing at the ice and yelling for the delay of game penalty. Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot.

And does Boris have his crotch highlighted? Everyone seems to want to punch it.

One more And - Peverly looked like a good addition last night. Hustled, in position, especially liked the hustle - this team needs it.

By Brendan

January 15, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Buzilla, the Thrashers are not under the cap, nor in danger of being under the cap.

By Rawhide

January 15, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

Warnerspot & DWTOO - From my vantage point in 119, it certainly did look like he covered the puck.

Looked like we got jobbed on that non-call.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 15, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

Buzilla — The team already paid him ~$1.15M. The only money that comes off is his remaining contract, so I believe the Thrashers are still about $5M over the lower limit of the salary cap.

Even after many of Bogosian’s bonuses come of the books (~$1.850M max) the team should still have room.

According to nhlnumbers.com, the Thrashers are sitting at $45.690M currently (3rd lowest in the league). The floor, if I’m not mistaken, is $40.7M.

By Buzilla in CT

January 15, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info gents (I assume you are dudes)

Did Heatley get booed last night?

By Brendan

January 15, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

I heard ZERO “boos” for Dany Heatley last night. The crowd was lulled to sleep, for the most part.

By GaVaHokie

January 15, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

Buzz… also, I’m not sure if Oystrick, Crabb and Valabik counted against the cap before. Figure that those guys, plus Peverley are keeping us over the minimum.

By Rawhide

January 15, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

According to this…our Salary Cap payroll is at $44.8 mil. That’s with Williams subtracted and Peverley added.

By Buzilla in CT

January 15, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

So is Zhitnik playing anywhere now? I see that we are still paying him

By Alan

January 15, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - He’s playing in Russia.

By Russian

January 15, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this

Kari’s Picture on front page of AJC Atlanta Thrashers is Perfect. This is how I am filling to see Thrashers played all season. I hope Don will be release from his duty before March 4, because we need smart GM to make some trades. According TFP (Four Period) Atlanta is looking for to move Shnieder, Havelid, Reasoner, Kari. Smart GM can get some good players, not a P of S thathe got already.

By Tony C.

January 15, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Russian-

You are by far my favorite blogger here. Well said. I wonder who we could get to replace DW?

By Alan

January 15, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

Tony C - A worn out puck bag would be asking too much.

By Russian

January 15, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

* to Tony *

Thanks. I amd just telling the Truth.

By Spud Webb

January 15, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

Well I’m going to the game tomorrow night. I’ve been avoiding all season (this is only game 2 for me), as opposed to my normal 20 a season (approximate). I hate the feeling of no hope when I get there. UGH. As a sabres fan I will chew on a few mapleleafs (our most hated rival) and hope somehow the thrashers can beat them. I would love to see someone mix it up with Brad May early and get the crowd (laughable I know!!!!) into it. I hope that we move the people listed, but I seriously doubt Dandy Don will get much in return, again, laughable. I hope the Isles get hot and we get Tavaras!!!

By Old Time Hockey

January 15, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

So I was at the game last night with a few hundred other fans and thought they played one of their better games. Saw some great hustle and effort for most of the night. You can see the talent that Bogosian has. How much smoother is it when he takes the puck and skates it up ice instead of our usual you take it…No you take it!. As opposed to Havelid who seems to not want to get more than 20 feet from his own goal. When he has the puck with an open lane he more often than not will turn back towards his own zone! Plus a little tip for you Nic…when the puck is rotating in the offensive zone and it comes to you, try shooting against the goalies movement instead of shooting to the side of the net he is rotating towards. Slater has impressed me this year, especially compared to how he played a couple of years ago. I like that line’s energy, and they have some skills. Peverley looked good, but still early. Christensen made some great moves, but shoot the puck! Oh yeah, while you’re shooting, try to put it on net guys. Shots on goal can go in, shots wide very rarely do. And finally, can we please trade Kari already so I can stop trying to figure out if today is the day he steps up and plays like a maturing 1st round pick. He just always plays well enough to lose. If Pavelec isn’t the answer, find someone who is. How many bad goals do Brodeur or Luongo give up? Surely not an average of one per game as it seems Kari does. Experiment over, move on.

By Brendan

January 15, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this

The PA announcer last night said that the Thrashers will mulch the Leafs on Friday. Ahhhh. It’s times like that make me miss the “CocoBongo Lounge.” I ate the veal. And I tipped my waitress. As I recall, the comedian was there, all zee week.

By Jim

January 15, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

Team played a little better last night but we weren’t in against a super-power. Schneider continues to be worthless- big shot, nothing else and he should have closed off the last goal winning breakaway. I suspect that someone looking a PP specialist will snap him up. Perrin- another complete zero. Bogosian looked OK. Valabik continues to impress. But, we’re still a full boat load away from being good.

By Rawhide

January 15, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Don talks about the Williams trade.

In other news…$1 food and drinks insidePhilips.

By EA

January 15, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this

There are some very witty comments on this blog that literally have me laughing out loud.

By Tony C.

January 15, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

I think what you’re trying to say is:

FIRE WADDELL

By Sage of Bluesland

January 15, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this

Great, the odds-on difference in obtaining Tavares are a few absolutely meaningless wins against the Islanders.

That’s just great, isn’t it?

It must make some proud—keep at the spreadsheets, sheep!

By Jameson

January 15, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

Aside from Schneider’s pointless, lazy penalties, nothing bothered me more last night than the incident where Valabik was pulled down, again. He gets pulled to the ice… no whistle… he gets held there… no whistle… they stand back up… no whistle… he gets ready to break someone’s face for it… whistle, whistle, whistle, and here come everyone wearing stripes that night. If you’re not going to stop it until it’s over, at least let him fight. Then, I believe the second penalty they gave him was delay of game, when they let the flagrant delay of game penalties go on the other side minutes later.

By Get The Puck Out

January 15, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this

Put Waddell and Lets on the same bus outa here. In other words FIRE WADDELL AND TRADE LETS, PLEASE.

By Kaladonis

January 15, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this

I agree with those who had issues with the refereeing last night. It was atrocious. That was as one-sided as any display of referring I’ve seen all year

By Mr. Heat Miser

January 16, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

Penalty Atlanta, 2 minute minor for playing against a Canadian team. That bunch of refs were about as useless as the lint in my pocket. And I guess it’s OK to flop around the ice on your belly covering up the puck as long as you play for a Canadian team…..

By Rawhide

January 16, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

Mr. Heat Miser - Amen, brothah!!!

However, if you collect the lint in your pocket over the years, you could make a nice throw-pillow for the sofa. So…in that light, the lint in your pocket could be more useful then Wednesday night’s refs.

By glovesave29

January 16, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this

The most frustrating was when Neil tried to goad Boris into a fight in the first. We had already cleared our zone and were attacking the Sens net. Neil kept hacking, holding and slashing Valabik back in our own zone while trying to get him to go. Boris showed un-rookie like restraint and many times tried to make it up ice to join the team. No penalty on the Sens, of course.

Lehtonen was rough, over committed more that I have ever seen him. Butterfly goalies rarely go more than a foot or two outside the crease to cut off te angle. Kari was routinely farther out. Brings up the no goalie coach issue again, now doesn’t it? Why was he taking that course of action? Felt he played to deep against the Panthers? Who knows, as a goalie you get frustrated and try the opposite to try to get better results. A coach notices these and makes the adjustment. Of course you need a coach in the first place to be able to do that.

Bogo showed some flashes. I liked that he moved up the ice with some purpose and skated at full speed and moved over to break the forecheck. Ususally our defense skates up in a coast, blades wide and with the puck far our in front of him, just in time to watch a forward come and steal it for a rush on our net. He did make some errors, but ones that can be corrected through experience. The confidence and offensive ability is purely instictual, and nice to see on a team of this…is ilk a fitting term?

By Bob

January 16, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

You know, Bogosian sitting out may have helped him. I mean, he’s not used to the long grind of the 82 game season, so this was good for him to get a break so he didn’t get completely worn down this year. More importantly, it gave him time to sit up high and look down on real NHL defenseman (I’m talkin bout the guys in the other sweaters, fellas) and learn positioning and how to carry the puck.

I too am excited about Bogosian’s prospects and if we can add Tavares, that’s a big plus. But hey, if we have to have a top pair of Hedman and Bogosian in a few years, so be it.

By Ryan C

January 16, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this

Guys I’m not positive here, but I think Valabik’s wrist is bothering him a little. He seemed to rotate it a lot when he was coming to the bench on a couple of occasions. I would love to think he’s maturing and showing veteran restraint, however I think it has more to do with he doesn’t want to full out hurt his wrist.

Is there a place we can send correspondence for officiating? I mean, I know I don’t like refs, but last night was the worst no-call scenario I’ve seen in like the last 5 years, at least since the the lock out. That also rules out the Crosby goal against Buffalo, and of course the crotch punch. I let those go, because the NHL officals aren’t going to penalize their golden boy.

I heard 2 boos the other night.

Can someone train the parachute tossers to mix it up a little or to at least open up the parachute before you beam someone one from the catwalk, lol.

I was only disappointed in Peverly’s miss in the third, the net was open, but again they are getting used to each other, which was apparent with the the Kovy/Peverly collision in the corner.

I was a little embarrased when my friend who had never been to a game was outside smoking with some canadians and they asked him if the arena was always this quiet. I’m also glad that I wasn’t out there with them, don’t diss my team or the 500 people who still come out to root for them cunuckle head.

Hoping for better results tonight. LET’S GO THRASHERS!

By Rawhide

January 16, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Mike Knobler says that Moose starts tonight

Also, Oysters and Crabb will be served in the press box as they are healthy scratches. Too bad…those two are playing well. I guess Schneider is still being showcased and they Boulton in there for toughness.

By Midfield

January 16, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

glovesave29, I think Lehtonen began skating out of the crease after he let in a slap shot to the near post on PK. It did not look to me that he was screened, rather not aggressive enough on the play. Then he probably over adjusted. The break away goal - although a break away is never put on a goalie - also looked flaky to me, in all honesty.

By Hockey Biltong

January 16, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

Good to meet all the folks the other night; Glovesave29, Brendan,and of course RH. A couple of thoughts; Valabik might need a rest to help his wrist heal. He looked tired in his expressions. Skating well though. Bogo needs to work on his passes in and out of blue line. He had a lot of picks and interceptions. Open ice passes are easy reads. He will overcome this with practice. The team still holds the puck waiting for the perfect shot on goal. Sometimes just ripping it can help put the goal off his timing. Wait too long and the goalie gets his confidence back with easily read shots.

By stendec

January 16, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon Mr Rawhide. Hope Moose has a good outing. Want to pass some information on to you and those on your site. Old time Atlanta hockey fans might want to check out two HubPages. One is on the Atlanta Knights and one is on the Atlanta Flames. The Knight page is enhanced by numerous Manon Rheaume photos. Many of us remember this female goaltender fondly. Phil Myre and Pat Quinn are on the Flame page. Both exciting logos put present yecky one to shame. There are also pages on Keith Brooking and Kari Letemin (Lehtonen) which as far from complimentary. No Atlanta Thrashers page as of yet. Thought you might like to rekindle some pleasant Atlanta hockey memories through these images. Thanks for lending me your ears (eyes). Pull the guys through tonight. Be well my friend.

By Alan

January 16, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this

glovesave, and anyone else interested: A Youtube member named “TheGoalieGuru” has taken to illustrating mistakes various goalies make during games. So far, he’s said a lot about Luongo and Brodeur, and his points are compelling. Nothing about any Atlanta goalies… yet. I’m wondering what he’d say about Lehtonen, Pavelec, or Hedberg.

His videos are located here

By Jameson

January 16, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this

I think I saw someone recently saying that Bogosian looked to have confidence issues since his return, but I really thought by the end of that game he looked more confident than before he was injured. I really think that the stint in Chicago did him some good.

By Russian

January 16, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this

We are just F*** Suck NHL Team. Ебанутые Пидары!!!

By 12345

January 16, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

This team simply stinks. No other way to put it.

With the lawsuit coming to a head next month, I look for the Thrashers to sold and moved out of Atlanta… no if’s and’s or but’s about it.

NHL hockey is done here and there will BE no 2009-2010 season here, likely KC or Winnipeg.

We can ALL thank Mr.Don Waddell for the loss of the NHL here, he and he alone destroyed this franchise it is too late now and enjoy what’s left of hockey here, cause it’s gone folks ! Thanks Don, you did a great job, I hope you rot in HELL for what you did to hockey in Atlanta !

By glovesave29

January 16, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

Nice comeback. Looks like a little chemistry is building with Rich and Ilya. Let’s hope it leads to something.

I am glad Kari retired that old mask…there were too many loses in it. Needed some new armor.

12345 - The Thrash are tied to the Philips lease. The team cannot be moved. And with the Coyotes getting money from the league, the Bolts in financial disaray and the Isles playing in a 40+ year old barn - those are the teams most likely to move. I am not so sure either KC or Winnipeg are big enough to support NHL hockey anymore. The game’s finances are different from when the Jets were around and a WORLD away from the days of the Scouts. Those cities are just not big enough.

By Russian

January 16, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Finnaly Kovy get win as Capitan.

By kracker

January 16, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this

Well said, Mr. glovesave. These owners aren’t going to suffer thru the long lawsuit ordeal and then willingly move 40 to 50 (hopefully) dates out of Philips Arena just when the hockey future is beginning to look up. Or so it looks to me.

The last few games it looks like the team is starting to effectively play JA’s system, though we need to see more of it on a more consistent basis to be sure. The up ice movement is beginning to look better, more good passes, players being in the right place to receive passes and them receiving the passes on time. Peverley…what do we say? Not too much just yet but he looks like a player. Kovy sure is liking him on the ice, 7 pts for his line tonight. Kari playing well in relief, Little playing with sore ribs, some of the guys, maybe most, are still playing this year.

On to Nashville!

By Brendan

January 16, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this

This game is going to rank, with “Opening Night” vs. the Capitals and the shutout win against the Devils, as the best games of the season. Normally, when the Thrashers overcome a 3-goal deficit to win, the other team fires its coach, GM, or begins demoting players, subjecting them to waiver claims. But, as these the “rebuilding” Leafs, with Wilson and Burke freshly arrived on the scene, I think they’ve got “pink slip” immunity.

By Brendan

January 16, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

On NHL TV, the “On The Fly” crew, Gary Green and Dan Pollard, gave a lot of credit to Atlanta, and Rich Peverley in particular. Gary Green said, “It’s really great that Peverley is going to get his chance to play.” Dan Pollard echoed, “It’s a great story for waiver claimed player. Who knows? Maybe this is the Center that Kovalchuk has waited for … for so very long. And maybe Kovalchuk will stay in Atlanta, after all?” For clarity purposes, it didn’t appear that Pollard was trying to be sarcastic, flippant, or whimsical. But, his visage did express a “let’s just wait and see” type attitude. But he didn’t SLAM Atlanta at all. I missed the highlight package. So, I’ll keep watching and see what they say about the Thrashers when the game highlights are played. I’m interested to hear what they might have said about Moose or Kari.

By Brendan

January 17, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this

Glovesave29, for a blast from the past, check out this Kansas City Scout page, from 1976, complete with player pictures. If EVER … EVER … any blogger starts to think the Thrashers are in the midst of most futile season in NHL history, think AGAIN.

From December 28, 1975 to the conclusion of the season in April, 1976, the Kansas City Scouts managed to win only one (1) game in their final 44 games. They went 1-35-8 during that span.

Stop. Can … you … even … begin … to imagine something like that? Okay, you can stop imagining it now.

By Jason

January 17, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this

Brendan-My only fear is Peverley will do so well here, it will keep DW from getting fired.

I also agree that Pollard and Green were being suprisingly sincere.

By Brendan

January 17, 2009 12:25 AM | Link to this

Jason, I hear ya, buddy. But, we don’t yet have an adequate sampling of the Peverley-Kovalchuk connection (TM, poster Brendan, all rights reserved). If it looks like it will become “too successful,” the trade deadline will come, and Waddell can move Peverley for all he can get at that time.

Of course, if Peverley’s acquisition actually pays remarkable dividends, I would hope some effort to re-sign him would occur. Especially, if Ilya Kovalchuk asked Don to re-sign him.

By Downtown ATL

January 17, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

Oh that 2nd Period! Best 20 minutes in Blueland this year.

Pics from the game…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/downtownatl/sets/72157612663350732/

By Hockey Biltong

January 17, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this

Wow..Shamwow…Is this chemistry for real??? Very nice work tonight between P and K. On tv you could hear the crowd going wild with the physicality intensifying in the third period. FWIW the tv broadcast lost all graphics and it was awesome.I wish the Sportssouth logo[bug] would go away too. Talk about losing the visual clutter. The broadcasters kept apologising, and I was thinking, all you have to do, is your job, and we will see exactly what is going on. Anyone else enjoy the lack of screen clutter besides me???? I wish this would happen all the time…..

By Eye Spy

January 17, 2009 12:57 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - You better watch out.

The Divine Mrs R. has hired some of us to keep an eye on you.

So who was the attractive blond wearing green that you were flirting with after the second period?

For a few extra free tickets, I will refrain from sending pictures to the Divine Mrs. R.

and FIRE WADDELL.

By Downtown ATL

January 17, 2009 1:19 AM | Link to this

Waddell is going to get one more chance and he’s sitting in seller’s paradise;

Tradable in this order:

Havelid - potential to correct the Coburn-Zhitnik fiasco

Schneider - rob somebody quick this guy’s days are up

Reasoner - picks and prospects from a contender

Perrin - a chance to take more than we give up

Kovy - only if you can get an unimaginable return (i.e. two young top six forwards, a bona-fide prospect, and a 1st rd. pick)

Boulton – Move him to a contender who needs toughness

Moose - let him decide… Release or Goalie coach then promote Pavs

Prospects we shouldn’t be afraid to give up; Sterling, Stuart, Oystrick

Guys who are better retained as role players but who could be throw ins on big trades – Christensen, Slater, Thorburn, White, Peverley

Untouchables - Toby, Valabik, Hainsey, Bogosian, Crabb, Kulda, Esposito, Armstrong, Little, Lasu, Kari

By Alan

January 17, 2009 2:13 AM | Link to this

Waddell is going to get one more chance

That’s not what I’ve been hearing.