Ice Man

By Sharon

January 17, 2009 4:03 AM | Link to this

Pevs Dispenser… I love it!

By Thrashers27

January 17, 2009 7:30 AM | Link to this

Well stated Rawhide…I was thinking the exact same thing…”Who are these guys?”

It will be nice to see the team continue with that kind of intensity…just don’t screw up our odds in the Tavares sweepstakes.

By Sara

January 17, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

Two games in, I LOVE the new guy! Hopefully I’ll still be saying that 30 and 40 games down the road. More importantly though Kovy likes him so far too. I’m still getting the warm-fuzzies every time I see Kovy with the C. Loved his post-game interview with Natalie too.

Hate to interject negativity after such a great game, but I wanted to follow up on something glovesave said in the last blog. A new article was just posted about the lawsuit with a new very alarming tidbit. See many of us believed as glovesave did that the teams are tied to the arena lease. But according to this new article, only the Hawks are tied to the lease - the Thrashers are not. Which means the team could be moved and the tone of the article suggested that was a real possibility since it was the more troubled franchise. That was a most un-good revelation.

I don’t know how likely it is since there are other more troubled franchises than ours. Plus I would like to think the NHL brass is perceptive enough to realize this team hasn’t been given a fighting chance yet - with total organizational commitment and consistent success, the outlook for this franchise in ATL would be much different IMO.

By wristshot

January 17, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this

Imagine if the boys played with that kind of intensity every period of every game. We would be a scary team to play against. All four lines were buzzing last night, skating hard, finishing checks.

Kovy’s line was obviously brilliant last night but I think we need to give a ton of credit to the fourth line. That was the best game I have ever seen that trio play together. They were everywhere in the 3rd period, setting up some good scoring chances from behind the Toronto net, and crushing anything and everything with a Maple Leaf on their sweater. I couldn’t wait for that line to come back out each time.

By LAC

January 17, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

Rawhide right on as always… First was sick to watch. After that… it was a game for a change with the bounces going OUR way.

The Leaf crew on the pregame were almost laughing at the waiver pickup for #17’s center. As one guys said #17 deserves more than a waiver wire center…

Then the “On the Fly” guy made the joke “Maybe

But a great comeback and solid netminding from #32.

Will be interesting to see how they play tonight here in Music City, one thing for SURE…

IT IS COLD !!!!!! 8* This am….

By BAF

January 17, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

How about some love to the Greek God line. They were fantastic!!

Reasoner-EC-Perrin were also very good working together.

Yes, Pevs and Kovy made the goals after Little made a spectacular effort goal but the tone was set by the #3 & #4 lines.

By DWTOO

January 17, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

First off, it was good meeting you last night Rawhide. I’ve enjoyed your blog and talking some hockeylast night. I’m going to make it a point to read some of the other ATL team blogs now too.

Now on to the game. At the end of the first period I thought “Well, this is going to be another early night” as I’ve left early numerous times this year. This would have been sacreligous (sp?) years ago, but, I’ve reached the level where sticking it out is just not worth the aggravation. I was even skeptical after the second, remembering back to saturday’s implosion. But, I gladly eat a dose of crow. The team really showed up in the third and it was the fourth line that really brought the energy to the arena. They really fired the team and the crowd up.

Sara, would like if you could post a link to that article. After all the junk floating around for the past several years it’s hard to believe anything. The leasewas always the “hopeful” link that the Thrash couldn’t be moved. There are at least three/four good signs the Thrashers are staying. There are franchises more screwed up than us, the lawsuit should be resolved soon and hopefully some solid ownership, if relocation were easy Nashville would be gone. Heard the commissioner on XM the other day and was relating how the mayor of Hartford was trolling for a team. He was quite adamant that no one was relocating. And his actions have borne this out. All this talk about the team moving is mostly blog speculation and the Canadian media. Like talk radio it keeps the masses stirred up.

That said we DO need a change in ownership/leadership here. Put an exciting team on the ice and Philips will be seeing full houses again.

By Rawhide

January 17, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

BAF & wristshot - Could not agree more with what you said about the 3rd and 4rth lines….An e-GREEE-gious omission on my part. I’ve ammended the post of reflect their efforts.

They were absolutely brilliant last night! Need more of it tonight!

By sisu

January 17, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

Must have been Kari’s new mask!;)

By Sara

January 17, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

Sure DWTOO - it’s sitting on the main Thrashers page so I didn’t think about linking it, but I guess that would be easier huh? Der…

So here it is, in all it’s un-good glory.

Pertinent portion being at the bottom:

*The judge will not rule on who, by name, will own the teams. But after the buyout process is resolved and the legal feuding ceases, the fate of the Thrashers eventually may hang in the balance. Unlike the Hawks, the Thrashers are not tied to a 30-year bond payment-agreement for Philips Arena and could be moved.

Some fans worry about that prospect, given Atlanta’s pro hockey history. The Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, leaving the city without a hockey team until the Thrashers arrived in 1998.

“The difficult one long-term will be hockey,” Hope said. “I think hockey is certainly the sport at risk.”*

By TIncup9

January 17, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

The only downside to the game last night: All that fine play, intensity and goal scoring caused elevated crowd noise levels that drowned out the “Fire Waddell” chant in 216

By Buzzeng

January 17, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

THAT’S the kind of performance I was hoping for against the Senators… if it only took one game and one period to get in the groove and find themselves as a ‘new’ team, I can take it. Great comeback, Thrashers! Now - let’s keep it alive through a few more games! Beat the Preds!!

By R. Stroz

January 17, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Tincup9 - Where were you sitting?

Alan and I were in Section 216 with FIRE WADDELL signs and received a considerable amount of positive feedback.

By Sara

January 17, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

LAC I’d say both sets of commentators had their vaild points. Ultimately though (as I think the On The Fly guys were perhaps alluding to), it’s going to matter most what Kovy thinks. Right now he seems pretty pleased with his new center. Whether we’re witnessing the beginnings of true chemistry or just flash-in-the-pan luck remains to be seen as the season goes on obviously. But if this holds up, and by some stroke of miraculous luck we have finally managed to acquire the right center for Kovy, it should make a whole lot of difference when it comes time to discuss a new contract. We can only cross our fingers at this point. Certainly it would be a boon - takes the pressure off acquiring Tavares in the draft - if we do, great, if we don’t, it won’t kill us. It also provides a cheap solution that should appease the higher powers that be, and perhaps allow funds to be diverted to other areas still needing some improvement.

We’ve been so snake-bit that even I, the optimist, am hesitant about being too optimistic. Pevs actually working out as a number one center would almost be too good to be true with all the crap luck this team has had over the years.

By Jim

January 17, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

DW may have lucked out with “The Pevs Dispenser” (love it). The guy can fly and looks looks like a real playmaker. This guy could turn out to be another Savard. Third and fourth lines looked good but Perrin still doesn’t show me much. Valabik a big plus but Schneider still a ZERO. Bogosian coming on. There’s a little hope here for semi-respectability. Let’s see how we stand up against a really good team. Finally some energy in the arena. Nice to feel it.

By ET

January 17, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

ET take Thrashers players for a ride during second period. ET and friends like listening to man who looks and talks like duck so ET keep Thrashers for third period too.

Is duckman an alien too? Duckman is too dumb to be human. Duckman has no Skittles.

By Midfield

January 17, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

Schneider is not on top of his game on two counts: his shots from the point are often not coming through the block and at times he is late to make contact in the back end. But it was Bogosian who made all the dumb stuff, like taking a tripping penalty in the corner for no conceivable reason and turning the puck over in the transition at the most dangerous time. The guy has skills, but he is way too careless for a rooky. Dude, don’t try to do everything until you learn how to play NHL hockey. I may have to eat a crow on Peverly pick up, eh? He sure clicked with Kovy nicely.

By five_hole

January 17, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this

Did anyone notice Mulder & Scully in section 212? The truth is (still) out there.

I think the jury is still out on Peverley. This is still just his second game with the team, and there has to be a reason Nashville gave up on him. First game he was a non-factor. Last night he had a really good game (+2 with 20 1/2 minutes of ice time, game winning goal). Let’s see what he does tonight.

I saw the Joker on one side of Kari’s mask, but didn’t see who was on the other side. Considering the way Kari plays, maybe two-face would be appropriate.

And Sara, thanks for the article. However, as you said, some teams are in bigger trouble than us. Phoenix is bleeding money and is being propped up by the NHL. If anyone moves first, I’d bet on them.

By five_hole

January 17, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

Hey ET the character ate reeces pieces, not skittles. Get it right dude!

By Tincup9

January 17, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

R Stroz - My seats are to your left in 217, I am on the 12 game plan and enjoy your play by play commentary. My friend and I were part of the ‘positive’ feedback you rec’d last night.

By kracker

January 17, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, I read several teams had claims in on Pevs, so give DW some creds for making what looks like a good, smart pick-up. That said, it’s way too early to pencil in Peverley as “another Savard.” But keep in mind, though, Savard wasn’t quite yet “Savard” when we got him in a minor trade, he was just a center with good but not great stats who was on the outs with his coach in Calgary. Peverley comes here with much less NHL time than Savard, 75 games (for 23 points) including the two just played with the Thrashers. What I can’t say is how many minutes or what lines or opportunities he had in those games. Or who he had to beat out to get more minutes, etc.

But he looks good so far, he’s quite fast and Kovy likes him. I hope he is pumped tonight to show his old team that he is indeed a player.

By dhj_1962

January 17, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

mario wants to sell the penguins, hartford wants a team islanders suck, plus they play in that dump called nassau coliseum. phoenix is laying off people. hopefully they will stay, but if they do leave, i’ll pull for whaterver team Kovy plays for.

By kracker

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

Oh, on DW and acquiring Pevs: Anderson knew Peverley’s game and he wanted him. Sometimes it isn’t just the GM making the call.

By Professor

January 17, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

There was a shift with the Boulton line last night that had so much energy that when the Leafs finally were able to ice the puck, the crowd stood and roared. It felt like the start of the playoffs. This was in stark contrast to the booing that they earned at the end of the first period, and the team seemed to feed off of it. There was a media time-out right after and I was afraid the Thrashers would lose their momentum. They didn’t. How on Earth can these guys not show up like that every shift every game? It’s got to be an unbelievable feeling to have the crowd give appreciation for such hard work even though it doesn’t involve scoring or fighting. As a fan, I’ve never experienced that kind of electricity watching any game as I did that shift last night.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

Long story short, I didn’t have time to pick up poster board at the store yesterday, but I did manage to snag a brick of sticky notes. Using the “Go Thrashers” signs provided, I improvised with the sticky notes (hot pink variety, of course) and let my 8th grade art class experiences come to fruition with nothing but a sharpie pen.

It was good stuff, but I want my creation to look a little nicer next time.

I left the “Go Thrashers” posters there, leaning against the metal fencing.

FIRE WADDELL side exposed.

It’s only a matter of time until they start to get the message that fans here are truly in a state of discontent over the general manager. The plight of the ownership group is another matter entirely, and I am still cautiously optimistic that they’ll focus more on building a better hockey product after the lawsuit is settled.

By dhj_1962

January 17, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

Atl. did play 2 great periods. was the leafs tired? they were coming off a game the nite before. the test is tonite for the thrashers, how will they respond. have they done well when they played back to backs? since Pevs has not played much in his career, will a 20 minutes last nite wear on him tonite? or maybe since he hasn’t played much, he is still fresh. unfortanatly i will not be able to watch tonite, i’ll catch nhl.com in the morning. i am going to the Savannah Civic center tonite to watch Fla. Gators take on the Fla. St. Seminoles and the Ga. Ice Dawgs vrs GT Yellow Jackets in the Savannah Ice Hockey Classic, yes, thats right, they play ice hockey at the college level down here….wooooohooooo!!!!!

By Sara

January 17, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

kracker Pevs was buried on the Preds depth chart behind Arnott and Legwand - he had no shot of moving up, at least not at the center position. I think that was the potential upside to this guy - even though his numbers on the season were bland, no one necessarily knew what he might do if given more ice time and more talented linemates.

Even if he doesn’t end up working out on the top line or we acquire a more concrete number one center down the road, I think he’s going to be a good addition to the roster nonetheless. He’s willing to work hard - skates to the net and grinds it out along the boards. That kind of work ethic is always welcome in my book.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

DHJ - Unfortunately, none of those schools have NCAA hockey teams. They’re all recreational. Players who can pay for their own equipment and transportation get to play.

However, I’ve heard rumors (DUH1) that UGA is trying to get a NCAA team. Currently, the southernmost NCAA team is in Huntsville, Ala.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this

The Islanders signed an old fan favorite goalie, only to find that a provision in the CBA could actually bite them in the arse.

Yep. He was automatically placed on waivers, as per the CBA, and got claimed.

There’s a reason you don’t bring in players from other pro leagues like this in the middle of the season.

By Hotrod

January 17, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this

That was a nice win to put a little wind back in the sails. It was great seeing some enthusiasm in Phillips arena again.

I am really liking Anderson though. He is a call it like he see’s it guy and he is usually right on target with the avg. fan. His interviews are in a realistic realm with out the giant wave of sunshine bs.

GO THRASHERS!

By kracker

January 17, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this

Fingers crossed Sara for Peverley taking full advantage of this opportunity. It seems JA liked his play against the Wolves and he is putting Pevs out there for a while. He’s earned a good several games tryout, I hope he is still on his game tonight, we need a big streak of points. As much as I want the Thrash to excel, I just as much want Kovy to play with a center (and a RW) that is effective game in and game out. A 1st line that is scoring will just make the Little White Russian(2) line even better. And how about the lower lines last night?…they had me cheering in the 2nd and 3rd.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this

4 shots. 3 goals.

If you said “Pavelec is back?!” You’re wrong! Dan Ellis got chased out of the Nashville net by the Thrashers with goals by Kovalchuk, Armstrong, and Perrin. Peverley has assisted on all of them.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

My mistake — Perrin’s goal is listed as “unassisted.” Regardless, Peverley’s cross-ice pass to Kovalchuk on the breakaway was a thing of true beauty.

As is the story so far this season, they’re outshooting us.

Oh, also, knocking on wood

By Alan

January 17, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Little just got his 21st goal. Score is now 4-0. First period is juuuust about done. I’m shocked.

By Riceowls8891

January 17, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

The alien abduction continues. 4-0! Oh my. Where has this been all year?

By Bob

January 17, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

Last night he had a really good game (+2 with 20 1/2 minutes of ice time, game winning goal). Let’s see what he does tonight

He looks good again tonight, but I know what you mean, Dean Sylvester scored a hattie in what, his second game here, or first?

The Thrashers are not moving. Not gonna happen.

By Tom

January 17, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

Get the feeling Peverly is getting his revenge? I am liking the kid, and I think Ilya is too.

By sisu

January 17, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

I think the reason for the sudden turn around is that the locker room DJ was traded and there is new music there? Funny how that makes sense even if it may not have anything to do with the teams play. When was the last time any of us read so much about the music selection in the locker room prior to Williams being traded…just saying

By kracker

January 17, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this

WOW this team really looks good when they are all playing hard.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this

Nashville’s first goal looks like it’s on Bogosian. Rookie mistake. Lehtonen had no way of stopping it. Still, it’s 5-1 Atlanta.

By Brendan

January 17, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

It’s 5-1, Thrashers, right now. And wow. I think this is the Thrashers playing well moreso than the Preds taking the night off. There’s still just over HALF the game to go, so … stay tuned!

By Jared

January 17, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

BOGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Alan

January 17, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Bogosian! First goal, first assist… First multi-point game!

6-1 Atlanta

By thrashyou

January 17, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

6-1….. I wish darren eliot would shut up with the don waddell a$$ kissing….. do you hear him… “this is the team don waddell invisioned, and its all coming together now” ITS A LITTLE LATE!!!!!!!!!

By Alan

January 17, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

thrashyou - I think they saw my signs last night.

Win or lose, it was quite fun to see fans from other sections respond when we held the signs out at the end of periods and the end of the game.

Anyhow, I think this is the team ANDERSON envisioned.

By thrashyou

January 17, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

does anyone need a ticket for tue night. my buddy has to work now and the ticket is for sec 113. let me know. oh yeah….STILL FIRE WADDELL!!! slater sh goal….7-1

By Alan

January 17, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

7-1 Atlanta. SHG for Slater, assisted by … wait for it …

… Peverley.

By Jared

January 17, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

Are we seriously about to go through this whole game without seeing Eric Boulton and Wade Belak drop the gloves???? You’d think that would be expected with these two…

By Alan

January 17, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this

7-2 final. I’m extremely happy, but still only cautiously optimistic. We have a back to back coming up before the all star break. At home against Montreal, then away against Philthadelphia.

It’s also our first win streak in a couple of months.

By R. Stroz

January 17, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Anderson is a much better GM than Waddell.

It’s obvious from Anderson’s comments who orchestrated the Peverley pick up.

By Pucksdeep

January 17, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this

Great game last night, barring that first period, of course. I definitely didn’t expect that turn around, but I can’t imagine anyone did. Rawhide, Alex and I had a blast catching up with you last night and DWTOO, it was a pleasure making your aquiantance as well. We saw some inspired hockey last night folks, and that’s what we all hope to see as we drop our hard earned bread on tix. It’s just that we don’t usually get it. Was tonight’s game a result of last night’s inspiration, or the result of a bad night for the Preds? Only time will tell I guess, but I like what we’re seeing right now. Perhaps this Peverley guy is exactly what Ilya needed, a QUALITY center.

Have a wonderful night, Blueland. Go Thrashers!!

By five_hole

January 17, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this

Wow. Unbelievable that this team could turn around this quickly. I’m looking at the stats from the game; the 1st thing that jumped out at me was Bogosian - +4 with 21 1/2 minutes and Schneider - +4 with 20 1/2 minutes. Obviously, everyone had a pretty good night tonight, but they were awesome. Congratulations to Bogosian on his 1st NHL goal!

A second straight incredible game from Peverley. The kid is looking like an all-star after 3 games, and it’s not just from playing with Kovalchuk. He was killing penalties effectively, and did you see that pass to Slater for his goal? The kid has vision.

By HookyBob

January 17, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Wow: Those aliens are still helping us out,..eh? Great game guys. Seems like the mental aspect was on our side tonight. Sort of like politics,… score early and often. Seems simple doesn’t it.

Kovy seems to be going again (credit Peverly?) and Little continues to prove he is the real deal.

Bob: I liked Dean, but he was sort of small and I have to admit I felt he was lucky to get that hat trick.

Sisu: It could be the music. Let me ask you what you would play? I’d go with Zepplin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” First choice would be BTO’s “Taken care of business, but I think that has been overused.

Bloggers: What music would you recomend?

Tuesday night is a real test. Lets go for 3 wins in a row (bumping knuckles on head to knock on wood). Go Blue.

By Alan

January 17, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

Interesting stat from ESPN:

Atlanta has scored 72 goals in 16 wins this season. In comparison, its scored only 63 goals in their 30 losses (25 regulation losses, 5 OTL).

By Russian

January 17, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

Just PLEASE keep going TEAM. We still have hope! Small hope, but still. Keep running.

By Midfield

January 17, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this

HookyBob, I think they should play Hair of the Dog by Nazareth. This one is definitely overlooked as a hockey song.

By Bob

January 18, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

Twilight Zone by Golden Earring. I used to love it when the Knights played that as they cleaned up after fights