AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USI Don’t Care…Start Kari
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The last time Kari Lehtonen faced the Philadelphia Flyers was three night’s before Halloween…and the results were as frightening as anyone could imagine. Philly dropped a seven-spot on the Kari while Antero Niittymaki was shutting out the Thrashers.
If I recall correctly, the 28th of October was the single greatest sales night for NHL’s Center Ice package as tens of thousands of hockey fans throughout the land reached for their phones to purchase the ability to watch any game other than that one, which was being nationally broadcasts on Versus.
I don’t care…start Kari against the Flyers.
What’s that? Lifetime against Philadelphia, Lehtonen is 0-7-0 with a 3.80 GAA and .883 SV%, you tell me.
I don’t care…start him Wednesday night in Philly.
It’s the back end of the back-to-back games, you say?
I don’t care…he can rest during the All Star break. Put him between the pipes.
You remind me that Kari Lehtonen has even intimated in the past that Niittymaki has something on him. Whether it’s at the NHL level or at the youth level, he said that his fellow Finnish countryman “owns” him.
Hmmm…Has anyone actually seen the Kari voodoo doll Antero has hidden in his glove?
Anyway, I don’t care…start Kari to-freakin’-night!
Yup…I know all of the excuses why Moose should start against the feared Flyers. The last game…his overall record against them and Niittymaki…back-to-back games…blah, blah, frickin’ blah!
I bloody well do not care…start him!
Heck…Moose is only 1-6-1 vs. Philly with a 3.69 GAA and .871 SV%. So what are you really gaining?
Kari’s the hot goalie…he should start.
Since entering into last Friday’s game during the great come-from-behind win against the Leafs, Kari has stopped 74 of 78 shots. That, boys and girls, is a .949 SV%. Two of the four goals that he has allowed came via power plays…one a 5 on 3 type. And you don’t put someone on the end of the bench when they are doing that for you.
Start him.
In Tuesday’s 4-2 win over a very good Montreal team, Kari turned away 34 of 36 shots…including all 18 that the Canadiens got through to him during the third period.
Start him.
This is Lehtonen’s year to show once and for all the #1 gig here in Atlanta is his and his alone…or not…and the first half did not exactly go his way. He only has the rest of the second half to show he can handle it full-time. Sometimes that will mean he has to pull both games on consecutive nights…it’s a big-boy job after all and he was brought here to be a big-boy player. This is his year to officially “grow up” and take the job and make it his. I think he finally started to do this last Friday night…he has continued to do so over the past two games…don’t rob him of the opportunity to continue in his maturation process.
And, as I’ve stated before…he can’t beat his “Niittymaki jinx” sitting on the bench.
Start him.
Besides…like I said last week, the aliens didn’t bring a Moose with them.
Start Kari….against the Flyers…Wednesday night.
Meanwhile…On The Scoring End Of The Ice
I was listening to the post-game show while driving home and the guys replayed a seven-second bite from Dan Kamal during last Saturday’s radio broadcast from Nashville. Kamal asked…and this may be paraphrasing slightly…“Can it be that the return of Zach Bogosian and the acquisition of Peverley has really meant this much”?
Well, it sure is a bit coincidental, isn’t it?
In the four games that Bogey has played in after returning from his conditioning assignment… and Waddell’s plucking of The Pevs Dispenser from the waver wire… the Thrashers are 3-1-0 and have outscored the opposition 17-10.
Obviously there is more to it…but their contributions cannot be diminished.
As for The Peever… in his first four games in a Thrashers uniform, he’s got a pair of goals, (one an overtime game-winner), five assists and is a +6.
So, all those saying, “Sure, Peverley has looked good, but it’s only three games”…are you now saying, “OK, but it’s only FOUR games”. If so, I can understand that. But what’s the limit you’re going to put on the “But it’s only been, (fill in number here), games” comment?
Five?…Seven?…Ten?
Apparently Zach Bogosian liked his one-goal and one-assist game in Nashville so much…he decided to duplicate it again versus Montreal. Initially it was Thorburn getting credit for Atlanta’s fourth goal, but I guess replay showed that it was Bogey’s after all.
In the four games since his return, he’s a +5 with his first two career goals and first two career assists.
Not to be overlooked…kinda poetic justice that some lower-line guys have gotten into the scoring party lately, isn’t it? Especially seeing that the energy and zip that they brought in the Toronto game seemed to be the spark the team needed. Tuesday it was Chris Thorburn and Erik Christensen netting goals while Slater, Reasoner, and Thorburn chipped in assist…Boulton with a pair of helpers.
And Finally
I had a wonderful pre-game chat with riceowls8891. I think he’s one of those who are moving from the cautiously skeptical of Peverley to hopefully optimistic. Either way, thanks so much for coming over and sharing your kind words and thoughtful insight.
Also, I met Steve and his little tax-exemption Max…who plays in goal for one of the teams over at the Duluth Ice Forum. In about 15 years, I look forward to writing about Max after winning a game for the Thrashers!
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By R. Stroz
January 21, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this
GO THRASHERS
FIRE WADDELL
By Brendan
January 21, 2009 12:36 AM | Link to this
Kari played well. He’s on a roll. So yes, start him.
By Thrashers27
January 21, 2009 12:40 AM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, I too say start Lehtonen. At this point in the season, if he gets a win it’s a positive. If he loses it’s neither a positive, or a negative.
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 1:39 AM | Link to this
Hellz yah you start him! I say especially since Nittymaaki owns him! KL beats him, and I foresee Lehtonen becoming strong with the force.
Seriously, I think you put him in there and you tell him “today’s the day kid” pat him on the shoulder and then go run a PK drill with your skaters.
Just be cool and let KL know you believe i him-I personally look forward to a win because I think it opens the door to a lot of really cool positives.
By wristshot
January 21, 2009 7:03 AM | Link to this
I agree Bill, it’s time for Kari to make his stand and prove that he’s a true #1 goalie. His play has been inspiring lately, his sense of urgency finally bubbling to the surface. This is a perfect time for him to show everybody that he has what it takes between the ears to stay focused for six periods in 24 hours.
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this
I’m with riceowls8891 in moving to hopefully optimistic about Peverley. I was at the game last night, and Pevs made a nifty behind-the-back pass to someone (think it was Armstrong), shot, Halat made the save & Pevs put in the rebound. That was a #1 center-type play. Also, the kid is responsible defensively. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that our goals against have gone down.
I’m also developing a serious man-crush on Bogosian. I was watching the kid and he was doing everything. He joined the rushes, he passed well, he played physical, he positioned well defensively. He played like a winter version of Matt Ryan.
With regards to Kari, I have no idea if he should start or not. He has Heath Ledger’s “The Joker” on his mask, but should have put “Two-Face” there instead. We either get “good” Kari, who stands on his head, or “bad” Kari, who falls asleep at the switch. Last night we got “good” Kari, but would we get “bad” Kari tonight? I’ve lost confidence in him.
By Riceowls8891
January 21, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this
When the choice is ride the bus in Milwaukee or center a line with Ilya, a person gets plenty motivated. I hope it continues.
SHHHH, don’t look now but if the Thrashers win tonite, next week is Dallas(12th in the West), Islanders (we’re 3-0) and Carolina (beat them twice). Could it be a w—-ing streak?
Hope springs eternal.
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this
BTW, reviewing the stats from last night; Valabik was +2 with almost 15 minutes of ice time; Bogo & Schneider were both +1 with 19 & 21 minutes respectively.
I would like someone else’s perspective on the call on Valabik last night. What I saw was Boris holding a Hab against the board; a Canadian charged him from behind, knocking Boris into the boards. What got called was Boris for boarding. Was I hallucinating? Anyone else agree with me?
By DWTOO
January 21, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this
Start Kari - he’s on a roll and deserves the chance. We were in 112 last night and got to watch the third period up close. He was really in the zone - his glove hand was spectacular. We always talk about how the goalie has to “steal one” now and then. Well that was him last night.
He’s also the best first star of the game. Always a lot of enthusiasm!
By Russian
January 21, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
I like to see Kari today again. He needs to win this game, but this is a hockey game. Kari needs help from everyone on ice, from D-men and Forwards. If they will play agressive in attack and smart in their zone, Kari will be fine. Flyers did not play since last Friday and team get rest very well. It will be very difficult game for Atlanta
By BAF
January 21, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Kari or w/o Kari, tonight’s game is the biggest measuring stick of the new-look Thrashers.
Winning back to back against very good playoff teams and the second team is on away ice against the team that has own us over the past 3 years….yes, a statement will be made.
We must do a better job of backchecking and get the puck in the offensive zone more than what we saw the last half of the Habs game. We do that and stay out of the box, we can win.
By Bart
January 21, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
I agree put Kari in there. He’s on a roll, it’s time to get this jinx thing over with. If he’s going to be a pro and be the goalie he should want to be in there. I don’t think that coach would deny him the opportunity to start in this situation. So, it’s up to Kari to prove to himself and everyone else that he may be on the way to being our goalie of the future. Yes. I still have doubts about Kari. We have seen these flashes of brilliance before. You can’t do brilliant every game but we need solid and consistent over many games not just 3 or 4. We’ll see what happens, it will be interesting.
By Buzilla in CT
January 21, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
I would like to state that I am no longer a jinx for posting first. This current streak started when I posted first on Knob’s blog a few days ago. I believe Tony gave me some sh*t that I doomed the Thrash, but that was not the case. If my jinx of posting first has broken, perhaps it is strong enough to break the jinx of the Philly Cheese and Nitty Nitty Bang Bang in net.
We will see tonight sports fans.
By ukyo
January 21, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
five_hole - Unfortunately you saw it wrong. Boris pushed the guy with one arm. He must have been off balance because he went down way too easy (probably just trying to draw the penalty). It broke down like this: Boris nudged the guy, he went down, then another Canadian pushed Boris on top. It happened pretty quick, but the replay showed it in slow motion. No mistake on it. The guy did go face first in to the boards, but he went down pretty darn easy. It was probably the right call, even though I didn’t care much for the result of the power play it led to…
By Alan
January 21, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
Start Kari!
Go Thrashers!
FIRE WADDELL!
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Thanks ukyo. I was on the other end of the ice from the play. Boris is big enough that he blocked the Canadian from my view, so I didn’t see it correctly. I saw the Canadian hit Boris, but apparently it was after the penalty.
If the Canadian goes down that easy, maybe we should call him ‘Jenna Jaimeson’?
By Alan
January 21, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
It’s funny to see how many NHL players have attended the Danny Briere School of Diving. It seems like something that Briere will continue to do, even after retirement.
From the last blog, since I’m not sure if everyone saw it: The Thrashers have handed the Canadiens their first ever US Presidential inauguration loss, sending their record to 8-1-2 in such games.
Onward to Philthadelphia, where Kari should break his jinx against Nittymaki!
By Buzilla in CT
January 21, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
thanks to me Alan. You forgot that part. I will take the credit for the win and deflect the blame in the loss like a true fan
By Alan
January 21, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
Oh, also:
You might remember me posting about “TheGoalieGuru” on Youtube, and I wondered out loud how he would talk about Lehtonen and Pavelec. Well, I messaged the guy, and he responded to me. Here’s what he had to say about them (copy-paste in verbatim):
“Ondrej Pavelec hasn’t got enough video for me to give you an accurate analysis. From what vids I did see he does have good rotation with the upper body which most NHL goalies don’t even have. Resulting in good posture, balance, and frontal weight distribution.”
“Lehtonen has some weaker habits (non lateral transfer move, he reaches rather than pushes with opposite leg ) that I would tweak a little. He palys [sic] the breakaway fairly well except he uses the wishbone (when the goalie throws his legs behind him if he is to slow and is beat) which is a despration [sic] move due to lack of speed. but at least he doesn’t fall backwards like the over rated luongo and only leaves an arm out!”
From what he says, It sounds like Lehtonen would really benefit from having a bona fide goalie coach here in Atlanta. That guy masquerading as a goalie coach needs to be replaced!
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 21, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this
Buzilla — Every win is thanks to you…
Just like the team’s losing can be attributed directly to my leaving the country. I’m the reason this team loses, you’re the reason the team wins.
I’ll carry on not paying any attention to the team and their opponents, you carry on inspiring them from CT, and we’ll see what happens. If all else fails, I’ll have to move back to The States.
By Buzilla in CT
January 21, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this
What country are you in? I had no idea you left Atlanta. (in AT)…I thought that meant in ATL but you were just being lazy about the last letter
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 21, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
Alan — I’m sorry, but I don’t trust any guy who sits there and says “kids, don’t do this” when viewing a video of arguably the best goalie ever to play.
I mean, REALLY…technically I’m sure EVERY goalie could use some “tweaking” to resemble the “perfect” goalie…but breaking down every goal against Brodeur or Luongo and considering them “overrated” or something kids shouldn’t emulate is ludicrous, in my opinion.
Sure, I’m not going to tell my kid “do exactly what Hasek/Roy/Brodeur/Luongo” did, but I’m not going to critique the kid saying “well it worked, but it’s not how I would recommend you do it”.
Anyways, TheGoalieGuru may have plenty of valid points, but his critique of the best goalies in the game is just useless to me. They’re the best for a reason, and clearly it’s not JUST technique if they’re so technically unsound.
Buzilla — Austria. Technically I should have “AUT” in my name, but I was too lazy to put a U and I wanted to copy your “in CT” as closely as possible. Afterall, you’re my idol.
By Nikita
January 21, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
Last night’s game was pretty fantastic. I do speak french, albeit poorly, so the Centre Ice feed wasn’t entirely tortuous. However, I find it really odd that what I got last night was not the actual broadcast. It was a broadcast of the game and Montreal commentary only — with dead spots and shots of the Jumbotron standing in for all of the commercials. Lame. The only highlight was an interview with Eric Perrin in French. And, of course, because the broadcast wasn’t highly managed I could hear everything in the arena pretty clearly.
Chris Thorburn, IMO, is maturing nicely. As I have noted previously, it will take time for him to be able to play a full non-4th-line rotation. He’s not very fast in general and I suspect he’s a tad lazy, but luckily his sprint speed is pretty good. In both of his goals he used his size and sprinting abilities to gain positioning, and then put the puck in. It bears noting that his hands are way better than generally noted — he has a fairly precise multilevel shot, at least at relatively close proximity. Hopefully over time he gets better at passing and long-range shooting, and hopefully now that he’s scoring he keeps scoring.
Bogosian seems to have matured a decent amount during his injury furlough, as well. I think most of his earlier problems were mental — about adjusting to the NHL game and about gaining confidence to play in the NHL. Hopefully that’s now happened.
Boy, am I grateful for John Anderson — I think he is absolutely the right person to recognize and develop younger talent.
As for the goalies, I think Pavelec could eventually be our #1. But as it is, he currently has the same mental issues as Kari as well as a relatively flat butterfly. And he’s not up to NHL speed — he can be relatively easily deked out of position, from which he cannot recover in a timely manner.
By Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
January 21, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
May I have you attentions, please?
Thank you.
Mr. Rawhide has requested that I take care of some clerical and administrative issues.
First, the “Buzilla Jinx” has been officially revoked in light of the Thrashers recent string of successes after his “first” posting on Mike Knobler?s “Happy New Year to Moose” blog.
However, Mr. Buzilla, do not get too cavalier about this as this “jinx” can be re-instated at any given time pending any potential demise of the Thrashers? win streak and when you may happen to post.
Also…
There has been many comments placed in the official Rawhide Blog suggestion box regarding a possible Thrashers Viewing Party. This is an exceptional idea, indeed.
My input would be to forward the idea of holding it on Saturday the 21st of February when the Thrashers travel to San Jose. Maybe TJ’s in Alpharetta is a good spot?
Lastly…
The suggestion forwarded by Thrashy Thrash to name the Kovalchuk-Peverley-Armstrong line as AK-47 has been reviewed by myself an is officially adopted as this blog?s line-name for that trio.
I understand Mr. Rawhide flexed his executive priviledge muscle regarding this matter, however I will have a private conversation with him later about it.
To that note, may I just add that the suggestion to name the line AK-47…or Kalashnikov’s automatic rifle of 1947… is an exceptionally good idea. The entire AK-47 series is my personal favorite assault rifle types of all time. In my “private” collection, the AKS-47, (S-Skladnov priklad), is my favorite as I am a fan of it’s underfolding metal shoulder stock. It’s a must for any collector.
It is versatile, effective and deadly. Just like the line that now carries it’s name.
May I have you attentions, please?
Thank you.
Mr. Rawhide has requested that I take care of some clerical and administrative issues.
First, the “Buzilla Jinx” has been officially revoked in light of the Thrashers recent string of successes after his “first” posting on Mike Knobler’s “Happy New Year to Moose” blog.
However, Mr. Buzilla, do not get too cavalier about this as this “jinx” can be re-instated at any given time pending any potential demise of the Thrashers’ win streak and when you may happen to post.
Also…
There has been many comments placed in the official Rawhide Blog suggestion box regarding a possible Thrashers Viewing Party. This is an exceptional idea, indeed.
My input would be to forward the idea of holding it on Saturday evening the 31st of January when the Thrashers travel to Carolina. Maybe TJ’s in Alpharetta is a good spot?
Lastly…
The suggestion forwarded by Thrashy Thrash to name the Kovalchuk-Peverley-Armstrong line as AK-47 has been reviewed by myself an is officially adopted as this blog’s line-name for that trio.
I understand Mr. Rawhide flexed his executive priviledge muscle regarding this matter, however I will have a private conversation with him later about it.
To that note…may I just add that the suggestion to name the line AK-47…or Kalashnikov’s automatic rifle of 1947… is an exceptionally good idea. The entire AK-47 series is my personal favorite assault rifle types of all time. In my “private” collection, the AKS-47, (S-Skladnov priklad), is my favorite as I am a fan of it’s underfolding metal shoulder stock. It’s a must for any collector.
It is versatile, effective and deadly. Just like the line that now carries it’s name.
Plus…It is, without a doubt, the second most exhilarating unit I have fired-off from my hands.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
I agree, ranallo, but it’s all about differing viewpoints. I understand exactly what the man is trying to say, and while I might disagree with his method, he has a lot of valid points. Even if they are the best in the game, every goalie screws up.
I don’t know about others here, but I’m always looking for critique about our netminders. What could they be doing better? What are they doing now that’s good? That sort of thing. Regardless if the guy comes across as a douche in anonymous video postings.
There’s no arguing, however, that Lehtonen wouldn’t benefit from a goalie coach. I’m really interested in glovesave’s opinion of the guy, though, since he also plays goal.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
Trixie - I don’t know, I might be able to do that. Alpharetta is quite a ways away from home, but since my friend is back in town, I can perhaps try to convince her to attend such a viewing party.
Unless I can procure a ride from one of the astute members here (DUH1).
I understand it’s all about catering to the location of the many, though. I’m probably the only one here who lives south of I-20, so I may end up being the odd man out.
By Buzilla in CT
January 21, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this
Ranallo We’ll ‘good day mate! Living down under must be awesome. The time difference for the games must be killer. (I am kidding). Austria huh? You’ll have to send me one of the European league jersey’s.
Trixie I apologize about being too cavalier about my own personal jinx. I was just excited because a great many people on this blog loved to point out the fact that I do have a horrible track record of posting first = Thrasher loss. The jinx may actually still be on for me. I still haven’t posted first on Big Willy Tilly’s blog and have the Thrashers win. Only on Knob’s Blog. SO Thrasher’s go on losing streaks on Willy’s Blog, and RUNS on Knob’s blog.
Next time Knobs posts a new blog, nobody post until I had a chance to post first….for the Team. Kaptain Kovy Ko Ko Puffs commands it!!!
SNUFF SAID
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Thanks Glovesave29 re: the use of the glove hand from the last blog. As someone else pointed out (I can only copy/paste one name at a time), when you’re taught how to catch in baseball first, it makes the hockey style of catching a little strange. I had heard this for years, but never asked anyone about it.
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
And Trixie TJ’s works for me, and if the AJC site was faster, I could have posted this addendum to my last post faster.
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
‘Zilla- It’s not that you can’t be first on Knobes’ blog you just shouldn’t be first here. the boys record when you’re first on Rawhide’s blog isn’t so good.
But you’re not a jinx. A harbinger? Maybe. But not a jinx.
AK-47 line looks good. Also, I don’t know about anyone else but Thorburn’s celebration after his goal (which by the way was nifty-dude deserves some credit-very good reaction time on that play) was awesome.
I like the “every line scores once” plan, it seems to be working.
Anybody have any news on Slater? he didn’t come back last night, and despite what NASCAR Dave et. al, have to say about him, the guy’s turned in a pretty solid season.
FIRE WADDELL
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
And Trixie TJ’s works for me, and if the AJC site was faster, I could have posted this addendum to my last post faster.
Sorry Alan, I live in Alpharetta.
By Glovesave29
January 21, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
Alan, I am still trying to understand what this guy means by “wishbone”. I have never, in 30+ years in the net heard of that term. And when is he talking about reaching instead of pushing? If you do the wrong move at the wrong time, you open up that five hole. Both skills are required. He is so tall that if positioned properly and in the butterfly, the bottom of the net is totally covered. And the times he does need a good push, is on a cross ice pass to deep in the slot…and I don’t care if you are Ken Freakin’ Dryden, you are going to get beaten on those more times than not. Lehtonen has good lateral movement and center of balance. I think sometimes he goes to the butterfly a bit too soon and that leaves him vulnerable on the high stick side (as you can lift your glove hand quickly, but the blocker side a bit slower as you either must push forward slightly or lift straight up and then over, as the heel of the stick hitting the ice will slow your moves)
Everyone is a critic (myself included)…if you want to look at being a goalie on a strictly technical evaluation, then Dominek Hasek is the worst to ever strap on the pads. You work with your strengths and try to minimize the weaknesses.
We need a goal coach. I’ve said it countless times and will continue to do so. We have invested a high draft pick and millions of dollars in him. We have seen what he can do when he is confident and “hot”. I cannot imagine why (other than the ubiquitous reason of $$$ from the A$G) you cannot invest in the proper tools for Kari. If he goes somewhere where he can be coached on tweaked, he is going to be a good goalie for a long time. And we are going to be sitting here again in a few years lamenting what could have been.
By Midfield
January 21, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Any comments on the 3rd period yesterday? Except foe Lehtonen, the stats looked pretty bad - no shots on goal at all until the Pogosian’s goal.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Don’t be sorry, five_hole. Living in Jonesboro doesn’t afford me many opportunities to get out, unless I have reliable transportation. Unfortunately, MARTA — while reliable during normal hours — is anything but as the night goes on.
By Glovesave29
January 21, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
TJ’s works for me…it’s right down the street from me. Five_hole…where in Alpha do you live? Even if this saturday doesn’t work ,perhaps we can meet for other games in the future.
And I would like to take some credit for this hot streak. After the Ottawa loss, I put away the blueland jersey and started wearing my 1996 USA World Cup of Hockey jersey…Joel Otto (a former Flame and fellow #29). Seems to be working juuuuuust fine.
By UncleSam'sCanoeClub
January 21, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
I would like to bring back a memory, however painful it may be, of a certain playoff series that our beloved Thrashers played in. Bob Hartley decided to play Moose over Lehts after a game 1 loss. Moose played (except for one fluke goal that changed the entire tone of the series in my opinion) amazingly. Some of the best saves I’ve ever seen in person. The point though, is that we lost. So BH decided to do the goalie shuffle again, and played a disheartened Lehtonen in game 3. He played horribly. By pulling a young goalie after he played his hardest, and didn’t make any real bone-headed mistakes in his FIRST playoff game, BH shattered his confidence. So I’m with Rawhide. You pull Lehts now for Moose after the way he’s played recently, and you may shatter his confidence again. Give him the shot to put that 1 up there in the win column against Philadelphia, and become the real number 1 goalie in Atlanta.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
I didn’t quite understand what he meant by “wishbone” either, glovesave, so I’m glad I’m not alone in that.
Everyone is indeed a critic, which is why I look for that sort of thing from all sides. If Brodeur and Luongo is overrated, I think Lehtonen is among the most underrated. Indeed, we need to invest in a coach, and we need to keep Lehtonen around and get him the tools he needs to become a dominating force in the league, and to dominate with Atlanta. I for one do not want to see him walk, only to become a dominating force with another team.
You can’t always look at the technical aspect of goaltending, but that point of view isn’t one I’ve seen very often. It’s why this guy’s videos so intrigued me.
By dhj_1962
January 21, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
boris jacked the guy up between the legs with his stick and pushed him into the boards with his free hand. Boris should get a -1 for that!!
By five_hole
January 21, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
Glovesave29 During the week, I’m currently staying in Newnan, GA. I live around State Bridge & Jones Bridge (weekend). It’s a long story. And TJ’s is convenient (on weekends).
By Glovesave29
January 21, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
Hey Alan, personally - this guy loses a lot of credibility with me when he calls Brodeur and Luongo overrated. People will say Brodeur is a product of the NJ system, but I think his excellence ALLOWS NJ to play this way. Besides the fact that his positioning is impeccable, he has a the perfect mentality to play the goal. And Luongo, please…there is NO ONE with faster reflexes. He is amazing to watch.
By Smoothie
January 21, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this
In regards to Jimmy Slater, I think I know what his injury may be. I was sitting in row G of 318 on the end his injury occurred. He was hit from behind as he was turning towards the corner (he was being just a tad to non-chalant in negating the icing) and slammed hard into the glass. After he turned back towards the bench, it looked as though he was holding his left arm due to a possible shoulder dislocation. I can’t be certain of course, but judging by the way he was holding his arm and how much lower his left side was in comparison to his right as he skated back, I’m guessing that the guy caught him just right to dislodge that shoulder. Hopefully it was not a wrist or arm fracture, but you never know.
As for the Thrash, despite two or three lapses lasting 2-4 minutes over the course of the last two periods, that was some of the most complete hockey I have witnessed by a Thrasher team in a couple of years. The defensive communication was so much better and rarely was someone out of position. The backchecking by the centers was superb. If not for the injury to Slater, and the consequent double-shifting by Pevs, Little, White and Kovy, I think we would have seen a stronger effort in the 2nd 30 minutes. But there was one stretch in which it seemed Pevs was out there for 3 straight shifts and he still managed to create some chances. But I’m sure he was gassed as a result…he didn’t seem to have the same jump in the 3rd.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this
I think you’re right about Brodeur. Any other goalie, and NJ just doesn’t look as good unless they’re offensively punishing.
I haven’t watched Luongo much, so I can’t really comment on him.
I don’t pay much attention on his dislike for Brodeur and Luongo. It’s just nice to see different opinions. I’ve always felt that way, about all topics. Yes, even that eight-letter P-word. He might be wrong about Kari’s “non lateral transfer move,” as well as Brodeur’s positioning or Luongo being “flat footed” …but we all know what opinions are like, am I right?
Or maybe I’m just alone in this.
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Smoothie, I was afraid it was a wrist injury by the way he was holding his arm-hopefully it’s not. Although we may now see Holzapfel sooner than anticipated if Slater’s on the shelf for any length of time.
TJ’s definitely works for me….the fried green beans are addictive. Alan; I dunno man J-boro is a hike-I’ve got a friend who runs a car service, so I’d be happy to ask him about the rate for a Roswell-to-J-boro run.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
Keep in touch, Tony — I’m going to talk to my friend and see if she’s interested in a run to Alpharetta. If not, maybe we can talk about that run. Rawhide has my email, if you’re interested in contacting me off-site about it. He hereby has my permission to provide that address to you, should you request it.
By Smoothie
January 21, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
No problem Tony C, just trying to be of service to my fellow Thrasher fans. I’m still a bit perplexed as to why Jimmy was so slow in moving that puck away from the defender towards the corner. He easily beat the D-man to negate the icing and then he just stood there for a whole second almost as if he was disoriented. I wonder if he thought the play had been called a delayed-offsides. It was strange indeed, but when it happened I immediately said to my g-friend, “damn, Slater’s done for the game and perhaps the next month or so!” I wanted to see Crabb back in the lineup but not because Slater gets hurt. Those two seem to have some good chemistry. My guess is that they will drop Perrin down to C the Greek Gods and let Crabb play the wing that EC isn’t all that comfortable playing with Marty as centreman.
Also, I can’t help but take the time to mention how well the defense played last night. At the end of the game they were stifling and wouldn’t give up the blueline. MTL couldn’t even get in our zone in the last 3 minutes to set up a forecheck and pull Price early. Bogey’s vision is amazing and his decision-making with the puck is stellar for an 18 yr old. I love how he shoots with conviction and knows how to shoot behind the play where there might be an oppty for a rebound or a deflection. Hainsey played very solid and Boris was good until the end of the second when he got a bit sloppy. The little Swedes (as my g-friend calls them) were their usual efficient selves. But even Havy was jumping up into the play more often. Nice to see.
By NASCAR Dave
January 21, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
“I Don’t Care…Start Kari”
LOL! Bad idea dude!!! Watch and see tonight at 7:00pm!!!
FIRE WADDELL!
By JJ302
January 21, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
Start Kari he has earned this one. Speaking of Kari I like the Joker paint job on his mask. Apparently the Kill Bill theme was killing his goaltending. Looking back at some video it appears to me the Toronto game was the first time he wore it. Rawhide I think it was this and not ALIENS or Pevs and Bogey that changed the Thrashers fortunes. If it keeps up maybe we should start calling Kari The Joker. He needs a nickname anyway.
By NASCAR Dave
January 21, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
ALAN - When are you going to get a car, dude??? I mean, you’ve been complaining about this for 2 years now. I have a ‘69 Charger for sale if you are interested… FIRE WADDELL!
By NASCAR Dave
January 21, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
“Speaking of Kari I like the Joker paint job on his mask. Apparently the Kill Bill theme was killing his goaltending.”
You know, I was kind of wondering about that last night… You know, why does our Goaltender have a Mask with a picture of a Dead Druggie Actor on it??? I mean, what the heck does THAT say??? So nobody in Thrashers Management thinks promoting Druggies is a bad idea??? Not surprising, the way they keep everything about the kid under wraps…
By Alan
January 21, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
There’s a reason why I don’t drive, Dave. I was a bit of a lead foot, and the inevitability of that resulted in me “getting the high score,” if you know what I mean.
It’s my own fault for not obeying the posted speed limits. It is what it is.
I’ve got a car when I get my little piece of plastic permitting me to drive it back. It’s waiting for that time period to expire that is the killer.
By NASCAR Dave
January 21, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
Ahh, I see ALAN… That makes sense. You must be like NASCAR Dave, speeding everywhere, runnin’ “full throttle”, if you know what I mean!!! LOL
Should we start calling you “NASCAR ALAN”???
J/K… FIRE WADDELL!
By Alan
January 21, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Heh! Nah. I’m not a NASCAR fan. I just didn’t quite think to slow down when going from a 70 zone in McDonough to a 55 zone in Atlanta. GSP kind of looks for that sort of thing. I’m almost certain they know me by name by now.
I should be able to get it back in June. Whether I want to pay the $200 ransom plus take the driver’s exam all over again is another case entirely. That might have to wait for cooler weather, since I loathe the heat. :)
Yes, indeed — FIRE WADDELL. It’s coming, guys.
By Nikita
January 21, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
On Slater, and just off the television feed. It looked as though when he fell, he fell directly on his arm with his hand extended and basically hit the wall with his hand before the rest of his body. That kind of fall will easily jam a wrist or a shoulder. Hopefully it’s a shoulder, and the problem is relatively small.
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
Y’all’re lucky… the thing just ate a post even Brendan would say is long. But I did dig this up from Le Thrash official site:
Man Down: Jim Slater left the game with a shoulder injury in the first period and isn’t likely to play in Philadelphia. Following the game John Anderson said it was doubtful that Slater would even make the trip. Bryan Little and Ilya Kovalchuk took turns filling in on Slater’s line.
bad news. So I’m thinking it’s Thorbz @ the pivot with Boulton & #17 on the wings…But the idea of Boulton/Little/Thorbz (L-to-R) seems intriguing.
I wonder why we don’t see Joe Crabb’s name out there as Slater’s replacement? Please don’t tell me he’s going to be traded! I mean don’t we have somebody over the age of 30 that plays a similar game we could unload (eyes in the room turn to Eric Perrin)???
FIRE WADDELL
P.S. JJ good call on the “Joker/ATL” mask. KL’s has been money since he switched to the new mask
By Jim
January 21, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
I agree wholeheartedly about starting Kari. The guy is hot and you always ride a hot goalie. Nice to see Bogosian starting to play with some confidence- skating, shooting, hitting. Even Christensen tried to check someone last night. Or at least, he pointed his shoulder at someone.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
According to Knobler’s blog, Lehtonen is indeed in net tonight. Let’s hope he can keep the puck out and our guys can stuff it behind Nittymaki!
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
Dude, For whatever reason, I am geeked about tonight’s game-wish i could be there in person-I haven’t been to Jim’s in 2 years (better than Pat’s or Geno’s if you ask me), and Philly has lots of great places to hang out after the game win.lose, or dr….err OT lose.
By Shawn (in NZ)
January 21, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
The coolest part of last night imo was the fact that I think I saw more checking done by the Thrashers then I have seen all season. I don’t get to see them live anymore and very seldomly can I actually watch. The online radio has become my best friend here. I actually did get to see the whole game last night and they look like a completely different team. That is the sharpest I have seen Kari’s glove in a long time. I got to a point where I would twitch everytime someone shot glove side. So I hope that tonight we can bring that same aggression, confidence, or whatever it is to the ice. I know that we aren’t in the best playoff spot, however 10 points would move us quite abit right now. I say we start kari, and take the streak into the break.
By HookyBob
January 21, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this
Montreal is physical,…and last night we matched them hit for hit (except Komasarik on Slater). It was so good to see that grit from our boys in blue. Bogo,..is becoming a physical force and Peverly throws his body around quite well for his size.
I hope all that rough play didn’t wear them out too much though. Philly is also a physical team and we need to match them hit for hit if we hope to win.
For sometime now I have been concerned about how many times we fail to get the puck out of our zone once we have control. Too often the other team intercepts us with-in 10 feet of the blue line. This kills us, while energizing the other team with extra chances to score. Could this be a weak link in Coach’s system for pushing the puck up the ice quickly? Are the forwards too far up-ice?
Start Kari. Hire Vladislov Tretiak for goalie coach. Otherwise comb Finland for their better coaches. How many Finnish goalies are in the NHL? I bet Kari would respond well to a contryman. Sorry Moose, maybe we can find a PR job for you.
Go Blue,..give us a Gordie Howe hat-trick.
By roh
January 21, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this
I’m just curious, do you want Kari in net vs the Flyers? :P
I agree. Throw him in there! He’s gotta win one some day.
I’d like to have Kari mic’d up for a game. Think he talks smack? Or talks to himself to give himself confidence?
If ever there was a time for him to prove why so many ppl think he is our #1 goalie, tonight is it!
By R. Stroz
January 21, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
The aliens have left.
By Russian
January 21, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this
Kari can not win a game by HIMSELF. It is hockey and Tennis. Move asses Thrashers.
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
Nah, I think it’s more a case of Philly using a different set-up than we saw from them last time-they keep doing this over-loadto one side in the neutral zone, and Anderson hasn’t adjusted yet.
2nd goal was bad though.
By Tony C.
January 21, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this
wOW. We just cannot get a call can we?
By Brendan
January 21, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this
The aliens missed cable, and returned to their planet. Now, let’s see COMCAST top thaaaat for “customer loyalty.”
By Riceowls8891
January 21, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this
Three pipes; lucky goals (although caused by hard work) and no calls. I wonder if Curt Shilling plays hockey?
By Brendan
January 21, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this
Eric Perrin has scored to break Niittmaki’s shutout. 3-1.
By Riceowls8891
January 21, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
TIED!!!
By Brendan
January 21, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this
Goals by Kovalchuk and Thorburn tied it, 3-3. But Knuble, I believe, has put the Flyers up, 4-3. And Atlanta has had its opportunities since the Flyers retook the lead. It appears the aliens are hovering around the atmosphere, unsure about their local cable company’s offerings, after all.
By Alan
January 21, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this
Honestly, we couldn’t get a freakin call to save our lives in this one. We also didn’t have to solve Nittymaki, we had to solve the freakin posts! This could have been a beautiful win by Atlanta had they not been robbed by those posts! (Yeah, coulda, woulda, whatever.)
We played pretty good, for the most part, and we played hard for about 50 minutes tonight. It’s not 60, but it’s getting better against these stronger teams.
I only blame Lehtonen for one of those goals, and even then, I don’t blame him exclusively. The first three were just very, very unlucky bounces. The fourth was horrible coverage by the D, and Lehtonen giving up the rebound.
One more game against these guys, coming next month. Can we finally break the curse then, on home ice??
By Brendan
January 21, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this
The NY Islanders won tonight, 2-1, over Anaheim. The Florida Panthers trail the Dallas Stars, 3-1, in Sunrise, FL. There’s 8:00 minutes left in regulation time there.
Flyers 5, Thrashers 3, FINAL SCORE. Niittymaki is 12-0 vs. the Thrashers. Water under the bridge? It’ll have to be. It’s a developmental season, folks. And we actually had the testicular fortitude to make a waiver claim, in Peverley. I don’t quite think GM David Poile picked up the phone to yell at Waddell. But, likewise, Waddell knew Poile wouldn’t be happy about it. But if Poile were that scared of this possibility, he wouldn’t have subjected the player to a claim. If not claimed by us, someone else would have.
I think it’s important to Waddell that he be liked by his peers. I’m delighted he stepped up to the plate in offending a member of the “GM Fraternity.” Here, here! Let’s see more of it. Is is SO WRRRRONG to look out for one’s own interests?
By Shawn (in NZ)
January 21, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
I know we lost tonight, but if we are going to lose, I rather see play like that. I have never been a believer in curses, however tonight has swayed my opinion on that. We couldn’t get a bounce (or call) to save our lives. The mistakes that were made can be adjusted. And we did come back from a 3-0 deficit in the 3rd. I am still looking forward to seeing good things from this team