AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSigns Of Life
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At the All Star break, the Atlanta Thrashers find themselves with a record of 17-26-5 for 39 points. That lands them in last place in the Southeast Division, 3 points behind Tampa Bay who have one game in hand, and tied with Ottawa, who have four games in hand, for 14th in the Eastern Conference. Their current points winning percentage of .406 is the NHL’s second worst.
The raw statistical numbers tells a lot in regards to why they find themselves in this position. The 3.56 GA/A is dead last in the league, the 74.2% “effective” penalty kill is better only than Toronto’s 73.2% and they are allowing 32.3 SA/G, which is 27th in the league.
Those are some ugly defensive numbers indeed.
The offensive production paints a slightly better story. The Thrashers are scoring goals at a rate of 2.96 per game…that’s 10th best league-wide and 6th best in the east. Currently, they have a power play that scores goals 20.0% of the time, which that is good enough for the #12 spot in the NHL and 5th in the east. This helps offset the humble 27.8 S/G stat that ranks but 26th in the NHL, tied with Phoenix and Edmonton.
But any way you add it up, we get to 17 wins in 48 games for 39 points. So, we’re destined for a lottery pick position this spring…right?
Um, I dunno.
Let’s look at the statistics during the ten games that have been played in CY2009, shall we?
For the record, Atlanta is 5-5-0 in this month of January. In two of those losses, Florida and Philadelphia, the Thrashers were tied going into or during the third period. Another two of those loses, Tampa Bay and Ottawa, they were within one heading into the third.
Yes, yes…I know…they are still losses. But if they continue at just that pace…say go 17-17-0 the rest of the way… they would finish with 73 points. OK, that’s not gonna win ya anything…but when you consider that the Thrashers have been on pace for something like 62-63 points as recently as 3 weeks ago, that’s improvement.
Also, if they were to simply accomplish that small feat, it would mean that they went from only 29 points in 38 games played during the 2008 part of this season…to 44 points in the 44 games that remained in ’09. Again…nothing to write home about, but it is measurable improvement.
See, to me…given that the playoffs have long been removed from the picture…success for this season is defined by how this team finishes as opposed to how it started.
Since New Years, the Thrashers have scored 34 goals, (3.40 G/G not considering the extra overtime minutes), they have taken 305 shots on goal, (30.5 S/G), and have scored fewer than three goals only once…the 3-2 loss to Ottawa. They have scored four or more goals five times, six if you include the gimmick shootout goal against Vancouver.
Ilya Kovalchuk has had a pretty good 2009 so far. He’s been named captain of his team and has 8 goals & 4 assists to go with a +3 rating in the last ten games. But to me, his play of late goes far beyond simple numbers. He seems pumped…energized…you know, the Kovy we have come to know and love. The team has responded in kind.
One thing is for sure… Kovalchuk has gotten a boost from new linemate Rich Peverley. After gaining no points in his debut versus Ottawa, the Peever has notched 2 goals…including the overtime game-winner against Toronto…and has dispensed half a dozen assists in the next four. He is also a +6 as a Thrasher.
Also, the lower lines have given the team a boost with their physical play of late. This was especially evident in the second period of the Toronto game…sparking Atlanta to rally from 3-0 down after one period.
The only thing I can really nit-pick about the O-fence right now is that the power play has continued to struggle…a very un-good 11.2% in the ten games played in 2009.
Defensively… their penalty kill has been 77.8% effective since the beginning of the year. Still not great…but better than the overall number. Also, they have only allowed 30.9 shots on goal per game in the past ten games. Yes…when you are a Thrashers fan, you can use the word “only” when discussing a 30.9 SA/G stat.
Zach Bogosian’s return from injury has been a boost to the blueline. He’s a +6 since finishing his rehab in Chicago and has netted his first two goals of his NHL career as well as his first pair of assists.
Mathieu Schneider is a +2 for the calendar year so far…including a +7 over his last three games. I know, I know…I rubbed my eyes too when I saw that.
Ron Hainsey is a +2 in CY2009. This is very good news after his -10 December. He seems to be playing more like he was toward the start of the season.
I’ll also mention Peverley in the defensive portion of our discussion. He is playing the best two-way game in a Thrashers uniform since…since…since I don’t now when. Defensively, he plays a very responsible game. Couple that with his offensive contribution and I say we got ourselves a winner off the waiver wire!
In Kari Lehtonen’s last five starts, he has a .932 SV% and his GAA has dipped to 3.19…down from 3.44 when he returned from his back injury last month. His 29-save shutout in New Jersey was a beaut…as was his 9 for 9 performance in relief of Moose against the Leafs that helped the winning cause.
Consistency is still the key for Kari…however, he’s currently riding a 5-game streak in which he’s given up 3 or fewer goals. Three goal outings for keepers aren’t really anything to shout about…but when your O-fense is kicking in over three per game, that’s at least giving your skaters a chance to win.
The 33 goals that have been scored since New Years is still a troubling figure, though
This Thrashers team still has a ways to go to before arriving at respectability in the standings, but so far in this new year of 2009, there seems to be some signs of life from this group.
Puck Daddy’s Blog Takes On A Southern Drawl, Ya’ll
Here is a recent post by Puck Daddy regarding the likelihood of someone other than the eventual division winner gaining a playoff birth from the Southeast Division. I think he’s got a point regarding Florida’s chances.
Regarding the Thrashers…whom he predicts will fall short of a post-season bid, (DUH5)…here is a portion of what he has to say about our home team:
“There will be a level of intrigue approaching the deadline, as the Thrashers dangle some players for picks. Or maybe Don Waddell will attempt some Hail-Mary, reverse-Hossa trade to appease Ilya Kovalchuk before, hopefully for Thrash fans, he’s canned this summer”.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By stendec
January 23, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Forgive this post Rawhide but it is important enough to me to have it in the newest entry. Have a great day friend.
Start Letemin. Start Letemin! Start Letemin? Well, you all got your wish. Guess what? He damn sure let em in! The Toiletlids actually showed a small amount of grit (surprised the Hell out of me) to climb out of a deep 3-0 hole imposed upon them by that future Hall of Fame start him guy Kari “Hiccup” Letemin. The biggest untalented fraud ever produced by the Communist country of Finland! I know, I know. It is to me. What did we ever do to them that was so bad as to deserve Letemin? Must have been a doozy! A mental excursion into LaLa Land led to the fatal fourth goal in the closing minutes of a 5-3 streak-ending debacle. Another defeat. Another (scarce as a Bigfoot sighting) winning streak shot to Hell! Thanks to that Finn son of a betch. The bestard did not need any excuses of his own. The damn apologists stepped up to the plate (onto the ice?) for him. It is amazing that this oxygen waste reject from a funny farm surrenders four goals (the first three of the game) but is still considered by the braindead imbeciles on this site as God’s gift to damn goaltending! Most refuse to blame this sieve for any of the goals allowed. The only one I reluctantly absolve the scumball for is the last one. The empty netter. Four more go directly onto his personal resume. An excuse for every goal. Know that puck gets lost in sun sometimes. Sheesh! Bad bounces. Bad breaks. Bad ice. Bad karma. Bad monkey pucks. Bad facemask logo. Bad teleportation. Bad doggy. But I digress. To these apologists the son of a betch has never been beaten for a legitimate goal! These damn losers all belong in Detroit. And they can damn sure cart off Letemin and the other gutless Toiletlids with them. By the way, keep starting the untalented Finn. After all, it is another in an endless procession of build years! Glad the Falcon management did not take that easy out after the meltdown of 2007. Only fans that do not give a damn continally utilize the wait till next year refrain. Do not provide these so-called professional athletes with an excuse to fail by proclaiming another build year. Damn build years are for college teams after 90 percent of the starters graduate! How many years are fans supposed to patiently wait watching a laughingstock group of uncaring quitters? Two? Five? 10? 50? Just let me know. I waited patiently on the Flames. So patiently that they won the Stanley Cup in Calgary not Atlanta! Think Manitoba might want the Toiletlids? Did not think so! God bless. Amen.
By Thrashers27
January 23, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
Man, you need to take a nap, or a qualude, or something to mellow out. It’s a game. take it for what it is.
By stendec's doctor
January 23, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
You haven’t been taking the Xanax I prescribed, have you stendec?
By DWTOO
January 23, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
At the beginning of the season Anderson stated it may take some time for the team to adapt to his system. Maybe we’re seeing that now.
Also, the team appears to be playing with some intensity that was seriously lacking - referring to the Blue Jackets and most recent Tampa game. In those games the Trashers just didn’t show up. Haven’t seen a game like that in FY 09. I don’t expect that we’ll win every game - think we’re .500 at best, but, not trying or showing effort is not only un-good, it’s un-acceptable. And I’m enjoying the hockey the team is currently playing.
By stendec's male nurse
January 23, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this
why haven’t you been taking your female hormones ?
By Scotty
January 23, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
If this team finished 1 game over .500 in the second half of the season I would consider it a major step forward.
This past week or so of hockey has been great fun to watch and I hope we see more of it over the next 11 weeks.
By stendec's son
January 23, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
Dad! I had a great time playing catch with Keith Brooking last night!
By Barry
January 23, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
I’m just befuddled with the weak defense this team plays year end year out. It’s almost like Thrashers need to sign 4 of the top defensemen in the league just to be competitive with the other teams! That’s not going to happen. It just doesn’t make any sense when we get rid of players like Sutton, DeVries, Zhitnik, McCarthy, and Klee and replace them with guys like Hainsey, Bogosian, Valabik, and Oystrick I would think the D SHOULD be better, but it’s not. We’ve had 3 different guys taking on the head coach position the last 3 seasons including this one, so someone please explain why this team can’t get any respectable defensive game???
By stendec
January 23, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
Want to keep Loseland from becoming Emptyland? Long past time for some post Beatlemania campaigning! Center a marketing strategy around Ilya Kovalchuk. I know he is not friendly to fans and cannot speak English worth a damn but IK is the only Thrasher known outside of Atlanta. Slap his likeness on everything from arm rests to wrist bands. People may not flock out in groves to see the lousy team but they might want to glimpse IK. Folks like myself used to purchase an entire album of music to obtain one favorite song. I guarantee there are sports fans in Atlanta and the surrounding area who know zilch about ice hockey but are familiar with the name of the captain. The Hawks have a solid public relations program but I cannot name one of the damn players on the team. So tell that to the Thrasher public relations geniuses. If a team cannot be marketed successfully (the Thrashers cannot) then target a specific player or players. Anyone but Kari Letemin! That campaign would be a bust before it got started. Get sick to my stomach every time I see his ugly Finnish mug on SportsSouth! Think positive people. Embrace statistics! Shrug off wins and losses. Let the Falcons get the victories. The Thrashers lose 7-1 but by golly they had a 32-29 lead in total shots on goal and managed two more faceoff wins. Talk about damn impressive! To Hell with the final score. Uh huh. See how out of touch you apologists are in regard to sports?
To Stendec’s Son (my actual youngest son is in a war zone territory seen on CNN daily as a member of the Navy): Hope he was in the right position a few times to make the catches and throws.
If this team finished 1 game over .500 in the second half of the season I would consider it a major step forward. Apologists expect too damn much from the Toiletlids! Medoctity is far more than this bunch is capable of producing.
By stendec's mom
January 23, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
stendec, why dont u get hard for me anymore? are those thrashers not getting u hot anymore? demn them
By Alan
January 23, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
Of the players we have this season, You named three rookies and a player who is entering the prime of his career. Two of the four players you named are offensive D-men. And you wonder why the defensive side hasn’t got better?
The D should be better… in the future. You honestly expected three newcomers to the NHL, and a newcomer to Atlanta to fix things immediately? Sorry, it just doesn’t work that way.
By Bob
January 23, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
That PuckDaddy sounds like a smart blogger.
Stendec, Long Live Finland, Finns are #1. Swedish Meatballs suck.
By stendec's little winkie
January 23, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
why do you beat me, mean man, full of hate.
By Tony C.
January 23, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
Exactly!
We traded our “franchise” stay-at-home D-man for Zhitnik…most of our other guys are O-fensive defenders, or kind of “tweeners”-today’s game does place apremium on puck movers and playmakers on the blueline, but you really can’t discount the value of a defensive specialist type of guy-not a pylon, but maybe somebody who is that stay-at home guy, the guy that scares wingers to gallop down their off-wing side to drive to the net because some nasty guy is going to make them pay.
Not to say we don’t have guys who can (and sometimes do) play the body, and really make goin to the Thraser’s net an unpleasant experience, but not enough. This is where having the right kind of veteran in the room is crucial.
Nic Havelid is solid, smart and dependable. However, he’s never been accused of being “mean”. Our club has seriously lacked that for…um…forever? Now, I’m not saying we go out and get a real @sshole like Pronger (word on the street is that he is/will be available)-but I think we (by this I mean management) must address this lack of grit/nasty/sadism on our blueline this summer if not sooner. X once showed promise of fufilling this role, but his positioning and sudden lack of physicality to his game has dimmed that hope considerably.
Just my $0.02 Can’t wait for the skills competition tomorrow.
FIRE WADDELL
By Midtown Marvin
January 23, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this
Oh girls! Nikita, Sara, PJ, Nix….
Here is something right up our alley! It’s a call for the Blue Crew to include male members!!!
Oh, I am SOOooo all over THAT idea!
By Krust
January 23, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Standec you are friggin moron! Finland a Communist country. You sound like my grandmother she thought Denmark was a communist. Maybe we should ship you out of this country to China! You are a moron!
By ea
January 23, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this
Stendac your act is REALLY OLD.
By Alan
January 23, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
Tony - Why go shopping for an item we already have? Valabik seems like the kind of guy who could fit that role, and unlike Pronger, Valabik won’t engage in stupid moves like this or this.
Sorry. I don’t want that d-bag anywhere near us.
By Bob
January 23, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
and unlike Pronger, Valabik won’t engage in stupid moves like this or this
I didn’t click your links, but are you hoping Valabik will be better than Pronger? Really? No, really?!
If Valabik comes out 1/2 as good as Pronger, we’re in just fine shape with him
By Tony C.
January 23, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this
Alan-
I loathe Pronger.
That being said, you can bet that his presence alone would cut out at least 25% of the “Atlanta playing hockey” penalties we get.
Also, while I have been very impressed with Valabik’s progress, the fact remains that Hainsey plays smaller than his frame, and X often is too far out of position to make a meaningful physical play (unless a roughing call behind the play can be called meaningful).
Plus Valabik’s so damn big he gets called even when he’s not touching the guy (byproduct of being a 6’7” guy)!
What I mean is, we need to make guys pay the price. Like Coach said, if we’re going to be the doormat, let’s be a dirty nasty I-don’t-wanna-go-there doormat (a la Washington 2 seasons ago). Let’s be that team that nobody wants to suit up against-even if they know they’re going to win.
What I’m trying to say is:
FIRE WADDELL
P.S. Alan I’dlike to refer you to my previous post: *Now, I’m not saying we go out and get a real @sshole like Pronger *
:P
By pond scum
January 24, 2009 2:18 AM | Link to this
Even though stendec is on another rant,it’s good to see some real “hockey talk”. Sorry brother stendec,you obviously have some passion for this team,but all the bitterness and slandering isn’t needed to get your point across man.
I mentioned in another thread right after Pevs was picked up from nashvegas that he’d make alot of us forget about Crusher and the other “musical chairs” tried as the #1 center. Very glad to see him back me up LOL! I just knew all he had to do was get out of Arnott and Legwand’s shadows and he’d be alright. I see alot of similaraties to Pevs and a younger aged Savard. I honestly feel Pevs,in time could be THE replacement we’ve needed for a few seasons now.
That line of Kovy,Army,and Pevs looks really good. I totally agree that Kovy being named captain has energized him,I just wished it had been done sooner and will admit that I didn’t think earlier in this season that we’d get this kind of response from it.Glad I was wrong.
Barry,you do bring up very valid points. But as Alan,Tony C. countered……. we do have a bit of youth back their. Bogo is stepping it up,but he’s a “true” rookie and missing all that time is no help to him. Oystrick is in about the same boat minus the injury. Toby with only a season and a half experience isn’t gonna keep him from the inexperienced plays he sometimes makes. I wished he could add some weight to his frame also for the punishment he takes too much of. Hainsey has suffered from not having a stable partner due to injuries and I think all the losing got him down.He after signing that big deal felt like with some of the others signed and in place,we’d battle for the 8th seed atleast. But he’s coming around. Havelid is steady and probably our best “all around” blueliner,just wish that he didn’t have to cover up so many of Toby’s gaffes. Excelby coming back should help,he was playing very good hockey before his injury and I admire him for trying to play on it hurt. Valabik also not very experienced. Only way these guys get better is icetime and real game experience.I too agree that Valabik sometimes gets penalized for being bigger than average. A very good example was just the other nite vs. the Flyers and punk a$$ Upshall.
Schneider,I’m sorta disappointed in.IT’s obvious he’s been a good influence on Bogo though. If he is to be moved at the deadline or sooner,pick up what we can get for him and let Scotty Lehman or someone else have more icetime up with the Thrash to see if they could be 1 of the “stay at home” guys we need. I too agree we seem to have alot more “puck movers” then “crease clearers”.
We have a pretty good offense. Pevs and Kovy are clicking pretty well together,the 3rd and 4th lines are chipping in,the blueline also picking up not only helpers but goals.But what has happened to the White-Little-Kozzie line here lately?
I know that they have cooled down alot (probably cause of Little’s injury also)…..but I’m hoping they get back going steady again.
Reading alot of folks comments slamming on White from last season and earlier on……..now what? I felt like some others here and over on the Thrashers boards, that he had to break alot of the “trap” instincts. All the Whitey haters,eat your damn crow now! He’s never been a “crash and bang” type guy,he’s always been a “set the table” kind of center.
If we could just get the PK better and Kari to be more consistent! Wonder if the Wild would swap us back Belanger for Crusher?
Sure I’d like to have a good chance at Tavares in the draft,but I can’t wish for this team to lose just to obtain it. And who knows,Stamkos was supposed to be a “franchise player” right out of the gate. I’m not trying to throw the guy under the bus,he might be that after a few seasons. But who’s to say Tavares hasn’t got “it” just yet? How long might it take for him to reach his abilities? Then what will folks be screaming for? If Pevs and Kovy’s chemistry keep getting stronger and stronger,White has already shown great cemistry with Kozzie and Little……. where is Tavares suppoed to line up at? Playing him on the 3rd line and those type of minutes aren’t going to really help him. He’d be miscasted into a role his playing abilities says aren’t the right fit.
Alot of folks slammed on Coburn,calling him a bust. When news broke of him being dealt for Zhitnik,many didn’t even bat an eyelash at it. BUT oh well,hind sight is in the way.
I feel that we should allow the Pevs-Kovy experiment to finish the season and then take a better look at it. We don’t need to get to fixated on a “name” and end up with another bust. We need to keep climbing the ladder up not staying still on it or sliding back down.
DW moved Williams after it was obvious he didn’t fit in no where.
I’m not that up to date on the talent pool for the up coming draft,but I feel that a young power forward and more blueline help(IF Pevs keeps it up) should be our top priorities. Figuring out between Kari,Moose and Pavs as to who stays and who goes also should be figured out. Maybe moving Moose due to his age at the deadline might be better for us in helping build up some assets to draft more players or make another deal.
My fellow fans,who do YOU feel should go,if any,at the deadline?
Sorry for the longness ya’ll,but I can’t make it as often as I’d like .I do enjoy the conversations alot and look forward to everyones responses. LET’S GO THRASHERS!
P.S.- IF ANYONE HAS ANY EXTRA GAME PROGRAMS FROM THIS SEASON THEY’D LIKE TO SELL FOR EXTRA CASH…….. I pay top dollar AND WOULD LOVE to get some to add to my Thrashers collection,just holler at me please! Thank you for your time!
By Barry
January 24, 2009 4:06 AM | Link to this
I just feel that the defensemen that we have now should be better than what we used to have. Yes I know we got 3 rookies on defense and Enstrom isn’t playing like last year, but given some experience these guys should be much improved than the Suttons and Zhitniks of the hockey world. I can’t quite figure Hainsey out. He really doesn’t take alot of penalties or anything. Sometimes he plays physical and other times reminds me a little bit of McCarthy. One thing that just bugs the crap out of me is how much ice all of our guys allow opposing players to have when they cross Thrashers own blueline. I know you don’t want them getting too agressive and getting out of position, but I would like to see skaters coming into our zone being challenged more. I feel that if Thrashers did that even just a little bit, it would cut down on the time the other team has to establish a forecheck or maintain puck possesion in our own zone. Thrashers need to use their own blueline as a 6th defender sometimes. Force other team to make a play or dump it in more often. Main thing though, obvious as it is, that the Thrashers just HAVE to get better at the PK. Their PK has cost them a bunch of wins and points.
By Alan
January 24, 2009 5:33 AM | Link to this
Tony - You did point out his availability, though… hence my motivation for posting the links. But indeed, I suppose my drowsyness affected my reading comprehension.
Bob - Your failure to actually click the links makes your comment void. Furthermore, Valabik is 22. He has plenty of years to become better than that d-bag. Already, he’s showing flashes of brilliance. With a few more years of working hard at it, he’ll be a great defensive defenseman.
Barry - “Should be” and “will be” are two different animals. With three rookies on defense this season, I can’t fathom how anyone could expect the D unit to look great. They’re still learning the John Anderson system, too. Many of them have the “puck moving” part down, but have lapsed greatly on the actual defending part.
The season is a wash right now, as it is, so all I’m expecting is our guys to go out and play hard. If we win some games while doing it, great. The reason we lost all those games in the first half has more to do with the guys being lazy and reverting back to old, bad habits. A lack of talent on forward could also have an effect.
It’s going to take some time for these guys to develop into their potential. For now, just sit back, watch, and hope these guys give it their all.
By ranallo10 (in AT)
January 24, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
Pronger is a douche, but he’s also a helluva defender. I’m sure all of us would be happy to defend his actions if he were playing in Atlanta, but embarrassed every single time he “accidentally” puts his elbow into someone’s head.
I don’t think Valabik will be as good as Pronger, but I like that Valabik isn’t known for cheap shots. I’ll take the respectable but lesser talented player over the “winner” a*****, any day.
By Riceowls8891
January 24, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this
This is a season of what might have been. Consider that the Thrashers have been tied with 10 minutes to go in the game 9 times without a single point in those 9 games. The Thrashers are also 4th in the league for goals scored at even strength. 12th on the power play. If they were just middle of the pack opn the penalty kill, instead of bottom three, they would be in the playoff hunt.
But, woulda shoulda coulda and all that.
By stendec's little winkie
January 24, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
NICE BLOG POND SCUM, FOR ME, XLB GOT TO GO. I WOULD TRY YO HANG ON TO EVERYONE ELSE AND GO INTO NEXT YEAR WITH A TEAM THAT HAS, FOR THE MOST PART, A YEAR TOGETHER. BUT, THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT WADDELL WILL DO. HOPEFULLY JA HAS EARNED A STRIPE OR 2 AND HAS SAY SO ON WHO HE COACHES. GO THRASH, GO KOVY AND ENSTROM, BY THE WAY, IF THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO DONT THINK MUCH OF TOBIAS, WHY WAS HE PICKED FOR THE YOUNG STARS GAME.
By Brendan
January 24, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
For whatever it’s worth, I look at the “woulda, coulda, shouldas” and think, More fuel to the theory that … if we had different ownership to install different management, we wouldn’t be as FAR OFF as the standings seem to indicate.
With that said, I don’t really think a new GM can waltz right in here and makes us a playoff team after one season. Truthfully, and some may find this painful, (but I don’t,) I think we need ANOTHER YEAR after this one in the lottery draft to really re-position ourselves with a genuine “window of opportunity.” And this is why, I think, they keep Waddell in charge. He’s willing to be the “patsy” GM who leads the team into the lottery draft. Another GM wouldn’t be nearly so enthused about it, and the “loser” reputation that corresponds to that.
Ya never know … there may come a day when the Thrashers are one of the elite teams of the NHL under a different GM, and different ownership. When the TV camera pans the crowd, Don Waddell is spotted sitting in the stands, and is broadcast up to the jumbo screen. The home town crowd cheers WILDLY for Waddell, for they now realize that those annual lottery drafts brought Bogosian, Tavares, Malkin, and Staal type players to Atlanta. In short, they showed appreciation for Waddell falling on the sword while the team couldn’t be financed as a contender ANYWAY.
By Alan
January 24, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Valabik will be as good as Pronger, but I like that Valabik isn’t known for cheap shots.
To me, I’m not sure if Valabik will be as good, better, or worse than Pronger. Like I said, he’s still only 22, so there’s loads of time before we find that out. However, the fact that he’s not known for cheap shots works heavily in his favor.
To me, Pronger would be a huge liability on this team. He might be an awesome defender, but he obviously can’t defend when he’s suspended for two games for elbowing.
By Tony C.
January 24, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
Well, I mean it’s a moot pint right?
Mr. Christina Pronger is only going to go where mama says he can…and smething tells me Phipps plaza ain’t gonna cut it.
But yeah, I’m not sayin we necessarily have to get more stay at home types, but our boys need to as my man the “official” Good Ol’ Boy Hockey Fan says
“Well sh!t, every time our boys get down on their end, somebody knocks ‘em around…I don’t know hockey, really, but look here-what we need, is when they come down here, we to light their @ss up youwknowhuteyemean man?”
That comment pretty much sums it up for me. I’d like to see more physical play in the neutralzone from our guys-and of course forechecking has left room for significant improvement.
But clearing the crease is just glaring. I know there’s some guys that are almost impossible to move out (Holmstrom, Smyth, Zubrus etc.) but still, I’d like to see more guys knocked down for just thinking about getting in front of Kari. Tough line to tread with the new rules, but it can’t be like the other team is playing the scrimmage line.
By Brendan
January 24, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
Without trying to start a commentary on Brian Burke or how he has left the state of the Ducks franchise, have you guys peeked at this yet? It’s the salary cap of the Anaheim Ducks, including Chris Pronger’s $6.25 million salary.
But before you click, let me ask you this: “Would you have thought that the Anaheim Ducks are a place where the Thrashers should look to raid in the offseason?” You don’t have to answer. Once you click the link, you’ll see a plethora of 30-something year olds who’ll be hitting the UFA Market this summer. They include centers Brendan Morrison, 32-years old, $2.75 million, Todd Marchant, 34-years old, $2.66 million, Rob Niedermayer, 33-years old, $2.0 million, and Samuel Pahlsson, 30-years old, Swedish, and his current contract is $1.4 million.
Other Forwards who are “pending” UFAs are: 26-year old Left Wing Travis Moen, $925K, and 28-year old Right Wing George Parros. Any of those “grab you?” Their prime years are still ahead of thme. They’ll want to really and truly GET PAID, however.
What about blueliners? Yes, Scott Niedermayer, like his brother, hits the open market this Summer. Niedermayer is 34-years old, and makes $6.75 million. Here’s an interesting item … 28-year old defenseman Francois Beauchemin, $1.65 million, is set to hit the open market. Any takes there? Other defenders hitting the market at 37-year old Brett Hedican, $871K, who has a wealth of playoff experience, 28-year old Steve Montador, $800K, and 29-year old Kent Huskins, $650K.
If the Niedermayers fly away from “The Pond” in the offseason, it clears nearly $9 million from their books. In 2010, CHRIS PRONGER, currenly making $6.25 million, is set to test the waters of Free Agency, where he’ll surely push the $10 million mark, as a future “Hall of Famer,” even at what will be the age of 36 in 2010. He is currently 34-years old. Pronger, even now, is thought to be a difference-maker for any team’s hunt for the Cup. Would Anaheim have won the Cup in 2007 without him?
In 2010, 38-year old Teemu Selanne, $2.625M cap hit, will become unrestricted, if he doesn’t retire. 26-year old netminder Jonas Hiller, $1.3 million, will become unrestricted.
By Brendan
January 24, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
Well, Andrew Cogliano was the speed skating competition. I though Pat Kane deserved the breakaway originality competition. We won’t know who won it until the fans are done texting it. Bryan Little* has had tow GLORIOUS scoring chances in the “young stars” game between the “Rookies vs. the Sophomores.” The Rookies lead, 4-2, as we speak. Bryan Little’s first scoring chance rattled off the goalpost and the crossbar. I thought it went in. The second chance was an open half-net, but the pass was in too tight along the redline beside the goal for Little to cash-in on it. It’s 4-3, now. Make that 5-3, in the 2nd period.
By Brendan
January 24, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this
Sophomores now lead, 7-4, after two periods. Bryan Little has Devin Setoguchi as one of his linemates. Bryan Little now has an assist on a Setoguchi goal. It’s 8-5, in favor of the Rookies.
By Brendan
January 24, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
Okay, I’ll get this right, yet. The Rookies won. I think the final score was 9-5. The MVP of the game was Bryan Little, per the announce crew. That’s nice for him. I didn’t see any goals by Little, but he had two great chances and set up Setoguchi for one of the Sophomores goals.
By Brendan
January 24, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this
Marc Savard was a finalist in the shootout competition. But in the end, Shane Doan won it. Savard scored some impressive goals in the shootout, as did Milan Hejduk. Pretty good skills competition, in all. Alex Ovechkin was voted by the fans to be the winner of the most creative breakway contest. He used “props,” of a hat with a Canadian flag, two sticks, and sunglasses, and was aided by Evgeni Malkin in his stunt.
By Alan
January 25, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
I found this pretty interesting:
…”Now, while the moves were fun to watch, Ovechkin’s unexpected public interaction with Malkin had to catch most puck-watchers by surprise. The two Russian-born stars have been estranged over a personal matter that neither player was too interested in discussing. The feud caught the eye of fans and media when both players went out of their way to hit each other in recent games between the Caps and Pens.”
“According to one source, Thrashers captain (and fellow Russian star) Ilya Kovalchuk brokered the peace deal between Ovie and Geno. In playing the part of peacemaker, Kovalchuk might have been looking toward the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The three snipers figure to be a big part of Team Russia’s gold-medal hopes.”
By Hockey Biltong
January 25, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
Nice read Pond Scum! Ok, so, for people to drop to create space, I see XLB, and Moose for starters. X’s concussion and his injury have put him a step behind. He has played a gritty game for a while and is a favourite, but it is time. Unless Moose’s contract doesn’t expire, he should go too, to allow for a back up to our first string goalie. This backup[Pavelec maybe] should be getting intermittent NHL experience. I would hope that Hedbergs’ superior work ethic will have rubbed off enough on everyone to where we wont regret letting him go. Perhaps as a coach, Moose might really excel.
I hate to see Enstrom smeared as often as he has. What happened to Slater could easily happen to him. He needs to be paired with a big d-man who can dish it out to help out on his shifts and clear the crease. Do we have a bruiser like this in the wings??
We need to get a young Tkachuk at centre or some body stout who can stay in the crease and drive defenses crazy. This would be a great match to offset Pevs on the other line.
Schnieder has cooked his goose as well. Time to go.
Thoughts???
By Alan
January 25, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
And another link, confirming Kovalchuk’s accomplishment.
He certainly looks like Captain material, to me. Good job, Kovalchuk!
By Alan
January 25, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
Biltong - Both Moose and Exelby are signed through next season. That said, I would trade Exelby for a good prospect, and ask Moose to be the goalie coach for Lehtonen and Pavelec. The poor excuse of one we have now isn’t cutting it.
Schneider will probably be sent packing at the deadline. It’s bittersweet, in my eyes, because Schneider wanted to be here in Atlanta. Unfortunately, he also hasn’t grasped the system. Even Bogosian is getting mad at him, as indicated by his reactions to errant passes or being out of position during the Flyers game.
I think White is doing a pretty good job centering the second line, as well as Reasoner on the third. That said, I think White should really put on some weight, muscle wise. He’s good when we’re on offense, but he blows on defense. He can’t seem to take the body very well in our own zone. Regardless, you’re right in the sense that we need to pitch a tent in the opposition’s crease on a consistent basis.
Reasoner is a center I don’t want to see go. He’s a great guy, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him re-signed at no more than $1.5m/yr, for maybe three years.
By Alan
January 25, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
Absolutely ugly stuff from the Michigan vs. Michigan State game the other day.
By Tony C.
January 25, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I wouldn’t mind keeping Reasoner.
Unfortunately, he’s the most marketable guy that makes sense in letting go as Whitey is signed for two more seasons after this one.
But I agree in that I wouldn’t mind seeing him back next year.
By pond scum
January 25, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the compliments!
Very good points about excelby’s injuries. The mono though anyone could catch. I think that last year being paired with Zhitnik who obviously didn’t have it anymore forced Excelby into trying to do too much. But he had a very god start to the season and maybe he can put it back together.
I think Schneider will go before X though.
I like that idea of Moose being our goalie coach,isn’t Weeks ours now? I believe he is and has been for awhile,if so……. that’s a firing long over due IMHO.
I too would like to see Reasoner stick around. If Crusher,Perrin and a few others don’t……..then the writing should be on the wall.
Only thing I hate about all-star weekend,takes to long to get everything back going. Let’s hope we come out firing in dallas tuesday nite!
P.S.- c’mon guys/girls,help a fellow fan out please! I swear I don’t bite LOL! I know some of you could use the extra cash, I don’t get to come down but for about 5 games a season. Just remember next time your at the game,you see an extra program laying there……that could be extra money in your pockets!