Ice Man

By stendec

January 26, 2009 2:46 AM | Link to this

Nice wrapup Bill. Thanks. Had an uneasy feeling that Ilya Kovalchuk was going to mirror his current disastrous season and look totally out of place as a Star. I was correct. Abysmal showing. The Atlanta player only got in on his name value and past accomplishments. A true embarrassment. His complete lack of talent was punctuated by those around him. A total of 22 goals (excluding the shootout tallies) with the Toiletlid winding up with a minus 2 (-2). Sigh. That said. I enjoyed the scoring. Enjoyed the overtime. Enjoyed the shootout. Right team won. Did not enjoy the delay of an hour before the faceoff, introduction of a Canadien player every five damn minutes or the on-ice music. Hockey games and music concerts are two different animals so to speak. Sorry, just too much of a hockey purist. Oh well. Fun time is over. Work is back in session. Talk to everyone again on Tuesday. It is Tuesday, right? Too blasted lazy to leave screen to take a peek on home page. Oh well. Good night (morning) My friend. Will probably be on my soapbox again in a couple of days. Such is life. Bill, let posters know they can slam me all they wish but to lay off my family. Especially my sons. All respect you. Thanks again. Who is in net? Anyone but, shucks, that can wait until Tuesday.

By THRASHYOU

January 26, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

JESUS STENDEC Do you have nothing better to do than rant and rave about everyone and everything???? It was the ALL-STAR game for Gods sake its suppose to be entertaining and loud, that includes music and player intros….. Just take a few minutes and relax!!!! If you despise the players in the ATL uniforms, than SHUT UP and pull for someone else, WE DONT WANT YOU AS A FAN!!!!!!

By Thrashernut

January 26, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

I believe Stendec’s observation about Kovalchuk are spot-on. The relative performance of our “superstar” Kovy in a venue amongst other all-stars was only validation of his performance slide into irrelevancy beginning with the latter half of last season. If there ever was a place and opportunity form him to make a statement about his talent, it would have been at this all-star game.

Finally, why did the NHL allow the performer who sang the National Anthem to wear an Obama-pictured t-shirt, clearly visible under his sport coat? There’s no reason to invoke politics into this anthem. I’m struck that the NHL could be so ignorant of who their fan base is.

By Glovesave29

January 26, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

Aw, C’mon…really? It’s an EXHIBITION game! Do you really want Ilya going all out and getting injured? He was no different than the 90% of the players out there who were goofing off and trying to make impossibly creative plays for the fans. Are we going to cry now because the goaltending gave up 22 goals? Tim Thomas stopped “only” .863 and not his usual .934? Was he tanking it? Was it the “curse of the Bruins”? For anyone who has ever attended an all-star game can attest, the players are having just as much fun as the fans. You see opponents goofing off with each other in the course of play. The players try to set up their temporary teammates who are playing for the host team so the fans can go crazy. The team did it last year for Marian and Ilya, and the favor was returned this year for all the players for the Canadiens.

And we are upset because a person from another country wore a shirt in honor of OUR president? Politics aside…are you really upset by that? Think about it…how many Americans can name the Canadian PM without a quick trip to wikipedia? He obviously put a lot of care and practice into the anthem and he did a good job. He showed pride and respect to the ‘ol USA and I appreciated it.

Now the REAL hockey returns and gets wratcheted up a notch. The playoff drives begins and you get the best from each team every night. Let’s see if the boys can relish the role of spolier and put a good effort out each night.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 26, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

Lecavalier was held pointless, does that mean he’s fading into irrelevancy? I guess Zdeno Chara is on a career decline after that 0 point -2 performance. Are Vanek and Carter’s 0 point -3 performance (both happened to be Kovalchuk’s linemates) just plain embarrassing?

In my opinion it’s silly to be looking at All-Star game stats and basing assumptions based on the quality of the player, or validating any performance indicators one can claim. All-Star games are bound to have players not notch a point. The game is for fun, with no checking, and often times showboating (look at Malkin’s flip pass attempts from behind the net, or between the leg shot) and extra unnecessary passes. Some people enjoy the spotlight and can break loose (Ovechkin), while others seem uncomfortable and out of place (Kovalchuk). Kovalchuk took only 2 shots, and often looked to pass across the ice to the opposite wing rather than rip a shot he’d normally take in a realgame situation.

Honor the guy for how well he’s been playing in the past, and present. Every team is represented in the game, and he’s the best player on the Thrashers.

Kovalchuk is currently on pace for an 83 point season, with 49 assists (would be a career high). That pace is 4 points off of last season and 7 points better than his previous season. At his current pace he’d have taken 14 less shots than the season prior, and 67 shots less than the season prior. He’s shooting less and producing more assists, but his supporting cast has consistently deteriorated since his Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy winning season.

By J(Z)

January 26, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

Why do people pay stendec any attention? He’s obviously Kari’s ex wife or something.

Rawhide, not to be picky, but since he’s a sure fire hall of famer, its Lidstrom, no “n”. :)

By Alan

January 26, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

“The relative performance of our “superstar” Kovy in a venue amongst other all-stars was only validation of his performance slide into irrelevancy beginning with the latter half of last season.”

In case you didn’t notice, there were some other players who were held off the score sheet at the glorified morning skate known as “the all-star game.”

“I’m struck that the NHL could be so ignorant of who their fan base is.”

Yes, the NHL has a fan base that includes people of all walks of life, regardless of who they voted for. Keep your politics out of the blog. I don’t come here to argue (or even talk about) politics. If I want to do that, there’s a myriad of sites I can (and do) go to for that reason alone. I’m certain I’m not the only one here who feels this way.

Moving right along, I posted last night in the old blog a news story from the Michigan vs. Michigan State hockey game that took place on Saturday. Here’s a more official story about the activities that went down at that game. It doesn’t look too good for a couple of Michigan State players. Before anyone asks, Daultan Leveille was not involved in the asinine goonery that took place.

By Rawhide

January 26, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

J(Z) - Thanks…corrected.

stendec* - Yes, I would like to think that we can conduct ourselves in a way that children are left out of the frey.

By Sara

January 26, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Awesome game yesterday - not quite as cool as having seen it in person the year before, but definitely a good time.

And why do you guys pay attention to one word stendec says? You already know he contributes essentially nothing of value, so why waste your time?

J(Z) Rawhide’s typo certainly isn’t worse than when they spelled it that way on the back of a kid’s jersey at the NHL awards ceremony last season. UGH

And just out of curiosity, Thrashernut were you this offended and outspoken when Sarah Palin was dropping pucks around NHL venues in the fall? I mean, since hockey and politics don’t belong together…

By five_hole

January 26, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

I agree with you wholehartedly Alan. IMO, we can discuss economics as it pertains to the business of hockey, but this is a hockey-first blog.

Can we all respect that?

I enjoyed the skills competition, but does anyone else think the youngstars game needs work? I’d rather see them expand to include 3rd & 4th year players so they could field a full team and play a full game, rather than the abbreviated periods.

By Nikita

January 26, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this

I was not terribly impressed with Kovalchuk. In fact, the game mostly spurred el husbando and I to discuss who else should have been in the game, and who might get to go next year. Personally, I’m now holding out for Slava Kozlov or Bryan Little or Toby Enstrom. He did o.k. in the skills comp, though. And really, he was fine — just fairly invisible.

I’m struck that the NHL could be so ignorant of who their fan base is.

I’ll leave that comment alone, but I would suggest you not assume everyone shares any views with you beyond an appreciation of hockey. Particularly since the individual involved, who is no longer campaigning, is our president.

re: Mich/Mich: I’m glad to hear Daultan Leveille is not implicated.

I enjoyed the skills competition, but does anyone else think the youngstars game needs work? I’d rather see them expand to include 3rd & 4th year players so they could field a full team and play a full game, rather than the abbreviated periods.

I thought the talent selection was fine — I think there is enough talent, but it would also make sense to expand eligibility in order to increase representation. I also thought they could tweak the rules a bit, because there are many players who technically may have “played” a few seasons, but in actuality spent those few seasons scratched or bouncing between leagues. Bryan Little, for example, who was a sophomore despite playing hardly at all as a rookie. And next year Bogosian would be a sophomore despite his time injured or conditioning. But I think the promotion really sucks — why was it listed as part of the Skills Competition, rather than as its own standalone event?

By Jim

January 26, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

The game was an exhibition with guys skating about two-thirds speed with no checking. Probably great for the Hab fans to see some of their guys in the game but it was a real yawner. Shot-goal. While there is no blitzing in the NFL All Star game, the guys do hit. In baseball, the pitchers don’t want to be embarrassed so they bear down. The NHL All Star game is a joke.

By Bob

January 26, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

Obviously the vast majority of hockey fans, in the U.S. anyway, are conservative folk, so I agree that wearing the Obama shirt is ridiculous and would only serve to p** off the majority of the audience. I did not see it as I don’t watch the All Star game (huge waste of time, but I do love and watched the Skills Competition—Ilya sucked in the accuracy shooting and Little underwhelmed in his game).

But since we’re bringing politics into hockey, can we ask the Spirit to apply for a bailout? No, really. What if we all write Saxby, Johnny, and our local congresscritter and ask them to get the Spirit boys some bailout money to afford a new GM and go buy some players and spur the economy by getting us back downtown going to games?

By Fan OF Stendec

January 26, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

“And why do you guys pay attention to one word Sara says? You already know she contributes essentially nothing of value, so why waste your time?”

I agree.

By Alan

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

Politics : Hockey :: Oil : Water

Especially when expressing falsehoods.

Having said that, (speaking, of course, of economics) I’d love a bailout. I’m sure the Spirit boys do, too.

By Brendan

January 26, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

Just a couple of thoughts today … I enjoyed the All-Star game. It was a fun “exhibition.” I think the players had fun. The fans had fun. The league had fun. And the NHL Network seemed, to me, to be having the MOST FUN OF ALL. Like many of you, I’m not overly concerned about Kovy’s stats in an “exhibition” game. I’m sure he had fun. And his linemates had fun. That was the point of it all. If Kovy must get slammed for something, his 4 of 8 in the target shooting skills competition is up for grabs. Again, I’m not really worried about it.

I’m glad Thrashers 2008 draft pick Daultan Leveille was not part of the thuggery that recently took place in the CCHA.

And finally, I did hear some “talk” about whether the NHL should do something to make the All-Star game MATTER, like it does in baseball. In MLB playoffs, the league that wins the All-Star game enjoys home field advantage in the playoffs. While some really like that idea, I do not. And I support the NHL’s decision to not change the function of its All-Star game. The 82-game schedule is watered-down enough without further devaluing it by letting the All-Star game determine which team gets home ice. That, to me, seems ridiculous. The 82-games played have to be worth “something” more than just where in the seedings a team falls.

Yeah, yeah. I know. We go ‘round-n-round’ for 82-games, and divisions and playoff berths still come down to the final game and final hours of the season. I guess that same thing does happen in baseball, too, with its 162-game season. But I happen to think that it’s a shame that a team can be a disaster through Thanksgiving in hockey, and still win its division by season’s end. Which means? There are too many games … that don’t seem to matter. But it is what it is. Some Divine Authority arrived at a magical number of 82 games for the length of a season … and there it is. I suppose it has something to do with estimated games lost to injury for significant players, tied to some formula for average stream of revenue. In short, it’s about money. Like, well, most everything is.

By Sara

January 26, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

But since we’re bringing politics into hockey, can we ask the Spirit to apply for a bailout?

Hey, if Larry Flynt can ask for one, why not?

By R. Stroz

January 26, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

I’m all for bailout money going to the Spirit Clowns as long as they hand over ownership of the Hawks and Thrashers to Arthur Blank and FIRE WADDELL.

If Boston can get federal funds for the “big dig”, Atlanta should get money to buy out the “big dummies.”

By Tony C.

January 26, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this

Stendec,

I agree families should be off limits!

By Bob

January 26, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

Hey, if Larry Flynt can ask for one, why not?

Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing ever? Well, in the past month anyway.

By Sara

January 26, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this

Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing ever? Well, in the past month anyway.

I don’t know about most ridiculous - it’s got some pretty stiff competition from the $35,000 toilet and “Blago the Cowboy.”

By Nikita

January 26, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

*But it is what it is. Some Divine Authority arrived at a magical number of 82 games for the length of a season … and there it is. I suppose it has something to do with estimated games lost to injury for significant players, tied to some formula for average stream of revenue. In short, it’s about money. Like, well, most everything is. *

I’ve said this before and I am hereby saying it again: the season should be shorter. I know this league is half canadian, half american. But the league will never be successful in the United States until it either sells itself better or puts itself in position to compete better. And you know how you don’t do that? By scheduling your playoffs at the same time as the playoffs of one of the United States’s three most popular sports, which is scheduled very similarly to your sport. On the opposite end, it’s not easy to pull americans into a hockey rink when it’s beautiful outside and there’s college football.

By reducing the length of the season, we’d make it less expensive to promote the NHL, and we’d also increase the chances of the NHL being able to get back on a major network. Which it absolutely must do if it is to ever succeed in the US.

I know teams which have 95% sold-out seasons won’t like the idea…but how many teams is that, exactly? Especially in the current climate?

By Alan

January 26, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

Basketball is also 82 games. Just sayin’.

Leave the season and its scheduling alone. Promoting the game costs the same in materials and airtime, regardless of season length, because you’re advertising year-round.

The more hockey, the better. Hell, I was one of the MANY fans who supported the idea of a return to the 84 game season, when Detroit floated it last season. And I still support it.

By Sara

January 26, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah I gotta side with Alan here. I mean, seriously, what self-respecting, truly passionate hockey fan actually wants fewer hockey games?!?!?! The summer off-season already lasts too long without adding to it. I mean - are y’all nuts or what? :p

By Nikita

January 26, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

Well, what I want is to be able to see hockey because it’s not duking it out with the Final Four. Seriously, that’s never going to work out in hockey’s favor. Hockey’s doing its damndest to be as marginalized as possible — even NASCAR has a better television deal.

Also, it does not cost the same amount to promote fewer games. It costs the same, roughly, to acquire players and maintain an arena, but fewer games = substantially less cost in terms of personnel and local promotions.

But at minimum, the Final Four problem could be resolved by scooting the hockey schedule a week or two ahead.

By Alan

January 26, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

“Also, it does not cost the same amount to promote fewer games.”

It costs the same. Think about it. For example, on billboards. Whether the season is 84 games or 48 games, the billboards cost the same. Regardless of season length, radio advertisements stating “Come see your Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on (date) against (team)” cost the same, whether the advert airs in December or July. Really, it’s all the same. The only way you’re going to reduce promotional funds is if you reduce promotions. Reducing promotions is stupid (see: Atlanta Spirit Group).

I see what you’re getting at, but hockey is a whole different animal. People are going to watch it, whether hockey is on or not. If people are forced to choose, they’re going to choose their favorite. For some, that’s hockey. For others, that’s basketball.

Some things are worth changing your schedule for. Basketball isn’t one of them.

By Thrashernut

January 26, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

glovesave29 - you can’t tell me that a foreigner, who sang OUR National Anthem (am I the only one that finds THAT goofy) wasn’t trying to make a political statement? Get real - are you that naive - a black man with dreadlocks wasn’t trying to make a political statement? I’m not the one injecting politics - I’m pointing out the fact that someone else did. Thanks for reinforcing my point.

Sarah Palin’s invitation to drop the puck at a Flyers game is a poor correlation. She was well-known to be a “Hockey Mom” - when was the last time a “hockey mom” ran for Vice President? That I would argue was more marketing creativity than political endorsement on the part of the Flyer’s owner.

As for follow-up comments re Kovy’s performance: Sure, there were other All-Stars that didn’t garner goals/points, but if there was anyone that needed to showcase his skills (for future marketability), it was Kovy. I don’t think it’s his nature to let his countryman Ovechkin steal all the attention simply because he was worried about getting injured. I’ll say it again - he’s an over-rated player, though certainly with skills, but opposing teams seem to have no trouble neutralizing him.

By Alan

January 26, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this

“but if there was anyone that needed to showcase his skills (for future marketability), it was Kovy.”

He’s renown around the league and the world for his skills. He doesn’t need to showcase them at a glorified morning skate for “marketability.” That’s silly talk. There’s 29 GMs right now who would sell their firstborn, first rounder, and left testicle for a chance to have Kovalchuk on their team, and you’re talking about Kovalchuk potentially having trouble marketing his skills?

I am truly awestruck. The denial of injecting politics into the blog, despite the blatant injection of politics in the third post of this blog, and now a claim that Kovalchuk isn’t marketable at borefest of an exhibition. I’d rather watch water freeze than the all-star game.

By Glovesave29

January 26, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

Thrashernut - you’re missing my point, and your comment completely suported my view. I never said the singer was not making a political statement. My point was that A person not from the USA showed respect and admiration for us. I don’t care if he is white, black, purple or green…and care even less if he had dreds or not. I just appreciate the fact that the singer took the time to do a great job on our anthem, and is supportive of the USA. I travel the world for business and I see first hand how Americans are viewed, and it’s often not too pretty. We don’t help things with our jingoistic ways. I make sure on my trips that I learn about the nation I am visiting so that I know the history and political landscape of the host, as well as the customs so that I can show them respect. I think the singers “statement” was done with all the right intentions and similar respect.

By Nikita

January 26, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

Alan, I’m sorry, but no. No. No.

Whether the season is 84 games or 48 games, the billboards cost the same.

If the season is a month shorter, then that’s 30 fewer days of running game-related radio, television, internet, and newspaper ads. Especially the more ephemeral media, which have to be contracted on a per-appearance basis. It’s 30 fewer days that you have to use your hourly employees, as well.

radio advertisements stating “Come see your Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on (date) against (team)” cost the same, whether the advert airs in December or July.

Not really. It depends on when the spot airs relative to demand. And if a way more lucrative sport is demanding most of the prime advertising spots, you’re not getting them.

I see what you’re getting at, but hockey is a whole different animal.

I don’t think you do. You and I will watch hockey because we’re hardcore like that. I own regular satellite, XM radio, and Centre Ice in order to catch all the games. But for people in general to get hockey, they have to be able to see it occasionally without giving up their firstborn children. My parents, who live about as far from Atlanta as I do, don’t get it on their satellite package and can’t tune in 680. It’s rarely on network TV or even major cable tv. Because, among other things, it’s not worth it for major network television to carry hockey when they could carry basketball and be guaranteed a much larger share. That is why hockey desperately needs to not compete with the Final Four.

By Nikita

January 26, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this

P.S. I’m sorry about the wierdness of my posts. For some reason, the hypertext instructions are not working consistently — sometimes the posts show up with no italicizing or bold.

By Brendan

January 26, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Sara, I don’t mean to split-hairs here, or to be combative, but I do want to make some commentary. While yes, I certainly enjoy all the hockey I can get, and literally watch YEAR ROUND, thanks to the NHL Network, (who even re-runs every single game from the playoffs, in addition to all the NHL Classic matchups, previous All-Star games, previous Winter Classics, etc.,) I can’t help but wonder … “what if we only played 70-something games?” Laughing, I suppose the answer is: “Well Brendan, then there’d be fewer games.” Bum-dum-pump. Tip your waitress. Try the veal, folks.

Fair enough. But my point is … the games that are ACTUALLY PLAYED would take on higher importance. After all, there are less of them. Is losing a game that represents 1/82nd of a season as costly as one that represents 1/76th? Okayyyyyy. I get it. I do realize what you’ll say next, “Yeah, by a miniscule margin, the effect of the win or loss counts more.” And I hear what some others are now thinking, “Why not make the season 50-games long, and you’ll really make those games take on greater importance.” While I have no doubt that is true, but at that point, we’re talking about a substantial loss of revenue to the arena, the owners, the players, whose salaries depend on 76% of that revenue to pay them, etc., etc., etc.

Like I said before, “It’s about money.” It usually is. I suppose 82 games is, quite possibly, as good as it’s ever going to get. In the past, the Stanley Cup used to be awarded in May. These days, it can stretch into the 3rd week of June, and nearly butt up against the Draft. In 1999, the Dallas Stars are credited with winning the Stanley Cup in the morning hours of June 20th. In a strike year, the 1995 Stanley Cup was awarded to New Jersey on June 24th. In the 1970’s, it would have been nearly a month since the Cup was presented.

I suppose the NHL could start its season in September, with training camp starting the day after Labor Day. That would wrap up the season in May, like it used to be, without changing the number of games played.

By Alan

January 26, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

“If the season is a month shorter, then that’s 30 fewer days of running game-related radio, television, internet, and newspaper ads.”

The Gwinnett Gladiators pay Kroger stores to advertise their team and their games, summer or winter. I would know, since I’m inside a Kroger almost every day (I work near one, and go there frequently for deli sandwiches). They don’t stop advertising when the season is over. The Thrashers should be the same way. I know for a fact that the Tampa Bay Lightning does a great deal of off-season advertising. It’s stupid not to, especially if you’re trying to increase the presence of the sport in a non-market area.

The point is, you simply do not stop promoting once the puck stops being dropped. Promotional dollars spent should not decrease when the season ends. The only thing that might decrease with a shorter season is what you pay the TV and radio announcers, since you’re not paying them for games not being played..

“My parents, who live about as far from Atlanta as I do, don’t get it on their satellite package and can’t tune in 680. It’s rarely on network TV or even major cable tv.”

Clicky linky. Free? Oh yeah. You get what you pay for, but you get to see the games. No one I know has complained yet. There are other options, which are a little more technical. Instructions for that can be provided via email.

As a note, the italics still don’t work. I’ve been using quotes, because it’s the only thing I can do to set the quoted text apart from my own. Heh.

By Nikita

January 26, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

I think we’re still talking past each other. Not only does hockey have to be cheap to watch to introduce it to people who may not have seen it before, or may not be committed to our team, but it must be easy to watch. It is not easy for a person who is a casual sports fan to accidentally get sucked into Thrashers hockey, or hockey at all, but it is very easy for the same people to be sucked into the major professional sports played in this country. And that is partially because it can’t compete against those sports.

As to advertising, each individual game requires its own custom advertising. Less games = less advertising. Less labor.

By Alan

January 26, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this

“It is not easy for a person who is a casual sports fan to accidentally get sucked into Thrashers hockey, or hockey at all, but it is very easy for the same people to be sucked into the major professional sports played in this country.”

We both seem to have out opinions on the matter, so I’m just going to say we agree to disagree here. Our mileage has varied in that department, it seems.

“As to advertising, each individual game requires its own custom advertising. Less games = less advertising. Less labor.”

Yes, but no games = general advertising. Still less labor, but still an advertisement. Like I said, you don’t quit once the season is over. Just because no games are being played doesn’t mean you can stop. It just means instead of saying “Come see Atlanta play St. Louis on the 28th,” you’ll say “Come see Atlanta play hockey at Philips Arena, see http://thrashers.nhl.com for details and scheduling.”

It’s a general advert, and it costs just as much as a regular advert. 680 isn’t going to give the Thrashers a special off-season discount on airtime, after all. Nor is Viacom or whomever going to give a special off-season discount on billboards.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 26, 2009 6:44 PM | Link to this

“Less games = less advertising. Less labor.”

Higher costs.

The marketing costs will increase with less exposure. Why would Gatorade pay millions to sponsor the NHL when they’re missing out on 41 advertising opportunities per game lopped off the season schedule?

Gatorade (and other advertisers) will charge more, costs will remain the same. Hourly employees is a good argument though, I’ll give you that one.

By Tony C.

January 26, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

Ya wanna see #17’s “big play” from the All-Star weekend?

Watch this.

That is what the new captain did. He mended fences, “he poured the water” to quote A-O. He went out and made sure his boys were going to be on the same page when they ride into Vancouver next year.

HUGE. It also makes me muuuuuccch much more positive in my view of his effectiveness as Thrasher’s captain (heck, they say it was even Ilya’s idea for the hat-gag…just to let it be known the hatchet had been buried).

So what if he mailed in the accuracy comp>? if the game is on the line, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have taking the shot…that includes A-O.

By Tony C.

January 27, 2009 12:28 AM | Link to this

Sorry wrong blog.

By Sara

January 27, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Brendan I absolutely get the point you are coming from. This is, essentially, a quality vs. quantity argument. I’m personally not concerned with the quality of what I’m seeing (as we are taking the macro look at the NHL). I think the competition is good all season, and particularly on the back-end of it as teams really kick it up a notch. If the schedule were too long, long enough to negatively impact quality, I think we would see the results of that as players ran out of gas toward the end of a season or in the play-offs. Sometimes we do see that, but more times than not we’re getting our best hockey later. And we can’t change that - players are going to pace themselves out for a long season, and 70+ games would still be a long season. In the meantime, I already hate the long off-seasons and am not particularly amenable to giving up more hockey.

Plus I don’t see the cost benefits either, and you are right that money matters (and frankly why shouldn’t it - it’s a business). The salaries are the same and aren’t going to decrease just because the guys have 10 fewer games they have to play. The overhead of an arena loan or lease isn’t going to change either. The biggest costs to an organization by and large are still there, except with fewer games you have less time to make up the money necessary to cover those costs. Sure you’d save some on travel, which is a substantial cost - but by what - 5 games worth of travel if you assume a 10 game-per-year reduction and half are away games. Marketing is mostly year-round and relative to other expenses, it isn’t the biggest whopper - at least not what you would save on marketing 10 games. Support staff is going to be retained year-round so the argument about hourly employees isn’t - besides most are going to be salaried employees - coaches, trainers, accountants, marketing department, etc etc. So those are essentially fixed costs as well.

Hey Thrashernut - when’s the last time you saw a Canadian singing “O Canada” at Philips before a game? And thanks for being predictable - I knew you’d try to find some way to “justify” Sarah Palin’s appearances.

Let me put this another way. Sarah Palin, as an active candidate, was allowed two appearances to drop pucks at NHL games. Obama, like it or not, is our current President. There is a distinction there in and of itself. However, if the NHL forbids this independent Canadian who is not even an NHL employee from wearing an Obama t-shirt after giving Palin high-profile publicity, that would be a MAJOR political statement. Now, in the world of hypocrisy you might be OK with that since it would support your candidate, your party, and your ideals. However, since you have made the point that the NHL should not be making political statements at all, then if they are going to “give time” as it were to a candidate from one political party, they can darn well give equal time to the actual President from the other party. Otherwise they can expect a phone call from the ACLU and some very nasty publicity to follow - something I’m pretty sure the NHL wants no part of.

By Bob

January 27, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin certainly was not out of place dropping the puck at a couple games. Shoot, we need all the exposure hockey can get, and it was smart to use her as a hockey Mom to help get some press for the sport.

Some Black Canadian sportin dreads and an Obama shirt while singing our anthem? Uh, yeah, that is out of place.

By the way. Sarah Palin. Hockey Mom. Smart. Hot. Has a very successful career and runs a household at the same time. Has a (I guess) stud for a husband. Gives birth at an advanced age to what she knew would be a Downs baby. It’s very “predictable” that liberal women are scared to death of her and hate her with a passion. The more that this society fears and scoffs at a wonderful successful woman like Mrs. Palin, the more I fear for our future as a nation (and the more I understand why we’re a nation in decline).

By Alan

January 27, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

All I see is one big whine about politics in a hockey blog. Rawhide, would you please issue a moratorium on politics in this place?!

By Bob

January 27, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

All I see is one big whine about politics in a hockey blog

I only see one person whining, you will too if you have a mirror handy.

Now, who we playin tonight? Dallas? Rawhide should have a new blog up for that fairly soon, and then everything will be just fine, Alan.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 27, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

“Some Black Canadian sportin dreads and an Obama shirt while singing our anthem? Uh, yeah, that is out of place.”

Why does it matter that he was black, or ‘sportin dreads’? I assume you would still have cared had the guy been white, simply because he was wearing an Obama shirt.

Perhaps you should leave ethnicity out of your complaint, as it has no bearing on the “politics” you and others are commenting on.

By Bob

January 27, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

Perhaps you should leave ethnicity out of your complaint, as it has no bearing on the “politics” you and others are commenting on

Read the blog, Festus. Some guys above brought up the black and dreads thing, I was just riffin with da motion of the blog, brother man. I be down with my brothers (that school my old white butt in hoops every Sunday night, but I’m old and white, so that’s my excuse and I’m stickin to it)

By Alan

January 27, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

“I only see one person whining”

As do I. Re-read your screed and tell me you’re not whining about some politician.

This is hockey, not politics. There is a boundary. You continuously cross that boundary, despite myself and others in this and prior blogs asking for that sort of crap to not get posted here. How disrespectful of you.

By Bob

January 27, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Alan, Sarah Palin. Hockey mom. Hockey, Alan. Hockey.

Dude man singing the national anthem with the Obama shirt as at the NHL All Star game. NHL, Alan. NHL.

Quit running around with your skirt pulled over your head screaming at imaginary ghosts, the boogeyman isn’t gonna getcha.

By stendec's little winkie

January 27, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

if Prez Obama can turn this Country around, i could care less that he is Hawaiin!!! God Bless Obama!!! now enough of the politics. Kovy cruised around the rink at the all-star game becuase he is saving his energy for the rest of the year. He is OUR Captain and we shall follow him onto the battlefields!!!

By Alan

January 27, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

Bob, Sarah Palin. Former VP candidate. Politics, Bob. Politics.

By Bob

January 27, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

when Joe Biden straps it up and takes the ice, will you be happy? Hey, John Kerry plays hockey. Obama is a Blackhawks’ fan (ok, I made that up).

By Rawhide

January 27, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

“Rawhide, would you please issue a moratorium on politics in this place”?!

Alan - I’ve given considerable thought and deliberation to your request. However, seeing that the conversation(s) began with an observation and comment regarding the individual that sang the National Anthem at Sunday’s All Star Game…and that Gov. Sarah Palin was/is a “hockey mom” as well as a Governor and former U.S. Vice Presidential nominee…I’m going to allow a certain amount of latitude in this regard, citing “free speech” as the side I would rather error on.

As long as it’s kept relatively close to the subject of “hockey” and remains somewhat “civil”.

Besides, we all still have the ability to determine who we wish to respond to and who we wish not to respond to.

By Jethro

January 27, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

FREEBIRD

FIRE WADDELL

By Alan

January 27, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

No, Bob, it wouldn’t. It’s still political in nature. The entire senate majority can take a week off and play a pond hockey tournament, and it would still be political, due to the people involved. Sure, it’s hockey. It’s still politics.

It is my hope that this crap doesn’t carry to the next blog. I’ve had my fill of anything related to the scourge known as politics.

By Nikita

January 27, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

I prefer not to get into politics on this blog for two reasons. First, it’s not what the blog is about and second, some people can’t discuss politics without insulting people they don’t agree with. Or apparently rehashing ancient business. There are about 6 examples above.

IMO, the two incidents aren’t comparable. Allowing a campaigning candidate to use a hockey game as a promotional platform, without having equal representation, is tantamount to only allowing one political candidate to purchase air time. It’s ill-advised. A private party expressing his support of our president at an NHL event is a completely different thing.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 27, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

RH — Civility is moot when a person bases complaints under the guise of “hockey related discussions” and cites both racist and politically inflexible view points (both opposite to the nature of the Constitution that supports their free speech). True, it’s “freedom of speech”, but it’s also disrespectful to many people of different political opinions and, more importantly, ethnicity. It’s generally unneeded in today’s blog, or future Thrashers blogs.

Really, I can deal with stendec smack talking a player — side note: I find it funny that he has no limits for the object of his ire (or that player’s mother, “son of a betch”), but pleads for boundaries when people react to his posts by being negative towards his family members. — However, it’s unfair for me to sit here and see people continually (this isn’t the first time) post racial statements towards an individual simply because they don’t like or agree with the current president’s politics. It has nothing to do with political affiliation at that point, it’s borderline racism and is not needed on this blog.

If the person were wearing a “Free Tibet” shirt, would you (that’s the plural “you” for the multiple people out there) be upset about it? If the person were white, would it bother you? If it were Carl Lewis (i.e., a clean cut black man who butchers the Anthem, though he’s American), would you complain?

The singer was just another male, wearing a shirt that clearly some didn’t agree with, yet some of the above posters drag race and politics into the discussion because it simply doesn’t agree with their own beliefs.

There are black people in hockey, there are black fans in hockey, and some like to wear their hair in dreadlocks (Anson Carter), cornrows (Georges Laraque), etc. The color of their skin doesn’t matter, nor does their style of hair…they still are hockey fans or players, just like you or me. If a Canadian wants to support the US President, why do you complain about it? Is it because he’s black, Canadian, or is it merely because he sides with your political opposition?

“Some guys above brought up the black and dreads thing, I was just riffin with da motion of the blog, brother man.”

You’re right, one other person complained about the color of his skin. My comment regarding skin color can be directed to BOTH of you (you plural, it’s a hard thing to identify on a blog, my apologies).

“I be down with my brothers (that school my old white butt in hoops every Sunday night, but I’m old and white, so that’s my excuse and I’m stickin to it)”

I understand how you think that one line validates your previous statement. But since you’re ‘down’ with them, go ahead and ask your ‘brothers’ how fine they would be with you generalizing them into dreadlock-wearing and Rastafarian-talking people who cannot freely voice their political belief. I’m guessing if they were being honest with you, they’d tell you it wasn’t cool and is completely disrespectful to them.

By Hockey Mamma for Obama

January 27, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this

Drop the puck . Rock the vote. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.Natty Dread sez play the game mon…

By Glovesave29

January 27, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this

I hear ya Ranallo. I don’t mind a little political discourse here, but to me it did began to smack of racism. I don’t care if a Republican, Democrat, Green or Libertarian candidate drops the puck. I don’t care if the singer is any one of a million colors or has whatever kind of hair he/she chooses to wear. I could care less where they were born…the simple fact of the matter was we got a very nice rendition of our anthem. Sure beats the heck out of what AMERICAN Roseanne Barr did at a Padres game a few years back. I find the screaming of “Knights” during the anthem to be much more distasteful than what heppened in Montreal, but that’s my opinion…Freedom is a great thing, sometimes you have to accept that other people’s versions of it may differ from yours. I think anything can be debated without resorting to name calling and other general ugliness - just be adult about it.

By Glovesave29

January 27, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Well, that’s it…the apocalypse has happened and it’s not ever Dec 12, 2012 yet. Allan Muir was not negative about the Thrashers…

“Don’t let that 5-5 record in January fool you. They’ll have plenty of balls in the lottery hopper. Still, there’s reason for hope. Bryan Little’s a legit top-six forward. Zach Bogosian has impressed since returning from a long stint on the IR, and waiver wire steal Rich Peverley seems to have rekindled the passion in captain Ilya Kovalchuk’s game. Last week: 1-1”

By Bob

January 27, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

go ahead and ask your ‘brothers’ how fine they would be with you generalizing them into dreadlock-wearing and Rastafarian-talking people who cannot freely voice their political belief. I’m guessing if they were being honest with you, they’d tell you it wasn’t cool and is completely disrespectful to them

Dude, what the heck are you dreaming up now? First I never generalized anyone into anything and second, no they wouldn’t, cause those guys know me. The only thing I took away from hearing that he wore dreadlocks, is that the guy is probably a stoner. The only thing I took away from hearing that he wore a Obama t-shirt, is that’s he’s probably a liberal. Those two things are out of place in Montreal at the All Star game. This singer injected politics into something that should be about the song, not about him. But we’re not talking about the song, although Glovesave says he did a great job singing it, which is nice.

But with the getup he had on, it sounds like he was just as out of place as that awful band they had play in Philips last year before the All Star Game. Remember, during the warmups there was some teeny bop band no one had ever heard of blasting crappy music as they introduced each player? Completely out of place, someone needs to clue the NHL in about who their market is, cause they ain’t hitting it with teeny bop pop bands and Rastamon.

So next year for the All Star Game, I hope the NHL gets some band, or singer, that fits their audience. Or mabye that’s what their goal is, to try to reach out to non-traditional fans?

Either way, if you read racism into that, that’s your issue, mon.

By Bob

January 27, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

the apocalypse has happened and it’s not ever Dec 12, 2012 yet. Allan Muir was not negative about the Thrashers…

I always thought Muir was pretty accurate and fair with us, but I haven’t read him lately. I think he’s right with his comments you just posted also.

But what’s the deal with 12-12-12? I never heard that (I mean, there will be an 09-09-09 this year, right?).

By Alan

January 27, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

It’s supposed to correspond with the end of the Mayan calendar, Bob. Some folks believe that date will be the date the world will end. That date, of course, is 21 December 2012. Some circles believe the date to be 23 Dec ‘12, though.

By Sara

January 27, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

Bob since you apparently didn’t see it, let me fill out a few details for you. The guy wore a shirt that displayed the entire Obama family on it OVER WHICH was a sport coat. It wasn’t even until he was nearly done with the song that I even realized what he was wearing. This was not some in-your-face display.

The essential point is still the same - it is 100% hypocrisy to think it’s ok for a Republican candidate to get free publicity during an NHL game in a manner arranged by an actual representative of the NHL and then get all ticked off because an individual performing an anthem at a sporting event opts to include a t-shirt of a current sitting Democratic President and his family in his wardrobe. The singer does not in any way represent the NHL or their views and no sane rational person would assume such. So…if it’s OK for Sarah Palin to drop a puck at an NHL game, then it’s ok for some dude singing the anthem to wear an Obama t-shirt. Because if it ISN’T OK it’s either because someone is playing politics (which the original starter of this mess said wasn’t supposed to be ok to do in hockey) or perhaps they are just being a racist. Either way, I don’t think that’s a public discussion the NHL wants to have.

Either the NHL BANS all political appearances/affiliations at sanctioned events (outside of what a fan wears to a game obviously), or they allow ALL political appearances/affiliations at sanctioned events.

By Alan

January 27, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

Best. Picture. Ever.

By five_hole

January 27, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

Sara I saw the shirt under his coat and it wasn’t hard to see Obama’s face there.

I would like to point out that in Bill’s previous blog, he said that …’I will join in celebration of the pageantry and dignity that is the peaceful passing of the Presidential baton from one U.S. citizen to another. And I will stand with him and offer up my prayers for him while he assumes the office ’ … In other words, the singer was wearing the shirt with the face of our President on it. Not my President or his President or your President; OUR President. If you have issues, you should get over them.

Personally, I’m happy that other countries are excited about us again. I wore a sweatshirt with the Presidential seal in London 2 years ago (as an experiment) and you should have seen all the dirty looks I got. And England was an ally.

I doubt seriously if Thrashernut would have had made an issue of it, if the t-shirt had the face of George Bush, or McCain. Alas, we live in the south, where the weather is warm and some people think the Civil War is being fought. If you like one, you gotta be able to live with the other.

By Bob

January 27, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

Sara, no I didn’t see it, so all I got was from this blog. And I didn’t read anything racist into what the guys above talked about (black, Obama tshirt), I just figured he was a dope smoking hippie! lol.

I guess my take at Sarah Palin at the hockey game is slanted to “oh look, they got the NHL some good pub, good job!” and didn’t think about her/McCain getting a benefit from it and you’re thinking “get that skank off the ice!” as you liberals don’t like her too much and didn’t want hockey fans to like her, so I guess I can see the difference there.

I really think it was a good job by the league or Flyers or whomever to use her (and they should use her in the future), to promote the NHL as she is a real life hockey mom. I think the NHL is trying to promote to families and she is a pretty darn good role model for families, in my opinion (working Mom with good values, gave birth to the kid even though she knew it was a Downs baby, etc.). Wholesome good values from people attached to the league and promoting the league help the NHL, which needs good pub when we keep getting this McSorely, Michigan State, etc. bad press. That’s why I thought the dread dude and the teeny bop faux punksters at least year’s All Star game were sending the wrong message about the target audience (which is the topic I think started the hoopla today).

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 27, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

The fact that he was wearing dreads and is black is completely irrelevant to the argument you are making. Bringing it up and continually mentioning it shows that while it shouldn’t matter to you (because you disagree with his political “statement” of showing support for the leader of the country whose song he was singing the National Anthem), it truly does. To you he’s “[s]ome Black Canadian sportin dreads and an Obama shirt while singing our anthem”. If you were focusing beyond his skin color you would’ve said “an Obama shirt wearing Canadian singing our anthem”. But you keep mentioning his dreaded dreadlocks (which you didn’t see) and his t-shirt (which you also didn’t see) and assume he’s some liberal stoner who is “out of place.”

And really, you’ve yet to explain why that’s a BAD thing, beyond the fact that he had dreads, is black, and is not American. Why is it WRONG for him to be supporting your president, while singing your anthem?

And in case you have forgotten already, Palin was booed by the majority of the crowd when she dropped the puck. I guess those random 10000+ fans aren’t in the NHL fanbase, eh? They must be “out of place” for not supporting a “hockey (cough cough Republican VP candidate) mom”.

“That’s why I thought the dread dude and the teeny bop faux punksters at least year’s All Star game were sending the wrong message about the target audience (which is the topic I think started the hoopla today)”

Well, that can be summed up rather easily. The demographic they’re targeting isn’t you, an old dude already interested in hockey and already spending money on the NHL. They’re looking to get more money, by generating interest from the younger generation in hopes of getting recurring revenue. They also try to get the families to go to games by interesting the kids.

Old guys who like hockey ALREADY are not in their target demographic. The people with expendable income AND time (college students, post graduates) listen to the “teeny bopper” music (could you show your age any more?) and are becoming more and more interested in politics, especially due to Obama.

By five_hole

January 27, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

I guess my take at Sarah Palin at the hockey game is slanted to “oh look, they got the NHL some good pub, good job!” and didn’t think about her/McCain getting a benefit from it and you’re thinking “get that skank off the ice!” - Bob

I don’t know of a single person that thought she was a “skank”. My problem with her is I don’t think she could name 4 U.S. coins.

I just figured he was a dope smoking hippie! - Bob

Obviously you’ve never tried it. Don’t knock it. I smoked pot daily for a dozen years (until Nancy Reagan had to stick her nose into my personal business). I’d say that I’m a very successful person, on multiple levels. And frankly I have several fraternity brothers (who turned into Republicans, in spite of my best efforts) that smoked pot regularly, who also have become successful professionals. The bottom line is, the government lies to you, about many things.

By Glovesave29

January 27, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this

Whoa, Bob…you are arguing this vociferously and you claim to have NOT EVEN SEEN IT? I mean c’mon, I am not buying this. No one voices an opinion this strongly when they have no basis for their argument other than what they claim to have read on the blog. Just be honest, you have an agenda and you wanted to make a point in support of it. Fine. There’s nothing wrong with being a conservative (I consider myself one)…but it is certainly wrong to be a bigot or a racist or to further a stereotype. Just look at a person as he/she is - a person…see past the skin color, hair or political affiliation and join the 21st century.

This “dope smoking hippie” was the leader of his chuch choir in Montreal. Liberal or Conservative….who freakin’ cares already. We got a good rendition of the ol Star Spangled Banner.

NOW, GO THRASH…bring on the Stars.

Oh, yeah…and FIRE WADDELL!

By Brendan

January 27, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

I think we ‘may’ have drifted off topic. Unless “22 is not enough” makes reference to politics in hockey blog posts. Yeah, I’m usually the cause of “off topic meanderings.” I admit it. Guilty as charged. But I’d like to change the topic. (Boy, who saw that coming?)

Are you watching this Stars game? The place is more than half empty. There are rows and rows and rows of empty seats. Pretty much anywhere and everywhere you look. Do you think the lack of fan attendance in Dallas tonight is due to:

(A) it’s a Tuesday night, right after the All-Star break or (B) it’s a Tuesday night game, in a season chock full of disappointments and unmet expectations, on the heels of a Conference Finals appearance from the previous season?

I’ll go with “B.” And Marty Turco is not having a “banner” year. I’m not exactly sure why Dallas isn’t in a better situation than they are. This team isn’t that substantively changed from the previous season. And the Stars did manage to push the Red Wings into six games in that CF series. If you’ll recall, the Stars knocked off defending Cup Champion Anaheim, then disposed of San Jose. It’s not a stretch to say that the Dallas Stars may not make the playoffs this year. Peek at the standings. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Back yet?

By stendec

January 27, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

Two more marshmallow goals by that son of a betch Finn Kari Letemin! How many more will surely follow? LaLa Land bestard could not stop a mother (X) watermelon! I joked that John Petrino should play a game without anyone in net (has that now). At least the uncaring untalented ball-less quitters would have to damn concentrate every second or get massacred 100-0! Nice sentiment. Ilya “I’m No Captain” Kovalchuk continues his uninspired playing out the string in finest of Maryann Hossa fashion. **For someone so highly regarded this Russiian cannot shoot the puck on net worth a damn! Misses more open shots than anyone I have ever seen! Terribly overrated. Anyone that denies that is a damn liar! Still a big fat zero on scoreboard for Toiletlids. Unlikely to change! Team has given up. Tanked. Gone into the crapper not to return! Oh, sorry, they did that a damn long time ago. Bring up the Wolves. PLEASE! Fire Don Waddell. Exile Kari Letemin. Deep fry the Toiletlids. How long will this losing streak last?

By HookyBob

January 27, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

Brendan: I would think any team south of the mason-dixon line will have attendance issues if they aren’t doing well.

Betwixt the Mason-Dixon and the 48th paralell the team gets 2 or more bad seasons before attendance really drops off. North of 48 generally supported regardless.

Of course the economy has not helped. Politically you might say it is the “morning after,”…right?

By stendec

January 27, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this

Turn out the lights Rawhide. This one was over before the opening faceoff. Knew that when I saw who was between the pipes! After this complete debacle of absurdity I will pop in my tape of the Flames clinching the Stanley Cup. Now that was a team! That was what professional hockey is all about. I do not exactly know what is being palmed off in Atlanta presently but it is damn sure not hockey! Enjoy another losing streak start apologists. Should be a lengthy one with wonder puke between the pipes. Thanks John Petrino, you clueless imbecile! Glad your blue-haired monkey puck looking goaltender with issues did not let you down. Apologists will salivate over save percentage. Too bad it does not mean a thing! Still another in the L column. Cheerio. Oh yeah, it is still 2-0 with nary a heartbeat in any body wearing a bird emblem. Should be a damn chicken!

By Alan

January 27, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers just didn’t show up tonight. Sadly.

Turnover, turnover, giveaway, turnover, giveaway. The Dallas announcers remarked how Atlanta is just letting Dallas enter the zone without any sort of physicality to block ‘em.

The offense isn’t producing, and the defense isn’t doing a whole lot of defending. Lehtonen has been pretty good, but not great. That first goal was a simply awful fluke.

By Brendan

January 27, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

I support fans who vote with their wallets. I believe in accountability. If fans in Dallas want change, their absence will lead to it. Or, it should. Anywho, I tend to not judge fans. People experience their “fandom” in various ways. I preach tolerance. I don’t chastise those who attend. I don’t chastise those who abstain.

I think it’s important to be true to your motives. If you attend games, in fear the team will relocate if you don’t, then at least you have a reason. I don’t believe in relocation theories regarding this team. If you purposefully abstain from paid attendance, in hopes of effecting change, at least you have a reason for it. And it doesn’t mean you don’t like the Thrashers, or are a ‘bad’ Thrashers fan. Both sets of fans probably do think they are effecting a POSITIVE CHANGE. The “paid in full” crowd believes they are empowering the organization to go find Tier I free agents with their STH money. Hmmn. Interesting theory, given this ownership and its decision-making mindset. The “purposefully absent” crowd believes it can force Waddell out and, in theory, bring in a better GM to effect better results. In short, they think what they’re doing will ultimately HELP the team. Well, I definitely think assistant GM’s could have, and wound have, come up with Bogosian on Draft Day, at #3 overall. Maybe even Daultan Leveille at #29. And I’m pretty sure any team’s Assistant GM will come up with either Tavares or Hedman, if that opportunity presents itself. But that Assistant GM will still be hampered by the lack of financing and general wherewithall of this ownership group. Still, a fresh, new vision is welcomed vision, in my view.

I think Dallas has a plan. I’m not sure Atlanta has a plan. Err, I think they have a plan, but they’re “not comfortable” going public with it. In the end, Dallas will make moves to try to salvage their season, if they cannot right the ship themselves. I wish them luck in their playoff quest. There’s about 5:00 left in the 3rd period, now. Marty Turco has the shutout going. Atlanta’s best chance may have been in the 1st period, when Bogosian passed the puck, in the slot, to Kovalchuk, who was robbed by Turco.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 27, 2009 10:48 PM | Link to this

Holy balls, nice save.

By stendec

January 27, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this

Thank you Mr Marty Turco. Congratulations on recording a shutout. You are truly a National Hockey League goaltender! Wish there was one in Atlanta. Thanks again.

By The Joker

January 27, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

What does stendec have in common with a faucet?

They both have the drips or is that Chinese water torture.

By Pugs Jamerston

January 27, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

Bob, Dude. Give it up. The guy won the election and has been sworn in as President. Twice, actually. So someone singing the National Anthem while wearing a shirt with The President on it should be exactly the type of message the NHL should be sending. Face it, bub, that’s patriotism.

Now, some of us think Sarah Palin’s about as bright as a box of hammers. Maybe a bag of pucks. Possibly a stick or two. And her family values, what with the teenage daughter and the out-of-wedlock kid, shotgun wedding, and all the rest, don’t necessarily reflect my particular values.

Anyhoo, go back to your Limbaugh and Hannity isolationism, wish for the failure of the current elected president, and just try to ignore that the majority of the country didn’t agree with you this time ‘round.

Ah. The marketplace of ideas in action.

By stendec

January 27, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this

True superstars convert gimmees 90 percent of the time. Stars convert 70 percent. Even average blue collar grinder players convert 30 percent. Captain Ilya “Bags Are Packed” Kovalchuk never damn converts! What does that say about him? Set him up. Set him up! Hey, he will just shoot the puck wide or straight into the goaltender! Anyone else as tired of that crap as I am? Just wondering.

By Jethro

January 27, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this

Deep fry the Toiletlids

stendec - Due them thar deep fried tioletlids taste like chichun?

By stendec's stinky dinky winky

January 27, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this

Watching the Thrashers gives me a warm feeling.