Ice Man

By R. Stroz

January 27, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL

By stendec

January 28, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

Hi Rawhide. One goalie still gave up two while the other gave up zero. Oh well. I have some friendly advice for John Petrino. The following is directed to him personally: It is obvious these guys will not play for you. None of them are willing to pay the price. Shutouts at this level are completely unacceptable. A disgrace! Demand that the Wolves be shipped into Atlanta on the next available jet. These professionals will try like Hell every game. They may not win them all but they will be fun to watch. The fire and intensity level will return. A few more butts may even be in the seats. This team has quit on you. Anything will be an improvement! Don Waddell? If he objects tell him to kiss your posterior then go to Hell! They will not release you. Too many coaches not coaching would be on payroll. His mismanagement of this team is infamous. Even his generals knew when Adolph Hitler went too far! Anyone know the number of Cliff Fletcher? Pay his price! If you sit on your thumbs you are not much of a coach. If you allow these v…… to fail to compete then you are not much of a man. Hard decisions have to be made. Please make them!

By Brendan

January 28, 2009 12:15 AM | Link to this

Here’s a quick “focus group” study: Announce that fighting will leave the game of hockey, then watch how fast the ‘backlash’ shatters the windows of the league offices. They’d put fighting back on the books faster than you can say ‘Rumpelstiltskin.’

Rawhide, unrelated to your blog topic, I have a question for you. Ready? With Keith Tkachuk having an All-Star season, (he even tallied in the All-Star game,) do you think that Larry Pleau and John Davidson can once again parlay a Tkachuk “rental” for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick, plus a forward, like they did to Atlanta in 2007? Bear in mind, Tkachuk is two years older now. That should, in theory, curtail some of the “return” of a Tkachuk rental.

In 2007, the Atlanta Thrashers traded Center Glen Metropolitan and Atlanta’s 2007 1st and 3rd round picks to St. Louis, along with Atlanta’s 2008 2nd round pick (#33 overall, they took Center Philip McRae,) and a “conditional” 2008 1st round pick, conditioned upon Atlanta’s re-signing Tkachuk. That pick would have been #3 overall, that Atlanta used to select D-man Zach Bogosian. Luckily, Atlanta did not re-sign Tkachuk and Bogosian is here now.

Follow up question for Rawhide, which team(s) do you think is/are in the most desperate need for Tkachuk’s services? (FYI, the Boston Bruins still have $2.2 million in cap room, which is about what a pro-rated Tkachuk cap hit might be, at the trade deadline.)

Third question, (who knew there’d be so many?,) “If Tkachuk has an ‘NTC,’ will he once again waive it? Or, will he say, “Sorry guys, but I’m retiring at the end of the season and I don’t want to live in temporary quarters until April/May.” Or, (4th question,) “Do you think Tkachuk really wants to be traded to a contender?, to bring home that Cup for his memoirs?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

By stendec

January 28, 2009 12:29 AM | Link to this

Hi Rawhide. Since it appears that I am not credible about anything in regard to my knowledge of hockey I will offer three projections. The first is that Kari Letemin will have a high save percentage but will continue to give up just enough goals to lose and will remain with team. The second is that Ilya Kovalchuk will set a record for hitting iron and misfiring on open nets then bolt elsewhere at his first opportunity. The third is that the team will be booted out of Atlanta within three years. But since I am totally ignorant in regard to this great sport all projections should be laughed off or taken with a grain of salt. I have probably been a tremendous fan of this wonderful sport longer than another certain AJC jerk has been alive. Maybe Letemin can talk the guy into writing his National Hockey League Hall Of Fame acceptance speech! Oh well. Best. Sleep well.

By Rawhide

January 28, 2009 12:41 AM | Link to this

Brendan - Question #1: Yes, or at least St. Louis will try to do that…Question #2:hmmmmm, most “in need” of his services or most able to “pay for it”? …Question #3:Yes, given the right circumstance and team, however…Question #4: As stated in Q3, if given the right situation, say in Boston or San Jose or Montreal or Washington…I think he would entertain such a notion. However, do those teams “need” him to put them over the top? I would think that the teams that would be most “in need” of him are teams that are trying to drag themselves into the playoffs and, thus, not really teams that are given much of a chance to win it.

But we’ll see.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 28, 2009 5:10 AM | Link to this

“Luckily, Atlanta did not re-sign Tkachuk and Bogosian is here now.”

Actually, Waddell made a move prior to the the UFA period which allowed for the option of Atlanta re-signing Tkachuk and only losing a fourth round pick.

If you recall, Waddell traded Tkachuk and a conditional 4th rounder to St. Louis in exchange for the return of Atlanta’s conditional pick (eventually Bogosian). That 4th rounder remained Atlanta’s, so I assume the condition was tied to Tkachuk signing in St. Louis or Atlanta.

It was a trade that many analysts considered a formality so that Tkachuk could re-sign in St. Louis before hitting UFA status…but it also served as a “just in case” trade if Tkachuk decided to stay in Atlanta. Clearly he didn’t decide to do that, and opted for a bad team in St. Louis over a bad team in Atlanta.

By LAC

January 28, 2009 7:05 AM | Link to this

Terrible way to start the second half.NO offenseive flow what so ever, totally out of sinc.

Defense not bad,but this was another game where we just floated…

Let’s just hope a NEW GM can come in and correct this mess before it’s the Winnipeg Thrashers or something… These owners had better wake up for once in their worthless lives !

By Jim

January 28, 2009 7:08 AM | Link to this

I watched the game on Center Ice. Dallas announcers were unbelievably critical of the the Thrash. Lines like “All-Stars played with more intensity. They’re simply going through the motions. No intensity/no hustle. Crabb stands out because he is one of the few hustling. D-Men and goalie should sue the forwards for non-support.” Kovalchuk was pathetic. Turned the puck over and over. I’m going to write Donnie Boy and ask for a refund of part of my ticket money. They’re fraudulently trying to pass off Thrasher hockey as an NHL product. They’ve got a bunch of gutless wonders who don’t deserve an NHL paycheck.

By five_hole

January 28, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this

My guess is that during the all-star break, Dallas practiced and Atlanta rested. The boys in blue seemed sluggish and out of sync, while Dallas hustled to loose pucks and passed well to each other.

Three players that stood out to me were Bogosian, Lehtonen and Crabb. I liked the hit Bogosian made on that Dallas player in our end, as well as his offensive play. This from the 18 year old kid that’s supposed to be the offensive whiz. I like Crabb’s hustle. And I don’t fault Lehtonen for either goal. It looked like “good” Kari showed up to play. Wish the rest of the team did.

By Glovesave29

January 28, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Brendan - I have a relative who is a Stars STH and he tells me they fill the place on a regular basis, but that a huge ice storm kept people home last night. It was supposed to have rolling in during the game, so many stayed home.

Lehtonen - 31 / 33 - .939…several SPECTACULAR saves. I will take that from him ANY night.

By Nikita

January 28, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game was a huge disappointment. But also curious to me in that I saw what appeared to be uncharacteristic play. Specifically, our “hot” Little/White/Koz line has gone cold. Their play looks fine — but it’s not scoring. And it was a rough night for Kovy/Pevs/Army, with all of the goals being scored on them — probably because at least one of them completely abandoned any pretense of two-way play and Army was playing angry and wild. The team as a whole did a HORRIBLE job of keeping on the offensive pressure, of shutting down D’s offense, and of playing the system. I could not count the times in the first and second that the team allowed Dallas’s forwards to get in the paint. And the penalties — dear god, the penalties. I’d like to pan the refs, but the Thrash deserved every last one of them. Kudos to Kari. A kudos for decent play from everyone but the top line.

I wish there had been a good fight — the team desperately needed an energy boost, and I doubt the resulting penalty would have made anything worse.

As for the All-Star game…I’m not sure. I think it’s a good rule to set for the sake of the league’s planning. But they’re still All-Stars if they don’t play, right? What do they get from being an All-Star, other than recognition? Someone mentioned the home-court advantage afforded to the winning conference in other All-Star games — I think that’s a great idea since it provides at least a modicum of incentive to play well and for the organizers to field a team that might actually be capable of playing together.

Incidentally, is there a position at which it is easier to become an All-Star?

Also, I think the whole system of selection could use a tweak. With a popular vote, teams in less engaged markets won’t ever get more than one token player. And I already mentioned what I see as the problems with the Young Stars — seniority needs to be determined in whole seasons, or at least they should get a pass on one partial season (so Bogosian would be a rookie next year, and Little would then be a sophomore), and the game needs to be promoted separately from the Skills comp.

By stendec

January 28, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

Kari Lehtonen 8-14-2 .905 3.14

NHL AVERAGES:

Wins: 9. (Below) Goals Against: 2.73. (Way below) Save Percentage: .908. (Only near average)

Appears this top draft selection only requires a few more seasons to reach his potential. Unfortunate that a top team goalie has lost six more games than he has won. Team captains lead by example. Team captains should have leadership, courage and toughness. Being fluent in English would not hurt. They should also show teammates how to score from time to time. On the ice, not in a bar. Oh well. Happy day all.

By Nikita

January 28, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

Both goals against and games are not in the sole control of the goalie.

By Russian

January 28, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

Problem was not Kari. He was playing very good. Anderson was right when he said that we are not talanted team. If 5-6 guys were sleeping we could not win a game. I am agree with Coach 100%. 5 days rest was too much for Thrashers. They could not move their feet and made mistake by mistake. Well game is over we have to move to another game and another. But someone FIRE WADDELL before deadline. He will make more mistake and will not get good players.

By Glovesave29

January 28, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

Kovy’s english is fine, and his teammates seem to think he should be their captain…and what proof do you have he is going out drinking each night? Rawhide can attest I have a friend who works with the team. My buddy says he’s become a good family man. If you’re going to make this accusation, you’d better have some proof.

By Alan

January 28, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

The Fans of thIs team RequirE accountability. With the mAn who Devised this roster still employeD with this franchisE, the team is sinking into mediocrity. This is troubLesome for the everyone involved, from a League perspective.

I think there’s only one answer available to us at this time, but I can’t quite put my finger on it….

By Glovesave29

January 28, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

Thanks Alan for the laugh on a snarky, rainy day…

By Rawhide

January 28, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

Brother…can you spare $174 Million?

By Spud Webb

January 28, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

The Dallas announcers were spot on with all of their comments last night. Nice to hear some honesty while watching the game. owners losing millions is the headline today. REALLY, no kidding, because they are complete and total morons. My birthday is coming soon and I’m hoping that this court stuff gets settled, sell the team (to someone who wants to keep hockey here), fire Waddell, tar and feather him and make him stand in front of the CNN center and apolagize to EVERY SINGLE FAN that comes into the building. Now that would be a great Birthday present. Gutless effort last night by everyone except Kari. PEACE

By Bob

January 28, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, no fair closing the last blog, now I can’t respond to a couple of completely off base assumptions made, but alas.

Kari played great last night, Bogosian looked good as well. Where was everyone else?

As I’ve said for a month of so, after the All Star break is when the good teams kick it up a notch and fight for every point and that’ll really set us up well for the ultimate goal of this build year, the #1 or #2 overall pick. I have full confidence we’ll get there, aided by Waddell dumping Havelid and Reasoner at the deadline.

Tavares or Hedman, and Waddell fired will be worth the pain of yet another futile year.

By Viking

January 28, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

Brendan Fighting is part of the game when feelings are boiling over in the heat of the moment or when an opposing player has conducted a cheap shot or otherwise behaves badly undetected by the referees. But I find it completively rediculous like when Boulton had a fight just after the start of the game last week. Trash talk or whatever is no excuse.

When referees stand by without breaking up a fight is just like a policeman watching a crime being comitted happy just to catch the offender afterwards. This tells us that fighting is just a marketing ploy to attract the “wrestling crowd”.

Unfortunately, I am not sure that the loss of hockey fans that would leave if the wrestling aspect was taken out equals the number of potential fans that are turned off by the stupidity.

Anyway, about something else;

I have been curious to see if Elliot and Dellacamera would correct the pronounciation of our goalkeeper’s name when Dallas stars is the opponent, since Jere Lehtinen is on the ice with Kari Lehtonen. You would think after this many years they could have figured it out. They failed badly….

Radio’s Kamal has lately been putting an emphasis on the “o” in Lehtonen to show he got it, but when he is getting excited he can not help reverting to the good old “Lehtinen”. To further complicate things, if I am not mistaken, the Finnish pronounce the “h” when appearing as in Lehtonen with a hissing sound. But I guess that is to overdoing it, let us just worry about the difference between “o” and “i”.

SisuYou must be Finnish; Am I correct?

By Alan

January 28, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

I think only Sara would be interested in this news: Zetts now a Wing for life.

By Tony C.

January 28, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

12 years is too long even for Zetterberg

By Brendan

January 28, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

‘Til he’s FORRRRRTY? As in … 4-0? Well, Zetterberg may choose to retire before then, anyway. It’s a good P.R. move. “Red Wing for life” sounds good to any Wings fan, I’d bet. So now, the question becomes … Hossa or Franzen that doesn’t return? I’d bet it’s Franzen, and Ken Holland still makes out like a bandit on the deal.

Never forget Mike Babcock’s words, “I told Marian that we’d never lost a player that we didn’t want (to lose).” I think Hossa wants to stay in Detroit and Detroit wants to keep him. Franzen will fetch a lot on the trade market.

By Bob

January 28, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, Tony. I think it is a very wise and prudent move by Holland (good solid GM) and ownership. You got to give to get, so Zetterberg got his retirement package and the Evil Empire gets a star player locked up for a $6m per year cap hit. With the double digit inflation rate that this country is 100% headed for within a couple years, that $6m per year is going to be the steal of the century. Even if the hated Dead Things have to eat 2 or 3 years of it at the back end (insurance will cover injury, they eat if if he just blows by then), it’s still a great deal for Detroit as it allows them a star player for cheap now and gives them cap room now to keep the dynasty going.

Sigh, to have ownership and a GM with that kind of aptitude and foresight.

By Brendan

January 28, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

We’re fools to dream, Bob. Fools to dream. I blame myself. I’m the one who keeps on believing that all Atlanta really needs is good financing and a GM with a proper vision and we, too, could be Detroit, contending annually, and occasionally winning.

By Brendan

January 28, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this

Viking, I think something close to everybody would like to get the “thuggery” out of hockey. By that, I do mean the “cheap hits from behind,” “sucker punches,” “buddy passes,” and the blatant stick swinging incidents But there’s a line of distinction to be drawn, mired in ambiguity, when it comes to fighting. What constitutes a “justifiable fight” versus a “gratuitous fight?” When asked to define “pornography,” the Chief Justice of the United States said, “I know it when I see it, but I can’t define it.” A fight 4 seconds into a game … is probably a leftover remnant of some previous contest, or “personal feud.” Then again, maybe it was just trash talk?

The closest thing we have now is the “instigator” rule. Does the “instigator rule” discourage “thuggery?” Hmmn. I think there were times when I would have gone ahead and said, “Hey ref, gimme the extra 2-mins,” as an acceptable trade-off for instigating. Sometimes, it’s WORTH it to take that penalty. Worth it, for the player. (Ask the Coach how he feels about killing the penalty, and it might evoke a different response.)

Now, that doesn’t pass the “ethics committee.” They’d call that, “unsportsmanlike conduct.” I’d wager that no member of the “ethics committee” had the butt end of a hockey stick shoved into their short ribs 13 times in the space of the same game to experience the level of frustration and hostility that such an incident might provoke.

“Sportsmanlike conduct” got up and walked out the door, in that instance. And I wouldn’t blame the player on the receiving end of such shabby treatment to go “as ape he’d like” in rebuttal. But that’s just meee. And, I’d still say there are “reasonable limits” to just HOW APE I’d really allow that player to go. Taking your skate blade and stepping on someone or kicking them with the skate blade … that’s completely out of bounds. That skate blade is a viscious weapon. Ask Richard Zednek or Clint Malarchuck how damage an errand skate blade can do.

I cracked a joke a game when a fight broke out. No, no, no. It didn’t involve the words, “boxing match,” as so many are fond of alluding. And yet, people still attempt to tell that joke, for some blessed reason. No, instead, when the fight broke out, I tapped my neighbor on the arm and said, “People don’t really like fighting, or listening to the strains of the Offspring’s “Keep ‘em Separated.” The whole arena is just standing to stretch their legs. Or because they know NOW is a good time to leave for a beer or a pretzel. “Ban fighting now!,” I exclaimed, while every single person around me BURST OUT laughing.

By Tony C.

January 28, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

I feel you Bob, but at the same time, 12 years to a 21-year-old player seems to make more sense than 12-years to a 28-year-old.

That being said, the incredible display Zetterberg put on during that famous (or infamous if yer from PGH) 5-on-3 PK during the finals last year was just an absolute virtuoso performance. I would probably go with the “over” if I was Holland as well. I think this is definitely a great P.R. move for the fans as well as the NHLPA by Holland-we can assume the C goes from Perfect Nic to Zetterberg when Lidstrom hangs ‘em up.

I just don’t think that 10+ year-contracts make sense.

By Alan

January 28, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

Indeed, Tony. From a Detroit fan standpoint, I love the Zetterberg deal.

However, just ask NYI how they feel about the DiPitero deal right about now.

By Tony C.

January 28, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

Alan- exactly. Now, I think everyone would agree that players of the caliber of a DiPietro or a Zetterberg are far from common, but you never know about injuries, or even an ownership change (something that Deadwings fans probably won’t have to worry about for a while).

Now, when I look at #17’s impending new deal (please Hockey Gods, here in ATL), you can almost pencil itin for 10 years or so. Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of that:

Pro: Continuity in the room. Keeping super-duperstar talent you’ll need to attract super & star -level talent. Marketing Probable discount per-year because of the value of stability to the employee; maybe he could get $13M/yr, but only for 2 years , 3 max…but he may get hurt and never get a big payday again! So he signs for say $8M/yr for 10 years let’s say. So your employee has to weigh maximum pay in the short term versus HIGH pay over the “prime years” of his career. Encourages player to become the “franchise player” all hope for (investing time & self into local community/market-see marketing above, or making calls to recruit other players/coaches for example). Finally, fanbase support (You cannot tell me you’re not the least little bit anxious regarding #17’s situation and pending UFA status!).

Con:

Locked into a player of consistently declining prowess. Potential to ruin organization’s salary cap in the future (see Tampa Lightning). Limits ability of front-office to make future deals (again see Tampa, also Buffalo). Potential to undermine coaching staff’s effectiveness/authority (see any coach who “lost the room” I would’ve used Melrose in Tampa, but I felt like I was picking on them). Potential injury. Potential that super-duperstar player immediately begins to mail it in (See Yashin, Alexi).

So, with all that in mind, would yall sign #17 to an 11-year, $87M contract extension this spring if you could?

I would, dude has been pretty damn resilient, is one of the 10 best players in the universe any given day, and I think that amount would allow us the room to assemble a decent squad for the forseeable future without creating salary cap issues (CBA allows for salary rollbacks if certain financial goals are not met, so you would still be giving 10-12% of player payroll to one guy, but the dollar amount may change).

I dunno, but it most definitely is a double-edged sword.

Anybdy else play the GM game? I’m just now going to sign #17 to something ridiculously long and see how it goes. I also traded for Ott from Dallas-seeing as how there’s no repercussions on the ice because of the instigator rule, I like his ability to be an agitator better than Army’s (BTW who else thought that elbowing call was bogus? The Briere School strikes again…I thought it was questionable at best, but Army was playing like a jerk all night).

By Viking

January 28, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

Brendan Fighting in hockey will continue and is sometimes justified. But the rediculous “wrestling matches” should go. So should bystanding referees waiting for the “wrestling crowd” to get their share of the action - no matter what the reason for the fight is. Even boxing will not allow a violation of the rules to continue.

This will not take care of referee dilemmas figuring out who was the instigator etc., but less chance of injuries and hockey would gain more respect - and new fans.

By Brendan

January 28, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this

Viking, I’ve often thought, “How WOULD hockey go about getting rid of fighting?” The simplest answer would be to ban it outright. Fight, and you’re out of the league and a paycheck. That policy would be enormously harsh. And, I do wonder if it has any semblance of workability. Half the league might be lost … and wind up signed to the European leagues.

The next thought I had was, “Well, you could get rid of it without getting RID of it, by making a mandatory 1-game suspension.” In other words, if you fight, you must sit out the next game, period the end. Well, imagine a guy like Tie Domi? He’d only play 41 games a year, because the other 41 games, he’d be suspended, assuming he was even healthy enough to play a full season.

Well, what is the role of an “enforcer,” if not to protect the Superstar players? Breathe on Kovalchuk, and SUPER THUG arrives on the scene to disembowel the perpetrator.

In the end, I think league knows that fighting is very popular. It’s not necessary, but people like it, and it helps to sell tickets. In that regard, it’s like the shootout. It’s not necessary, but people like it, and it helps to sell tickets and generate TV highlights, which adds visibility to the product. Just like fights do. There’s even a website, www.hockeyfights.com, not to mention all the U-tube footage that circulates.

It is what it is.

Personally, the part of hockey I like the most … is the playmaking. When a 3-on-2 comes together, with bing-bang-boom passing and scoring, that’s the ultimate. At least, for me, it is.

By Jameson

January 28, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

Brendan- Interesting that you bring up Boston when wondering about Tkachuk. Did you know he’s from the Boston area? His dad still lives there, and works for the fire department.

By Brendan

January 29, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this

Jameson, I didn’t know that. “The plot THICKENS.” Thanks for the 411.

By Brendan

January 29, 2009 12:36 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, I never did quite understand that trade, other than for what it appeared to be. Namely, that DW was trying to be a “nice guy” to allow the Blues to have EXCLUSIVE negotiating rights with Tkachuk, prior to July 1, 2007 Free Agent FRENZY. At the time, I thought we handed them a 4th rounder, for no blessed reason at all. I never fully understood what the “condition” was for that 4th round pick.

I took it for granted that Tkachuk, whose family was in St. Louis, would re-sign there. Even AFTER July 1st. If Tkachuk doesn’t retire at season’s end, I still do think he’ll re-sign in St. Louis. Even if he is, once again, “rented.” And if the Blues pull it off again, Tkachuk would be well within his rights to remind the Blues just how many draft picks he’s garnered for them, while turning his private life upside down at these trade deadlines.

Truthfully, and sincerely, I expected the St. Louis Blues to be challenging for a playoff berth this season. But they’ve had injuries. And lots of ‘em. When these players come back, and continue on with their development, the Blues will be a good team.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 29, 2009 4:44 AM | Link to this

Brendan — I think that trade was rather clear in the intentions Waddell had, as opposed to the reality of the situation. Waddell had been contemplating (and possibly negotiating) for Tkachuk to re-sign, but Tkachuk was showing signs he was interested in testing the market. Waddell knew that if he re-signed Tkachuk he’d cough up a 1st round pick. Then I assume (key words) Tkachuk and/or St. Louis mentioned their interest in each other, and wanted the time to discuss a contract before UFA started. Waddell, thinking like the good guy with high hopes (though unrealistic), capitulated. He traded Tkachuk to St. Louis so they could have exclusive negotiating rights…and IF he made it to the UFA period, Waddell could then freely negotiate with Tkachuk without worrying about losing a 1st round pick, but rather a 4th rounder.

The reality of the situation is that Tkachuk wanted to play in St. Louis, and they wanted him back. It appears that Tkachuk was bound to re-sign with them even if he made it to the UFA period (it was somewhat apparent then to everyone watching the situation, and even more obvious now in hind-sight).

The point being, that trade served two-fold. Waddell gave St. Louis a chance to lock up Tkachuk (was the “nice guy” to them), and it gave Atlanta the potential opportunity to sign Tkachuk and only give up a 4th rounder in compensation (my assumption of the conditional pick), if they were to do so.

It just so happened we moved the player to St. Louis for nothing. Thus, to most people it was a useless trade. It had it’s purpose, but unfortunately didn’t work out ideally for the Thrashers.

By Alan

January 29, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

“In that regard, it’s like the shootout. It’s not necessary, but people like it, and it helps to sell tickets and generate TV highlights, which adds visibility to the product.”

You also have to remember that fighting has been in the game for a long time now. Not so much so for the shootout.

By Alan

January 29, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

Looks like former Seantors netminder Ray Emery got into an altercation with one of Atlant’s team trainers the other day.

There was a video of the altercation online yesterday, but has sense been removed “due to a copyright claim by ВГТРК ТК Спорт.”

By Alan

January 29, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

… Before anyone asks, the video that was on Youtube was strangely edited, with the ending of the altercation taking place before the beginning. It was a 40 second long video clip that showed the trainer trying to put a ball cap on Emery’s head. According to the linked story above, Emery told the guy three times that he didn’t want the hat on his head.

When it became apparent the trainer wasn’t getting the message, Emery pushed the guy away. The trainer gives Emery an intimidating stare, and appears to say something to him. Emery went off after that.

By Bob

January 29, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

Emery has some Mike Tyson in him. Crazy MFer.

By Alan

January 29, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

I think most goalies do. Especially after being pulled. Especially after being pulled after the first period.

Not defending Emery, of course — he’s there to try to get back here, after all. I think I’d levy the blame on both parties, in this instance.

Also, it’s good to see I’m not the only one here today. I was starting to feel alone. So alone.

By Brendan

January 29, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, I guess I never quite understood why we’d have to give up ANYTHING once July 1, 2007 arrived. Unless the condition of that 1st round pick existed ETERNALLY. I thought the “spirit” behind the conditional 1st rounder was such that if Atlanta re-signed Tkachuk during a time when Atlanta had exclusive negotiating rights, that it would trigger a 1st round pick (Bogosian) back to St. Louis.

Stop. Imagine St. Louis didn’t re-sign Tkachuk. And neither did Atlanta. Let’s say … Tkachuk signed with the Rangers, after July 1, 2007. If in July 2009, Atlanta miraculously landed the Tkachuk contract, would St. Louis really step in to say, “Uht, uht, uht. You now ‘owe’ use a 1st round draft pick?” I would hope that the “condition” of the conditional 1st rounder expired on July 1, 2007. Maybe it didn’t. I don’t know.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 29, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Brendan — That’s a good point, but one could argue that Atlanta would have “leverage” on the rest of the UFA market due to those exclusive negotiating rights prior to July 1.

But I hear what you’re saying, it’d be interesting to understand exactly what goes into a “conditional” pick. Perhaps in this instance it was a broad “if Tkachuk re-signs with Atlanta”, so the 1st rounder was there until he signed his next contract elsewhere. Or, perhaps it was as simple as you assumed.

Either way, we’ll probably find that out as soon as we hear exactly how long Waddell’s contract is, the team is making/losing in the unofficial books, and how exactly a group of relative misfits could swoop out of nowhere with the capital to buy a team and outlining of their buyout process that looked eerily similar to McDavid’s.

By Glovesave29

January 29, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

I can say from experience, that when you are pulled, you are usually not mad at at the coach…but yourself. You replay the goals in your head and what you could have done to stop them. You feel like you let your team and coach down…and that’s why you are mad. Not because the coach put you on the bench…you feel that is a favor being done for you, and you appreciate the coach for letting you off the hook.

Some days the puck looks like a beach ball, some days like a pea. All part of the game.

I prefer to be left alone after games like that. I can understand Emery’s desire to sit and stew for awhile and work the anger and the disappointment on out. Usually by the time i’ve grabbed a shower and packed my bags, I am over it and going out for a beer with the team. It’s done and over with and time to move on…

It is important that the pulled goalie get the next start…can’t damage our frail egos!

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 29, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this

“Emery has some Mike Tyson in him. Crazy MFer.”

Funny, he also used to have a bit of Mike Tyson (ON him)[http://www.nationalpost.com/sports/161360.bin?size=404x272]. Of course, I assume you knew that.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

January 29, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

Oops.

By waffleboy

January 29, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

Looks more like Ali

By stendec

January 29, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

Greetings Rawhide. See John Petrino yanked Kari Letemin after four goals in less than 20 minutes. News flash coach. Too late! Another home ice loss is secure. Thanks Letemin! Enjoying the game? Only one team suited up. Since I am not credible in anything regarding ice hockey please bear with me. I must have imagined that future NHL Hall Of Famer whiffing in four first period goals to the New York Islanders. The Islanders! How is that save percentage now? I know, the apologists will have an excuse for every one of them. Could not have been fault of wonder bust! Ilya Kovalchuk cannot even score against the Isles. Excuse me, captain, what a crock. Guess it pays not to be credible sometimes. Apologist credibility appears mighty shaky right now! Enjoy the rest of another home ice mail-in job Bill. Maybe enjoy is not the proper word in this instance. Hoping for another shutout! Would tickle me if teams fails to get a goal from here on out! Enjoy the rest of the debacle. Have a nice evening my friend.

By stendec

January 29, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

Just checking in Bill. Let us review shall we? Kari Letemin surrenders four killer marshmallow goals in first period. Moose pitches a second period shutout. Net (no pun intended) result? An insurmountable 4-0 home ice deficit to the second worst team in the NHL (guess which one is worst?) with 20 minutes remaining. Thanks Letemin! You too John Petrino. Maybe Hamilton will be more to the liking of you talentless quitters! Please do not forget to turn out the arena lights when you leave.

By LAC

January 29, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this

This game is simply awful, Gee Hogan’s Heros is on WGN, real shame when 40 year old reruns are more fun to watch than this TERRIBLE hockey club.

Thanks waddell for a job so poor It cannot be described.

But I will bet $100 we have NO Thrashers here next season… Kansas City, Winnipeg,or Hamilton ?

It’s over folks…

By stendec

January 29, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Bill. I would shell out premium NHL prices to watch the Knights. I would have to be paid to sit through this nauseating crapola at Loseland. I would not peek out my front door to watch the Toiletlids for free! Maybe Hamilton will eventually forgive Atlanta. Maybe not! Who cares? Just as long as these untalented quitters are defrauding and shortchanging delusional fans in some other city! Maybe I am credible. Sometimes.

By Rawhide

January 29, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

stendec - I didn’t see the first two periods due to having to preside over an HOA board meeting then I picked up my youngest tax-exemption from a JROTC rifle meet.

However, I was listening to Dan Kamal’s radio broadcast and the way it sounded to me, the Islanders have been able to buzz our goal with no fear of reprisal or repercussion…forchecking at will. His words when Kari was lifted…”This one is not on him”.

Is that so? I dunno…I haven’t seen the goals yet. But I know Dan Kamal and I trust his opinion. Plus, he has a wonderful way of painting the picture for his listeners….and it sounded like the D sucked!

I see the Isles dropped 20 SOGs on us in the 1st alone. That tends to support the Grand Kamalian’s words.

Is this excuse making for Kari? Nope…I’m sure he has his share of blame here too. But let’s just be honest and for real here my friend…in your eyes, every goal Kari let’s up is soft. So it’s just kinda tough to sense any objectivity here.

By stendec

January 29, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this

Shutout is history! Losing streak remains intact.

By stendec

January 29, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

Thrashers have put up three. If only John Petrino had not started Kari Letemin! Have watched entire miserable exhibition. Guess none of goals were fault of Letemin. Not even the one 55 seconds in! Sorry. Announcers are lying homers!

By stendec

January 29, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

Moose Lehtonen lets in a critical softee! Game now officially over. Ilya Kovalchuk still has no net accuracy whatsoever! Overrated. Toiletlids are No. 1. In reverse standings order of course. Another home ice bellyup choke job to savor. Hamilton anyone?

By stendec

January 29, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

Another gutless effort by a heartless group! May the losing streak stretch on and on and on. All the way into Hamilton! Rest well.

By Rawhide

January 29, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this

stendec- Are you talking about the same Ilya Kovalchuk that just scored to bring the score within one?

The same Ilya Kovalchuk who has 10 goals in the last 13 games?

Seriously?

By stendec

January 29, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this

Kari (Letemin) is playing winning hockey. His save percentage has been 93.9 or better in four of the last five games. What is save percentage over last five games plus a period? I would wager it is nowhere near 93.9! Bogo and Pev sounded like complete clueless idiots on live TV! Glad Bogo thought loss was so funny. Was not to me! I have never advocated banishment of a professional team from a city. Until now! Where are the Wolves? Knights come home. All is forgiven! BTW - Moose won 4-1. Wonder bust boozer lost 4-0.

By stendec's rinky dinky stinky winky

January 29, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

drip, drip, drip

By stendec

January 29, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

Fourth goal was by captain. My error. Sorry. Still does not make up for multitudes of serious misfires or iron shots. Again, forgive mistake. If ever a goaltender was undeserving of a loss it was Moose. If ever a netminder deserved a loss it was Kari “Hiccup” Letemin. Those are the facts.

By Tony C.

January 29, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

Wow.

I guess we do want Tavares.

By Alan

January 29, 2009 10:55 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - He probably forgot to take his anti-dementia medicine again. I’m concerned. Is he even filling his prescriptions?

By Brendan

January 29, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

Tony C., I would say … you’re right. And I sure wouldn’t mind John Tavares being Peach State-bound. I can hear the argument.

Last year, at the STH meeting, I promised a Tier I defenseman and a Tier I center. As promised, I give you Bogosian and Tavares.

See? See how it works? They kept their end of the deal, while asking you to pay full price. Oy gavult.