Ice Man

By Russian

February 5, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

It is interesting Statistic. Where did you find this information? Thanks.

By Spud Webb

February 5, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

Rawhide thank you for that. I just threw up in my mouth. We suck. Geez.

By THRASHYOU

February 5, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE…. FIRE WADDELL

By R. Stroz

February 5, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

An absolute masterpiece.

This information should be forwared to the NHL corporate offices, the Spirit owners, and every media outlet where there is a hockey team.

FIRE WADDELL

By Rawhide

February 5, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

Russian - Over the past couple evenings, I have simply obtained the info straight off the NHL.com stats page…going back through the years and compiling it.

After that…it’s simply a case of doing the math.

By Hip Czech

February 5, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this

Want to throw up some more?

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/teams/dr001790.html

If that is not enough to indict Waddell I don’t know what is.

By Hip Czech

February 5, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

An even better link

Look at the number of games played in Atlanta for all the non-first round picks….incredible

By Spud Webb

February 5, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech I was hesitant to open that and now I know why. Yes, looked, ran to the bathroom and got it all out. GOOD LORD. Not that any of this information is a surprise to me, just hard to look and read. Thank you Don Waddell, LOSER.

By Hip Czech

February 5, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

sorry, my link ineptitude knows no bounds…try this one:

wiki link

If this one doesn’t work, Mr. Wizard Rawhide can you fix it?

By Rawhide

February 5, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech - I attempted to fix the link from your 10:37 am post…and failed.

Can you attempt to post again?

By Hip Czech

February 5, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Ok…the 10:51 one is good….I’m sure someone has done this, but I would love to see what past All Stars we have passed up in order to select this lovely collection of parting gifts.

I just think about Washington, they were in the right place at the right time for Ovechking, but what about Semin, Green, Backstrom, etc?

By Michael Shapiro

February 5, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Ouch Hip Czech those links gave me a headache. I don’t even want to think where most of the players are, but just the raw numbers: of 82 draft picks, only 22 (less than 27%) ever played a single NHL game, and 4 of those played less than 10 NHL games (leaving a success rate of less than 22%). Add that to Rawhide’s outstanding numbers and somebody ought to be able to write an article in a real rag about the lack of success (oh H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS call it what it us utter and complete failure by D-wad).

Yeesh and I’ll be watching BOTH home games this weekend. Let’s hope that Kari continues his strong play of late, the PK continues to K like it’s supposed to and we find some real O-fence.

Finally, for the Slava-lovers and Kovy haters (and just for sten-DICK cuz he lurks, he swerves, he vents), note that Kozzie’s shoot-out score the other night was the first time in TWELVE games that he put vulcanized rubber against the inside of the twine, while Kovy (struggle as he might, wish he would hit and defend like Ovetchkin does) continues apace with his one-point-a-game career average though many this year seem to be assists. Oh, wouldn’t it be nice if our PP didn’t look only to him to shoot??

Go BLUE!

By Tony C.

February 5, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

I wonder if #17 DEMANDS he be the only player to shoot on the PP. I mean, it sure seems like there’s a rule against anyone else shooting if he’s n the ice.

Many many times in the past I think we’ve seen Llil Toby have a prime opportunity, only to fake the shot then pass to #17 who is (shocker) double teamed and has the shot blocked.

Is it possible for coaches in the NHL to dock pay w/out suspending players from a game? I wonder if that sort of incentive would work? (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, don’t ever let your kids play on a team I’m coaching OK?)

Mr. T your math has been great. I’d like to encourage all the regulars here to pass the info along to LeBrun @ ESPN/TSN, Wysh”PuckDaddy”, heck try and get on NHL Live (yeah pretend to be into whatever topic they have that day: “Cindy Crotchby; great NHL molesterer or GREATEST NHL molesterer?”).

I’m sick and tired of the position that we (Atlanta Hockey fans) are to blame for the lackluster club that currently is the Atlanta Thrashers. Let’s let the rest of the hockey community know where we’re coming from.

Also what coke-face in Hollywood decided that a remake of Slap Shot was a good idea? Especially just after Newman passed (RIP I liked his work-caesar dressing’s tasty too)?!? Betteman & Co. better put the kabash on that.

GO BLUE !!!

FIRE WADDELL

By Alan

February 5, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

Shapiro - Those numbers are current only through the 2007-2008 season, and don’t count any games played this season. For example, both Valabik and Pavelec played more games this season. But you’re still correct, regardless of that fact.

Rawhide - Here is the fixed link

If this doesn’t work, it could be the blog software removing all the underscores. If it does work, then yay?

By LAC

February 5, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

Great job Bill, Just more evidence that shows what a COMPLETE FAILURE don waddell is as a GM.

He should resign over what you wrote, the idiot is THE JOKE of the NHL and until the baffoon aka Career LOSER is out of here, we will NEVER get better…

He is a LIAR and fraud !!!!

By Midfield

February 5, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

If you’re looking for PP wrinkles, I suggest Hainsey’s deteriorated play as one. He does not seem to be skating with purpose at all lately: off balance, not moving, even out of position many times over. By the way, he shoots about the same as always, but his shots are poorly selected.

By Russ

February 5, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

I know a lot of forwards change positions as they come up through the ranks, but if you look at the positions they were listed at on the link above, DW has yet to draft a Right Wing that has played a game at the NHL level. OUCH!!!!!

By Alan

February 5, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

Russ - I completely missed that! Ouch indeed!

By polskidawg

February 5, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this

Thanks again, Rawhide - I was having a pretty good day…

The word of the day, from Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary - “Hopeless”

1 a: having no expectation of good or success : despairing b: not susceptible to remedy or cure c: incapable of redemption or improvement

Now, used in a sentence: “As long as Don Waddell is calling the shots, Thrasher fans feel completely hopeless.”

By jnes

February 5, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

speaking of numbers, it appears that Don Waddell voted for himself 12 times in the ajc’s current Thrashers poll question. You’ll have to do better than that Don.

By Glovesave29

February 5, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Tony, I don’t think there’s a darn thing Bettman can do about the Slap Shot remake. He controls (!) the NHL, not hockey as a whole…so what can he do? Plus, it was on his watch that they allowed a team to be called the Mighty Ducks…so I can’t imagine there isn’t anything he would allow to happen for the almighty dollar.

Thanks for the post, Rawhide, I WAS having a good day.

What jumped out at me was with the shootout / overtime allowing more teams to have +.500 records that only 8 team were below that level…and of those 8 there is a Stanley Cup champion and a Stanley Cup Finalist…and four other teams (PHX, CLB, FLA and CHI) who are on the rise. That leave us and the Isles as the dregs of the league.

By Austin

February 5, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I don’t think it’s really fair to compare a 10 year old franchise and its win percentage to teams that have been around for much longer. I’d find it more interesting if the numbers compared the winning percentages for each team in their first 9 seasons. Teams like Detroit have had plenty of time to build solid teams, so comparing their last 10 years to ours doesn’t make a ton of sense.

However, there are a number of issues with trying to compare every teams’ first 9 seasons. The number of teams in the league, the number of teams that made the playoffs, etc all factor in and make it harder to compare for teams that have been around for a very long time. I still think it would be more interesting to compare to every teams’ beginning years, as right now the only real comparisons are between us and Nashville, Columbus, and Minnesota. Obviously we haven’t done too well compared to those 3 either in their starting years, but I bet that if you looked at the first 9 seasons from all the other teams we wouldn’t be dead last.

By Matt

February 5, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!

We SUCK we really, really SUCK!

Dear God, a blind chimp throwing darts at the Draft Board would statistically have had a better chance of locating NHL talent.

Epic Fail Mr. Waddell!

By Hotrod

February 5, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

I bet the ASG could read this and not know what any of it means.

By Rawhide

February 5, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

Austin - Fair assessment on your part. That is why I chose to shine the main spotlight on Columbus, Nashville and Minnesota.

However, the other teams have also had the same access to UFAs as have the Thrashers over the past decade. Also, they have made deals and trades that have effected the makeup of their squad as well during that time.

It’s one thing to “get” to be a good team…it’s another thing to “remain” good over time.

So, I do think it adds to the converstation to compare the record against the other teams as well for those reasons.

By Spud Webb

February 5, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Matt with the line of the day thus far…Dear God, a blind chimp throwing darts at the Draft Board would statistically have had a better chance of locating NHL talent. hahahhahahahah, thank you mr.waddell!!!

By GoalieBrian

February 5, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if this has been posted before or not (if so, I apologize).

ATLANTA This could be a blueprint of how not to operate an expansion franchise. General manager Don Waddell is by all accounts a lovely man but he has become the Inspector Clouseau of the NHL. Despite having prime draft picks every year the Thrashers rank even below the much-maligned Maple Leafs in player development.

And here’s hoping I linked it correctly.

By Mike Chen

February 5, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

Also important when reviewing the Preds that the team had to lose many of its high-profile (and highly paid) players due to ownership transition issues. So while you put the Nashville comparison in mind, consider that David Poile managed to pull all that off with talk of team moving, budget payrolls and multiple owners. Kind of puts Waddell in a different context.

By Rawhide

February 5, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

Spud Webb8 & *Hip Czech - Here is some more reading material that may cause frequent DW-induced “verping”.

GoalieBrian - It was indeed brought up a few days back…however it is very appropriate to today’s topic, so thanks.

Mike Chen - Excellent point regarding the Preds and GM David Poile. Nicely done.

By Spud Webb

February 5, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

Wonderful Rawhide!!! I forgot, watching the flyers vs boston last night. The boston commentators were laughing how the flyers fleeced both nashville and atlanta and have loaded their systems because of those two teams. It was priceless. We got “munsoned” ahahahhaha, thats how waddell is being referenced from now on!!!!

By Tony C.

February 5, 2009 4:30 PM | Link to this

Glovesave I feel you re: Betteman=W*******, but, he has been much more responsive to fans input the past few years (funny how being booed everywhere you make a public appearance will change your attitude). Also, I would think everyone learned a lot from this debacle…. Oh no! Your argument just gained a whole lot of credence now that I found this >shudders<

I guess what I’m trying to say is:

FIRE WADDELL

By LAC

February 5, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

Hotrod, GREAT response, these BUMS are the biggest collection of LIARS & CHEATS AND FRAUDS ever in professional sports.

Where are you rutherford snydel you crward lying AH ? Come out and FIGHT, I’ll be happy to come down and pound your STUPID face in the pavement, Brenden or Rawhide can be ref, but you won’t show up, you are a gutless Pig Coward who will not even stand up for his team… Well rutherford, if you will quit hanging around schools looking for action, let me know I will rearrange your LYING FACE once and for all… So let’s make plans… YOU got game ?

By Midfield

February 5, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

The Sun’s piece is pretty sloppy too. It says, Atlanta never has had an NHL caliber team. Hmmm. Anybody ever heard of the Atlanta Flames?

By Hip Czech

February 5, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this

‘05-‘06 was pretty close to an nhl caliber team also. I still think that team would have had a shot to get out of the first round of the playoffs if it weren’t for the massive groin pull. Ah, the ‘glory days’…excitement at Philips, hope, at least until Savard was shown the door and another year’s draft wasted.

“If the NHL bought out the owners and folded the team it would be considered a mercy killing. Or, if a less desperate solution is more to Bettman’s liking: Keep the team; fold Waddell.”

FOLD WADDELL!

By 12345

February 5, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

         ********News Flash********

Please tell Don Waddell Ken Klee is a UFA after this season… What a great addition to our blueline and then he can trade Zach for…

Hey I got it, Zach for Ken Klee Another Blueprint of sucess by our great GM Don Waddell,what a plan Don… Maybe This one will get your A$$ fired once and for all !

By Brendan

February 5, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

I really, really enjoyed reading this blog, Rawhide. I might have been able to hazard a “guess” as to where Atlanta ranked, over the past decade, compared to the rest of the league, but to see it quantified, in black and white, just brought home the TOTALITY of it all.

Excellent, excellent work. It must have taken some time to compile. I can see a lot of effort went into it. As with all blogging, “it’s a labor or love.” I salute you.

There is something I must say. Every market’s situation is somewhat unique. Is a “poor” or “small” market in Canada the same as in United States? First thoughts turn towards … if the populations of such hypothetical cities were equal, I’d be inclined to believe that the Canadian market still could sellout its arena.

Bear in mind, I’m on a side tangent here. I loved this blog and don’t dispute a bit of it. And nothing I say here is in opposition to anything Rawhide listed above. But when I compare Atlanta … my first thoughts turn towards Phoenix. Why? Non-traditional market, with low cash-flow, and revenue-sharing issues, linked to a must succeed to draw better attendance existence. Other comparable cities would be, for me, the likes of Nashville, Raleigh, Dallas, Miami, Tampa, etc. Someone might say, “why not Edmonton? That’s a small market, too.” Well, if the populations of Atlanta and Edmonton were both 138,000, there’d still be 20,000 of them who’d gather at REXHALL PLACE to watch the hockey game. It’s part of their culture. Some Canadians learn how to skate before they learn how to walk.

I’d compare Edmonton to Buffalo, if I had to compare U.S. vs. Canadaian similar-sized markets, with “traditional” hockey roots. Cold weather cities. Very knowledgeable hockey fans. In the other direction, of big markets, with traditional hockey roots, I’d compare Toronto with New York Rangers, and Boston with Montreal.

Now, I hear ya. What about that whole “Original Six” thing? How can we compare a league with six teams with one with 30? How long would it take a team to make the playoffs and win a playoff game, if there were only six teams in such a league? Then add in … whether there were a salary cap, or not? Chucking for a moment, now. If there were only six (6) teams in the NHL, and Atlanta were one of them, and there was a salary cap, with revenue-sharing dollars available, I guarantee that Atlanta would make the playoffs with frequency, win playoff games, and would, eventually, win a Stanley Cup within 20-25 years of existence in such a hypothetical league.

Even with Waddell in charge? Wow. Did you have to go there?

By Smoothie

February 5, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

Speaking of numbers Rawhide, I really like the number 24, don’t you? As in the number of franchises hockey SHOULD HAVE. After reading the Toronto Sun article posted by GoalieBrian, it got me to thinking about the best way for the NHL to be pro-active as we head deeper into what is sure to be a protracted recession. The columnist raises an interesting point about contraction during the Great Depression from 10 teams to 6. The business of sports will sure be shaken to the core if things really do get worse economically.

Here’s my plan to save hockey and revive interest in a game in which history, tradition and rivalry have always been so important. Of course, being a Thrashers fan, my idea is certainly biased and pollyanna to think that the T-birds would not be among the 6 teams to be contracted:

1) Columbus — who cares? Never been to the playoffs and Ohio’s economy is prolly worse than most due to being in the rust belt. 2) Nashville — reasons should be obvious 3) Florida — one team in the state is enough and TBL has one Cup and two great French Canadian players to build around…give them Bouwmeester 4) LA (or AHM) — LA can’t even support the NFL so one hockey team is enough 5) PHX — hockey should not be played in a market where the avg temp is over 85 degrees for the entire year and the avg age is probably higher!! 6) NY Islanduhs — this one pains me because this once great franchise has become as bad as the expansion Thrashers, but such is life and as long as there is hockey in Manhattan and Newark, LI can kiss it…sorry Buzzilla!!

Bettman should probably force contraction regardless of whether he keeps the Islanders over the Thrashers or the Predators over Tampa. The fact remains the product is watered down and the overall health of the league would be improved with fewer teams, renewed rivalries and the reinstitution of the old Division monikers…history is as important as anything!

Commish Smoothie’s Proposed Realignment:

Patrick Div: NYR, NJ, PITT, PHIL, WSH & TB

Adams Div: BOS, BUF, MTL, TOR, OTT & CAR

Norris Div: DET, CHI, MIN, STL, DAL & ATL**

Smythe Div: VAN, CGY, EDM, COL, AHM & SJ

**If so desired, Toronto can decline an invite to the Adams and return to the Norris in light of their historical ties. However, TOR’s rivalries with MTL and BUF are probably too irresistible to the owners and players. Also, ATL is an international airport hub so it would not be an issue for the Thrashers to travel to the Central time zone for most of their road games.

Scheduling:

Reinstitute the 80 game schedule. If Gretzky can score 92 goals in 80 games, then that should be the standard. Hell, 76 games would be fine too as you will see. Eliminate the 16 team playoff scenario and take 6 teams from each conference. Division winners get a bye into the 2nd round as the 3rd seed plays 6 and the 4 seed plays 5 in the first round of P/O. #1 seed plays lowest advancing seed in Semi-finals and proceed as customary. This way you still have your 3 rounds preceeding the Stanley Cup Finals. See how easy this is!!

Format of Schedule:

Each team plays Division rivals 8 times = 40 games

Each team plays other Division in Conf 2 times home and away = 12 games.

Each team plays other Conference teams home and away once for another 24 games.

**If 80 game schedule is elected, then add “natural” rivaly games with 3 teams from within your division at neutral sites to showcase hockey in less traditional (or less viable) markets like Nashville, Columbus, Winnipeg and Phoenix. This isn’t ideal as certain teams always get the shaft in the assignment of rivals, but it’s do-able.

Hockey loves its rivalries and either scenario would allow the fans to see their most hated rivals 4-5 times per year. You could even increase the schedule back to 82 games if you just have the neutral site games with the teams from the other division within a conference to give bragging rights to the team who wins the “rubber match”.

Obviously we can argue all day who to contract from the group of ATL, CLB, TB, FLA, CBL, PHX, NYI, LA, AHM and NSH, but that’s a whole ‘nother post!!

By Smoothie

February 5, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

Whooops! That should be 4 teams from within your division for the neutral site “showcase” games. Hit the wrong button unwittingly!!

Thanks for reading if you got through my Brendan-esque post!!

By Glovesave29

February 5, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

Let us not forget the NHLPA, I think they will fight long and hard on the side of the commissioner to save the 150 or so players that will lose their jobs if the NHL were to contract down to just 24 teams. And in my opinion, this dearth of teams in some major markets will lead to the formation of a new league…salaries are driven up as the two leagues fight for available talent and the whole vicious cycle begins anew.

By Glovesave29

February 5, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this

Finally, someone OUTSIDE Atlanta is bringing up Cindy Crosby’s crotch shots against Boris

By Tony C.

February 5, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

Smoothie Why on earth would you fold LAK instead of AHM? One has a 30-year history (including The Great One bringing hockey to the sunbelt) a bunch of cool young kids who all have sick hands and are learning to win.The other team has a name inspired by a kids movie, a bunch of thugs, two really really skilled guys and Captain @sshat Pronger. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Otherwise, outside of the division names, I’m with ya. I would loose the Smythe, Norris and Adams divisions (seeing as we have important individual trophies named after those guys already) to be replaced with Bowman, Gretzky & Lemieux divisions… I was going to put Kelly in instead of Lemieux, but I figure why not throw the French a bone? Once European expansion happens, I’d name the two Euro Divisions the Larianov & Forsberg divisions (Forsberg is open to debate, Larianov is not).

If you have a better French-Canadian name for a division, lemme know-LaFleur almost won but me and my buddy decided after a heated arguement that Lemieux did more for NHL’s legacy than LaFleur did (don’t hate me, but Guy played in markets that pretty much are ground-zero for hockey-SuperMario revitalized an expansion franchise twice as a player and twice as an owner-Lemieux won on the strength of that).

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 5, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

Tony C. — Roy. There’s no way you can leave him out.

I don’t want to scrounge through the archives, but I had a similarly themed upgrade to the division names. The division would be named after a key player from a team inside of the division.

i.e., the division with LA or Edm would be Gretzky (I’d say LA), MTL or COL would be Roy (MTL in my opinion), PIT would be Lemieux, NYs could be Messier, DETs Yzerman, etc etc. The point being, rejuvenate the division names from the archaic player names to the recent greats. Kids growing up in Gretzky’s era have no idea who Conn Smythe or Jack Adams were, but they definitely know Gretzky. Since those kids would now be in their late 20s or early 30s, why shouldn’t the NHL pander to them (the future demographic) a little while honoring the newest list of greats?

By Tony C.

February 5, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this

Ranallo-

Going to have to say “No” on St. Patrick because Roy has been arrested multiple times for beating his wife. While I’m sure there’s something Mario would rather us not know, Roy has a history of getting drunk and opening up the ol’ Cup du Whup-@ss. I know that when I was living in CO. he got into it in ‘99 with a guy at Chuk E Cheez or some such where one of his kids’ teams was having a pizza-party (neighbor was asst mgr). No arrests, but there are plenty of similar Roy stories as well as his OFFICIAL domestic-abuse record. So no division named in his honor.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 5, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

Tony C. — I hear what you’re saying, but does that mean his greatness as a hockey player is diminished? Bobby Cox has a domestic-abuse record…does that diminish his amazing career as arguably the best coach of his era (I said “arguably”). Brodeur has off ice issues with his ex-wife (infidelities), would that get him cut from the list too?

You know what I mean? Sure, he’s not exactly a great role model, but he’s still one of hockey’s greatest players. Though a douche, he deserves to be honored for his contribution to the sport ON the ice, in my opinion. But that’s why I said “etc etc”…there are plenty of names people can come up with that would fit under my vague idea of “recent greats”, and still have former hockey individuals great both on and off the ice.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 5, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

Sorry, let me correct myself…I know that Cox has an “incident” regarding domestic-abuse, I do not know if he has a “record”.

By Tony C.

February 6, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

Ranallo-I feel you. Don’t think that his name wasn’t in the mix. In the end, my descision was made for Lemieux due to his legacy as player and as an owner/ambassador for hockey. Granted, Roy’s money helped save the ramparts, but again it was in an area where Hockey is an EASY sell.

Lemieux has had to fight through a lot of B.S. to keep the Penguins in PGH-in the end, he surely was motivated to protect his investment to a greater or lesser degree, but from the start his ownership stake has been all about saving the Pittsburgh Penguins. that’s what won over LaFleur, Roy & Robitaille.

Also, how soon do you think they’re going to have a “Bobby Cox” award for all of MLB? That’s my point-all the guys I mentioned have done STUPENDOUS things for the NHL Gretzky’s assault on the record books, Bowman’s unrivaled success behind the bench (and in the front office can be argued), Lemieux’s combination of play and ownership. The thing about Gretzky’s records vs. Roy’s records is that Brodeur is about to break almost all of Roy’s marks….nobody has come close to 93 goals-maybe one day, but it seems hard to envision. Outside of Ovechkin’s 68 the other season the only guys close to Gretzky’s mark have been Seleanne & Mogilny’s 76-goal seasons… in sight of, but not close to 93. That’s just Gretzky’s single-season goal mark. Look at how much further ahead he is than the #2 guy in points! 50 goals in 39 games-I don’t anyone in the next two generations will come close (and it sure as hell ain’t gonna be Cindy) to that mark. Throw in how Gretzky is almost solely responsible for franchises in Florida, Texas, Arizona etc it’s an easy call.

Not saying the fact he’s prone to get drunk and dot his wife’s eye takes away from Roy’s on-ice accomplishments, but it’s the sort of thing that nixes you from having a division of the NHL named in your honor.

I still love The Wink though.

By Tony C.

February 6, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this

As far as honoring Roy’s legacy as a player-I’d love to see a “Patrick Roy Trophy” for the best netminder in the playoffs.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 6, 2009 4:46 AM | Link to this

“I’d love to see a “Patrick Roy Trophy” for the best netminder in the playoffs”

I’d be down for that trophy.

By Spud Webb

February 6, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

Never understood Bobby Cox beating his wife. Couldn’t she run faster than him with the bum knees and all?? Not making light of abuse, just a thought!! And I agree, “The Roy Trophy goes to…”

By Nikita

February 6, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

Spud, you’re going to hell. But so am I, because I had similar thoughts whenm the drummer of Def Leppard was arrested for beating his wife. In Public! With one arm! Seriously, how is that possible?

By Midfield

February 6, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

Glovesave29, thanks for the link to Kelley’s piece. This is very refreshing.

By Smoothie

February 6, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Why not just go with Messier for the Patrick, Gretzky for the Smythe, Howe for the Norris and Guy Lafleur for the Adams, or Lemieux over Messier?

Just think how lousy the Thrashers would really be THIS year playing in a division with DET, CHI, DAL and STL??? Wow.

By Glovesave29

February 6, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

I’d vote No. No ONE THOUSAND times against anything with Patrick Roy’s name on it. I like the idea of going back to the old division names of Patrick, Norris, Smythe and Adams divisions. Those are the men who worked for decades to build this game, and often putting their own money down and risking their reputation. All Patrick Roy ever did is bring attention to himself. Yes, he was a great goalie…I have to give him his dues there, but off the ice it was all about what people could do for him. I should be the other way around. Let’s also go back to the Prince of Wales and Campbell conferences. I always liked that about the NHL that they honored their builders in that way. I never really understood the rationale behind removing them and moving to the geographical names.

By Glovesave29

February 6, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

Forgot to mention that StL just put Manny Legace on waivers, and it’s being reported that the Stars and Rangers are close to a deal that will send Sean Avery back to New York.

By Glovesave29

February 6, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Well, here ya go…this is the new champion for the WORST JERSEY…EVER and the matching yellow ice just make it all that much worse.

By Rawhide

February 6, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

DON’T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW….or ICE!

Just…yuck!

By Tony C.

February 6, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

Ugh.

It’s been an open secret that NYR mgmt. is unhappy with Gomez’ production-I wonder if Dallas will be able to pry him away from NYR with a package of Avery, a prospect and mid-round picks in ‘09 and ‘10 drafts.

At least if I was Hull that’s what I’d try and do. Gomez would be a good fit in the Dallas system, he’s familiar with a “defense-first” mentality, and has been able to provide a credible threat coming off the wing.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 6, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

“I never really understood the rationale behind removing them and moving to the geographical names.”

Because it made absolutely no sense to anybody that wasn’t a hockey fan. If you want to ostracize potential customers, you keep it so that they have no way of knowing who their local team plays against, nor why. The vague “Campell Conference” means nothing to John and Jane Doe, but “Western Conference” gives them a better idea of what sorts of teams the Conference consists of.

Adams, Norris, etc…same thing. Southeast division is for Southeastern teams. They simplified the conferences so more people could understand it.

By Glovesave29

February 6, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

I understand your position Ranallo…just don’t agree with it. I think baseball and football would be better served to follow hockey’s lead and name the divisions and conferences after those who made the game great. I don’t think it ostacizes people in any way. It makes people want to know more about hockey and who those people are.

Tony - can’t see getting anything for Avery except salary cap relief. Everyone knows the Stars don’t want him, so nobody is going to put anything on the table in trade for him. Gomez still has trade value, just not for Avery.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 6, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

I understand your stance too Glovesave, but I can’t necessarily agree with it either. As a hockey fan, I think it’s great to hearken back to the good ol’ days of great guys (to our knowledge) doing great things for the sport.

However, hockey is a prime example of audience alienation, and it’s something the sport doesn’t need to perpetuate further by further confusing new fans. When I was a new fan I didn’t care about the history of the sport, who built the foundation for what I was watching, etc…I cared about the sport itself, the speed, etc. So yeah, remembering my first days of enjoying hockey, I can understand why they dropped the old conference and division names.

Now that I’m a fan I like the old naming convention. But, if simplistic division and conference names means that the league can expand back into unconventional markets (namely Atlanta), then I’m fine with it. I like the idea of honoring people in the naming convention, but I understand why the NHL would conform to the same naming convention the other Big 3 professional sports use.

By Glovesave29

February 6, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

What makes hockey great is that is has a better sense of it’s history than any other sport. Ask a player who the stars were of the past, and they do not hesitate to name Richard, Howe, Sawchuk, et al…if you ask a basketball player about anyone older than Michael Jordan, they will draw a blank. That is part of what makes hockey great, and I think that we should take advantage of that, not shy away from it.

By ranallo10 (in AT)

February 6, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this

“if you ask a basketball player about anyone older than Michael Jordan, they will draw a blank”

That’s not true. Dr. J, Jerry West, etc etc, are all honored by many of the players that plays the game today. In fact, Lebron James pays homage to Dr. J in one of his commercials.

In fact, the NBA uses West’s likeness in their logo. The NHL has a shield. MLB has a generic player. NFL also a shield.

I know many of the athletes in many of the other sports might not seem to appreciate the history of the sport, but I assure you that just as many of those players are knowledged about their legacy as hockey players.

Baseball players respect Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente, football players respect Vince Lombardi, basketball their specific greats…hockey is not alone in having a rich history that is truly known/appreciated by their hardcore fans and athletes.

By Glovesave29

February 6, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this

Hardcore fans…yes. Athletes…no.

By Sage of Bluesland

February 6, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this

Where are the sheep and their counterarguments and spreadsheets showing that Don Waddell actually drafts ‘better’ than any other GM in the league—and that Santa Claus really exists…

Saw it and expressed it in 2002…Too bad too many were still at the trough…Too bad too many STILL subsidize the utter incompetence which is going on…

It’s a downright shame, embarrassment, and abomination.

By Walter Sobchak

February 6, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Donny, you’re out of your element!

By Alan

February 6, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this

It’s 5-1, according to ESPN’s score page. 5-1? Is that right? Glad I’m not watching this.

By Tom

February 6, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this

Guess we have turned the corner and the team is heading in the right direction, Donny???

Lord have mercy and get us a real GM…

By Matt

February 6, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this

WTF????

Seriously, WTF? TWO short handed goals??

If I had any hair left, I’d be pulling it out right now.

Q: Coach, what did you think of your teams execution?

A: I’m all for it.

Geez. Makes you sort of pine for the old expansion Ottawa Senators, don’t it?

By stendec

February 6, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Hell yeah! Shorthanded goals anyone? Just play the Toiletlids in Atlanta! The Finnish son of a betch I know is back. In all his heartless untalented unglory! Another stellar performance in front of the two Loseland fans who incorrectly thought the Hawks were in action. Both left with faces hidden in shame after the second period! Guess the cries by Mike and Rawhide (this unfortunately is the genuine Finn refugee friend) for the Hall Of Fame bust were just a wee bit premature. Kari “Hic” Letemin is a damn fraud. Always has been. Always will be! Hungover again? Almost certainly! Good games? No one loses them all! Even a blind dog finds a bone from time to time. Five goals so far! Absolutely abysmal save percentage. All against those offensive juggernaut New Jersey Devils! Guess all you apologists are so damn proud of this embarrassment. I am not! Do we have to play any more games at home? My Deport Kari Letemin bumper stickers have been issued! One is on my car.

By stendec

February 6, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

I will rejoice when this group skulks away to Hamilton. Captain, excuse me while I puke, Ilya Kovalchuk is as much of a fraud as Kari Letemin! No heart. No talent. No clue. No intelligence. No pride. No hope! I am thoroughly ashamed to know that these quitters represent my state. Another completely gutless effort by a totally heartless group (will not use term team) on home ice! At least Moose stopped the bleeding. Bestard John Petrino should have started Moose to begin with. Guess he feels obligated to put his illegitimate son between the pipes. Damn losers!

By Alan

February 6, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

Oh, suck it up. We suck. We know. We don’t need you here, night in and night out to post about how you think the team are a bunch of toiletlids [sic].

Seriously, go take your prescriptions and go back to bed, before you give yourself a coronary.

By stendec

February 6, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Moose got a shutout. Moose got a shutout. Moose got a shutout! Unfortunately, Kari “Hiccup” Letemin did not. Moose did not allow a goal over the final 20 minutes. A stellar 1.000 save percentage! LaLa Land wonder punk surrendered five goals (two of the shorthanded variety) in 40 minutes. Too disgusted to see what that nauseatingly low save percentage was. Know it was not in the .900 range. Sorry Mike and Rawhide! Another home ice mail-in job. Taking up collection to send quitters to Hamilton! Any donations?

By LAC

February 6, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this

After this LATEST crap game, Just what as fans do we have to do to get this DUMB A$$ waddell FIRED ?

As a business you need the RIGHT people in the RIGHT jobs. Just think if that Airline Captain had not been there, he was the right person for the job and preformed in a manner we are ALL proud of.

Just think of the Thrashers as the Plane and waddell the Captain, he would have crashed the plane killing everyone, just like he has with this team.

Let’s face facts waddell, You do not care one bit about winning, you do not care one bit about the fans, you could careless about where this team finishes, simply put waddell You Do Not Give A DAMN.

Your hiding is another thing that gets me, just like the owners, you all hide like LITTLE Cowards who need a diaper change, why don’t YOU waddell face the fans and take it up the A$$ for once,but you won’t you are a COWARD !

This team needs to be BLOWN UP Now and for the love of GOD, let someone else do it !

Fire waddell or someone do something to rid this team of this WORTHLESS Bum !

By Tony C.

February 6, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

Wow.

That’s all I can say. Wow. I realize ASG is loathe to put somebody else in (seeing as how the hoped-for “new owner” will want his own guy), but DAMN somebody’s got to take the fall for this embarrassment of craptastic-ness.

By Brendan

February 7, 2009 2:37 AM | Link to this

LAC, they’re not going to fire Waddell. This is all “part of the plan.” Another GM won’t fall on the sword, so that we can get Tavares or Hedman. But Waddell will. He’s either a “willing accomplice.” Or, he’s William Hung. That is, a person in complete denial about his shortcomings in his chosen profession.

A lot of this really is Don Waddell’s fault. No doubt about that. Irrespective of budgets, Waddell had seven (7) Top 10 picks with which to build this club. Did he nail them? Did he successfully develop them? He picked the Coaches who were supposed to do that, as well. But a significant portion of this … is the owners’ fault. They didn’t exactly EMPOWER DON with a ROBUST BUDGET to go fix this. Think about it, LAC. There’s only so much Waddell, or any GM, can do on a shoe-string budget. The Tier I players, whether drafted here or traded here, have to get new contracts at the rate that the market will bear. I think Waddell was only authorized $3.6 million to offer Savard, whose market value was $5.0 million. Now, I don’t think Savard wanted to stay in Atlanta, AT ANY PRICE. But, that’s just a “for instance.” Back then, in 2006, the issue … was fitting players in UNDER the cap. The owners are all too happy, now, to throw $7.0 million at Hossa, $8 million at Campbell, or $10 at Kovalchuk, precisely because they have to … to GET OVER THE FLOOR of the cap. If they don’t get over the floor, they get fined, lose a draft pick, and can’t collect revenue-sharing dollars. Nowhere in that SPENDING PLAN does it authorize butting up against the $56.7 million CEILING. That’s partly why players like Savard and Hossa left. Sure, they might get THEIR money, but the rest of the team will be “blue light specials” at K-Mart. That’s NOT how you win a Stanley Cup. That ISSSS why players have sports agents. It’s the job of the sports agents to do the research. To find out who has the finances to field a cap limit team, annually, in pursuit of the Cup. That is what a Tier I player wants. A Tier I player wants linemates who’ll help him excel as a professional, to meet all his objectives. And so forth.

Gee, I described the Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Club, didn’t I? My sarcasm detector is going off the charts. Everyone knows about Atlanta. Everyone. We can’t fool anybody. Not anymore. The cat’s out of the bag. Rrreowwww. Gone. We’ll sign free agents, but they’ll be players surviving more on reputation than actual talent and ability, and they’ll only sign here because no one else, in the NHL, would. And the player is probably coming off an injury. Think Uwe Krupp and Jani Hurme.

IFFFF it were ever true that Don Waddell’s job were on the line, he would have been fired immediately after the Rangers swept us in the 2007 playoffs. His trade deadline moves of 2007 were two-tiered. (1) To get us into the playoffs as division champions. (Mission Accomplished.) And (2) to advance the team at least into the 2nd round of the playoffs, if not the Conference Finals. That’s the LAST TIME I ever thought the owners had a plan … that wasn’t entirely about making a mint off resale of this hockey team.

LAC, once a team begins its commitment towards rebuilding, it can’t stop half-way. We’re only in Year Two of the the 2011 Plan. Two more YEARS to go. I’d be stunned if they brought in another GM. It doesn’t correspond with their “plan.” Ya know, the one they’re not COMFORTABLE telling you about. Go ahead. Ask them. I DARE YOU.

Their reply will be bluster about “Well, we just lacked consistency.” Do you know what that is? Ever go the carnival? And there’s a game called “Ring toss.” You can’t win that game. Everyone who plays it … is a pidgeon. While the games master croons, “Ohhh, almost had it that time. Wanna try again?” On your next toss … “Well, gee. That just BARELY missed. You’ll get it FOR SURE, this next time. Ohh, so close. $1 buys you another try.”

That’s what’s goin’ on, LAC. Some people see it. Some don’t.