ajcsportstalk

By David Lee

October 17, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell needs to be fired for this crap team roster

By luckydog

October 17, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

So Bob takes the fall even though it’s WADDELL’S job to assemble a competitive team, and this one is woefully ill-conceived.

After last year’s playoff push WADDELL let the wrong people leave and kept the wrong ones around.

Offensively WADDELL gambled on reloading with two small, mediocre centers in White and Perrin, and they look like total duds. Slater must have polaroids of someone with a goat — that’s the only explanation for his continued roster spot night after pointless night. Ex and McCarthy are being revealed as barely average d-men.

The veterans WADDELL chose to rely on — Holik, Zhit, Havelid and above all KOZLOV — are out of gas. They might still be fine role-players on loaded clubs, but they can’t carry one. Assuming they would step up this year was a massive miscalculation.

The rookie line is fun to watch, or would be if it wasn’t actually our BEST overall line right now. Toby Enstrom gets my vote as the best d-man we have at the moment. Still, they are just bug-eyed rooks skating around trying not to get killed out there.

We are outphysicaled all over the ice and play soft as a baby’s butt. Even Holik gets pancaked with impunity, and Ex hasn’t stood up anyone at the blue line in months. Kovy — Kovy!! — leads the team in fighting. Our little guys get tossed around like ragdolls. Opposing centers set up base camp in our crease.

Goal tending is shaky but really the least of our problems. We need to package Kari with someone in a deal soon and take our chances with Moose and Pavelec.

But most of all, WADDELL needs to step aside and let someone else start rebuilding.

Instead, we bid Bob adieu — and good luck.

By Matt

October 17, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

The only person who deserves to be fired is Don Waddell. I knew before the season started it would be a bad one and that is the fault of the GM. The coach can only do so much with the talent at hand and it isn’t his fault players like Lehtonen (whom Waddell drafted)have not lived up to expectations.

All I know is Hartley had a winning overall record in Atlanta and yet we fire him after just 6 games into the season…that makes sense.

Fire Waddell!

By Hawksville Resident

October 17, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Mario Lemieux

By savannah chris

October 17, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I’m shocked!!!! Atlanta has a hockey team??

By MrHughes

October 17, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

This does not make much sense to me. Hossa has been hurt and Hartley is not responsible for replacing a lot of the solid vets we had with rookies. The simple fact is that we were likely not going to repeat as Southeast Division Champs and this reactionary move reeks of desperation. Who’s out there as a coach, Kurt Frasser? Hartley was the best coach we’ve had. Midseason firings just do not make much sense.

By ottdawg

October 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

unbelievable - only 2 weeks into the season and getting rid of a proven winner - Waddell should be VERY glad he wasn’t judged so harshly…

And, for other “old” Atlanta fans like me - remember what happened after the Falcons fired Leeman Bennett and the Braves fired Joe Torre, just to get some kind of “shake up” or “quick fix”??? MORE OF THE SAME…

By McGreevy

October 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers will not improve until Waddell is gone. Hartley my not have been the answer, but given Waddell’s personnel decisions he didn’t have a chance.

By FSSikes

October 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Hate to see Hartley go. Waddell should go before Hartley.

By Alert the Media

October 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Hockey season started? Who knew?

By Thrasher Ryan

October 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Bob takes the fall for Waddell’s incompetence? Makes me sick. And Mike Woodson still has a job? WTF?

By rebel

October 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Can’t say I didn’t see this coming. I watched last night and it was pitiful. Defense that turns over the puck, too many odd man rushes, no ‘D’ help on rebounds and general lethargic play.

Thrashers didn’t resign their veteran grit and they are young and soft.

This is a follow up to the poor playoff performance and the same weaknessess; slow chasing defense, lack of size to crash the net, a overall lack of grit and toughness.

A Brian Sutter/ Mike Keenan type would help here…..tough, demanding and gritty.

By Ted

October 17, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Waddell is the one that needed to go. But that is only three years overdue. Waddell is the Forrest Gump of the NHL. Don stinks in the worst way. Hartley deserved better and I wish him luck

By Brad

October 17, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

This had to happen and had to happen now. The season can still be salvaged and it must be if there is any shot at resigning Hossa.

This team can win. It will win. Will THIS team win the Stanley Cup. I doubt it, but it can win. It can compete. It can play.

By GaVaHokie

October 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Bring on Pat Quinn… GM and Coach! He’ll mortgage the future as well, but atleast he’ll get players we’ve heard of.

By Thrashy Thrashy

October 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I’d rather see Waddell coach this team. That way, management can kill one bird with one stone when they fire him. Hartley’s not a bad coach, but it’s obvious to me that he wasn’t going to get the most out of this team. Waddell really sabotaged him.

By Maryann

October 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t put all the blame on the coach. Those guys are making at least 6 figure salaries, play the game for gosh sakes! They did not make it to the NHL on their looks, what happened to all the years of training?

By Andrew

October 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

It needed to be done. Not only are we 0-6, but we looked like one of the worst NHL teams ever through parts of the streak. Harley’s system and strategies just don’t cut it in the “new” NHL. So long, coach. And good luck.

By Brian

October 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Nice going, Waddell. Nice attempt to save your job. The Thrashers are a worse team now than they were this morning. Unbelievable. The wrong man is leaving.

By russian

October 17, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

It is not only Hartley fault. GM is also responcible for team. But last year on PO, Don gave him best what he could do and he blow it. I am thinking that Don should be next. About new coach, it is very difficult question. I did not see any available coaches on market.

By JayBird

October 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Honestly guys, what established, big name coach would want to come here? We have a crap GM. One of best players is walking at the end of the season, if not traded. We have overpaid players who aren’t productive. I really don’t know anything about the coach in Chicago but he is probably the best option at this point. We just need someone who will light a fire under the a*es of our players.

By geekboy

October 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Whoever denuded our roster for 2 months of Tkachuk should be axed, not the coach. Oh yeah, that would be Waddell.

I predict we will deal Hossa for defensemen that actually play defense.

This team Waddell built “on speed” couldn’t keep up with the Flyers, and Briere even said so after the wax job last night.

It is one thing to be fast, but you have to also be a physical hockey player in your own zone, else you get outscored 27-9 in 6 games.

By Tony

October 17, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

WADELL is the one who needs to go and NOW. We are too small physically to compete in this NHL. He can do nothing behind the bench and should have had someone else ready to coach Thursday.

By LAC

October 17, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

waddell HAS TO BE FIRED*

No more lame excuses or hiding sprit clowns !!!!!

bruce levnson you are as worthless a punk as I have ever seen, do nothing know nothing.

Where did you get your money ? Your wife, how about you rutherford, same place, because you two, not to mention the others who “own” the team are a bunch of COMPLETE IDIOTS I have never seen a professional sports franchise run as badly, this includes the Hawks as well.

They have been a PROBLEM since “THEY ” bought the team…

We need a new OWNER, that’s right OWNER someone who has GUTS and an understanding of HOW to run a professional sports team the IDIOTS who owne this team have ZERO clue and allow a WORTHLESS GM to go on the CHEAP and try to disguise it as progress….

Many on thses Thrasher blogs could do a MUCH better job as GM that the cheap cheat waddell,

Take Brenden a GREAT Hockey mind with the KEEN eye to spot a DIAMOND in the rough, BOB, who Always has the CORRECT Answers to on ice problems and so on, YES Stoz and Rannallo10 deserve STRONG Consideration and even I myself would draw from my early EHL days in Charlotte and do a 100% better job as GM or Owner…. A sad state of affairs here, But NOTHING will ever start to improve until waddell IS FIRED

By Mark

October 17, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

It looked like Hartley had lost the team but the blame for this mess really lies with Waddell. He put this team together. When is he going to be held accountable? He had the five year plan for the play-offs that some how turned into the seven year plan. He’s the man who has never been able to put an NHL worthy defense on the ice. He is the man who, for whatever reason, has been unable to find a good centerman for Kovy for 2 seasons. He’s the one who, for many seasons, could not find a consistent #1 goalie and now our future #1 appears to be a headcase (I blame that on Hartley miss using him in the play-offs last year). Still, the bottom line is pretty much every short coming for this team can be laid at Waddell’s feet and yet he still is hanging around like a anchor tied to our leg.

By The 70's rule

October 17, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe the Flames fired their head coach already. Bouchard needs to be traded too.

By JMar

October 17, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Terrible move. Hartley deserves all the credit in the world for turning this team around when he first got here. I know that the ESPN pundit predicted the Thrashers to be the worst team in the east, and that was based entirely on the players, not on the coaching.

Oh, and it wasn’t Bob Hartley that traded our first round pick, which could end up being the FIRST PICK IN THE DRAFT, away for a two month rental of Keith Tkachuk. Nice work, Don.

By Finchdawg

October 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Waddell’s just trying to buy himself time. He’s the one that should be gone. He couldn’t even get us to the playoffs last year with the players we had. He’s had long enough to create a consistently winning team, and he hasn’t done it. Fire Waddell!

By Kalfus

October 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Does Waddell have incriminating photos of members of the ownership group or something? Is he in the mafia? Is he Jesus? I’m just at a loss and trying to come up with an explanation for why he still has his job.

By fes

October 17, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

i’ve never been impressed with hartley, but he should have stuck around a little longer…at least until after dw is fired. after all, the roster is waddell’s fault, not bob’s.

By GaVaHokie

October 17, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I like Hartley, but this roster doesn’t fit his “system” that he swears by. It’s much easier to replace the coach than an entire team… yes, Waddell may have built a bad team, but we’ll never know until we get someone who can create a system AROUND the players skill sets instead of forcing them to play a particular style.

In fact, in 3 years of watching Hartley coach, I still can’t tell you what his “system” is… seriously folks, how much have we complained about the Power Play performance? What did Hartley do to change it?

By Don (Not that one)

October 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

So Hartley takes the fall for Don’s mistakes. I’ll miss Bob he’s a good coach and a real good guy.

It’s a rare case where the GM is fired and the coach stays, but that would be the best course of action here.

Don has destroyed our roster by making budget moves then pawning off our young talent for a 4 game sweep in the playoffs.

I hate to say it, but my prediction is we keep losing for a month, then the ownership makes the right move and replace the GM. Not that there are good one’s just waiting to be picked up.

By Kevin

October 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

To this point the offseason moves have been questionable and Waddell must take some of the responsibility for that. As for Hartley, he took us to the next level and I’m thankful for the effort he gave, however I do question some of his tatics and lines particularly the inability to stick with combinations and allow them the opportunity to get used to playing with one another. I also believe his handling of the goaltenders has lead to Kari losing confidence, he should have never of been pulled in the playoffs after giving up one soft goal in game one. Perhaps Waddell will put him in goal and let him know he is the number 1. The kid has enormous talent and the Thrashers will only go as far as he can take them. Hedberg is a nice backup but he’s not capable of carrying a team, that’s why he has been a backup for most of his career. The biggest area where Hartley has to take the blame is our continued struggles on the special teams, this is a trend that has continued from last year, how we made the playoffs with both special teams units being at the bottom of the NHL is a miracle. Also, I think he has lost the lockeroom and I attribute this partly to our lack of physical presence. No team’s front line players ex: Hossa, Kovy, Kozlov are run more that ours without any type of physical reaction. Boulton or Thorburn one should be dressed every night to provide some type of protection and they should be allowed to do there job. I know the NHL has changed but there is still a place for a player to look out for the teams stars.

By Atlpaddy

October 17, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Apparently, Waddell is going to be the interim bench coach. Good. Right after the Thrashers lose again, he can fire himself.

By bluestreak

October 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Wrong guy got fired. Look at his record, Hartley has a winning record with the icebirds…Waddell doesn’t. Waddell made too many questionable or plain out bad decisions and needs to be gone. He’s hung on to that Hossa trade too long for credit. Everything else he has done could have been done as well or better by 99% of the GMs in the league and a bunch of folks that just watch the game.

Come on Spirit, step up and let him go.

By HockeyDawg

October 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

No way anyone should be surprised by this move. The team has looked horrible in almost every aspect of the game thus far this season. I would think that with proper coaching they should be better in at least a few phases of the game. But the problems have been so far-reaching that it’s obvious this is going to take a lot of work to fix.

Although I have been somewhat of a defender of Waddell through the years, I agree that it’s well past time for him to go as well! As a matter of fact, I place more blame at his feet. There’s no excuse for this roster to be this pathetic at this stage of our franchise’s history. Outside of Kovy, Hoss, and the kids, we appear to have very little offensive talent. (Maybe Kozlov will pick it up soon, but he’s looked lost this season.) And there’s even less defensive talent.

The special teams have been atrocious! We have little size and even less toughness (aside from Kovy). Our puck-handling skills are terrible. There’s no cohesion or communication on the lines. Even our goaltending has been awful thus far! LOTS OF PROBLEMS! And good luck to whoever the next coach is - there doesn’t appear to be a huge amount of talent to work with here right now.

I kinda feel bad for Hartley. Looked like he was trying his hardest with what he had to work with. But like they say, “You can’t make chicken salad from chicken s—-!”

By Tired of this...

October 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Bob had to go, he’s brutal on the players and wasted youth. Don needs to follow him, he’s a nice guy, but incompetent.

By Jenn

October 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

I’m generally a firm believer that blame lies first with the kids on the ice, and second with the coach. And if this were the team that lead us to our first playoff berth, I’d stand by that. However, this team is brand new and hasn’t gelled, and that fault lies with the General Manager. We have a tiny team, and we can’t break through offensively. We have tentative players who could be great if they felt safe on the ice, but they don’t, and with good reason. Don Waddell made terrible decisions in the off season, and it’s he, not Bob “First Thrashers’ Playoff Berth” Hartley, that should be fired.

By Thrasman

October 17, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Who should coach? I say hire Nelson Emerson. He’s an assistant coach with the Kings and he has history with the Thrashers. Anybody else?

By Sara

October 17, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see that management (both GM and owners) did SOMETHING in reaction to this pathetic start, other than say “no panicking here.” I hate it for Bob, I know he had some challenges to deal with this season. But that said, there is no excuse for how the team has played through the first 5 of 6 games. They played very well overall against Ottawa and have shown moments of good play in the last two games - with nothing to show for it. Took WAY too long to fix an anemic PP (that fell ill last January). Those are all problems in coaching, not overall managing. Not that I hold Don blameless at all but I do think Hartley shoulders the biggest responsibility for this debacle.

However, good luck finding a decent replacement at this point - not sure who might be available that’s worth a darn.

By Parrothead

October 17, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

This may not solve the problem, but we have not had a good power play for quite a while, and I blame hartely for that. Plus, our D has always been soft. We can still build around Kovy and Hossa. I agree with a previous post…deal Kari to get a good Dman and a draft pick.

By Hotrod

October 17, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Wow - This came out of left field.

Thanks Bob for all you have done for our community and kids.

You are a great hockey man and have plenty of coaching years ahead of you.

By GaVaHokie

October 17, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Last time I checked, our Power Play consisted of Hossa, Kozlov and Kovalchuk… all veterans… all Top-Tier players… they can’t score to save their life… that is a strategy problem, in turn a coaching problem.

By JayBird

October 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

If Waddell thinks he is Jesus, he deserves to be crucified as well!

Waddell needs to be booed like we have never booed anyone before. He is a joke and as long as he is the captain of this ship, we will continue to sink.

By Thrashers27

October 17, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Good call, Hokie

By Hockeynumb

October 17, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

IMO it all starts with Kovalchuk. He’s a terrible presence on this team and we’ll always have problems until we get rid of him. He’s got great talent but he’s not a leader of men that take others to the next level. We saw that in the playoff’s last year. He’s an “individual” not a team player.

All the players should be ashamed of themselves but I have a real problem with Kovalchuk. Its not Hartleys fault when the team won’t play up to their capabilities.

By Rastaman

October 17, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Go Thrashers, and take the Falcons wit ya! Go to Ontario, or further north, just go. Because? YOU SUCK!

By GaVaHokie

October 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

The owners will give Don a chance to hire a new coach, make trades and get this thing turned around… surely, you must all understand this… don’t worry, if the ship is not righted, he’ll be fired next.

Let’s move on to likely coaching candidates.

By LAC

October 17, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

I have another question…………..

Can the Stupid, I mean spirit clowns READ ? Doubtful…

Can they understand what FANS are saying…. NO.

Do they act like PROFESSIONAL owners… No F—-ing Way they do.

They are JOKE owners, little boys who like their train set going round and round because it never goes anyplace… Just like they are !!!

They do not care about this Thrashers and are all into themselves because “They Own A Professional Sports Team”

They are all LIARS of the Highest order, because,as we ALL remember, on opening night that STUPID LIAR IDIOT snydel proclaimed “We are committed to bringing The Stanley Cup To Atlanta” Remember folks ?

He LIED, he and the others are CHEAP littl boys without a clue,TheyC annot even see the REAL problem DUMB waddell the man with How many plans ????? NO, I repeat NO other NHL team would allow this type of incompent conduct by a GM to continue,no other professional team.

I will NOT be attending another game until * waddell IS FIRED* just that simple and I would suggest others stay away too.

Then with 2,000-3,000 in the seats game after game, then MAYBE these WORTHLESS STUPID owners will finally come up with a dynamic idea…

FIRE waddell*

How novel and REFRESHING THAT WOULD BE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Chris

October 17, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

They say &%!# rolls downhill and never was there a better example here. Don Waddell seemed to go out of his way to stock this team with soft, small, stonehanded, unwilling, unimaginiative players. No wonder they are getting their butts kicked every night.

By I Love Coach Uncle Bob

October 17, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I Love You, COACH UNCLE BOB!!

Thank you so very much for all that you have done for our Beloved THRASHERS, Coach Hartley.

You ARE appreciated here.

You WILL BE missed here.

By Ilya k

October 17, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

FIRE DON!

8 years and all we have is Kovy and Hossa to show for all the top draft picks we had. Bob is not the problem! The fan consensus is that Don is the problem. Maybe the fans are right!

FIRE DON!

By Mehoff

October 17, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I say let Jeff Odgers coach the rest of the year…He’ll certainly call up some big boys to put on the ice for protection..

By Change in the air

October 17, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

If you want to lose come to Atlanta. Bad player worst coaches and fans. worst sport town other than that SSDD!!

By R. Stroz

October 17, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Can we have another press conference tomorrow and announce Waddell has been fired?

By Turd Ferguson

October 17, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Waddell needed to be fired not Hartley. Waddell will now see you can’t win (at least not regularly) with this roster. He spent his load last year making the playoffs and then screwed the pooch. To blame Hartley is bull$hit and I hope Waddell gets what he deserves.
What better coach is available? Unless he can get Bowman out of retirement…….Ah, that was a nice little day dream, now back to work.

By Ilya k

October 17, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

numb….. says Kovy is the problem. You are numb. enough said

By smartguy

October 17, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Can he take Mike Woodson with him??

By El Thrash

October 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Dear Rastaman,

Please go kill yourself and burn in the Eternal Flames of Hell.

You are worthless.

By Saul

October 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Bob,

THANK YOU for all you have done for this team! You will be missed in Blueland-your HOME. To Don Waddell, You should have been fired! PLAYERS FAULT/GM FAULT! How could you get rid of a PROVEN winner not to mention a world class coach! Take care, Bob!

By SP

October 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Is Emilio Estevez available? He did a fine job with that Mighty Ducks team.

On the plus side, we won’t be hearing “Phuleeps Arena” anymore.

By JMar

October 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Question for the Atlanta Spirit: On one side we have a terrible GM and a terrible coach that have taken a last place basketball team and turned them into a last place basketball team. They remain employed. On the other side, we have a terrible GM and a well-respected coach that came in and turned a hockey team around immediately upon his arrival, eventually leading to a division championship. The GM proceeds to trade away the team’s best prospects for middling players, and two first round draft picks for the two month rental of an aging star. Terrible GM destroys the team’s future, remains employed. Head coach loses six games and is fired. I guess my question is how incompetent do you want me to be to hire me to some multi-million dollar position? Because I’m sure I’m up to the task.

By JonnyUtah

October 17, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

I like Thrasman’s idea, Nellie Emerson

By PeachBowlDawgs

October 17, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

What a shame… 1 year removed from the division championship and a 1st playoff appearance and your fired for starting the season 0-6.

This is just another sign of everything wrong with professional sports in this town.

Bring on the new WNBA franchise, the Atlanta ConVicks…

By Matt H

October 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

I have to hop on the “Fire Don” train too. I think it’s quite obvious now that neither Hartley nor Waddell are right for this team, and that’s not going to change.

A clean cut would be nice, to have Waddell out the door within the next week. But who are we getting to replace either of these guys who will do a whole lot better?

Are we gonna get Scotty-f’in-Bowman down here to GM the Atlanta Thrashers?

The right people are out there. Finding them is going to be no small problem, though.

By JeffG

October 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Can we fire the owners? Is it a coincidence that the Thrashers and Hawks have both struggled despite having talented players? There have been some really good players come and go from the Thrashers and we’ve only mustered up one playoff appearance??

I don’t like Hartley’s tactics of changing up his lines so much and the strategy of letting point shots go is a horrible one when your D can’t box out the opponents to stop a deflection goal, a rebound goal or a screened goal BUT the firing should have started with Waddell. Hartley can only work with what he’s got and Waddell didn’t give him much.

Don has to go before the Thrashers will ever be true cup contenders.

By mike

October 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Wrong guy was fired. Wish Waddell would be shown the door. Of course, Atlanta is a great place to come if you are incompetent and want to run a pro sports franchise. i.e. Billy Knight and Rich McKay. Waddell will be here FOREVER. Real glad I did not buy tix this season. Now I can use that money and do something fun. Call me when Waddell is gone. He is the real problem and the one constant since the inception of the franchise. HEY HEY HO HO WADDELL HAS GOT TO GO!!

By Howard

October 17, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

As an Atlanta sports fan I am concerned about the Spirit ownership. Neither franchise has proven much except ineptitude. Can we fire the owners or would they please resign or sell. I’m afraid this continuous losing will lead to poor attendance and then loss of a local franchise. Please, guys, give up your toy and sell to real ownership.

By Brendan

October 17, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Well Craig, the house of cards is starting to fall. That’s not surprising for a team that began its freefall in “late January.” I thought Don would wait at least 10 games into the season first, as I was still moved by his “No panic here” statement … what?, some 48 hours ago now?

Now look, there’s plenty of blame to go around here. But since Hartley is the one who got fired, we should look at his record. Overall, it’s pretty good. At least, “decent.” But how can ANYBODY simply overlook a 10-game losing streak during “critically-essential” games for the direction of the franchise?

But we should back up. This team started its “descent” in January. That’s when other teams figured out Hartley’s system and especially the PP, which became utterly anemic and predictable. As the team floundered, GM Waddell had to make “desperate” moves to save the season at the trade deadline. Those moves worked, but were merely a “band-aid.” The team got swept out of the playoffs. But more than just the “sweep,” the story of the playoffs was Hartley’s inept handling of his goaltenders. After one game, Hartley decided to “bench” franchise-goalie Kari Lehtonen in favor of Hedberg, as a “command decision” for the remainder of the series. “Okayyy.” Hedberg played very well in Game Two. Then, inexplicably, he returns to Lehtonen, who proceeds to get shelled in a 7-0 route. Out of “options” that make any sort of sense, he returns with Hedberg for Game Four. This was hardly the 1st time Hartley’s “goaltender rotation decisions” were questioned. He’d ride Kari and Moose into exhaustion, rather than establish any sort of rotation between them. He’d tell Kari has to improve, then bench him for 3-4 games. How does a goalie “improve,” while riding the pine?

Craig, my feeling at this point is … if “firings” needed to occur, both the GM and Coach should be shown the door simultaneously. This way, a new GM can “choose” his coach, as it should be. If Waddell gets fired AFTER he hires a new coach, then the new GM is saddled with a “Waddell-holdover.”

Since you asked who that new coach should be, I think Coach Anderson is Chicago ought to be given some consideration for the post.

Make no mistake, Craig, this GM is still in panic mode, as he senses his tenure with the Thrashers may not be “eternal” after all. Expect more “desperate moves” as the season advances. This may become a “rebuilding” year. If so, it doesn’t make sense to move young talent and prospects for vets in their mid-30’s, who are now overpaid, and surviving more on reputation than actual ability—just to “finagle” another playoff berth, at position #8. If the season is lost, it’s time to move “assets.” Trouble is, we’re not 10 games into season. It’s still too premature to call a “time of death.” 152-points are still on the table. And Waddell is going to act like his moves will get 100 of them. What he may find is … they don’t. And now more the future’s foundation may be gone with that vain effort. Discuss.

By gordie howe

October 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Hire me ya hoser

By B. Thenet

October 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

DW is a nice guy, which is perhaps why he gave Hartley a bit too much leeway in the 2nd half last season and after the playoffs.

In all honesty, this move should have been made in February last year.

Hartley could not get consistency out of the Thrashers ever. Winning streak to Losing streak, etc.

The special teams, which are probably the most coaching intensive part of a hockey team, have been awful the last two years. With 2 studs like Kovalchuk and Hossa, it is unthinkable they could be that bad on the power play.

Nobody could ever get chemistry with their linemates because Hartley would always shuffle the lines, sometimes during the game. It is just one of the reasons why the Thrashers could look so bad on the ice, even last year. The players simply did not know where to expect their linemates to be. Chemistry on the ice is key, and the only two players who ever developed anything on the Thrashers were Hossa and Kozlov.

In addition, Hartley rides his team hard. Have a bad shift, lose your spot on the top lines. Have a bad game, sit on the 4th line for a week. The kicking and screaming act gets old quick. We always hear about teams on edge “holding their sticks too tightly”. That is what Hartley brought.

Bob was good for the Atlanta market while he was here. On and off the ice. But whenever you hire a coach, or GM, you realize that down the road you will be riding them out of town on a rail at some point. The time for Bob to go was months ago, and as usual DW was a little slow on the trigger.

By killerfly

October 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Yo BOB dont worry!!! get some rest we will see you soon in NHL really soon…. At Montreal they fired Demers and Savard after 4 games and Habs still sucks since that time…So Trashers fans be patient and wait for Hawks or Falcons to get better results…

By MJM

October 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I knew we were in trouble when Holick got the C and our largest acquisition was Ken Klee. I mean talk about blaming the wrong guy. Maybe Waddell can get the Falcons coach to come over and sit behind the bench. I don’t think the Thrasher’s have many Sunday games.

By Hockeyfan

October 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Craig,

Was Weeks at practice today? Just asking…

By Turd Ferguson

October 17, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Good luck Bob, you deserve better, and I hope you get your chance to whip Don’s butt personally.

By Matt the Brave

October 17, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

As I have stated before…

WHY THE HECK IS THERE HOCKEY BELOW THE MASON-DIXON LINE?!?!?!

Too bad this wasn’t news that the Falcons had already fired Petrino.

By John

October 17, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

It’s CLEARLY Waddell who’s GOT TO GO! He keeps this roster so under cap that Bob has nothing to work with. Don’t believe me? Just wait until he takes over and does just as bad as Hartley. WADDELL MUST GO!

By GaDawg

October 17, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Waddell should have gone first.

Good luck Coach Hartley .

By siouxperfan

October 17, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Enough with the European All-Star Team! Belfour! Belfour! Belfour!

By siouxperfan

October 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Enough with the European All-Star Team! Belfour! Belfour! Belfour!

By Scott

October 17, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

I must have missed an earlier press conference - did the Rankin Smith family buy the Thrashers? Waddell has been at the helm of this ship since day one of the franchise and has absolutely nothing to show for it. The team finally qualifies for the playoffs and immediately shows that it did not truly belong. The reward for the fans who have stood by the team, a completely revamped roster that looks more like an AHL team. How many of these guys could play on top lines somewhere else, one maybe two. The future doesn’t look too bright either. Ottawa managed to sign their top player prior to the start of the season. We’re told that Hossa is a top priority and yet he is unsigned and let’s not forget that Trader Don doesn’t negotiate during the season. I’m having a Marc Savard flashback - there is no way that Hossa is here next season. Now they fire Bob Hartley, the one person in the organization who knows how to win. It’s obvious that the ownership team knows nothing about hockey and unfortunately, Don Waddell is their only source of information. I’m glad that I made the decision not to renew my tickets.

By ch1355

October 17, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Seriously guys. Even though Waddell sucks too, Hartley is directly responsible for the teams play. He chooses the plays (or lack thereof). He chooses to have the players dump the puck in relentlessly which has proven time and time again to be ineffective. He chooses the horrible powerplay strategies that never work. And he chooses to not pound puck handling into the players heads every time they practice. Come on people, stop taking up for him and look at the results. Besides shuffling lines, what the hell has he done to fix the problem???? What was he doing in the offseason, playing bingo? That’s when he should’ve been coming up with a new game plan.

By michelle

October 17, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

boycott this team until waddell is gone!

By Blue in Blueland

October 17, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell is the one who should be fired. Don gave up way too much last year, a move which will most likely haunt us for years to come.
Poor Hartley had to play with the terrible hand he was dealt.
Waddell’s incompetence at building a team should not have cost Hartley his job.

By Jose

October 17, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

IT IS WADDELL THAT MUST GO! HE WILL DO JUST AS BAD AS HARTLEY WITH THE UNDER-CAP ROSTER HE HAS! PAY TO WIN!

By drew

October 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

While Hartley is not totally blameless, he did seem hesitant to play & develop young talent, I put most of blame on “Teflon Don” Waddell. He is the one that continues to make bad personnel decisions. We have never had any defense, a play-making center…ooops, we did not re-sign Marc Savard and an alleged superstar goalie in Lehtonen who does his best imitation of the Tin Man…no heart. It is ridiculous that after eight years this is all the talent we have assembled considering all the high draft picks. FIRE WADDELL AND LOSE THOSE HORRIBLE HOME JERSEYS WHILE YOU ARE AT IT.

By Radio

October 17, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Like many people said in these posts, you can’t get wins with limited talent. We used to have some talent here and Waddell obviously can’t recognize talent when he sees it. Including the talented coach he just fired. We need a new GM, we need to make some trades, and we need to give Hartley his job back. Then we can expect to play like we did last year. I can’t see Waddell doing better than Hartley with the SAME team. It won’t happen. Another 4-5 loses and cut Waddell loose.

By Shoot It

October 17, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Coach Hartley, While I may have disagreed with some of your moves, you are not the problem with the Thrashers. I wish you all the best and hope you are back coaching in the near future.

Owners, please do the right thing and remove the current GM and let’s move forward.

I would like to see a proven winner as coach, someone like Brian Trottier.

By UpperDeck4Life

October 17, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Luckydog you took the words right out of my mouth.

By Ric

October 17, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

As has been said over and over here Don Waddell put this sad roster together. This team has nothing after Hossa and Kovi. You are not going to win many games that way. It is such a shame after this many years to be in this situation.

Hartley was forced to play a very conservative style in order to protect the limited ability of his players. You can’t win very many games that way unless your goaltender stands on his head every night. That has not happened.

I agree that something had to happen but Hartley seems to be the wrong place to start. The team has very little talent to offer anyone in trade. We are kind of stuck.

Wait till next year.

Goodbye Bob.

Hopefully Goodbye Don SOON.

By luckydog

October 17, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I vote with Drew: get rid of the wimpy blue shirts (and stupid blueland theme) and bring back the old away jerseys. You remember them — a dull red the color of dried blood. At least we’d look tough….

By ek

October 17, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Bring back Boom Boom Geoffrion!

By Andre Bielski

October 17, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

It’s a good start. I hope the dump and chace offfense leaves with Hartley. I personally couldn’t take another year of it. However, the organization didn’t do much during the offseason, so Waddell needs to take some of the blame. It’s sad situation, given where they finished last year and the All Star game being in town this year.

By Ilya k

October 17, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

FIRE DON FIRE DON FIRE DON FIRE DON!

By Brendan

October 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Ya know, I forgot to mention something. I’m gonna miss all those great Hartley interviews.

Announcers: “Well, seemed like the guys were trying to get a little bit too fancy with their passing tonight. Your thoughts, Coach?”

Coach Hartley: “Yeah, way too much ‘fancy.’

By Dave

October 17, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Come on fair weather fans. Get behind the team or go watch the Hawks. Yall embarrass me. From a real hockey fan (thrasher hockey) !!

By Chill out

October 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

WHO CARES!

By Thrashers Rule

October 17, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Can’t argue with the folks clammoring for Waddell to go — BUT this team didn’t even look competitive in the first games. Maybe two periods against the Sens…. Hartley is an okay coach but he has more downside than up — benchings for single mistakes that sacrifice the team for his “teaching” auhtority, power play strategy that stinks on ice (literally), inexplicable game day roster moves? I agree a new GM is needed if the Thrashers want to be a CHAMPIONSHIP team but it’s on the coach to be competitive with who he has. Right now our rooks are so afraid of making a mistake they simply won’t play. If I have to watch another power play where we pass around the perimeter, nobody shoots and nobody slots in front of the goal I’m going to spontaneously combust.

Everyone should remember that last year’s team — with all it’s talent — had a horrific stretch in the latter part of the season that almost cost the division. I thought Hartley should have gone then and even more so after the playoff debacle. Game strategy and tactics are not Hartley’s strong suit.

This may only be part of the answer — but it is part of it nevertheless.

By Bryan

October 17, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Hartley has done a commendable job. It’s obvious that he is provided good players he can win. If anyone should go it’s Waddell.

By JD

October 17, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

JMar Oh, and it wasn’t Bob Hartley that traded our first round pick, which could end up being the FIRST PICK IN THE DRAFT, away for a two month rental of Keith Tkachuk. Nice work, Don. Actually we got that pick back from St Louis.

something had to be done now… and firing a GM now does really nothing to the moral of the current team. Coaches in the NHL are replaced all the time..even when the teams in first place. see New Jersey…twice. I’m not upset about it. I want the team to win! and we haven’t won in 10 games! Yes Waddell has really underachieved. As has Rich McKay … oops wrong blog… His failures will be addressed by years end. But Waddell’s daily job is to evaluate his employees performances. And Hartley has not done his job… The team is obviously not ready. The constant lineup tweeking, the benching of the kid line in the 3rd period against the Devils (idiotic!), the constant switching of goalies (game 2 last playoffs was the worst move ever!) Waddell did his job today. Which is more than I can say about him for the past 8 years!

By Brent

October 17, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

It is the correct decision, but it should have been made immediately after the playoff sweep by the Rangers last April. As far as I know Bob Hartley is the only NHL coach to lose two Stanley Cup Playoff games by 7-0 scores (he accomplished that with Colorado in 2002 -the year AFTER he won the Stanley Cup); his teams seem to be inclined to quit on him.

The transition from a fired coach to a new coach would be much smoother over an off-season rather than at the beginning of a new season.

Good decision, lousy timing.

By Marietta

October 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Hey SavannahChris

If you don’t like hockey why bother to click on the link only to post a smart@SS comment? For true hockey/Atlanta Thrasher fans this story came as quite a shock. Your comment was not needed nor was it appreciated! Go troll elsewhere.

By Ryan

October 17, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

We all knew that DW was pathetic when he put that USA team together. Hold on tight folks, this is going to be a very long, and perhaps dismal season.

Maybe he can coach better than he can politic…….LOL

By kreedham

October 17, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I liked Hartley but as many said we continued to be poor both on the Power Play and Penalty kill.

I hope the ownership group has Waddell on a short leash.

And concerning the ownership group, that’s a big problem. It’s shouldn’t be a group. At the very least 1 or 2 owners. When they started they had too many then they gave Dominique a slice and add one of the Turner boys. Some of the guys need to sell to the others and reduce the number of owners.

By Holik-A-Holic

October 17, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

THEY FIRED THE WRONG MAN Now it will be Waddell’s head on the chopping block! Nice #1 center you went after DON! Maybe after Waddell is gone they will get a coach that will make them quit dumping the puck in after they cross the blueline! You know maybe design some plays “call me crazy”

By jen

October 17, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Sad to see such a classy guy go from the community perspective always generous with his time, and was exceptionally accessible to kids. He did a lot for the development of youth hockey leagues around town, as well as elsewhere.

HOWEVER, he had clearly lost the room, lost Hossa and Kozzie, and Kovy was taking shots too…this is not the arrogant Kovy of old either. The team needed a shakeup/wakeup call, whatever you want to call it, and this was the most feasible way to do it. Firing the GM does nothing to wake up a team. There are not really any decent players out there right now that are free agents (other than Markov) that would fill a glaring need, and we wouldn’t be able to get a good trade right now, as we would be dealing from a position of utmost weakness. Clearly there is talent on this roster, we’ve seen flashes of it, but getting a sustained effort for 60+ minutes has been an issue since last year, and I believe its the coach’s responsibility to keep the locker room mentality such that the players are able to keep their momentum. The constant shuffling of lines does not allow for chemistry to develop, and I think everyone is in agreement that goaltending rotation and young players have not been handled well. They mailed it in after the 1st goal last night, and I think it was pretty apparent that this would be the outcome. Still and all, a classy guy who finally took us to the promised land, and I wish him luck and success whereever he lands…just not when he plays us.

By Sandy Springs

October 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Clearly, the players weren’t responding to the coach. This is not a new discovery; it goes back to the playoffs. The Thrashers had more talent then, but were just as flat and passionless.

A new coach will get the players jacked up. Then we’ll see if this team just played poorly to get the coach fired, or if they are just plain bad.

If it is truly the latter, then we have lots of rebuilding to do.

By iuliana

October 17, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I am SHOCKED! It’s not Hartley’s fault the team is not playing real hockey! The team should be sanctioned and blamed for the lost games, not the coach! I bet Hartley is doing everything in his power to get the team to play the best possible and get some wins. The lines keep changing, most of the guys are new and it’s hard to get the chemistry that we had last season! It is definitely not Hartley who put the new team together…it’s the GM and he should be responsible for the team’s performance also! BOB HARTLEY DESERVES TO BE BACK!!!!

By Thrash1

October 17, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

It’s about time—-Hartley had no clue how to win at this level. Atl needs to find a real coach.

By dork

October 17, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s goon it up!!!

By waddellblows

October 17, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

What about Waddell? He is never held accountable for the player moves. Let’s see how he does behind the bench with the “talent” he put together. He gave Hartley these players. Hartley won a Stanley Cup. What has Waddell accomplished since running Thrashers? One division title and a sweep by a very mediocre Rangers team. I forgot he put together the US mens hockey team that got their a** kicked in the Olympics. btw: You loser fans that boo Heatley are goobers. He was the heart of this team. He was involved in tragic situation and you boo him? Losers of Hicktown!

By Charlie

October 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I agree with most of the comments, Waddell was the one who needed to go. Hartley was dealt a terrible hand to play and Waddel was dealing. I think this is a bad move cause now we have ding dong waddell as the fill in coach. It sucks that ticket prices went up this year for this kind of crap. Good luck Hartley!

By Waddell Sucks

October 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

This sucks a*! How tragic to let the best man go after all the s** he put up with to get us this far. Ya sure we are off to a bad start, but that is more of a GM issue….looks like he should have stepped up when placing certain newbies on the team that can’t get their act together. Last night’s game was a joke….look at the oldies and you could tell by their faces….what they hell were the new guys doing. In my opinion it is ia defense issue….even Kovy looked p** at defense the last home game. And…..why didn’t we practice on Sunday???? Waddell needs to go. He has been nothing but a pain in the a$$ since he came on board…..and needs to be held accountable for his actions……oh and we can say goodbye to some of our older players too now since there are a couple that follow Hartley! i.e Larsen, but that is a loss we can take.

By can't believe it

October 17, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

The wrong man was fired. Coach Hartley was not a good coach but a great coach. He did not have the talent thanks to the gm. This team is soft and lacks size. I would think Hossa is next since he will never resign to a team that is not winning. Khari is over rated as a goalie, we have no size on defense and most of the veterans are over the hill. The rookies show some promise but lack the grit as of now. The team needed a wake up call but Atlanta just lost the best coach it ever had in any sport.

By Thrasher Fan

October 17, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

This is another example of letting the wrong person go. Coach Hartley can only coach the guys on his roster. It is not his fault that the team got young once again, which makes me remember what we hear from Mr. Waddell every year except for last season which is “We’re a young team, and we’re developing and maturing. The fans need to be patient.” Well after an exciting season last year in which the Thrashers made the playoffs, what moves were done to make the team better? Nothing considerably and infact I believe they took a step back. Mr. Waddell should’ve resigned at the same time he decided to fire a great coach.

Coach Hartley, thank you for everything you’ve done with the Thrashers. You will be missed!!!!

By Skydawg

October 17, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

NO DOUBT, the wrong person was fired here. Hartley has been the best thing to happen to the Thrashers. But its hard to coach up an AHL team in the NHL. Waddell and ownership is to blame for not giving Hartley the players to win. You get what you pay for Atlanta Sprit group. This is not a good team on paper and it shows on the ice. Hartley can only do so much. The guys won a Stanley Cup, he knows how to coach. He’s been successful everywhere he’s been except here. Wonder what the difference is? WADDELL is the difference.

By thefish

October 17, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

WHAT A FARCE!!!!FIRE WADDELL YOU STUPID OWNERS!!!!THEN FIRE YOURSELVES!!! $90 A TICKET FOR THIS DRECK!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO………..

By Peter Lindstrom

October 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I think that Brad McCrimmon is a given name as the next head coach.

By JayBird

October 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Thrash1: Hartley can’t win at this level? Which level is that? He has won a Stanley Cup. I am assuming the level you are talking about involves a team with no centers and terrible defensemen.

By Spirit are a JOKE

October 17, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Hartley fired after taking the Thrashers to the playoffs yet WORTHLESS Mike Woodson and Billy Knight keep their jobs? The spirit group are stumps in the forest of society.

By Holik-A-Holic

October 17, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

I hope Waddell sticks with his guns, You know when he said Hartley will be the coach as long as he is GM! SEE YA DON!!

By Get Real

October 17, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

wadellblows- get a grip. A tragic situation is getting blindsided at a redlight. Heatley decided to drive 90 mph down Lenox Rd which is just plain stupid. If it were you or me we would still be in jail. He deserves what he gets.

By Reality check

October 17, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

With Hartley gone, maybe the Thrashers will set another record this year— for the worst NHL season in the history of the league.

Mr. Hartley, we’re gonna miss you.

By drew

October 17, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

i think tom lysiak and willi plett are still around. we need some toughness

By lottojunky

October 17, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

I know Hartley personally (from Colorado). He is one of the best coaches around. What is he supposed to with a team that sucks this bad? Clearly, Bob was the scapegoat. Isn’t it Waddell’s responsibility to assemble a successful, competitive hockey club?

By joe

October 17, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Who is Hartley? Never heard of him. I have heard of the Thrashers though; minor league hockey team, right? What happened to the Atlanta Knights?

By steve

October 17, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

where is Scotty Bowman?

By steve

October 17, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

where is Scotty Bowman?

By me

October 17, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

It only took the Atlanta Spirt group a few years to destroy the Thrashers. They should have never traded Heatly. I thought the Blackhawk ownership was the worst in the NHL. I guess I’ll just watch the Thrashers on TV.

By gttim

October 17, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Can we fire the idiot that let Savard go? Would that be Waddell? We still do not have a decent center to replace him.

By MB

October 17, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

The only thing I’ll add is get rid of McCrimmon while you’re at it.

Defense has been a glaring weakness on this team for years, yet this guy still hangs on. He must have pictures of the pictures.

By vitaman

October 17, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Luckydog knows all sees all. Bob did well to keep this roster from being embarassed even more than they were. In addition, he always maintained his decorum, looked great on TV and had a killer accent.

By AM

October 17, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Waddell needs to be fired for season after season of disappointment. The team he has put together is to young to be competitive. Lets see what kind of an difference from last year a new coach will make. I’ll be willing to bet, with this same roster, not much!

By Tommy

October 17, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Yep, I’ll pile on—Waddell is the one that needed to go.

I’ve read a couple posts saying that the roster didn’t fit Hartley’s style. OK. But Hartley has been the coach for 4 seasons!! Shouldn’t Waddell have taken Hartley’s coaching style into consideration when assembling the roster?????

A cross between scotty bowman and stephen hawking would have trouble turning this squad into a contender. It’s a joke. No size, no scoring up the middle, depth and very few players with complementary skills.

The truly amazing part is that Don Waddell has been at this for years and still put together a roster that has this limited of potential.

The Falcons and Thrashers are getting eerily similar—underacheiving veterans, inept GMs, hostile fan bases, busted draft picks.

Say this for Atlanta sports—we may lose, but it’s never boring.

By A

October 17, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with the Hartley firing. Loosing 6 games and only looking as if they were in one of them is coaching. The coach is the one who draws up the plays. The team has 4 studs and should be able to compete with half the teams they played so far. But DW also needs to go!

By Josh

October 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Waddell is the one that should be fired and I plan on bringing a “Waddell should be next” sign, Hartley is a good coach but you have to have talent also which Waddell hasn’t provided him with. However it still all points to ownership, this team is 8 million under the cap..they should have been allowed to go after a premiere player in the offseason. Sorry….Todd White is terrible and isn’t a 3rd line center, much less a 1st liner.

By BB Fan

October 17, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

The only ice in the South is in “Scotch on the Rocks”. Who cares that Hartley/Heatly is gone!

By Bob

October 17, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Wow, where have all you guys been for the past few years, we could’ve used you on these blogs while myself and about 5 or 6 other consistent bloggers have been pointing out for years the obvious, that Waddell is the real problem here.

Hartley could not put lipstick on this pig that Waddell built. Ya can’t make s** shine.

The good news is two fold, first, we’ll get a nice little bump out of this for the next 5 games. Whenever a coach is fired, the club starts winning and playing better for a 5 game stretch. But then it’s going to be back to reality of this lineup that Waddell built cannot compete over an 82 game stretch in the NHL, which leads to the best news:

2)Waddell will finally, finally, finally be fired at the end of this year, and then we can finally, finally, finally get on with building a real franchise here.

You can always trace the problems to the top and those that know hockey have known since year 2 or 3 that Waddell was incompetent, why he still has his job is incomprehensible, but today was the first step of finally getting him out the door.

There is no good coach that is going to come in here today and take a job under a lame duck GM. Everyone knows Waddell is to blame and will be gone at the end of the year, a new GM would come in and want his own coach.

Might as well let Waddell or an assistant coach the club for the rest of the season, then axe Waddell and the new GM can come in and bring his own coach.

I have a transcript of the press conference for you, be right back …

By B Daddy

October 17, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Some of you bloggers need a life. It would be hard to know if hockey started due to the way you “support” a team and the media report on it. The organization has laid off numerous people, the stronger ones have resigned. Too many owners and they can’t share their toys with each other. They fight in court, attend games as if they are a fan. Get some kahunas, fire the GM and demand results. Donny is micromanaging an organization instead of finding talent. Tough to find talent when you can’t write a check without checking with 5 others to sign it. What does Bernie do again?? Your coaches are only teaching the 2nd tier players you have given them. Great support players but not going to compete with the new league. Hartley taught Kovy to be the all around player he is still becoming. I would not worry about the next head coach but who the owner,and GM will be. then worry about your coach. We will see All Stars in January. It will be the one and only time we get this event.

By BG33Brown

October 17, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I was on a plane to Boston on Monday night and a family was sitting in front of me.

3 kids, a mom, and a grandmom. Turned out to be Glen Metropolit’s family on their way to Boston to join him.

The wife confirmed what I already knew from this blog. Hartley rode Metro and Sim all last season. RELENTLESSLY. These were two of the hardest workers on our team.

Face it Hartley had favorites (Larsen, Slater, Boulton etc) and we are a worse team with those players on the ice.

We need to fire Waddell next b/c we need to trade Hossa NOW. Why do we have to fire DW, b/c we need someone who can evaluate talent to get a good value. The sooner we trade him, the more value he has.

Lets bite the bullet, kiss our season good-bye and retool ala the Flyers last season.

By another hockey fan

October 17, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Was Hartley coaching the Thrashers or the Chicago Wolves? How can Don Waddell fire a proven coach with a winning track record? Coach H was a great coach. I had the chance to meet him years ago at a coaching clinic. He is a man of class. One of the most organized people you could ever meet. His mind memorized every detail. He opened himself to the community, the press and did more for youth hockey in the Atlanta area than can be imagined. Coach H coached what he had and lets admit people he did not have very much. Waddell traded our future away last year for Tkachuk and how many blunders has he made in the draft? Waddell is the problem. We will miss you Coach H and I am sure you will land on your feet somewhere and coach another Stanley cup winner. I am just totally disgusted that he is gone. Our roster comprises of washed up veterans, undersized rookies and does not have the blend that a NHL team should have. I am confident that Coach Hartley could have turned things around but this team is not the same team it was last year. We have no size on defense and the team is not near as fast as Waddell thinks it is. How can the Spirit group put up with the Hawks losing ways for years and keep Woodson but the hockey teams goes 0-6 and they fire a Stanley Cup winner coach? As fans we deserve better and should demand better. A good example is how in the hell did we let Jon Sim go? Sure he does not score 40 goals a year but he comes to play every night and is a very serviceable player. We lost several players we should have kept. Tickets are expensive, it costs a fortune to feed a family of four at the game and we have upper management that decimated a up and coming playoff team. Kinda sounds like the Falcons huh? Haydar and Little have a lot of potential. Koslov, Kovy and Hossa are all all star caliber players but beyond that we are hurting. Our goal tending is not NHL caliber. Say what you want but Moose and Kari let in too many soft goals. I know a goalie is only as good as his defense but every now and then one of the two has got to step up and take command of the position. Right now we will have to hold the other team scoreless to win. I hope Waddell can keep Hossa but I kinda doubt he will want to stay. We have a world class player in Hossa. The team needs him, the fans need him and if you let him go then you need to go for sure Don. We could all boycott the home games as a form of protest but that is not fair to the players. Upper management needs to stand up and admit their mistakes and Coach H should have never been the fall guy but firing the coach is always the easiest thing to do. Signed, A concerned season ticket holder.

By dugoutAK

October 17, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Waddell should have been fired as well…any man that gives us a team with Slater on anything other than a checking line should lose his job.

By janet

October 17, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

They fired the wrong one; TYPICAL! Bob Hartley could only play with the hand he was dealt. I agree with other respondents: they needed to keep Savard. FIRE WADDELL — he’s the one that’s engineered this train wreck! And WHY does everyone keep saying Lehtonen is so great? Inconsistent doesn’t begin to describe him. I saw him against Dallas last year, and he was AWOL for the entire time he played before he was yanked. WE NEED GOOD GOALTENDING AND DEFENSE — without them we’ll never get anywhere! SO MUCH WASTED POTENTIAL!!

By luckydog

October 17, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Fair points by Brendan and others about Bob’s inability to scheme a decent power play, and I’ve always hated his 4-corners PK.

But this team’s problems appear to be way deeper than strategy or some elusive “chemistry.”

Incredibly, one year after winning the division we have an expansionesque roster of rookies, has-beens and never-were’s (plus 2 actual world-class players who risk life and limb playing with this crew). Even a casual fan like me can see that we are simply overmatched and out-skilled to the point I’m not sure any amount of “chemistry” would help.

Maybe a new coach can squeeze a little lemonade out of the lemon, but someone’s going to have to get us some players…

By Disappointed

October 17, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

What do these names have in common: Don Waddell, Billy Knight, Rich McKay? They are all GMs who have habitually populated their rosters with mis-evaluated talent then attempted to cover for their mess by firing the coach. All three have had the privilege to keep their jobs through years of non-production. Would this have happened in any other major league city? Two playoff appearances over more than 15 collective seasons with these guys at the helm of Atlanta’s non-baseball franchises is an embarrassment. Firing the coach that finally got this team to the playoffs is nothing but creating a scapegoat for Waddell’s mistakes.

By Brendan

October 17, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Savard was a pending unrestricted free agent at a time when the team was on the cusp of a playoff berth in 2006. The Thrashers missed the playoffs by 2-points that year.

That’s why Don didn’t trade Savard at the deadline. Waddell needed him to make the playoffs that year. It didn’t work. Savard was never going to re-sign here, according to some accounts. However, you can make an argument that when the team was eight games under .500 in December 2005, and that Savard refused to re-sign a contract and/or was never offered a contract during the season, that Waddell’s “inaction” at that time resulted in losing Savard for nothing in return.

MANY BLOGGERS WERE SCREAMING ABOUT IT. Go back and read those blogs, if they’re still available. We wanted Waddell’s head on a platter. Waddell was still reaffirming his, “we don’t negotiate contracts during the year” policy.

Had the Thrashers been out of it at the 2006 trade deadline, I’m sure Waddell would have moved him for some draft picks and/or prospects. Still, his production has never truly been replaced. And it’s the job of the GM to either draft talent to fill that need or go out into free agency to acquire it, barring a trade.

By Thrash

October 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bob for all you did while you were here. You did your best with what you had to work with. I expect to see you working again with a winning team before this season is over.

By CM

October 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I want Belanger back and Tkachuk…

Lets face it, we needed change. Many of us here have been saying it (or thinking it) for a while now. I don’t know if this will right the ship (b/c it doesn’t make our team better or faster or bigger), but it is a start. The ‘08 - ‘09 season is looking better already…

DW didn’t give Bob a whole lot to work with and that’s for certain, but 0-6 is pretty awful. Anyone (Brendan) have any stats on past teams who started 0-6 and what they (if anything) went on to accomplish? I guess this is a little like hitting the reset button. I just hope it helps.

Sean Avery and the Rangers are going to have a field day tomorrow night. I wonder if this thing gets worse before it gets better. Do the players even respect DW? Is it so out of control that we’re going to see Kovy vs Avery Round #2? Or perhaps it’ll provide a spark. I guess we’ll just have to stay tuned…

Anyone still thinking there’s a chance Hoss will be here next season? I have a feeling we can forget that. Dern…

By frostbite

October 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe that the ownership of the Thrashers did not understand that a coach has to play with the hand he is dealt. That dealer is Don Waddell who has consistently made the wrong drafts and the wrong trades.

Don Waddell is the achilles heal of this franchise and needs to be fired.

Hartley is one of the better coaches in this league. This is a mistake of momumental proportion.

The Thrashers will be stuck in mediocrity until an effective GM is put in place. Recall Hartley and file Waddell now.

By CB

October 17, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

I’m not entirely sure what anyone expected. Every line has changed since last year. You can’t take that many new players and introduce them to a new system and expect everything to go well. I don’t care who they get in for a replacement, the new coach won’t have an easy time of it.

I hate to see Hartley as the scapegoat. I’ve respected his personal as well as his coaching style. Having had the opportunity to see him coach a bunch of rugrats at the Duluth Ice Forum a couple of years ago, he also seems like a truly nice person. While that isn’t an attribute needed for a great coach, it was good to see that a great coach could also be a nice person.

Thanks for the division title, Bob.

By frostbite

October 17, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe that the ownership of the Thrashers did not understand that a coach has to play with the hand he is dealt. That dealer is Don Waddell who has consistently made the wrong drafts and the wrong trades.

Don Waddell is the achilles heal of this franchise and needs to be fired.

Hartley is one of the better coaches in this league. This is a mistake of momumental proportion.

The Thrashers will be stuck in mediocrity until an effective GM is put in place.

Recall Hartley and fire Waddell now.

By chillahill

October 17, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

what a joke.. 6 games in and you guys are quitting on a stanley cup coach.. good luck following that one and oh yea waddell’s our coach Hell he couldn;t even coach a soccer team. What a JOke!

By tulsabravo

October 17, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Waddell is the one who needs to go.

By Eileen

October 17, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see how well the Thrashers play when “they are having fun”. I feel so bad for Bob.

By Bamaman

October 17, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

You have GOT to be kidding. Waddell is the one that needs to go. He put this team together and anyone with a brain knew we were going to have problems heading into this year with his lack of off season moves. Way to be a man and fire the head coach to try and buy yourself more time, Don. Don’t get too comfy. I promise your time will come. Then again, maybe not. Look at Billy Knight. The state of Atlanta sports is really sad right now.

By Bob

October 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Duloof, GA Dateline October 17, 2007 Don Waffle Press Conference

“I can’t work under these conditions anymore” said Trashers VP and General Manager, Don Waffle. “For the past 5 years, I’ve been subject to just too much darn pressure from the bloggers on the AARP web site. That Bob and assorted bloggers just won’t leave me alone and have been giving me sleepless nights and I just can’t take the pressure anymore, I mean look who they made me sign this past summer, it just can’t continue. I don’t know why they don’t appreciate what is AquaBlueland. We had scarves. We were giving away mittens this year. We had, had, we had, music! And videos!”

“So I’ve come here today to announce that our owners, the Atlanta Traveling Cheer Squad and myself are relegating ourselves to the SGHL, that’s the newly founded Southern Georgia Hockey League, and we are leaving at 2pm today in a caravan of 3 cars as our fine supporters from Ranallo World are coming along and we’re headed to Albany, GA where we hear there are many fine folks that will be more than happy to support us in the SGHL. Tickets will be sold for $100 each, for our inaugural game against the South Columbus Junior High Pee Wees. I’ve said all along that I felt we match up well against that club, especially size wise. I feel our speedy lineup can overcome the height difference they carry on us. We’ve already made arrangements for our goalie to be provided with a long term hair coloring specialist, Trudy at the corner of 5th and Elm, in the shed ‘round back, ring twice, that’s Trudy’s, your one stop shop for AquaBlueland Beauty’s and he’ll be appearing post game bartending at Joe’s Truck Stop Bar and Grill, that’s Joe’s, right off 85 at exit 32. Joe’s, where hockey goes, that’s Joes!

By Jill

October 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, keep Billy Knight out of this.

By RS

October 17, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

If Waddell were to be fired, you’re still stuck with the same players this year. These guys aren’t going anywhere. At best, they fire Waddell and tank the rest of the season in hopes of a high draft pick and then try to rebuild via free agency over the summer.

By M.A.

October 17, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Listening to Darrin Elliot on 680 FAN, it sounds like maybe the players “collectively” may have wanted a new coach. At least that is my interpretation of what he said.

By chuck

October 17, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Who cares? We barely watch baseball now and NOBODY watches hockey. Okay a few watch it, but who really cares?

By chuck

October 17, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Who cares? We barely watch baseball now and NOBODY watches hockey. Okay a few watch it, but who really cares?

By Brendan

October 17, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Bob, that’s some good ol’ cookin’. Waddell very well may last the season. But I will enjoy watching him coach this team. This roster is “his vision.”

By sweetlew

October 17, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

The OWNERS of the Hawks and the Thrashers have no clue about Hockey or Hoops. We have the 2 worst GM’s in both sports, yet because of the Atlanta atmosphere about not really complaining when things are just ok, these clowns just skate on by. Hartley had a winning record and did a decent job. However Waddell put the team in the position to fail. While our start has been disgusting, it is only 6 games. I would have at least given it a few more games with Hossa back. Can I get a refund on the $5k I just shelled out for tickets?

By td

October 17, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Why are so many people against this move? I don’t understand why this city’s sports fans have such a love affair with mediocrity.

Too bad they didn’t fire Hartley last year after that playoff debacle. Anyone who saw this team phone it in last year versus the Rangers should be happy about this development.

And yes, fire the GM too. Or just disband the whole team. It’s kinda silly to play hockey in Atlanta anyway. This city barely supports real sports like baseball and basketball (and football, if a specific QB isn’t on the team). I can’t imagine why this clueless ownership group thinks a fringe sport like hockey would work here.

By chillahill

October 17, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Hey AJC do the job that sports people do and REPORT the FACTS that Waddle gave Bob a team of slow undersized defensemen, A OH my groin goalie, that pouts when he dont play and lines that cant score….do some investigating as to why this team refuses to spend money on the talent needed to play in the NHL. this is a travesty in a city that IS supporting the Thrashers. GET real, the SPirit my A$& they have sucked it right out of this fan… I know they will now win but it dang sure aint goona be because the GM. HE is a moron and The Spirit Squad as well for approving this …. My money is headed to another entertainment venue off of Bufurd Highway.. Thanks for the memories!

By TJ

October 17, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

falcons are cursed hawks are cursed braves are cursed thrashers are cursed the new WNBA sheHawks is cursed Atlanta is cursed

By The Villages, FL

October 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hartley had to be fired. He could not develope a system to fit his players. Our special teams were horrendous. Hartley couldn’t fix the problem even though he had ENOUGH talent to be good on the PP and PK. Finally it appeared that he had lost the players confidence.

Having said that, DW should have gone first for weakening our team. He missed the 5 year plan and just barely made the playoffs in year 7. His rent a player got us to the playoffs but with no intention of resigning him, he gave up valuable assets. He gave up on Sims who had grit. Belanger was a good fit for Hossa and Kozlov. He’s gone. We still don’t have a banger on our team and no one to park in front of the net. I can’t help wondering what GM school DW went to.

But don’t fret, we only need two quality centers, two quality defensemen, a talented enforcer to play with Kovy and consistent goaltending. We don’t need potential, ie Kari, we need someone who the players trust. Until they find the next stud, Moose should be our guy.

By Surly T

October 17, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure why everyone thinks Hartley is so great. We’ve seen glimpses this season of a team that plays a consistent system with speed, energy and heart. Unfortunately, those glimpses have been fleeting. I blame preparation for games on coaching. I blame the lack of energy and willpower on coaching. I blame the failure of special teams and poor defensive zone coverage on coaching. Firing Hartley is totally understandable. Waddell’s failures have been well-articulated by other posters, but Hartley is no hockey god and has unapologetically put a poorly prepared team on the ice night after night. The real travesty is that Waddell will be interim coach. For all his blunderings in the off-season (remember resigning crappy Kozlov was our “big” move) we can expect more lethargic hockey. Maybe a fresh voice of real leadership will step forth and spark some energy for this team.

By Bob

October 17, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell is the achilles heal of this franchise and needs to be fired. Hartley is one of the better coaches in this league. This is a mistake of momumental proportion. The Thrashers will be stuck in mediocrity until an effective GM is put in place. Recall Hartley and fire Waddell now.

I agree with all except recall Hartley. He had to go also, but the true problem will not be fixed until Waddell is gone.

By Schlage

October 17, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Matt the Brave and *LAC -

I am very glad the two of you enjoy the refreshing taste of one another’s ‘Man Pudding’ enough to share that information with the world, but this is a HOCKEY blog and we would all prefer you guys stay on the topic at hand while here.

Thanks.

By AJ

October 17, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

THIS IS A HUGE MISTAKE!! WADELL IS THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE KICKED TO THE CURB!! HE IS THE ONE THAT MADE THE HORRIBLE TRADES!!! THIS WILL COME BACK TO BITE THE THRASHERS IN THE REAR!!!! STUPID STUPID STUPID!!!

By jt

October 17, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

remember Jim Mora Sr. once said that Michael Vick was a coach killer? He only got it half right, Atlanta is the real coach killer! To all the good coaches out there (sorry Bob, too late for you), stay as far away from ATL as you can for your own good…

By DeJaVu

October 17, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

From the playoffs to out the door after six games…..how about a new goalie? GM? The nerve…

Good Luck - Hartley - Keep your chin up…heck I wouldn’t work for this circus of clowns either….

By Tom

October 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Well I got my wild hair and started the FireWaddell.com site.

Add comments if you are interested. Not for nothing but it is time for him to go. If the consensus of the most vehement fans of the Thrashers are here and we all agree he should go then lets push ownership along.

By Billsen

October 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Dear Matt the Brave

There is Hockey below the Mason Dixon line for the same reason the Braves moved here. There is money to be made. As far as the success of Hockey in the South? 2 of the last 3 Stanley Cup champions are based south of the Mason Dixon line, and last year’s champ is from Southern California. So, why don’t you take your love of the Braves and stick it until spring training. HOCKEY RULES.

By Allen

October 17, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

I think is a great move. It’s a fantastic move. Especially with Waddell moving behind the bench, it’s the best thing the Thrashers could do for the season.

Of course, I’m a Lightning fan, and now the Thrashers are officially two free points, I’m very excited. That’s 14 more points the Bolts have in the bag this year!

On a real note though, I always thought Hartley was a pretty good coach, and I’m sure he’ll end up with a much better team in a month or two. Waddell is the real reason the Thrasher’s are a mess. How he still has a job is beyond me.

By Richard

October 17, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I think that DW does deserve some of the blame, but the talent on this team is not THAT bad and that we are 0-6 and looked bad doing it needs to fall heavily on Hartly. With Hossa and Kovy and Keri, we should be at least middle of the pack, fighting for the last playoff spot, not the joke of the league looking forward to the #1 pick. As much as I like Hartley, it was time to make the change.

But lets really talk about where the issue with this team lies which is with the ownership. While the salary cap for the NHL went up this year, DW was under the restriction that he could not increase payroll. To have any chance then of resigning Hossa, he had to forego signing Tkachuk or any other veteran FA. Until the ownership situation with the team gets striaghtened out, whomever is the GM will not have the resources to sign the players needed to keep this team competitive.

By lfp6

October 17, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Two words: dual fault.

It is the fault of the coach for not being able to use the assets that he has properly. I feel that it may have been a bit hasty to give Hartley the boot, but alas, I am not the GM.

As for GM Waddell, it is HIS responsibility to get and help KEEP the assets required to land the Thrashers a championship. I wont elaborate further in THAT state of affairs. But anyway, Waddell better whip up some miracle, or he will be next.

By Nathan

October 17, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe people are blaming everything on Waddell. He is a minor part in the reason we are losing. The coach needs to take a look at the minors and bring some of them up. Waddell is only partially blamed here. He is not the reason we got swept in the playoffs, its the players fault they are the ones on the ice. Not Waddell.

By tim

October 17, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Dear mayor Shirley Franklin, do something about these stupid losing sport franchises before everyone of us stops going to the games and you will have no sales tax revenue income!

By COACH K

October 17, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

WRONG FREAKING GUY GO BLAMED WADDEL SHOULD HAVE GONE HE MAD ALL THE IDIOTIC TRADES LAST SEASON AND THE ONE HE LET GO BY NOT RE- SIGNING THIS YR HE IS A DUFFESS YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE HORSES TO WIN DOESN’T MATTER HOW GOOD OR BAD YOU ARE AS A COACH

By COACH K

October 17, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

WRONG FREAKING GUY GOT BLAMED WADDEL SHOULD HAVE GONE HE MADE ALL THE IDIOTIC TRADES LAST SEASON AND THE ONE HE LET GO BY NOT RE- SIGNING THIS YR HE IS A DUFFESS YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE HORSES TO WIN DOESN’T MATTER HOW GOOD OR BAD YOU ARE AS A COACH

By COACH K

October 17, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

WRONG FREAKING GUY GOT BLAMED WADDEL SHOULD HAVE GONE HE MADE ALL THE IDIOTIC TRADES LAST SEASON AND THE ONE HE LET GO BY NOT RE- SIGNING THIS YR HE IS A DUFFESS YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE HORSES TO WIN DOESN’T MATTER HOW GOOD OR BAD YOU ARE AS A COACH

By Golt73

October 17, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

How come ownership walks up to Hartley a week ago and says, ‘Anything you need, let us know..’ and then ‘POOF’ a week later he’s gone.

ATLANTA SPIRIT IS A JOKE. Waddell deserves some of the blame, but when you’re THIS MUCH under the cap and you’re not allowed to shop during the offseason or try and sign one of your two stars (Hossa), you can’t do a whole hell of a lot.

BLAME OWNERSHIP, then the GM. Oh, and why does a HORRIBLE Hawks GM and coach get second and third chances..

Double standard sucks!

By john

October 17, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Regardless of how terrible a team he was given, Hartley has shown himself to be inflexible and hard-headed in designing a system to maximize the strengths of the players on the ice. Just like Hokie said above. I still have no idea what the team is trying to do out there. Bob deserved to go, and I will not miss him, myself. Regardless of what his “previous record” has been… Having said that, for all of the reasons that have already been stated over and over again throughout the years, DW needs to go now, as well. I don’t think I need to beat that dead horse anymore. We all know why by now… As far as replacement coaches, why not bring up the Chicago Wolves coach and give him a shot? He should be pretty familiar with some of the players on the roster, and he’s had some success at the minor league level. I wish I knew his name, whoever he is…..I’m just too lazy to go find out.

By janiqua

October 17, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Let us not forget that Don Waddell is one of the most respected men in hockey. He is a very smart business man and if anyone can turn this losing season around it’s Don! Having said that, We will miss you Bob and wish you all the best.

By robo

October 17, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Waddell will be gone I predict by the all star game cause the Thrashers will only have 10 or so wins by then and ownership will want to get someone in place prior to next years draft and a new head coach shortly after. This teams fate was sealed late last season when Waddle man made changes just to push the team into the playoffs-thats all that mattered then was to make the playoffs-well that was accomplished but the team has crashed faster than a 8G hard drive. You think have Waddle man on the bench is going to motivate the guys to play hard. He needs to stay the heck away from the bench and hide until his fate is sealed.

By ramblin man

October 17, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Lions and Tigers and Waddell, OH MY…

By ramblin man

October 17, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Lions and Tigers and Waddell, OH MY…

By stendec

October 17, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt in my mind that sticking with (Kari) as top goalie (HAH) cost BH his job. Although at this point I am not overjoyed with Moose, either. Sad state of hockey affairs in Atlanta. Team in complete disarray. Worse than expansion year. Sad, so sad. Although I do wish BH all the best.

By LAC

October 17, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

You Folks HAVE TO LISTEN to the DUMB waddell press conference, IT’S NUTS !

This guy is TOTALLY STUPID

I cannot believe what I am hearing, one thing for sure The STUPID OWNERS have NO clue.

waddell is just STUPID, STUPID, STUPID, STUPID,STUPID

He cannot even answer questions, he STILL thinks the UFA siginings were GREAT…

waddell please meet me in the parking lot, I will put up my three companies against YOUR JOB.

Let’s call it a THRASHER STREET FIGHT, Call in a ref who will call it straight, you kick my a* and you get my companies, worth a good bit, I kick your a* and you take the MIDNIGHT TRAIN OUT OF GEORGIA !!!!!

Let’s see how much GUTS you have I say NONE, I bet the players will cheer me on.

I will may a promise, * I WILL KICK YOUR A** It will be fair I assure you but you need to be called on the carpet and take the beating you DESERVE !

By godihatetheleafs

October 17, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Hockeynumb, it all starts with Kovy? Seriously? Kovy is the ONLY person who actually played the freaking game in the playoffs and thus far this season. Yes, he was a princess at first. I couldn’t stand him or his “it’s all about me” stance, but he’s earned a great deal of respect from me since the start of last season. Have you actually watched a game over the last two years? He has matured a lot and is now the heart of this team. HE, not Holik, should wear the C. He SET UP a goal for a rookie to allow the rook to get his first NHL goal. He could’ve easily scored the goal himself. He then got the puck for the rookie off the ice and gave it to him to save. HE jumped to the defense of a much smaller player who was clotheslined in the Buffalo game. That’s called defense, and it’s also called teamwork. He’s so much more well-rounded I find it hard to believe that anyone who’s been watching hasn’t seen it.

By Cal

October 17, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS REMAINING: THE CURRENT OWNERSHIP AND DON WADDELL! Owners don’t have a clue what to do next so they keep Waddell.I agree with 99% of everyone else - THIS IS WADDELL’S TRAIN WRECK!

By Jaime Gaverts

October 17, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Of course Waddell is respected. All the other GM’s see him a chump. Waddell put this roster together. He should be the one to see the door. With the rosters changes and less talent coming back, you could see this coming.

By Rachel

October 17, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

I’m not a hockey fan but I am a fan of justic…how in the world is Woodson and Knight still around!!!! At least Hartley got to the playoff…those two jokers can’t even fill an arena…the opposing team does…

By Bob Hartley

October 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Hopefully when a new coach comes in, Bobby Holik will have to turn in his “C”. What has this guy done since coming to Atlanta? NOTHING. Hi misses checks, can’t fight, can’t skate and sounds like a little girl when he speaks. Great choice for being the teams captain. HOSSA, SLAVA, and the rest of the team needs to sack up and play hockey you girls. LOOK IN THE MIRROR! KOVY is the ONLY player showing up each night PERIOD. He is the muscle, face, scoring punch and overall leader on this team. For Christ sake, get the best player in the league a supporting cast. Year after year since Heatly and Savard left KOVY has played with 4th line ankle benders. Get KOVY someone to pass him the puck and trade for some SIZE. This team is full of midgets - have you seen Chicago? Washington? TAMPA, the FLYERS and the list goes on. Sure each team has room for a few FAST midgets but get real!! Not an entire team!! Waddell you know better! Shame on you for assembling this team. GET rid of the MIDGETS!!!

GO THRASHERS!! See everyone down in Blueland on Thursday!

By Bob Hartley

October 17, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Hopefully when a new coach comes in, Bobby Holik will have to turn in his “C”. What has this guy done since coming to Atlanta? NOTHING. Hi misses checks, can’t fight, can’t skate and sounds like a little girl when he speaks. Great choice for being the teams captain. HOSSA, SLAVA, and the rest of the team needs to sack up and play hockey you girls. LOOK IN THE MIRROR! KOVY is the ONLY player showing up each night PERIOD. He is the muscle, face, scoring punch and overall leader on this team. For Christ sake, get the best player in the league a supporting cast. Year after year since Heatly and Savard left KOVY has played with 4th line ankle benders. Get KOVY someone to pass him the puck and trade for some SIZE. This team is full of midgets - have you seen Chicago? Washington? TAMPA, the FLYERS and the list goes on. Sure each team has room for a few FAST midgets but get real!! Not an entire team!! Waddell you know better! Shame on you for assembling this team. GET rid of the MIDGETS!!!

GO THRASHERS!! See everyone down in Blueland on Thursday!

By Gene

October 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Firing Hartley will have a similar long-term impact as the Falcons firing Dan Reeves. I have never been impressed with Waddell.

By B. Hartley

October 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Hopefully when a new coach comes in, Bobby Holik will have to turn in his “C”. What has this guy done since coming to Atlanta? NOTHING. Hi misses checks, can’t fight, can’t skate and sounds like a little girl when he speaks. Great choice for being the teams captain. HOSSA, SLAVA, and the rest of the team needs to sack up and play hockey you girls. LOOK IN THE MIRROR! KOVY is the ONLY player showing up each night PERIOD. He is the muscle, face, scoring punch and overall leader on this team. For Christ sake, get the best player in the league a supporting cast. Year after year since Heatly and Savard left KOVY has played with 4th line ankle benders. Get KOVY someone to pass him the puck and trade for some SIZE. This team is full of midgets - have you seen Chicago? Washington? TAMPA, the FLYERS and the list goes on. Sure each team has room for a few FAST midgets but get real!! Not an entire team!! Waddell you know better! Shame on you for assembling this team. GET rid of the MIDGETS!!!

GO THRASHERS!! See everyone down in Blueland on Thursday!

By ThrasherNY

October 17, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

I just cant understand the argument that Hartley is a great coach. While I am on board with Waddell being the primary cancer of the team, Hartley is the one who dectates how the players play on the ice.

The easiest way for me to remove the “Waddell” factor from the equation is to examine the PP. This unit is crafted and molded by the coach. You simply can not argue Harltey doesnt have enough talent to have a top ten PP. You have two of the best offensive forwards in the game and 20 other roster spots to mold into support/compliment for them.

The tid bit above about Darren E. saying the players wanted him out is also interesting as that would be the second time his team has asked that he be removed from the equation. While they cant make the same request about DW I think it speaks volumes to Harley’s abilities.

By Kemi

October 17, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

We’re feeling it here in Toronto! Heately is feeling it too in Ottawa The Maple leafs may want him

By stendec

October 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I wish BH well. In professional sports winning is the sole bottom line. Players cannot be fired en mass. General managers do enough brown nosing behind scenes to keep jobs. Owners live in ivory towers. So when players fail to perform the coach is the turkey at Thanksgiving. Going from division title to 0-6 is tough to swallow. I know it bothered BH, too. I will always believe (Kari) cost BH his job. That is a personal thought. Other Thrashers did him harm as well. Hope fire-breathing coach ready to kick A++ takes over! Wish BH all the best. Thanks for our unforgettable championship season. For now. FOREVER!

By John

October 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Now Waddell will have to coach the lousy roster he’s put together this year. SOS…a lousy performance but the big boss escapes with his job. Some rebuilding job, Don. They do a better job up in Gwinnett for a lot less money and free parking.

By Sport's lunacy

October 17, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Once again a coach or manager has to take the “fall” for a bunch of under-achievers that, for the most part, were picked by the guy who fired him. I think Waddell should coach them the rest of the season and see how he does.

By Barry Fullerton

October 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Duh!!! Waddell is the one who should have been fired.

By Christie Sanders

October 17, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

This seems to be an ill-conceived, knee-jerk reaction. While obviously not a good start to the season, losing 6 games at this point isn’t that big of a deal in the large scheme of things… this is a very long season with a lot of games. Hartley is a great coach and has done a lot for Atlanta. Perhaps the guys in the front office - the ones that make the money / player decisions should be the ones who have their jobs jerked away… Jerks……

By MS

October 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to be kidding. Waddell is the one who should be fired for his off season failures. What do you expect Hartley to do with what he’s had to work with. If Waddell is around at year end I won’t be renewing my season tickets again.

By The Equalizer

October 17, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Small Genitals + No Class —-> LAC

By scot

October 17, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Wadell should have been fired and Hartley promoted to GM / coach. Another example of the Atlanta Spirit (less) ownership not knowing what to do

By JimC

October 17, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Hey equalizer…NO CHANCE pal… oh you are don ! Right ????

By diegohall

October 17, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

I’m with JeffG! If our defense can’t help recover blocked shots or block some themselves, then the Thrashers need a new goal tending strategy. I couldn’t believe it when I heard Waddell say that this was the strategy - to let opponents have clear shots at the goal from the point and expect the goalies to stop them all. Has he never seen a screen? How about a deflection? This strategy clearly isn’t working.

Waddell gutted the team, and STILL didn’t pick up strong defensemen. Hartley’s inability to develop our penalty kill (or power play scoring!) might rest solely on his shoulders, but Waddell is paid to make acquisitions and he failed miserably this year.

By diegohall

October 17, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Jeff Odgers for Head Coach!!! We need a new Sherrif in town!

By Harleyman

October 17, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Money and Ego are a terrible thing when it comes to these two bit owners of the Thrashers. I remember the Thrashers losing most of the time under Curt Fraser. Don Waddell has proven once again that he is a backstabbing, no hockey brain imbecile. It all starts with the top boys. Arthur blank is another of the keeper of brain trust owners who don’t have a clue. Waddell assembled this scrawny roster. He need’s to go. See ya! If your gonna bring in somebody, bring in Pat Quinn and let him get some beef out there.

By Rick

October 17, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Waddell should be the one let go since he is the one who put together this team of midgets and let his muscle go elswhere in the offseason. This team may have speed but they do not have the size to fight for the puck in the corners, clear the crease, or occassionaly put an opponenet on the ice, much less win a fight. Hartley’s teams have been pitiful on the power play opportunites long before this season, but IMO the responsiblity for the sorry start is the GMs, not Hartley’s.

By Bubba DaStickman

October 17, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

In Football we had the Clampett’s, in Hockey we have the Clouseau’s (as in Inspector Clouseau, you idiot) and they have pulled the wrong tooth. Don Waddell is the reason that the Trashmen aren’t where they need to be in the (7,8,11 year?) plan that he has been foisting upon the Hockey fans of the ATL. Damian Rhodes & Pat Stefan played like a Puzzy and a Patti and the first (2) picks for the franchise were wasted. Bob Hartley was the best thing the Clouseau’s had going for them and now he’s gone. Waddell Mortgaged the future for a 1st round sweep in the 2007 Play-Offs, now thats genius, you idiot! Maybe Kato is available…

By Brandon

October 17, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

well i think the thrashes have picked a great decesion with hartly gone the thrashers have a great look ahead of them for the future

By AtlTrashing

October 17, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Multiple owners + Multiple coaches + Multiple players = Sill more years of poor performace (post expansion honeymoon). What’s the ONLY variable in this equation that hasn’t changed???

By Mike

October 17, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Fragile Team = Players + Wadell

Bob - we will miss you. Thanks for being so honest.

By htg

October 17, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Okay.. soo you know that the thrashers are tied for second for the worst start of all time!? one more then they would be tied for first.. and i dont reall want that.

The thrashers are doing the responsible thing and firing the coach.. the person who makes the calls, plays, and workouts.. but keep thinking that its Don Waddells fault.

i mean 0 and 6? thats embarrassing.. for fans and the whole city..

soo firing him was the right thing to do..

give it a thought. kaythanks :]

and as a thrashers fan, who went to the first game to see the banner get put up, i would like to see them succeed.. not succ..[okayy i know that its spelled suck, but i am just making a point kay?] which is kinda embarrassing going to see them say your southeast division champions and then see them lose.

By htg

October 17, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Okay.. soo you know that the thrashers are tied for second for the worst start of all time!? one more then they would be tied for first.. and i dont reall want that.

The thrashers are doing the responsible thing and firing the coach.. the person who makes the calls, plays, and workouts.. but keep thinking that its Don Waddells fault.

i mean 0 and 6? thats embarrassing.. for fans and the whole city..

soo firing him was the right thing to do..

give it a thought. kaythanks :]

and as a thrashers fan, who went to the first game to see the banner get put up, i would like to see them succeed.. not succ..[okayy i know that its spelled suck, but i am just making a point okay?] which is kinda embarrassing going to see them say your southeast division champions and then see them lose.

By htg

October 17, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

ohh and harleyman?

if you are going for hartley..you might want to learn how to spell his name

By Ciddly

October 17, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Quote from Waddell’s interview with Canadian News (from TSN.CA)

“Whether Bob should be the victim here or not, time will tell, but unfortunately in this business coaches, all have shelf lives,” said Waddell. “And Bob’s has wore out I believe here. And it’s time for the guys to hear a new message.”

the new message is what? Mediocrity lives here - see, I, Don Waddell suck but will not be fired nor resign - come on Don - go away.

And please no PAT QUINN!

By Terri

October 17, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

LAC, you are a Total Loser.

Go cheer for Nashville, “Tough Guy.” [giggle]
We don’t need jerks like you here.

By Tony C.

October 17, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Who didn’t see this coming?

Anyone truly surprised???

Thought so.

Chant before the puck drops tomorrow:

“Fire Don-Nee”

CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCLAP

“Fire Don-Nee”

CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCLAP

Not that it’ll do anything, but maybe owners’ll hear that.

GO BLUE !!!

By thrashyou

October 17, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

FIRE DON THE DUMBA$$ CLOWN!!!!!! Its his undersized roster…. trade kari and bring up a few more from chicago, we have a good goaltender in chicago. I am fed up with the ownership and the GM!!!!!!!!!

By Anthony Z.

October 17, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Tony C.

You can take your UNoriginal, UNintelligent, Pathetic, Goofball chants and shove them up your UNDEReducated @$$ !

It is self-centered, clueless dumb@$$es like you who ruin the atmosphere at Phlips for fans who actually care about THE TEAM.

By Rusty

October 17, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hartley is a class guy and a quality coach. He simply did not have the horses to compete in this league.

Today’s average Thrasher isn’t built for today’s NHL.

If last year’s Stanley Cup champs are this year’s pattern for perfection, the Ducks won with size and speed. They were apparently moving too fast for Don to detect how big they actually were.

These two attributes aren’t mutually exclusive, but Waddell clearly couldn’t find any big, fast free agents.

Yet, if this team was built for speed, it hasn’t yet been evident.

Much of the time, this team is simply skating to and fro with no visible purpose. Only Kovalchuk hits the ice with a purpose on every shift. We can thank Hartley at least for molding Kovy into a two-way player.

At intervals, the team works hard, but it lacks the collective mental toughness to overcome adversity. In today’s game, a two, three or four goal lead is nothing…ask Calgary. Yet, the moment they fall behind, these Thrashers deflate. That is strictly a failure of veteran leadership.

Opposing goalies, particularly Biron last night, have stolen a couple of games. Yet, our goalies have shown an abject lack of skills in the thievery department. Maybe Kari wasn’t the future. The future may be in Chicago.

In the final analysis, the performance - or lack thereof - of the veterans cost Hartley his job.

Hartley obviously had input into and agreed with the personnel decisions made by Waddell, so he shares responsibility. But this move puts Waddell squarely on the hot seat, because this team is solely his now.

Nevertheless, change is definitely needed. First, team performance has been pathetic. The First Edition Thrashers performed better than this group. Denny Lambert had more fights per game than today’s D-men have had effective checks.

Second, for the sake of Atlanta’s hockey future, things must be fixed quickly. Hartley described his team as “fragile.”

That term also applies to Atlanta’s hockey base. In this non-traditional hockey market, the dedicated, “come hell or high water” hockey fan is rare. Like every other sports franchise in Atlanta, no wins - no fans.

So, the pressure to win here is immense if this franchise is to succeed long enough to build a permanent fan base.

Don Waddell is about to make the most important decision of his hockey career. Future failure rests squarely upon his shoulders.

We won’t forget Bob Hartley as quickly as he made us forget Curt Frasier…but someone better come in with the ability to take him off our minds for a while.

By T-Bone

October 17, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

First, let me say that Waddell needs to go too. That being said, no one who has watched the Thrashers play during the Hartley tenure can call him a great coach. Maybe for what he accomplished in Denver, yes. Here in Atlanta? Not a chance. As has been said here already the one area where a coach has the most influence is on special teams. Our PP and PK have been at or near the bottom of the league since January. And the same strategy in both keeps being employed. Look, it’s obvious to anyone who has watched the team play that Hartley lost the lockerroom. They played tentative and scared knowing one mistake could cost them a starting spot or a healthy scratch. A change was needed and now. I think the players will now relax a bit on the ice and play hockey like their abilities and talent allow them to. Eventually, we’ll get a coach who will craft a style and system that suits the personnel he has and not the other way around.

By Thrasher Fan

October 17, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

This action will come back to haunt the team, but I still believe we can make it to the playoffs again. Go Thrashers!!!!!!!!

By wh

October 17, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Sign Forsberg to a 1 Year deal and trade him and Hossa at the deadline for Young talent.

By Chris

October 17, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

What an outrage. Bob Hartley is a great coach. Waddell is to blame. I’m sure the Thrashers will start winning with him at the helm. NOT!

By Joyce

October 17, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

This is so disgusting that our coach Bob Hartley has been fired. He wasn’t even given a chance this season. Only six games and he is dismissed, just like that? Coach Hartly is the one who brought us to the Stanley Cup Championship games. Something certainly is to be said for that. He was made a scapegoat! Who brought all the rookies in for the new season,just to save money, Don Waddell. He needs to be fired! It is so disgusting I almost want to get a refund on my season tickets. That’s O.K. Bob, because we all love and respect you, and what goes around comes around. Let’s see how well the Thrashers play with their low momentum as to Bob’s leaving. Let us all see now if our money is worth going to the games, without our coach…..

By mrdonut

October 17, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers fired the wrong person. They should have fired Waddell. Waddell is a miserable judge of talent as shown by our miserable farm system. In six years, the only notable player that has graduated from our farm system to the Thrashers is Exelby. I can’t think of a team that has had a less productive farm system than the Thrashers. And how could Hartley win with the group of nobodies Waddell has assembled this season. Two of the best players Waddell acquired to help us make last years playoffs are gone, i.e., Tkachuk and Belanger. If those two players were good enough to help us make the playoffs why weren’t they good enough for us to sign for this season. With Mellanby retiring, Tkachuk’s leadership would have been invaluable and we have always needed help at center. Rucchin, please. Belanger played great in his brief stint here. And our defense is horrible, except for Exelby. McCarthey is okay, Klee is to old, Havlid is overrated. Our defense, or lack of, forces Lehtonen and Hedberg to do somersaults to make saves that shouldn’t have been shots on goal. I believe we have 10 new players, rookies and never been’s, on our roster. That’s at least a 40% turnover. How can you win when half of your roster is filler. This is all Waddell’s fault. Waddell’s the one that’s needs to be gone, not Hartley.

By Hunter

October 17, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding? Is this a joke Waddell? Even my girlfriend sent me a text while I was at work today, saying “Can you believe they just fired Hartley?”. Ahh, hello? Dumb a$$? We won the division last year, the arena was packed, Bob’s a community leader etc…Everything that a Pro hockey team would need to be successful in the south, got fired today. I am willing to bet there will be no pro hockey team in Atlanta in 5yrs with this kind of decision making…

By Michael Casey

October 17, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

I have knowen Bob for over 11 years as a good person and coach. What I need to say is this, Waddell put this team together like he did with the USA Hockey team in 2004, relying for the veterns to pick up the slack and not working on developing on the talent needed to win. As soon as I was Sutton go along with other good players from last season, I knew Bob was in trouble and that he wasn’t going to be around long. Evetually Bob will find another coaching job somewhere in the NHL; for Waddell, he has developed the Lou Lamoriello syndrome where he fires a good coach because everyone is in panic and he comes in to save the day. Thrashers fans, all of you love this team and the coach you had, but you think can Waddell can turn everything around quickly, you’re sadly mistaken.

By JimC

October 17, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

L.A. needs goaltending, we need young scorers so LET’S MAKE A DEAL.

Time for Kari to head west, Kopitor and say O’Sullivan for Kari, good start.

Waiver Holik/Havlid/Klee/Slater/Zit/Larsen White/Perrin… We have to start there.

But don likes the team, 76 games left and what a BS filled press conference.

Why did someone not ask him when HE was going to FIRE himself.

Guess LAC is correct, someone need to clean his clock.

By Barry

October 17, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Well, looks like the jury has reached a verdict…FIRE WADDELL

By ilya k

October 17, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

fire don Brett Favre Matt Schaub Bob Hartley Sports hell!!!!!!!!!!!

By Suzanne

October 17, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

The Fox 5 Anchorman had it right when he said that “Coach Hartley was a scapegoat for Waddell hiring no name players”. The only thing Waddell is good for is waving and smiling at fans at the practice facility and eating wings with Odgers!
This is a serious breakdown within the Thrashers facility. One which will have a tricle down affect when we lose the older players. Think about it…..Kovy, Larsen, Bolts, Slava and Holik all admire and sdore Hartley.
We should be scared…..very scared…….Happy Halloween Blueland!

By I've Had Enough of This !

October 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

I just checked the Thrashers web site, yep Bob’s gone.

But everyone shouldgo there and read all the BULL S—- about worthless Waddell, it is Crazy to read.

It says, And I quote…

“Don led the Thrashers to their best season ever in 2006-2997.”

What ?????

This is a complete joke I am in SHOCK the owners are not able to see WHO is the person doing the damage.

Guess they are like people who ignore the tornado warnings and think because the sun is still out all is well, but look the other way and there is an F-5 coming to wreck your house… Don Waddell is an F-5 but his F is for COMPLETE FAILURE

By ilay k

October 17, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

THIS IS TOTAL BS DON IS A JOKE AS GM

By petititon

October 17, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Anyone up for signing a “Fire Bob Petition”??????

By Barry

October 17, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

You know, a coach needs players. If Hartley is to be criticized for poor power play production, I can understand that. But is it possible that the players just aren’t doing the job they should be doing because of lack of size perhaps? I don’t think Hartley is to blame for any of this. His firing is just a lame move by a desperate GM.

By BeachGaBulldog

October 17, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

I had lived my whole life in Atlanta until 2 years ago. Now, I live in another city with a hockey team which hasn’t been around that long, but has had a better history than the Thrashers. I grew up watching the Flames, and I was a huge hockey fan, in general. When the Flames left for Calgary, I decided to root for another team. The Thrashers have been a JOKE SINCE DAY 1. When I saw that the team hadn’t won a game yet, I knew Hartley would get fired. The thing is, Waddell has ruined this franchise with his idiotic moves. This organization just needs to fold up their tent and DISSOLVE….FOR GOOD!

By ILYA K

October 17, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

fire don

By Chris

October 17, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Today, the Thrashers fired the wrong man.

Coach Hartley, I hope I say this for the many other citizens of Blueland when I say this: Thanks for all that you’ve done for this team and this community. Blueland will never forget you.

Don, I supported your arrival here in Blueland as GM as you had some good connections as Assistant GM up in Hockeytown. Though I’ve questioned your moves here and there in the past, you’ve always had my support.

Today, you have officially lost my support for good. You fired a man of class, a proven winner and a coach who goes above and beyond to reach out to the community. Shame on you! Look in the mirror! You’re the one that put this “team” together in the first place. AND YOU SAY THAT THIS TEAM IS BETTER THAN LAST YEAR’S??? BALONEY!!!!

If I were you, I’d take responsibility for the team that I’ve built, resigned and let someone else do a much better job of building a winner than what I’ve done.

Now, I live two hours away from my hometown of Atlanta, but I love hockey and I love my hometown Thrashers. Today, however, is a very difficult time to be a Thrasher fan right now.

By Ilya k

October 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

The bs team that won the SE divison last year was a joke. Look at the goals for and goals against. We were a 500 team that got lucky. Waddell has FAILED. Hartley is the scapegoat. Kovy, Hossa and MAYBE I said Maybe Kari are the keepers. The rest of the team is fill in bs. Sooooooooo were do we go from here?? Fire Don………..original idea huh? How about Brian Sutter as coach? I will take Hartley but that would be a stretch!!!!!!!!!!!!

By I support petition

October 17, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Don is Done Please everyone……put in your post DON IS DONE

start a movement

Bring back Bob Don is Done

bring back bob don is done

By Tom R

October 17, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Blueland? BLUELAND? No wonder the team is so bad.

By Ilya k for cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Don is Done Done is Don Bring back Bob

By Jeff R.

October 17, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

I agree with the other comments that Waddell should have been fired!!! Hartley was not too intense IT IS THE NHL not high school hockey. Hartley will be missed. THANK YOU COACH for all the autographs and the pratice pucks you auto’d for my son!!!!!

This too will be yet another bad decision by the always confused Waddllessss

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Don is Done Bring back Bob

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Don is Done

Bring back Bob

By Jim

October 17, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Hartley comes across as a likeable, classy individual but absolutely resistant to change. His approach to the game “dump and chase” rely on “the vets” went out with the OLD NHL. The teams that are doing well and are fun to watch (Center Ice Package) are the quick transition, short passing, run and gun teams. Our PP is so predictable the Glads would shut them down. We’ve got some kids with speed and skills- open things up and let them have some fun and give us fans some excitement. Good move but DW better produce or he’s next with his neck on the block.

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

don is done

By Selling my tickets on ebay

October 17, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

My season tickets will be on ebay by thursday night, I refuse to attend another Thrashers game as long as That Waddell thing is connected with the club.

He is like a slow moving cancer, killing the team one limb at a time.

But what amazes me and others is the TOTAL lack of concern or anything by these, I guess, so called owners.

Who the hell are these guys ?

Where the Hell are these guys ??

Gee, as businessmen, they have to have some brains and why can they NOT see waddell IS THE CANCER.

I simply do not understand, what are they waiting for another 5 year plan that takes 7 years,gee whiz don’t these owners have a clue ?

I really do not think they do and for sure they DO NOT CARE,I liked the guy who called one of them a liar exactly correct, you do not make a solid committment when you have a VERY,VERY BAD GM who has LOST CONTROL.

When will Craig ask the HARD questions, when will waddell get fired, get an answer Craig earn your Big Bucks and demand an answer from one owner if they are not hiding someplace, ask them why is waddell still here, and then ask how much longer will they put up with his cancer on the team. Do it Craig, these questions NEED to be asked, The Thrasher fans, who pay the bills, demand an answer, why will the owners not address the waddell problem ?

We ALL see it, why not them ???

If it takes two more weeks of losing to rid the cancer of waddell, so be it, but I will NEVER attend another Thrashers game until waddell is FIRED NEVER

I really hate to have to say that, I want to win as bad as all the fans, but this guy has to go and the owners need to start acting like committed owners not little boys !

By AW Hockey

October 17, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Absolutely the wrong guy was fired. Waddell is an idiot!

FIRE WADDELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I was at Phillips for the autograph signing stuff and Don was wonderful to my 4 yr old son. So was Kovy and Bob. Great guys all 3 of them.! Thanks to all of you!! However I love HOCKEY and I want to see real hockey in atl. Sooo……Don is Done Please give me something new

By Richard

October 17, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Count me in with the “desperation” side. As if there’s a better coach waiting out there somewhere?

Bob Hartley this year = Ken Hitchcock last year. Hitchcock landed with CB&J.

May Hartley find new work quickly — and Petrino and Woodson had better watch their steps.

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

fire don

is this not obvious?

By FIRE DON WADDELL

October 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell, how sick are you????? You are a dispicable, sick man. You deserve to be fired and jobless for the rest of your life. Well, you just may see an empty hockey arena with your stupidity of firing a great man in Bob Hartley.

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Two Steps Back

October 17, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

I hate that Bob is gone. He was legitimate and gave the team credibility. I do question his unwaivering dedication to “dump and chase” hockey with a finesse line up that should be skating and passing the puck in ala Buffalo a year ago.

Can anyone name an impact draft pick Waddell has made since Kovalchuk (2001)? You can’t because there isn’t one. Anyone notice how well Coburn played last night? The franchise is at a point where the system should be paying dividends and it just isn’t. That’s a reflection on the draft picks… and who makes those pick?

Steve Belkin is starting to look better and better to me… how about any of you? Ownership by committee blows! Sure, fire Don but he simply did as he was told today. This team is MILLIONS under the salary cap. The problem here is ownership. A bunch of trust fund babies with a hobby.

By Brookhaven Thrasher

October 17, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

This is such a typical front office move. Fire the coach and not the GM. Of course it was Hartley’s fault our talent level is mediocre, at best. Don Waddell has done NOTHING right since we got our franchise. NOTHING. One playoff appearance? And that was four and out. Pathetic.

FIRE DON WADDELL!

By Season tix holder

October 17, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Count me in on the petition. Waddell has to go. He should first be made to coach this lineup for 1/2 the season, no one else. Him.

He built this mess, he should have to stand behind it every night.

Fire Waddell, or my season tickets are gone next year.

By FireWaddell

October 17, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

It’s time for the fans to step up and save this team. Since our owners are mainly basketball guys, they don’t know hockey. We do, we know what the problem is and what the problem has been from Day 1.

If you love your team, go sign the petition and write your thoughts at firewaddell.com

By Exhausted

October 17, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Some of these comments are so long! I think short and sweet says it all.

By boogins

October 17, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Any chance they would just “fold” the franchise? Anything that p** off the Yankee types is OK by me.

By Kirk

October 17, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

You clowns at Atlanta Spirit, wasn’t it Mike Woodson who one year got off to something like a 2-15 start, yet he continued to coach the Hawks, yet you fire a proven winner in Bob Hartley after an 0-6 start? Maybe Steve Belkin should take this over, you guys are a bunch of losers.

By harleyman

October 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

HTG. Nowhere in my post do I reference Hartley, so how can I not spell it right? Perhaps you have never heard of Harley Davidson there professor.

By Cordova Family

October 17, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

As a fledgling franchise the Atlanta Thrashers and Don Waddell turned to Bob Hartley to bring a winning team to Atlanta. During his tenure Hartley was not only able to secure the team’s first every SE Conference championship, but in the process his leadership, community support, and never ending presence in the local rinks combined to to help drive the creation of Blueland. This growing loyal fan base would not exist today without the dedication and leadership of Hartley. Additionally, his support has lead to the development and growth of youth hockey in Atlanta. He had a similar effect when he coached in Hershey, PA.

Now after six games an incompetent GM and uninterested ownership unceremoniously fires this class act. What a shame!

I thank Bob for all he has done for the Atlanta hockey community. I wish him well and know that the cream always rises to the top.

Bob you will be missed by the Thrashers fans, hockey community, and almost certainly by Don Waddell and the Atlanta Spirit.

By steve

October 17, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

SIX WORDS…PAT QUINN, COACH AND GENERAL MANAGER….THEY’LL PLAY FOR PAT OR THEY’LL BE GONE…

By vlad

October 17, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

waddell, just quit. atlanta is sick of you. just get the hell out.

By Jeff

October 17, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Bob was a nice man and an excellent coach. For crying out loud he won the Stanley Cup. The Thrashers are the worst team in hockey and it isn’t the coach’s fault. The guys aren’t skating, plus there’s a whole crop of kids that don’t know how to play in the NHL. Hartley was a wrong move. He’ll be great again somewhere else. Hate to see him go.

By Brendan

October 17, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

What if Pat Quinn wouldn’t set foot here in Atlanta? We can’t just assume that because he is out of work that he’d accept the Atlanta position(s). Something tells me he wouldn’t coach under Waddell’s auspices. And if he did accept the post as Coach, it would be in hopes of supplanting Waddell in the rafters as GM.

I know. I know. Anyone would be better than Waddell, goes the theory. But I’m not really sure Pat Quinn is the “best” step. A better step?? Yeah. But that’s not saying much. Maybe this whole ownership thing will be resolved by the trade deadline. And then a serious candidate can be brought in as GM.

But, let’s face it. It’s not as if we’re going to see the following scenario “air” on Hockey Night in Canada anytime soon:

Scotty Bowman: “I tell you, Ron McLean. There’s only one post in hockey that could bring me out of retirement. But the Atlanta Thrashers just won’t return my phone calls.”

By MiddleGA

October 17, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

The firing doesn’t surprise me, the timing does. I figured the ten games comment meant this season, not counting back to the end of last season.

I’ve been a Hartley fan since his arrival but I can’t really complain about this move in isolation, it seems to me that he has surely lost the team (if he ever really had them to begin with) & it didn’t seem likely to come back.

That said, as long as Waddell is here we’re doomed to the string of losses that go with the string of poor personnel decisions. The only bright spot I see in this move is that once Waddell loses with the roster he assembled, there can be no one left to take the fall but him.

By Allyn Iversin

October 17, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Its freakin hockey, who cares? Its hockey, its nothing else just hockey. Thats what we’re taling about right, its hockey. we’re talkin about hockey, just hockey. Who cares, its hockey

By Andy

October 17, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Don needs to go. Nice guy but he hasnt gotten it done. Hartley is a great coach and a class guy. He didn’t deserve to be fired but at least he won’t have to work with the bunch of crap that Waddell assembled. Waddell will now see first hand how bad HIS team is.

By janie

October 17, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Can I get a refund on my season tickets? Fire Waddell!! The GM with the losing record. Keep Hartley.

By ex_Thrasher_fan

October 18, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

I was very angry at the firing of Coach Hartley, but listening to GM Wadell and especially the players, The Thrashers have just lost a fan. The players seemed to be glad about the firing, acting like that was the reason THEY were playing like crap. Like whining little babies, they almost to a ‘man’ threw their coach under the bus.Even the “captain” is quoted as going to the GM to blame the coach for the playoffs last year.

Seems the “Blueland Warriors” are more like blue bellied wimps!

By Michael Casey

October 18, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Ask yourself this question Thrasher fans, would Bob look better behund the beanch in Phoneix, or Calargy? I am going with honeix, only because most in hockey cricles know that Gretzky would rather be in the office than behund the bench. I believe that Bob will land a job real soon. Meantime we get to see Waddell behind the bench where some one like Mc Crimmen should be caoching, put someone there who has actually played the game.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Scott Burnside strikes again. If you haven’t read this one yet, it’s worth a read. He even credits AJC Columnist Jeff Schultz with a quote.

CM, I do have some stats to report. The longest losing streak from the start of a season belongs to the 1943-44 New York Rangers, at 11 games. Several clubs have begun a season with seven (7) straight losses. They are:

— 1938-39 Montreal Canadiens — 1947-49 Chicago Blackhawks — 1983-84 Washington Capitals — 1997-98 Chicago Blackhawks — 2007-08 Atlanta Thrashers???

The longest home losing streak from the start of a season belongs to the Los Angeles Kings of 1971; it lasted eight games. In case you’re still curious, the longest “winless” streak at home from the start of season belongs to the 1983 Pittsburgh Penguins. They went 0-9-2 over eleven (11) games between October 8 to November 19, 1983.

Need one more stat?? The **longest “winless streak” to start a season was those same 1943-44 NY Rangers, who went 0-14-1 during that 15-game stretch. Again, they lost those first 11-straight games to establish the NHL record for that dubious distinction.

Next opponent? The New York Rangers, who perhaps have a vested interest in seeing the Thrashers top that mark!

By Glen H

October 18, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

So sorry to see Hartley take the fall for this team. Never understood this ‘infusion of youth’ that we were fed. We’ve been waiting patiently for 7 years for the previous ‘youth movement’ to pay off as we were promised, and now told to be patient?? My confidence in, and patience with, the ‘long term plan’ have collapsed. Too bad that Don had to pass the buck to a guy like Coach Hartley.

By szandekh

October 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Michael Casey, Waddell did play in the NHL, for one game during the 1980-1981 season for the Kings. He also played college and minor league hockey and even won the IHL’s best defensemen award in 1982. He was supposedly one of the last guys cut from the 1980 ‘miracle’ olympic team. So to say he hasn’t played the game would be inaccurate. He also coached in the IHL for a couple years.

DW is by no means competent, and there isn’t anything really to say that hasn’t been said already. Hopefully we can salvage the season, but so far it’s been nothing but embarassing. Either way, now we will see who the real blue-blooded Thrashers fans are. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon when a team wins the division, but the real test is staying on board when your team blows.

By georg H. Jehle

October 18, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Waddell needs to go soon he stinks and has never ever had any smarts when it came to Hockey, what does he know about sports so bring in Scotty Bowman maybe he’ll come out of retirement. Played junior hockey for many years in Europe and Canada can only say Bob got a raw deal so just wait and see some players will leave this team first chance they get. Georg

By season ticket holder

October 18, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

FIRE WADDELL…..BRING BACK HARTLEY.

By M.A.

October 18, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Based on everything I have read and heard, it seems like a lot of stuff was going on that we don’t know about. It sure does sound like the players may have had more than a little to do with the decision to replace Hartley.

By janiqua

October 18, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

OK, Hartley is soft on the eyes but the mans time was up. Give Don a chance guys! He knows what he is doing. He is our Man for the job. He is respected, intelligent, and a class-act guy. He has integrety and will turn things around. He shoots, he scores!!

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

I am truly interested in seeing just what Waddell does come up with tonight, and in the coming games.

Wouldn’t a 10-game winning streak blow everyone away? (Yes, it would.) But are you holding your breathe for it? Time will tell which direction our franchise is truly headed. 1) To the 1st overall pick in the draft or 2) maybe to the playoffs?

By LAC

October 18, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

Janiqua… you his wife or girlfriend ?

No chance his gig is way UP and after ten games Hopefully He Will Be GONE TOO !!!!