Comments on: Kovalchuk returns to lineup against Rangers

By: Brendan

Brendan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:55:29 +0000

12 goals didn’t matter to me.

By: Fantasy Hockey Report | Quick Hits: Fantasy Hockey Injury Report, November 12

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:42:10 +0000

[...] from a broken bone in his foot, Kovalchuk left practice on Wednesday, and may play on Thursday vs. the NY Rangers , but seems sure to suit up on Friday. Err on the side of caution [...]

By: The Earl of Bud

The Earl of Bud — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:44:43 +0000

“But all four (4) of Max’s goals have mattered.”

Brendan – how many goals have the Thrashers scored this year that didn’t matter to you? If every goal matters, then it’s kind of pointless to even bring that up. I place significantly less emphasis on empty net goals, as do the NHL stat keepers since they track those specifically for that reason. To score a goal when the goalie is on the bench is not the same as scoring, oh say, with less than a minute to go in the first in a tie game when that goal can have a big direction of how the game turns out as to if we even win or lose, not if we win by 2 goals or win by 3 goals.

Dwayne – I hear ya, but Pavalec has the tools which up to this point is pretty much all Lehtonen has had going for him, so I think it’s an easy tradeoff.

J.B. – thanks, I understand now.

By: Get The Puck Out

Get The Puck Out — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:48:25 +0000

I wonder if Kovy’s foot is gonna let him play tonight?

By: J.B.

J.B. — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:41:58 +0000

EOB – To answer your question which I assume was in response to my mention of one ‘Byron Young’. No, he’s not a player in chicago. He doesn’t even exist. EJ Hradek, I think on NHL Live sometime a while back referred to Brian Little as Byron Young and it turned into a big joke here and on the team message boards for a while… If I’m not mistaken some people even created a player profile and bogus stats for him and everything. Anyhow, I was just sarcastically trying to make the point that espn + hockey + atlanta is never a good mix as far as accuracy and fair & balanced reporting.

By: Dwayne

Dwayne — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:43:01 +0000

EOB, I am not giving up on Kari. Blind loyalty? I just think a healthy Kari gives us a better shot every nite. Healthy being the key word.
Plus, I know how much Stendec loves Kari.
Does anyone feel Opie and Moose can do whats needed when crunch time comes??

By: stendec

stendec — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:33:05 +0000

Congratulations! Fantastic victory Thrashers. Always means just a little bit more when fall guys are overrated New York Ranjerks! Moose allowed a couple of soft goals which were painful but did man up on a few stellar saves especially one which I thought was going to be a sure goal. Believed Thrashers would triumph when score went to 4-2 but also thought it would come down to final seconds. Made empty netter that much sweeter. Pleasantly shocked to see Captain Ilya Kovalchuk back on ice! Way to gut it out guy. Presence gave team a lift. Nice night all around. Thanks everyone! Keep up gritty effort. Especially in home arena! Peace. ++STENDEC

By: Brendan

Brendan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:47:31 +0000

Finny missed an open net on a stretch feed pass from Kovalchuk in the 2nd period. But he did “salt it away,” to cement the win, with the “insurance goal.” Again, a stat NOT KEPT by the NHL. But all four (4) of Max’s goals have mattered. He’s tied with Kane for goal production. I still can’t believe Max has four, but Antropov doesn’t have any. But I’m not complaining. Nik’s numbers are pretty decent. He’s piling up “helpers.” Kovy got his 10th. Amazing. In his first game back, he has a 3-point night.

By: The Earl of Bud

The Earl of Bud — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:12:41 +0000

Actually Mike I thought it was ESPN that spelled it wrong, read my post. But thanks for letting us all know that you are a season ticket holder.

On to more important things, Kovalchuk looked fantastic. As did Peverley. It will be interesting how this group of road warriors plays at home tomorrow night.

So are the coaches trying to get Max more points? This isn’t one of my Max rants, just an honest question. If the guy is a known defensive liability, and we all know that he is, why is he on the ice for such a long shift at the end of the game? He should be the last guy out there, but with the chance to get an ENG, they keep him out there past multiple whistles and shift change opportunities even though he is a horrible defensive player.

I’m really curious if our wounded foot soldiers will be on the ice tomorrow.

By: KnightInATL

KnightInATL — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:53:52 +0000

BALLS!!! That what Kovalchuk showed tonight at MSG! Didn’t make the trip to NY with the team as he was not cleared to play. Woke up and said “Screw It! I ain’t letting my teammates down tonight!” Catches a flight, plays, scores a goal, tallies 3 points and gets the #1 Star of the game.

That, Ladies and Gentlemen is what makes a Leader.

I would take Kovy over anybody else in the league…..ANYBODY.