Passion For Atlanta’s Hockey History Is Still Aflame – Pt. II
In part one of my discussion with former Atlanta Flame Tim Ecclestone, he and I discussed his disappointment about the lack of connection between the team that was here in the 70s and the present-day one. I asked him if those involved with Thrashers organization at that time ever considered including members of the old club when constructing the Thrashers organization. Tim told me that the team did in fact interview Atlanta/Calgary Flames general manager, Cliff Fletcher, for the same position with the new club.
“Cliff was here, knows the area…a Hall of Famer…done pretty good. And he was called in by Harvey Schiller to be interviewed”, Tim said.
He and Fletcher had dinner the evening he was in town for the interview and they discussed the situation.
“He was the best man for the job”, said Ecclestone. “He had been through an expansion draft…he knows the city. I asked him how he’d make up the team, if he was hired, and Cliff said to me, ‘one thing hasn’t changed over the years…the physicality. I get the job this will be among the top-three toughest in the league. That will be it’s identity’”.
“Any time you think about the Atlanta Flames”, Tim went on, “You think about toughness. When other teams flew into Hartsfield, they didn’t want to play at the Omni…they know they were going to play a physical team. And that’s what Cliff knew would work today as well…get the biggest, toughest guys, then work in your Kovalchuks”.
Tim explained how you have to know your market. Atlanta fans, and fans in the south, love football because of it’s aggressive, physical play…and that is the kind of play they appreciate. “Cliff had this figured out in the 70s. You don’t fight it…you join it. This is why I can’t figure out why Don Waddell will say things like, ‘Why, when football season is over…then we’ll bring ‘em in’…makes no sense”.
Continuing, “Even when they go through a slump…if the team plays hard, physical hockey the fans will come”.
L -R: Eric Vail, Tim Ecclestone and Willi Plett at TJs (Photo by Trixie)
“I ask you…if they ever had a night down at Philips where they recognized some of the old players, who do you think would get the biggest ovation”?
He then answered his own question. “Willi Plett…that’s who. He was a tough player. This is also why Garnet Exelby is so popular with the fans…he’ll stick his nose in it”.
But Fletcher wasn’t given the job, however Brian Burke factored into the process, didn’t he?
“It was down to he and Waddell, so Schiller had to make a decision… and Burke was also being courted by Vancouver. Burke called him up and said, ‘Listen, I’m not trying to put your feet to the fire…but if I’m still being considered, then fine…if not I need to take this job in Vancouver’”. He then went, “Well, time passed and Schiller called him to ask if he had taken the job and he was told, ‘Yeah, I just took it’”.
And so it down to just Waddell. Why was he brought into the mix?
“I think Detroit had just won a cup and, as you know, they start looking at assistants and other people associated with winning teams…and it doesn’t matter whether it’s football or baseball or hockey…that’s where it is. That’s when Waddell’s name came up, he was a part of a winning team”.
I asked Tim about Pat Quinn…if he’s ever been considered for the job.
“That’s a funny story”, he replied. “Pat Quinn was available…Pat was a part of the Flames. He calls me up and says, ‘what’s going on down there? I just got a call from this guy Harvey Schiller asking me for the phone number of some other guy to interview for the job”.
“And keep in mind, Pat’s out of work at the time…and they call him up looking for the number of someone else to ask for an interview. He told me, ‘That was the most bazaar call I ever had’”.
Either way…Tim firmly believes that Fletcher, Burke or Quinn would have built this team on a foundation of size and toughness. And that would have been their identity.
Moving back to the old Flames and the lack of connection between them and the Thrashers organization…he once again brought up the way Minnesota has handled the same circumstance.
“Going back to the situation in Minnesota…they’ve got a mural…it must spread out 50-feet or so…and has beginning with day one of the Minnesota North Stars history all the way to their end in Minnesota. It’s a tribute to the North Stars. It’s there…it’s recognized…and, I mean, what a nice tribute”.
The he said, “This organization here…they chose not to recognize the past”.
He recalled the time when Dany Heatley had won the Calder Memorial Cup as rookie of the year. “Here we have this young man, great player…at the time one of the faces of the future for this team…he’s out there on the ice being presented with the trophy in front of the Atlanta fans. And there are three other guys here in town who are a part of the city’s hockey history who have also won that award…Eric Vail, Willi Plett and Boom-Boom Geoffrion, who was still with us at the time”.
“And I thought to myself, what a nice thing it would be to have had these guys down there with him…to help present this guy with such a great honor…to welcome him in to the group of players with Atlanta ties into that club made up of Calder winners”.
To Ecclestone, it’s just another example to the new franchise making a conscience decision to keep separate the two teams that have shared the same city and much of it’s fans.
But what if the Thrashers had chosen to embrace the team that first won over a fan base to the sport of professional hockey? Again, in part one of this series, Tim discussed how the alumni was more than willing to do the legwork in the community…but he also feels they could do something for the fans attending games at Philips Arena.
Tim shared with me an idea that he had regarding how the past and the present could come together at Philips Arena…and idea that he first shared with Stan Kasten.
“I’ve known Stan for years”, Tim began. “And I said to him, ‘Ya know, what bothers me more than anything is that there is not one picture of the Flames” in the arena.
“I talked to Stan…and I talked to Bernie Mullins…about what I’d like to do. The bar behind the penalty box…I’d like to see one of the party suits on either side…take it and place on the left side an Atlanta Flames logo…on the right side an Atlanta Thrashers logo…right in the middle an NHL Alumni logo”.
He went on to describe how each team’s general managers, assistant GMs, players…everyone involved with those teams would be given space and attention. Display photos of special moments on either side of the room for both teams…recognize team awards and player’s awards” on their respective side.
He also stated that it would also be a nice idea to have alumni members sitting in the top row of seats just outside of the room who would be accessible to all who cared to join them for a beer and talk hockey.
“All of this would be made available to anyone who paid to get into see the game”, he said. “Eric Vail can entertain them better than anyone…same with Danny Bouchard, Tom Lysiak…let us go down there and mix and be a part of them. And the fans can look in the room and see the history of the sport here from the 70s to the present”.
But aren’t those rooms rented out or sold?
“Listen, I understand that room gets rented out on occasions…if they want to rent it out and get one of the guys to host the party…put it into the package…let them do that”.
Ecclestone even stated that he’d help pay for the cost of this “Atlanta Hockey Museum”…kinda like what they have for the Braves at Turner Field.
And the team’s response?
“They have never gotten back with me”.
But would you still be willing to work with them if they would call?
“If they come to us…but Levenson’s gotta return my call. Michael (Gearon), he’s returned my calls, but he’s got his hands full with the Hawks…he’s fine and he’s been good enough to call me back…but Bruce is the point man for the Thrashers”.
And there is more to what he feels they could do for the team beyond just promoting the product in the area.
There are people in this town…both individuals and corporate…”Who have given up on them”, he said. “These guys are big hitters and these guys will spend and spend and spend. And he (Levenson) needs to get involved here. You’ve got out-of town ownership…but you’ve got a fan base here and they could lean on us…but they don’t do it”.
Ecclestone concluded by reiterating his intent here is to simply offer assistance in promoting the team and the sport in the community that he and the alumni know so well, but is frustrated with the lack of interest from the organization.
“We’re not looking for any money…we just want this thing to succeed. But not getting a phone call back…that just bugs me”.
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144 comments Add your comment
Tony C.
May 14th, 2009
5:32 pm
And yes the Flames did see a decrease in sales…after it became apparent that Cousins was having a firesale and the team’s days as the Atlanta Flames were numbered.
I mean honestly, after the Lysiak trade, the writing on the wall was in day-glo colors and braile.
Glovesave29
May 14th, 2009
6:31 pm
The Flames were not alone in seeing declining attendance in the end. It had nothing to do with them leaving (as it was still not known at the time the season ended) but had everything to do with the economy of the late 1970’s.
Chris just posted a new blog. He had a long conversation with DW. Don admists to not contacting Toby after his injury. Says a lot about the quality of the man. I’ve always said he was a bad GM but a good person. Actions like this make me think otherwise…
Brendan
May 14th, 2009
6:37 pm
Midfield, I can see that dartboard now!
Hockey Biltong
May 14th, 2009
8:42 pm
World Be Free,
How about us siging The Mule from Detroit. Isn’t he going to be a free agent???
R. Stroz
May 14th, 2009
8:55 pm
Nope, Mule has re-signed with the Big Red Borg.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4061069
However, Hossa hasn’t re-signed. Chuckle Chuckle.
World Be Free
May 14th, 2009
9:15 pm
Mule would have been great. I think he resigned to 2040.
Maybe we shouldn’t have given Kunitz away for nothing.
We need a playmaker, feed Kovy and take some pressure off Little on the 2nd line.
World Be Free
May 14th, 2009
9:17 pm
The Mule would have been great. I think he resigned until 2040 or something.
I believe Bertuzzi will be available.
Rawhide
May 14th, 2009
9:58 pm
One of the nice features about this new publishing website is that it allows me to see who links my stuff to there site.
Here is a Calgary Flames blog with a few responses regarding this dicussion.
Brendan
May 14th, 2009
10:50 pm
Hey guys, the Ducks almost did it. They trailed 3-1, but came back to tie it up. With 3:00 left in regulation, Dan Cleary scored for Detroit, to avoid the overtime. Detroit will host Chicago in the CF.
Pittsburgh can host the CF if Carolina scores in the overtime. That’s right, folks. Right now, Game Seven is about to go into overtime. The game is on Channel 771 on Center Ice, Comcast, and it’s on Versus, too. In the 1st round, Carolina trailed NJ 3-2 LATE in the 3rd period. The ‘Canes rallied for two goals in less than a minute to win the game and take the series.
In this round, the ‘Canes got up, 3-1. But it’s been Boston ever since. A goal by Carolina makes it all a distant memory, instead of a long offseason, thinking about what might have been, and what a great opportunity that was squandered.
Oh by the way, the Boston goal that tied it up in the 3rd period was set up by Marc Savard. That’s right, folks. Carolina led, 2-1, after two periods. Road teams have won the last six Game 7 overtimes that have been played. Good luck to both teams. Overtime is now underway!!! What a series!!!
Brendan
May 14th, 2009
10:53 pm
I’m going to go with Staal, Jokinen, or Samsonov for Carolina. If it’s Boston, I like Savard, Kessel, or Chara to end it.
R. Stroz
May 14th, 2009
11:36 pm
Well, it’s time for my playoff predictions:
The Penguins take the Capitals in 7 games.
The Blackhawks surprise the Canuckleheads in 6 games.
The Big Red Borg outlast the Ducks in 7 games.
and
The Hurricanes shock the Bruins in 7 games.
Ok, lets see how I do.
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
12:58 am
You did almost as well as me, R. Stroz. I went 2-2 in Round II. I did get Carolina over Boston, as well as Detroit over Anaheim. But I took the Canuckleheads vs. Chicago and the Capitals over Pittsburgh. I’m 7-5 overall. Right on my usual 8-7 or 9-6 pace.
Okay, “Hockey Geek” time. You know I was goin’ there. There’s only one potential Cup Final has hasn’t happened before: Carolina vs. Chicago. In 2002, it was Detroit vs. Carolina. In 2008, it was Detroit vs. Pittsburgh. In 1992, it was Pittsburgh vs. Chicago.
In the East, oddly enough, Pittsburgh has NEVER FACED Carolina in a playoff series. Never. Pittsburgh entered the league in 1967, commonly referred to as “Expansion.” Carolina/Hartford came over from the WHA in 1979.
Since 1982, when the playoffs became Conference vs. Conference, Chicago has reached the Conference Finals eight times (8x). 1982, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, and 2009. Chicago’s record in those series? Anyone? Anyone at all? It’s 1-6. But Brendan, you said they reached the CF eight times!! Yeah, well. They haven’t played the 8th series yet. You’ll just have to be patient for the result. This is why they play the games. I believe Chicago played Detroit in the 1995 Conference Finals. The one and only CF win in that stetch occurred in 1992, when the Blackhawks swept Edmonton. That series put the exclamation point on the end of the Edmonton glory years. The Oilers wouldn’t get back to a CF until 2006, when they got there as an 8th place seed. But they won it!!
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
1:07 am
Hey folks, guess what’s true about the Southeast division, if Carolina wins the East this year? Anyone? Our Southeast division will have produced the Eastern Conference Champions for the 6th time in 13 years. Folks, that’s almost HALF. Think about it. The 1996 Florida Panthers, the 1998 Washington Capitals, the 2002 Carolina Hurricanes, the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning, the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes, and the 2009 Carolina Hurricanes. For a Southleast division, I’d say that’s doing pretty well!
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
1:14 am
I just gotta say it, Carolina has rocked! They won 9 straight games down the stretch, until losing the final two games. At Christmas, they weren’t among the playoff field. And it wasn’t looking good for them to squeak in, either. But they managed to climb to #6. They win a tremendous series with New Jersey, taking games 2, 4, 6 and 7. And in Game 7, they scored two goals in less than a minute, in the final two minutes of regulation to take that series. In Round II, they got up, 3-1, only to squander it to a Game 7. They take a 2-1 lead into the 3rd, but can’t hold it. Then win in the overtime. I’d need to see a cardiologist, if I lived in Raleigh. What a ride!!
Okay, who’s taking the ‘Canes in the next round? Anyone?
LAC
May 15th, 2009
2:46 am
Bill… Who says we don’t have a STRONG Hockey base here ?
These recent blogs show strong support for hockey here and in the future as well as respect for the past with Da Flame !!!!!!!
LAC
May 15th, 2009
2:48 am
Brenden…. Darn shame first game is NOT at the Philips,where Carolina squandered a 2 goal lead in the third period… Atlanta 5 Carolina 3,
like John Forsland said It’s over in Atlanta !
World be Free
May 15th, 2009
7:57 am
Gotta feel for the hockey fans in Hartford. Whalers were jaded when they were in Hartford, living in the shadow of the Bruins. They move to Carolina, win a Stanley Cup and now they are set for another conference final.
Sometimes a change of scenery is a good thing.
Scott Walker the hero-but should have he even been playing in the series? His sucker punch on Ward should have got him a suspension. The NHL, in their infinite wisdom.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 15th, 2009
8:13 am
Tony C. — I would add Oduya and Komisarek to the short list of UFA defenders I wouldn’t mind seeing sign with Atlanta this offseason.
In order: Ohlund, Beauchemin, Komisarek, Oduya.
Glovesave29
May 15th, 2009
8:39 am
Here’s another way to look at this…
The Flames left in 1980, to be replaced by the Thrashers 19 years later. DW felt this time was too long and no one would remember.
The Canadiens retired Boom Boom’s jersey in 2006…42 years after he last played for le Habs and 38 years after he hung them up for good as a Ranger. Applause was thunderous and there was not a dry eye at the Bell Centre the night they hung his number to the rafters.
We are not goldfish with a 20 second memory. To pass it off and not salute our cities hockey history is just arrogant and self-serving.
After watching last nights games, I feel if Anaheim was in the East, they could have EASILY taken both Boston or Carolina. The movement and flow of the Western game was VASTLY superior to the dump and chase, turnover filled Eastern game. Chicago is rested, but Detroit is playoff tested. It’ll be a great series, but DET prevails in 6. There has not be a rematch of a Stanley Cup Finals series in consecutive years since the Isles and the Oil in 83 and 84. That changes this year as the Pens take down the Canes, also in 6. Ward will be a stud, but the Pens just have too much for them to handle.
Christy
May 15th, 2009
9:24 am
Did anyone else find that they were okay with Carolina advancing but very satisfied when the Caps got beat? For whatever reason – their drive, hard work whatever – I don’t find them nearly as loathesome as Washington and Tampa Bay…
ThrasherFan
May 15th, 2009
9:30 am
Was I the only one who predicted Carolina would win on this blog?
Alan
May 15th, 2009
9:52 am
I think so.
I chose Boston, and that was the only one I was wrong about.
If I remember correctly, I went 5-3 in the first round, and now went 3-1 in the second.
Finals:
Detroit in six.
Carolina in seven.
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
10:16 am
No, there were at least three of us who took Carolina. Including me. But I was following Rawhide’s “sleeper pick” from his pre-playoff blog. Once Carolina upset New Jersey, I could see the light. I can’t catch Alan. As I have the same picks as he does going forward. Detroit in six and Carolina in seven.
Nikita
May 15th, 2009
10:18 am
Man, lots of topics covered here…
1. I get tired of seeing all the blame focused on Don Waddell. He is improving, and he has roughly two bags of used pucks to work with and mostly indifferent ownership. Yes, we need a better GM, but I see no indication that he’s not doing adequately given what he has to work with. In fact, I have no problem with anything he has done in terms of trades and acquisitions from 2007-2008 on, given what his limitations are.
2. Yes, it makes sense to reach out to your alumni, but I must admit that wouldn’t be a draw for me.
3. Holy moley, the playoffs! I love Anaheim, so I’m thrilled that they made it this far. And the Carolina upset was also pretty amazing. Now, if someone can ensure that Detroit does not win the cup, I would appreciate that.
4. Having worked with various members of the ownership…we have, like, 3.5 owners who really care about hockey. And the one who cares most about it mainly cares because of how it relates to youth hockey, and is challenged in the cash flow department. Levenson and Gearon do care, as well, but they’re too savvy to let it overextend them and they recognize the limitations of their roles.
5. I understand the various reasons why tickets to Thrashers games are not cheap, but I think the ownership needs to rework their strategy on pricing and promotions. Because a half-empty, indifferent arena affects the team terribly, as well as creates an uphill battle to promotion, marketing, etc. — it’s pretty hard to get anyone to cover a team that no one is seeing, either in person or on television. And the team does suffer — it was no surprise at all to me that the team won on the road more than at home at several points in the season.
ThrasherFan
May 15th, 2009
10:19 am
I think I blew the Caps Pens prediction and the Chicago series. I just knew Boston would blow it as they always do. Carolina has a more recent pedigree of success in the playoffs and were riding a hot Cam Ward. Boston hasn’t done anything in years – regular season doesn’t count once the playoffs begin.
Prediction for the finals -
Pens Detroit Rematch
Rawhide
May 15th, 2009
10:22 am
LAC- There is a strong fan base here, indeed.
Nikita – I would agree that DW has not done a bad job over the past year or so…agin, given some of the limitations he’s under. But I think the Ilya Kovalchuk issue will make or break him here. If he can’t get him to re-sign…I think he’s done. But that’s just a hunch.
Brendan – Thanks for remembering who picking the “sleeper” Carolina in round one…however, I did not pick them against Boston.
ThrasherFan – Hats off to you for doing just that…pickin’ the Canes! As for your prediction…if it is Pittsburgh vs. Detroit, I’ll be pulling for the Penguins ONLY because of the irony that would come with it in regards to Marian Hossa.
Christy – I love watching the Hurricanes now…I have a few friends who are Caniacs and I’m living vicariously through them.
Spud Webb
May 15th, 2009
10:47 am
Rawhide, you’ll love this. I just emailed Elliott on CNN/SI! Asking him his side of the story. Doubt he will answer but thought that was cute. hahahhahaha.
Great, GREAT games last night. I wanted the Ducks to pull it out, not in the cards. How about Walker scoring that goal, sick!!!!! Boston has to be sick to their stomachs right now.
Should be interesting, I don’t think the Hawks (though I hope) can hold up againt the Wings. I’m rooting for Carolina now, which probably curses them!!!
Rawhide
May 15th, 2009
11:02 am
Spudster – Well, if he does respond…please do share what he has to say.
Dwayne
May 15th, 2009
11:34 am
as much as i dislike pittsburgh, if they were to play detriot in the finals, i’d pull for pittsburgh because of “you know who”. would “you know who” then want to go back to pittsburgh???…Go Carolina!!!!
“IF” Atlanta had different/better owners and DW was still the GM with the same amount of $$ and no court issues. Would Atlanta field a playoff team?? If not a playoff team, would they get support?? Atlanta just seems like a city that will only support a winner. Maybe thats only because of all the “transplants”.
I got a question about Todd White/Kovy..If Kovy had not been trying to “fit in” with JA’s system, (remember all the open net misses by EC?)and just fired the puck at the net like he did the 2nd half of the year, would Atl. really need a top center this off season?
Nikita
May 15th, 2009
12:44 pm
Dwayne, one thing you must say for Kovy is that he makes his wishes known. And since day one, he has reiterated how much he likes Todd White and how much he enjoys playing with him. Todd White as his center is a good thing. Depending on who the opposite wing and defenders are, since Todd White does need heavier players to mitigate for his lack of size, I think he does great there. And let’s face it — not too many people do well with Kovy, regardless of their skill. IMO, Kovy never stopped trying to fit in with JA’s system — he just got better linemates, who could set him up or sink it themselves and not worry too much about it. Peverly and White both know how to rock & roll with the big guy, whereas Christensen was very calculated (and often off), Jason Williams neither earned nor got any respect, and Bryan Little for some reason does a lot better with Kozlov/White.
That said, we could still use some forward talent — our scoring production wasn’t bad, but can always be better, and at the end of next year it would be good to have in the ranks a few players who can replace the inevitable retirements. But we desperately need defensive talent. And we should see some from development, since we have so many young and promising players, but we’re still going to have to buy some of it.
Dwayne
May 15th, 2009
12:55 pm
a top 2 scoring winger, who can kill a penalty and a top 2 d-man who can kill a pentalty. Playoff bound…etch that in stone!!!
Alan
May 15th, 2009
1:31 pm
Niclas Havelid signs with Linkoping
Our friend is homebound. Best of luck in the SEL, Nic.
Tony C.
May 15th, 2009
3:31 pm
Wow.
Well, I certainly wish Nic well-I wondered if DW was seriously going to try and re-sign him.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
This past season Havelid was a +4 while with the Thrashers, and a -2 with the Devils. That’s an interesting stat.
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
4:18 pm
Did you head Darren Eliot’s comments during Game 7? He said, “Marian Hossa was turned into a ‘mercenary’ by his former team, the Ottawa Senators, when they signed him to a 4-year deal, (it was 3, Darren,) then promptly traded him to the Atlanta Thrashers. He’s trying to make himself a fixture, here in Detroit.”
A ‘mercenary?’ That’s an interesting choice of words by Darren Eliot.
If it’s Pittsburgh vs. Detroit, I’ll be rooting for Pittsburgh! But like Christy said, “I don’t mind following the ‘Canes.” I like their GM, Jim Rutherford, and I always have. The moment that Carolina clinched a playoff berth, Trip Tracy opined, “Carolina will get to compete, once again, for Lord Stanley’s Cup this Summer!!” Maybe he’s clairvoyant?
Seriously, since Christmas, the two hottest teams in the East were the Therrien-less Penguins and the Hurricanes. I was hesitant to just use 2nd half stats to make my picks. If we went EXCLUSIVELY off of those, the St. Louis Blues would be headed to the Cup Finals, as they were EN FUEGO in the 2nd Half. St. Louis didn’t win a game in the playoffs, if I’m recalling correctly. I had NJ over Carolina in Round I. But I took Carolina over Boston. And I’m taking Carolina over Pittsburgh. I actually think Pittsburgh is the deeper team, but momentum counts for a lot in the playoffs. Carolina won the Cup with several of the players still on their roster today, back in 2006.
If the Red Wings win the Cup, many people think that will happen, they “might” be able to say they went through the 2006 and 2007 Stanley Cup Champions to do it. Call it a hunch, but I doubt they’ll be bragging about eliminating Columbus. But hey, that’s one way for Columbus to appear in one of the “NHL Stanley Cup Champions” videos–lose to the Champs!
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 15th, 2009
4:24 pm
What momentum does Carolina have the Pittsburgh doesn’t? They both won in Game 7, and Carolina almost blew a 3-1 series lead…so what momentum are you pointing out, specifically?
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
6:46 pm
The “thrill of Game 7 overtime!!!” Specifically.
Brendan
May 15th, 2009
6:47 pm
Really, truly. The thrill of Game 7 overtime is something very special.
Thrashers27
May 15th, 2009
7:41 pm
As much as I think he’s just a windbag at times, Ecklund seems to think Waddell will make a move for Marty Havlat in the off season. Sounds good to me!
Tickle Me Selma
May 15th, 2009
8:05 pm
I remember about 15 years ago, being up in Calgary and going to a Flames store in some mall up there. They had an old Atlanta Jersey there with the burning A logo and a sign that read: “Know your history.” It’s freaking sad that Calgary pays more homage to Atlanta’s hockey history than Atlanta does.
This franchise is an utter laughingstock. An incompetent and utter laughingstock.
Alan
May 15th, 2009
10:12 pm
To be fair, doesn’t Calgary own the rights to the flaming A logo?
Alan
May 15th, 2009
10:44 pm
Apparently, Ducks GM Bob Murray, not to be outdone by his team on the ice, had a little bit of physical action in the press box last night as well.
LAC
May 16th, 2009
6:55 am
I think it is time to show Mr.Derrin Eliott the door.
He is misinformed, loves these owners and waddell and offers not one damn thing to the telecasts. He has become VERY unprofessional and seems to have another agenda in mind, rather than Atlanta.
He is NOT a good color guy and at the very least would like to see a NEW
TV team next season for sure, Good Bye Derrin, don’t let the door hit you on the way OUT !
World Be Free
May 16th, 2009
9:07 pm
Havlat would be a great compliment for Kovy or Little. Bryan Little faded the last month of the season.
I am pushing for Todd Marchant. He’s a gritty player who wins faceoffs, kills penalties and scores big goals. He’s won game 7’s in OT, tossed in the 3 OT winner in the Wings-Ducks series and shut down Datsyuk for most of the series. Rumor has it the Ducks want him to take a pay cut to stay. I’d take him anytime.
How about Komisarek on the bluline?