Ooooh, I not only didn’t talk about the Thrash, I didn’t even mention hockey. Oh shame on me!

Who have been the Intermission Gals in Thrashers History? I remember Amanda Jahn in the beginning. Then Erin Andrews. Then there was some brunette who did the 2007 season preview. We didn’t see a lot of her. Then Natalie Taylor. I don’t know if she’ll be back, or what? The L.A. Kings have Heidi Androl. NHL Network has Carrie Milbank doing various promos. Let’s see what they do.

As we enter the 10th season, I am hopeful that further progress will be made. But it’s tempered with the usual, “It is what it is” sentiment. I mean, I could show up to this blog hoppin’ mad about how things have been run for the past decade. Inject me with Sodium Pentathol (truth serum), and I’ll tell you how I thought, back in 1999, that the Thrashers would make the playoffs in Year Four, make the CSF in Year Five, Advance to a 1st ever CF in Year Six, and be in a Stanley Cup Finals by Year Seven, while trying for a repeat trip to the Finals in Year Eight. I should have realized, back then, that Ted Turner’s role and interest in the Thrashers would be “un-Braves-like.” At this point, I consider a season successful if prospects are developed and proactively re-signed.

I personally believe that the big push by ownership to get into the playoffs at all costs in 2007 was ultimately all about $$. As in, they were running out of it. Making up for Belkin’s 30% depleted the available assets of the remaining members. Playoffs are the biggest pure revenue generators in this sport. I think they thought that if they could get into the playoffs and make a run of it (run meaning more than two home games), they could generate enough revenue to cover the Belkin shortfall. Unfortunately they didn’t get that run nor the subsequent revenue and everything had to be scaled back.

I’ve been willing to adjust my opinion of things as new information presents itself. I once firmly believed these owners were a bunch of tightwads on purpose who didn’t care a whit about this franchise. As more information became public from the trial, I’ve changed my view in that regard. I no longer believe they are unwilling to spend, just simply unable. It’s completely understandable from a business perspective.

It would be nice, however, to see more people willing to temper their judgements of Waddell as new evidence presents itself as well. Nothing ridiculous has happened for the past two off-seasons. Granted not every signing worked out as hoped (ie Jason Williams) but that is part of the business in general. Not every player fits into every system. And at least he didn’t get signed to a 4 year contract that still hangs on this club.

I’ve always believed Waddell was moving this club in the right direction, a few bumps notwithstanding, until essentially forced to make some bad trades by an ownership group desperate for both immediate on-ice success and more revenue. It wasn’t happening as fast as some of you prefer, but I think there were some unreasonable expectations set forth given the market, the financial constraints under previous ownership, and how an expansion franchise is developed from the ground up. Waddell has now been allowed to get back on track and things appear to be progressing nicely.

Stroz are you also going to pony up for any and all damages incurred? :p Perhaps an extended round of paintball would be more appropriate.

Well then, I’m sure that’s an activity she could engage in, seeing as how there’s dramatically fewer fouls flying towards her.

And I was hoping for something else.