The New Schedule’s Here! The New Schedule’s Here!
The new schedule’s here! The new schedule’s here! This is exactly what we needed…the schedule in print! That really makes things for the team! Things are going to start happening for us now!
That’s right folks…the 2009-10 Thrashers regular season schedule will finally be out this afternoon finally and we can start planning our activities between October and April…who knows, maybe even beyond that.
However…I already have a few highlights to share with you…
What? The Flames won't be in town this year?!?
Saturday October 3: Opening night for the season will be at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Saturday October 24: The San Jose Sharks, my adopted west coast team, will be in town.
Sunday November 8: At 5:00 afternoon start when the St. Louis Blues come to town.
Sunday November 15:Another afternoon game for the Edmonton Oilers.
Saturday Novemeber 21: The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins bring their act to Thrasherville…we also close the season at home against the Penguins on April 10.
Wednesday Novemeber 25: The night before Thanksgiving will see the Thrashers in Detroit to play the Red Wings.
Thursday December 3:We get our first look at top overall draft selection John Tavares as he and the New York Islanders play in Atlanta.
Thursday December 17: the Dallas Stars pay Thrasherville a visit.
Update 7/6 3:10 pm: The entire schedule has now been released. Here is the linky-linkage.
And here is the schedule…
Sat. Oct. 3 TAMPA BAY 7 p.m.
Thurs. Oct. 8 @ St. Louis 8 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 10 @ Ottawa 7 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 16 @ New Jersey 7 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 17 @ Buffalo 7 p.m.
Tues. Oct. 20 @ Montreal 7:30 p.m.
Thurs. Oct. 22 WASHINGTON 7 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 24 SAN JOSE 7 p.m.
Thurs. Oct. 29 WASHINGTON 7 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 31 @ Ottawa 2 p.m.
Tues. Nov. 3 @ Montreal 7:30 p.m.
Thurs. Nov. 5 COLUMBUS 7 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 7 @ NY Islanders 7 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 8 ST. LOUIS 5 p.m.
Thurs. Nov. 12 @ NY Rangers 7 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 13 LOS ANGELES 7:30 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 15 EDMONTON 2 p.m.
Thurs. Nov. 19 BOSTON 7 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 21 PITTSBURGH 7 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 22 TAMPA BAY 5 p.m.
Wed. Nov. 25 @ Detroit 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 27 @ Carolina 7 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 28 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.
Mon. Nov. 30 FLORIDA 7 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 3 NY ISLANDERS 7 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 5 @ Florida 7 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 7 @ Toronto 7 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 9 @ Calgary 9:30 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 10 @ Vancouver 10 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 12 MONTREAL 7 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 14 @ NY Rangers 7 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 16 @ Florida 7:30 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 17 DALLAS 7 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 19 NEW JERSEY 7 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 21 MONTREAL 7 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 23 @ Boston 7 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 26 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 28 @ New Jersey 7 p.m.
Wed. Dec. 30 @ Boston 7 p.m.
Fri. Jan. 1 @ Buffalo 7 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 2 @ NY Islanders 7 p.m.
Tues. Jan. 5 @ Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m.
Thurs. Jan. 7 NY RANGERS 7 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 9 WASHINGTON 7 p.m.
Tues. Jan. 12 OTTAWA 7 p.m.
Thurs. Jan. 14 BUFFALO 7 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 16 @ Carolina 8 p.m.
Mon. Jan. 18 @ Florida 7:30 p.m.
Tues. Jan. 19 TORONTO 7 p.m.
Thurs. Jan. 21 CAROLINA 7 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 23 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Tues. Jan. 26 ANAHEIM 7 p.m.
Thurs. Jan. 28 @ Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 30 @ Nashville 8 p.m.
Tues. Feb. 2 TAMPA BAY 7 p.m.
Fri. Feb. 5 @ Washington 7 p.m.
Sat. Feb. 6 FLORIDA 7 p.m.
Wed. Feb. 10 @ Colorado 9 p.m.
Fri. Feb. 12 @ Minnesota 8 p.m.
Sat. Feb. 13 @ Chicago 8:30 p.m.
Tues. Mar. 2 FLORIDA 7 p.m.
Thurs. Mar. 4 NY ISLANDERS 7 p.m.
Sat. Mar. 6 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 7 CAROLINA 5 p.m.
Tues. Mar. 9 NASHVILLE 7 p.m.
Thurs. Mar. 11 @ Columbus 7 p.m.
Fri. Mar. 12 NY RANGERS 7:30 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 14 PHOENIX 5 p.m.
Tues. Mar. 16 BUFFALO 7 p.m.
Thurs. Mar. 18 OTTAWA 7 p.m.
Sat. Mar. 20 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 21 @ Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Tues. Mar. 23 BOSTON 7 p.m.
Thurs. Mar. 25 TORONTO 7 p.m.
Sat. Mar. 27 @ Carolina 7 p.m.
Mon. Mar. 29 CAROLINA 7 p.m.
Tues. Mar. 30 @ Toronto 7 p.m.
Thurs. Apr. 1 @ Washington 7 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 3 @ Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Tues. Apr. 6 NEW JERSEY 7 p.m.
Fri. Apr. 9 @ Washington 7 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 10 PITTSBURGH 7 p.m.
Wow…start the season at home then go on the road for 5 games. Plus…a 7 game road trip over Christmas and New years!
After playing in Chicago on February 13 the Thrashers will be off until March 2 due to the Olympic break.
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132 comments Add your comment
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
12:01 pm
When do Toronto and Buffalo come?! When do Toronto and Buffalo come?!
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
12:10 pm
Good to see Edmonton making the trek to Thrasherville this year. Hopefully, Marty can haunt his old team once again and make them really regret not bringing him back. Of course this time he will need to penetrate the Bulin Wall!
Russian
July 15th, 2009
12:16 pm
80 days left to drop a puck.
TableHockey
July 15th, 2009
12:18 pm
Ah it’s like Christmas in July…
R. Stroz
July 15th, 2009
12:21 pm
Rawhide – Give TJ’s a call and see if we can set up a viewing party in the back room for the Dead Wings game on November 25th.
English Teacher
July 15th, 2009
12:25 pm
He hates these cans!
Sorry.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
12:26 pm
I wish I could do a TJs thing the night before Thanksgiving. Maybe I can, but it probably won’t be with the same people I was with before.
Hmm… this has me thinking. If nothing else, I’ll just watch from home on the computer.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
12:31 pm
Link is in Finnish, so I won’t expect anyone to understand it. However, it says Kari has been re-signed to a one year deal. (as per a forum member on HFboards)
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
12:43 pm
Guess Kari decided to take the QO on the deadline day to do so! Thanks Alan for the news. I think Karppa knows he still has something to prove, but I reckon he is perhaps a bit disappointed to realize that the Thrashers don’t think enough of him to offer a longer-term deal.
Does anyone know if QO have to be 1 year in length only?
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
12:46 pm
Well, that’s not what I expected. It also means … that if we don’t deal Kari at the trade deadline, we run the risk of watching the 2nd overall pick of the 2002 walking for nothing. And if you take Waddell at his word, the same (walking for nothing) could happen with Kovalchuk, who was the 1st overall pick of the 2001 draft.
Thankfully, we’re not there. And a lot can change. Especially if a court decision on this lawsuit were rendered, such that it spelled out definitive control of the team and the cost of the Belkin buyout. If the 2001 and 2002 lottery draft picks leave Atlanta, we can’t let that happen again, with Bogosian and Kane. We just CAN’T.
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
12:53 pm
Brendan, it is a bit disappointing to see that we did not try to lock Kari up for at least two years. I really don’t know what the harm would be in a 3 year deal either. Perhaps Kari DOESN’T want to stay in ATL and sees the Pavelec threat as more than just a threat.
With having all three goalies signed to only 1 year deals, does this mean Pavelec is the LEAST likely to get moved??
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
12:54 pm
Sunday November 15: Another afternoon game for the Edmonton Oilers.
Ah, maybe that’s what Heatley was waiting to see before accepting a trade to Edmonton? He’s sure to turn down the trade offer now.
… I’m just kidding, before any of you “literal” folk jump on me.
Toby
July 15th, 2009
1:06 pm
I can assure you, Hokie, that I won’t jump on you.
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
1:10 pm
Well, this means that Boultsy, Thorbsy and perhaps even Bogey will get an early chance at retribution to avenge the honor of Tobias Enstrom by re-arranging the face of Tampa goon Martins Karsums, a$$ hat that he is.
Pavelec is the future
July 15th, 2009
1:15 pm
Kari won’t walk for nothing. He will walk with crutches or will be pushed out on a wheelchair.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
1:17 pm
but I reckon he is perhaps a bit disappointed to realize that the Thrashers don’t think enough of him to offer a longer-term deal
Consider that he hasn’t really played injury-free. The flu/back incident last season seems to me like a fluke, so the one year deal might be for him to prove, once and for all, that he is in better shape now and can play without injury.
Kari has stressed that he wants a long term deal, but this might be his last chance to get that deal in Atlanta, no matter how much he likes the city.
Thrashers27
July 15th, 2009
1:21 pm
Finally, a season that ends against someone other than Tampa. I think it’s been the last three years that we’ve closed out the season against them.
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
1:27 pm
I hear ya Alan and I would lean towards the side that says Kari must prove that he can stay healthy and keep his GAA below 3.00 for 55-60 + games. However, it’s just a bit disconcerting when the player opts to sign the 1 year deal rather than try to negotiate a longer deal after 7/15. At any rate, it may be best for this franchise, considering all of the young players in the pipeline and its pending litigation, that so few players are locked up long-term. I just hope Waddudley are more pro-active than before with Little and Peverley.
Note: I’m assuming that once the QO deadline runs out the player has the option to negotiate a longer deal with the team who holds his rights, leave the US to play somewhere else or simply hold-out (see Kovy in the fall of 2005).
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
1:30 pm
Here’s what I got when I ran the article through the translator:
Ice Hockey Goalie Kari Lehtonen will continue a professional career NHL club in Atlanta Trashers.
According to information received by Lehtonen the next few days to sign a one-year extension agreement with georgialaisseuran.
Goalkeeper has represented Atlanta 2003-04 season. Period ending Lehtonen played NHL’s outline series 46 combat game 91.1 percent.
I have to agree with Alan that his lack of being injury-free is what stops him from getting a long term deal done. Keep in mind that Pavelec isn’t top tier in the NHL yet but he doesn’t help the situation either.
Matt
July 15th, 2009
1:32 pm
What about the Avalanche? Are they coming back to town this year??
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
1:35 pm
Smoothie, how do we know that Waddudley (bravo – I love that name btw) will offer Lehtonen anything more than 1 year? He may have just realized that he is up against a wall and took the only thing that was going to be offered to him rather than hold out on a team that already has Pavelec and Hedberg going into camp. If Lehtonen doesn’t show up at the start of camp we can easily go the whole year with just Pavelec and Hedberg so he had to sign something ASAP – even if it was only offered for 1 year. He played his only card by turning down the initial RFA qualifying offer but that was it for him.
dwayne
July 15th, 2009
1:39 pm
Kari signed…Stendec…where are you????? lmao
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
1:54 pm
Ice Dog – I can’t take credit for the DW / RD nick-name…I saw it somewhere, perhaps here on this blog, and decided to keep it going.
As for Lehts, I’m not so sure he turned down the initial QO. According to Ben of the Blueland Blog, Kari’s QO is still on the table and he has until today to sign it or opt to negotiate a different deal. But you’re right in that he probably figured he should take it and worry about his next contract after he solidifies his standing as a # 1 goalie with solid, consistent play.
There is a glut of back-up (and a couple who are probably capable of starting 50+ games like Biron and Fernandez) goalies and I’m sure he realizes that the Thrashers could always decline his counter-offer and go sign Biron to a 2 year deal. I guess the Thrashers know they are in a better position of leverage in this situation and have the luxury of standing firm.
With Colby though I’m not so sure I understand the strategy if they only offered him a 1 year QO rather than a longer term deal. But I’m not familiar enough with the CBA rules and whether a LT deal is even an option for the QO. Perhaps Colbs will still end up with a 2 year deal via arbitration, but the whole thing makes me a little uncomfortable.
The Joker
July 15th, 2009
1:55 pm
Since Lehtonen is signed for another year, does that mean stendec is cleaning out the Depends isle at Walmart?
Laura
July 15th, 2009
2:11 pm
Hmm… the Blues are going to be here on November 8th – excuse me as I already try to get ticket upgrades for that game for my mother and myself. You completely made my Tuesday.
aaron
July 15th, 2009
2:11 pm
…You mean I’m gonna stay this color?
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
2:13 pm
Nice Smoothie, after I hit the button I thought about Biron and all those unsigned goalies but you came back with that. I saw an article somewhere that listed 9 decent backups that had a few starters like Biron in that group. So even if Lehtonen walks for nothing and Hedberg goes down, we can still go get one of those guys. The reason that hurts us though is that any thoughts of trading him for something just diminished.
As for Armstrong I wonder if they can still offer him one more deal as an RFA after this 1 year one. Sort of like giving Lehtonen the 1 year deal last year. If that is the case than I approve because why pay him UFA rates when we can still offer him RFA pay for another year? Also he still is only going to be a 3rd liner with us so I am not as worried about him as say Little who we have plenty of time to deal with.
Now Waddudley just needs to sign Kovalchuk (that still makes me laugh even if you didn’t think of it).
Alan
July 15th, 2009
2:35 pm
If there’s one thing Waddell will do, it’s avoid arbitration at all costs. Arbitration hearings really hurts both the player and the organization.
Army won’t make it to arbitration. I think he’s good here for at least a two year deal. The reason there hasn’t been an official announcement of the Lehtonen re-signing may be because the organization is waiting to re-sign Army (or other players). At this point, they might have already agreed to terms, but they don’t have anything official drafted/signed yet.
Buzilla in CT
July 15th, 2009
2:39 pm
Is this Kari deal confirmed or are we basing this on a Swedish blog that is in Swedish….
FormerIslesFan
July 15th, 2009
2:42 pm
“Rawhide, Navin R. Sounds like a typical b@st@rd.”
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
2:42 pm
Ice Dog – w/r/t Army, I think his age may prevent that from happening as category VII of UFA is for 27 y/o and up (see Nathan Oystrick and Joey Crabb) with at least a minimum of 80 games or something.
Smoothie
July 15th, 2009
2:46 pm
A Finnish news source Buzz! It’s as reliable as Eklund at least!
Actually, the Finnish media broke the Anssi deal loooong before the Thrashers made the official announcement.
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
2:51 pm
Nothing is confirmed on anyone Buzilla. But at this point in the summer (after the initial splurge on big UFA signings) unless its Kovalchuk signing it won’t mean as much. Armstrong would be nice but he’s a 3rd liner who can sub on the 2nd and Lehtonen just doesn’t get me excited.
In other news it’s finally offical that Fenway Park will host the Bruins and Flyers for the New Year’s outdoor game. But putting a hockey game played on a rectangular shaped ice surface inside a baseball park shaped like a diamond is only further proof that Gary Bettman is the highest paid man in society that tries to put a square peg in a round hole.
Yeah yeah yeah, it’s only for the tv ratings and the “historic” element of Fenway. Who cares if the fans at the game can’t actually see the game.
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
2:53 pm
Smoothie I tried to look that up on Armstrong about his age but the site is down so I couldn’t confirm.
Buzilla in CT
July 15th, 2009
2:54 pm
I might go to see the Fenway Park game if I can (since I am in CT)
So who can read Swedish (or Finnish, or whatever Euro newspaper)?
I would have preferred a two year deal but whatever. Any idea how may Euro’s Kari signed for?
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
3:02 pm
Buzilla I put the article through a Finnish translator and you can see above where I posted it. No $, just says a 1 year deal will be signed in the next few days.
Wouldn’t you rather go to BC’s football field or Harvard Stadium to see an outdoor game with better sightlines? The game in the Bills stadium was much better than the one in Wrigley Field because they were so far away from the ice in Wrigley and couldn’t see over the boards. The green monster is going to mean even more prime outfield seats (which were actually the best seats for a hockey game at Wrigley) will be lost at Fenway Park.
dwayne
July 15th, 2009
3:03 pm
the new phone book is here, the new phone book is here…There I am Johnson, Navin R. Now things will start to happen.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
3:13 pm
Is this Kari deal confirmed or are we basing this on a Swedish [sic] blog that is in Swedish [sic]….
From what I’ve been told, the source is quite reliable.
I trust the foreign press in a language I can’t read over Eklund.
Buzilla in CT
July 15th, 2009
3:18 pm
I have already picked out a few games to go to on LI. Next I have to pick a few days to travel to Atlanta for a game or two. I miss Gorins…
Rawhide
July 15th, 2009
3:19 pm
And here is the entire 2009-10 Thrashers schedule.
I’ve update the blog post above to show the schedule as well as a few comments about it. there are a couple of lengthy road trips in there.
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
3:39 pm
What’s with the 5 game road trip right after the home opener?! Sheesh.
GaVaHokie
July 15th, 2009
3:41 pm
If you miss the Home Opener, you have to wait until Oct 22nd to get your live hockey fix… crazy.
jd (former AIZer)
July 15th, 2009
3:45 pm
I’ll take the 5 games on the road… when we get 12 of 17 games in March at home. during the playoff stretch.
Buzilla in CT
July 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
I am going to try to make the November 7th game against the Islanders. Crazy they have to fly back the next day and host the Blues at 5:00. That is bunk.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
That schedule looks pretty daunting, to say the least.
For starters, I counted 16 back-to-back games.
Toby
July 15th, 2009
4:10 pm
Alan – That may be the same for all teams because of that 3 week break for the Olympics
Ice Dog
July 15th, 2009
4:12 pm
Alan I thought you meant 8 B2Bs for a total of 16 games. So I counted and you were right it is 16 times for 32 games. As well there are multiple occasions of things like 3 games in 4 days or other such grouped games where we play 4+ times in a number of weeks.
Then I remembered, it is an Olympic year so I don’t think we are going to have it any worse than 29 other teams. The break from 13 Feb to 2 Mar is going to cause all of those things. And I think we would only have Kovalchuk and maybe Hainsey and/or 1 more going to the Olympics so most of our team should be well rested at that time for the stretch run.
R. Stroz
July 15th, 2009
4:14 pm
Home Game Day Analysis:
Sunday = 5
Monday = 3
Tuesday = 9
Wednesday = 0
Thursday = 12
Friday = 2
Saturday = 10
If you are an accountant, there are 12 home games in March, so you better get those returns done in February.
Home Game Month Analysis
October = 4
November = 9
December = 5
January = 7
February = 2
March = 12
April = 2
What really stood out to me with this schedule is that there is only one weekend game in January and February. There are only two weekend games in December.
Buzilla in CT
July 15th, 2009
4:36 pm
This has nothing to do with hockey but I thought others might enjoy it if they are Simpson fans:
http://daniel.fliggo.com/video/8FAC22M6
Tom
July 15th, 2009
4:49 pm
Stroz
If the team does not turn around, Phillips will be very empty in March. If we are playing winning hockey we will have one heck of a home ice advantage.
Matt
July 15th, 2009
4:52 pm
Brutal road trips, absolutely brutal.
That being said, you can almost smell the ice from here. Drop the freaking puck already.
rightshot
July 15th, 2009
4:59 pm
Budzilla in CT-funny link, Thanks. I was going to go over the schedule with the perverbial (sic) fine tooth comb but R Stroz took care of most of it. Guess that means I’ll have time to clean the place up a bit tonite. Joy and rapture (rolling his eyes) No really thanks R Stroz. I just glanced at the schedule and already have about five games I’m planning on going to already, though I’m sure I will end up going to about 30 per usual. Thanks for the notification Rawhide.
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
5:04 pm
R.Stroz, the organization must really feel they’ll be playing meaningful games in March with 12 home games that month. If they’re 8-10 games under .500 on New Year’s Day, it’s going to be tough to move tickets. Then again, what is it Don Waddell says? Attendance picks up after the Holidays. Or whenever Football season ends.
Actually, who makes the schedule? The NHL league offices? Or the teams, themselves? If it’s the former, than Atlanta had no say. Or limited input. Four (4) October games. Well, those who are spending on the Falcons will be happy. Some people think the Braves will be in action, in October.
Archie
July 15th, 2009
5:45 pm
We got a HUGE break with the post Olympic schedule! Starting March 2, we close the season with 14 home games, 8 road games. We have every opportunity to close to the season strong. Hopefully, we’ll use those games to improve playoff position, not just to scramble for the 8 seed.
Nate
July 15th, 2009
5:47 pm
Who did the team piss off in the league office??? It seems they want the Thrash to fail with that schedule. Brutal start and and really tough holiday trip.
Bob
July 15th, 2009
5:56 pm
Thrashers re-sign Kari. You heard it here first…..
Sage of Blueland
July 15th, 2009
6:07 pm
Great schedule! When does Donny’s next 10-year plan begin?
Well?
WELL?!
PJ
July 15th, 2009
6:27 pm
Am I the only one seeing a road trip MLK weekend?
Glovesave29
July 15th, 2009
6:42 pm
A long road trip right out of the gate…I like it! Great way to build team comraderie.
h
July 15th, 2009
6:46 pm
Ice Dog and Alan……if it makes you feel any better, I looked at Carolina’s schedule and they also have 16 back-to-back situations for 32 games.
StateBird
July 15th, 2009
7:07 pm
Glovesave is right on … road trips can bond teams. Last years rise can be correlated to the positive west coast swing when all was looking bleak. Would much rather get the road games out of the way early.
Still don’t understand the 7:00 weekday starts. I will send an email to sales & marketing letting them know I will not buy any weekday tickets this year … of course until they put them at 50% off starting around February.
calgarypuck
July 15th, 2009
7:50 pm
It’s disappointing to see that neither Calgary or Vancouver come here. Also I wish they had more afternoon games. They only have one true afternoon game. Other cities have more afternoon games. One thing I notice is that their last five games ar against Washington (2), Pittsburgh (2) and New Jersey so the Thrashers need to have that playoff spot locked up before then. Also, we can say that the winner of the Winter Classic has made it to the Stanley Cup final so this means that Boston or Philly will be in the finals.
Brendan
July 15th, 2009
8:57 pm
I like a lot of team’s chances in the East this year. New Jersey is always a threat, and now they have Jacques Lemaire back behind the bench. The Flyers have spent as if they will win the Conference. I continue to like Ovechkin and the Caps’ chances, with Varlamov (and Theodore). And, of course, there’s the defending Stanley Cup Champions, who will enter the season as the #1 ranked team in the NHL. I wouldn’t put any money the Rangers, but Lundqvist is the kind of goalie who can steal series. Plural. They found a home for Gomez, and his millions. And, I suppose, I must mention Montreal. They’ve certainly made one of the biggest splashes in the offseason, with Komisarek, Gomez, Spacek, H. Gill, and Mike Cammalleri.
Ohhh. How many teams is that, now? NJ, Washington, NYR, Pittsburgh, Philly, Montreal … already make six, plus we must add Boston. That’s seven. I think Carolina is strong enough to be a playoff team. That’s eight. That’s the playoff field. Unless Atlanta supplants one of those teams, they’re not getting in. NY Rangers could collapse. Montreal is … a “wait-n-see” project to see how all those new faces gel. Carolina came on like gangbusters to get in last year, down the stretch, and managed to reach the CF. Could the ‘Canes fall all the way out of the field of eight?? I don’t see Toronto getting in. Ottawa’s got problems with Heatley. Maybe they’re a bubble team. Tampa’s out. NY Islanders are out. Florida’s a crapshoot, sans Bouwmeester. Atlanta would make six teams outside of the playoffs. And leaves Buffalo. My guess is … outside of the playoffs, too.
But see, this is why we play the games. I think Federov left the Capitals. Washington must decide between Varlamov and J. Theodore at some point.
ThrasherFan
July 15th, 2009
9:52 pm
ROAD TRIP!!!! Let’s all show up to Nashville at the end of January, no matter where they are in the standings. My wife and I did it last year, and had a blast. (Of course, the 7-2 Thrashers win helped make it fun, too)
Kari Lehtonen
July 15th, 2009
10:36 pm
stendec, you old fart, I’M BACK AGAIN. HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Midfield
July 15th, 2009
10:49 pm
Both Fedorov and Kozlov have signed in Russia. I think after the last post season, Varlamov is a clear number one golie for the Caps, and that’s not a good news for Atlanta, really.
Alan
July 15th, 2009
11:16 pm
I don’t see any evidence that Montreal got better this offseason.
Just saying.
Pinball34
July 16th, 2009
4:54 am
Am I the only one here ticked off about the 3 November Sunday games that start at 5:00…? There is a league called THE NFL. I’m not going to ruin an NFL Doubleheader. This ruins at least 2 of the 3 games.. Anybody else?
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 16th, 2009
6:05 am
Eight of the last ten games are against playoff bound teams…ouch.
Ice Meister
July 16th, 2009
6:07 am
English Teacher-
“These cans are defective”
“We don’t have defective cans, we have a defective human, down Navin”
Sorry too.
ranallo10 (in AT)
July 16th, 2009
6:11 am
I’m not sure if anyone has linked to this previously, but here’s an interesting read about the Tallon firing.
There are a few good quotes in there that people can quickly compare to the Atlanta franchise.
PJ
July 16th, 2009
7:07 am
ThrasherFan –
I was in Nashville last year too in January. Great Game! It would make a great road trip for those who don’t like the longer drive to NC. Lots of hotels within walking distance and “honky tonks” right out on the strip in front of the Sonnit.
Oh and nice to see the Kings and Sharks make it to town as well as the Blue Jackets! The waiting is killing me…. what was that? 79 days?
kracker
July 16th, 2009
8:03 am
Pinball34 – Nope, not me. That just means a couple of Sunday afternoon tailgates. I see one of those November Sunday games as being at 2PM.
I don’t have a conflict with football because hockey comes first.
Sara
July 16th, 2009
8:13 am
Brendan the League is responsible for setting the schedules – really they’d have to be. As I understood it, each team supplies the League with the previously-scheduled events at their arenas (ie the Circus, which comes every year in Feb.) All that data gets put into a computer system, along with the parameters of which divisions are supposed to meet where and how many times (and in the case of next year, the break for the Olympics). Then the program spits out 30 schedules. I’d imagine they can also pre-set certain teams for certain games, ie the Winter Classic, European games, or specific match-ups for Opening Night (like those are going to happen randomly).
I always forget, does the NHL release it’s schedule before or after the NBA? Obviously whoever comes last has to add the other schedule to their parameters as well.
kracker
July 16th, 2009
8:35 am
Sara, I don’t know about the NBA schedule. I’m guessing there must be a process involving both leagues as well as the bookings of every facility involved. Philips (and the other mixed-use facilities) would have lots of things already booked for October thru April at schedule making time. You mentioined the circus already. They have concerts, tractor pulls/monster truck events (lol), convention related activities, other sporting events like college basketball sometimes, perhaps some days blocked out for periodic maintenance, who knows what else… I imagine finding a way to make it all work out is why we look at the schedule and say things like “wtf! We are playing in Boston Saturday night and then fly home and play the Preds Sunday afternoon! What’s up w/ that?”
FormerIslesFan
July 16th, 2009
8:55 am
PJ and ThrasherFan,
Lilibeter and I were at the Nashville game last year too (proudly wearing our Thrashers’ colors. It was a great trip and we would do it again in a heart beat.
Now, in looking over the schedule, I noticed that the Thrashers are playing in Raleigh the Friday after Thanksgiving. Seems to me, as same is usually not a work day for most folks, that is an I-deal game to road-trip.
Glovesave29
July 16th, 2009
9:00 am
Kracker, you and I have met several times at TJ’s to watch and talk hockey. We both love this sport…but in my eyes, taking a team that is struggling at the gate and put it up against the NFL is suicide. I am much more apt to watch the Falcons ready for the playoffs, than I am an early season Thrashers game. The team would be wisest to petition the league to have sunday games on weeks the Falcons are in town, then have the team offer discount seats on a 7PM game after a 1PM Falcons game…a doubleheader of sorts. Each of the Sunday games are when the Falcons are on the road – to Taco Mac at Philips should be loving these dates…a home hockey game and the Falcons on the tube.
November 8 -
Blues at Thrashers 5PM
Falcons at Saints 8:30PM
Sorry – Falcons games hands down, it’s the hated Saints, after all!!! If I were in the front office of the Thrashers, I’d bump this game up an hour, then telecast the game on the big screen. Make for better attendance and a more spirited crowd.
November 15 -
Falcons at Panthers 1PM
Oilers at Thrashers 2PM
Again – Falcons, hands down. This one unfortunately goes head to head, and its an NFC South division game. The Oilers play Columbus the following afternoon, so the game cannot be pushed back. Gonna be a small crowd that night.
November 22 –
Falcons at Giants 1PM
Lightning at Thrashers 5PM
3 for 3 – Falcons could be a preview of the NFC Championship, and this city is either going to be out partying to celebrate the big win, or in the dumps after a loss…either way, doesn’t bode well for attendance at the arena. Do a lead in here…open the arena at noon for the football game on TV, then stick around for hockey.
Glovesave29
July 16th, 2009
9:13 am
My mistake – the game on the 8th is a home game against the Redskins @ 1PM.
Toby
July 16th, 2009
9:35 am
Looks like we can take Army off that to-do list…
1 yr/ $2.4
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=664093
kracker
July 16th, 2009
9:35 am
Well, Glovesave, you have it all laid out there. I had no idea what times the Falcons are playing but thems the breaks and we makes our choices. I certainly agree mgmt. should have requested to not conflict with the Falcons (And Braves, Dogs, Jackets, all NFL and everybody else!) as much as possible. Perhaps they did, who knows? It may be as already mentioned above that the schedule at Philips and the NHL hockey facilities throughout the league is pretty congested and secondary concerns like this just don’t rate much in the scheduling process.
Anyway, I’ll be watching the Thrash regardless.
kracker
July 16th, 2009
9:41 am
Good to have Army signed, assuming capgeek has it right. One year, though? I wonder…In these one year signings, perhaps the Kovalchuk factor is at work here? As in whether or not he ramains a Thrasher will greatly affect the teams long-range outlook as well as how much money is/is not available for other players, etc. I don’t know, just thinking…probably nothing to that…
Toby
July 16th, 2009
9:47 am
One thing is for sure… Kubina+Lehts+Army+Kozzy+Zhitnik+Moose= Roughly $16.2 million off the books next year. WOW
Glovesave29
July 16th, 2009
10:00 am
Though not a cap issue, doesn’t Hartley come off the book after this season too?
Alan
July 16th, 2009
10:06 am
Good to have Army signed, assuming capgeek has it right. One year, though?
Two words: Qualifying Offer.
Bet on it.
Ice Dog
July 16th, 2009
10:08 am
I’m with Pinball and Glovesave on the Sunday games. Even the northern transplants follow their football teams much more closely than hockey since there are so many fewer games, not to mention betting pools and fantasy leagues that are much more popular in that sport than any other. So regardless of what time the Falcons play, you are going to lose an audience no matter what because there will be plenty of guys wondering if Tomlinson got that extra TD on that day or if the Seahawks will cover the spread. Don’t go up against the NFL, plain and simple.
Smoothie
July 16th, 2009
10:18 am
If Capgeek.com is correct, and it hasn’t been wrong w/r/t the Thrashers to date, then we can kiss Army good-bye either at the end of next season or at the trade deadline if we are suckin’ tail pipe once again.
Reasons why?
1) Army obviously thinks he is worthy of playing Top 6 mins in the NHL. The fact that he is getting $2.4 M for next season confirms his potential and ability to play at least 2nd line mins. And the Thrashers brass must agree as they paid him nearly $2.5 M for one year.
2) Army is no dummy. Seeing Nik Antropov (who plays the same position) get 4 years on the open market at an avg of $4 M / year will make Army less inclined to stick around to play 3rd line minutes for a team that may not even be playoff caliber.
3) Army is no dummy, part deux. Evander Kane is yet another winger who will put pressure on the current Top 6 to perform. Some may say that he will end up taking Slava’s spot and that may in fact be spot on. However, with this many players in the mix now, and the fact that Esposito has the potential to jeopardize the futures of White and Peverley up the middle, there is a lot of uncertainty for Army.
I hope to hell that the Thrashers play well this year and sneak into the playoffs because I really think there is some chemistry brewing in that lockeroom. Before I really wanted to see Army succeed and become a cog for this team in the years to come. But Waddudley has decided to pin their hopes on a guy from Kazakhstan who has yet to fulfill his full potential.
Will Antro be the key to this franchise’s success and ability to re-sign Kovy? Let’s hope his natural ability and talent makes us forget about the prospect of losing Army.
Brendan
July 16th, 2009
10:20 am
And maybe one more very large salary, too.
Smoothie
July 16th, 2009
10:22 am
Alan, what exactly are you saying? I doubt their first QO was for $2.4 M. Per the CBA, for RFA’s making over $1 M, they are not even required to offer a 10% raise. If their initial offer was $2.4 M I doubt Colby would’ve elected arbitration. $2.4 M is more than fair considering it is double his salary and the fact he has only one season of 20 goals.
Smoothie
July 16th, 2009
10:29 am
Toby, if you throw in Boultsy and even Slater, you can add another $1.44 M to that equation.
kracker
July 16th, 2009
10:35 am
“…the prospect of losing Army.” lol Aren’t we just a weeee bit premature here? We don’t even know if Kovalchuk is staying or not, which is the biggest factor of all. Anyway, at this point it’s just as likely the Thrash will be as competitive (as the home team) for signing a FA Armstrong as most other teams assuming they are a contending team, have the cap room, etc. If Army wants to stay he most likely will stay. Penciling in other players for his spot[s] is interesting but not significant at this point. All the player and the team wants right now is to keep their future options open.
Army had that option, by accepting the QO, to wait and see how the team develops and I think that is exactly what he is doing.
kracker
July 16th, 2009
10:41 am
Of course the downside for Army accepting this one-year offer is that he has a total crap year or gets injured, etc. and he has a reduced market value next summer.
Smoothie
July 16th, 2009
10:46 am
kracker, I hear what you’re saying, but Army has the most to lose with Antropov moving into the Top 6. Do you think the Thrashers are going to demote a 30 goal scorer in Little to the 3rd line even if he is slow coming out of the gate?
Your point about signing Kovy is a salient one though. It makes perfect sense from a business perspective for players like Army and Lehtonen to take a wait and see approach. However, in a RFA situation, beyond holding out and defecting to Russia, what power does the player really have in negotiations? If the Thrashers hold the upper hand and they are only offering one year, then what choice does Army have? And if Army sees the one year offer as a snub, then that could decrease the likelihood of him sticking around next year.
Obviously it is a lot of speculation on my part, but if we didn’t speculate then this little blog thing wouldn’t be as much fun!
Tony C.
July 16th, 2009
10:48 am
If Tanguay’s agent said he’d sign for 3/yr $4.75M/per…. would you do it?
kracker
July 16th, 2009
10:57 am
You make good and interesting points, Smoothie. Sort of like how the players, agents and GMs have a feeling for how things are likely to go. My real point is that the future can have a funny way of not following the plan. We will have a better look at how these things stack up sometime during the season, to state the obvious.
But I do enjoy how you look at things so, by all means, speculate as much as you like. It’s good food for thought.
Billsen
July 16th, 2009
11:17 am
Tony C. – I’d jump on Tanguay for that – but I’d try a 2 year deal first. He can play LW or Center, and it would help to prove to Kovy that we’re “moving in the right direction”. If that isn’t enough for Kovy, and he leaves, then we have Tanguay for another year, and he could take Kovy’s LW slot.
That said, I just don’t see the ASG pulling the trigger on that.
Toby
July 16th, 2009
11:18 am
Tony….No.
Alan
July 16th, 2009
11:22 am
If their initial offer was $2.4 M I doubt Colby would’ve elected arbitration.
You forget that arbitration is used by most players for two things:
a. Extensions so they can go over contract/qualifying offers
b. So they don’t get offer sheets.
Players and GMs hate going through arbitration. GMs are forced to talk badly about their players in an effort to show why the player doesn’t deserve $Xm salary, and of course the players have to sit there and hear it, and that can be very demoralizing for a young player.
Waddell hates arbitration, and would do anything to avoid it. So, in my eyes, either this was the QO tendered, or he threw money at Army to avoid it (aka: gave Armstrong what he wanted). Army had a career year last year, and I think he more than earned this pay raise based on his offensive and defensive play.
Whether or not Army walks is based upon whether Atlanta does well. I’ve got the feeling Waddell will open mid-season contract negotiations with our UFAs-to-be if we’re doing very well after the half-way mark. I don’t think Waddell has ever opened negotiations mid-season before, but we’ve also never been really good at the mid-season mark in the organization’s entire history.
Smoothie
July 16th, 2009
11:26 am
Tony C – if JA and the Thrashers brass could convince Tanguay to come here and play with Reasoner and Armstrong for the majority of his minutes, then by all means YES! The man produces when he’s on the ice. However, if I were going to do this, I would sit Slava down and tell him that it would be in the team’s best interests if he were to play reduced ES minutes so he would be fresh for the PP. I would prefer to see a line of Kozzy – Marty – Army and Tang – White – Little.
kracker – thank you kind sir! You’re certainly right about future events usually determining future outcomes when it comes to this franchise. No one could have ever predicted Rich Peverley coming here in January and helping make this franchise competitive.
My biggest thing with Army though is that, from our perspective, his worth seems higher than other 20 goal scorers because of his personality in the “room”. Even if we need to overpay for a “glue” guy like him, the onus is on the front office to listen to their coaches and make sure a guy like Army is locked down for at least 2 years…especially when he is a UFA after this contract.
I’m a bit pissed about the 1 year deal scenario, but I expected this after he chose arbitration. I was more pissed when he chose arbitration cuz I had a feeling this would play out in such a fashion.
Then again, I could be wrong to jump the gun since there is still a chance that Capgeek.com was mis-informed by its sources. Maybe it is a 2 or 3 year deal!!
Smoothie
July 16th, 2009
11:36 am
Alan, I pretty much agree with everything you wrote, but I’m not so sure I agree with point B. While offer sheets are rare, they in theory would be in the player’s favor since the offering team would drive up his price-tag and force the team holding his rights to match. Not ideal I know, but I don’t see many players choosing arbitration just to prevent offer sheets. I would say it’s about money in 80% of the situations. I think QO, by definition, have to be 1 year deals so it’s more of a tool to protect the team holding that player’s rights. So point A makes more sense for the player since it is an option for trying to get a longer contract offer.
At any rate, I’m really surprised that the two sides did not negotiate a bit longer and come to agreement on a 2 year deal. But then again, even if Colby doesn’t meet expectations this season, he stands to be a UFA and he knows he’ll be an attractive option for playoff caliber teams looking to bolster their 2-way forwards and 3rd lines at a reasonable price.
In a nutshell, the Thrashers will need to play well this season to have any chance of re-signing Kovy, Kubina, Colby and perhaps even Peverley. Then again, if the team does well and they make the playoffs, I don’t see why all three of those players wouldn’t want to come back unless a) Kovy says sianorah or b) Kovy’s contract doesn’t leave enough money for the rest of them.
R. Stroz
July 16th, 2009
11:37 am
100th