Peverley’s Play Dispensed Doubts
Well, WE got Peverley today, and all the Devils did was sign Brendan Shanahan.
Like I said last week – lowest rung UFAs and waiver wire cast offs. This is embarrassing.Boy… Bet #17 is thrilled that we got… What’s his name off WAIVERS!!!!!!!!!
This is another LOSER move by The Career LOSER Dumb Don Waddell… I’d felt better is Spezza was the player claimed or traded for…
Loved Waddell’s comments, ‘He’s a guy we like’… Boy that is scary, well Nashville did not like him and these waiver claims never do one DAMN thing to help the club… This circus is just sick to watch !
We just happened to be there to pick up their sloppy seconds.
My first thought after reading that the Thrashers had picked up Rich Peverley was…. who the hell is Rich Peverley? Oh, that’s right, just another Waddellicacy from the bottom-of-the-barrel buffet.
The above is merely a sampling of some of the comments made last January when the Atlanta Thrashers snatched Rich Peverley off of the waiver wire. Needless to say, his arrival here did not come with a great deal of fanfare and excitement.
At the time, Nashville was trying to make room on their roster because a couple of players were coming off injuries and they were attempting to send Peverley down to the AHL. However, according to the story I’ve been told, coach John Anderson noticed that the 26-year old had been placed on waivers and insisted that Don Waddell claim him. In doing so, the Thrashers made the waiver wire steal of the year.
Rich Peverley, (#47), helped lead Thrashers to a winning record in the second half of last season - AP photo/Gregory Smith
I have to be honest with ya…when I first heard of the Peverley pick-up, I had to scratch my head as well. In 27 games with the Preds, he had a very underwhelming 2 goals and 7 assists and the only real reason that I saw for the acquisition was to fill the roster spot being vacated by the departing Jason Williams.
Seriously, raise your hand if you leapt from your seats after learning that the Thrashers had just claimed him off of the wire.
Uh-huh, yeah…that’s what I thought.
Of course, Thrashers fans were a very testy bunch that day. We had just watched as the Panthers built a snowman on Atlanta’s defense, beating them 8-4 during a Saturday matinee game in south Florida to drop the Thrashers’ record to 14-24-5…33 points after 43 games played. But ya know, it just didn’t take the Peever very long to cause the residents of Thrasherville to separate their fannies from the seats in Philips Arena… jumping up and down, roaring their approval of this player who had gone completely unnoticed in his short NHL career.
In just his second game in a Thrashers uniform, he played a major role in one of Atlanta’s most thrilling come-from-behind wins. Down 3-0 to the Toronto Maple Leafs after one period of play, Peverley and the then recently-named-captain Ilya Kovalchuk road a wave of energy provided by the Thrashers’ lower lines and beat the Leafs 4-3 in overtime.
Peverley assisted on two goals, including Kovalchuk’s game-tier with 4:52 remaining in the third. Pevs then finished off the comeback with the game-winner with but 69 seconds left before a shootout would have been required to decide matters.
The very next night, Peverley and his new teammates traveled up the road and preyed upon his former team, the Predators. In the 7-2 Thrashers victory, Peverley assisted on three goals to give him a total of five assists for the weekend…all in just the second and third games played for his new team. Add to that count the overtime goal, and fans started to pay the man some attention.
Where is arrival was met with much pessimism, his play quickly dispensed of such.
The Pevs Dispenser (Courtesy The Blueland Chronicle)
His ability to set up scores for his line mates earned him the nickname The Pevs Dispenser and the new top line formation of Kovy-Peverley-Armstrong was dubbed the AK-47 line… given the #47 worn on Peverley’s jersey. As things progressed, he continued to be a main part in Atlanta’s strong play and winning record from the time he joined the team to the end of the season.
Peverley wound up scoring 13 goals and 22 assists in 39 games and was a +16 as a Thrasher. Five of his goals were game winners.
As impressive as he was on the offensive side of the ice, he was equally strong on the other end where he played a very smart and responsible defensive game. This was something he brought with him from his days playing on Nashville’s third line…where you played well on defense or, as he put it, you were gone. It was also a style of play not common in these parts…which is why it stood out to so many.
Now the question is…can he build on that success and perform to such a level during a full season? If he does, it’ll make for quite a fine year.
If you take is numbers from last year with the Thrashers and project it over the course of 82 games, it equates to 27 goals and 46 assists. His +16 would…if simply projecting out for a full season’s play…amount to a +34. To place that in proper prospective, those 73 points would have been good enough to tie Todd White for third-highest on last year’s team.
That wouldn’t be too bad, especially considering that the Thrashers organization will only be playing $487,500 for his services this season…quite the bargain, eh?
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209 comments Add your comment
polskidawg
August 23rd, 2009
12:58 pm
A pleasant surprise to say the least. His time here show him to be a very heady player, with good vision and a knack for playing excellent defense.
I only question is – can he maintain that play for an entire year on line 1 or 2? If he can, it bodes well for the Thrasher’s outside chances at a playoff spot.
polskidawg
August 23rd, 2009
1:00 pm
Oh – and the price is right.
R. Stroz
August 23rd, 2009
2:08 pm
THIRD, or BRONZE
Sara
August 23rd, 2009
2:08 pm
Poor Pevs got picked up right before Casino Night. So there he was, the new guy, hadn’t played in a single game. One of my girlfriend’s went over to talk to him cause she felt bad that no one was at his table. Bet that won’t be the case next year.
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
2:17 pm
BT, it’s funny to read all the posts from back then. Let’s hope that the AK-47 line can have another ~pt/g year from the man in the middle.
You had also mentioned on your last blog something about moving Nashville to the SE division so I will reply here. You made the main point of why it will never happen and that is simply because of the time zones that Detroit and Columbus are in the EST but play west coast away games. If you did a 3/3 home/away then you would have to do that for every other team and who would Boston play or San Jose when they don’t have someone in the other conference not too far away.
Finally, while you have visions of a perfectly regional division, Nashville is already in that and would only get worse if they had to move to the southeast -
Miles from Nashville to the following cities:
Atlanta 249
Raleigh 546
D.C. 670
Tampa 706
Total miles 2,171
And that doesn’t figure the 911 miles from Nashville to Miami. Now compare that to:
St. Louis 309
Columbus 379
Chicago 472
Detroit 533
Total Miles 1,693
While Atlanta is slightly closer than St. Louis, Raleigh (2nd closest team in SE) is further from Nashville than every other team in the Central division. Not only is it further on the whole for Nashville to move to the Southeast Division, we would have to listen to complaints from St. Louis fans every year saying “we have such a natural regional rivalry with Nashville and they are only 300 miles away from St. Louis. We have already developed a rivalry by playing in the same division as them for 10 years. Why did the NHL move them out of the perfectly regional Central division?“
GaVaHokie
August 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
Love the quotes Rawhide… would have loved to see the neames associated with them.
I believe the most criticism I gave Pevs was that he’d perform for several games and then disappear like so many other pick-ups like Bellanger and McCarthy once the system settled in.
Glad I was even wrong about that.
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
BT, just one more set of stats for your realignment thoughts –
Number of miles from Detroit to:
Toronto 232
Buffalo 255
Total Miles 487
Number of miles from Columbus to:
Pittsburgh 185
Buffalo 326
Total miles 511
The combined mileage of either of the two EST teams in the West is closer than Nashville to Raleigh (the 2nd closet team in the SE). So Nashville to the SE division isn’t even the best realignment option without even considering the time zone factor.
Brendan
August 23rd, 2009
3:08 pm
I’m sure that other markets laugh at us that a waiver wire acquisition is our 1st line center, but heyyy … if Peverley dishes like Marc Savard used to, I’ll be proud to trumpet that a waiver wire acquisition is our 1st line center. Although, Peverley’s next contract, if he averages a point-a-game or better, will be a handsome one. When Marc Savard left Atlanta, as Kovy’s pivot, he made $5 million-a-year with Boston. Is Peverley eligible for a PROACTIVE contract? If so, I’d want to sit down with his agent and get a feel for Rich’s intentions after the 2010 season. If I were Peverley, I’d wait to see if Kovalchuk gets re-signed. After all, if I’m to be Kovalchuk’s pivot … I want to be sure I can ‘pad my stats’ to really get PAID down the road. And I don’t know that now, with an un-signed Kovalchuk.
Waddell says he doesn’t negotiate contracts during the season. I sure hope he changes his mind about that, with Kovy and the Pevs dispenser, for the good of the team. Sometimes, revising a longstanding policy really is the smartest thing to do. Come January 1, Waddell may need to look at Armstrong, Lehtonen, and possibly some others who have 1-year deals in place, to economize a bit on their next contracts. If things truly work out with Kubina, that might be another ‘during the season’ contract to negotiate. I throw my hands up in the air, and just hope for the best. Like I usually do. What other options do we really have?
Brendan
August 23rd, 2009
3:30 pm
To hear HNIC pundits talk, they’d want to see Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa in the same division, and they want the division called, “The Canadian Division.” They’d also accept the name “Divine Dominion of Holy Enshrinement.” Shaking my head. Does that MAKE SENSE logistically or time zone-wise? Of course not. But the point is … people WANT what they want. Irrespective of whether it’s actually doable or logical. I just got finished talkin to a yutz who wants an orange Audi and a black Benz. (Hey, he’d be set for Halloween!) He has a one-car garage!! And can’t afford the payments he has now on a beatup Ford, which he seemingly thinks will qualify at some Herculean trade-in value. Has this fellow given any thought to car payments, ad valorem taxes, and what this will do to his insurance premiums? Dreaming is fun. I repeat, people WANT what they want. It’s not illegal to WANT things. Or Fantasize about them. Or discuss them. For example, who thinks a 3-some is possible with Kate Beckinsale and Megan Fox? Good Lord, put those hands down. And yet, it’d probably spawn some hearty discussions about the topic!
I’m perfectly fine with Nashville in the Western Conference. That kinda, sorta feels right. But uhh, rubbin’ my chin, if realignment ditched Ovehckin and the Capitals from the list of Thrashers division rivals, that might be a good thing! Psst. Hey Brendan! What? I only go to Philips Arena to see Ovechkin and the Capitals. Well, then nevermind. Sheesh.
Rawhide
August 23rd, 2009
3:33 pm
Hokie – Nah…I wouldn’t wanna throw anyone under the bus like that…mainly because I too was one of those that didn’t see the logic in the move. Maybe I wasn’t as vocal about such, but I’d be lying if I said I was sure that Peverley was gonna be a success here.
Sara – I’ll bet Pevs will always remember that she did that, too.
EOB – I agree with you that Nashville relocating to the SE isn’t gonna happen…but to play devil’s advocate with you, how many miles is it from DC to Miami? Vancouver to Minneapolis? Dallas to San Jose? Doesn’t keep them from being in the same division.
Go the opposite direction….the Devils, Rangers and Islanders are all pretty much in the same metropolitan area and those are 6 away dates that they don’t even have to spend a night in a hotel room.
So, there will never be true equity in regards to the way divisions are structured when considering distances between cities.
Polskidawg – A very pleasant surprise indeed.
R. Stroz – Am I gonna have to start handing out medals now at the beginning of each and every blog entery?
Brendan – Kate Beckinsale and Megan Fox? My, my my….
Brendan
August 23rd, 2009
3:41 pm
By the way, I just checked with the good folks at Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Turns out that a threesome is a golf term.
Check it out. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threesome
Think Beckinsale and Fox are into celebrity golf? Maybe it’s more of a reality than you think?
Brendan
August 23rd, 2009
3:53 pm
Although, I’n a little confused by how the linked site described how the stroking would work. Seriously, did you read that definition? The other two players stroke each other alternately, per the dictionary definition.
Rawhide
August 23rd, 2009
4:50 pm
Brendan – Yes…er, ah…thank you for setting us all straight on that.
Billy Squier
August 23rd, 2009
4:51 pm
Keep pimpin my song Brendan.
Stroke me, stroke me, stroke, stroke…
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
5:11 pm
“EOB – I agree with you that Nashville relocating to the SE isn’t gonna happen…but to play devil’s advocate with you, how many miles is it from DC to Miami? Vancouver to Minneapolis? Dallas to San Jose? Doesn’t keep them from being in the same division.”
BT, the problem with your attempt at playing Devil’s advocate there is that your rationale for moving Nashville into the SE was that they are close to Atlanta, so if they are closer to the Central division that kills your reason for moving them into the SE.
Also, while there are a number of miles between San Jose and Dallas or Vancouver and Minneapolis/St. Paul, there are more miles in between San Jose and other teams or Vancouver and other teams so that doesn’t make sense to use that as a reason. Who would you rather put with Vancouver or San Jose? Boston? You have 6 divisions with 5 teams each and the way they are set up now leaves very little room to make things closer between the teams.
As for the Tri-state area teams, yes there will never be true equity but making things worse for Nashville isn’t going to make the Predators fans or players happy. In the end, your rationale for putting Nashville in the SE doesn’t outweigh the advantages of having them in the Central nor does it make more sense than creating a Columbus-Pittsburgh rivalry if a team from the East goes out west.
Rawhide
August 23rd, 2009
5:25 pm
EOB – I didn’t think I was trying to “rationalize” anything…I was simply answering someone elses question regarding whether or not I would like to see more games played between Atlanta and Nashville. The answer to that question is “yes I would”.
As for my repsonse you your points regarding distance between certain NHL markets, like I said, just a making a point that other teams are separated by greater distances…even though I completely understand your point that the Predators are in the division they are in because of issues above and beyond their proximity to Atlanta or other cities.
NYC
August 23rd, 2009
6:04 pm
We went to Nashville last year for Pevs 1st game back since being traded. 3 helpers against his former team, Bogosian’s 1st NHL goal, and Nashville’s nightlife afterward?? I’m not sure I could handle 3 road trips a year up there – good grief!
R. Stroz
August 23rd, 2009
6:14 pm
I’d be curious to hear what the Nashville fans think of having the Thrashers and Preds in the same division.
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
6:28 pm
“I’d be curious to hear what the Nashville fans think of having the Thrashers and Preds in the same division.”
They’d probably think it’s just the same as playing in the same division as St. Louis.
LAC
August 23rd, 2009
7:08 pm
Atlanta/Nashville/Dallas/Tampa/Florida one idea.
Dallas is in the Pacific division with ALL division teams in a different time zone.
Bet they would LOVE to move.
Should there be 5 six team divisions ?
Atlanta/Nashville/Dallas/Florida/Tampa/Carolina. But you would lose East & West conferences.
Or, they could revert to Patrick division etc… and not have East/West but Conferences based on Geography, more than now.
But it would be nice to have Nashville in the SE for sure. St.Louis will always have Chicago, we Nashville.
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
7:33 pm
LAC, Dallas is in different time zones away at most for conference games, Detroit and Columbus have a number of games that are 3 time zones away which is the dealbreaker. That never happens with Dallas. It likes when the Thrashers go on those west coast trips once a year and the games don’t start until 10:30pm at night. That happens all the time with Detroit & Columbus. And no one said it’s perfect for Dallas but based on travel they actually prefer to be in the Pacific versus when they still had the North Stars old schedule.
As for 5 divisions, I can’t see how you can have an odd number of divisions. Since you need to have things end in a championship with two teams, every league starts with 2 major groups and then lesser groups make up the major groups. So I can’t see how you have 1 conference with 3 divisions and 1 with 2 divisions.
If you revert back to the Patrick division you still have the Wales & Campbell conferences. I’m sure you can come up with a Atlanta/Nashville/Dallas/Fla/Tampa/Car but unless you show what it would look for all 30 teams it doesn’t do much to single out just 1 division. The question now becomes if you move Dallas who do you then replace them with in the Pacific?
If you can come up with a plan for all 30 teams it would be interesting to see but I doubt it would be much different than what we have today if it were evenly distributed.
Buzzeng
August 23rd, 2009
7:36 pm
Back to the Pevs thread – thank goodness JA wanted him and DW was willing to listen and take action. That was a great payoff for a relatively minor investment. I wonder who else is on JA’s wish list…
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
8:24 pm
“I wonder who else is on JA’s wish list…”
I heard Kovalchuk, but that’s only an (e3).
Smoothie
August 23rd, 2009
10:05 pm
Van, Cgy, Edm, LA and SJ
Ahm, Phx, Col, Dal, and Min
Det, Chi, StL, CBJ and Pit
Tor, Buf, Mtl, Ott and Bos
Wsh, Phi, NJ, NYR and NYI
Atl, Fla, TB, Car and Nsh
Here u go Rawhide, just take Wsh back to the Atlantic and move Pit to the Central. That way Pit can develop a rivalry similar to the one in the NFL with Cleveland. Pit is more Central than they are Atlantic. Pit can have fun with Det instead of Philly and we get Nsh 6 times a year!
Only real problem is Minny, are they central or mountain time zone. St Paul is pretty far west but I think they are central time. But its not much different than what they are already facing in terms of travel.
Also, if the NHL wants more Pit VS Det in the Finals, then fine. Just move those cellar-dwelling hosers from Toronto back to the Norris where they belong. There’s enough mediocrity in that NE div as it is with 1 SC in 20 years between them!
Rawhide
August 23rd, 2009
10:13 pm
NYC – and Nashville’s nightlife afterward??…Somehow I think there is an intersting story there….
Buzzeng – I always had the visual of JA running down the hall to where DW was standing, grabbing him by the shirt collar, dragging him into his office, dialing the league office, putting the phone to his ear telling him, “YOU ARE CLAIMING PEVERLEY OFF WAIVERS…YOU ARE CLAIMING PEVERLEY OFF WAIVERS”!!! All the while, Waddell is asking, “What’s a “Peverley’”?
BTW…how ya been?
Smoooooothie – Min-EEE-Soh-TAH is in the central time zone…but nice shot at realignment!
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 23rd, 2009
10:42 pm
Love the quotes Rawhide… would have loved to see the neames associated with them.
Hokie — I’ll give you a hint…three of the first four lines should be rather obvious who the opine is from, because it’s all the same person. I guessed Stroz (incorrectly) on the sloppy seconds post. Two of the other posters surprised me completely.
Good quotes though.
Here are a few more:
(By Kari’s Glove Hand) — I love the waiver pickup, we need all the goals we can get.
The only thing that picking Peaverly (how many smallish 3rd line centers do we have now) tells me is that Don is still looking for gems at the fleamarket. I hope he got one this time,..not counting on it though.
Sorry Peverly…but welcome to the worst run team in profesional sports.
No offense to this kid, but what could he ever do to improve the MESS this team is ? Answer not much.
Does the phrase “Grasping at straws” come to mind?
Peverly is a typical Waddell Pick-up!!
Other than Kari’s Glove Hand there wasn’t a positive post regarding Peverley in that entire string.
R. Stroz
August 23rd, 2009
11:00 pm
They’d probably think it’s just the same as playing in the same division as St. Louis.
EOB – So you know what the fans in Nashville probably think?
You might want to stick with what the fans in Buffalo probably think.
So once again, I’d like to hear from the Preds fans on the issue of having the Thrashers in the same division.
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
11:26 pm
Smoothie, moving Pittsburgh to the West so Nashville can come east just for Atlanta’s fans? That’ll never happen in a million years. Breaking up LA and Anaheim will never happen either, you can’t promote Columbus-Pittsburgh and Nashville-Atlanta as regional rivalries while at the same time breaking up a crosstown rivalry. Sorry guys but it just doesn’t make sense to send a team in the EST zone for all those trips out west just so Atlanta can play a few more local games. And Nashville doesn’t gain a thing by this, they only get hurt by losing St. Louis (which negates gaining the series with Atlanta) and then losing the closer cities in Col, Det & Chi.
Oh yeah, the NE sent both the Sabres and Sens to the SC finals in the last 10 years.
The Earl of Bud
August 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
RS, what is the difference for Nashville fans by playing a regional game against Atlanta instead of a regional game against St. Louis? Yes, I would say that it is probably the same thing. If you can reasonably point out a reason that it is different other than all the extra miles they pick up by travelling to Tampa instead of Chicago than let me hear what logically makes sense.
Here’s a question for you and all the other promoters of the Nashville-Atlanta series – who among you would want to switch positions straight up with Columbus? Why not call for Atlanta to go to the Western Conference and let Columbus come east? Then instead of playing games at 7:30 at Pittsburgh, Boston, Montreal, Ottawa we can play 10:30 games at San Jose, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Anaheim.
So who wants Atlanta to go to the Central Division in the Western Conference?
Smoothie
August 23rd, 2009
11:53 pm
EOB, do u understand the concept of “tongue in cheek”? Most of my post was obviously slanted towards an Atlanta bias…and guess what? This is a blog covering the, well, I’m sure you know the rest as u seem to know everything else. Lighten up Francis!
LAC
August 24th, 2009
12:26 am
Earl, I said Dallas plays in different time zones.
Phoenix – Mountain.
LA/Anaheim/SJ – Pacific
Plus there is more interest in Atlanta in Nashville than St.Louis, I would bet.
I remember living in Charoltte ( Checkers ) in the 60’s and they has the Nashville Dixie Flyers, before the interstate, those mountain curves were great in a bus I bet… But this was The Eastern Hockey League.
Also Greensboro/Knoxville/Jacksonville/Roanoke/Philadelphia Rambelers/Jersey Devils/
Clinton Comets/Johnstown Jets/Syracuse Blazers/New Haven Blades… Bet those were some fun trips back then.
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
8:08 am
EOB – You’re still missing my point. I’m not promoting the idea.
I’d like to hear from the PREDS FANS on the issue of having the Thrashers in the same division. I would like to see INPUT from the NASHVILLE perspective.
If the NASHVILLE fans have no interest, then so be it.
That said, one of the best rivalries in Atlanta sports history is between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans is in the central time zone just like Nashville.
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
8:25 am
Back on the subject of the Peverley wire pick-up, I’m glad Waddell wasn’t picking out colors for the locker room or sitting in a LEED certification meeting when Peverley hit the wires.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
9:26 am
Stroz, hopefully JA’s influence in assessing talent and potential is as effective this Sept in training camp as it was last January when advising DWad to pluck Peverley off the top of the waiver pile. We need someone to step up big time to fill the hole on the left side of the 3rd line should Kane not be ready to play NHL hockey.
At least Donnie got us ready for Cap & Tax…we’re headed for the future! And the future is low energy light bulbs! Let’s just hope the energy on the ice at the Bulb isn’t any lower than it was last October.
NYC
August 24th, 2009
9:29 am
There is. But what happens in Nashville, stays in Nashville.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
10:05 am
Well I’ll just leave it at this, for anyone who is hoping for Atlanta & Nashville to play more often or in the same division (which is what the original posts said), then move Atlanta into the Central Division and West Conference. Columbus would be more than happy to play in the East versus the West so it would a one for one switch which is simple to do. If no one wants that to happen, then you can’t expect Atlanta & Nashville to play against each other 6 times a year if you don’t want the Thrashers to move to the Central Division in the West Conference. Case closed.
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
10:09 am
EOB – Sorry dude, but you’re not the official case closer. We can all discuss this as long as we desire.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
10:20 am
R. Stroz, then please discuss. Do you want Atlanta to move to the Central Division in the Western Conference? That would allow us to play Nashville 6 times a year and Columbus would be more than willing to make a simple swap with us straight up if they can get into the Eastern Confernce. If you don’t want the Thrashers to move to the Central Division in the Western Conference, then why not?
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
10:47 am
I hate to tell you EOB, but it’s not your way or the highway.
The New Orleans Saints are in the same division as the Falcons, when they could easily play in the same division as the Cowboys based on proximity.
Why couldn’t the Washington Capitals be moved into another division and the Preds inserted?
The question is whether having the Preds inserted for the Caps would result in a net increase or decrease in ticket sales for the different combination of teams.
Along those lines, I seriously doubt the Preds would out draw the Caps at Philips Arena, as long as AO is playing for the Caps.
That said, many of us would still enjoy a Thrashers/Preds rivalry due to the close proximity of the two teams.
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
10:49 am
Back on the Peverley subject, I wonder if Anderson is considering a Russian line of Kozlov, Antropod, and Kovy with a second line consisting of White, Little, and Peverley.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
11:03 am
Stroz, while it would be quite intriguing to see Kozzy play with Kovy at ES, do you feel comfortable enough with Antro at C? And who plays C on the 2nd line? Pevs or White?
Personally, I really think Pevs is too important to this team as a C. He is the fastest C we have and he seems to have a very good knack for getting back on D even when the other forwards get too deep in the offensive zone. I really like the potential of Peverley centering Kovy (matches his speed well and a pretty decent passer if not as good as Whitey in that regard) and Antro who should provide the big-body presence to attract attention away from Pevs and Kovy much like Army afforded Peverley more space to free-lance when playing 2nd line together.
No matter what it is a tough call because Army is no slouch either and his chemistry with Peverley cannot be denied. Also, with Little being one year older and more physically mature, he may be capable of scoring 35 + goals while Antro’s career high is what, 28 or 29? Do you spread the wealth or do you load the front line with Kovy and Little?
Do you get really crazy and try to capitalize on a) existing chemistry and b) the presence of a talented rookie who has the potential to excel playing Top 6 minutes? Such as this:
Kovy — White — Antro
Kane — Peverley — Army
Kozzy — Reasoner — Crabb / Macho
Boultsy — Slates — Stewart
Thorby
I don’t know, the potential combos seem limitless at best and intriguing at least. Is it time for Kozzy to take on reduced mins on the 3rd line while still playing top PP mins with Kovy, Antro & White.
I really would love to see us sure up the third line depth with either Pyatt or Malhotra so we could more seriously entertain dropping Kozlov down to the 3rd line. But you need someone who has proven themselves as a 3rd line shut-down type of guy so Kozzy (or Kane) doesn’t have to do too much of the heavy lifting.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
11:03 am
“Why couldn’t the Washington Capitals be moved into another division and the Preds inserted?”
Well here’s why you can’t do this. Why in the world would you move the Capitals to the Western Conference? And what other team in the East would want to move to the Western Conference? If Atlanta is the team that is gaining a rivalry with the Preds, then shouldn’t it be Atlanta that moves to the Western Conference? Why do you have to include other teams like Washington and screw with their rivalries (Caps-Canes anyone?) to satisfy Atlanta’s fan base? That is completely unreasonable. Columbus on the other hand would be willing to come to the Eastern Conference and so the most logical plan that harms no teams would be to make a simple swap of Atlanta for Columbus. That way Atlanta gets their Preds rivalry for 6 games a year and the Blue Jackets get into the East Conference. If Atlanta isn’t willing to make the sacrifice and move divisions/conferences than it is completely unreasonable to force other teams to move divisions/conferences and make the sacrifice for them. With that said do you still wish to discuss or can this be considered “case closed”?
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
11:07 am
Kovy — White — Antro
Kane — Peverley — Army
Kozzy — Reasoner — Crabb / Macho
Boultsy — Slates — Stewart
Thorby
Smoothie, did you miss your first cup of coffee or do you have a problem with Bryan Little as the 2nd line RW? Man, you don’t even have him in the lineup let alone on the 2nd line.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
11:27 am
Dude, effin relax. I should have put him in as the third line RW in that scenario, but subconciously I left him out. Obviously I don’t think of him as 3rd line guy, but you would know that if you actually took the time to read what I was writing instead of just jumping down someone’s throat as soon as they make an oversight.
And speaking of oversights, Stroz never suggested Washington should go to the Western Conf, he said, and you should know since you quoted him, “another division”. How’s that for being sharp and cognizant on a Monday morning? Did that live up to your lofty expectations of blogging perfection and acute nit-picking?
Sara
August 24th, 2009
11:45 am
EOB – has it ever occurred to you that perhaps people around here would like an opinion *other* than yours? I mean, it’s great and all that you so love to freely offer it up constantly, but we all tend to post here for the benefit of group input. If you’re tired of talking about a topic, feel free to just …. stop …. talking. It’s easier than ya might think.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
12:01 pm
Very well stated Ms. Sara. So what are your thoughts on the line combos at this point? Obviously a lot can happen during camp and the pre-season, but do you want to see Pevs on the top line to start things out? Or are you comfortable with mixing things up to the point we break up the Little White Russian line and really get creative?
Rawhide
August 24th, 2009
12:03 pm
Actually, my last word on the whole Nashville/Atlanta in the same division discussion is that no switching of any kind will take place unless and until a team relocates. Given the locations of all 30 NHL franchises, it makes little sense to shuffle things around.
Now, if a team such as the Florida Panthers were to relocate…as I mentioned in my response to LAC in the previous blog…say to a place like Kansas City, then maybe there is cause to address the situation. If that were to happen, (and I am not advocating it should), then I’m sure most would agree that “Kansas City” could find a home in the Midwest Division given it’s proximity to teams like the Blues & Blackhawks. And IF that were to happen, that would mean either the Predators or CBJs would move to the East, in my opinion.
Now…is there a logical argument for that team to be Columbus? Absolutely. Once again, I will mention the time zone issue. I would also admit that they would probably be the team that would indeed move over if given the choice between the two. However, the question would be, which division would they go to?
The SE? Well, that’s the one that would need the void to be filled IF the Panthers relocated. But that would put them in the same division as Tampa Bay…quite a distance there.
Or would it be more logical to place them in the same division as Pittsburgh…or even Buffalo… given their proximity to Columbus? I think one could say that is a better situation…but then who moves from that division to go to the SE?
This is where…IMHO…Nashville makes a viable option to relocate eastward. If, given the Panthers relocation scenario, they were the team selected to move…dropping them into the SE would make a little more sense than Columbus…or another team from the Northeast or Atlantic.
Are any of those “solutions” perfect? No. But a logical discussion could be had for either scenarios.
That being said, I will return to my original comment to LAC…while I, as a fan of the Thrashers, would love to see the Thrashers and Preds play more often simply given their proximity, the two are not going to be placed in a division given the current structure of the league.
Smoothie – Given the current roster, I would still place Peverley on the top line at center. I admire what White did last season…career year and all that…but I still like him better on the 2nd line.
Ya now…if indeed Pevs is our top line center…then don’t you, as I do, find it funny that DW was able to finally address that position, post-Savard, only because he followed the advice of his first-year head coach?
Thrashers27
August 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
For what it’s worth…Anyone else notice that Eklund has Satan coming here? Could be interesting. He’d be good for that third line LW spot.
Scotty
August 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
Doesn’t Antropov also have the ability to play center? How about a Kovy-Antropov-Little top line?
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
12:38 pm
Rawhide – indeed it is ironic that DWad finally found salvation by listening to someone else for a change! Well, someone other than one of our octo-cluster cronies. Too bad Savard makes 10 times more than Peverley or else he’d be ours! Actually, if Peverley can post at least 15-20 goals and 40-50 assists, AND maintain the same defensive prowess, say a +15 or better, I’d say that his defensive soundness just about makes up for the 30 or so additional assists that Savard would provide.
Scotty — I believe Antropov has played C before, but with somewhat mixed results. He doesn’t seem to have the best reputation when it comes to face-off winning percentage, but then again, that can be an overrated stat. However, I will say that he certainly can’t out-race Peverley or even Whitey from end to end. For that reason primarily I think a lot of folks here like them at the pivot more than Antro.
But then again, I should let them answer for themselves…(crickets)…anyone? Bueller? Ranallo? Bob? What about Bob??
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
EOB – For a “newcomer,” you sure do blog a good bit. Which Thrasher related sites did you blog on before your interjection on the AJC Thrasher blogs?
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2009
12:59 pm
Stroz… EOB did a name change. Can’t remember what his former name was.
Re Antropov: I’ve heard from a few fans of the Leafs and NYR that Antro is actually more effective at Center than at RW. It would make sense, especially if we want him grinding in front of the net.
Kovy Antro Little
Kozzy Pevs White
buzilla in CT
August 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
Thrashers should be in the Patrick Division
Sara
August 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
Smoothie at this point I’m inclined to slot Antro on the opposite wing from Kovy with Pevs in the middle and revert back to the original Little White Russian line. But of course, it remains to be seen until camp who develops the chemistry and who does not.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
1:06 pm
No Buzz, it’s obvious that Atlanta should be playing in the western conference based Smythe division!
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 24th, 2009
1:07 pm
Scotty — Antropov took 4 faceoffs last year (losing all of them) and less than 300 the season prior (having a win % of about 42). That would rank him last of all the consistent faceoff takers on the Thrashers. I would say no, he wont be taking any faceoffs.
However, that doesn’t mean he can’t play center. I would be fine if Little took faceoffs and then went to the right side of the ice (switching with Antropov). It’s possible, several teams/players do such a thing, but I don’t know if it’s worth it.
I like Little and I think he is a great compliment to Kovalchuk (as I said last season, play those two together forever so that they form so great chemistry just from having played with eachother so often). However, he’s a worse faceoff man than Peverley and White. If you want offensive zone puck possession it all starts at the faceoff circle, and I think it’s wiser to have your better faceoff men (Peverley or White) up there to win the puck for the scorers.
I think we’ll see Kovalchuk-Peverley-Antropov to start the season, with Kozlov-White-Little on the second line.
buzilla in CT
August 24th, 2009
1:10 pm
I thought it was the Adams
Scotty
August 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
Thanks smoothie and ranallo10 (inAT). Good information to know.
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
The downside that I see to having Antropov and Little on the same line is both will ideally be playing the same role (i.e. dirty work in front of the net for the traffic creation and potential rebound/deflection goals). If I recall correctly Little’s scoring rose tremendously when lurking in front of the net. I don’t think it’s useful to use BOTH crease cloggers on the same line.
However, I don’t know enough about Antropov’s game to know if he’s more effective with space to utilize his reportedly soft hands, or if he can properly utilize his size to make himself a presence in front of the net. If he’s a soft hands player I would have no problem with him on Little’s line, but the downside is the second line is relatively soft in comparison.
Brendan
August 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
I would like to see Peverley play top line minutes. But I also have no objection over Bryan Little joining that top line, as well. Except that, well … Mr. #17 specifically wanted Antropov. And these days, I want #17 to be as happy as he can be.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
No problemo Scotty, don’t hesitate to chime in. We need some of the lurkers to come out of the shadows more often. This blog has great potential, but we need even more voices to show folks how the passion for hockey in this town is / can spread.
ranallo – I agree with you about Kovy & Little. I’d almost like to see Kovy with Pevs in the middle and Lits on the wing. But I doubt we will pay Antro $4 M per year to play on the 2nd line with Kozzy and White. Of course, if he did, we could have a BIG white Russian line instead.
I love the fact we seem to have enough depth to use different combos if / when chemistry dictates. I wouldn’t mind seeing any number of lines as long as we are winning hockey games.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
“Dude, effin relax.”
I am relaxed. I jokingly said “Smoothie, did you miss your first cup of coffee” Given your “effin” response, maybe you should cut back on the coffee.
“EOB – has it ever occurred to you that perhaps people around here would like an opinion *other* than yours? I mean, it’s great and all that you so love to freely offer it up constantly…”
Wow Sara, thanks for offering up your opinion so freely.
“EOB did a name change. Can’t remember what his former name was.”
GVH, it was Ice Dog before The Earl of Bud.
I am surprised that a few of you are so sensitive to the Thrashers/Predators rivalry talk when I presented factual information like miles between cities and why it is unreasonable that those of you who presented options never once considered the Thrashers moving divisions even though the whole point of your realignment plans was for their benefit. Please people, let’s keep this civil, I just offered up some facts and yet you are angry that I offered my “opinion” on a blog?
Alan
August 24th, 2009
1:37 pm
GVH, it was Ice Dog before The Earl of Bud.
No… before that.
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 24th, 2009
1:40 pm
Every time I hear/read someone say “Little White Russian” I think “Belarusian”. Perhaps someone other than me understands why.
Bob
August 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
You guys and gals impress me. Really. Dead of August and there’s some good robust hockey discussion here. Ranallo, was that me with the “grasping at straws” comment about Peverly? Phrase that comes to mind today is “even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while”. I kid, I give all credit to Anderson for that one and that is good to see that he knows a player when he sees one.
The wife and I made a pact this weekend, we are definitely going to go to more Thrashers’ games this year (of course, she reminded me that it’s a low bar as we only went to 1 last year), but I got my jones back on for some puck. They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder and mabye the bitterness from that stink-o-rama of our 7 years as season tix holders has finally worn off.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
1:53 pm
Hey everyone, it’s Bob!! Even his hope has been somewhat restored! Do I dare say we really do have reason for optimism!? Glad to have you back on board Bob. I think there are a lot of folks like you who have tried to weather the ever-lasting ____storm that has swallowed this franchise like a swirling eddy, but I can’t help but think there are a lot of fence-sitters who are poised and ready to jump at the chance to embrace Thrashers hockey again. The names Anderson, Peverley, Bogosian, Enstrom, Little, Kane, Kubina and Antropov may help us forget about what could have been with the likes of Savard, Mellanby, Holik, Bondra, Bellanger, Hossa, deVries, Zhitnik etc!!
Pam on Weck
August 24th, 2009
1:54 pm
The big question with Pevs, Little and many other team members going into next season reflect the team as a whole:
Can they keep it up? (Please no comments from Brendan)
Pevs pace since picked up juxtaposed with his prior performance is preternatural. Was it just providence or can he perpetuate?
Last season’s Little legacy looks like a lasting result of hard labor.
Can Kozlov continue? Will White win out?
The aforesaid four fellows frankly flabbergasted with fine performing. I, for one, have faith this was a foreshadowing of future feats.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
2:02 pm
“Pevs pace since picked up juxtaposed with his prior performance is preternatural. Was it just providence or can he perpetuate?”
The most poetic prose in a post was by Paminski.
Rawhide
August 24th, 2009
2:03 pm
Bob – Nice to see ya around again. Maybe I’ll be so fortunate as to run into you at Philips this coming season.
Pam on Weck – WOW!
Pevs pace since picked up juxtaposed with his prior performance is preternatural. Was it just providence or can he perpetuate?
The aforesaid four fellows frankly flabbergasted with fine performing. I, for one, have faith this was a foreshadowing of future feats.
I’m going to nominate that pair of finely-crafted sentences for the Blogging Comments Hall of Fame. Well done!
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
2:10 pm
Bob – From my discussions with an agent of the Thrashers organization (out of courtesy I will not mention his name without his approval), Thrasher management and sales finally read the TPS Report(think the movie Office Space).
The ticket packages have been enhanced with significant benefits. If you purchase a ticket package, you’ll need to remind your rep that you were a former STH in order to get the “proper” benefits.
ranallo10 (in AT)
August 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
Bob — Surprisingly enough none of those quotes were from you. I will also admit that none are from me either, as I made no immediate comment on a waiver wire acquisition of a player I had never heard of.
Blind squirrel most definitely. I only give Waddell props for listening to his supporting cast and not ignoring the now apparent good advice given to him by Anderson. But of course, I would expect any GM worth a damn to listen to his advisers and not make decisions without first getting opinions from others within the organization. In conclusion — Anderson deserves the props.
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
2:15 pm
Smooooothie – I triple dog dare you to do a wedding proposal at a Thrashers game this season.
Brendan
August 24th, 2009
2:15 pm
My answer was simply going to be, “Yes, they can.” (Keep up performances from last year.)
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
2:16 pm
BT, that’s classic, I was so stuck on the first sentence by Pam on Weck that I didn’t even catch that 2nd one.
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
2:27 pm
Pam wins the Blog Hall of Fame Award for Alliteration.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
2:31 pm
“I am surprised that a few of you are so sensitive to the Thrashers/Predators rivalry talk when I presented factual information like miles between cities and why it is unreasonable that those of you who presented options never once considered the Thrashers moving divisions even though the whole point of your realignment plans was for their benefit.”
What? We were supposed to provide fastidious forensic evidence and facts for a completely fantastical and farfetched discussion on NHL realignment?? Thanks for letting me know!
I think just about every regular blogger here is certainly smart enough to know that any discussion on such a hypothetical topic is going to be a more abstract one where reason and facts are secondary to the speculative and curious fancies of our imaginations!
Why are you accusing so many of inadequate discourse when you are in fact the one who is failing to realize the tone, tenor and obvious slant of this blog on this particular topic?
No one here thinks re-alignment of any kind is going to happen unless one of the 30 teams is bought and purged from its current Eastern Conference affiliation. Even if PHX is sold to an owner who is given permission to relocate it, I doubt the destination will be anywhere east of the Mississippi.
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2009
2:32 pm
I kid, I give all credit to Anderson for that one and that is good to see that he knows a player when he sees one.
The benefits of a first time coach from the AHL… I’m glad that he was paying attention to the waiver wire. I’d like to know how ANDERSON picked up on that transaction… doesn’t seem typical of a coach to be watching waivers… wonder if Cheveldayoff or someone else gave him the heads up.
It’ll be interesting, as time goes by, if Anderson will still have a knack for spotting these guys or if he’ll lose touch with prospects… hopefully Dudley picks up that slack.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
Stroz, you dirty devil! You do know that my “significant other” does read this blog from time to time right? Of course you do!
In the event we cannot escape to a sufficiently exotic, white-sand beach of some kind, then a Philips Arena “shock and awe” type proposal could be in order!
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
2:39 pm
Smoothie – I didn’t realize she read this blog. BIG OOPS!
If you decide to go for the “shock and awe” proposal, let us know ahead of time.
I guarantee you that we can can get a Smooothie…Smooothie…Smooothie chant going with the help of a few friends and my BULLHORN.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
2:39 pm
GVH – Additionally, Peverley has himself to thank for getting noticed by abusing Anderson’s Wolves as a Milwaukee Admiral on a consistent basis. Hopefully this year, we will be looking to make a deadline deal to sure up the 4th line or similar for a playoff run rather than sifting through scraps to pull out of the waiver wire recycling bin!!
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
2:46 pm
Well, considering we’re getting a place together, I’m sure it’s something that has crossed her mind as much as mine! Such a chant would be quite flattering and energizing as long as the chant doesn’t finish with a “YOU SUCK” at the end!! No worries Stroz as we’ve actually read an article together focusing on how prevalent hockey-infused romances and eventually proposals really are in this town. Hopefully we’ll at least get on the Kiss Cam one time this season!
buzilla in CT
August 24th, 2009
2:46 pm
prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttt…excuse me
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
“What? We were supposed to provide fastidious forensic evidence and facts for a completely fantastical and farfetched discussion on NHL realignment?? Thanks for letting me know!”
Well, I don’t know about fastidious forensic evidence, but logic and reason are nice instead of hatching far-fetched schemes of moving 3 different teams around from division to division just for the benefit of the Thrashers fan base.
“I think just about every regular blogger here is certainly smart enough to know that any discussion on such a hypothetical topic is going to be a more abstract one where reason and facts are secondary to the speculative and curious fancies of our imaginations!”
Good, because I have some trade scenarios that I’d like to discuss. You know how Marleau lost his captaincy in San Jose and we still have Brett Sterling in the minors? I was thinking…
On a serious note, I am happy that the Thrashers are not on Versus this year. They are getting dropped by Directv who I have had for most of my time in Atlanta. http://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/nhl/la-sp-versus-directv22-2009aug22,0,4059953.story?track=rss If anyone else has them and wants to get certain Wings/Pens/Rangers games you will be S.O.L.
Bob
August 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
“Even his hope has been somewhat restored”. I think taking last year off and not thinking much about hockey for the past couple of months has helped, but also the young core of kids is intriguing, I have high hopes for Bogosian this year and if they have some cohesion and all buy into Coach’s system(s), they’ll be around.
Thanks for the heads up, Stroz, but as long as Waddell is in charge, I’m in fool me once mode
buzilla in CT
August 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
Smoothie…make sure the ring is real…just a heads up
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2009
2:51 pm
Smoothie… actually, I believe Atlanta tried to get Peverley during the summertime, before the season started, but Nashville declined the offers.
That was at the request of Anderson, so maybe that’s why he gets so much credit for the waiver pick-up.
Like I said, I don’t see why Anderson would be watching waiver wires… so maybe it just stood out to Waddell that Anderson had requested him earlier in the year when he popped up on waivers.
There’s a big what if… what could have happened if we had Peverley before the season started?
Rawhide
August 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
Smoothie – You know…I do have some contacts down there and I could pull some strings, should you be so inclined.
I’m not sayin’…ya know…I’m, well…I’m just sayin’
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
We use Comcast, instead of DirectTV, because Tony C. rocks.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
RS, I know I am slow, but who is Tony C?
“Smoothie… actually, I believe Atlanta tried to get Peverley during the summertime, before the season started, but Nashville declined the offers.”
I totally forgot about that but we did try to get Peverley in the offseason and Nashville declined.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
3:09 pm
I hear ya Rawhide…duly noted! I know I’ve got the right peeps looking out for me at Philips Arena.
Buzz — very funny. I will certainly steer clear of the zirconian cut!
Stroz — glad you mentioned Tony C. Perhaps he can enlighten us as to what HD enhancements we Comcast users will see when the digital conversion is completed. Apparently they will be adding 15-20 HD channels. I doubt the NHL Network would be one of them, but perhaps they’ll have more HD on CenterIce with the additional freed-up bandwidth they talk about.
Tony C! Calling Dr. Cable!!
R. Stroz
August 24th, 2009
3:09 pm
Tony C. is a regular poster who works for Comcast.
Hockey Biltong
August 24th, 2009
3:11 pm
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Smoothie
August 24th, 2009
3:13 pm
GVH, if that’s the case, and that does sound vaguely familiar, then perhaps DWad deserves a little more credit than we’re apt to give.
He, DW, did also parlay Havelid into Salmela and Schneider into Carl Klingberg, or was it Morin? Either way, those deals are starting to look pretty good. Too bad we couldn’t hold onto Wilson, but the likes of Postma, Kulda, Lewis and now Peanut, made him expendable. I have a feeling he will play well against us as a Panther.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
3:17 pm
RS, oh, sorry for the Dtv article then. Actually that article should be good news for him. If it matters the only reason I have the dish over cable is because the NFL package. Can Tony C do something about that? Give me Sunday Ticket and I will get Comcast.
Brendan
August 24th, 2009
3:25 pm
When does the Center Ice “early bird” savings package come out? I think it was $159.00 last season. Of course, for those wishing to save some money, just pick it up in January for $119.00. In February/March, they offer it for $49.00. But I have no idea what this year’s prices will be. All I know is … it’s NEVER WRONG to have Center Ice. If you’ve never had it, you’ll never go WITHOUT IT again, ever in life. I’m not exactly sure how many Thrashers games will be on Center Ice, that you otherwise would not be able to see, but it’s for ALL THE OTHER GAMES that you should buy it. Each year, I adopt two Western Conference teams to follow. And I keep up with them via Center Ice. This year, it’ll be Phoenix and Los Angeles. Last year, I went with Chicago and Columbus. Plus, ya know … there’s all those “Intermission Babes” around the league to become … more FAMILIAR with. Kathryn Tappen, Heidi Androl, and Hazel Mae come quickly to mind. (Psst, Brendan? You forgot Natalie. Quiet you!!)
Let’s say the Thrashers game is in the tank. And you just don’t want to watch it anymore. Well, if there’s a halfway busy lineup of games, there’ll be one worth watching. And if you’ve got insomnia, an 11PM hockey game from the West Coast just might help pass the time. Can’t stay up? Put it on the DVR, Tivo, or program record it on DVD-R or VHS. Watch it later. I can’t even begin to tell you how many exciting overtime and shootout games I got to watch last year, just b/c of Center Ice. If you are getting your Center Ice via Comcast cable, they have a “Sports-n-Entertainment” package for something like $5 a month, that gives you all that tennis, golf, soccer event, but most importantly, the very REQUIRED VIEWING of the the “NHL Network.” It might be listed in your TV Program Guide as “NHL TV.” Get it! It’s 24×7 of hockey coverage, from Classic Series, to special events, to “On the Fly,” which is its version of “SportsCenter,” which recaps all the games played that day. Then you, too, can have the pleasure of watching Dave Reid man the “OTF” desk, without having watched 3 minutes of the Thrasher game to be able to comment on it, assuming (1) Kovalchuk can’t play defense, (2) Kovalchuk is as elfish “Coach Killer,” and (3) the Thrashers are a team in disarray. The other hosts aren’t nearly as bad. Gary Green and Craig Button are sometimes nice to the Thrashers. Dan Pollard doesn’t go out of his way to slam us too badly, either. Larry Murphy doesn’t bash us often, but he doesn’t bring a lot to the broadcast, either.
GaVaHokie
August 24th, 2009
3:27 pm
Smoothie… it was Morin.
It’ll be interesting to see what Vernace can do in Chicago… he’s got good wheels, so being in a system that allows him to join the rush, could be a good thing for him… he could be comparable to Kiwi or Clay Wilson.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
3:29 pm
“He, DW, did also parlay Havelid into Salmela and Schneider into Carl Klingberg, or was it Morin?”
GaVaHokie just posted something about this when we were talking about Morin and he traced the Schneider pick to Morin. And when you think about it you can almost say Ken Klee for Morin but I think that’s stretching it. Somehow I think he said we lost the pick we got for Williams but he (GVH) should know the answer. I looked now and Klingberg was the 4th pick in the 2nd round so since that was Kane’s position just one round later that must’ve been our pick to begin with.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
3:36 pm
Thanks GVH, I was typing when you posted.
Brendan, $139 sounds familiar, but I don’t know if that was the price or with a $20 discount. But yes, you can’t go wrong. I don’t adopt a team like you do though, I just follow my fantasy players.
Sara
August 24th, 2009
4:01 pm
“Wow Sara, thanks for offering up your opinion so freely.”
No problem – I’d hate to see anyone collapse under the weight of their own self-importance.
The Earl of Bud
August 24th, 2009
4:08 pm
“No problem – I’d hate to see anyone collapse under the weight of their own self-importance.”
Well you know, when other posters focus so much on every little word of mine, I wouldn’t call it SELF-importance