Familiarity Breeds…Success?
This past weekend I, along with a handful of other Atlanta Thrashers bloggers, received an e-mail from Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski requesting a quote…one or two lines… that he could use in an upcoming story he’s doing. He was looking for a couple comments regarding what we’d be looking for from the Thrashers this coming season.
Here is my reply to his inquiry:
“I look for the Thrasher to avoid the type of slow start that plagued them the past two seasons. With so many returning cast members from the team that played so well last spring, I think they’ll avoid the “getting to know you” phase this fall”.
Now, as I said, Greg asked for just one or two lines only from us to help with his piece…but I thought I’d expound on my comment here.
Peverley, Kovalchuk and White will reunite to try and build upon last spring's success, (AP photo/Gregory Smith)
As you’ll recall, the Thrashers finished off last season on a rather high note. They played to a winning record in the second half of the season and made life hard on a couple of teams that were in the thick of playoff battles down the stretch. During that time, residents of Thrasherville were treated to some of the best hockey they’ve seen in many, many moons.
What makes all that even more exciting, in my viewpoint, is that there are so many of that squad that will be returning once the team reassembles for training camp, preseason and, in just 33 more days, the drop of the puck on yet another NHL season. For the Thrashers, it will be their tenth such campaign.
Given the current roster, here is what I have oft opined as my possible opening-day lineup:
Kovy – Peverley – Antropov
Kozlov – White – Little
Kane/Stewart/Crabb – Reasoner – Armstrong
Boulton – Slater – Thorburn
Hainsey – Kubina
Enstrom – Bogosian
Valabik – Oystrick/Salmela
Lehtonen
Hedberg
Of those 23 players listed that could make up the possible 20-man lineup on October 3, nineteen of them were with Atlanta last spring…seventeen were with the team on opening night. Peverley arrived in January, Salmela at the trade deadline, Kane drafted in June while Antropov, Kubina and Stewart were acquired since July 1.
Thus, I just don’t think it is too far of a stretch to believe that last spring’s play can…and will…translate to a better start of a season than what we’ve witness in these parts over the past two years. Such familiarity among the players can only be helpful in bringing about a certain measure of success.
This time last year there were still some big question marks hanging over the heads of some of the new-comers to the team. Armstrong and Christensen, brought over from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in March of the previous season, were beginning their first full season with the squad.
Armstrong worked out just fine…Christensen, not so much.
Centerman Marty Reasoner was a big success…Jason Williams was reluctant to buy into John Anderson’s style of play, was a major disappointment and, come January, was gone.
Rookie Zach Bogosian lived up to his billing as the third overall draft pick in the summer of 2008…Mathieu Schneider, acquired via trade from Anaheim, just didn’t work out.
The more question marks there are going into a season…the greater the likelihood that they’ll be problems. Right now, the biggest questions that I see regarding the players is…1). How successful will the addition of Antropov to Kovy’s line be?…2). Can Kubina help turn the Thrashers Swiss cheese defense into something a little more respectable?…3). Will Evander Kane play his way into the lineup…not just for a couple games but I mean for the duration of the season?
Those issues are a far cry better than the ones that hung over the team a year ago.
Also, Thrashers players will begin play in what will be coach Anderson’s second year behind Atlanta’s bench. These guys understand what their roles in his system and, most importantly, buy into it and seem to very comfortable with the parts they play in it. There won’t be a learning curve during October and November.
To that point, Todd White recently stated in an interview with Chris Vivlamore, “The biggest problem at the beginning of last year is I didn’t think we had 20 guys that wanted to [commit to the system]. On any given night we had guys reverting back to the way the team used to play, as opposed to the end of the year, when we were all committed to doing what we were supposed to do. The best teams play a system and stick to it. All five guys on the ice are committed to it. That’s how you have success in this league.”
So, there will be a fair amount of familiarity in the Thrashers’ lineup and behind the bench. Familiarity that should…knocking wood… help to breed success.
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216 comments Add your comment
Thrashers27
September 1st, 2009
5:40 pm
I’m going with 95 points. 2nd in SE 4th in the division. (Glass half full!)
Thrashers27
September 1st, 2009
5:42 pm
…Washington takes the SE again with 97 points.
R. Stroz
September 1st, 2009
5:55 pm
lee – First off, welcome to the blog. You have held your own well for a newcomer.
Your “text English” has been a little challenging for me to adjust to, however, keep doing your thing and us “old timers” will catch on.
Last, best wishes for your brother, you, and your family. As my father was in the hospital for a 50 day time period this time last year, I know a family emergency/illness can be extremely stressful. Keep your head up and plow forward.
Brendan
September 1st, 2009
6:01 pm
Thrashers27, for clarification, you’re taking a 4th in the Conference, 2nd in SE Division, at 95-points. Correct?
Thrashers27
September 1st, 2009
6:05 pm
Excuse me…Yes, you are correct! Thanks!
R. Stroz
September 1st, 2009
6:15 pm
Brendan – Please excuse my laziness, but when is the point total deadline date?
I’d like to hold out a little longer to see if the Thrashers pick up Zherdev, Malhotra, or Pyatt.
R. Stroz
September 1st, 2009
6:52 pm
GaVaHokie posted this on the last page, but didn’t give it an alluring title.
So have a look at Moose’s new SpongeMoose Squarepants goalie mask.
http://twitpic.com/g3bdy
Earl P. Howze Jr.
September 1st, 2009
7:30 pm
WBF, this isn’t the first time that the name calling has started here. Since it doesn’t seem to ever stop from the top, I think we are just going to have to get used to it and deal with the angelsoft b!tches.
Don’t use my name if you are cursing. I just live up the road in Chattanooga.
Lisa Lewis
September 1st, 2009
8:13 pm
Dear The Drunge Report,
The Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club has not entered the ticket scalping business. The tickets we are selling were given to us by the Thrashers to help sell. The tickets are exactly the same price and the proceeds are going 100% to charity.
The Earl of Bud
September 1st, 2009
8:18 pm
LOL. The anonymous sign ons are back! Go watch the phucking Preds Earl P Howze Jr.! Tiller doesn’t have a problem with the name calling and cursing here.
JJ (formerly 302)
September 1st, 2009
8:32 pm
I just noticed DIRECTV’s contract with Versus is over and now there is a dispute over a new one
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/article.jsp?assetId=P6220002
I hope they work this out before the season starts
Sara
September 1st, 2009
10:50 pm
Prospect update: apparently Pasquale hasn’t reported to training camp in Saginaw yet – rumor is he has mono. Which means he’s likely out for the prospect tourney, so I wonder who will replace him.
Sara
September 1st, 2009
11:01 pm
Twitter just blew up with Thrashers rumors. Zherdev in talks with Thrashers and has expressed a desire to play here. Also, Manny Legace has been invited to Thrashers training camp (like goal wasn’t crowded enough? wonder if this is a sign Lehts is not going to be ready to start the season and they aren’t convinced Moose/Pavs tandem is the way to go).
The Earl of Bud
September 1st, 2009
11:04 pm
Sara, the Zherdev thing isn’t a surprise because I think he’ll talk to anybody who’s willing to listen at this point. But the Legace thing is quite a shocker.
Sara
September 1st, 2009
11:05 pm
Oh – tweet sources: Zherdev came from Dmitry Chesnokov. Legace came from Andy Strickland.
Sara
September 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
EOB – quite possibly true. Though I’m sure some would have the opinion that running for the KHL > playing for the Thrashers.
So, anyone else think Kovy should be getting a commission from the Spirit for all his sales work this summer?
R. Stroz
September 1st, 2009
11:18 pm
Zherdev…Zherdev…Zherdev…Zherdev
Sounds like Kovy is doing some more recruiting.
Darkhorse
September 1st, 2009
11:19 pm
Wow, that’s interesting stuff Sara. On one hand, I don’t personally believe Zherdev would work out here. But as long as the team is continually trying to become better, and not satisfied with just making the playoffs, I will support taking some risks.
Also, I have Directv and watched the hell out of some hockey on that channel the past few years, including some great playoff games. I think it’s a load of crap they decided to take VS. off the air. I know the Thrashers were somehow overlooked in the VS. lineup for this upcoming season, but it still irks me a lot as an overall huge hockey fan. I plan on calling Directv personally, but did want to pass along Eklunds petition link for any of you that may have missed it and would like to sign it.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/American-Hockey-Fans-with-Direct-TV-will-be-Shut-Out-of-Playoffs-HELP/1/22749
Sara
September 1st, 2009
11:22 pm
Stroz – no question who spawned Zherdev’s interest in ATL if this proves to be true (and I’d consider Chesnokov a valid source – he talks to those guys all the time, especially recently as he’s been at the Olympic camp). Just one more bit of proof of how committed Kovy is to this team. Hossa wanted a better roster and told ATL to go make it happen. Kovy wants a better roster and makes it happen himself.
I <3 The Captain.
R. Stroz
September 1st, 2009
11:36 pm
If the Thrashers are able to sign Zherdev, I hope they can get Kozlov to stay on as a coach after this season. Kozlov had previously stated that Anderson’s system was very similar to the Russian 5 Red Wing system of years past.
I realize there are two camps concerning Zherdev: pro and con. That said, I’m glad the team is actually trying to notch things up.
Alex
September 1st, 2009
11:51 pm
Re:Zherdev..
All that just from him working out in gym with Kovy. He may expressed a desire to play here, because nobody is ready to pay him 4mil. And where do you fit him in our lineup other than bumping Kozlov down to 3rd line, thus putting Kane out of possibility of making the team.
Brendan
September 2nd, 2009
12:11 am
R.Stroz, the deadline for the “Point Totals contest” is the puck drop of “Opening Night.” The deadline for the “Guess the Thrashers Budget Contest” is September 11. My guess for that is $48.5 million, using nhlnumbers.com’s published cap hit number. If nhlnumbers.com is no longer a functioning site, then I will announce another website for the winning guess. The rules of both contests were posted in Rawhide’s previous blog. It’s important to read the rules. It spells out how the winners are determined, including tie-breaking procedures.
Alan
September 2nd, 2009
12:20 am
can’t take the heat
It would be interesting if you could actually bring some heat. Instead, you whine.. you cry… and you attempt to create controversy where there is none. That’s not only the definition of an attention whore, but it’s also what a blog pest is.
That’s not name-calling, that’s a truism.
Brendan
September 2nd, 2009
12:33 am
The rules are the “Which White Will We Witness This Season” blog, between 11AM and 11:49AM, on August 28, 2009.
lee
September 2nd, 2009
7:10 am
R. Stroz-thanks, sry im only 25 .
Sara
September 2nd, 2009
7:22 am
Alex – I think the initial chatter was born of them working out together but the tweet last night indicated Zherdev had actually said himself that he was talking with the Thrashers. The exact wording was “Zherdev confirms talks with Thrashers and his desire to play for Atlanta.” This from a guy that routinely interviews Russian players, so a better source than Eklund for example.
I’m not as concerned as to why Zherdev is interested – as in if we are the only NHL option he has. Guys with chips on their shoulders and something to prove can be dangerous (think Recchi two seasons ago). But where he’d fit in the line-up is certainly an interesting argument. He’s a RW, not a LW so Kozzie is in no danger necessarily. One would presume Zherdev would be coming to play with Kovy on the top line so that would bump either Pevs or Antropov…most likely Pevs. So either he (Pevs) bumps White off the second line or he moves down to that third line. Given Pevs played well with Army when they both were with Kovy, it might work out. Either way – it isn’t really an issue unless/until Zherdev actually signs a contract and even then, it’s coach’s issue to figure out. I’m sure he’ll come up with something and I certainly am not going to cry about more depth (or Spirit spending more money).
I still think the more interesting topic is this invite to camp for Manny Legace. I’m thinking that Waddell wants as much insurance in goal as possible. This season is critical and we all know that (and why). Kari’s already got an injury issue. Pavs is an unknown entity at this point – he didn’t exactly wow anyone last season. Moose is what he is. So Waddell may be thinking to sign Manny to a two-way deal to keep him with the Wolves with Pavs for most of the season but have him available to start the season if Kari is still hurt or if an injury occurs down the line. And I certainly wouldn’t complain about having Manny in our system or extra goalie depth. We’ve gotten bit by that snake a few times too many. And I’m sure Waddell is thinking about 05-06 when we had a roster poised to make the play-offs and goaltending injuries screwed it all up.
Toby
September 2nd, 2009
7:53 am
Here are translated comments from Zherdev about wanting to play in Atlanta…
Former forward Rangers Nikolai Zherdev said that he wanted to go in Atlanta. ”
“Negotiations are underway with several teams, but while I’m in limbo – the contract is signed. I hope in the next two or three days all will be determined. The most serious dialogue is precisely the” Thrashers “. However, there are other options. But personally I would like to get into the “Atlanta”, which serve several good Russian players. With them, it would be easier and more enjoyable to play. ” – Zherdev said in an interview with Sport-Express.
http://www.championat.ru/hockey/news-297953.html
Toby
September 2nd, 2009
7:54 am
Dub would have to make a trade for room. Without a trade…
Kovy – Peaverly – Antropov
Zherdev (if he can play left)- White – Little
Kozzy – Reasoner – Army
Boulton – Slater – Thorburn
maybe?
Toby
September 2nd, 2009
8:02 am
This was from the next paragraph. Looks like it could be for one year to start…
Have you discussed it with Kovalchuk?
- We are preparing for a new season together, and of course, I’ve asked him about Atlanta (city) and situation in the team. Of course, Ilya wants me to join the team (laughing). We could be a nice company (laughing). I played with Antropov in the Rangers last season, even shared the hotel room with him. There is also Slava Kozlov. Probably I will sign with the Thrashers for one year – first I need to look around and check things out.
ranallo10 (in AT)
September 2nd, 2009
8:16 am
I typically believe Strickland because he’s proven to have a pulse on the St. Louis hockey rumors…since Legace last played for St. Louis, I tend to think this is real. However, it surprises me. I don’t think Legace is much of an improvement over Hedberg, especially considering he’s coming off a season he missed 9 games for various injuries (hip flexor – 5 games, concussion – 4 games), and split the season between the NHL and AHL after being waived.
Regarding Zherdev — I’ll believe it when the contract is actually offered. Until then I don’t believe Atlanta would be willing to afford his salary unless on a one year basis. Perhaps he’ll go the Williams route and sign a one-year contract. I’m all for signing him, but would rather get him on a multi-year contract.
“And where do you fit him in our lineup other than bumping Kozlov down to 3rd line, thus putting Kane out of possibility of making the team.”
Alex — Zherdev is a proven commodity. Kane is a prospect. I’d risk one year of an 18 year old’s development on the checking line in exchange for a 24 year old dangler who could be insurance for Kovalchuk leaving (depending on the contract of course). Zherdev can also play right wing, and was even tested at center when last with Columbus. Besides, Kane can always outplay any one of the penciled in starters and earn a roster spot…I think it’s unwise to keep a spot open for an 18 year old with no professional hockey experience.
I don’t agree about the idea of a Kovalchuk – Antropov – Zherdev line simply because nobody on that line can win a faceoff consistently. I’d prefer:
Kovalchuk – Little – Antropov
Kozlov – White – Zherdev
Peverley – Reasoner – Armstrong
As I’ve said before Little can shift to the right boards after taking the faceoff, so he could work on that top line as a center.
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
8:21 am
Funny… I was just saying on Rawhide’s hockeybuzz blog the other day that I had a feeling Legace or Fernandez would end up in Atlanta at some point.
Stroz… I think Kozlov will play hockey until he’s 45 years old. Well, that’s an exaggeration, but he’s one of the most physically fit veterans in the league… Don’t see him coaching anytime soon.
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
8:22 am
hokie-haha, wat a joke!! the pheonix coyotes???!!!
Lee… the power rankings are in reverse order, so they are saying Phoenix will be the worst team in the league this year.
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
8:25 am
Kozlov – White – Zherdev
I’m fine with that… those guys can play “keep away” with the puck all night.
Toby
September 2nd, 2009
8:30 am
The only problem is Peaverly on the wing. He was awful in Nashville on the wing and flourished in the center position here. Not sure if I’d mess with that
R. Stroz
September 2nd, 2009
8:44 am
I’d rather than have too many horses in the stable than too few. This may be a first for the Thrashers.
lee – Keep writing “your way”. We’ll enjoy the variety.
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
8:45 am
Okay… here’s the cleanest translation I’ve seen.
- North-American press assumes that you could nicely complement Kovlachuk and Antropov in Atlanta
- Yes. The most serious conversation is going on with the Thrashers. Although, there are other options. Personally, I would like to come to Atlanta, where several good Russian players are. It would be more pleasant and comfortable to play with them.
- Have you discussed it with Kovalchuk?
- We are preparing for a new season together, and of course, I’ve asked him about Atlanta (city) and situation in the team. Of course, Ilya wants me to join the team (laughing). We could be a nice company (laughing). I played with Antropov in the Rangers last season, even shared the hotel room with him. There is also Slava Kozlov. Probably I will sign with the Thrashers for one year – first I need to look around and check things out.
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
9:06 am
Okay… I finally read the ENTIRE interview… for those who don’t think Zherdev will play 100% to his abilities, read the last question in the interview. He apparently is fairly pissed that he didn’t make the Olympic training roster, and he’s got something to prove.
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sport-express.ru%2Fnewspaper%2F2009-09-02%2F1_3%2F&sl=ru&tl=en&history_state0
Furmanisanidiot
September 2nd, 2009
9:15 am
Anybody know why the Thrashers seem to not be interested in Kessel at all?
LAC
September 2nd, 2009
9:29 am
Glovesleeve, last time Flames won here April 4,1980, Atlanta Flames 3
NYR 1. Great game…
For this season… 76 points 4th in division and 14th in confrence,
simply not enough done over the summer and too many losers, ie, slater brought back for some unknown reason… Sorry folks, just the way I see it.
ranallo10 (in AT)
September 2nd, 2009
9:49 am
Stroz — I definitely agree with you there…I can’t think of another time where Thrashers fans were concerned with picking up another top two offensive talent. I’d love to see the depth, if it was affordable and helped convince a certain somebody re-sign.
LAC — I’ll bite — who else is on your list of losers that will be holding the team back? Would you please give some examples of people you think could have realistically been signed/acquired to replace those players?
To be fair, I don’t mind going first — I think a player like Goc would’ve been a compliment to the fourth or even third line and the PK. What do you think?
Russian
September 2nd, 2009
10:15 am
Interesting news about Zherdev.
I like to see him here. I read his interview. Look like he wants to play in Atlanta for only one year. He wanted to play same line with Kovy, because he will get lot of Goals and Points. Then he will talk to Russian Head Coach and try to make a trip to Vancouver.
Glovesave29
September 2nd, 2009
10:33 am
LAC – yeah, I was there too. I miss that old dump the Omni. At least between period the used to give you 20 minutes, plus you could walk all the way around the arena…no so with the high security area where the suites are at Phillips. I cant beleive the Flames are celebrating their 30th season in Calgary this year. Rumor has it they’ll be wearing some throwbacks…sure would be cool to see the Thrash don the old Atlanta Flames whites on their visit on 12/9.
Glovesleeve? Am I missing something?
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
10:36 am
A highly motivated Zherdev could be an amazing thing to watch… and at $4 million could be the steal of the summer.
If Zherdev comes here, I don’t care who has to go down to the third line… I would certainly be fine with Peverley or White on the 3rd line over Crabb.
Let’s face it… there’s not any real defense going on here… the more you can spread out your scoring, the better.
I’m liking Ranallo’s line pairings more and more…
Kovalchuk – Little – Antropov
Kozlov – White – Zherdev
Peverley – Reasoner – Armstrong
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
10:49 am
Ugh… Eklund is rumoring that Afinogenov could be a Thrasher too… please no.
However, Ovechkin is posturing hard to bring Max to Washington… please do.
Larry M
September 2nd, 2009
11:08 am
A Russian like Zherdev wants to only be in Atlanta for 1 year and no more. I hope it’s not because his yet to be signed workout partner is telling him something.
RS
September 2nd, 2009
11:09 am
A link to a human translated version of the Zherdev story….
http://www.beyondtheblueshirts.com/2009/09/zherdev-confirms-atlanta-rumors/
R. Stroz
September 2nd, 2009
11:10 am
GaVaHokie – Looking at nhlnumbers.com, the Caps are screwed on cap space, mainly due to the Nylander contract. So, the Caps are probably out of the running for Zherdev.
GaVaHokie
September 2nd, 2009
11:22 am
A Russian like Zherdev wants to only be in Atlanta for 1 year and no more. I hope it’s not because his yet to be signed workout partner is telling him something.
I was just coming back on to make the same statement from a Devil’s Advocate perspective… I’d hate to read too much into it.
I would be so pissed to see those two play a year and bolt for Washington.
Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Zherdev, Afinogenov and Semin… one big Russian happy family.
Smoothie
September 2nd, 2009
11:25 am
Are there any Preds fans lurking here? Can anyone confirm for us that Pevs was playing 3rd line mins or was he really relegated to 4th line energy mins? While I do think he and Army could form a really effective 3rd line with Marty R, I would be afraid to demoralize Rich with a demotion to a lower line when he has earned a spot in the Top 6. But then again, there are no guarantees in the NHL unless u r Ilya Kovalchuk or a proven and established top liner.
Alan
September 2nd, 2009
11:26 am
I would be so pissed to see those two play a year and bolt for Washington.
Only in Fantasyland. They already have cap problems. They’re not going to be able to fit those in under the cap and still be able to afford other players like Green.
Besides: Kovalchuk, Antropov, Zherdev, Kozlov. There’s four talented, high-powered Russians right there.No need to bolt across the Pacific.