Waddell, Thrashers Giving Max Effort Building Roster
Think about this for just a second…if Thrashers general manager Don Waddell would have told you last April that he planned on bringing in players like Nik Antropov and Maxim Afinogenov to join Ilya Kovalchuk on the top line…that Pavel Kubina would play on defense in the place of Garnet Exelby…and that a veteran goalkeeper like Manny Legace would be brought in to make an already-perceived-deep goaltending situation here deeper still…you would have thought the man had just taken a vicious blow to the head.
What do you think of the Thrashers inviting Maxim Afinogenov to try out with them?
- Thumbs up! (67%, 139 Votes)
- Thumbs down. (6%, 13 Votes)
- I'll let ya know once I see him play with the team (27%, 55 Votes)
Total Voters: 207
Loading ...Maybe one of those acquisitions would have gone down…maybe…but not all four, right?
Well, given the news that Afinogenov has been invited to the Thrashers’ training camp for a pro tryout and the fact that Kari Lehtonen is highly unlikely to be healthy enough to begin the season, it is entirely possible that all four of those players could suit up for Atlanta on opening night. Certainly Antropov and Kubina will…the other two will if the organization likes what they see during preseason.
Many of you have already chimed in on the Afinogenov invite…I’ll just say that I believe it’s a good deal all around. Like Legace, it isn’t costing the Thrashers a dime to see if he fits into the lineup. Also, you have to think that Ilya Kovalchuk is hip to the idea of possibly seeing Antropov centering his line with Max to the right.
Another thing is that it once again shows that Waddell and the Spirit Boys have taken to heart the captain’s words last April when he made it clear what he wanted to see from the team. “We need to sign some free agents and spend some money”, Kovy remarked. “Because I don’t want to compete for a playoff spot, I want to compete for the Cup. I think this city deserves it.”
In short, Kovy told the Thrashers, “Show me the team…then you may show me the money”…and Waddell, Dudley and the ownership apparently made it their mission to build a squad around him that will in turn allow them the privilege of keeping him around these parts for quite some time. They certainly do seem to be giving it…ahem…max effort.
oh come on…you saw that one coming
For this effort, those in the front office are to be commended. Now, let’s see if Kovy is sold on the moves.
Now then , assuming Afinogenov makes the team…and I suspect he will…let’s start talking possible lineups, shall we. The first one that comes to mind looks something like this:
Kovy – Antropov – Afinogenov
Kozlov – White – Little
Peverley – Reasoner – Armstrong
Boulton – Slater – Thorburn
That means Kane would be WHL bound.
Another scenario to bounce around here is one that assumes there might be a trade in order. I don’t think Peverley would be one to go given the fact that it really doesn’t clear off any amount of cap room worth mentioning. However, if Todd White and his $2.3 mil salary were somehow packaged up and moved out, that could help allocate funds for Afinogenov’s contract.
Given that…a lineup could look like:
Kovy – Antropov – Afinogenov
Kozlov – Peverley – Little
Kane – Reasoner – Armstrong
Boulton – Slater – Thorburn
Regardless, the Thrashers would still have players like Crabb, Stewart, Esposito and Fritsche waiting in the wings. This as deep a Thrashers roster that I’ve seen since…since…since…well, since ever.
Thrashers Lose To Predators 5-0 In Preseason Opener
The Thrashers dropped there first preseaon game to the Nashville Predators by a score of 5-0 Thursday night. Here are the particulars. I warn you though that the boxscore is fouled up a bit…case in point, it shows Slava Kozlov playing, though he did not….and Mark Popovic not playing, though he did.
Drew MacIntyre was in the net for Atlanta and stopped 31 of the 36 shots he faced…the Thrashers took 22 shots of their own.
Atlanta did, however, win the shootout afterwards 1-0… And there was much rejoycing.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
186 comments Add your comment
GaVaHokie
September 19th, 2009
12:33 pm
Zoomo… thanks for the info… just the observations I’d hope to see!
Kovy Antro Little
Kozy White Max
Pevs Reasoner Army
Lets get that 4th line locked up and get the season started.
GaVaHokie
September 19th, 2009
12:35 pm
Kessel is bound to have a drop-off this season with Grabovski and Stempniak/Hagman, over one of the best assist men in the business, Savard.
Smoothie
September 19th, 2009
12:37 pm
Nice report Zoooomooo!!
Potentially, we have the depth to ice three very dynamic lines. However, I don’t know how I feel about having 2 our top centers playing on the 3rd line. The good thing about that 3rd line is the great chemistry Pevs and Army already have.
kracker
September 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
Someone, Lee I think, asked RH who would be in goal to open the season. Waddell was asked the same question in an interview (I forget by who) and he answered probably Pavelec gets it.
So…it’s Pavs backed up by Moose and/or Legace to start? W/ Lehtonen on the injury list, is my guess.
Rawhide
September 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
The Thrashers have made ten cuts from training camp.
“Forwards Angelo Esposito, Riley Holzapfel, Rylan Kaip, Andrew Kozek, Jordan LaVallee, Brett Sterling and Anthony Stewart, along with defenseman Chad Denny and goaltender Peter Mannino will report to Chicago. Forward Kevin Doell, who is under contract with the Wolves, has been released from Atlanta’s training camp.”
Zoomo
September 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
No huge surprises. Although I thought Espo might get more of a look in the pre-season games, but I guess he is too far behind from the injury set back.
Sterling has really fallen in the ranks with the off season moves.
Lee
September 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
Rawhide-thx man, I apreciate it.
Kracker-ya that was me, and yep I think pavs will start too
Brendan
September 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
Sara, I’m not a fan of this latest Burke move. It could work, but in my view, there was just too much risk. Here’s what I think Burke thought. Kessel will be a .47 to .50 goals per game guy. Over 82 games, that’s roughly 38-41 goals a year. Give or take a little. Like you said, “he’s young.” They’re banking on improvement over time. Kessel went 5th in his draft year. I remember, there was a brief time when the 2006 Entry Draft was being referred to as “The Kessel Sweepstakes.” Of course, Erik Johnson was selected 1st overall that year, by St. Louis. Picked ahead of Kessel were Jordan Staal, Jonathan Toews, and Nicklas Backstrom. Picked just behind Kessel, was Derick Brassard, who was THOUGHT to be a lock for the Rookie of the Year until he got hurt. His new 4-year deal, at $3.25 million cap hit, is thought to be the baseline for the RFA contract for Bryan Little, should Waddell be thinking about going PROACTIVE with Little. But I digress.
Kessel’s best years are still ahead of him. Obviously, barring injury. But he’s no Gretzky, Lemieux, Dionne or LaFleur. I’m not too sure Kessel’s shoulders were the best choice for carrying the franchise. I agree with you, Sara. Those future 1st rounders could have been huge for Toronto. Prior to this deal, I had Toronto pegged for 26th or 27th or even 28th in the league. If my projections were to have been correct, or if they still are, that’s a pick inside the lottery draft, as well as pick #33, #34, or #35 in the 2nd round. In Toronto’s shoes, I LIKE what that draft position represents for their longterm future. I might even like it more than Kessel.
Now, as for the salary … we’re all hesitant to spend big, with a potential for a shrinking cap and another work stoppage on the horizon. But if the last Lockout was ANY KIND of indication, the cap will be artificially INFLATED to accommodate the big markets/big spenders, like Toronto, Philly, Washington, Detroit, Boston and Chicago, just to name a few. Shoot, the last games that counted, the Stanley Cup Finals, reverted to PRE-Lockout era RULES!! We had “new” NHL rules through 82 regular season games, and three (3) rounds of playoffs. But then … suddenly … in a dark alley handshake agreement … the league decided not to enforce the rules anymore for the Finals. What CHANGED after the Lockout? Ahhh, I think that trapezoid thingy behind the net is still enforced. But you can hook and hold, clutch-n-grab to your very heart’s content now. Ostensibly. But I digress, once more. If the salary cap EXPLODES in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, etc., Kessel’s $5.4 million cap hit won’t be an issue in Toronto. They’re not squeamish about spending. They sellout every game. Which is why … in THEIR shoes, I wouldn’t have done this deal for Kessel. Toronto fans will show up no matter HOW TERRIBLE the product is. If the Coach and GM can endure the booing and slings-n-arrows from the media, they’d eventually field a team with high-end draft picks that everyone SCREAMS about. But it takes patience. If Toronto fans grew a set and willfully ABSTAINED from a poor product, Sage of Bluesland-style, perhaps that would alter Toronto’s business strategy, forcing a Kessel-type deal to bring them back. But we know that’s not the truth of the Toronto market. They’ll pay FULL-PRICE for an AHL roster there. There’s no fan accountability in Toronto. I thought Brian Burke would be above this, like WBF said. Hey, it could work, though. If Kessel averages 38-40 goals a season, guys like that are being paid $7.something million NOW for that. Imagine what they’d be paid … DOWN THE ROAD!! Maybe $10 million. It depends what the cap does and if GM’s can show a modicum of restraint when 40-goal scorers hit the open market. If history is any guide, Sara, they CAN’T and they DON’T! They foolheartedly SPEND, SPEND, SPEND. And, as a result, we have franchises in trouble, who cannot compete, even with revenue-sharing dollars, because the cap has been so “cooked” by NHL accountants, to protect the league’s most visible markets. Toronto will probably be “fine” with Kessel’s new contract, even if it seems like a LOT/TOO MUCH right now. Remember Vanek’s deal? A second-year player getting a $50 million deal over 7-years, thanks to an RFA offersheet. That price doesn’t look so bad anymore. Vanek, compared to Drury, Briere, Campbell, and Gomez, looks like a STEAL!!
ben
September 19th, 2009
5:43 pm
The cap will have to shrink. I really don’t think there will be a lockout owing to the downturn which if anything will be worse. Toronto is desperate for a cup and the Leafs ticked off people because they blocked the ‘Yotes from moving north. They had to appease a very angry fan base. That’s why Kessel is there. Hockey blogs spoke of a deal for months al la Zherdev
World Be Free
September 20th, 2009
9:40 am
GaVa-you gotta believe Kessel is going to drop off without Savard and nobody in Toronto to take Savie’s place.
The trade is a huge gamble on Burke’s part. That’s alot to give up for a one dimensional player. Toronto improved its defense, but lacks in overall goal scoring. This could be good for Toronto, if Kessel steps up. But if he fails, this will turn out to be one of the worst trades ever. Bad teams should never trade their #1 pick.
I think of the Oakland Seals trading their #1 in 1971 for Ernie Hickey. Hickey faded in the sunset and the #1 pick turned into Guy Lafleur.
World Be Free
September 20th, 2009
9:50 am
Brendan-sorry I did not read your post before I made my last comment. I have always liked Vanek more than Kessel. Vanek has always been a great teammate, while Kessel’s overall commitment has been questioned. Vanek was benched by Lindy Ruff early in his career, but got the message and improved on his backchecking. And you are correct-at $50M, Vanek is a steal!
My belief is that the only teams that should be giving up no. 1 picks are those in the hunt for the Stanley Cup. We know those picks will be low in the 1st round, good draft or bad. You don’t give up a top pick if you know your team will be decent at best in the coming seasons.
Even Glen Sather knows that.
ben
September 20th, 2009
10:18 am
On the NHL NETWORK last night I saw this show w/ Millbury and he was saying that he thought the Islanders would move to KC if that new building didn’t happen. Why would anyone at all arrive at the conclusion that metro NYC was a worse place than KC for hockey? Have any of you spent time up there?
World Be Free
September 20th, 2009
10:45 am
The Nassau Coliseum on Long Island is the worst building in the NHL. It was built in the early 70’s and has never been renovated to any great extent. The place cannot generate the kind of revenue needed to sustain a team under the current financial conditions. The Islanders have been trying to get a new building for years with no luck on Long Island.
KC has a facility that is NHL ready. There’s a great deal of enthusiasm in Kansas City for a new team, a second chance at the NHL just like we received here in Atlanta. The Kansas City Scouts were a mess in the 70’s to start. The right team will make it in KC, which is a MUCH BETTER option than moving a team to scum city (Hamilton).
Lee
September 20th, 2009
11:06 am
WBF-what division place, conference place, and points do you the thrashers will have?
Thrashers27
September 20th, 2009
11:16 am
Ben, if I’m understanding your statement correctly, you’re questioning why someone would think that it’s a good thing to move the Islanders to KC…Don’t you think it’s a bit of a stretch to call Uniondale “metro NYC”? Besides, Kansas City is a great town which is just as deserving of a hockey team as Atlanta. Especially, to the hockey purists (Canadians) who believe hockey is a latitudinally challenged sport.
Rawhide
September 20th, 2009
11:42 am
G’morning everyone…here’s something for you on this rainy Sunday.
Levko Kopar season with Spokane of the WHL has gotten off to a good start. In Friday’s 6-3 win over Prince George he scored a hat trick. Saturday night, again against Prince George, he leveled the score at 1-1 with a third period goal as the Chiefs went on to beat the Cougars 2-1 in OT.
ben
September 20th, 2009
11:58 am
i wasn’t saying i don’t think its deserving of a team. i was saying metro nyc is the biggest market in northern North America and they should try to give it a go. also, i was not up on the situation
ben
September 20th, 2009
12:01 pm
but only w/ new building. i feel they’ll move
World Be Free
September 20th, 2009
12:10 pm
Lee-3rd in division
8th in conference
93 points
All of these depend on what happens in goal.
I believe the remaining issues with the team have been addressed, to a certain extent.
Brendan
September 20th, 2009
1:31 pm
Hey FIF, I don’t have your “tie-breakers” on your guess of 93-points in our Contest. As you’ve seen above, WBF has selected 93-points, tied to 3rd in SE Division, and 8th in the Conference. If you want to further specify your guess, you have until “puck drop” of Opening Night to do so.
WBF, I agree with your post on poor teams giving up their 1st round picks. Vanek’s deal was premature, but it worked out for Buffalo. I remember the Canadian media snickering, “At least Buffalo managed to lock up SOMEBODY. They should ‘thank’ Kevin Lowe for forcing the issue.” Of course, they might have been right, as Drury, Briere, Dumont, Grier (now returned) all left Buffalo. Would Larry Quin and his “oversight” have thought to lock Vanek up … ALL ON THEIR OWN???
Possibly. But I’d say, “no.” Look at the trouble they just had with Drew Stafford. A two-year deal? They should have locked him up. I think they still can, proactively, down the road. Hopefully, they will.
October 3rd will be here before people think. So, keep those votes coming.
Sara
September 20th, 2009
2:21 pm
Had fun at camp today – the team is still skating like it’s mid-season. It’s amazing how good they look. Max looked pretty good during the drills – his timing was off a bit but that’s not unusual for only having a couple days of practice in on an entirely new team. Didn’t notice him as much during the scrimmage which was awesome. Blue team beat White team 5-2 – notable mostly since Kaptain Kovy was on the White team. Lots of really odd mixing and matching of lines during the game. The only unit that stayed together the entire time was the top line of Kovy-Antro-Little. Otherwise guys were shuffling all around. Little was absolutely flying.
Can’t wait to see how the pre-season games go this week once we have more starters rolling into the line-up. I know Ben said Kovy, Antro, and Kubina for sure will all play tomorrow night.
LAC
September 20th, 2009
3:19 pm
The Sprint Center is now a couple years old, should be called The Big Twelve Arena, because that IS why it was built, the Big 12 Basketball Tourny… NO other reason Period.
Scouts came into the league same time Capitals did 74-75, played at Kemper one more season 75-76 them moved to Denver… Became The Rockies,
lasted until 1982 and moved to New Jersey.
So Denver has had a second chance at Hockey with Quebec moving there.
How would hockey fare in KC ? Last year preseason game between LA-St.L
drew about 12,000. Game this season is again LA-NYI next week I believe.
Will Charles Wang be there ????
It is a NICE building, been there, located in new Power & Light District
right downtown, Hockey would fare better in KC than nba, since So much
KU basketball/Big 12, they would kill nba.
I just wish when the OMNI was torn down, Philips Arena was built outside the city, and just think, where center ice is, is the EXACT spot
where a railroad locomotive fueling facility was once located for passenger trains leaving Union Station, How Things change, Remember taking a photo of Seaboard Air Line 3054 leading The Silver Comet to B’ham, now two arenas… WOW !
World Be Free
September 20th, 2009
4:54 pm
You know Brendan, I have been taken to task on this blog for calling the Sabres cheap. Maybe cheap is not the best work–how about calling them STUPID! They had the chance to lock up Briere and Drury long before either had the chance to walk and didn’t do it. Sabres also had the chance to lock Vanek long term at a more reasonable rate and allowed him to dangle as an RFA. Edmonton didn’t blind side Buffalo, they did exactly what other teams would have done and that’s go after Vanek, a good, young power forward. Now they are playing with Drew Stafford. Then they turn around and lock up guys that don’t produce or play with any heart. But it is nice to see Mike Grier back wearing the Sabres “slug”. It’s the SOS in Buffalo.
Can’t wait for tomorrow night. I’ll give my report after the game. Thanks for today’s update Sara. Couldn’t go today; I was busy building my ark!
LAC, I have never been to KC. All reports have the town ready for the NHL. Kansas City and Winnepeg are the 2 best cities out there that do not have teams. Both cities would be getting a 2nd chance, like Denver and Atlanta. Hartford someday? Maybe
Brendan
September 20th, 2009
6:07 pm
The more I learn about the Buffalo Sabres, WBF, the more I am in ‘disbelief’ at how the team is run. Their owner is a BILLIONAIRE! They sellout all the time. But when it comes to roster decisions, they don’t leave it in the very capable hands of (GM) Darcy Regier. They let this Larry Quinn imbecile intervene and put the kaibosh on anything resembling coherent strategy. Well, again, isn’t it the owner’s job to step in, and step UP to “thank Mr. Quinn for his services, but to let him go?” I’m just asking a question.
In my mind, Buffalo is a very fine hockey market. Their fans are passionate, knowledgeable, and ACTUALLY SUPPORT the team via ticket sales. So, the problem, in my view, is ownership. I don’t think Tom Golisano has any VIABLE excuses. What? Did a Tornado comes through Buffalo, NY and reduce HSBC Arena to rubble? Was there a terrible flood in downtown Buffalo? Did a horrible Earthquake tear apart the downtown infrastructure? Was their Hurricane, (Not the Carolina variety,) that derailed them? Did teenage “pranksters” sneak into their lockerroom and put itching powder in their jock straps? Did the TERRORISTS strike the Buffalo Sabre organization? Nope, I doubt it’s even on Al-Quaeda’s radar, though six of its members were arrested in Western New York, plotting something or other. Weren’t they called “The Lackawanna Six?” But I digress. Tom Golisano is probably insulated from criticism. Does he talk to the Buffalo News regularly? Does the Buffalo newsprint media take the owner to TASK? Are they or are they NOT calling for Larry Quinn’s head on a pike? If not, why not? He’s part of the problem. And they do that … by Calling Golisano out in the local media “to handle his business.” Although, I believe he lives in Florida. Even so, I’d make the trip to The Sunshine State to get his mug on Buffalo TV to explain why Larry Quinn is needed, in “any shape, form or fashion.” And if Golisano says, “I love Larry Quinn. He’s doing just what I tell him to.” Then the reporter should say, “Then you’re a pretty terrible owner–how can you possibly DEFEND what you directed Quinn to do, since he’s doing your BIDDING?” That’s how to proceed.
Does anyone take Bruce Levenson to task, other than on this message board, through our kvetching? I’d bet Waddell quietly would smile from ear to ear if the AJC ran an Op Ed. article titled, “Why a thimble is smarter than Levenson” piece.
ranallo10 (in AT)
September 20th, 2009
6:38 pm
But I digress.
It wouldn’t be a Brendan post unless there was at least one or two tangential comments…that’s just your style.
World Be Free
September 20th, 2009
7:23 pm
Enter your comments here//Hate to say it Brendan, but if a hurricane, tornado or earthquake ever made it through the heart of Buffalo, it would be an improvement. Such disasterous events would merely rearrange the rust and empty, decaying buildings. I am a Buffalo guy for sure, but I am happy to be out of Buffalo and New York State. They are livin’ in the 50’s-1850’s!
Golisano moved to Florida to escape NY State taxes. Most of the old Buffalo money has escaped too, so there’s really nobody there to pony up and buy the team. It’s not like people are flocking to Buffalo with cash. You can’t hear the critics when you are held up in your tax shelter. Larry Quinn is now a part owner and the poop boy who deals with the local media along with Darcy. You can’t fire one of the owners! It’s one heck of a hockey town, there’s rinks everywhere, more in Southern Ontario and Rochester. The fans know they are being jobbed, but they still show up anyhow.
Can’t wait for tomorrow night. Hope we hear news about Kovy soon.
Rawhide
September 20th, 2009
7:56 pm
Can’t wait for tomorrow night. I’ll give my report after the game. Thanks for today’s update Sara. Couldn’t go today; I was busy building my ark!
WBF – If you’ll be at the game tomorrow, look me up in 117. The youngest tax exemption and I will be observing the procedings from that location. Oh, and “amen, that” regarding the ark…I think we’ve had our months quota for rain just this weekend. I spent 4 hours standing out in a field yesterday at my son’s cross country meet. Simply soggy.
And speaking of tomorrow’s game…according to C-Viv, John Anderson says we’ll start seeing more of the “A” team in action this week.
Brendan
September 20th, 2009
8:18 pm
You know what they say about hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, World Be Free? Pause. They do MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF IMPROVEMENTS.
Rawhide
September 20th, 2009
8:22 pm
Oh…and Carolina has set their lineup. Here it is.
Brendan
September 20th, 2009
8:22 pm
I plead unabashedly guilty, Ranallo (in AT).
Brendan
September 20th, 2009
8:31 pm
Is Carolina’s “Dwyer” the Dwyer that Waddell drafted?
Rawhide
September 20th, 2009
8:39 pm
Brendan – Yup…Patrick Dwyer was selected by Atlanta in the 4th round of the 2002 draft…116th overall.
Thrashers27
September 20th, 2009
9:15 pm
Wow! I was thinking it was Jeff Dwyer that played for Atlanta and not Patrick…after a bit of looking it turns out both Jeff and Patrick Dwyer were in the thrashers organization…don’t know if they’re related, or not, but it is certainly a coinkydink.
Rawhide
September 20th, 2009
9:33 pm
Thrashers27 – I just looked it up. Jeff Dwyer, the 6th round pick in 2000 by the Thrashers and product of Yale University, is from Greenwich, CN. Patrick Dwyer is from Great Falls, Montana.
Don’t know if that rules out being “related” or not…but I don’t think they are brothers.
ben
September 21st, 2009
8:01 am
Not to beat a dead horse, but are there any more news on kovy and how will max get paid. is there a trade to clear out cap space to pay the man.
World Be Free
September 21st, 2009
8:59 am
Bill–Look forward to meeting you and your exemption tonight in 117.
Darkhorse
September 21st, 2009
9:27 am
Looking forward to seeing some live hockey tonight! Doubt there will be very many people there, unless they know how to swim. Can’t believe this rain over the last week. I may have to take a boat to the game from here in Kennesaw.
Rawhide
September 21st, 2009
9:31 am
Darkhorse – You’re coming from my neck of the woods too. This rain is reaching almost Biblical perportions, eh?
And I knew it was going to be a fun morning when I got into the office and the first thing I had to do was help “de-copperhead” the store in the lobby. Nice.
The rain is driving all the little critters to higher ground.
FormerIslesFan
September 21st, 2009
9:45 am
Brendan ,
Hey, sorry about not including the tie-breaker info. I’m going to update my pick to 95 points, 2nd in division, 7th in conference.
As for WBF’s comments above regarding Nassau Colisseum, I could not agree more. I was just up there for a game last season, and having grown up watching the Isles in that buidling, I was shocked to see just how old “Fort Neverlose” has become. It clearly is past its time and unless The Lighthouse project is approved (in some form or another) there is no way the Isles will stay on Long Island past the expiration of the current lease. For those that have not seen it, check out: http://www.lighthouseli.com/
R. Stroz
September 21st, 2009
9:57 am
Darkhorse – Save the copperheads for the Sharks game.
Come here…Dany…Dany…Dany
World Be Free
September 21st, 2009
10:20 am
Former Isles Fan-pains me to see what the Islanders have become. so much talent out the door, a horrible building and fading support. Denis Potvin is one of my favorite players ever and maybe the toughest! Hope it gets better soon.
Darkhorse-I live on top of a hill in Kennesaw, never thought the water would get to me. It almost has!
Smoothie
September 21st, 2009
10:38 am
Ben has posted the line-up for tonite on the Blog…looks like a lot of excitement for the folks who are able to attend. Looks like I’ll get to see Minimum Effortgenov personally when I go Wed night.
Forwards
Kovalchuk-Antropov-Little
Kozlov-White-Peverley
Fritsche-Reasoner-Armstrong
Boulton-Slater-Thorburn
Defense
Hainsey- Kubina
Enstrom- Postma
Vernace- Popovic
Goalies
Hedberg- Legace
R. Stroz
September 21st, 2009
10:41 am
OOPS Darkhorse, it’s Rawhide that is the snake charmer.
ranallo10 (in AT)
September 21st, 2009
10:46 am
Okay, that looks like the top 4 lines that will start the season, unless Afinogenov makes a push for the #2 RW spot.
Defensively it makes sense with Hainsey and Kubina forming chemistry, Enstrom getting ice time and Potsma paired with a NHL caliber defender, while potential 7th defenders pair up on the bottom pair.
I truly hope Legace is getting the ice time this game, as his abilities is more important (in my opinion) than those of Hedberg’s. If Legace isn’t ready the team will be relying on a rookie goalie to backstop them in very important games to start the season. I don’t know if Pavelec is ready for that.
Re: Rain — After the last 5 years of drought I would imagine this is a most welcome deluge.
Spud Webb
September 21st, 2009
10:59 am
Yea, not sure what the next few drafts hold as far as talent wise, but good move by the bruins, should, should keep that team talented for years to come, as long as they don’t blow the picks!!!
As far as the pheonuf hit, I loved it. I never, ever want to see someone hurt, ever. But lets face it, it’s hockey (preseason or not), I WISH to GOD we had one guy in all these years who would do something like that. Teams look over there shoulder, wheres dion, or go out of the game plan to attack and find him. Not the thrashers, we let people skate all over the d&mn place. Sorry, I got a bad case of the Mondays & i’m cranky!!!!!
As for those loser Leafs, someone else posted it, kessell and goons. Buffalo vs Toronto this year will be some good, great WARS, aka fights!!!
Spud Webb
September 21st, 2009
11:03 am
Is anyone else as tired as I of seeing the freaking line??????????????
Boulton-Slater-Thorburn…
Nothing personal against any of them, but for the love of god I’m tired of this line.
Smoothie
September 21st, 2009
11:08 am
I’m really intrigued by the Fritsche – Party – Army line. Kane will probably get his 5-9 game audition, but I think Fritsche has got to be the real sleeper to make this team. Let’s hope he can gel with Marty on the PK and / or force JA to make some tough decisions with respect to not only the 3rd line LW, but also the 4th line RW. Although it will be awfully tough for Joey Crabb, god love ‘im, to beat out a more robust Chris Thorburn.
After watching the replay of the Thrashers @ Sabres, in a game in which Afinogenov scored the 3rd Sabres goal, I was pretty much underwhelmed by him. Peverley was all over the ice and seemed to have a pretty good game forechecking and defending. I hate to say it, but I hope Maxim doesn’t make this team. I really think Pevs will be an important player for us. However, if Kane isn’t ready, and he probably isn’t, then I suppose Pevs playing with Party and Army isn’t such a bad thing.
Rawhide
September 21st, 2009
11:19 am
I’m really intrigued by the Fritsche – Party – Army line. Kane will probably get his 5-9 game audition, but I think Fritsche has got to be the real sleeper to make this team.
Smoothie – I’d like to see Kane get his half-dozen or so games in as well before heading to Vancouver…but if Afinogenov makes the team, then who’s place will EK take in the lineup?
Case in point…assume a lineup that resembles much the way the Thrashers lined up this weekend:
Kovy-Antropov-Little
Kozlov-White-Afinogenov
Peverley-Reasoner-Armstrong
Boltz-Slater-Thorburn
Who get’s bumped for Kane for the first couple weeks of the season…outside of the 4th line, but do we wanna see Kane playing checking-line minutes? Fritsche could possible take Thorburn’s spot…but not Kane, IMO.
Darkhorse
September 21st, 2009
11:19 am
Yeah Rawhide….I might have to seek higher ground and grab some lunch at Old Towne Sports Pub at the top of the hill in Kenn/41. Any excuse to go there is good one, especially the rain. For those who don’t know about the resturant, it’s one of the few I can’t concentrate on a hockey game due to the “surroundings”.
Every time it rained like this growing up in West Cobb my dad would tell me to go sweep out all the water from our flooded basement. That happened way too often.
Excited to see Postma play tonight. What is his current status again? Is he eligible to play for the Wolves? Would be shocked if he made the team just yet. I’m sorta pulling for Fritsche too, as the PK is still a major concern imo and he is known for the two-way play. Some tough calls will be coming later this week.
R. Stroz
September 21st, 2009
11:22 am
I predict the drought is over.
ranallo10 – This is TOO MUCH rain.