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.
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186 comments Add your comment
Jon
September 18th, 2009
12:15 am
What an ugly game
Thrashers27
September 18th, 2009
1:31 am
Tonight’s loss was fine…Nashville had a lineup which was primarily madeup of starters…I really think that Coach Anderson is either thriyin to put up the smokescreen, or just give he guys a good look. As for Max making the team…as long as he gets JA’s system quickly, fine. If he doesn’t, then he should hit the road quickly. There are too many guys that do get HA’s system and I would hate to see the chemistry fouled up just to give one guy a “look”.
Thrashers27
September 18th, 2009
1:33 am
Yikes! It’s a good thing my job doesn’t depend upon my typing ability.
LAC
September 18th, 2009
2:39 am
With this loss it sure takes ANY wind out of the Thrashers sail for sure, First pre-season or what.
Just goes to show not enough done to make us a playoff contender,
we just don’t want to inprove I am sad to say… Even with it being pre-season, we should have been a little better.
Should make CUTS easy though ! Pretty much all of them who played last night.
ranallo10 (in AT)
September 18th, 2009
3:59 am
Rookies, fourth liners, and AHL veterans versus Arnott, Weber, Sullivan, Dumont, and seemingly the majority the Predators’ top players…there shouldn’t be any surprise in the outcome of that game.
As we’ll say for the next few games, win or lose, it’s just the preseason. The final score does not matter until October 3.
The Real Thrash
September 18th, 2009
6:59 am
I know it’s early but still giving up way too many shots.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
7:19 am
Ben Wright made the point on twitter that the most experienced Thrasher on the ice last night was Eric Boulton…so that tells you pretty much all you need to know.
It would also have helped a lot if we could have actually seen the game to know how certain players performed. Guys like Kane, Esposito, Popovic, Valabik – guys we might see this year or that are expected to play an important role in the near future.
And there was a really big positive in that game, in that the Thrashers killed off all 4 penalties they took, including a 5 on 3. Now, given that overall the players on the ice last night are competing for 3rd and 4th line positions and that the PK is a major issue, that’s something quite hopeful. Sure I’d like to see *some* goals, but that’s what we have pretty much everyone who *wasn’t* on the ice for. But certainly if a player or two really stood out on those kills, that gives Anderson some real food for thought in filling out the lower two lines. I’m still on a push to really consider replacing Thorburn and it ought to be with someone who a – has wheels and b – can kill penalties.
The other “good thing” from last night was Kane drawing a hooking penalty from the goalie. That was just funny.
By the same token, the game wasn’t great. The most glaring thing to me was that we had 5 PP chances of our own, including a 5 on 3 to start the third, and they didn’t convert. But until we put a team on the ice that is comprised of *at least* half of our starters, we cannot possibly derive any type of conclusion about the potential success or failure of the team this season from the results of a preseason game.
NorthStarsDave
September 18th, 2009
7:22 am
Afinogenov, when healthy, is really exciting! It would be a great addition…..
What is the deal with Zherdev?
Is Manny Legace really the answer? Is OP going to stick? And what about Hedberg…a GREAT back-up who understands the role?
Sara
September 18th, 2009
7:26 am
BTW, what’d y’all think of that Phaneuf hit on Okposo? Aside from “devastating” of course. It brings up an interesting debate (at least there was one on Twitter) about preseason play. Should players be going for those types of big hits during meaningless preseason games? The inclination would be to say “no” but what about players who are fighting for roster spots that feel the need to prove to the coaches and GMs they can bring the physical play? Tough call.
For those who may not have seen the clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-XEMlMRP-M&feature=player_embedded
Riceowls8891
September 18th, 2009
7:47 am
“Max effort” I saw it coming and it still made me laugh.
I listened to the game early, and it sounded like MacIntyre played well and the rest were overwhelmed. I imagine we’ll know this weekend who played well because the rest will be gone.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
7:54 am
Footage from last night’s game. The fight was good.
http://thrashers.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?id=46698
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
7:57 am
Preseason hockey is like preseason football. The outcome isn’t as important as the player evaluation. Remember, the Detroit Lions were 4-0 in the 2008 NFL Preseason, and then promptly went 0-16 in the regular season. I would rather see management look at the kids than risk getting our regulars injured in a meaningless game.
Max is free for now. If he doesn’t work out, we can return him to oblivion where he came from. He has talent and needs to play with talent, so we are best to put him from Antropov and Kovy. Like I said yesterday, the only negative to having Max is taking away ice time from a kid who needs exposure to prove his legitimacy at the NHL level.
R. Stroz
September 18th, 2009
8:09 am
By the time Kovy has finished rebuilding this team, we can rename the team the Krashers.
The Real Thrash
September 18th, 2009
8:10 am
A lot of whistling by the graveyard here.
Toby
September 18th, 2009
8:17 am
I was thinking about our possible lineup IF three things were all to happen during camp (I hope they don’t):
1) Kane happens to impress and stays with the team
2) Max pulls 2006 out of his arse and impresses and stays with the team
3) Anderson sticks with the top line he’s trying in camp (I don’t understand why he won’t sick with Little White Russian on the second line after last year)
We would have no choice but to have three scoring lines:
Kovalchuk, Antropov, Little
Kozlov, White, Afinogenov
Kane, Peverley, Armstrong
Boulton, Reasoner, Thorburn / Slater
Waffleboy
September 18th, 2009
8:21 am
Okposo has been in this league long enough to know that when Phaneuf is on the ice—preason or playoffs—you better keep your head up. Its always a shame to see a player get hurt, especially in a preseason game, but the hit was absolutely clean. I have no problem with him taking this shot in preseason.
Bogothrash
September 18th, 2009
8:24 am
As nice as a win would have been let’s keep the game in perspective. This is a pre-season game and the responsibility of the coaching staff is to evaluate the team’s talent to decide which players will provide the best opportunity to win. Like everyone else I can’t wait until the season to start it seems forever when I was able to see live Thrasher hockey.
When the team returns I expect the coaching staff has done their due diligence and provided us (the fans) the most competitive Thrasher team. With that in mind this is the time for the players to demonstrate why they should be playing in the NHL level with the Thrashers.
I am all for Max being brought in. He has demostrated that he has talent and can score. What has it cost the team so far, nothing. Perhaps with a fresh start and playing wing on the line with Kovy & Antro he can return to form. As much as I would like to see Kane on the team it is up to the coaching staff to do what is in the best interest of Kane and the organization. If at this point he has difficulty competing with veterans than send him back to juniors so as not to ruin his confidence. Kane is a valuable asset and the team deserves the best he can offer. If he proves that he is ready and able keep him.
R. Stroz
September 18th, 2009
8:25 am
I just want to see Phaneuf introduce himself to Sean Avery.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
8:30 am
“I just want to see Phaneuf introduce himself to Sean Avery.”
Heh. I’m looking forward to Pronger introducing himself to Crosby, most likely elbow first.
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
8:37 am
Stroz-right on dude. As Waffleboy noted, everyone should account for Dion when he’s on the ice. Last night’s hit was nothing new under the sun for Dion.
Nice clean hit. Maybe a little much for the 1st preseason game, but Dion is Dion. Hope Kyle is better soon.
GaVaHokie
September 18th, 2009
8:39 am
I watched the Toronto and Philly game last night… Nazim Kadri was pretty damn impressive… if Evander Kane can prove to be 4 picks higher in the draft than Kadri, I’m excited.
With this loss it sure takes ANY wind out of the Thrashers sail for sure, First pre-season or what.
Nah, more motivation for the guys playing tonight to shine… not a single Top 6 forward played last night.
GaVaHokie
September 18th, 2009
8:42 am
Heh. I’m looking forward to Pronger introducing himself to Crosby, most likely elbow first.
Between Pronger and Carcillo, Crosby is in for a rough season.
ben
September 18th, 2009
8:46 am
MAX = Zherdev and he’s better than White by lots when healthy! It’s OK w/ me to send Kane to the WHL after those 9 games unless he rips it up!
Rawhide
September 18th, 2009
8:50 am
What is the deal with Zherdev?
Is Manny Legace really the answer? Is OP going to stick? And what about Hedberg…a GREAT back-up who understands the role?
NorthStarsDave – Zherdev signed with Atlant of the KHL. As for Manny, Opie and the Moose…I think there is a good chance Manny and Hedberg will start the season here and Pavelec will be Chicago bound again. But the next two weeks will show us for sure.
I listened to the game early, and it sounded like MacIntyre played well and the rest were overwhelmed. I imagine we’ll know this weekend who played well because the rest will be gone.
Riceowls8891 – I was listening to The Grand Kamalian’s account of the game as well and I believe he did make the statement that Mac was doing all he could. It sounds like he made some very good saves as well. Thrashers were outshot 17-7 in the first period and Drew stopped the first 15.
As nice as a win would have been let’s keep the game in perspective. This is a pre-season game and the responsibility of the coaching staff is to evaluate the team’s talent to decide which players will provide the best opportunity to win.
Bogothrash – Bingo!
GaVaHokie
September 18th, 2009
8:52 am
Speaking of Carcillo… I thought Philly was crazy for giving up Upshall for Carcillo last year, but it makes sense now. Upshall (while rough and tumble with an offensive upside) probably wasn’t gritty enough, so they bring in Carcillo who’s a real agitator but can also score (ala. Sean Avery).
From a points perspective, I’d rather have Upshall, but Philly has plenty of scoring.
DowntownATL
September 18th, 2009
9:35 am
LAC is right. I’m giving up. Anyone one want my season tickets?
R. Stroz
September 18th, 2009
9:38 am
Sara – Pronger better watch out or Crotchby will get him from behind.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
9:42 am
HA!
R. Stroz
September 18th, 2009
9:44 am
DowntownATL – Don’t give up hope. If I remember correctly, I read somewhere you sit in Sectionn 221. If that’s correct, you are in for a fun season, as I’m sitting in 222 with my BULLHORN.
Daculafan
September 18th, 2009
10:05 am
With the addition of Mad Max…I have officially decided I’d be terrible as a GM…I don’t want to throw anything away..and don’t want to give anything up…I’d have Max..Zherdev, the lineup we already got..Malhotra and anybody else I could get my hands on…playing in this lineup.
I’m excited as a fan about the moves that Don and company are making…it seems to me like they have gotten the message either from the players or the fans that status quo ain’t gonna cut it. I think we’re finally building something that can go somewhere…We may not make the playoffs this year..but it won’t be from lack of trying by the front office.
As far as those that are already down…it was a pre-season game…it means nothing..and particularly these first two on the road…it’s stacked heavy with Chicago Wolves..this is a chance for them to show their stuff…and they were playing against starting lineup Preds…sounds to me like it went like it should’ve on paper.
Wait until we get to the Bulb…those pre-season games will be closer to what our lineup will look like on Oct 3. That’s when it starts to get really serious for us.
I’m pumped about this season!!
Bucky
September 18th, 2009
10:11 am
I see that there is NO mention of a game last night (As of 10am Friday). Typical Atlanta Hockey scenario… Nashville already has a sports front page story: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090918/SPORTS02/909180372/2072/SPORTS/Predators+roar+into+preseason
…and 14,000+ fans attending a pre-season game. …Hmmmmm!
This could be an interesting season – if anybody cares!
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
10:12 am
Vets against rookies in last night’s game. If they play this poor by January 1, then we’ll have reason to give up hope. For now, it’s preseason folks.
Rawhide
September 18th, 2009
10:19 am
The Tampa bay Lightning website is stating that the game will be aired on it’s flagship station 620 AM WDAE. Here is a link to that radio station if anyone would like to listen to the game via online stream.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2009
10:33 am
It’s a good thing most all of the players last night were auditioning for a spot on the 4th line (3rd line if your name is Kane or Stewart) as the results were pretty dreadful w/r/t offense. Only 12 ES shots or something like that. More disconcerting may be the play of the defensive pairings (Kulda’s gritty play notwithstanding), especially that of veterans like Oystrick & Valabik. Also unsettling is Salmela’s big fat -3…WTH?? So much for my hunch! Hope they bounce back in Tampa.
LAC
September 18th, 2009
10:52 am
Not giving up, but even though a preseason game, you’d think we could have been better…
Brendan
September 18th, 2009
11:27 am
Raise your hand if you think the purpose of a preason game is TO WIN? Get ‘em up. Nice-n-high. Now, PUT … YOUR HAND … DOWN. No, it’s not. And it’s good to see that so many poster realize that. The point of preseason, in virtually every sport, is to evaulate talent. More specifically, to determine who should and SHOULD NOT be on your final roster.
I applaud the mismatch of talent last night. That’s how a Coach and GM evaluate just how far PROSPECTS have to go … to make the final cut. Traverse City is over. That’s the time for prospects vs. prospects. Now, it’s about (1) making roster cuts and (2) developing “team chemistry” prior to the season. With the former having more importance than the latter. Though, if you’re Atlanta Thrasherrs, you need to have “team chemistry” straight out of the gate, since those points count just as much in October as they do in March and April. I hope Atlanta can come out flying and bank those points against better teams, before those better teams get their sea legs under them.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
12:00 pm
The Falconer was in Nashville apparently for the game and has a really solid write-up along with quotes from Coach and some of the players. McIntyre really impresses me with his attitude. But essentially, Anderson is giving all of our prospects a chance to prove themselves. Think about how many times we’ve heard the platitude that roster spots have to be earned and may the best player win, only we all already know exactly who is going to be given the roster spots. This time around, Anderson means it. It’s a true fight and he’s not going to go ahead and pick a few “chosen ones” to play for the spots, but every last prospect (and apparently a few regulars as well). It gives Anderson the opportunity to truly figure out who’s ready. It certainly sounds like a lot of the guys were a bit shell-shocked at their first experience playing against true NHL talent. And having the prospects skating around like chickens with their heads cut off would throw off any veteran player as well.
I’m encouraged going into this season more than anything else by the approach management and the coaches are taking with the entire process. Spending the summer reviewing PK systems, truly allowing fierce competition for roster spots, not being afraid to explore multiple options. It’s down-right professional even.
Oh, the linky for Falconers’ write-up: http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2009/9/18/1036229/nashville-post-game-anderson?ref=yahoo
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
12:04 pm
Correct Brendan-but I have to tell, I am staring to get nervous about the goaltending situation. Kari is the real number 1, the rest are pretenders including Pavs. But that wonky back is getting me nervous.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
12:08 pm
Be prepared for potentially more of the same tonight – Tampa’s apparently going with the big guns: Lecavalier and Tanguay on the top line with a rookie and a second line of Malone-Stamkos-Oompa Loompa. Mike Smith in goal for two periods at least.
All info provided by Dan Kamal’s Twitter feed.
Thrashers roster for tonight found here: http://thrashers.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2009010024
In: Pavelec, Doell, Slater, Lavallee, Bogosian, Potsma
Out: McIntyre, Thorburn, Boulton, Popovic, Esposito
(Someone please tell me how to embed the links in this format please?)
Spud Webb
September 18th, 2009
12:14 pm
If max is on our first line this team is in serious trouble.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2009
12:17 pm
Oh dear, Tampa’s line-up is more loaded than Nashville’s was last night. Let’s just hope this time we can score a goal or two.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2009
12:22 pm
Kane – Stapleton – Macho-check vs Malone – Stamkos – Ooompa
If Kane and Co can make some noise against this trio, then perhaps he is for real. Evander should be especially motivated going against last year’s draft’s golden boy. Give ‘em hell Van!!
For the record, per Falconer’s interview, JA was pleased with some of what he saw from young Kane after the initial shaky start.
Alan
September 18th, 2009
12:29 pm
It brings up an interesting debate (at least there was one on Twitter) about preseason play. Should players be going for those types of big hits during meaningless preseason games?
Actually, the question I have is:
Should teams best players really be playing in the first few preseason games of the year? I mean, seriously. There’s no reason Phaneuf *or* Okposo should have been on the ice.
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
12:34 pm
Some teams want to evaluate, other teams want to use the preseason games for the purposes of getting their team off winning.
Look at the kids tonight and start playing the regulars next week.
I don’t care if they lose tonight. We have to evauate the younger players to see how they perform against NHL-quality talent.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2009
12:34 pm
Alan, I agree with not rushing your best players into pre-season action right off the jump. But I have a feeling it is to drum up interest at the first home pre-season game.
Brendan
September 18th, 2009
12:35 pm
I don’t know how to do the links either, Sara. I need Trixie’s remedial blogging help. We could take the class together? I just cut and paste. That works, but doesn’t allow you to type the text of what you want highlighted.
WBF, I agree with you there. I think Kari is our #1 goalie, but he’s hurt right now, and I’m not sure for how long. If he misses all of training camp and half of October, he’ll be rusty. So, it’ll have to be Moose and Legace or Moose and Pavelec. (Wanted to say “Moose and Squirrel,” since we do have Boris. No Natasha, however.) I can’t get a read on whether Waddell will trade a goalie, or what. And if he does trade one, it better not be Pavelec. He needs just time to develop. That’s all.
If Max Afinogenov comes … I guess I’m fine with him on the 3rd or 4th line. Waddell said the top line will be Kovy-Antropov-Little. That leaves Kozlov-White and someone for the 2nd line. I’m thinking Peverly. But maybe Colby Armstrong. So, the 3rd line could be Reasoner centering (pick one) Colby Armstrong/Rich Peverly + someone else, maybe Max Afinogenov. And the 4th line is Boulton-Slater-Thorburn, lest there be some surprise out of camp, like Stewart, Fritsche, Crabb, Krog, Machacaek, Holzapfel, etc.
If Kane makes the lineup, then things change a bit. I would put Kane on the 2nd line, since that’s his function. Whenever it is that Kane has his rookie season, I want him to get his “fair opportunity” to win the Calder Trophy, not bury him on the 3rd line, where he CAN’T HIT HIS BONUSES. I’d feel terrible for Kane if he were denied his fair shot by being placed on the 3rd line. Although, he may not care. He might just want to make the NHL … and start that clock ticking on that UFA eligibility. Again, if he legitimately makes the roster, fine. I just don’t want him PRESSED INTO SERVICE for financial reasons. More specifically, that’s he’s CHEAPER than some UFA and because he’s less likely to hit the bonuses in his contract playing 3rd line minutes. That doesn’t sound like a “sports decision.” It sounds like a “business decision,” Atlanta Spirit, LLC-style.
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
12:41 pm
That’s another good point too Smoothie.
GaVaHokie
September 18th, 2009
12:44 pm
Well, if Kane were to get 3rd Line LW with Reasoner and Armstrong… I think the best drill for Anderson to give him tonight, is put him man-to-man with St. Louis. See if he can hold St. Louis in check for an entire game.
Tony C.
September 18th, 2009
12:45 pm
My $0.02:
On the game-look at the rosters; Nash-Vegas is basically going with their starters (a couple of “sure-fire” prospects thrown in but that is most of their “core”) vs. prospects/AHL-only guys. If you’re really worried about the result, realize coach wasn’t trying to win-his quote to TheFalconer:
“Very simple, I want to see if someone can play in the National Hockey League.”
Doesn’t really sound like the goal of this exercise was to win the game. I’m pretty sure that if that was the goal, #17 would’ve laced’em up. So not too worried about the result-more concerned with the play of some of the guys that I thought had progressed a little further than the results f the game show (again-tough to be draw anything close to an accurate read without seeing videoof the game but…), for in particular Salmela-I was/am looking for good things from this guy-what I saw this past spring was very encouraging…now a -3 and barely hearing his name called during the radio broadcast isn’t what I was hoping for.
Regarding the Phuthbert hit-clean but unneccesary. True, Okposo knows that going through centre ice with your head down is asking for it, but I also think Phuthbert went beyond what is called for in a preseason tilt. I wonder if Phuthbert would’ve done that with a team he’ll see more than once during the regular season (my bet is “NO”)? Like say… Anaheim? Anyway, clean hit-but completely uncalled for in a meaningless game against a team you’ll only face once in the coming season. I could/would have more understanding if it was a Flames/Oilers matchup-but there’s a reason they don’t do a “Battle of Alberta” during the preseason-TO AVOID INJURIES! They don’t schedule Avs-deadWings games during the preseason, you won’t see Bruins-Habs games in the preseason precisely because those are situations where tempers are known to flare, and the opportunity for injury is HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD BE. Now Okposo is out for a while (possibly career if concussion-symptoms don’t go away), and what for? A “tune-up” game? What trophy was on the line? Was Phuthbert trying to impress the coaches so he’d make the team? The hit was clean but the intent shows us that once again “The Dion” is kind of a dirty player-sure we all want guys on the blueline to play with a good helping of “nasty” but what most of us DON’T want is a guy that’s going to go out there looking for opportunities to really hurt guys.
Seriously, yeah I’d love to see a guy with Phuthbert’s skills on our blueline (and by all measurements, Msr. Bogosian IS that guy), but I do not want a guy that’s going to be over the edge and ending other guys’ careers strictly for his highlight reel.
Sorry, Phuthbert just rubs me the wrong way. Anyway, Falconer has a “play-by-play” blog of sorts up recapping the preseason game from Nash-Vegas… good read.
http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2009/9/17/1035581/preseason-thrashers-v-predators#storyjump
I’m looking forward to seeing Afineginov(spl?) play with our guys in person… He might just make this team. Certainly his stock isnt what it was after ‘06 and I’m sure we can all remember how easily dude gives up the puck…we don’t need anymore smurfs or guys with size that play like a smurf. Hopefully Maxim has gotten over the oopsies and will take a big role in getting this squad to the playoffs.
Tony C.
September 18th, 2009
12:50 pm
Alan-I can see why you might have Okposo out there-if you’ve got some guys coming up and you’ve already pencilled in your lines a bit, maybe you just want to give those guys every opportunity to gain familarity with each other-that all-important “chemistry”.
Why was Phuthbert out there headhunting? Because he’s a D-bag.
Midfield
September 18th, 2009
1:19 pm
Brendan, Lehtonen is becoming to look more and more as a talented back-up at most, i.e., the guy who is not capable to hold up over the length of a season. Moreover, I heard some rumors that some people in the organization share this view.
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
1:30 pm
I thought the Dion hit was clean. We can all agree that it was not necessary for the 1st preseason game. But it’s hockey, not the same as the “little girl” NFL. Hockey players like Dion play for keeps all the time.
Hope Max works out.
I said this 6 mos ago-Kari needs a personal trainer. Hockey requires a 12 month commitment and Kari has yet to make this commitment.
Daculafan
September 18th, 2009
1:32 pm
I agree with what you’re saying Sara about the staff really looking at talent this year..and looking to ways to improve this team. It seems to me like we finally have people in here that have a drive to really WIN and not just pay lip service to the fans and the media. I think this will pay off in unexpected ways for the Thrashers…I know already that excitement for this season is at a much higher level than this time last year..I believe that when the on ice product catches up with the expectations we’re going to see an explosion in the attendance (esp once College Football hangs them up).
I think we also need to take some of the individual performances with a grain of salt…would Salmella have done -3 with a true NHL starting lineup group of forwards playing??..I just don’t know…but that’s something to keep in mind.
Alan
September 18th, 2009
1:45 pm
Why was Phuthbert out there headhunting? Because he’s a D-bag.
Sir Sloppy Seconds. Heh.
Also, you might notice that someone else has been using my name on Chris’ blog recently. Notable posts, so far, took place yesterday at 2:47pm and 6:49pm. Those of you who’ve seen me post over the past few years should be able to tell when it’s really me posting.
To the one doing it, I’m flattered, but you’re still a douchebag. This Bud’s for you.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
2:48 pm
Alan what kind of behavior would one expect from someone who isn’t allowed to come sit at the grown-ups’ table? (with all due respect to Chris’s blog of course)
BN
September 18th, 2009
3:00 pm
Who said that Kovy likes Afinogenov? Afinogenov is not like Zherdev or the Anthropomorphic Dude –
Kovy does not to have authority with Mad Max.
Tony C.
September 18th, 2009
3:19 pm
Oh the hit was clean- WBF; I’m not saying it wasn’t-in fact that’s one positive thing I can say about Phuthbert-usually he is a clean (open-ice) hitter. Now as far as after-the-whistle action and elbows in the corner…. a little less clean
Brendan
September 18th, 2009
3:27 pm
Good point, Midfield. I’ve always said, “I don’t care which one is the starter and which one is the backup, but it ‘appears’ that Lehtonen-Pavelec will be the tandem of the future.” That would appear to be so, assuming one of them isn’t traded. I’m perfectly fine with Kari being the backup. At $3 million, that’s not exorbitant for a quality backup goalie in the NHL. There are several teams whose back makes $550K to $850K. Or even $1.0 or just over $1 million-a-year.
Don Waddell drafted both these goalies. He did. So he, alone, is responsible for them being here. He may ‘lean’ on his scouting staff for advice, but it’s Waddell’s call, ultimately. And drafting isn’t a financial decision. It’s the one thing that even a GM presiding over a ‘league-minimum’ budget can control. Is Waddell ‘willing to admit’ he made a mistake with Kari? I don’t know. But trading him would indicate, “YES.” No GM would trade a player he thought was utterly essential. Especially, if he’s the GM that drafted him. Atlanta invested very heavily in Kari Lehtonen. Wonder how Rick Dudley would feel if he knew he’d one day inherit that Lehtonen pick that he convinced Waddell was a good one to take, with his offer of pick #30 as inducement of the 2002 Draft (Jim Slater). Waddell also traded with the NY Rangers to get Ondrej Pavelec in the 2nd round, in 2005. So, how willing is Waddell to part with him? Waddell did not draft Johan Hedberg, obviously. Nor Manny Legace, who is un-signed. I don’t know what it would cost to sign Legace. If Kari winds up the “back up” goalie this season, then so be it. That doesn’t bother me. Let “competition make the best product.”
World Be Free
September 18th, 2009
3:39 pm
Tony C.-I thought the hit was a little much for the first game of the preseason.
The thing about Dion is that I havven’t really ever seen an opposing player lay a good one on him. Someday
NorthStarsDave
September 18th, 2009
4:15 pm
Thanks, Rawhide, for the answers….
So…might it be time for Kari to go? Easier to find a back-up…i.e. Hedberg…than a #1….
What would Kari bring…a top 4 defenseman on more than a one-year deal?
As for the hit on Okoposo…sorry he got hurt…but there is no love lost here…he pulled a Petrino when he left Univ of Minn at midseason…after he said he was staying…dad thought the Gpoher coaching staff was not developing him…
Rawhide
September 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
NorthStarDave – No prob… as for the question of “is it time for Kari to go”, here are my thoughts on that.
yeah, I know…shameless self-promotion
What could we get for him right now? Really, I don’t think too much in and of itself. The market for oft-injured net minders isn’t really that strong. Now, maybe packaged up with prospects, picks, and/or a top-two center might land ya something.
Tony C.
September 18th, 2009
4:34 pm
WBF-no you haven’t and I don’t think you will-Phuthbert likes laying it out but he avoids takin it back-hell he even ducks out when it’s time to answer the bell-When’s the last time you saw Phuthbert drop ‘em against somebody his weight class or bigger?
And when he does?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKTN6xLsQss
ROFLZ
Dwayne
September 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
I do not give a fat rats a$$ that it was a preseason game. It might not have been managements goal to win the game, but it sure should’ve been the players on the ice’s goal to win the game. I do not care about the Detroit Lions either, so don’t bother with that ANALogy. Even tho they had a better lineup, the effort looked bad.
Hockey Biltong
September 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
Woohoo.”Ockey Season……………is upon us!!!!!
LAC
September 18th, 2009
5:04 pm
Gotta love the waddell photo with one of his PRIZE UFA’s Eric Perrin looking over his shoulder… Where was holik, without those two we could have kept Savard… But NOOOOOOOOOO, waddell does his USUAL crap job of hurting the team not helping it.
The only two moves of any note Kubina & Antropov are no where near enough to get this team going… Busy summer…. NOT !
Brendan
September 18th, 2009
5:31 pm
Well, another thought occurs to me. Kari Lehtonen is still RESTRICTED next July. So, this seems to be Waddell’s way of saying, “Don’t expect a qualifying offer next year … and we might trade you at the trade deadline THIS YEAR, if you don’t improve.” If Kari were traded, that gaining team would still own his rights, since he’s a pending RFA. Just a thought.
Chris
September 18th, 2009
6:10 pm
Are you kidding me? We played Nashville’s starters with potential 4th line players, AHL guys, and guys who may go back to junior teams and lose in a pre-season game and some of you are throwing in the towel!?!?!
Some people are just dumb.
ben
September 18th, 2009
7:36 pm
streaming on WFLA, so excited!
LAC
September 18th, 2009
7:37 pm
Bill, appears the Tampa station is doing Baseball NOT Hockey tonight.
Could not locate anything about hockey on their site…
ben
September 18th, 2009
7:37 pm
T-Birds are putting Kane on the ice again.
ben
September 18th, 2009
7:38 pm
WFLA, LAC
Thrashers27
September 18th, 2009
8:10 pm
Anyone else having problems getting the radio to stream? I’ve tried with four different computers and it just won’t load for me.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
8:27 pm
I had trouble using Firefox but got it to load immediately once I switched to IE.
Now, how about that Kessel deal? 2 first rounders, 1 second rounder, then signed for 5 years, $27M. That’s a whole lot of $$ and assets – TO fans better cross their fingers (not Finger).
Thrashers27
September 18th, 2009
8:32 pm
Crap! I can’t get it to work…anybody have a score and/or details?
LAC
September 18th, 2009
8:34 pm
Bruins, Leafs agree on Kessel deal… Interesting…
At least the Leafs GM is proactive…. ours should be in a rest home somewhere far far away.
Yes ben, Rawhide’s link I guess was incorrect…
Sara
September 18th, 2009
8:43 pm
1-0 TB after the first on a late PP goal by Malone. When the TB announcers aren’t drooling over Hedman, they say Pavelec is playing really well.
Thrashers27
September 18th, 2009
8:45 pm
Thanks, Sara!
ben
September 18th, 2009
8:46 pm
i found the link off the web site
tb seems to think we’re deep in goal. But Kari’s almost never healthy. And there’s very little slack left.
Sara
September 18th, 2009
9:10 pm
1-1 in the second. Postma from Slater.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2009
9:22 pm
And the Postma delivers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good for Paul, perhaps he’ll get a long, hard look next week as a result of his solid play tonight. With the way Salmela, Valabik and Oystrick are playing, perhaps Postma’s got a shot for some call-up time.
Smoothie
September 18th, 2009
9:26 pm
According to the audio-torture team known as Mishkin and Esposito, Pavelec has looked very, very solid in net tonight. Good news indeed!
Sara
September 18th, 2009
9:46 pm
Smoothie – at least it isn’t that douchey duo from Carolina
Sara
September 18th, 2009
10:21 pm
Thrashers lose 2-1 in OT…Vinny and the Oompa Loompa on a 2-0 breakaway. PKers went 1-8 in this game, including another 5-3 in OT. That’s impressive, especially combined with the 4 kills last night. Would be nice if they’d stay out the box more though.
That was a tight game – not sure how well that reflects on TB given they faced essentially an AHL roster. Pavs apparently stood on his head. Hope he keeps that up. The homer announcers gave him the second star.
Looking forward to seeing the team next week when we have more of our regulars worked into the line-up. Don’t think scoring goals will continue to be an issue at that point.
Rawhide
September 18th, 2009
10:31 pm
Sorry about the mix up with the radio stations…620 AM is what the Lightning web site listed as the radio station, but they apparently moved over to 970 WFLA due to conflicts…I was out a dinner getting reacquanted with the Divine Mrs. R who I have very little of this week, so I missed listening to the game.
Anywhooo…sounds like Pavs had a solid game dispite the OT loss…two goals allowed on 34 SOG…only one let in on 30 shots in regulation. I’ll take that anyday. Good for Opie.
Oystrick took a game high 5 shots for the Thrashers and Bogosian played 31:16 according to the stat page I’m looking at…WOW!
Monday night can’t get here fast enough.
Brendan
September 18th, 2009
11:16 pm
Sara, you know I like Brian Burke. But I move offer up that this move was very risky. Was it born of MEDIA PRESSURE?? Whether it was, or it wasn’t, it’s too late now to undo. But goodness, when you’re trying to rebuild, giving away two 1st rounders and a 2nd, to boot, for a player like Kessel had better pay big dividends. Is their plan to build the team around Kessel? As in, “Kessel is our CENTER PIECE,” the way Kovalchuk is here. If so, was Kessel the right choice of a center piece? I hope for Toronto’s sake, he was. This move, pretty much, HAS TO WORK. If it doesn’t, how do they get out of it?, other than to attempt to SPEND their way out of it, Montreal-style, to save Bob Gainey’s job. Conceptually, trying to SPEND (or TAX) your way into prosperity rarely works, if ever. It just leads to more inflation.
I’ve often said … that PART of the reason the Leafs haven’t won a Cup in 40 years resides with its intense media scrutiny. If the Leafs had continued on that ’slow build process,’ ignoring fan and media whining alike, and added another lottery draft pick next year, and perhaps another the year after that, where they might be in four years? The answer just might be, “A whole heckuva lot better than where they’ll be with Kessel.” Instead, they’ve forsaken those draft picks, if I read Sara’s post correctly, for IMMEDIATE RESULTS this year with Kessel.
Five years/$27 million isn’t a disasterous contract. Today, the cap is $56.8 million. Five years from now, in 2014, it very well might be $65 million. Or more. And Kessel’s $5.4 million cap might seem quite reasonable. I applaud that Brian Burke made a BOLD move. I’m just not sure Kessel was the pony to bet on, when we’re potentially talking about two LOTTERY DRAFT picks, and a 2nd rounder. How much difference will Kessel make? And ya know … the Toronto Media will eat ‘im up if he falters, then turn on Burke to assign the blame. Don’t think Ron Wilson’s job is safe as the Gold in Fort Knox, either. If this season goes badly for Toronto, it’ll hit the fan. That “safety net” of the lottery draft won’t be there.
GaVaHokie
September 18th, 2009
11:36 pm
Wow… so Atlanta’s scrubs held Tampa’s finest to a 2-1 OT loss… gotta like that.
Regarding the Kessel deal… boy did Toronto pay heavy for that… what was it, two 1st round picks and a 2nd, and then they gave him $5 million a year for 5 years? Ouch!
LAC
September 18th, 2009
11:53 pm
Boy our goaltending was OUTSTANDING tonight, Pav’s stood on his head for sure, I would really question sending back to Chicago at this point.
We had 26 SOG, so better than last night. Sounded like Zack & Boris played well… Still not seeing much from Kane, feel like another year in juniors would be best.PK was GOOD as well, at least a lot better signs than last night for sure…
World Be Free
September 19th, 2009
12:02 am
Who is going to feed Phil Kessel in Toronto.
Colton Orr?
There’s no five year plans in Toronto.
World Be Free
September 19th, 2009
12:06 am
Two first round picks and a second round pick for Phil Kessel straight up? Boston will be set for awhile.
Sara
September 19th, 2009
12:19 am
5 year plan nothing – the Leafs are on year 42 of the 50 year plan. /snark
I dunno Brendan, $5M/year for a guy who hasn’t even busted 40 goals per season? He’s young, which means he should have lots of upside, but that’s still a hefty price tag. But what they gave up to get him is extraordinary. You’re giving up two first rounders + for one first rounder essentially. That doesn’t strike me as good math.
TO has some good youth in the system like Kadri, Stalberg and Schenn – hopefully enough given the loss of those picks and Burke’s historical inability to get anything of value beyond the first round (and I mean nada – not even a 4th liner).
Most Leafs fans seem pretty torn about this trade so far – even knowing it was coming. And I’ve seen lots of snarky comments from them about Burke building a mini Team USA in Canadian hockey mecca – it’s actually kinda funny. Of course, for me, as always, I’ll be hoping the team continues to implode. My own personal schadenfreude.
World Be Free
September 19th, 2009
5:18 am
Yeah Sara, tough to be American and be in the Leaf organization. Ron Wilson has been up against it from the time he signed on as coach, even though did alot with nothing last season. Seems like the non-Canadian players take the most heat in Toronto. Kessel better get used to it; the Leafs would have been better to sign Kessel to an offer sheet and give up picks #1,2,3 picks vs. two #1 and a #2. Brian Burke couldn’t go back on what he said about Kevin Lowe’s offer sheet 3 years ago on Penner.
The Leafs will be fun this year, with Kessel and their cast of goons.
ben
September 19th, 2009
8:21 am
i’m giddy about the thrash. what say to clear cap room we trade white and kari. remember he has a ton of “potential” left those guys in Tampa sure liked him. Use that money for Max. Then have a 3 horse race for goalie. And salt Kane in Vancouver for a while. Then put him in Chicago for a while. In two or three years, he’ll be on the second line and Kovy will be here, Nik will be here, Max should be here, Hainsey, Enstrom, Bogo. Writing this just now it hit me! This team is going to be very very good in 4 years.
Smitty
September 19th, 2009
8:26 am
I do not know why Toronto is so intent on trading away high draft picks. Kessel can score but Savard or no one like him will be feeding Kessel the puck. I know the media pressure is intense but I thought Burke would not cave in to it. He pulled of a similar deal to get Pronger and the Sedins but Kessel is no Pronger.
Lee
September 19th, 2009
9:44 am
man, we lost again! but, at least it was close. did we win in shootout?
kessell eh? haha, that is gonna be funny in that jersey!
Lee
September 19th, 2009
9:50 am
rawhide-any idea of who will start the first season game??
Rawhide
September 19th, 2009
9:52 am
rawhide-any idea of who will start the first season game??
Lee – Really too early to answer that question…especially in regards to in goal. Pavs apparently looked good last night from the accounts I’ve read. Anyway, ask me that question again in about a week or so.
jared
September 19th, 2009
9:58 am
i am glad that pavs looked good last night. it gives me hope.
What about Postma? he scored the only goal, do we have any idea on his that goal reflected his play for the rest of the game?
Nate
September 19th, 2009
11:22 am
Rawhide – Speaking of Waddell…any word on when these face to face negotiations between he and Grossman/Kovalchuk are supposed to take place???
Rawhide
September 19th, 2009
11:32 am
Rawhide – Speaking of Waddell…any word on when these face to face negotiations between he and Grossman/Kovalchuk are supposed to take place???
Nate – Good question…I can’t say that I have the answer though. It might be something that C-Viv knows about, though…I’ll ask him.
Zoomo
September 19th, 2009
12:17 pm
I went over to practice this morning. Only stayed for the “A” squad’s practice. Max was skating with Kozzy and White. Max still has his skills. He can fly! Nice stick work too. He looks to have no leftover injury issues at all. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t make the team and at least get a 15 game look on the second line. I think the only thing that keeps him off the squad if if he can’t grasp Anderson’s system and/or has an awful set of performances in the remaining pre-season games. Too mucj talent there to not at least take a flyer and see if he can mesh with the team.
Other random observations: Todd White looks like he’s in mid-season form. Sharp execution in all the drills. Looked like a guy working to make the team instead of a seasoned veteran.
Pavel Kubina is even a bit bigger than I thought. Manny certainly knows how to have fun out there. Very vocal. Postma does not look out of place. 3rd line was Reasoner, Pevs, and Colby.