Pavelec Appears To Have The Upper Hand
Wednesday night, per C-Viv’s twitter, young Ondrej Pavelec will start in goal against the Nashville Predators. It’ll be his second start of the preseason and follows up his impressive performance in Tampa last Friday night where he stopped 29 of the 30 shots he faced in regulation…32 of 34 overall.
How do you feel about Pavelec starting the season in goal?
- Great!... Opie is Da Man! (18%, 17 Votes)
- Crossin' My fingers...hopin' for the best (62%, 58 Votes)
- Oh brother... pass the Tums, please! (20%, 18 Votes)
Total Voters: 93
Loading ...Couple that with general manager Don Waddell’s statement at a season ticket holder event last week that he expects Pavelec to be the starter for the season opener…just a week and a half away, mind you…and it seems that Opie has the upper hand for the Thrashers’ main gig ‘tween the pipes at this time.
Now, I’m not going to feed you a load of male bovine excretion here by saying that this is making do cartwheels down the isles of Philips Arena. Truth be told, my initial impression is…Pavs? Really? Whiskey…Tango… Foxtrot!?!?
dodging cyber-bricks…Hey, hey now. Don’t get me wrong, gang. I like the kid and feel he’s got a lot of potential at this level. But I’m just a wee-bit concerned here about the Thrashers’ ability to get off to a decent start next month. And that concern is only deepened with the thought of Ondrej and his lifetime 6-10-0 record, 3.42 GAA and .880 SV% minding the store as we await Kari’s return. Personally, I think he still needs some seasoning in Chicago.
I won’t re-hash the abysmal stats from last winter…or discuss much those forgettable games he had against Boston and Pittsburgh, except to say that the memory of those less-than-stellar performances still loom large in my mind. But history doesn’t hold kindly Opie’s record in the NHL. Twice he’s been called upon to fill in when we’ve experienced a “Kari Down” moment. Both times he started off playing well…only to see his performance decline.
Of course, a lot of last season’s play could be attributed to a bad knee, which was addressed during the offseason. However, it is somewhat disconcerting that…given the fact he’s having to start because our oft-injured “goalie of the future” is once again on the shelf, nursing his back that was worked on in July…we are turning this over to a keeper who is, well… coming off an injury.
Again, I think the kid has a lot of talent…a ton of promise. He could very well wind up justifying the faith that the organ-I-zation has placed in him sometime in the not-too-distant-future. But this team cannot afford to dig it’s self into a deep hole to begin the season as it did last year. Given the schedule to begin the year, the one thing that can put them in just that position is inconsistent goaltending.
Also, seeing that there are two vets in camp, one who’s been with the club for a few years now and has earned his teammate’s respect…and how Pavs has performed when he’s been called upon…I can’t say that he’s the one I’d place my confidence in to start the season. I’d be more comfortable with the proven track record that comes with Legace or Moose at this time.
All that having been said… if indeed Opie is the keeper to start the season, I hope the kid proves me 100% wrong and guides the team to a winning record. As stated above, he did have a very good showing against the Bolts a few nights back and he’s got yet another chance Wednesday night to build upon that success. Maybe even a third chance this weekend.
Regardless, I know I’ll be there cheering the kid on.
Prayin’ to God…
Sending good vibes his way…
With my fingers crossed…
Hoping for the best…
Holding my rabbit’s foot…
And a four-leaf clover… if I can find one.
Because if he does perform up to his potential and helps the team get off to a good start…then the Thrashers will have an upper hand on a successful season.
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79 comments Add your comment
Zoomo
September 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
It may be a risky move. We really need to get off to a good start this year. If Opie gets the starts, I think we keep both Manny and Moose around in case Opie can’t handle the duties. Even if one of the backups is a phone call away in Chicago.
I’m inclined to have a vet in there to start us off, but I’m not a huge fan of the Moose – too much roaming for me – and I don’t know what Legace has left.
It’s definitely an interesting decision.
Dwayne
September 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
I’m crossing my fingers, that the D holds the opposition to 25 shots or less. Is that reasonable? Sort of basing things on one PRE-season game with the (mostly) first team. I just do not know, is Manny going to get a serious look? Maybe he is there just to make Opie play harder, to think about what he has to do every day to hold onto to #1, if D Dub has indeed anointed him Sir Keeper of the Net. One other thing, funny how one pre-season win has US quiet about Waddell. Am I First??
sisu
September 22nd, 2009
8:46 pm
This is really interesting decision, not sure if Opie can do it but I hope I am wrong. To me it does not matter who the goalie is as long as the team wins…
The key is for the dmen to be there to limit the opposition to the initial shot unlike in the past where the goalies made the first save but then did not get the 3rd or 4th or 5th shot which resulted in a goal. This season it seems that the players are better prepared and who knows which 3 guys take up the 5 – 7 spots…
Midifeld
September 22nd, 2009
9:55 pm
Anybody can send a link for the on-line streaming of this next game?
Tony C.
September 22nd, 2009
10:01 pm
Eh.
I think that if Pavelec knows it’s his job, we’ll get craptastic results… now if McIntyre (that is the guy’s name from the Admirals right?) and Legace are sitting over his shoulder? I think we may just see the guy that makes Elliott get all giddy and man-crushy.
World Be Free
September 22nd, 2009
10:11 pm
To add to Tony C., I believe Pavs knows he’s getting a Mulligan for what happened in the first half of last year. He’s making the most of Kari’s surgery and the opening it creates in the position. This is not only his to lose, but possibly his career to lose as well. No winter rules here, if he blows this he may not get the chance to hit again.
There is a glut of average goalies out there. If Pavs is average in this chance, he may become the next Freddie Cassivi. McIntyre is in the on deck circle too.
From a team perspective, we get back to limiting shots on goal. Kari’s play picked up last year when our team defense improved, alot. Dwayne touched upon this; as we did at least night’s game. Gotta play better team “D”.
Brendan
September 22nd, 2009
10:21 pm
If Pavelec has hand, he’s gonna need it.
Darkhorse
September 22nd, 2009
10:24 pm
I would rather have Pavs start tomorrow and show everyone what he’s got one way or the other with still a couple of preseason games left. If the coaching staff thinks he’s the lead guy now, let him prove it, and if not, play Legace and Hedberg in the final two games and make a call come early next week.
Even with Legace yet to play in the preseason, I get the feeling the staff knows pretty much what to expect out of him based on his career, but with Pavs it’s still a bag of mixed pucks ya know…..
jared
September 23rd, 2009
12:05 am
its not even halloween yet and im scared, Pavs attitude worries me the most. I like how last year DeeDubya said our depth was in goal…. hah what a contrast to this year.
I do however ask one question: How did washington respond to Varmalov playing in the playoffs last year. I am sure they were less than thrilled before they praised him.
I took Varmalov in my fantasy league, a gamble but i think with a huge upside if he gets stamina
perhaps pavs can surprise us just as V did
Ilya's Dad
September 23rd, 2009
1:55 am
Just when I was getting full of confidence for this season. The thought of Pavs in goal to start the season scares me, especially with the long road trip after opening night. I hope they don’t dig a hole they can’t climb out of. Not to mention, Kovy is not signed long term. This could mess that up too, if it doesn’t work with Pavs………..
Sharon
September 23rd, 2009
4:09 am
I was hoping they’d roll with Legace as the starter. Pavs has potential, but I’m just not sure he’s ready for that role yet. We’ll see.
Sara
September 23rd, 2009
5:42 am
Here’s how it all breaks down for me.
Last fall was a long time ago. Pavs has had gotten more development time since then playing in Chicago.
It’s not as if Moose or Legace have posted such stellar numbers in their careers that either one should clearly be the number one guy. Now I’m a big fan of both of those guys, but not necessarily as our number one.
Pavs’ one game so far this year was stellar – so stellar in fact that the announcers for the other team spent much of the game raving about the kid.
Just because Anderson gives Pavs the starting gig doesn’t mean he’s going to feel complacent. There are already three goalies right behind him wanting that spot, and it won’t be all that long before Kari will be back to challenge as well. Pavs can’t afford to be complacent and I’ll bet he knows it.
I’m willing to give Pavs his shot here and I’m willing to have a little faith in him as well.
World Be Free
September 23rd, 2009
6:07 am
Sara-agreed, but he cannot afford to become complacent for one minute. This team needs to get off on the right foot starting October 3. If the goaltending faulters, then we are right back to last October-behind trying to catch up. He’s gotta play like a no. 1 and let Kari fight to get his job back. The other guys are backups.
Lee
September 23rd, 2009
6:58 am
is he starting tonight?
five_hole
September 23rd, 2009
7:39 am
Love the picture Bill. You just can’t go wrong with Seinfeld references.
I know what I’d get if Moose or Legace were between the pipes. Solid veteran performance; experience but aging reflexes. If the kid is getting his head together (and stopping 32 of 34 is a nice indicator), then let’s see what he can do. If he falters, we’ve always got the veterans to back him up.
Furmanisanidiot
September 23rd, 2009
8:12 am
I think Pav’s will struggle till he know’s the main guy in net, all this just filling in till someone comes and takes his place isn’t the best for a young goalie’s mind. Tell him he is number one and its his too lose and he will be fine.
Hip Czech
September 23rd, 2009
8:13 am
I was waiting for the new BT blog to comment on Monday’s game, so forgive me if all of this has been covered in another blog.
To me Popovic played his way into the top 7, barring falling flat on his face in the next week. But, Anderson seems to have confidence in him and Popovic seems to play well in ‘the system’. He definitely deserved the 3rd star Monday night.
Valabik looked not quite so lost, he probably has the inside track to the top 7 as well. Postma definitely has potential, but looks like some time in Chicago may help him with some decision making. I’d still like to see Salmella nail down the 7th spot based on what I saw in his limited time last year.
Seeing Legace in person didn’t inspire a whole lot of confidence, maybe it was the plain white goalie mask or the fact he looks to be a little like a doughboy, I don’t know…kind of reminded me of a kid in a youth league for some reason.
I say give Pavalec the opening night start, if he plays well in front of an opening night crowd ride him for the first few weeks, giving Hedberg every fourth game or so maybe.
Brendan
September 23rd, 2009
8:22 am
I like Sara’s post up above. I’m definitely rooting for Pavelec, too. As far a second round pick goes, I think Waddell did a good job with the selection.
(I heard that. We ALL know about the trade with the Rangers to move back to #16, from #12, which was orginially pick #8 in the 2005 draft. We’ve covered that enough. There comes a time when we have to stop analyzing the trade and just evaluate what we’ve got. Patrick Stefan was a ‘capable’ 3rd line Center, for example. You just have to forget his draft position. Moving right along.)
I’ve always thought that Pavelec would one day become a very capable NHL goalie. If that’s ALREADY this season, then GREAT! He’d be WAY AHEAD of schedule for his development. If he’s not ready, then I advocate more seasoning in the minors. I can’t see RUSHING PROSPECTS as healthy for the franchise. But if Pavelec is really ready, welcome aboard! Pavelec should be plenty motivated to becoming Atlanta’s #1 goalie.
I just hope Kari Lehtonen returns in shape, mentally-focused, and ready to contribute … WHENEVER it is that he makes his debut. I cannot recall where I read it, but I seem to remember Waddell saying words to the effect that Kari didn’t do a good job rehabbing the injury. Admittedly, I might misinterpreting that. Maybe what Waddell actually said was, “his rehab didn’t go as well as we hoped.” One implies Kari was at fault for not being diligent enough in his rehab efforts, the other suggests that it’s no one’s fault, per se, but that Kari hasn’t progessed as quickly as was hoped.
Toby
September 23rd, 2009
8:27 am
I was out on business and rented a car with XM, so I was attached to the Home Ice channel all day. In the afternoon, Don was a guest on the show. I was all ready to come back with new reports and breaking news. Not the case. Lame interview.
They talked about Don’s nickname when he played hockey (”Wadsey”), Espo, The team’s youth, Antropov’s performance in the Canes game, and the US Olympic team. No mention of the Kovy contract, the goalies, or even Afinogenov. Nothing.
Russ
September 23rd, 2009
8:28 am
I was thinking the same thing as Ilya’s Dad.
Franchise player waiting to sign an extension + franchise player wanting to see team improvement on the ice + goalie the most important position with reagards to winning and losing = a lot of pressure on young, unproven goalie.
I’ll hope for the best.
Glovesave29
September 23rd, 2009
8:31 am
Until Pavalec fixes his positioning problem, he will continue to falter in the NHL. He leans too far forwards, aiming his shoulders at the shooter as he readies for the shot, the crest resting on the top of his pads. He should be more upright, crest facing the shooter to make himself not only look bigger to the shooter, but to make his legs and arms in a position to make a save from a more suitable angle of movement (try leaning forward hard at the waist and raising your glove hand quickly to cover the high corner….you will see what I mean when you try it from a more upright position – you will only need move your arm, not your shoulder and torso like Pavs does). Since he leans forward soooo much, and he must move his torso more to make the save…if he creates a rebound, this torquing of his body often takes him out of position to face the second shot. Sure, a better defense here helps, but even the best teams cannot control all rebounds, and Opie needs to be there to bail them out now and again.
Jarndyce
September 23rd, 2009
8:53 am
I’d be much more worried if Waddell had said that Hedberg was going to going to be our #1.
Age is cruel, and it doesn’t really care about how swell you are as a person. Hedberg has gotten no better since last year, I can guarantee you that. Neither has Legace. Their legs are older and their reaction speed is down. Further, although you could argue increased experience and knowledge, neither player got a ton of games last year, so it would be reasonable to assume that neither has really improved in those areas.
Pavelec, on the other hand, is on the right side of the aging process. He’s 22. His reaction speed is getting faster, his legs stronger. He played in 52 games last season, so his experience level has improved. He dropped his his AHL goals against from 2.77 in 07-08, to 2.58 last year, despite facing the same number of shots per game. One could argue that his technical abilities have improved, as well.
So the question is, do you want to see a 3.42ga/.900 goalie who’s gotten better, or a 3.47ga/.900 goalie who’s gotten worse? [Remarkable, isn't it, that Pavelec and Hedberg have such similar NHL stats over the last two seasons? If you compare just the games from last season's start, the two are identical: 3.55ga/.895.]
Jarndyce
September 23rd, 2009
9:03 am
Glovesave: I’m curious to know whether you’ve seen Pavelec in camp or preseason. If so, has he seemed to have improved at all on the technical, positioning aspect of the game as you described above? I’d be very interested to get your thoughts about that.
ben
September 23rd, 2009
9:58 am
looks like a changing of the gaurd is on us
Thrashers27
September 23rd, 2009
10:26 am
I don’t think this means we can write Kari off just yet. Despite his knack for injury and lack of focus at times he is a very talented, young man. Keep in mind Kari started playing in the NHL at what, 20? He was young and he still is young. Remember, goalies take longer to “ferment”.
For the first time ever there is a bonified defensive core to play in front of the Thrasher’s net. I’d like to see how well Kari’s numbers look when the team restricts SOG to under 30 every night. Kari, like the rest of the team seemed to “right his ship” toward the end of the season last year.
Here’s to hoping that he has matured enough to compete for and hold that #1 spot in goal. Afterall, I don’t think anyone will argue that he isn’t the best raw talent this team has at that position.
Nate
September 23rd, 2009
10:32 am
Rawhide – Any update on Kovalchuk negotiations. I’m getting less optimistic by the day…
Midifeld
September 23rd, 2009
10:41 am
Remember the Varlamov story last year. Young and unproven golie turned out to be a savior for the Caps, not to mention the maturity he displayed throughout the run. He had one bad bubble in one of the games against the Rangers, and – unlike some other not so young golies we know – Varlamov bounced right back in and carried that game to the winning end.
Hockey Biltong
September 23rd, 2009
10:46 am
Kovy will sign, wait for the splash!!!
Daculafan
September 23rd, 2009
10:47 am
This potential move worries me..and quite frankly I’m not too crazy with what this says to Legace either..DrewMac, Moose and Opie have all gotten a shot..and to skip over Manny and let Opie do it again I think is a little insulting. From all reports from the rink he’s looked good, I think he deserves his shot between the pipes and let’s see if he’s got what it takes to backstop this team.
Glovesave29 just reiterated above his assessment that he and I and Daren Elliot discussed after last Tuesday’s rookie game at the Forum. Like I pointed out…Glove has got approx 35 years of amateur experience..and Daren professional experience..and Daren totally agreed with Glove’s assessment. For me that’s enough to cause me some worry. I hope Opie does a good job…but I’m not 100% sold on him.
I’m hoping to see Manny make at least one start… I think after all the work he’s done in the camp he deserves that shot..
Kudos to you Rawhide for the Seinfeld reference….classic!!
Rawhide
September 23rd, 2009
11:00 am
Rawhide – Any update on Kovalchuk negotiations. I’m getting less optimistic by the day…
Nate – No new news…however, I’m more confident he’ll sign here than I was last spring.
Remember the Varlamov story last year. Young and unproven golie turned out to be a savior for the Caps, not to mention the maturity he displayed throughout the run. He had one bad bubble in one of the games against the Rangers, and – unlike some other not so young golies we know – Varlamov bounced right back in and carried that game to the winning end.
Midfield – So are you saying that Varlamov last spring = Pavelec this fall? If so…I hope you are right. That kid was lights out in the playoffs…very impressive.
World Be Free
September 23rd, 2009
11:11 am
Pavs has to earn the no. 1 spot. It’s that simple, no hoping he stays no. 1 after Kari returns. Play his best and keep the spot from other players. Only then will he have the confidence to be an NHL goalie. This position is not for the faint of heart.
R. Stroz
September 23rd, 2009
11:35 am
If both Popovic and Afinogenov end up with a goal and/or an assist, does that mean we will have Unknown Player 1 and Unknown Player 2?
You’re now entering the Thrasher Zone.
Rawhide
September 23rd, 2009
11:39 am
Here are the lineups tonight as I understand them per Ben Wright…
Forwards
Kovalchuk- Antropov- Little
Fritsche- Peverley-Crabb
Kane- Stapleton- Afinogenov
Gratton- Slater- Thorburn
Defense
Bogosian
Enstrom
Kubina
Valabik
Oystrick
Popovic
Goal
Pavelec
Legace
GaVaHokie
September 23rd, 2009
11:39 am
Stroz… I can’t wait to see Unknown’s save percentage in the next preseason game.
Midifeld
September 23rd, 2009
11:53 am
Rawhide, I’m not really saying that Pavelec=Varlamov. I’m saying that Lehtonen is not #1 goalie for all intents and purposes. I’m also saying that it is not because Lehtonen was “young and unproven” that he is not capable of playing the role #1 goalie consistently. I agree that Pavelec has technical kinks to address, but, on the other hand, he looks mentally there to fight – kind of like Nurminen used to be. I like that better than the technical prowess that you can’t always rely on, when the chips are down.
Glovesave29
September 23rd, 2009
11:56 am
Jarndyce – unfortunately, Opie’s still leaning forward. Just makes him too vulnerable to the corners against NHL sharpshooters. Check Kari’s stats in the AHL – they were better than Pavalec’s, and he is superior technically. We are never going to be a strong team in the net until we (here we go again) get a goaltending coach. Makes all the difference. Was anyone really surprised the Monster signed in Toronto just after guru Francois Allaire moved from the Ducks to the Leafs? We need a similat coach here to work on the game on the physical, emotional and conditioning levels. What’s good for a forward/defenseman doesn’t work for a goalie. All that money is tied up in the net, let’s get someone here to help us to get a full return on our investments.
Daculafan – thanks for the backup. Preeeshiate it!
Glovesave29
September 23rd, 2009
12:06 pm
But Midi – how can he address them? There is no one there to work on this with him. And it is not a “kink”…this is huge. His arms are slower because he must lift his shoulders, and with his weight being forward on his skates, he cannot kick out fast enough. Remember, goal skates are flat and not rockered. If he’s leaning, there’s more skate blade to resist his movements. To make up for that, you go into a deeper butterfly. Forwards see this and will make the necessary adjustments and rocket shots upstairs. While unorthodox goalies like Nurminen and Hasek will always exist, they are also positionally sound, and square up to the shooter properly. Ondrej doesn’t, and it will continue to haunt him until it is fixed.
World Be Free
September 23rd, 2009
12:29 pm
Glovesave-right on, golatending coaches are like pitching coaches.
Have a superior coach of either kind makes difference.
Daculafan
September 23rd, 2009
12:53 pm
Here’s where I’m hoping…as I have heard whispers of rumors…that the Thrashers have plans for the Moose beyond his playing days. I could so totally see Moose as our goalie coach…and with the way he works…his demands on any goalie he coaches would be high…I think it would produce a heck of a product
I guess judging their performance will be easiest once the lineup we put on the ice and the one we face are as close to regular season as we can get.
Smoothie
September 23rd, 2009
12:54 pm
Does anyone here know the minimum # of months a player has to stay on I.R. in order to qualify for LTIR cap relief? What happens if Lehtonen’s rehab and conditioning takes more than another month? Can he go on short-term IR if we are carrying 3 goalies (per Dan Kamal tweet we will be keeping 3)? Perhaps Legace knows he is strictly our insurance policy in the event Pavelec tanks.
Smoothie
September 23rd, 2009
12:56 pm
Moose has already taught Kari the patented poke-check and roll move for breakaways that get too close to the paint. In the last game in Buffalo, Kari saved the game by poking and cart-wheeling in the crease a la Dominick Hasek circa 1999.
World Be Free
September 23rd, 2009
1:30 pm
Could Moose retire REAL soon and assume the coach’s role?
Makes sense now.
Christy
September 23rd, 2009
1:59 pm
Question – is Steve Weekes NOT the goalie coach? or is it that they have him fill that role because they don’t have anyone else to do it?
GaVaHokie
September 23rd, 2009
2:04 pm
Interesting comments from Coach today…
http://thrashers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=499508&navid=DL|ATL|home
Glovesave29
September 23rd, 2009
2:11 pm
Steve Weeks runs the drills in practice. I’ve been to countless practices and can remember him working specifically with the goalies for an extended period of time maybe only once or twice.
Moose could be a good coach…we won’t know until at least next season. Ollie the goalie retired today…perhaps bring him in?
Christy
September 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
Thanks GVH
Christy
September 23rd, 2009
2:13 pm
Rather, thank you Glovesave
Pam on Weck
September 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm
Glovesave29 – Amazing. You make a comment about Pavs and look at the picture they choose to print. Have you ever seen such shoulders?
simon
September 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
This is the first time in Thrashers history that there is a real competition on every position.
R. Stroz
September 23rd, 2009
3:15 pm
Step Right Up:
I have ONE extra ticket for tonight for a regular poster.
Rawhide please get Trixie to handle the arrangements.
Requirements: I need you to be able to meet me in CNN center by 6:15.
Tony C.
September 23rd, 2009
3:19 pm
The guy I’d secretly hoped we’d get as goalie coach is Eddie Belfour-now say what you want about some of his notorious off-ice episodes, beating up one of his teammates (did it happen or is it myth?)-all that other crap-fact f the matter is, Eddie was one of the best in his day, and while a lot of that can be attributed to his will to win and ability, if you ask him why he had such a successful career, one of the first things he’ll mention is his tutelage under the Soviet legend Tretiak (nice little story found aqui-> http://belfourstars.tripod.com/id56.html )… now, I know that Tretiak’s under contract to Chicago as well as the Russian National team and I think a KHL team-don’t think we can get him [Tretiak] (although maybe Ilya could make a call?), but I would think that Belfour would’ve been a great option as well. Further kudos to Davidson and the organization he’s building out there in St. Louis.
Who do you guys think we should try and get as a goalies coach?
Mike
September 23rd, 2009
3:19 pm
Looking at the defense for tonight, I have to say that I liked Pop when he was here last time and I hope he can break the top 7 and make the team. I would like to hear the thoughts of others on the odds of it happening.
Obvisously, Kubina-Hainsey-Enstrom-Bogo are definites.
That leaves Pop, Salmela, Valabik, and Oystrick fighting for 3 spots, right?
I assume Kulda, Postma and Lewis will all start in Chicago and provide depth.
R. Stroz
September 23rd, 2009
3:20 pm
OOPS, I left out one important detail: the ticket is FREE.
Smoothie
September 23rd, 2009
3:21 pm
The Fritsche vs Thorbun battle is turning into an interesting one. You also have the following:
Kane vs Afinogenov..which may also decide where Peverley ends up playing
Valabik vs Salmela..or is Bobo safe? He was a -8 over his last 20 or so games while Hainsey was a +2 despite Boris’ blunders
Oystrick vs Popovic..Pops making a serious push, but Oystrick’s solid play (+10 over his last 19 gms) at the end of the season should give him an edge
Boulton vs Gratton..should they just duke it out at center ice tonite?
Stapleton vs Crabb vs Thorburn vs Machacek…the battle for press-box minutes will be fierce tonight!
And of course the goaltenders….DING DING.
Jarndyce
September 23rd, 2009
3:22 pm
Glovesave: Don’t get me wrong, I’d clearly rather have Lehtonen over Pavelec. Lehtonen is easily the better goalie. All I wanted to point out is that if it’s between Pavelec and Hedberg, I’d rather it be Pavelec.
Thanks for the positional expertise, by the way. I remember watching Lehtonen in the world juniors when Lupul kept potting goals up over Kari’s shoulder. Lehtonen was going down to early and defitely leaning forward. He seemed to correct it during that very game.
Rawhide
September 23rd, 2009
3:26 pm
Looking at the defense for tonight, I have to say that I liked Pop when he was here last time and I hope he can break the top 7 and make the team. I would like to hear the thoughts of others on the odds of it happening.
Mike – I think Pops has a better than even chance of being on this team. I, too, have been impressed with what I’ve seen from him so far. I think that the three players with the inside track to make up the 5 and 6 defensive spots and 7th extra are Popovic, Valabik and Oystrick.
GaVaHokie
September 23rd, 2009
3:30 pm
Kane vs Afinogenov..which may also decide where Peverley ends up playing
This is the strangest situation, because it’s actually Afinogenov v. Peverley with Kane ramifications.
If Afinogenov proves to be more valuable on 2nd line RW then Peverley, than Pevs goes to 3rd line LW and Kane goes to Juniors.
If Pevs is equal or greater than Afinogenov on 2nd line RW, then Afinogenov doesn’t get signed and Kane still has a shot at 3rd Line LW.
Midifeld
September 23rd, 2009
3:33 pm
Pam on Weck, I think George Costanza’s shoulders are in the right position in this picture up there.
Tony C.
September 23rd, 2009
3:53 pm
Check yer email kids
World Be Free
September 23rd, 2009
3:53 pm
Smoothie-keep Gratton and Boulton.
We play the Leafs a few times you know!
Smoothie
September 23rd, 2009
4:11 pm
GVH, you may be right because we really don’t know what the coaches are thinking. But I surmise that if they are singularly impressed with Afinogenov’s conditioning, speed, stamina and chemistry in the pre-season, they will sign him and then send Kane down. If they have some questions about Max and do not think he’ll add value, then Kane gets his 9 or 10 games sooner than later. They might surprise us and sign M.A. and keep Kane anyway if someone like Fritsche or Thorburn impresses enough on the PK to nail down the 12 spot. Then it’s a game of musical chairs on the Top 9 involving Kane, Afino, White & Pevs.
Nate
September 23rd, 2009
4:20 pm
Well…it looks like I’ll be attending the practice session tomorrow. Douglas County just closed school for the rest of the week. I guess I’ll see some of you guys there.
GaVaHokie
September 23rd, 2009
4:33 pm
We could really screw things around and get something like this…
Kovy Antro Little
Kane Pevs Afinogenov
Kozy Reasoner Army
Boulton White Slater
Smoothie
September 23rd, 2009
4:37 pm
Actually Hokie, I would PAY to see that line-up.
Oh wait, damn.
GaVaHokie
September 23rd, 2009
4:38 pm
Actually…
Kovy Antro Little (Scoring)
Kane Peverley Afinogenov (Scoring)
Kozlov White Army (Scoring/Checking)
Boulton Reasoner Slater (Checking/Energy)
… the trick is to not get bogged down mentally with last years combinations.
Smitty
September 23rd, 2009
4:43 pm
Nice article in the Toronto Sun regarding Antropov, Kubina and Kovy. Mike Zeiberger manages to get in a little dig on the few fans at Monday’s game. I would link it but my kids are not here to do it.
pond scum
September 23rd, 2009
4:46 pm
Thanks Hokie for the link!
I’m like Sara and her points of view. Last year was last year and Pavs has had more experiences since then and has already made a serious case for the job already in Tampa. I like both Moose and Manny,very thankful to have them for depth and maybe help out….but I got a good feeling about the kid. I’m not really panicing at all cause I feel Pavs is more “hungry” for the #1 spot than the rest are.
And I too felt Postma would be great…. but Popovic is very determined,i hope he keeps it up. Those last D slots is shaping up to be the best battle for blueline play for us aslong as I can think back.
In no paticular order;
Valabik
Salmella
Oystrick
Popovic to battle it out for the 5,6, and 7th(depth/pressbox positions. I was hoping Kulda would have a better dog in this race for this year but guess not. He,Postma, and Lewis as pointed out earlier can provide good serviceable depth insurance for the season. But this is a great battle, so let the best man win!
And I’m praying that mad max shows some great skill with his speed 2nite as well.
I know it may end Kane’s ability to stick around,but Kane was drafted to play on the top 2 lines and the only way he’s going to keep getting better is have those “real” minutes and he just isn’t goin to here right now as our top 6 is looking very stacked up.
I know he’s busted his butt to stay,but just “giving” it to him isn’t the way to go. IF mad max gels well,the adversity of goin back down to juniors for only one more season should keep him fired up to make it at a later date.
But, I was wondering this….. WHY not let Kane go to Chicago? What are the pros/cons that i’m not seeing or knowing? Cause it just seems alot automatically have him goin back down to juniors instead. I can’t help but feel Mad Max at this moment would give our 2nd-3rd lines more offensive bite.
Thanks in advance for any helpful info you wanna add. I just hope that ya’ll don’t feel i’m playa hatin on Kane. I LOVE the kid but just feel we may be rushing him into the big show and it may hurt him more than help. LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!
pond scum
September 23rd, 2009
5:05 pm
Actually…
Kovy Antro Little (Scoring)
Kane Peverley Afinogenov (Scoring)
Kozlov White Army (Scoring/Checking)
Boulton Reasoner Slater (Checking/Energy)
… the trick is to not get bogged down mentally with last years combinations.
Yeah,that’s what happened to me the other day over on another thread. I knew Antropov had played center before,but thought he said he was more “comfortable” at wing. But if mondays game was an indicator…. he can stay as the #1 center and White go to the #2 spot.
How was Antropov in the face-off circles? Anyone happen to know his career numbers?
And that kinda of sucks as I was hoping Pevs would be at center still.My preseasonal thoughts for starting line-up for opening nite looked like these;
Kovy-White-Antropov
Kozzie-Pevs-Little
Max-Reasoner-Army
Boulton-Slater-Thorburn Crabb/Machachek (pressbox/spot duty) – I did have Kane @LW on the 3rd line in Max’s spot but can’t help but feel the not over the hill vet will give our lineup more offensive punch overall.
Enstrom-Bogo
Hainsey-Kubina
Salmela-Oystrick Valabik(press box/spot duty)
Pavs/Moose to start the season (with Kari down and then Legace comin in… that cloudy for me).
What you think my fellow fans?
Alan
September 23rd, 2009
5:11 pm
Is this the article in question, Smitty?
Smitty
September 23rd, 2009
5:16 pm
That is it. Thanks Alan Looking forward to watching that 3rd line tonight.
Hockey Biltong
September 23rd, 2009
5:35 pm
Arthropod did not win many face offs. I remember mentioning it to my s.i.
GaVaHokie
September 23rd, 2009
7:31 pm
Pond Scum… Kane has to go to Juniors… the AHL has an age limit of 20 years old, or 4 years Junior experience.
Tom
September 23rd, 2009
11:02 pm
Obviously I did not see the game but looking at the stats we gave up 37 shots and 4 goals, 2 in last minutes of the game. Valabek was a -2 while Borgosian was a +3. Mr Gratton will have a nice memory to take down to the minors with 2 goals and Andro has a goal and an assist.
J.B.
September 23rd, 2009
11:16 pm
I know im not hallucinating because the ajc has the quote in the story from tonights game… Coach said in his presser that Afinogenov will see more ice time in the regular season. Doesn’t that sort of let the cat out of the bag that we’re going to sign him? Coach’s comments also indicate Maxim’s primary role will be on the power play I believe…
jared
September 23rd, 2009
11:45 pm
JB– i dont know if i agree with your comment about gratton i think this preseason he has certainly shown himself to be a worthy candidate for this team i think he has a shot of taking someones position.
I really dont like the 37 shots. that is just looking to the past with this thrashers defense.
also 2 goals in the last 2 minutes? Reminds me of our problem last year and i dont like it
Darkhorse
September 23rd, 2009
11:50 pm
J.B.- I just noticed the same quote. Hmmm…..I was at the game tonight and as far as Max goes I tend to agree with Anderson’s comments. I thought he showed enough skill and promise to play in at least one more preseason game. It’s tough for him or any player to step right into their first game with a new team, new system, new linemates, and produce immediately. So all in all I thinks he’s earned more playing time to evaluate before the end of the weekend.
Here was the quote from the ajc writer tonight……
“I thought he played really well,” Anderson said. “He’ll play more in regular-season games. It’s just the way it went tonight with so many penalties in the game [against the Thrashers]. He’s not a penalty-killer.”
Rawhide-Looks like you had quite a little gang gathered around you tonight having a great time. Did you notice that both Enstrom and Kubina were wearing A’s tonight? Is that just because the other assistant captains did not play in the game or did I miss something?
I’ll give more input on what I thought about the game tonight on the next blog I bet your working away on as we spea….er…write.
JLH
September 24th, 2009
12:23 am
I saw tonight’s game and came away with several of my roster questions answered (at least in my own mind). I have been on the fence about each of these players.
1) Kane is not ready to play up here. He was tentative and average at best, and I think that’s being generous. He was also not strong on the puck. I wish he could play in the AHL, because like a lot of you, I’m not sure that another year in Juniors will give him the experience with speed and size that he needs. If he plays in Atlanta this year, even just for 9 games, I see a couple of things happening. One, we will be fielding a weaker team than we otherwise could at the start of the season and I think we are all agreed that we need to start strong. Two, Evander’s confidence may take a significant hit, and we all know how that can turn out. If this was a “rebuilding” year, then I might say yes, let’s give him a half season to come around, but it is not.
2) Afinogenov definitely gets the nod over Kane. His speed was evident and generally effective, and his stick handling was also generally superior. He also had a little time on the penalty kill, and held his own.
3) Gratton over Bolts. I hate to say it, but his superior offensive play combined with his experience as a “tough guy”, gives him the nod in my book. And it wasn’t just the fact that he scored 2 goals, but that he consistently put himself in position to score without sacrificing his game in other ways. Can you imagine how we would be raving if Boulton had scored twice. If Waddell is true to his word, (insert snickers and uproarious laughter) about ignoring contract considerations to put the best team on the ice I think Gratton gets the nod.
4) As good as Oystrick has looked at times, I think he may have played himself out of a role with the big club tonight. He misread, or misplayed the puck, pinching up. several times tonight, directly resulting in at least one goal, and didn’t assert himself offensively at all. Popovic was unremarkable offensively also tonight, but I never saw him as a liability defensively tonight.
Valabik also looked like a liability tonight, in addition to his 2 penalties. His skating is still not where it needs to be, and he seems to still be quite a ways away from knowing how to use his size in the NHL. I must say he did make one nice hip check against the board in the first period, but ended up on the ice himself. I think the Thrashers are committed to Boris for this year to see if the sleeping giant will awake, but I have not seen his size be enough of an asset to overcome his deficits. Postma looked NHL ready to me on Monday, but I think a year at Chicago will be best in the long run for both him and Kulda. They should both push hard for a seat at the main table next season.
Peverley was also a bit disappointing, but still showed his puck control skill. I am afraid though, that as in Nashville, he will flounder if he is not playing with highly skilled players. Thorburn showed some good puck control and patience with the puck and didn’t looked nearly as bad tonight on the PK as on Monday. Fritsche did not distinguish himself in my mind tonight and Stapleton looked comfortable if not outstanding, playing at this level. Even thought Crabb had a goal, (off a fantastic pass by Bogosian) I would say he did not have a great game and did not really show his speed and was not confident with his decision making.
So my opening night line-up would be:
Kovy – Antropov – Little
Kozlov – White – Afinogenov
Peverley – Reasoner – Armstrong
Gratton – Slater – Fritsche/Thorburn
Enstrom – Bogosian
Hansey – Kubina
Popovic – Salmela/Valabik
Armstrong and Hansey’s injuries do not sound like they would prevent them from playing on opening night.
R. Stroz
September 24th, 2009
12:50 am
JLH – Nice Review.
Big Boris seems unable to anticipate or read plays well on defense.
Hopefully, Kubina can mentor Big Boris as Schneider mentored Bogosian last season. Boris is still a work in progress and not exactly NHL material yet.
My favorite part of the game was when Kubina retaliated on the clown that tried to take out Kovy’s knee.
Rawhide
September 24th, 2009
1:06 am
JLH – Excellent recap of the game! Great to see you and Goose again as well.
Darkhorse – Yeah, section 111 was the scene of the crime last night. I was joined by the entire Blueland Chronicle staff…complete with Mr. RazorCatchPrey’s “Crabb Dance” after Joey scored a goal…RStroz, Smoothie and his squeeze Ms. Ten and their guests, a certain “lurker” who soon de-lurk herself, Tony C. and his precious little girl along with his baby-momma, Daculafan and there was even Eileen and her daughter were also in the area. Libby and Pinhead were close by as well.
You simply must come join the frey next time.
Oh…and you are correct. Here is the new blogity-blog thingy.