Friday Follies From Waterlogged Thrasherville
We are finally coming to the end of one the longest, oddest most historic week in I’ve experienced in Thrasherville. I knew it was going to be quite the bizarre week when the first thing I was called upon to do once I entered the office on Monday was to help de-copperhead the store just off the main lobby. Seems the critter was not unlike all of us that soggy day and was simply trying to escape the rising water and was running…er, ah…slithering his way to higher ground.
Then came the floodwaters that caused so much havoc and damage to the area. Nasty times, my friends, and I hope that you and yours made it through with minimal damage to self and property.
Every attraction was a water ride at Six Flags this week (AJC photo / Phil Skinner)
But we’ve finally made it through this wierd week and finally the weekend is upon us…the last weekend of the preseason at that! So, in light of this occation, let’s relax, lighten up a bit and enjoy some Friday Follies…
If You Missed It, Don’t Worry,,,They’ll Be Another Comin’ Around in 2509
What if someone back in 1999, the year the Thrashers began play, had asked you to guess which would come first…the first Thrashers’ playoff win or a 500-year flood. If you had chosen the former, you would have been wrong!
Speaking Of Dropping The Puck
Yes, we are entering into the last weekend before the puck drops on the tenth season of Thrashers hockey as the season opens next Saturday night. However, you are invited by the team to enjoy a Dropping of the Puck event this coming Sunday.
It’s being dubbed as “The First Annual ‘Atlanta Thrashers Puck Drop’” and it sounds like a great time. Fans can enjoy an afternoon of fun and frivolity at Philips Arena by meeting players, enjoy interactive street hockey and shooting stations, as well as have a family skate on the ice.
The $55 entry fee gets you admission to the banquette, food, drink and tickets to the game Sunday. But…in the words of the late-great Billy Mays…there’s more! You will also receive a ticket for opening night on Saturday October 3. Sounds like a pant-load of fun. Eh?
Here’s a link for all the 411 you need for this event.
Thrashers Ad Mac The Knife, But Delay Cuts
The Thrashers have re-acquired defenseman Steve McCarthy via a trade with the Anaheim Ducks organ-I-zation. He’ll head straight for Chi-town to play with the Wolves.
As I commented in the last blog, this is the same Stevie Mac that played in Atlanta during that forgettable 2007-08 season. In 55 games he scored one goal on 41 shots on goal and 6 assists. He had 48 PIM and was a -23.
However, what we sometimes fail to recall is that this is also the same Steve McCarthy who played on the 2006-07 playoff team. In 46 games that season, he scored 4 goals on 51 SOG and 12 assists, had 24 PIM and was…now get this…. a +4.
One other side note regarding McCarthy and Thrashers history… February 24, 2007, he and the Thrashers played the Carolina Hurricanes…losing 4-1. Steve would not play another minute that season for Atlanta…instead, being relegated to the press box. This is because after that game the Thrashers announced the now-infamous Coburn for Zhitnik trade and it was Mac that lost his ice time to Zhit.
Even though Atlanta obtained “Mac the Knife”, they didn’t make any “cuts” to the roster as planned Thursday. Instead, they will make several this weekend.
I don’t know about you, but I’m still pulling for that Byron Young fellow to make the squad.
Looks Like Razor Catched Him A Case Of The Crabbs
If you were anywhere near section 111 Wednesday night as the Thrashers were busy beating the Nashville Predators, you were probably taken aback at the sight of a grown, educated, professional young man jivin’ his way across row F.
What was happening here was the “Crabb Dance” being performed by the Blueland Chronicles’ own RazorCatchPrey.
Apparently, this dance move is done after Joey Crabb scores a goal…as he did that night…and involves “snapping” your fingers like a crab would it’s claws while quickly crab-walking side-to-side…again, much the same way a crab would.
I have come to understand that it’s Razor’s wish…nay, his dream…that when Joey scores a goal in Philips this season, everyone will join him in “catching a case of the Crabbs” by participating in the celebratory dance.
Hey…”Whoop there it is” has kinda jumped the shark anyway.
And Finally…
Being a Thrashers fan these past ten years hasn’t always been easy and they’re play sometimes has certainly generated it’s fair share of disgruntled fans…although I think we are all in for a treat this season.
But here’s a very novel example of how one fan decided to show the team he follows just how unhappy he was with their play…he sent them a bill.
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97 comments Add your comment
Viking
September 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
Alan R.,
I hope your keyboard does not turn Norwegian, if “NO” stands for that. Your hockey credibility is gone if so.
The Norwegian love of ski’s over (hockey) skate’s is a good subject for students of Antropology (please do no confuse with Antropovology).
Sweden, Finland are hockey nations, but why not Norway? Perhaps there are embarassing results against Sweden for Norway back in the day that hindered the development of Norwegian hockey? This could be an analogy to the upcoming season…
Russian
September 25th, 2009
1:34 pm
What are we going to do with Kane????
See you everybody there.
Good Question. I see three scenarios:
1. Give him a Roster spot. He will play with 3-d line: Kane-Reason-Army
2. Try him out for 9 games and send him back to Junior.
3. Send him to Junior now to develop his skill.
Personally I choose scenario #3. Why? I will explain now.
First of all – Kane is very young and TALENTED Player. I saw him in camp and Nashville (first game). He should play on 1-t or 2-d line. WE do not have a spot for him now. If we drop him to 3-d line and he will be playing against 1 or 2-d line. It will be Disaster. We will kill his talent.
Second point – Team MUST make a Good start. This is situation as To Be or NOT to BE. If Kane will learn how to play hockey in NHL and it might cost us a good start. Our roster have to be ready to take action now since first game and be Unstoppable.
This is just my opinion.:-)
Any way, I got a tickets for Open Night.
GaVaHokie
September 25th, 2009
1:34 pm
First 9 games…
Kovy Antro Little
Kane Pevs Max
Kozy White Army
Boults Reasoner Slater
Gratton
After Kane goes to Juniors…
Kovy Antro Little
Kozy White Max
Pevs Reasoner Army
Boulton Slater Gratton
Thorsy (or Fritsche)
Russian
September 25th, 2009
1:45 pm
**to Hokie**
Do you think Slava and White could stop 1 or 2 lines? Could they play against Ovi-Bakstroom-Semin or Datcuk-Zet-Fransen? I am very scared about that.
Alan R.
September 25th, 2009
1:47 pm
Viking, Norwegian is a language I’m doing self-study with, hence why I switch between Norsk Bokmål (literally: Book Language) and US English.
That said, I’ve always been curious why hockey isn’t as popular in Norway as it is in Sweden and Finland.
On another note, Damien Cox decided to write his eleventy thousandth whinefest on fighting in hockey yesterday morning (with “bloodied Exelby picture” goodness).
World Be Free
September 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
Viking-I worked for a Norwegian company; it was our primary language on our computers. a little difficult at times.
Smitty-you and I are from similar times. I agree with what Montreal did with players like Rejean Houle and Mark Tardiff playing relatively young. I think the difference there was that Montreal was an established, dominent team and the Trashers are still a struggling 10 year old franchise. I believe mngt wants to put the most expereinced players on the ice to win now. let the youngsters develop at the lower levels. We also have the UFA issues today when the clock starts on a players as soon as they are playing at the NHL level.
GaVaHokie
September 25th, 2009
2:05 pm
Russian… with Army along with them? Absolutely.
Kozlov can be a real pest when he wants to… he’s great at drawing penalties from the opposition.
Russian
September 25th, 2009
2:12 pm
**to GaVaHokie**
Hm, It can be works. If White will not keep up, he can go to 4-th line.
Toby
September 25th, 2009
2:18 pm
Russian – They did last year…
Viking
September 25th, 2009
2:23 pm
Alan R,
Norwegian hockey is no good and therefore the popularity is not there (likely never was). An occasional good Norwegian player will immediately be picked up by a team from Sweden or wherever, then KHL or NHL will take care of the rest.
World be Free, luckily I am Swedish.
Same thing here if we are off to a bad start. Even if we are winning later on, the result in the standings will result in poorer Philips seat occupation.
Brendan
September 25th, 2009
2:49 pm
I want to ask the bloggers where their “mood/thought” is as we approach this season. Is it like the ‘04 season, where the club had 33 wins, 78-points, and 243 Goals Against? Or more like ‘06, when Atlanta had 41 wins, 90-points, and 275 Goals Against?
If neither of those grab you, in 2003, Atlanta had 31 wins, 74-points, and 284 goals against. In 2008, Atlanta had 34 wins, 76-points, and 272 goals against. Last year, Atlanta had 35 wins, 76-points, and 280 goals against.
In case you’re curios, the 2007 playoff year, Atlanta had a team best 43-wins and 97-points, pluse 245 goals against. The best goals against, I believe, was 2004 … with 243 GA.
I feel like it’s a little bit closer to that 2005-06 season, except that expectations for that year were much higher, since we had Hossa, Kovalchuk, and Bondra, plus what we thought would be a healthy Lehtonen and Pasi Nurminen, plus Mike Dunham, and a league max cap. But I do think 90-points is a reachable goal this year. My guess is 85-points, however.
Rawhide
September 25th, 2009
3:00 pm
Brendan – Taking a stab at your query, I would say this team is much like the one that headed into the 2005-06 campaign. The mood was very good in Thrasherville at that time…given the way the ended the previous 2003-04 season with a record of 33-37-4-8 for 78 points, (remember, there was a lockout in between).
Expectations were high around here that playoff run was possible…and, following the goalkeeping issues in the fall, gave us just that in the spring.
Anywhooo…I don’t wanna give away too much as I’m saving that for next week’s Season Preview/Prediction blog
yes, that was a tease.
five_hole
September 25th, 2009
3:10 pm
Bill, I was think of either Denver or Phoenix. If I could make a 500 year flood in either of those cities, I’d know for sure I’m jinxed.
Apparently the Flames just cut Theo Fleury.
ben
September 25th, 2009
3:18 pm
playoffs i know that
Rawhide
September 25th, 2009
3:21 pm
Bill, I was think of either Denver or Phoenix. If I could make a 500 year flood in either of those cities, I’d know for sure I’m jinxed.
five_hole – I heard that. Now granted, Atlanta isn’t a mile above sea level…but it is 1,000 ft. above it.
Separately, what’s your take on the future of Bolton this season? (with your educated and yet magical, crystal ball)
jwizzle – I am so sorry I missed your question earlier…you may smack me next time we are at the game.
I don’t have a crystal ball…just this silly little Magic 8 Ball the AJC techno-geeks gave me when I started this gig. So, as for your question about Boulton…shaking up the Magic 8 Ball…hmmmm, it says, “Concentrate and ask again”.
Weird.
Dwayne
September 25th, 2009
3:32 pm
Play Kane for 9 games, see how he does? Wadudley has a plan that might have to do with money? Cap space? I hope Thrashers win tonight, but I hope Doris has another bad night.I’ll never get over him letting Cindy punch him in the nads. I cant even watch pre season hockey because of Cindy’s face showing up every 5 minutes. Is Center Ice now Cindy’s Ice????
Thrashers27
September 25th, 2009
3:52 pm
Cindy! I love that nickname! Makes me laugh everytime I hear it, or say it myself…that image of him butt-punching Boris will never leave my mind and was the straw that broke and made me lose any thought of respecting “the kid”. He can play, I’ll give him that, but what a wiener.
Dandylions
September 25th, 2009
4:03 pm
I read Cindy Crotchby hurt her crotch er… groin in her last game – Karma.
jwizzle
September 25th, 2009
4:21 pm
Rawhide- excellent answer, sounds about right!
Rawhide
September 25th, 2009
4:29 pm
jwizzle – Uh-huh…and remember, you get all that info at no extra cost!
As for Boulton though…he’ll continue to play the “enforcer” role on the team and provise energy line-type services. He’s a role player and provides that service well.
Also, I liked what I see from Josh OH-Gratton too. real…ahem…meat and potatos kinda player. He could do the same for the Thrashers on the opposite side of Boltz as well.
Glovesave29
September 25th, 2009
4:51 pm
My fear for Evander is that some borderline WHLer trying to prove he belongs will take a run at Kane to try to knock him into next week (for a great example, read Darren Eliots new story about the Jordan Tootoo vs. Tom Sestito fight). The CHL is a amateur league – having pros amongst them is so damn silly.
Smitty – I remember those Canadien teams, we have one superstar on the Thrash – those teams had 10. It’s easy to hide and protect a rookie when surrounded by LaFleur, Shutt, Lemaire, Robinson, Tremblay, Dryden, et al…
I trust Anderson to make the right choice here, he was dead on with Bogo, so he’s earned my respect with regards to roster selection. To me, Kane is a tweenie – too mature for the W and not ready for the N. Tough call.
Alan R.
September 25th, 2009
4:58 pm
To me, Kane is a tweenie – too mature for the W and not ready for the N. Tough call.
Which is why the CBA, as currently written, really stinks in regards to players drafted out of junior leagues.
Glovesave29
September 25th, 2009
5:26 pm
Alan – absolutely…I have railed against this silly rule for as long as I can remember. The Thrash drafted him and are paying him, so they should get to decide where he goes and what is best for his development.
Smitty
September 25th, 2009
5:31 pm
What does everyone think of Stapleton playing center on 4th line between Gratton Boults or Thorny. Guy can realy skate and has better hands than Slater. I know he is small but Slater just cannot put the puck in the net. He had a couple of chances the other night and could not connect. Stapleton looked really good with Gratton the other night.
Sara
September 25th, 2009
6:47 pm
Glovesave – what’s the difference between some borderline WHLers trying to take out Kane versus some borderline NHLer attempting the same? Bogey’s first NHL game he got bullied into a fight with Brashear. So no telling how things would go with Kane. He’s probably a lot safer in the WHL than the NHL.
I worry more about the fact he hasn’t scored at all since he started playing against NHLers versus prospects. If he’s not scoring, is it worth keeping him here? But then again, he hasn’t screwed up or been a liability really either – which cannot always be said for some of the players who likely will end up on the final roster. :p
Darkhorse
September 25th, 2009
7:14 pm
Smitty-I think Stapleton and Fritsche played themselves into one more game, which is tonight. I think Anderson had them set for the chopping block, but they both impressed him enough Wed night to garner one more chance to show they belong on this roster. If they both have good games tonight though, I still don’t think they’re a lock.
I think Anderson was ready to make cuts earlier, but some perfomances on Wed, both good and bad, have clouded the mind. I just hope the right guys stay. I know he’s gonna have some really tough decisions to make.
I would love for Max to make it, but if he has a floater game tonight what do you do? Sign him based on potiential and cast off Kane and maybe another forward? I feel like his perfomance will reflect what happens to Kane. Anderson’s seen enough out of the other top forwards to know what to expect. Tough call….I hope he steps up big tonight personally.
It’s almost like you want guys either to do really well or stink it up big time, just so the decisions are a little clearer. I imagine this is an area where you want complete input from all coaches and the two headed GM. Hopefully this is where Dudley can bring some much desired knowledge from up above.
Brendan-I agree with the feel of the ‘05/06 season, but I can’t say I have the same confidence as then about it. The goalies, depth in solid D, PK, and Kovy contract stuff I guess are the main reasons.
Darkhorse
September 25th, 2009
7:18 pm
I also feel Dwadley is going to watch the roster cuts around the league very closely over the next week. You never know who might be avalible. Someone mentioned Hiller with the Ducks as a slight possibility. Probably will be a few surprises.
Hockey Biltong
September 25th, 2009
7:25 pm
Kane should stay with the pro’s. If he needs to be sent to Chicago, then so be it. We pay the price to develop him properly and don’t trip over a dollar to save a dime. The Wolves are the best spot for him.We need to remember that this is not the time to be rubbing two dimes together to get a quarter.We pay for developing a pro player in a pro league.viz. Wolves or Trashers.Give him time to strengthen and learn in both leagues. He will do fine. Sending him to Vancouver is backwards because of where he is now, developmentaly.He needs to be challenged and protected. Commuting between Chi-town and The Atl would be the best fit for him.
Thrashers27
September 25th, 2009
7:56 pm
Hockey Biltong, Kane cannot go to Chicago/AHL. He’s too young/doesn’t have enough years in juniors. He has to go back to the WHL, or stay here in Atlanta.
R. Stroz
September 25th, 2009
8:06 pm
Mad Max isn’t in the lineup and unknown goalie stopped 14 of 15 shots in the first period.
The Thrashers had ONE shot in the first period. Unknown golaie must be standing on his head.
mutton
September 25th, 2009
8:08 pm
From the sounds of things the organization is even higher on Gratts than they were on the Hoff last season, and I got the impression that had he not broken his hand he wouldve been the 13th forward. I think itd be freakin AWESOME to see Boults and Gratts as the 4th line wingers.
R. Stroz
September 25th, 2009
8:16 pm
OOPS, Mad Max is an unknown player as well, so he is playing tonight.
World Be Free
September 25th, 2009
11:10 pm
Viking-I am confused, I thought all Vikings were Norwegian?
I know Norway was “owned” by Sweden for a long time.
If you are Swedish, shouldn’t you change your name from Viking to “Swede”?
World Be Free
September 25th, 2009
11:15 pm
Darkhorse, I said the same thing about the roster cuts/waiver wire earlier this week and earlier this summer. Some teams are butt up against the cap.
I would prefer we didn’t sign Max. He’s the 2nd coming of Mikko Makela, better known as “The European Vacation”. Problem for Max and Mikko was their vacations were taken on the ice, during games!
World Be Free
September 25th, 2009
11:17 pm
Smitty – thanks for suggesting something other than Slater on the 4th line.
A bronze statue has better hands than Slater.
Tony C.
September 26th, 2009
12:16 am
WBF-Not to be too contrarian, but have you seen Slater in person this preseason?
His offensive game seems to me to have absolutely improved no less than 75%-hands of bronze do not bat that puck out of mid-air and into the goal, also he had some very nice rushes the other night against Nashville… granted, I don’t think anyone will ever confuse him with Datsyuk, but it’s pretty apparent to me that he has put in some work on his touch/release.
Also, Stapleton, while offensively gifted is a smurf. I’m tired of seeing Thrashers’ centers win the draw but get mushed into the ice, resulting in an immediate turnover. What do you want out of a 4th line? In my mind, those guys are out there to establish “presence” in the attacking zone, and be responsible with the puck. Slater’s not the best in the biz in the circle, but he’s no slouch and I think everyone would agree his lines have been counted on (and deliver) some nice shots to the mouth and some nice zone presence.
Anyway, more later-somebody find a vid of the Gratton vs. Kostopoulos fight
Viking
September 26th, 2009
12:19 am
World Be Free, it appears you are associating “Norse” with Norway, but think Scandinavia instead. The Vikings lived primarily in what later became Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
As a kid, I actually used to play on Viking graves – mounds that were excellent starting points for sleigh races! The mound of Olof Trätälja, a Viking king, was huge. So my signature is actually very appropriate. Especially since my first name is said to be derived from an Old Norse Viking name.
ben
September 26th, 2009
1:16 am
oh oh
Stapleton, while offensively gifted is a smurf
When he scores we should sing Fa-la-la-la-la
Tony C.
September 26th, 2009
6:26 am
ok that was mean. I like his game though, no lie.
Found this:
http://www.life.com/image/91160891
Pretty dope. I think this is more along the lines of what coach was thinking when he told the guys last year “let’s not be a doormat” [sic].
Darren
September 26th, 2009
7:24 am
If y’all are looking for video of the Canes game, it can be seen at the link below:
http://hurricanes.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=684&id=47279
Do yourselves a favor and skip to 3:10 of the video. Then rewind and play again. You’ll thank me later.
Darren
September 26th, 2009
7:26 am
As an addendum, make sure to choose the “Flavor of the Game” video, then skip to said 3:10 mark.
Putting On The Foil
September 26th, 2009
7:27 am
To anyone who went to the game last night- Saw the boxscore, but what were your real impressions on Max’s play last night. Is Max in or out?
Lee
September 26th, 2009
8:39 am
ahhh, great game last night, ecspecially max. keep it up boys!
Lee
September 26th, 2009
8:41 am
putting on the foil-um well i think he’s in if you heard a couple days ago, anderson said that “Max is expected to play in a lot more games” so ill take that as a “yes” also check rawhide’s blog called:”He Said What???”
goose
September 26th, 2009
9:40 am
did anybody else notice in the canes flavor of the game that white was wearing a “A”
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
September 26th, 2009
9:42 am
This is your official RANALLO ALERT!!
New blog post in ten minutes!!!
World Be Free
September 26th, 2009
11:46 pm
Viking-thanks for the education and clarification.