Thrashers preview and predictions with Magic 8-Ball
After again watching 16 other teams compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup last spring, seeing Evander Kane taken with the fourth overall selection in the draft, learning of the trades and signings that brought players such as us Pavel Kubina and Nik Antropov, observing training camp activities and becoming reacquainted with the team in preseason…we have now finally made it through to the other side. One more summer has come and then taken it’s leave of us as we find ourselves now standing at the threshold of the tenth season of Atlanta Thrashers hockey. As such, it’s time for me to gaze into my crystal ball and see if I can properly prognosticate what lays ahead for the residents in Thrasherville.
Well, actually…I don’t really have a crystal ball. I did asked the AJC to procure one for me but the request was denied. The guys downtown were, however, kind enough to forward me this old Magic 8-Ball from the 1970’s. But I’m sure it’ll work just as good…right?
First we’ll review the offense, defense and goaltending… then we’ll get to my prediction on how many points they’ll earn and where they’ll finish in the standings. Let’s begin first with the strength of this team, shall we…the offense.
OFFENSE:
Take a look at the potential top three lines here…Kovalchuk-Antropov-Little…Kozlov-White-Afinogenov…Peverley-Reasoner-Armstrong. On paper, that’s about as potent an offense as we’ve come to see in these parts. Last season the Thrashers attack scored goals at a clip of 3.05 per game…which was the ninth-best in the NHL. During the second half of last season that was closer to something like 3.44 G/G.
Maxim Afinogenov joins a very potent Thrashers offense (AP/Gerry Broome)
I’m very excited about seeing Antropov on Kovy’s line with Bryan Little. This is a guy the captain lobbied heavily to get in here, so you can bet your bottom dollar that Ilya’s all geeked-up about it himself. My only concern is Nik being in the center.
Count me in as one of those who sees the signing of Maxim Afinogenov as a very good thing for Atlanta. Oh, and the price is right too…a mere $800,000.
Also, It’s great to have the likes of Marty Reasoner, Colby Armstrong, Todd White, and Slava Kozlov returning as well as the fourth-liners of Jim Slater, Eric Boulton and Chris Thorburn. There was a good deal of chemistry formulated via their great run to end last season and I think it’s something that will carry over this fall.
And I’m very excited about seeing a full season of The Pevs Dispenser dishing out his passes and serving up good, responsible play in the defensive end of the ice.
So, my first question for the Magic 8-Ball is…can this year’s offense perform at or above last year’s?… shaking Magic-8 Ball…”Outlook Good”!
Next…will Kovalchuk score 50 goals and 100 points?…shaking Magic 8-Ball…”As I See It, Yes”.
What about the power play…can it do better than last season’s 11th best 19.3% efficiency?…shaking, shaking…”Most likely”.
Honestly, John Anderson’s O-fense is going to do just fine overall.
DEFENSE:
The addition of Kubina is a big plus for the Thrashers…not just on the blueline, but on the power play as well. He’s big, 6-4 and 244 pounds, and can use his size well. He’ll probably be paired with Ron Hainsey, who’s entering his second year as a Thrasher. Zach Bogosian gets to officially drop the title of “rookie” from in front of his name and should see Super-Swede Tobias Enstrom alongside of him. Rounding out the defensive corps will be Boris Valabik, Mark Popovic and Anssi Salmela…two will play 3rd line defensive minutes, the third will observe the action from the press box.
Gotta tell ya folks, this has the potential of being the finest group of defensemen this organ-I-zation has assembled. But I say this for different reasons than the offense. Whereas the front lines have been fairly decent at times over the years, the words “Thrashers” and “defensive powerhouse” have rarely ever been used…uh, OK make that “never”…never been used in the same sentence together. But this group appears to be more solid than what we have grown painfully accustom to in these parts.
Look, nobody expects this defense to operate with the efficiency of a finely tuned Swiss watch…but as long as they don’t more closely resemble Swiss cheese, they’ll be fine. Especially if the offense is crankin’ out goals the way I think they will be.
Shots against are usually a problem with defenses past. Normally opposing teams will take 32-34 per game on the average…40+ games are not uncommon. This is especially troublesome when so many come at close range. Last spring this improved some…both in overall numbers of shots taken and proximity. And while I look for that trend to continue, one should not expect anything near the Red Wing-esque 25 or 26 SA/G numbers.
But the main issue on defense is the penalty kill. This particular aspect of the Thrashers’ game has been weak for years…at or near the bottom of the league. If last Sunday’s 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay is indication…giving up 3 power play goals…then this is going to be a major problem.
Solution? Well…stay out of the penalty box, I guess.
One last thing…team defense requires forwards to back check and help in the defensive zone. A lot of the problem in the past has been the lack of this. One of Anderson’s biggest chores this fall is to address this and improve it. Doing so will go a long way in determining the team’s success.
Now, back to the Magic 8-Ball. Can this defense hold teams to at or below 30 shots per game on a regular basis?…shaking Magic 8-Ball…”Signs Point To Yes”.
OK, what about the penalty kill…can it at least look respectable?…shaking, shaking…”Don’t Count On It”.
Goals per game…can it hold teams to 3.00 GA/G or less? …shaking, shaking…”My Sources Say No”.
This defense looks to be bigger and stronger than those of the past. The question is…will it be less porous?
GOALKEEPING:
Early on in the summer, this was seen to be an area of strength for the team. Kari Lehtonen played very well down the stretch and we have the ever-reliable Johan Hedberg backing up. Ondrej Pavelec was available if need be to be called upon in case of an emergency…just as he was during “Kari Down ‘07” and “Kari Down ‘09”. However, it was a given that he would otherwise spend his time with the AHL Chicago Wolves.
The fact that we were so deep in goalkeepers led general manager Don Waddell to openly discuss how one of them could/would be used to trade for a player that could sure up other areas of concern for the team.
Hopefully Opie will have a better showing than he did last Sunday (AP/John Amis)
However…
Kari went under the knife in July to address a herniated disc in his back. Before you knew it, “Kari Down ‘09” came about sooner than expected.
The organization was prudent enough to invite veteran netminder Manny Legace into camp for a tryout…but ultimately Waddell & Co. decided to offer Manny…and his 177-92-18-18 record, 2.38 GAA, .912 SV% and 23 career shutouts… a contract to play in Chicago with the Wolves. According to C-Viv, he chose to try to find another team in the NHL or in Europe.
Pavelec…with his 6-10-0 career record, 3.42 GAA, .890 SV% and as many career shutouts as your or I do, zero….will more than likely be between the pipes on opening night.
Now, all that means is Opie once again has a chance to be a hero. If he can help welcome Kari back…whether that’s in two games, two weeks or two months…to a team that has a winning record, or even just break even, then he’s done his job and everyone is happy.
Returning then to our Magic 8-Ball… overall, how will the goalkeeping be for the Thrashers?…shaking, shaking…”Cannot predict Now”.
I would assume this is because Kari’s return is still yet unknown and Opie’s abilities as the starter is still a big question mark. Quite frankly, the sooner Lehtonen returns, the better.
Recap And Prediction Time
So then what do I predict will be the fate of this Tenth Edition of the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2009-10 NHL campaign? Well, I think that a lot of the good play we saw last spring was not a fluke…that we’ll see more of the same through the course of the season. There was a good amount of team chemistry that was created by their success then and we should see the benefits of that throughout the season.
Shake up your Magic 8-Ball and tell me what it says about the Thrashers playoff chances
- Don't Count On It: Fewer Than 76 (5%, 8 Votes)
- My Sources Say No: Between 76-81 (12%, 19 Votes)
- Very Doubtful: Between 82-88 (30%, 47 Votes)
- Most Likely: 89-94 points (45%, 71 Votes)
- Yes-Definitely: Above 94 points (8%, 13 Votes)
Total Voters: 158
Loading ...The defense looks a lot better to me then what we’re used to seeing…especially that top-four group. While I’m not expecting them to lead the league in stats, if they are simply average we’ll be fine.
Goalkeeping, especially at the beginning of the season, is a concern of mine. But I think…no hope…no pray… that Opie and Moose will be able to handle the first few games until…crossing fingers…Kari returns in a few weeks. Lehtonen showed us last spring what he could be once healthy and focused and I would have been a lot happier if he were starting and not Opie. Sure wish I knew who was in charge of deciding to wait until July to have the procedure done and not earlier on.
As for special teams, the power play will be fine, penalty kill…not so much.
Bottom line, I have this team pegged for anywhere from 86 to 90 points and making a run at the postseason. How well the defense is improved and what happens in goal will decide where in that range they’ll fall. For the sake of Brendan’s Points Prediction and Placement Contest… think we will see a team that’ll finish with 88 points, say a record of 39-33-10, and fall just short of the postseason…third place in the Southeast Division and tenth place in the Eastern Conference. Unlike last year, I don’t see them being quite so Jekyell and Hyde by playing very poorly one half then very well the next. I think they’ll be more consistent as the season progresses.
Oh, I almost forgot… one last, very important question for the Magic 8-Ball.
Will Ilya Kovalchuk re-sign with the Thrashers soon, or will we be dealing with this throughout the season…possibly into the summer?
shaking the Magic 8-Ball…”Reply Hazy, Ask Again”.
shaking again…”Ask Again Later”.
shaking again…”Cannot Predict Now”.
Ugh…
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220 comments Add your comment
goose
September 30th, 2009
9:34 pm
First!
Buzz
September 30th, 2009
9:52 pm
Where does Kane line up? I predict a trade of Armstrong perhaps.
I think Bogo will play alongside Kubina and Hainsey and Enstrom will be the 2nd pairing.
Our goalie situation is bleak, even healthy you have to wonder if Lehtonen is good enough. Roberto Luongo (or even Tomas Vokoun!) could have made this a playoff team some time ago. Pavs has not been as good as hoped for. He looked bad in the Lightning 5-1 preseason loss.
I think they can make the playoffs, but if they lose Kovalchuk to another team, the Thrashers should move to Phoenix and die a slow death like the Coyotes.
Krust
September 30th, 2009
9:54 pm
We will make the playoffs
Rawhide
September 30th, 2009
9:58 pm
Where does Kane line up? I predict a trade of Armstrong perhaps
Buzz – That makes me scratch my head too. Once Army is ready to go…I see no room for Kane.
We will make the playoffs
Krust – Hope you’re right…my prediction of 88 points indicates not but I do think they can make a run…depending, of course, on the defense and in goal.
rightshot
September 30th, 2009
9:59 pm
Nice overview. Better than anything I have seem else where. I think once the goal tending situation is worked out (looking skyward) we should be ok.
Hopefully the immediate road trip will have a similar, if not better, bonding effect on the team than last years trip out west and they can start off well and keep it up all season. (Again looking skyward)
Over all I think it will be an improved team and hopefully enough so that Kovy will resign a long term contract.(Clasping my hand together, falling to my knees and looking skyward with much earnest and humility and hope)
GO THRASHERS!
NYC
September 30th, 2009
9:59 pm
Silver? Holy s^*t!
Darkhorse
September 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
OK Brendan-I have much angst over this, but I’ll let the optimistic side show through a little. Thrashers-93pts, 3rd in division, 7th in conference. If things are progressing well, they will have cap room to make a move at the deadline. Just hope it’s not Kovy going the other way. The goal situation scares the hell out of me though.
World Be Free
September 30th, 2009
11:15 pm
I am going back to one of my recent themes-team defense.
This team must back check, reduce the odd man rushes, clear the front of the net (are you listening Boris?), cover the points and get the centers involved in neutralizing scoring chances down the middle. Limiting the opponent to 27 shots or less should be our “goal” for every game. We have had the entire summer watching teams on NHL Netwaork playing great defense in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Also-get Kovy’s name on a contract now. You wanna get everyone fired up? Get his commitment, so we can move forward starting Saturday night.
mehoff
September 30th, 2009
11:17 pm
I’m gonna go 98 points, 2nd in divison, and 5th in conference.
I agree with rightshot, i think the the road trip at the beginning will be a good thing.
As far as Kane goes, he’ll get his shot… I don’t see them trading Army. Most likely, he’ll play his 9 games, and if he over performs, he’ll make the team and thors/slater will be scratched. But most likely, the penny-pinching ownership group will send him back for another year in vancouver.
the goalie situation is still a gigantic concern. This is the chance for Pavs, like it or not.
If Kovy’s not signed by Dec. 1st, he’s gone…. we have to get off to hot start
Sara
September 30th, 2009
11:25 pm
I’ve been watching NHL Network’s “Is This the Year” and the thing they keep coming back to is a real dogfight for the bottom 2 or 3 playoff spots in the East. The problem is almost every team either stayed flush or improved. Tampa got a defense. Toronto is grittier and sure looked good in the preseason. Ottawa may well have improved via the ol’ addition by subtraction by moving out Heater and his attitude. The list goes on.
I think the Thrashers *can* be a playoff team this year. However, the competition is going to be fierce and I’m starting to worry that we may miss out by a nose because of the tight race. But that’s why they play the games as they say and we won’t know until the puck officially drops on this season for the team. I’d say my biggest hope is that if things do not get off to a good start, that both the coaching staff and management/ownership react quickly to that. If Valabik keeps screwing up, hopefully they bench him for someone steadier and less penalty-prone. If Pavelec and Moose aren’t up to the task, and Kari isn’t available, get someone else in here – heck even if it’s MacIntyre. If the PK is faltering, stress staying out the box and spend every practice reviewing tape and working on it til they get it right.
A big problem in the past (particularly under Hartley) was a lack of swift action when things did not work well. It was a bit better last year in that some guys that were not working out here (Williams and Christensen) were jettisoned. Even that took much of the season however and we can’t wait until January to make changes if they are still needed.
I’m generally optimistic but this season there is so much on the line that it’s hard to be blase about any of it.
Brendan
September 30th, 2009
11:37 pm
Buzz, like I was telling Dwayne on the other blog, if Waddell is targeting a high dollar player in a trade, Colby Armstrong’s $2.4 million going the other way is a nice way to keep the cap around $50.0 million. That is, if Waddell really has been ‘greenlighted’ to spend $50 million. Hey, who said speculating isn’t fun? My guess is that Colby Armstrong would prefer to be playing second line minutes. Somewhere, ANYWHERE. If Colby got that chance, he might even welcome the trade. Colby was an RFA this Summer, but he opted to sign a 1-year deal.
LAC
September 30th, 2009
11:37 pm
Long season folks, #17 gone at trade deadline, out of playoffs again, nowhere close and I believe waddell WILL get fired FINALLY after all of his screwups ! Just another tough season to endure…
ben
September 30th, 2009
11:43 pm
waddell won’t be fired. i feel that his job has nothing to do w/ point totals. a trade is coming
Brendan
September 30th, 2009
11:54 pm
Well Rawhide, I finally pried it out of you! You’re in … at 88-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in Conference. I think that’s an excellent pick. FYI, at 88-points, 3rd in the SE Division, and 8th in the Conference is five_hole. At 88-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in conference, AN IDENTICAL VOTE TO YOURS, Rawhide, is Viking. At 88-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 8th in Conference, is Get The Puck Out. That’s quite a logjam at 88-points.
Mehoff, you’re entered at 98-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 5th in the Conference. So that you know, at 98-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 6th in Conference is Jameson. At 98-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 8th in Conference, is “rightshot.” That one might be a nail-biter for the three of you at 98-points. Good luck to all of you.
Darkhorse, I got you locked-in at 93-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 7th in the Conference. So that you know, at 93-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 8th in the conference is WBF.
At 94-points, is “Putting On the Foil,” tied to 2nd in SE Division and 6th in the Conference. At 92-points, are “ben,” “DWTOO,” and “mutton.” Ben and DWTOO have a 2nd place finish for the Thrashers, whereas mutton has them 3rd. Ben has them 4th in the Conference, DWTOO has them 5th, and mutton has them 9th.
frosty the snowman
October 1st, 2009
12:12 am
Brendan, put me down for 76 points, 4th in SE, and 14th conference.
Kovy is gone in free agency
Brendan
October 1st, 2009
12:13 am
ben and LAC, Don Waddell doesn’t get fired. I’ve learned that. But, he doesn’t have to be fired to not be here next season. He could just “not get renewed” during the offseason. Forbes Magazine says Waddell’s contract is up at season’s end. I don’t know that I believe Forbes, however. If I know Waddell, he has clause in his contract that says if he’s still the GM on Opening Night, 2009, then an automatic 1-year contract extension kicks-in. And even if there isn’t any such clause, what are the odds this ownership won’t just renew him in October or November, anyway? Actually, rubbin’ my chin, the moment Kovalchuk is re-signed, that’ll probably also be the moment where the Atlanta Spirit Group, LLC announces a new contract for Waddell.
What?
You doubt that? If the Spirit, LLC wanted to fire Waddell, they’d have done it long ago. They like him. Or they’re at least ‘pleased enough’ by what they’ve seen. Or they’re just plum, too darned lazy to attempt to search for another GM. I don’t know. I can’t apply logic to the Spirit. Though with ASSOCIATE GM Dudley here, they at least have an heir apparent, should they decide to fire Waddell. Which, again, doesn’t happen. Don Waddell doesn’t get fired. That’s the rule. If Don Waddell is no longer the GM, it means he’s been promoted to President or CEO of the Atlanta Spirit Group, to oversee the budgets of both the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers. So, he’s not really gone. And probably controls whatever Dudley would want to go as the “named” GM.
stendec
October 1st, 2009
12:21 am
No playoffs for ice chokers! Thrashers will once again be near or at bottom of league in goals surrendered. Due, mostly to, ah, forget it! Soft goals will be the norm not the exception. Thrashers will continue to be absent without leave on home ice. Most heartless defeats of season will be reserved for home fans. Teams will scheme to neutralize lone Thrasher offensive threat. Ilya Kovalchuk will become increasingly frustrated at being held, punched and hounded by goons from drop of puck to final buzzer every game. This constant attention will result in even more missed open nets and microscopic misfires. I am certain Russian led world in this dubious category for all professed hockey stars. That rage will equate to more senseless penalties being taken. Thrashers will have one of most inept power kills in league. Power play will not be much better as powerless one last season. IK will be shadowed forevermore like that raven said. Numerous bouts will be tied late only to have…oh well, what is the use in even trying to tell unbelievers? I will not have to call for tar and feathers for certain netminder after another nauseating campaign. Many of his most staunch supporters now will be scouring Atlanta for those items. Enjoy KL this season. It will be his last with a bird on his shirt. Peace.
Brendan
October 1st, 2009
12:29 am
Frosty The Snowman was a jolly, happy soul, but not with a picks prediction of 76, 4th and 14th. I don’t know that we can sit through A-N-O-T-H-E-R 76-point campaign. But, nonetheless, you’re registered for just that, Frosty, tied to 4th place in the SE Division and 14th in the Conference.
Brendan
October 1st, 2009
12:40 am
If Kari could be traded for a better goalie, with years left on his deal, perhaps Waddell would do it. Perhaps. Is such a deal possible? I have the feeling that we just have to hope Kari comes back from this injury and has a great year. His trade value isn’t high. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that it’s yet another ‘contract year’ for Lehtonen, where he’s got to produce to command higher dollars. Next Summer, Kari will still be restricted, believe it or not. So, he won’t get paid UFA prices.
Well, this situation is quite ideal for Pavelec, considering that he WANTS to be this team’s #1 goalie. What BETTER OPPORTUNITY is there … than RIGHT NOW … for doing that?
Hockey Biltong
October 1st, 2009
12:41 am
what???!!! you get tired of bashing the Falcons???? sheesh.
Brendan, I know you have me down, but I am now paranoid since you didn’t mention my prognostication…
Brendan
October 1st, 2009
12:54 am
Hockey Biltong, you’re registered at 91-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 5th in the Conference. You can breathe easy now.
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
1:05 am
Angst and worry are bred by idle inactivity or in this case, a long wait for the season to begin.
Obviously we look better than last season on paper as of Opening Night. BUT we won’t know much more than we do now EVEN IF we trounce the Dolts on Sat. I’m sure most folks here recall the triumphant outcome on 10/10/08 when we opened the season vs eventual EC finalist WSH.
Its a long season and we will not know what we have till late Oct or early Nov after the team has a chance to settle in at home after the 5 game roadie.
Having said that, I’m not quite as optimistic as before considering our GAA over the last 5 pre-season games was 3.4. The offense may have more off nites early on before things click with the new components. As a result, we may come out of Oct 3 or 4 gms under .500, UNGOOD!
Thusly, I’m going to change my prediction to a record of 39-36-7 and 85 pts, good enough for 4th in the SE and tied for 10th in the Conf.
I surely hope I’m wrong and we can eek out another 3 or 4 wins to sneak into the playoffs.
Thrashy Thrashy
October 1st, 2009
1:54 am
I’ll go with 87 points, 3rd in SE, 10th in conference.
five_hole
October 1st, 2009
7:29 am
I’m feeling really good about this team. We’re bigger. We’re faster. We have great goaltending. Ok, maybe not so much on the last one. And that’s what gets teams into the playoffs. We have to pray that Kari doesn’t get a toothache; a blister or too close of a haircut which would send him back to the disabled list.
IF we could get 60 games out of Kari, I think we could make the playoffs. I just don’t think we can count on him.
Sara
October 1st, 2009
7:33 am
You guys should check out Ben’s Blueland Blog – he’s got a list up of the media appearances for the team on the radio in the next couple of days and it’s pretty impressive. Bogosian, Little, Army, Kovy, Thorbs, Reasoner, Anderson, Kane, and Waddell will all get some talk time.
Bogosian was on 680 just a few minutes ago. Very brief (way too brief) but they asked him about his progression after having a season under his belt – Bogey said he has a much better feel for the game now. Asked about the hot finish last season and the response was the typical “we’re hoping it carries over to this year and we get off to a good start.” Talked about how the team is enthusiastic and ready for puck drop. He mentioned his trip to Barbados and then a brief chat about golf and Stewart Cink stopping by the practice facility yesterday. So not a lot of substance to that interview but there it is.
Anyway I recommend checking out the media schedule – tomorrow morning in particular the guys are going to be all over the place covering most of the regular stations (though Q100 is noticeably absent from the list which is a major mistake IMO). We need to divvy up the listening duties since a lot of these may overlap. I’ll go ahead and say though that I’ll be dialing up that Kovy interview for certain.
Puck drops on the new season tonight – sooo geeked that it’s finally back!!!!!!!!
Smitty
October 1st, 2009
7:35 am
Ever the optimist. Pavs has a good start with the help of a steadier defense. I believe last Sunday’s game was an aberration. Tampa is not as good as they looked and we are not as bad as we looked. I look for the Thrash to make the playoffs and finish with 92 points, 2nd in the division and 7th in the conference.
Zoomo
October 1st, 2009
7:39 am
Nice write up, Bill! Excellent analysis. I’m opitmistic, but I always am with this team until they blow four or five in a row and quickly crush my excitiment. I think a better than .500 start is a huge key and will be hard to achieve with Opie in goal. That could get the negative snowball rolling. If we avoid that type of start I think we’ll be one of the teams fighting for the last 2 or 3 spots in the East.
One thing I’ve observed, in spite of the last pre-sesaon game, is that the team has been sharp in practice. It is a noticably different vibe at the practice rink from years past. Drills are executed with percision and there’s a certain energy that I’ve never seen there before. That gives me hope. But, it still comes down to improved defense and goaltending and that is, as you say, a bit of question mark.
Hip Czech
October 1st, 2009
8:03 am
Brendan, I’m in at 89 points, 3rd in the SE, 10th in the conference.
Big margin of error – if goaltending is decent, the D improved like we think it may be and Kovy signs then +7 points; if goaltending stinks, PK continues to be 27th in the league and Kovy is gone at the deadline -7 points.
Putting On The Foil
October 1st, 2009
8:09 am
So far, I’m rooting for Mehoff to win the prognostication award.
Toby
October 1st, 2009
8:26 am
FYI…
Donny Dub will be on 790 The Zone at 10:10 this morning.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 1st, 2009
9:09 am
That makes me scratch my head too. Once Army is ready to go…I see no room for Kane.
I’m guessing Armstrong will be ready to go within the 9 game tryout session for Kane, at which time they’ll assess if Kane is “ready” or not for the NHL level. I’m hoping Kane is sent down to Juniors and Armstrong is slotted back into his comfortable position of 3rd line RW, once healthy.
Buzilla in CT
October 1st, 2009
9:41 am
My prediction? We shock the world. Stanley. Cup. Champs.
There. I said it.
Now make it happen.
Thrash finish with the presidents trophy and 112 pts.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 1st, 2009
9:47 am
Buzilla — Are you drunk at 9:40am AGAIN?
h
October 1st, 2009
9:50 am
Brendan, I’ll jump in here as well…..I say 97 points…44-29-9. 2nd place in division and 6th in conference. Also, to me, when Army is ready, Marty goes to line 4 and Slater goes to wing along with a pick ‘em of Bolts/Thor/Grats on the other wing
Bob
October 1st, 2009
9:55 am
It’s too early to be drinking, zilla.
Rawhide, I agree that this club will pot some goals. But hold the other club under 30 shots per game? Not a chance, my friend. The D is assembled for Coach’s system, no shutdown guys anywhere. Kubina is o first, as is Hainsey, as is Enstrom, and Bogosian is still too green. Couple the shooting gallery with our suspect goaltending, and it will be our achilles heel, yet again.
Spud Webb
October 1st, 2009
9:56 am
Brendan, 85 points & out of the playoffs. This goal situation reminds me of the year hartley got fired. Just plain ugly. Not sure why Legace isn’t there. Kari, I have a sneaky suspicion that as soon as the back is healed, his groin will go…Moose is servicable, thats it. UGH. D&mmit. I’m hopeful that I am WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY off with the 85, but i think thats it.
five_hole
October 1st, 2009
10:05 am
The question to me isn’t “Are we better?”; of course we are. I think the better question is; “How do we now stack up with the other teams in the southeast?”. And as I look at the Crapitals (lost Brasheer & Federov), the candy ‘Canes (lost almost their entire D) and the Florida Tabbys (lost Bowmester), I think we improved and they got worse.
I definitely think that Tampa got better, but how much better? That depends on the development of Stamkos. I really hated to see Hedman get drafted by them; that was exactly what they needed. They lost Prospal, but they didn’t need the offense, they needed defense and that’s exactly what they got. If they were smart Saturday night, they’d start Nittymaki.
I am SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to Saturday night!
Putting On The Foil
October 1st, 2009
10:05 am
A bottle of Glenfidich and a Cohiba Siglo for me too Buzilla.
Darkhorse
October 1st, 2009
10:18 am
My tiebreaker with WBF Brendan- record of 44-33-5. I don’t know where this crazy good feeling’s coming from, but I hope it’s better than that even.
Buzilla in CT
October 1st, 2009
10:18 am
“Expect great things and great things will happen.”
Do you know who said that? Kovalchuk while he was signing his contract extention that will be announced opening night.
What is a good mixer for Jager?
Buzilla in CT
October 1st, 2009
10:19 am
I haven’t been this excited about opening night since…last year. Burp.
3stripes
October 1st, 2009
10:20 am
Long time lurker. Rawhide – really enjoy your blogs here and on HockeyBuzz. Brendan – 87 pts, 4th in SE, 11th in East.
Baldheaded Thrasher
October 1st, 2009
10:21 am
The D men were not the only issue on the high number of SAG ! We turn the puck over and didn’t control it real well. Number will improve but not awhole lot!
The key to the season is the first road trip…if we stink it up the team loses confidence in JA’s system and we are back to square one with a large hole to climb out of.
This is whay KL not being healthy is a such a large concern! Opie has to step up to the plate but those rebounds scare me. Keep the pipeline open for Manny!
William
October 1st, 2009
10:24 am
Great post Rawhide! Thanks.
Kane: I like Evander. From the little I’ve seen him play in the preseason, he looks like he has a lot of the basics down (which you should have to play in the NHL), is a good skater, looks good on the penalty kill, is not afraid to go down the ice or get hit, and above all has a good head on his shoulders. Mentally he seems ready, which is most important. The most urgent question in my mind is “Can he learn quickly enough?” He will learn so much more being around guys like Ilya, Slava, and Nick than playing in the Junior (assuming he doesn’t play on the 4th line). I know we really want to make the playoffs this season, but we can’t completely forget about the future. I think Evander can make it if he puts in the effort at the beginning of the season and will not hurt our chances of the postseason. Maybe he will help? O-yeah, he just turned 18.
Dandylions
October 1st, 2009
10:25 am
I can’t vote for a losing season so I say 96pts, 2nd, and 7th. GO THRASHERS!!
Don Waddell
October 1st, 2009
10:25 am
Excuse me, Excuse me, have you seen my magic eight ball? How am I suppossed to make decisions without my magic eight ball? My magic eight ball is missing. Excuse me, excuse me, someone took my magic eight ball off my desk.
Buzilla in CT
October 1st, 2009
10:37 am
Waddells Magic Eight Ball Reads:
You’re doing Great!
Make a trade now, don’t worry about who
You’re the best GM
Everyone respects you
Do it. Do it now!
What Would Dudley do?
J.B.
October 1st, 2009
10:38 am
Buzzila – I find the best mixer for Jager is in fact more Jager
five_hole
October 1st, 2009
10:39 am
Hey Putting On The Foil – instead of ‘Fitich, try McKellen’s. 25 years old and smooth as a baby’s behind.
J.B.
October 1st, 2009
10:42 am
I placed my guess for Kovalchuk re-signing weeks ago and if I’m not mistaken, my guess was Oct. 1st. (Couldn’t guarantee I made Brendan’s deadline for a guess, but I guessed for fun nonetheless; Dr, Suess anyone?) Anyhow, I just have this feeling that the posturing at the press conference and the timing of these articles about the contract is suspect. I still think DW’s going to have him signed before the start of the season and I still wouldn’t be surprised if it was tonight at the STH event. Of course, I had a feeling Zherdev was going to come to Atlanta too…
Alan R.
October 1st, 2009
10:50 am
Don Waddell, have you seen my stapler?
Will L
October 1st, 2009
10:52 am
I’ll be optimistic or rather hopeful that the Thrash can get it done during the regular season and get into the playoffs unlike the braves who choked away any hope they had built up the last two nights. With that realy long sentence, I’ll say 99 points, another SE banner and 3rd in the East. But unlike 2007 we finally win a playoff game or a few.
Adam
October 1st, 2009
10:53 am
I think with so much riding on this year that any thing less than six (yes 6) playoff games in Phillips will be UNGOOD. The future of the franchise is at stake here. The resigning of Kovy, the ability to draw the attention of proven quality NHL talent next summer and the budget to get them here hinge on the revenue of those those game 6 games will bring. If history is any indicator things don’t look so good. How many times have we seen the strong finish of a season not carry over into the start of the next?
On paper this team assembled before us is better than last year in every aspect except between the pipes. Is Opie, or even wonder groin, up to the stress of the situation we’re in? Doubtful at best. (shaking, shaking…”Don’t Count On It”)
If Opie doesn’t preform as needed a change will need to be made by the end of the month.
Now if the whole team can go out and have fun and not focus on the ramifications of not attaining a solid 4-6 payoff position they will be able to win games. There are going to be down times and bouncing back is what will make the difference. This will come down to JA and the rest of the coatch
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 1st, 2009
10:53 am
Someone has a case of the Monday’s.
Toby
October 1st, 2009
10:57 am
Mine is 91 pts – 3rd southeast – 7th east.
J.B.
October 1st, 2009
10:57 am
anybody want to go to Chochkie’s? I gotta get outta here…
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
11:07 am
Young Aaron Johnson sure would look nice in Thrashers blue as a waiver wire pick-up…gotta increase our Valabik “gap in the crease” insurance!
Amended prediction (cuz a tie for 10th with only 85 pts doesn’t make sense…I shouldn’t post as a sleep deprived zombie at 1 am):
39 — 35 — 8 for a total of 86 pts; 4th in SE; sole possession of 11th
FINAL ANSWER, PASS THE JAGER!
Sara
October 1st, 2009
11:09 am
Recap of Waddell’s interview on 790 (be shocked, they actually asked some tough questions – right around telling Don what a fantastic guy he is).
1 – Asked about this being the most critical year for the franchise – you can auto-fill the response, we know this one already.
2 – Asked him if he reads much of the off-season chatter – No, that’s what his PR staff is for.
3 – Talked about not having a buffer early in the season – have to come right out of the gate on all cylinders
4 – This was the BEST question of the entire interview … they mentioned that a lot of people have written off Waddell already and why should they believe him now. Don’s response – Forget about Don Waddell. People don’t come to watch Don Waddell. Believe in the players like Kovalchuk and Bogosian.
5 – Guys likened the goalie position to being the drummer in Spinal Tap – I believe the quote was “Damien Rhodes partied his way out of Atlanta. Norm Maracle ate his way out of Atlanta.” Don laughed then agreed it had been an “interesting ride.” Talked about Kari – his recovery from back surgery is a bit slower than expected and he’s still weeks away. It’s an opportunity for Pavs. The crew followed up asking Don if he was disappointed with picking Kari. His response was essentially that he was disappointed in his injuries, but never with Kari’s capabilities. (my word choice in paraphrasing)
I’ll post the rest of it in another post – since these things will vanish when you take too long…
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
11:20 am
Thanks Sara, at least they tried to challenge him a bit. Now if they were only that tough on Bobby Cox!
Adam
October 1st, 2009
11:22 am
I think with so much riding on this year that any thing less than six (yes 6) playoff games in Phillips will be UNGOOD. The future of the franchise is at stake here. The re-signing of Kovy, the ability to draw the attention of proven quality NHL talent next summer and the budget to get them here hinge on the revenue of those those game 6 games will bring. If history is any indicator things don’t look so good. How many times have we seen the strong finish of a season not carry over into the start of the next?
On paper this team assembled before us is better than last year in every aspect except between the pipes. Is Opie, or even wonder groin, up to the stress of the situation we’re in? (shaking, shaking…”Don’t Count On It”) Doubtful at best.
If Opie doesn’t preform as needed and KL is still not ready a change will need to be made by the end of the month if not sooner.
Now if the whole team can go out and have fun and not focus on the ramifications of not attaining a solid 4-6 payoff position they will be able to win games. There are going to be down times and bouncing back is what will make the difference. They cannot afford to have many 3+ game losing streaks let alone a single string of 5 or more games with zero points an remain in the hunt. This will come down to JA and the rest of the coaching staff along with the leadership of the Kaptain.
Brendan- My brain is telling me 82pts, 4th in the division and 13th in the conference but since my cash is staying in my wallet I’m going to go with my heart. Put me down for 99pts, 2nd in the division and 5th in the conference.
five_hole- I hope TB starts Nittymaki and we light him up. Getting that monkey off the back might just be what’s needed to get this team off and running. A 6-5 Thrashers win to open the season, Little gets the game winner.
Adam
October 1st, 2009
11:24 am
Sorry about the 1st post everyone, must have happened switching windows…
Sara
October 1st, 2009
11:24 am
Waddell interview continued:
6 – Discussed problems with defense and shots against. Waddell reiterated the game plan of winning 5-3, 5-4, not 1-0, 2-1 games. To which the guy replied that it would make for very interesting hockey – as long as they could win that way. Don did mention the team ranked high in goals scored, but at the bottom in goals against and they have to get that down (ya think?)
7 – Looking back over his entire time here in Atlanta, were there things he could reflect on and say “That was a big mistake”? First words out of his mouth were Coburn for Zhitnik. He said he knew before they even made that trade they would regret it soon. They specifically asked about Savard and Hossa: Don’s replies were that Savy was already set to go and that they had thought they had a really good opportunity to retain Hossa but it was very frustrating and ultimately it turned out they had no chance.
8 – He was asked why no one in the national media seems to buy into the idea that the good run from late last season means good things for this year. Don said there would be no recognition until they started winning. Oh – realized here that I skipped something from question 2 – Waddell was asked about the whole SI thing and him being on the hot seat. He replied he felt safe, talked about this being a business though they needed to win games.
9 – They discussed the brutal start to the schedule and the road trips.
10 – Asked about some specific players: Bogosian – Don referred to him as a force and that they are looking for him to step up as a leader. Mentioned Zach added a weight room in his home and put on about 15 lbs in muscle mass over the off-season. Then moved on to Kaner – said he will make the club and start but they were also looking to see how he would handle an 82-game grind. Talked about Kozzie and how he was the #1 conditioned guy on the team. Lastly came Kovy – this was all the same stuff we’ve already heard – great negotiations and discussions, confident something will happen in the near future. Kovy is “happy so far” about all the additions, just have to see how it all works out on the ice.
This was followed up with a question about were the owners aware of what is at stake and how crucial it is to retain Kovy. Will the money be there? Can’t get outbid on the market. Don said ownership is more stable, well aware of what’s at stake. He said the money is big (with a chuckle), real big. After which some discussion ensued about fundraisers and how much money they had in their pockets.
The rest was just some fun chatter, no more real information.
Don Waddell
October 1st, 2009
11:29 am
Um, I predict 140 points, 1st in the division and the conference. Bruce pass that drink back over here.
Pavs is in goal to show everyone how smart I am at drafting. BURP!
h
October 1st, 2009
11:34 am
Rawhide, I hear that only on Thursday nights will the Thrashers sport the Third/Red Jersey. Did you hear that as well? If so, I like that better than every home division game. That was annoying.
Rawhide
October 1st, 2009
11:40 am
h – yes…all Thursday night home games the Thrashers will wear the red alternate jerseys.
Will L, William & 3Stripes – Welcome…and that’s for your opinions and predictions!
Adam
October 1st, 2009
11:46 am
ranallo10- Hell, the way business has been lately every day is a Monday….
World Be Free
October 1st, 2009
12:19 pm
Wow-predictions across the board-
The optimistic “Titans” (from the movie) that feel good about the club.
The pessimistic “Titanics” (big vessel in the North Atlantic) who feel the Thrashers will stink and sink. We will see who is right.
Everyone has a tough schedule, 3 games in 4 nights because of the Olympics. Players 19 through 23 on our roster will get more quality playing time. This will lead to nagging injuries that do not get the proper time to heal.
Play team defense/get Kovy signed
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
12:27 pm
Here’s another fun game to play? Who will score more goals?
Todd White or Maxim Afinogenov?
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Max edges Whitey (if he remains healthy) with 19 goals to 18.
Miami Screaming Eagle
October 1st, 2009
12:37 pm
Just read that Kovy might not resign until midseason, if at all. This is not good news.
Anyone believing this will not be a distraction is nuts.
LAC
October 1st, 2009
12:51 pm
Great read Sara, always on the Money, like Brenden, the King & Queen of the blogs !!!!!!
Yeah, NEVER a straight answer from worthless waddell, he simply flatout LIES, how can this franchise tolorate one more minute of this BUM ?
He had NEVER put a true winner on the ice, why now ? This team is NOT very good and we will ALL see that within the next two weeks, I am sorry to say… Thanks don, you have proven once again what an awful
GM is, sorry coach, winning the Stanley Cup here will never be in our lifetime, esp until waddell is FIRED once and for all.
Safe don, be glad I don’t own the team, then the noose arpund the teams neck, YOU would be the first thing to GO ! And I mean THING !
B. Thenet
October 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
Hey Bill,
Can you find out why that tool Eklund always picks us dead last in his season preview.
Is that his petty little way of saying we don’t deserve a hockey team? We haven’t even finished last in the Conference since the Thrashers 3rd season.
HookyBob
October 1st, 2009
1:10 pm
Hey folks less than 55 hrs until they drop the puck on the Thrashers opener. Less than 7 hours til the 09-10 chase for Lord Stanley’s cup officially begins.
Tony C.
October 1st, 2009
1:18 pm
Have to 2nd Screaming Eagle-major !DANGER! !DANGER WILL ROBINSON! un-good.
If we lose Kovalchuk, we lose NHL again. Still not the fans’ fault. grrr
I’m glad that ASG and DW know they’re playing russian roulette (pardon the pun) with the ENTIRE franchise, the ol’ six-shooter’s gone “click” four times… no pressure… no pressure…
Hey man, ‘m optimistic, I do think we’ll have a much better year but if you think that it won’t be a MAJOR distraction to have an un-signed #17 in the room (wearing the C no less!), please stop doing the Jaegerbombs.
Andrew
October 1st, 2009
1:23 pm
90 points, 3rd in division, 8th in Eastern Conference.
We take over the eight spot with a win against the Penguins on the final game of the season.
Will L
October 1st, 2009
1:42 pm
And only 3 weeks until I get to go see Kovy and Ko. down at Philips. I wish the opener wasn’t on a saturday night during college football. I am a big thrashers fan but Auburn football will always be my #1. I’ll definitely have the DVR pulling double duty saturday night.
Rawhide
October 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
Per Ben Wright’s twitter…Nathan Oystrick has been assigned to Chicago.
Also, C-Viv has an interesting blog about Sports Illustrated predicting the Thrashers to finish last in the east. Ya know…I haven’t read SI for years, maybe a decade. Except of course for the swimsuit editions.
But that doesn’t really count as “reading”…right?
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
1:47 pm
Mr. Tiller, are we definitely doing a viewing party at TJ’s for the Sens Blow Sens game on 10/10? I may be out of town on the 17th and miss the Thrashers Fan Club party so I’m hoping to catch some Thrashers hockey on the 10th since so many of the October road games are not on TV. By the by, do they carry a satellite feed with HD for the games against Canadian clubs? Even more incentive to go to Alpharetta.
Rawhide
October 1st, 2009
1:52 pm
Mr. Tiller, are we definitely doing a viewing party at TJ’s for the Sens Blow Sens game on 10/10?
Smoothinator – Yessiree…the Oct. 10 game in Ottawa is on the TJ’s agenda. As always, you may RSVP with Trixie.
My AS, LLC rep has said she’ll be there with tickets to upcoming games to raffle off, taking orders for the Party Bus extravaganza on Oct. 24…maybe even raffling of a pair of tix to that event.
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
Sweet! Thanks Slick Willie, u r a gentleman and a scholar!
World Be Free
October 1st, 2009
2:08 pm
Tony C-another reason why we need to get Kovy signed and get this monkey off our backs. How physched would people be Saturday night if they knew he was signed, or for each game beyond?
Zoomo
October 1st, 2009
2:31 pm
I read the Sports Illustrted analysis last night. It sounds like it was written two months ago. Welch and Legace noted as our key additions. No mention of Mad Max. Nothing emlightenting at all. The basic “Kovy’s good, Atlanta stinks” evaluation.
AB
October 1st, 2009
2:42 pm
Went to the team store to get goodies for tonight, and got to say, I’m a bit amped for Saturday. Now then, where will we finish?? Honestly, I have to say probably 9th or worse. Our goaltending early on will determine whether we make the playoffs and right now all signs point to a bad start. I just don’t see us making the playoffs. I also don’t see Kovy in a Thrashers sweater come next season, possibly even in one come the Olympics. That concerns me as there isn’t the big name player to take his spot as a leader or as the face of the club.
As far as mgmt, I can only hope DW is shown the door before the end of the season. Now, and this is just me spitballing here, but has Arthur Blank ever shown interest in a NHL club? I know he’s got the Falcons and made an attempt at the Braves and is trying to bring an MLS club here, but he did loose his AFL franchise. My question is, do y’all think ASG would be willing to part with the Thrashers for the right price and if Mr. Blank were to purchase the Thrashers, how long do you think it would take to turn them into a winning organization? We all know Turner wanted to buy the Flames from Cousins back in ‘79 but failed to get a deal done and well here we are potentially faced with the same situation. Anyway, looking forward to it and I’ll be in section 201 cheering on the Birds, except when they play St. Louis. Family ties compel me to cheer for the Blues.
Bob
October 1st, 2009
2:46 pm
“Discussed problems with defense and shots against. Waddell reiterated the game plan of winning 5-3, 5-4, not 1-0, 2-1 games”
Laughable. This is the exact same thing he said 10 years ago, prior to the start of our Inaugural Season. He’s incompetent, his problem year in and year out is not scoring goals, it’s stopping the other club from scoring goals, yet here he goes once again with a wide open system, no defensive shutdown dmen, leading to oodles of shots again night in and night out, and holes at goalie.
Didn’t someone smart once say that the textbook definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results?
World Be Free
October 1st, 2009
3:18 pm
What do you expect from a rag like Sports Illustrated?
Who knows hockey at Sports Ill?
Sign Kovy
Pam on Weck
October 1st, 2009
3:19 pm
I actually have a magic 8-ball on my desk at work for important decisions. I thought the jump to conclusions mat would be too obvious.
Brendan – Do you keep a spreadsheet or something on the predictions? If so, is it possible to share a copy through some form of web resource? No big deal, it’s just for those of us whose minds start melting when asked to envision anything resembling mathematics.
/calls next on the jaeger
Denny
October 1st, 2009
4:38 pm
OK – I have been diligently reading the Blogs and voted in Rawhides poll and I am ready to make my prediction statement and bet my money on this years Thrasher season. BRENDAN – please enter me in your spread sheet and if you want to start a $ pool count me in.
BUT FIRST….THANKS RAWHIDE, because you and the Falconer do a TERRIFIC JOB. As a big sports fan, avid reader, frequent spectator and as someone known to wager occasionally; I follow most sports and spend more time than I should with my second love. Actually, my wife sometimes believes that sport is my first love, especially during Green Bay Packer, Braves and Thrasher games.
BUT the point I want to make is NO team has better and more intelligent Blog hosts than what you and the Falconer provide Thrasher fans. CONGRADS to both of you for a job well done and writing that is truly enjoyed by me and hopefully many others.
NOW, for PREDICTIONS – Thrashers are better, but only win 5 more games this year for a (40-35-7) record and 87 points to finish in 3rd place in the SE Division just ahead of the Panthers and Tampa Bay and in 10th place in the Conference.
REASON: Our Goalies – you can NOT win in hockey without a dependable netminder and the injuries to Lehtonen along with unrealiable performance continue to exasperate the team.
RAMIFICATIONS – Kovy gets exasperated leading the futile effort this year and decides to move to a proven winner next year. Waddel is fired, but ownership is stabilized and the new GM begins a new 5 year plan.
HOPE I am wrong, but this is where I would bet my money!
jwizzle
October 1st, 2009
4:40 pm
Excellent use of the magic 8 ball. Who knew you could have such thorough and balanced predictions from a scientifically genius 1970s icon?!
I am concerned about the 3 shakes and hazy regarding Ilya Kovalchuk’s re-signing. I bet that will drag, sadly.
Oh, and did you all notice that if you bring 10 dollars or more worth of school supplies to open night you get a voucher for two tickets? I believe* that they will be valid for Oct 22 or Oct 24…
Dwayne
October 1st, 2009
4:48 pm
Dandylions and my predictions match.
Russ
October 1st, 2009
4:48 pm
Question: If Pavelec struggles in his audition as a #1 NHL goalie and plays worse than Lehtonen (which a lot of people seem to think he will), should Stendec be put on suicide watch?
Smoothie
October 1st, 2009
5:16 pm
Denny, great post!
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 1st, 2009
5:29 pm
Russ, please do your parodies this season, they cracked me up every time last year. “HaveNOT”…priceless.
Rawhide
October 1st, 2009
6:27 pm
BUT FIRST….THANKS RAWHIDE, because you and the Falconer do a TERRIFIC JOB.
Denny - bowing humbly…Thank you very much. To be mentioned alongside of the Falconer like that is very flatering indeed. However, I always say that the best part of this forum is the part below what I write. The commenters that frequent this place are nothing short of the best!
Excellent use of the magic 8 ball. Who knew you could have such thorough and balanced predictions from a scientifically genius 1970s icon?!
jwizzle – Nothing but the best, highest quality, most technological advanced prognostical instruments are found here, my friend.
Rawhide
October 1st, 2009
7:26 pm
The Thrashers have named their alternate captains at the OPen House tonight. Joining Kozlov and Armstrong with an “A” on their chest will be Ron Hainsey and Zach Bogosian!
Toby
October 1st, 2009
7:59 pm
Awesome for Bogosian!
..but Hainsey? No Reasoner?
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 1st, 2009
8:51 pm
Hainsey was an alternate captain for the US National Team during the World Championships. I’d say he’s more than qualified.
Curly
October 1st, 2009
8:51 pm
Brendan… Put me down for 83 points, 4th in SE, 12th in conference, if it hasn’t been taken yet.
I think we do better than last year but not much. I’m worried about the Goaltender situation and our PK.
Russ
October 1st, 2009
9:00 pm
Ranallo, I gave up the Havenot thing after a while because it became tiresome for me and I was just joking. I can’t imagine having the stamina and determination to actually feel that way about one player. My hat goes off to Stendec and his un-equalled irrational behavior.
I’ll have to come up with my random player to blame all losses on this season and then I’ll see if I can keep up the schtick longer than I did last season.
polskidawg
October 1st, 2009
9:35 pm
Offense – B+ (though weak with back-checking as a general occurrence)
Defense – C+ (good on offense; so-so defense but the best this franchise has had)
Goaltending – C- (Pav’s scares me, Moose is average, Kari needs to find a new home if he can’t be consistent after he returns)
84 points – 4th in the SE
polskidawg
October 1st, 2009
9:37 pm
Brendan – would you be so kind as putting me in the points pool?
84 points, 4th in the SE, 12th in the East.
LAC
October 1st, 2009
10:12 pm
Ex looked funny in a Leafs uniform.
Cannot believe don cherry is still on camera DRUNK as a SKUNK, this guy is a Total Slob, just sick to watch and worse to listen to…
How can they even have him near a hockey rink, he needs to be away from kids for sure, don cherry you are a drunk SOB !
Tom
October 1st, 2009
10:17 pm
Watched the Canadians – Leafs game tonight. Got to say they are 2 very unimpressive teams. The Canadians gave up 47 freakin shots to a weak Toronto team and lost Markov in the process. For Toronto Komoserik (sp) was all over the place and the Toronto D looked alot like the Thrashers defense last year. A step slow and willing to lose control of the play to give a hit.
Rawhide
October 1st, 2009
10:26 pm
Ex looked funny in a Leafs uniform.
LAC – Yeah, that was kinda funky to see, very odd. You know that guy is going to get a very warm welcome here on January 19 when the Leafs come to town.
BTW…I’m watching the Cal-GARY vs. Vacouver game now. Looks like the Flames are wearing throw-back unis from their first season in Alberta in 1980.
Brendan
October 1st, 2009
11:33 pm
Hats off to Sara for that extensive media coverage. That was quite a wrap-up! Very thorough, indeed.
I echo Bob’s sentiments that defense has been the problem since Day 1. How WELL has trying to win games 5-4 worked for the Thrashers? (Seven of Nine isn’t just a StarTrek Voyager reference. It reflects the number of times Atlanta has finished in the bottom third of the Eastern Conference.) And if there are to be playoffs, scoring always dries up. I understand Waddell’s “strategy.” No, it’s not about hockey. It’s about selling tickets. Stay with me. In Waddell’s view of things, winning a game, 2-1, is BORING. But losing it, 6-5, while Kovy gets a “hat trick,” is exciting and fun! And will make people buy more tickets and drink more beer when they come. Well, isn’t this the Waddell strategy, to a “T?” Ummn, moving right along.
Let me recap the new additions. Toby, you’re in at 91-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 7th in the conference. Thrashy Thrashy, you’re in at 87-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in the conference. Smitty, you’re in at 92-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 7th in the Conference. Hip Czech, you’re in at 89-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in Conference.
Buzilla in CT, nice to see you recognize that, well, … it’s 5:00 SOMEHWERE, so BOTTOMS UP!!! You’re in at 112-points, 1st in SE Division, and 1st in Conference, and 1st in the NHL (President’s Trophy.)
h, you are registered at 97-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 6th in Conference, with a record of 44-29-9. Spud Webb, you’re locked in at 85-points, with no tie-breakers whatsoever. Sure you really want to do that? It’s up to you. There’s still time to pick a division rank and Conference rank.
3stripes (Sargeant Major?), you’re in at 87-points, 4th in SE Division, and 11th in the Conference. And welcome aboard! Don’t be a posting stranger. Speaking of new posters, welcome Dandylions, at 96-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 7th in the Conference. Will L., I think you’re also new. Welcome. Your guess of 99-points, 1st in SE Division, and 3rd in Conference is registered.
Adam, your HEARTFELT entry is registered at 99-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 5th in the Conference. You’re brain-pick of 82-points, 4th in SE Division, and 13th in Conference is duly noted, but cannot win, since it wasn’t your official entry.
Andrew, welcome. You’re in at 90-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 8th in the Conference. That’s a solid pick, right there. You just might win. Denny, what a blogging DEBUT!! Welcome. And you’re registered at 87-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in the Conference, with a ‘throw-in’ pick of 40-35-7. This contest is an exhibition, no wagering is permitted. But, the winner, if male, will be permitted to use the moniker, “Nostradamus, the AJC visionary.” If the winner is female, she can be called, “Madam X, AJC Soothsayer.”
Curly, you’re in at 83-points, 4th in SE Division, and 12th in Conference. Polskidawg, you made me wait, and wait, and wait, but you did get it in on time, so you’re registered at 84-points, 4th in SE Division, and 12th in the Conference.
By the way, so far, Dany Heatley is a -2 for San Jose. I’ve got my eye on him this year. For the 1st time since prior to the lockout, I can actually begin to cheer for the Ottawa Senators again. I hope Cheechoo and Michalak have a great year. And I hope the Sens make that 2nd round pick count for something, too.
Holla if I missed somebody’s vote today. The master list has 52 votes on it. Why not yours??? If you’re a lurker, it’s not too late. The deadline is “puck drop” on October 3rd. Good luck to all the posters who submitted guesses. Still time to revise a guess, as well. Speaking of that, Smoothie, you’re now in at 86-points, 4th in SE Division, and 11th in the Conference.
I don’t about you, but I’m exhausted. Today was, arguably, the longest day of my life. We’re about 20 minutes to midnight, and it couldn’t come soon enough!!
Darren
October 1st, 2009
11:57 pm
I agree with Tom. Color me unimpressed with the Northeast division.
I’ll say 88 points, 9th in the East. Goal scoring is there, shots against go down a bit, but the goaltending fails to be consistent enough.
Don Waddell
October 2nd, 2009
12:03 am
Um, you forgot my entry of 140 points and 1st in the division as well as the conference.
Don Cherry
October 2nd, 2009
12:11 am
What has Waddell been drinking? I need some stronger stuff.
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
12:51 am
Darren, no SE Division guess? Okay, you’re in at 88-points, and 9th in the Conference, with no guess for SE Division. I just checked the bylaws of the AJC, and we cannot have a winner named “Don Waddell” in a Thrashers picks contest. May I suggest calling yourself, “The poster formerly known as Don Waddell?” I can enter a guess under that name.
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
12:58 am
And, it’s official. Last year’s President’s Trophy winner, San Jose, opened the season against the team that finished 28th, the Colorado Avalanche, and lost by three goals. Dany Heatley was a -3. And even Dave Reid lit him up and dogged him about his lack of defensive play, stating that San Jose’s coaching staff won’t tolerate it any more than Ottawa’s did or would, which may have prompted the trade request.
Well, when will the ‘cradle to grave’ CODDLING of Dany Heatley end? Someone, SOMEWHERE, at SOME TIME … must sit Dany Heatley down and explain to him … that he cannot have whatever he wants, whenever he wants it. It’s the kind of conversation that a parent might have with a six year old!! However, I find it apt!
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
1:15 am
Don’t look now, but the budget guess “leader” is rightshot. The contest rules state that whatever the cap hit is … at the puck drop … at http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=ATL&season=0910 will determine the winner. Keep in mind, Kane’s $3.1 million counts. It counts, even though he might only be a 9-game audition. The rules of the contest (Found on August 28, 2009) also state that the budget is what it is, at the TIME that it is. It isn’t retroactively changed to omit Kane’s salary, after his audition has been completed. As of right now, the cap hit, at NHLnumbers.com, says $53.255 million.
I see jaws dropping all over cyberland. I was stunned, too. Well, my guess has been eliminated. But if that figure changes between now and “puck drop,” it could determine a different leader. Rightshot is the leader, with a guess of $51.2 million. The next closest guess is Hockey Biltong, at $51.0 million. Will there be any trades? Any last second waiver wire movement? Brendan Shanahan just issued a statement that he would not be joining Devils to begin the season and that he’ll spend the next few weeks with his family, evaluating his options. Coming here at some point? I wouldn’t hold my breath.
LAC
October 2nd, 2009
3:32 am
Rawhide, The Flames uniforms last night were EXACTLY like the Atlanta Flames road uniforms during their existance here, Nothing different except the C on the front, I was kinda surprised to see them, kept waiting for one to show The Flaming A… which should have never moved.
Yes and cherry… I simply do not understand why he is even on TV, he makes NO sense, talks like he IS drunk and acts worse than anything I have ever seen in professional sports…. He is sick to watch, I mean BAD… Thank GOD he is not seen around here much !
Toby
October 2nd, 2009
8:03 am
I’m sure it wasn’t a fantastic interview, but did anyone catch Kovy on Davefm?
World Be Free
October 2nd, 2009
8:04 am
Cherry should have taken Madden’s lead and retired while people could still remember the work he did in the 80’s.
Why did the Braves bring back Don Sutton? He’s an idiot.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
8:23 am
Kovy must be taking a wait and see approach with the morning show as he pulled a George Jones at 745. Apparently he is happy with the shows progress as he’s agreed to talk at 830.
Meanwhile, Marty partied at 680 the Fan and seemed right at home: when asked about being a dad and getting good at changing diapers, he dead-panned “I don’t know if its something you ever get good at, you just hope to get the diaper on right.” Give the Party his own weekly show!
Heatley was awful and I was happy. Stastny and Wotek are fun to watch. Anderson was a great pick-up for goal and I wish we had him.
Glovesave29
October 2nd, 2009
8:25 am
LAC – Calgary announced last summer they’d have a new logo and black jersey for this, their 35th season in Calgary. Locals were up in arms and wanted a throwback of the one the 1989 Cup champs wore…which was no change from the one they wore down here, just the change from the A to the C. Public sentiment won and they are in throwbacks for 8 games this season. Their regular uni is a busy as ever…with all those patches, there’s no where to put the Finals patch should they make it that far…
Schenn got USED on that last goal…could he have been a little more flat footed on the Habs OT goal?
Brendan – 86 points, 3rd in the division and 9th in the conference. I was going to go a bit higher, but the goaltending issue has all but offset most of the improvements the team has made in other areas. I could see higher if Kovy is signed early, or if we get our heads out of our a**es and Manny back to ship Ondrej to Chicago.
Fingers are crossed today that Rio gets the summer games. South America deserves a shot!
Hockey Biltong
October 2nd, 2009
8:26 am
Buzilla – try Michters small batch American Rye. You might like it!!! Gin drinkers may appreciate Hendricks, a small batch Scottish blend that is a nice contrast to Bombay or Tanquauray…
Bottoms up. Oh and I prefer an Onyx Maduro in a medium sized Torpedo for the record!!!
Toby
October 2nd, 2009
8:46 am
Kovy was just on Davefm. Basically, when asked about the contract, he said he and family loves Atlanta, loves the moves made, but it’s a business and it’s playoffs or nothing.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 2nd, 2009
8:57 am
If it’s truly “playoffs or nothing” then I’m concerned Waddell will sell the farm to appease Kovalchuk and take on some crazy contracts or ship out some top talent just for the hope of re-signing Kovalchuk.
I would contend that such behavior would be worse to the long term success of this team than losing Kovalchuk.
Toby
October 2nd, 2009
9:09 am
I will drop a positive note or two here (Lord knows we need one)…
Remember last year when Christensen started the season as our top-line C?
This years top-line >>> Last years top-line
Moves…
Kubina, Antropov, Max >>> Perrin, Colin Stuart, XLB
J.B.
October 2nd, 2009
9:16 am
jimmy barron did a great interview with kovy. no new information of course but i was impressed he really knew about the team and about hockey in general. pronounced afinogenov properly which is something even i have trouble with after a beer or two.
JS
October 2nd, 2009
9:34 am
J.B. – Did Kovy seem excited about any of the changes that the Thrashers have made? What Exactly was discussed? Jimmy Baron has always been a hockey fan so it does not surprise me that he knew the right questions to ask.
Spud Webb
October 2nd, 2009
9:37 am
Smoothie, I say 7 for Max and 8 for T.White!!!!!!!!! ahahhahahahahaa
Spud Webb
October 2nd, 2009
9:39 am
I’ve got a sneaky, sneaky suspicion that we aren’t going to get Kovy signed. I hate to write it, but my gut tells me Kovy is going to test the market. I cannot see these clowns ponying up the bucks it’s going to take. Sad, I HOPE I AM wrong. I really do.
five_hole
October 2nd, 2009
9:44 am
Glovesave29 How can you root for Rio over Chicago? The Olympics is an economic windfall which we could really use here.
Toby Gee, thanks for reminding me about Christensen. Is he even still in hockey?
Has anyone heard if Army is going to be able to play tomorrow night?
Toby
October 2nd, 2009
9:57 am
five hole –
I think he’s still on the Ducks…4th line? I would imagine he’s used for shootouts (the ONLY thing he was good at).
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I can take it a step further…
Last years first line:
Kovy – Christensen – Jason Williams YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This years first line >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Last years first line
J.B.
October 2nd, 2009
10:01 am
JS- Well, to be honest with you he didn’t SOUND ‘excited’ but he never really does; it’s just how he talks. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a Russian speak english and sound excited… But, he did SAY he was very happy with the team and excited to get the season going, I believe. (If I’d known I was going to do a recap, I’d have taken notes so if I get something wrong, don’t string me up, y’all…)
Jimmy started out by noting how good Kovy’s english is now in comparison to a couple of years back when in his opinion it was nearly impossible to interview ilya because of the language barrier. Ilya said he never took english lessons and watching the news was what helped him most with his english because nobody uses slang or accents or anything like that. I’ve heard Kozlov helped him alot with his english but that wasn’t mentioned.
Kovy mentioned he loved Atlanta because of the weather and the schools. He mentioned the third Kovalchuklet on the way, due in March hopefully during a tight playoff race. They talked about Nicole’s singing career in Russia and how that group is still together and rotates out members as they get to old (a la Menudo for you early 80’s boy band people). Jimmy said he knows for a fact Nicole likes to shop and he’s pretty sure he’s seen her at every mall in town. While he likes the city for the weather and the schools, she likes it for the shopping.
As JS stated above, Jimmy knows what he’s talking about when it comes to hockey so they obviously discussed the contract situation. Kovy didn’t say anything we haven’t heard before. Happy with the offseason, playoffs or nothing, excited for the season, etc. etc. etc. He did use the dreaded “but it is a business” phrase that I hate. Jimmy mentioned after Kovy was off the phone that Kovy deserved to win and if the thrashers don’t show improvement he thinks Ilya will bolt Atlanta for sure.
That’s all I can think of now. If I missed anything, someone please add to this.
J.B.
October 2nd, 2009
10:07 am
off topic – how much stock do y’all put into “jersey mojo”? I bought myself an old-school home jersey, the one with the t-bird on the front and was thinking about wearing it tomorrow night. BUT, I’m hesitant not to wear the jersey I was wearing April 11th when we thumped the lightning 7-4.
Do I go for the new jersey for the new season or do I stick with the one that has the good mojo on it, assuming it sticks in the off-season?
World Be Free
October 2nd, 2009
10:11 am
Just sign Kovy and get it done with.
Get the guy on a 2 year deal and continue the process of moving forward. If he’s waiting until midseason to personally evaluate the team, then might just as well trade him now and move forward in a different direction.
We don’t need the distraction with the supposed “heart” of our team. What else needs to be done here?
J.B.
October 2nd, 2009
10:25 am
To anyone: how was the STH event last night. Any notable tidbits other than Bogo & Hainsey as new alternate captains?
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 2nd, 2009
10:46 am
“I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a Russian speak english and sound excited”
Just get them onto a topic they love and they’re just as excited as you and I when speaking an unnatural language. Perhaps it’s the Russians you’ve spoken with? Maybe they are all boring??
Regarding “jersey mojo”, I don’t get down with that. That same jersey you wore to a 7-4 win I’m sure you also wore to a ton of losses…what makes the one win more important in the world of superstition? As a player I try to wear the same thing every time I play to form a routine, but when the loss or win happens I don’t blame or praise my boxer shorts simply because they have good or bad mojo that week.
But if I recall correctly, Rawhide’s sweater routine is part of the reason Atlanta has been on a few win streaks these past years. I believe he had a special blog or two about how to properly handle all sweaters during win streaks, how to hang them in the closet (crest towards Toronto I believe), etc. Just don’t make the same mistake he did and wash the darn thing, even if by accident.
N.B. — My boxer shorts have good mojo every week.
Tony C.
October 2nd, 2009
10:48 am
Thanks for the re-cap of the #17 interview!
Anybody else that has re-caps from the various radio outlets PLEASE pst them…
The one question I’d love to task out of all the guys out doing publicity is for Bryan Little:
“So, you really put up some great numbers last year-are you looking forward to getting #17 out of here so you can be ‘THE MAN’?”
I’m sure he’d say the right things, but I’d like to see his face after hearing that question.
Again, I *do* believe KoVALchuk wants to stay, but let’s just say my “confidence” in FUBAS is less than full.
J.B.
October 2nd, 2009
10:51 am
Re: the Russians. I love talking to Kovy, Kozlov, etc. I don’t think they’re boring at all. I just don’t recall any ever being overly excited about something in conversation or interview; that’s all.
While I probably did wear said jersey to losses as well, the last game I wore it to was a big win and I thought that’s what counted. If I recall, you only wash it after a loss. So, this particular sweater still has a win on it.
Rawhide: Do you have a linky handy to the post about proper sweater care and associated mojo?
Russ
October 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
With the Sharks losing their first game, I can only assume Heatley has put in his latest trade request by now.
Bob
October 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
“Basically, when asked about the contract, he said he and family loves Atlanta, loves the moves made, but it’s a business and it’s playoffs or nothing.”
Hoo boy, that does not sounds good, but makes sense now why he hasn’t signed. It certainly sounds like he’ll wait until next summer to make a decision to see if this club can make the playoffs and if it does, how deep they can go. It probably kills Kovy to see Ovechkin and what that club has become, to see Crosby and what he’s accomplished, I’m sure he wants a piece of the action in the Real Season.
My gut is telling me he is gone, which of course begs the question, how will Waddell handle it (snicker). Do we want Waddell handling this? Who did we get for Heatley, Hossa and Devries who has turned into, what, Armstrong, who’s on a one year deal and probably gone next summer?
How to Kill Hockey in Atlanta, by Don Waddell. Can’t wait for the book to come out.
ThrasherTim
October 2nd, 2009
11:10 am
Rawhide – I have been a lurker here for months but hope to add some comments in the future. Defintiely have enjoyed your updates and thoughts during the long summer months. Will be on the TJ’s bus on the 24th so hope to meet you then.
Brendan – I’ll take a shot at the predictions. 91 points, 9th place in the Conference and 3rd in the Division.
I am with many folks on this thread that are concerned about Goal and the PK — but think of last year’s team at this time when we had Perrin, Williams and Christensen — you can’t tell me with the systems in place that the team now buys into and the players taking their place being Max, Antro and Kane (early anyway) that we can’t find many more wins early versus the 1st 3-4 months last year? We just have to hope that we score a lot, stay out of the box and Pavs finally shows the potential at the NHL level.
I’ll be there w/ 4 buds on Saturday night rooting on the Thrash and Captain Kovy.
Rawhide
October 2nd, 2009
11:28 am
How to Kill Hockey in Atlanta, by Don Waddell. Can’t wait for the book to come out
Bob – Heck…no need to wait. We are living the experience.
ThrasherTim – Welcome to the frey, my friend. excellent first post. Look forward to meeting you on the 24th…keep in mind the viewing party at TJ’s next Saturday the 10th, too.
Ranallo10 and J.B. – Ask and ye shall recieve. I had Trixie did deep into the archives to find this Rawhide Classic. Posted on October 26, 2007 just after a 3-0 loss in Nashville. For the record, they went on to win 9 of their next 11 games after I took matters into my own hands.
For the record, I performed the sacred washing of the rawhide jersey cerimony last night via candle light and Gregorian Chants in the background.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
12:28 pm
I love Kovy to death, but I’m sorry, WBF is right about a 2 year deal, which I’ve been pushing for ever since his “wait and see” became evident. There’s no doubt the ASG can afford to pony up $20 M over 2 years so after continuing “negotiations” (truly what is there left to negotiate; if you’re Waddell, you say okay, we’ll give you what you want if you sign NOW!) a little while longer, just throw out the 2 year option and see what he says. If he’s truly being sincere and wants to wait and see, why not take market value for 2 more years and then bolt if the team doesn’t continue to evolve into a contender. If he hems and haws and continues his “let’s see” approach, then you know what you’ll need to do come March 1st if you are 10 pts or more out of 8th place.
Z-Bo is next on 790 the Zone!!
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
12:30 pm
Yes!!!!! We got Schubert off of waivers!! Peace out Boris!!
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
12:34 pm
Apparently, Colby is going on IR to make room for Christophe Schubert, who is 6′ 3″, 230 lbs by the way. Hate it for Colbs, but if it’s the groin, it’s the smart thing to do. Kane will get things rollin’ on the Pevs Party Van while Armstrong is resting.
Gotta give DWAd credit for finding some depth for the blueline on the waiver wire. I reckon a trade could be next, probably next week though.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
12:43 pm
Good lord 790 get on with it!! Perhaps Bogey is late from practice?
I loooooove the Schubert move and his price-tag is quite reasonable at $900 K / year.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
From Schubert’s yahoo page: “Oct 1 Schubert has been placed on re-entry waivers reports TSN.ca.”
Recommendation: Should another team make a claim on Schubert then Ottawa would be on the hook for half of his remaining salary. We expect that there is indeed a team interested in Schubert’s services, but we’ll update when we hear something definitive.”
Wooops! Nice work by Bryan Murray. Now they’re on the hook for half!
A low risk, potentially high payoff move by Waddudley….nice.
ben
October 2nd, 2009
12:54 pm
i for 1 think this is a playoff team. and i don’t think kovy was all that unreasonable ergo i stand by june 2010.
Sara
October 2nd, 2009
1:11 pm
I’m ok with the Schubert pickup – anybody know if this guy plays the PK?
Dwayne
October 2nd, 2009
1:16 pm
WBF…you are right about Don Sutton, he is the worst ever at calling, commenting, speaking, play by play or ANALyst for Baseball.
Brendan….could you put all projection on a excel spread sheet? Alphabetical order preferred?
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
1:24 pm
Sara, I think this is more than okay considering the following:
a) we need more depth / insurance on the blueline
b) we’re only paying half his salary as he was claimed off re-entry
c) he can play forward as well if Kane struggles and Colbs’ injury becomes nagging
d) Boris Valabik stinks right now
J.B.
October 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
Thanks Rawhide. So, if you were in my shoes, which sweater would you don tomorrow night?
Sara
October 2nd, 2009
1:43 pm
Smoothie – what’s really kind of interesting is that Kevin Allen (USA Today) just tweeted that Atlanta has been trying to trade for Schubert for a long time now. So not only did they get a player they’ve been wanting, they didn’t have to give up a thing AND only have to pay half the salary.
The fact he’s a career +33 certainly helps too.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
1:45 pm
Wow, that’s great to hear Sara…Bryan Murray must be really shaking his head over his dunderheaded risk play! When the Sens were good, I remember the Kelly – Fisher – Schubert line being quite hard to play against. But personally I really think he’s a better D-man than Boris right now…good to have insurance both ways. Great pick up.
Where the hell is everyone? Home watching Versus…cha right!
LAC
October 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm
Why is jim slater still on this team ? He has done next to nothing since he got here, his roster spot would be much better served with another player I believe.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
1:53 pm
Why are you still posting the same question you’ve posed about Jimmy Slater for the last 2 years??
LAC
October 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
Bob, You are 100% correct, waddell is THE WORST EVER GM in NHL history.
Remember Washington was Terrible a few years ago, THEY MADE CHANGES, coach players etc… What the HELL is the problem with firing waddell, it would be THE BEST thing that could EVER happen to this franchise…
I wonder if darrian elliott really gets it too, I’d love to hear his comments on the air about wadddell… but them again…
I hope one thing this year “darrian” I am so SICK & TIRED of hearing you spit out “moving forward”, WRONG, doing NOTHING is much more like it.
It’s a darn shame when the FANS see the problem but the “owners” do not ! FIRE waddell !!!!!!
LAC
October 2nd, 2009
1:56 pm
smoothie, you jimmy’s B—h or what ?
World Be Free
October 2nd, 2009
2:00 pm
Smoothie-short term with Kovy works for both sides. But Kovy’s agent may balk because of the lack of $$$ commitment beyond 2 years. If Kovy gets hurt, he’s screwed.
Schubert pickup-I really like this alot. I think the guy got a bad rap in Ottawa. He can play defense or forward. This is REALLY a good pickup, negates the stupid move of signing Max.
LAC-don’t get me started on Jimmy. Trying to forget hockey’s version of Scott Hamilton is still on the team.
R. Stroz
October 2nd, 2009
2:17 pm
Last night, at the FACE OFF event, I met the President of the Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club. Previously, I had only known this individual by name only; however, last night, I put a name with the face in a rather unique manner.
As my son, his friend, and I were the first people in line for the event, I knew we would be the first in line to procure Ilya Kovalchuk signatures. However, I was incorrect and the reason why is somewhat disturbing. As my son, his friend, and I went down the aisle to sit in line for signatures, two people, WHO DIDN’T WAIT IN THE LINE OUTSIDE THE ARENA, were in front of us.
After sitting for a few minutes, I leaned over and asked the individuals adjacent to us how they found their way in front of us in line for signatures, pointing out that they had not waited in the line outside the arena prior to the event.
The lady with dark hair retorted gruffly to my question with the following answer, “I’M THE PRESIDENT OF THE ATLANTA THRASHERS FAN CLUB AND A SEASON TICKET HOLDER AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE HERE.”
I couldn’t believe what I had just heard; the President of the Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club’s justification for breaking the line and not waiting like all the other fans was that she was the President of the Fan Club. What kind of role model for a charitable organization is that? Does this individual think she is more privileged or better than all the other season ticket holders? Are the rest of the fans mere plebeians because we aren’t the President of the Fan Club? What a great way to unite the fan base.
But wait, in the words of the late Billy Mays, there’s more. This same individual, on numerous occasions, left her seat. Now, in and of itself, this wouldn’t seem like a big deal. However, when I inquired about leaving my seat to procure additional pucks for the players to sign, the line attendant, my former sales representative, told me if I did so I would lose my place in line. So, I looked over at the empty seat a couple of seats over, looked at the line attendant with a rather perplexed glance, and stayed put in my seat.
So could someone please tell me why there is a double standard?
When I arrived home last night, I looked up the executive membership of the Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club and found the second in command, or vice president, is Sean Grace. I’ve met Sean numerous times and he seems like a good guy. Interestingly, Sean waited in line like everyone else did. I’ll be reserving my membership in the Fan Club until Sean takes over. I’m glad to see Fan Club titles haven’t gone to some people’s heads.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
2:21 pm
LAC, are you stendec’s drug pimp?
Stendec's Pharmacist
October 2nd, 2009
3:18 pm
No, that would be me. LAC is just a blog troll.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
3:22 pm
BTW, those Cal-GARY throw-backs were sa-weeeeeeet! I think I will adopt the Flames as my Western Conf team eventhough I don’t care for J-Bo and Phaneuf. But I got mad respect for Jerome and some of their grinders.
Hopefully they deliver 6 hearty beatdowns to Heatley and the Sharks.
Baldheaded Thrasher
October 2nd, 2009
3:41 pm
R Stroz…I don’t know the age of your son and his friend, but upu might have told here in civil terms that she does not have any rights to act as she pleases, also that she was the rudest person you had net that day.
The next time she excercises her rights and skips to the head of a refreshment line, my foot may inadvertently mind you send her on her fat ass.
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
3:41 pm
I hope everyone read Ranallo’s 8:57am post, http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2009/09/30/thrashers-season-preview-with-the-magic-8-ball/comment-page-2/#comment-11709. That’s important. He makes a great point. Remember the 2007 trade deadline moves?
Remember WHYYY they were made? The 2006-07 season began with a stated “playoff ultimatum” hanging over Don’s head. Katy Temple and Darren Eliot began the 2007 season preview by stating, “This season must end in playoffs. Nothing ELSE will do.” I’m not hearing that now. Not exactly. What I’m hearing is John Anderson saying, “If we don’t make the playoffs the season would be a failure.” What I didn’t hear was, “We’re all getting FIRED if there are no playoffs.” Seasonal failures, even repeated ones, don’t seem to get too many people fired at the Thrashers. Just Bob Hartley and Curt Fraser. And maybe some assistant coaches.
That’s a potential difference. In short, “it might be OKAY to fail.” That’s different from an ultimatum. So, we had a playoff ultimatum in 2007. But there were no firings, other than Hartley, in 2008 or 2009, which were seasons that ended with the team housed within the lottery draft. What was so magically ’special’ about the 2007 season, that it had to end in playoffs?, but the 2008 and 2009 campaigns were A-OKAY to be outside of them? At least in terms of accountability.
If it’s true that Waddell’s job is at stake, then Ranallo is 100-percent correct. Waddell might try ANYTHING. I’d hope that Waddell would be above that. I’d hope that ownership learned its lesson about ultimatums back in 2007. It’s one thing if Brett Sterling or Jim Slater or Colin Stuart (who is departed from the team) gets lost in a deal or trade. It’s quite another to lose Bryan Little or Ondrej Pavelec in some desperation move to take a stab at the playoffs. That’s just plain ‘bad management.’
I understand things from Waddell’s perspective. He’s got to do what his bosses want. If they tell him, “sell the farm.” Or “Bet it ALL on red, out in Vegas.” Red is the call, apparently. I’d be exasperated. I’d like to ‘think’ that ownership was BETTER than that. I’d like to ‘think’ that WADDELL is BETTER than that. But the truth is, maybe they’re not. What if they’re not?
There will be life after Kovalchuk in Atlanta. It won’t be the death knell for hockey. As Bob says, “bring in a new GM, new owners, and watch the stands fill up correspondingly with the wins.” There are prospect players worth keeping. Holzapfel, Machacek, Lasu, Redmond, Grant Lewis, Kulda, Kaip, Leveille, Eric O’Dell. These players should NOT be packaged in “desperation moves.” That’s just plain, got to stop. It’s got to be “off the table” of ideas. Atlanta can move forward with players like Bryan Little, Nik Antropov, Ron Hainsey, Toby Enstrom, Zach Bogosian, Evander Kane, and Todd White.
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
3:48 pm
Glovesave29, good luck in your quest to repeat the feat of last season, where you projected 76-points. Glovesave29, you’re in at 86-points, 3rd in SE division, and 9th in the conference.
Thrasher Tim, a hearty welcome aboard! Don’t be a stranger to the blog. This is the place where we Thrasher fans gather to express our love and utter frustration of our team. You’re in at 91-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 9th in the Conference.
Smoothie
October 2nd, 2009
4:17 pm
Stroz, agree with your sentiments aobut protecting “the farm”, but there is no harm in trading White, Moose or even Lehtonen when healthy should Pavelec shine. I want the best team on the ice and despite his 73 point career high, White’s value has never been higher and he is 34. He won’t get nearly as much PP time this year and he’ll be lucky to get 50+ points. I’m not saying he’s not capable, but with Finny, Kane and Antropov in the mix, he will have a hard time duplicating last season’s performance let alone 75% of it.
Darren
October 2nd, 2009
5:05 pm
Give me 3rd in the SE Division.
Alan R.
October 2nd, 2009
5:18 pm
Smoothie, you mean this Craig Anderson, right?
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
5:52 pm
Darren, you’re entered at 3rd in SE Division. Good luck, sir.
Glovesave29
October 2nd, 2009
5:56 pm
Hmmm, Stroz – wonder is she is the same rude you-know-what that was making friends (SARCASM ALERT) at TJ’s the night of the Ducks / Wings playoff game.
Schubert in – could it mean (puh-leeze) bye bye Boris? It’s nice to have a player who can play both O and D…
R. Stroz
October 2nd, 2009
6:02 pm
Glovesave29 – BINGO
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
6:05 pm
Glovesave29, at 86-points, 3rd in SE, and 9th in Conference, what would that do to Kovalchuk? That’s a pick outside of the playoffs. But it would reflect a 10-point improvement over last season. You and Don are the reigning Kings of Prognostication, this would be interesting as an actual result. It might not mean, definitively, that Kovy was gone. Especially if during the 2010 offseason, Kovy got the remaining names on his wish list.
Remember something, folks. If Kovy really does want to stay, this contract of his is the only leverage he has to make THESE OWNERS ice the team he wants for the future. Kovy doesn’t have until June 30, 2010, to make them field that team. He can wait well past July 4th’s holidays, just to see what Free Agents get signed by Atlanta. If Kovy doesn’t like what he sees, it hasn’t hurt his market value any. In fact, the longer he waits after July 1, 2010, the more GM’s will desperately spend to get him. What would Brian Burke offer? What would the L.A. Kings offer? What would it mean to Phoenix, to land a player like Kovalchuk? Obviously, that won’t happen. But if it were solely about money, Kovy will get the league max, from some market.
As far as Atlanta paying it, well … this isn’t one of those times where we need to agonize and scrutinize whether we OVERPAID for Kovalchuk. Kovy isn’t some “risky outsider,” advanced in age, who doesn’t understand our systems. If Jay Grossman (Kovy’s agent) has offered years and dollars as a counter offer, it’s just about adding signatures to that contract. If I ever find out Kovy’s signing hinged on acquiring Zherdev, and the Thrashers let him walk to the KHL, while having $10 million in cap room, I’ll never shut up about it. I repeat. I’ll never shut up about it.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 2nd, 2009
6:17 pm
“You and Don are the reigning Kings of Prognostication” — LAC’s name is Don? That would explain a lot. I thought he won one of the contests last season, perhaps I’m wrong.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 2nd, 2009
6:20 pm
I think it’s pretty obvious Zherdev’s issue was monetary (and possibly ego), considering they got a lesser player who was willing to tryout for the team and sign a very manageable one year contract ($800k). I’m guessing Zherdev wanted guaranteed money and lots of it, because he knew he could make it in the KHL. So my take on the situation is that money forced Atlanta to have Afinogenov instead of Zherdev…and honestly that’s yet another reason I get upset with the ownership and how they force the GM to look for every sale possible.
World Be Free
October 2nd, 2009
6:27 pm
Glovesave-Leafs’ fans think Luke schenn is the next coming of Dennis Potvin. I say he’s a better than average youngerst who will be a serviceable NHler for 12-15 years, no better. I actually feel for the kid, with the high expectations people have of him.
World Be Free
October 2nd, 2009
6:32 pm
Dwayne-I heard he called out Braves’ fans for not coming to the games. I guess the 9.8% unemployment, money crunch and foreclosures don’t have an impact on baseballs’ “needs”. I want to the game Wednesday night, 2/1 night. Can you believe $24.00 for an outfield seat? Even 1/2 price at 12.00 is too much.
Tony C.
October 2nd, 2009
7:22 pm
And that ladies and gentlemen, is not a threat to be taken lightly!
Shame on FUBAS if inking a one-year deal for Zherdev was a condition they balked on. However, seems to me that KoVALchuk got the rest of his workout squad jobs at his company… maybe The Kaptain didn’t like what he saw/heard/felt from Zherdev? I think it very odd that ALL the rest of the guys that were part of that workout group are playing in the NHL but only one went to the KHL…. I would say there’s probably a good reason (aside from Zherdev not being named to the Nat’l team and wanting to play for a portion of their coaching staff so as to get noticed.).
Stroz-I have a hard time believing your luck. Not such a hard time believing the story, just you seem to always get a winner ya know?
But hey, if I did yeoman’s work to assemble and organize/regulate a fan club that the FUBAS people have been too inept to do-bet your bottom I’d take full advantage of the perks… however, I would also probably not berate others or blatantly abuse said perks- tra-la….
LESS THAN 24 HOURS UNTIL THE FLATSCREEN IS ON.
who’s geeked?
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 2nd, 2009
7:27 pm
I would imagine she volunteered for her job…I have no pity for her having to deal with difficult individuals because she should’ve known what she was getting into.
Dwayne
October 2nd, 2009
8:20 pm
Braves blogs are full of people not liking how they are treated at the park, attendants are bad, stupid music playing all the time…Would you like to here :come on people clap your hands!!!!!clap,clap,clap,clap,clap,clap, clap….over and over again?
Dwayne
October 2nd, 2009
8:22 pm
Fire Boobie Cox, and take Don Wadell while your at it!!
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
8:49 pm
The sad thing is, we’ll never know. I heard some posters advance the idea that Kovy NEVER asked for Zherdev. If that’s actually the case, then I can’t get angry. Well, other than it being a missed opportunity by the organization to recruit an available free agent, with no loss of draft picks or prospects. If Kovy really didn’t want him, and SAID SO, then I wouldn’t blame Waddell for not pursuing him. Truthfully, I couldn’t find a quote from Kovy that said he wanted Zherdev. And I can’t find a quote from Waddell that Zherdev and the Thrashers ever entered into contract negotiations. I found ‘rumors’ that they were. If someone can actually find a source with a Waddell quote that he and Zherdev’s agent were trying to workout a deal, then that helps things along. We can, at that point, say … well Waddell was in negotiations with Zherdev. So clearly, the Thrashers were interested and made an attempt/overture. If that is so, then the issue is all but confirmed to be about MONEY. For me, personally, if Waddell did enter into contract negotiations with Zherdev … I would tend to believe it was due, at least in part, to appeasing Kovalchuk’s wishes. Whether Kovy ever stated those wishes or not. Come to think of it, Kovy never said, “Get me Antropov.” He texted, “Good Job,” to Waddell, for getting it done. We never saw a quote from Kovalchuk that read, “Get me Max Afinogenov.” We never saw a quote from Kovalchuk that said, “You better get Kubina here.” So, not surprisingly, we don’t really see a quote from Kovalchuk that ever said, “I want Nikki Zherdev here.” But that doesn’t mean Kovalchuk didn’t want him here. What we heard was, Nikki Zherdev saying he was working out with Kovalchuk in the offseason and that Nikki said Kovy said he would love to have him here (in Atlanta) next season. But Nikki joked, “We’ll have to see about that.” It keeps us guessing what the truth was. But if Kovy liked Nikki enough to be his regular workout partner, I don’t think it’s an unreasonable stretch to suggest he would have been happy to have him as a Thrasher teammate. Bygones.
Ranallo, LAC won the Budget Contest last year. A poster named “Don,” not THAT one, and Glovesave29, both guessed 76-points last season, with different tie-breakers.
Glovesave29, your guess of 86-points is joined by Smoothie and HookyBob. Smoothie and HookyBob have it tied to a 4th place finish in the SE Division, whereas you have it tied to a 3rd place finish. HookyBob predicted 13th in the Conference, and Smoothie went with 11th.
Thrasher Jim, your pick of 91-points joins Alan, JLH, Scotty, Toby, and Hockey Biltong. All of the aforementioned have it tied to a 3rd place SE Division finish, except for Hockey Biltong, who has it linked to a 2nd place finish. Alan and JLH picked 8th in the conference, Scotty and Jim picked 9th in the Conference, Toby picked 7th in the conference, and Hockey Biltong picked 5th in the Conference. So, Alan and JLH have identical picks, and so do Scotty and Thrasher Jim. Good luck to all of the 91-point registrants!
Denny and Thrashy Thrashy both have 87-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in the Conference, but Denny tied it to a 40-35-7 record to help break that tie. If Denny correctly picks the points, Division Rank, Conference Finish, and exact record, he is NOSTRADAMUS!!! No doubt about it.
I never got a Conference rank from Spud Webb on his pick of 85-points and 3rd in SE Division.
Darren picked 88-points, tied to 3rd in SE Division, and 9th in the Conference. We’ve got a logjam there, too. Rawhide and Viking have identical 88-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 10th in Conference picks. Five_hole has 88, tied to 3rd in SE and 8th in the Conference. And Get The Puck Out has 88, tied to 2nd in SE Division, and 8th in the Conference.
The most unique pick I received in this contest came from Tony C., who picked 90-points, tied to 2nd in SE Division, and 6th in the conference, with Kovalchuk winning the Rocket Richard Goal Scoring trophy, John Anderson winning the Jack Adams Coach of the Year Award, and Slava Kozlov winning the Masterton Award. By the way, poster Andrew picked 90-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 8th in the Conference to differentiate himself from Tony C. So, now ya know!
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
9:06 pm
Sigh. Okay, look. I should ammend something here. You all have friends out there. Are there any ‘friends’ of yours … that you’d never want to work with? (Leaning in) Now beeeeeeee honest. You have some friends like that, don’t you?
Imagine that you have a friend named … uhhh … “Fred.” Yes, that will do. And Fred is a heckuva guy. You could drink beer with him, play golf or tennis with the guy, but “Fred” is quite possibly the laziest, most undependable human being you’ve ever met. And you’d never want to be paired with him to do complete an important project at work. And/Or, as his boss, you’d never entrust him with an important project at work. What if Kovalchuk felt this way about Zherdev?
I know. I know. That sounds like “grasping” and “reaching.” But I don’t know the truth. I don’t know Ilya Kovalchuk … to know what his thoughts are. All I’m saying is … if Kovy leaves … and at some point thereafter … says, “Ya know, when I was negotiating with Atlanta, I told them I wanted Zherdev. And the Thrashers had $10 million in cap room, but wouldn’t get him. That’s when I knew nothing had changed or was going to change. I made up my mind to leave at that point.” Man, I’m telling you … I’d be livid, if that represented the TRUTH of the matter. I’d be FUMING.
B. Thenet
October 2nd, 2009
9:56 pm
So far I think the Rangers, Leafs, and Habs will all have problems keeping up with us. .
StateBird
October 2nd, 2009
11:39 pm
Brendan – My picks are 91 pts, 3rd divison, 8th conference
Thanks for keeping up the chaos! Go Thrash!
Brendan
October 2nd, 2009
11:59 pm
Statebird, your pick of 91-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 8th in the Conference is registered. It is an IDENTICAL pick to JLH and Alan. Toby has 91, 3rd, and 7th. Scotty and Thrasher Jim have 91, 3rd, and 9th. What a photo finish it might be for the six of you!
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
12:03 am
If the Florida Panthers are going to surrender 55 shots a game, they’re not very likely to get the result they got tonight. And that was a win, via shootout. Tomas Vokoun with 52 saves on the night.
Dwayne
October 3rd, 2009
6:14 am
Brendan, you got my picks??? 96/2/7????
Dwayne
October 3rd, 2009
6:55 am
Nice article in the Savannah Morning News….Ilya declaring…”This is our year” I’m getting fired up!!!!
World Be Free
October 3rd, 2009
9:30 am
Dwayne-right on about the Braves’ stuff.
That “everybody clap your hands” drives me nuts.
I feel like a dog being told to sit for a biscuit.
five_hole
October 3rd, 2009
9:35 am
From what I’ve been reading; Schubert may be big, but he’s not really a fighter. Plays above average on the PK (which should be huge for us). Has good straight-line speed, which means he doesn’t maneuver very well. They say he has a cannon of a shot, but rarely hits the side of the barn.
Only 10 more hours!!!!!!!!! (gotta lay off the capuchino).
five_hole
October 3rd, 2009
10:02 am
Saw this on cnn/si.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/allan_muir/10/02/wheels.off.predictions/index.html?eref=T1#
Pretty much, Alan Muir is an ass. I have never seen him write one nice thing about the Thrashers, or any other team south of the mason dixon line.
Tom
October 3rd, 2009
10:40 am
I have to give the Bruin’s marketing department props for there new ad campaign. This one is my favorite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUgXzJwT-Bg&feature=related
GaVaHokie
October 3rd, 2009
10:41 am
I’ll say 88 pts, 3rd in the SE, and 9th in the Conference… hope I’m wrong.
GaVaHokie
October 3rd, 2009
10:42 am
Alan Muir sucks… and he looks like Sid Vicious.
GaVaHokie
October 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
I’ll say 88 pts, 3rd in the SE, and 9th in the Conference… hope I’m wrong.
My weakened stance has everything to do with goaltending, btw.
Tony C.
October 3rd, 2009
10:48 am
Where is this savannah morning news article?
I looked on their site but could not find it
Glovesave29
October 3rd, 2009
11:00 am
Brendan – although I think we miss the playoffs, I see Kovy re-signing because we will challenge until the waining days of the season for the #8 spot. That shows improvement and that the team is moving in the right direction. We just need to shore it up between the pipes.
I have us 3rd because I don’t buy into the Koolaid that is being served over the Lightning. The same “experts” put them in the playoffs last year and they were a disaster. They are better, but will still be in the basement of the SE. Florida’s losing Bouwmeester will hurt more as the season drags on. They will start strong because Vokoun is a horse, but they will fade at the Olympic break.
Five_hole – I pulled for Rio because my company is based in Brasil and I visit often. We’ve had many Olympics here in the USA and it’s time for someone new to give it a whirl. Brasilians are great people and I wish them the best. The Rio airport only allows one plane on the tarmac at a time, once one plane leaves the ground…the next can leave the terminal. THAT will need to change if they plan on getting all the teams, media and fans into the city on time. Hotels are needed too. Crime in the favellas will need to be addressed. But they handled the Pan American games and World Cup just fine, so I am sure they are up to the task. I spoke with many friends there yesterday and by noon they were already several beers into the day…after the announcement, the Cachaca was poured freely long into the night.
Zoomo
October 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
Here’s the link to the Kovy quote and article.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=500891&cmpid=rss-NewsinEnglish
five_hole
October 3rd, 2009
11:15 am
Glovesave29 Not sure but I think this may be the 1st Olympics in South America, so all things considered, I wish them well. The Olympic games means a huge economic windfall; just look at what the games meant to Atlanta. It was 3 years before I moved here and people were still talking about it. It’s how we got the new baseball stadium.
Agreed that Brasillians are great people, and the word is that Brasillian women are the hottest in the world.
Zoomo
October 3rd, 2009
11:29 am
Per Ben Wright: Ron Hainsey is under the weather and was told to rest at home. He’ll be a game time decision tonight. If he plays Boris will sit out.
World Be Free
October 3rd, 2009
12:20 pm
Sciambi is leaving Braves broadcast booth. That’s a blow for sure.
Sharon
October 3rd, 2009
12:25 pm
Yes, Opening Night! We’ll be in the cheap seats but we’ll be there.
Brendan, I’m going with 93 pts. I think goaltending will be the weakness, but I’m hoping that management will resolve the issue if Pavs tanks early. I’m a dreamer (haha).
rightshot
October 3rd, 2009
12:54 pm
Is it 7:00 yet!
Dwayne
October 3rd, 2009
2:52 pm
4 more hours….
Dwayne
October 3rd, 2009
3:03 pm
Tony C. I bought the paper this morning to check on the high school school scores. I was surprised as hell to see it. I tried to find it by going to Savannahnow.com and could not find it.
R. Stroz
October 3rd, 2009
3:13 pm
200th
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
3:23 pm
It’s already, 2-0, in favor of Detroit. Dwyane, you’re in at 96-points, 2nd in SE Division, and 7th spot in the Conference.
I saw the print edition of the AJC quoted Waddell as saying, “I don’t think we’ll be talking about this at Christmas time,” referring to Kovalchuk’s contract. Mark those words down.
Why? What if we ARRRE still talking about it at Christmas? The accountability over the statement that we WOULDN’T talking about it … would be what?? Crickets start chirping. Off the distance, a coyote howls, and some tumble weeds roll by. There’s no accountability for Waddell statements. Waddell could make the statement, “I guarantee, we will make contact with other human life ELSEWHERE in the Universe … by Christmas.” What does it mean? Would there be any consequences to Waddell making such a statement?
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
3:25 pm
Trixie, can you undo the bold on my previous post, beyond the word, “Dwayne.” Thanks!
Hockey Biltong
October 3rd, 2009
3:29 pm
Muahhahahaahaaa.It is kick some Tampa Bays ass time, I hope!!!!! Let ‘er rip and keep on going.
Btw my ’sources’ tell me Kubina and Arthropod were on Kovys’ list. No mention of anyone else. I suppose I’d have found out if they were actually signed.
Thank you all for keeping me sane in the off-season!!!!!
Right up your kilt!!!
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
3:46 pm
Sharon, you’re in at 93-points, but I didn’t catch your Division Rank and Conference rank, for “tie-breakers.” So that you know, at 93-points are also WBF, tied to 3rd in SE Division, and 8th in Conference, and Darkhorse, who has it tied to 3rd in SE Division, and 7th in the Conference.
GaVaHokie, I’m glad that you got your vote in on time. Everyone has until “puck drop” tonight. At “puck drop” tonight, I’ll check http://www.nhlhumbers.com to see what their ATL cap figure reads. Then I’ll announce the winner of that contest. But “puck drop” are the key words. If there’s some trade between now and then, and the site updated in time to catch it, then could affect things. The rules state … “It is what it is … at the TIME that it is … AT PUCK DROP of Opening Night.
Oh yeah, Hokie … you’re in at 88-points, 3rd in SE Division, and 9th in the Conference. Your pick is IDENTICAL to Darren’s. Hip Czech has 89-points, 3rd, and 9th. Five_hole has 88, 3rd, and 8th. Rawhide and Viking have 88, 3rd, and 10th. And Get The Puck Out has 88, 2nd, and 8th.
Glovesave29, I’m very happy for Rio and Brasil. That’s great news. Brasilian culture is amazing. They’re very “free spirited” people. And that’s BEFORE they start drinking! Whatever inhibitions they might have had, will soon be gone. I think this team will definitely improve this season. I saw that Chris Vivlamore’s Pavelec article got a blurb on the Front Page of the print edition of today’s AJC. Head Coach John Anderson said complimentary things about Pavelec, and the article reference the Calder Cup that they won together in the past.
If I were Kari Lehtonen, and I watch Pavelec legitimately win the #1 spot, I’ve got to re-think my future with the Atlanta Thrashers … UNLESS I come back from injury playing in top form. Kari is still an RFA next Summer. If he were traded, that’s a plus for the team that gets him. They’d control his rights, in terms of his next contract.
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
6:17 pm
Tick, tock. Down goes the clock. No further Points Total guesses will be allowed past Puck Drop. Roughly 7PM, EST. Also, the announcement of the Budget Contest Winner will be forthcoming shortly. The website for verification is http://www.nhlhumbers.com.
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
6:20 pm
Sorry, that was a bad link. Try this one: http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=ATL&season=0910
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
7:19 pm
Annnnnnd, it’s puck drop!!! All voting has ceased in the Points Totals contest. Thank you. And good luck to all legitimately-entered participants!
And nowwwwwwww, Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. The official NHL NUMBERS.COM website reports the 2009-10 Thrashers cap to be $53,255,000. Therefore, (Drumrolll, please) … the winner of the 2009-10 “Guess the Budget Contest,” with a vote of $51,200,000, is ….
is ….
is ….
Rightshot!!! (LAC was last year’s winner.)
Congratulations, righshot. Way to go!!
By the way, Ilya Kovalchuk GUARANTEED PLAYOFFS this year for the Thrashers. And Ron Hainsey said, “anything less than the playoffs would be a big disappointment.” Bryan Little and Colby Armstrong said “Everyone is enthusiastic about picking up right where we left off last season.” So, lots of positive vibes. Max Afinagenov got his first official “chance” as a Thrashers in the Opening minutes. Thrashers are now 0-1 on the power play, for the season, with no PP shots.
In case anyone’s curious, if Kovalchuk is signed before Christmas, the “Kovy re-signs contest” winner would be Nikita, since her vote was the last one in 2009. The next closest guess is June 30, 2010, by several posters. Of course, that contest ended back in June. There is no more voting.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 3rd, 2009
7:40 pm
$53M…am I too late?
Thrashers27
October 3rd, 2009
7:42 pm
WOOHOO! So far, so good. Pavs looks a little shaky. Hopefully, it’s nerves. He definitely has the happy feet going.
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
7:45 pm
Ranallo10 (in AT) is auditioning for Jay Leno.
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
7:47 pm
Kovalchuk scored the 1st goal of the season for Atlanta. If there were a contest for that, I’d bet a lot of people had Kovalchuk. But how many had Salmela, from Boulton and Thorburn?
Get those hands up high. Put ‘em down, you lying liars!!!
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
7:49 pm
Here it comes! “Uhh, Brendan? Paul Ranger scored that goal, not Kovalchuk.” Fair enough. But who got “credit” for it, on the stat sheet? Yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
Russ
October 3rd, 2009
10:01 pm
Great way to start the season. I hate to have to wait until Thursday for the next game.
GO THRASHERS!!!
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
10:33 pm
Russ, if it takes 94-points to guarantee a playoff spot … then we’re 92-points away, with 81-games left. So, we need to go 46-35 in those 81 games. Can I put you in charge of tracking this info, from this point forward? At season’s end, Atlanta must be 12 games over .500, “NHL-Style,” to be a playoff team.
LAC
October 3rd, 2009
11:06 pm
Good game, Two SOLID periods, first & third, second, a… little sloppy.
However, we did not get caught standing around in our own zone as much this game, did a little in 2nd period.
A couple good fights, and liked how we ruined Tampa’s big projected start for this season.
We won 7-4 last year opening night, good to get the win, but this is only game 1. Antropv was not very noticable during the game, and Kane
looked nervous, but I would be too if I were still 18… Gee What a nice thought !
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
11:36 pm
Couple of things. I invite you all to check out the boxscore: http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009020016. You’ll notice a few things. The Kovalchuk-Antropov-Little line were all a +2. Peverley and Kovy both had 2-goal games, and three-points nights. How about Evander Kane getting his 1st NHL point on the Peverley goal? That had to be special for him, with his parents in attendance. Kovy’s ice time was 26:55, just shy of 27 minutes. Over 82 games, that can grind on anyone.
Speaking of TOI, what about the D? I was curious about Mark Popovic’s time. It turned out to be 14:54. Not too bad! Kubina played 20:22. Bogosian logged 20:38. Hainsey has 18:47. Salmela, who had a goal, played 15:59. And Enstrom was the leader in minutes played, with 23:50.
Pavelec was a little shaky. He’s got work to do. He gave us three goals and was out of position several times. But overall, he stopped 36 of 39 shots. Again, this reflects too many shots against. Tampa had double-digit shots in each period. That may have, in part, been due to the Thrashers trying to nurse a 4-0 lead. It’s clear … that this team will have to work on playing with a lead. The Bolts made it, 4-3. And we almost handed them a point in a game where they had no business earning one. Tampa surrendering six (6) goals on Opening Night is too many. I don’t think Smith is the answer in the Lightning net.
It was completely easy to ignore the 4th line. But really, for guys who barely played six minutes, they were all a +1, with Boulton and Thorburn getting assists. Guess who was utterly INVISIBLE tonight? Yep, Slava Kozlov, who was -1, with 16:26 of ice time. Max Afinagenov was a -1, with 14:54. Todd White was a -1, with 19:41 TOI. White got banged up a little while drawing a penalty.
Kovy took a penalty that created a 4 on 3 situation, where the Lightning cashed in on a PPG. Marty St. Louis had a very good night for Tampa, with two goals, and nearly a third.
Toby Enstrom had two (2) assists and was a +1. The whole blueline was a +1. Evander Kane played 11:09, was a +1, and has an assist. It was a good night for the blueline, considering Bogosian and Salmela got goals, in addition to Enstrom’s multi-point night.
Brendan
October 3rd, 2009
11:46 pm
Couple of surprises so far, the Colorado Avalanche are 2-0-0, after finishing 28th last season, only ahead of Tampa Bay and the Islanders. The Detroit Red Wings are 0-4-0, going back to the playoffs last spring. They blew a 2-0 lead vs. St.Louis, over in Europe. You’ll recall that the Blues were a 6th place finisher in the West last season, and they got Paul Kariya back, along with a healthy Erik Johnson, the former 1st overall pick in 2006. Will Detroit win the Central this year? Or is it time for Chicago or St. Louis to claim that division’s title? Let’s watch and see. I saw Nashville won their shootout with Dallas. Nashville was down to their last shot, but they scored to extend the shootout, where they won it. Turco was in net.
If you have Center Ice, Calgary and Edmonton are dropping the gloves. Nothing unusual there. It’s Calgary 3, Edmonton 1. Phoenix is up, 2-0, on the L.A. Kings after 1 period.
A report surfaced on the NHL Network that a Toronto investor group is interested in buying the Atlanta Thrashers and relocating them to Winnipeg. *Sigh.* Why don’t they just buy the Leafs or Senators? It’s all wishful thinking on their part. Hockey teams bleed money and recoup them via resale. There’s no way they could pay rent in Winnipeg and here in Atlanta at the same time. The Thrashers cannot leave Atlanta until that lease is up, in 2019. Period, the end. This won’t happen. And Commissioner won’t let it happen. If the NHL really wanted a team in Winnipeg, they could just agree to expand the league. I have no problem with a team based in Winnipeg. If it simply “must” be a relocation, why not move Phoenix back there?? That actually seems like a move that makes sense.
StateBird
October 4th, 2009
12:24 am
Some other interesting notes … Kane led the team in SOG with 4 … official attendance listed at 18,500 (sellout) although it sure didn’t look like a sell out … in addition to guaranteeing the playoffs Kovy said “you can’t ask the GM and ownership to do anything more” on an interview opening the tv broadcast.
Who sits when Army oomes back? IMHO I though the White line looked the worst of the 4 tonight and the stats appear to support that. Thought that Kane held up better than expected tonight and looked better than both Kozlov and Max.
Goaltending will not be the problem. Any team that consistently gives up 39 SOG as the Thrash did again tonight will not thrive.
Overall I thought the team looked much better than at the opening of last year (even considering routing the Caps on opening night). And team looks more committed than any Thrasher team I have seen.
Tom
October 4th, 2009
12:38 am
Watching some of the early games this season, I truly believe Canada will not send a team to the Stanley Cup playoffs out of the east. Add Florida, Islanders, and Tampa Bay, and most likely Buffalo not making the playoffs, that puts us in.
The Thrashers are fast this season. Damn fast. And will score a bunch.
The defense was scattered tonight and I think we are in trouble with the defensive efforts from our forwards. We will have many 6-4 games during the season. But, and a big but, we are capable of leading the league in scoring. Our first 3 lines will all be able to put pucks in the net on a regular basis. The 4th line will also benefit as the change up pitch. 3 high speed skill lines and 1 grinding line that will dig hard in the corners.
I am curious to see how we do out west. The Thrashers very easily could come out of the trip with 9 points after 6 games if they are focused. We also could come out with 4 points if we do not play 60 minute games.
MB
October 4th, 2009
12:53 am
State Bird, after looking shaky early, Kane seemed to gain confidence throughout the game and played better in each period, but I thought Max looked good. He made some amazing passes that the other boys in blue just weren’t ready for…created scoring chances for several people. I, for one, was very happy with his play. Antropov, on the other hand, didn’t show me too much, other than his goalie impersonation in the first (I believe).