How you gonna keep Kane down on the farm?
Before the season began, Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said that rookie Evander Kane would get an eight or nine game look-see to start the season before deciding whether or not the 4th overall pick in last June’s draft would be sent back to Vancouver of the WHL.
Well, four games into the season…I think Kane’s passed the audition.
Young Evander scored his second goal of this his initial NHL campaign and has three overall points. In fact, the only game he was held pointless was during last Saturday’s 4-2 loss in Ottawa.
Kane scores…Atlanta wins.
His early third period goal in New Jersey Friday night gave Atlanta their first lead of the night…and their first lead since the St. Louis game eight nights ago. The score came on a similar play as one in the opening period where he drove in from the left side toward Marty Brodeur. In the first, he looked to finish the play by passing to Colby Armstrong on the right…this time Kane said, “I’ll handle this myself, thank you very much” and blasted the puck pasty Marty the Magnificent.
Scoring aside, this kid simply has played like he belongs at the NHL level. He hustles every shift and creates chances for his team as he drives to the net.
So, how you gonna keep Evander Kane down on the farm…or send him back down there…once we’ve seen him play like this?
Simple…you don’t. Kane stays.
What's most impressive to you?
- Kane's 2 goals and 1 assist (20%, 28 Votes)
- Peverley's 4 goals and 2 assists (21%, 30 Votes)
- Kovy's 5 goals and 1 assists (4%, 6 Votes)
- Opie's .918 SV% & 2.76 GAA (23%, 32 Votes)
- Thrashers overall 3-1-0 record (32%, 46 Votes)
Total Voters: 141
Loading ...Now, there were more heroes wearing Thrashers jerseys Friday night…and to discuss these players, we’ll begin where the super play began… in the goal as Opie bedeviled New Jersey early to keep Atlanta in the game.
Anytime you are outshot 15-4 and out “chanced 11-3 in the first period but you make it to the locker room tied 0-0, you thank the hockey gods for it. That, and you also thank the guy in between the pipes for coming up big for you. Pavelec stated earlier in the week that he likes facing a lot of shots…well, he must have been down-right giddy in the first period last night.
In stark contrast to last Saturday’s start in Ottawa, though, Ondrej Pavelec played some of his best hockey of the young season in the first twenty minutes, allowing his mates to escape the first period unscathed from the New Jersey onslaught. Opie stopped 28 of the 30 shots he faced on the night and now possesses a 3-1-0 record with a .918 SV% and 2.76 GAA.
Much like my question about Kane above…if Pavs keeps this up, then how is Waddell going to be able to send him back to Chicago once Kari Lehtonen eventually returns to the lineup?
I think you answer that question much in the same fashion…you don’t!
Then there is Rich Peverley who scored not once, but twice on the power play. His first goal of the night tied the score after New Jersey had taken a lead in the second period. He repeated the feat shortly after Kane gave the Thrashers a one-goal advantage in the third. The Peever now has four goals and two assists on the season.
Peverley’s six overall points now ties him with Ilya Kovalchuk for the team.
Then there is the play on special teams… it not just that Atlanta scored on two of their three power play chances, or that they killed off all six of New Jersey’s man advantages…but they closed the door on any Devil’s hopes when Chris Thorburn iced it with a shorty. In the opening 4 games, Atlanta has killed off 14 of their opponent’s 16 power plays.
Hmmm…wasn’t the PK an area of concern going into the season?
Mark Popovic started for the second time and notched his first point. He is also a +2 and has played solidly on defense. Maxim Afinogenov and Nik Antropov both also finished the night with assists, as did Zach Bogosian, Marty Reasoner, Toby Enstrom and Pavel Kubina.
And now…the Thrashers shuffle off to Buffalo to play the 4-0-1 Sabres. We’ll be enjoying that game from the comfy confines of TJ’s on Holcomb Bridge road later tonight. If you are going to be in attendance, remember that Mark and Tim have graciously offered all of you 15% off your food and drinks. I’ve been told that you just need to tell your server that you’re with Rawhide’s Rowdies.
I hope you’re able to show up and make some noise with us!
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94 comments Add your comment
tddf30
October 17th, 2009
2:57 pm
Thanks rawhide for noting my posts. But this is actually my 3rd or 4th rendezvous on your articles, I commented last year around the early season 5 game win streak, and I believe it was you who had an article on here about the 10th year anniversary logo. Usually I prefer to just read the articles and I think they are very good. It seems that the aliens have yet to leave, but I thought this was a perfect article to throw in some comments.
Gotta love that the aliens like the sites in Hotlanta, or maybe it is the weather.
tddf30
October 17th, 2009
3:05 pm
Smoothie, you have some very valid points of the problems that the team has, but you can’t fault the team too much because besides the last 2 months of last season when can we say that any Thrashers team has consistently played with passion and intensity. They came out slow last night and even though that is bad they fought back. However in the past had a team done that they would have probably completely given up going into the 1st intermission and the end result would have been 7-2 Devils, instead of coming out and laying down after being out shot 3 to 1 they showed a little fight.
Chris Vivlamore
October 17th, 2009
3:20 pm
Seeeeeeeee, I told you!!!!
HookyBob
October 17th, 2009
3:24 pm
Pavlec was my first star last night. Without his efforts, Peverly’s goals would have just gotten us closer. Peverly, Kane, Bolts, Thorburn all had yeoman efforts. My lunchbucket award would go to,..Peverburn or Kanton. Who would you give the award to?
I like that Bolton is now our momenteum changer. Actually I’m thrilled that he is so good at it. I noticed an ice bag on his hand after the fight, and don’t seem to recall him playing much later in the game. Hope he isn’t injured.
The depth we have added seems to have made a big difference. (Could we truly have been one or two players away from being a really good team at the end of last season?) Now we have a couple, maybe 3 sets, of forwards for the penalty kill. Our 3rd line is getting PP time. Elliot commented in an earlier game that having PK killers who are on the same line at regular strength really helps the team stay in rythim rolling the lines. This depth could keep us competitive should we get an injury (other than Kari’s) down the road.
Right now I’m enjoying the game as much when the 4th line is on the ice as when the 1st is out. Same goes for when the 3rd line is out there. And I have great expectations each time the 2nd line is out that the law of averages will catch up with them on that shift. Roll-em, Rawhide,… roll-em.
Good to know we can win games when Kovy is shutout.
From what I have seen of Buffalo (game w Detroit) they look to be on their A game right now. I’m glad they played last night and am hopeful that Vannek is not in the line-up. I think to win we’ll need to steal it,…be it Pavlec, our PK, or maybe even our 2nd line. I’d take a lucky goal too.
Go Blue,…keep the streak against Buffalo going.
Jameson
October 17th, 2009
3:55 pm
I really wish I could make it out tonight, but I’ll be at work, in Gainesville until 8:30. Looking forward to the Thanksgiving party. I should finally be able to make it out for one.
Mark
October 17th, 2009
4:25 pm
HookyBob – Boulton ices his knuckles in the penalty box after the fights. He did the same thing during the Tampa game. Jaws, heads and helmets just don’t give very well to the pressure of fists.
Hockey Biltong
October 17th, 2009
5:10 pm
Btw the rookies had too any penalties last night. Only one apiece by my rules.
Puttin on the Foil. what did you get??? plasma or LCD?? Im a 1080 plasma guy myself…
WBF – Allagash Curiouex will be the beverage of choice tonight!!!
And last but not least ; Are there any of you inside 285 who might congregate to scream at the television and cheer on the Trashers????
Not to take away from TJ’s or P’chtree City!!!!!
Hockey Biltong
October 17th, 2009
5:10 pm
Referring to Bogo as well as Kane.
Tony C.
October 17th, 2009
5:30 pm
I think last night showed the main difference between this year’s Thrashers squad and those of years past in one simple observation:
Lemaire put his best defensive line (Neiderymeyer/Rolston/Pandolfo) against the KoVALchuk line, and ended up being unable to account for the next two lines that Anderson rolled out.
I think the only other time where we’ve had 3 lines that can be counted on to score (SlavaMatic’s line’s troubles aside) is…
never.
Sweet.
I do believe we’re finally seeing Thrasher’s Hoceky.
Kane is really impressive, I saw one rookie mistake in the first, but wow the kid learns quick-and that goal? WOW!!! (I wonder if Marty was nice enough to sign the puck).
If anybody needs a ride from TJs tonight, get my number from somebody behind the bar ask for “Tony’s Taxi”-I drive a cab now and work that area, so holler if you need me.
Smitty
October 17th, 2009
5:49 pm
Tom
Sounds like a good idea. Have several friends that would show up for that. Will they ever build a rink in PTC? They use to have one in Morrow but it closed down.
Teams should not be too tired tonight. Atlanta only played two periods last night and Buffalo only played one.
Hockey Biltong
October 17th, 2009
5:55 pm
I’ll miss you guys at TJ’s , but am going to a Sabres hangout called Cheyenne Grill. It’s in Peachtree Hills shopping centre. I will be the one in the Kovalchuk sweater.
Steve
October 17th, 2009
8:17 pm
I absolutely love the new coaching style. Push it up and KEEP it up. No laying back on defense. Pressure, pressure, pressure. It’s exciting and it keeps the heat on the opponents.
For too long did I go to Thrashers games and watch 60-70% of the game played in our defensive third. Sure, we would win, but we almost never outshot the opponent. In other words, most of the wins were kind of flukish.
This could be a big year for the Thrashers, but Ron Mexico is correct on one thing .. lock Peverley up quickly. Also trade Lehtonen for a second rounder if you can get it and be done with him. We have our goalie of the future and he actually seems to WANT ice time. Can’t win without consistency in the nets, and the only think Lehtonen has done consistently is miss games.
Get The Puck Out
October 17th, 2009
8:34 pm
Is there any way to get the thrashers announcers on gamecenter?
Get The Puck Out
October 17th, 2009
8:48 pm
Man —–everybody must be at TJ’s.
Putting On The Foil
October 17th, 2009
8:56 pm
Hockey Biltong. Still procrastinating on the tv. Was leaning toward the Samsung 46″ 1080 120 htz LCD, but now that 52″ is starting to look good too. Do like those plasma pictures, but I think I have too much light in the room that would create too much reflection on the screen.
Having to listen to the Buffalo announcers tonight on XM. They sound about as apologetic for the Sabres as the Fox guys did during the Falcons game last weekend. Anyway, go Thrash. Keep up the good work.
tddf30
October 17th, 2009
9:32 pm
Forget what I said in my first post today, leave the lines alone.
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
9:35 pm
Special teams are the story again. Atlanta tallied two PPG’s and only gives up one PPG. The Thrashers are getting points at an 80% clip. The New Jersey Devils shutout Carolina, 2-0. Nashville came back from down, 2-0, to force OT with the Capitals. The Bolts are trailing the Penguins, 3-1, in the third. The Capitals and Preds are now underway in OT.
Your attention please, the Toronto Maple Leafs are losing, 4-1, late in the 3rd period to the NY Rangers, on “date night” in Toronto. Tune in to the NHL Network (NHLTV listing in channel guide) to hear 18,000 Canadians “booing” their home team, as they face 0-6-1 to start the season. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are smiling, in anticipation of drafting 1st overall, thanks to that Phil Kessel trade.
Max Afinogenov scored the backbreaking goal for Atlanta, in his HOMECOMING. Kozlov and Moose got assists! Yes, Moose! Hedberg is something like 11-2 in his last 13 games vs. Buffalo. In the pregame show, Robitaille called him “the Sabre-killer.” Todd White finally scored. It was a PPG. Kovalchuk added his sixth and seventh of the year. Ovechkin has both Capitals goals. I think O.V. is at 9 goals on the year. Ovechkin is looking for the “hat trick” in this overtime. But he won’t get it. We’re going to the shootout. Channel #777 on Comcast.
Putting On The Foil
October 17th, 2009
9:36 pm
SWEET!
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
9:38 pm
Sabres announcer Mike Robitaille, after the 1st period, asked Rink reporter Rob Ray, “What do you think of Atlanta?” Ray’s response, “I like ‘em.” Mike Robitaille’s rebuttal, “The more look at this team, from top to bottom, we’re realizing … HEY!, these guys are good!” We’re not talking about Atlanta’s crew. This was Buffalo’s crew.
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
9:40 pm
Ovechkin just scored in the shootout. Fans threw hats, thinking it’s a “hat trick.” But it’s not. It’s just a shootout goal. Listen to the Leafs fans BOOING their team off the ice, on NHLTV !!!
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
9:46 pm
Aves and Red Wings are in the shootout. Leafs lost, 4-1. Capitals won, 3-2, in the shootout. It was 1-0 in the shootout, with Ovechkin having the only goal.
LAC
October 17th, 2009
9:47 pm
So far this season from games I have watched, I very much like the
way we can readjust to the play of the other team and start making them play our game.
Last night was a nice example, we played poorly in the first and tonight WE played our game and Buffalo never did adjust.
8 points now, GREAT start keep it going !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
9:49 pm
Colorado is now 6-1-1 on the season. Colorado won the shootout. Red Wings have lost a-noth-er one. WTF? Stanley Cup loss hangover?? What is the Rangers record now? Are they also 6-1-1?
Mad Max
October 17th, 2009
9:49 pm
I make World Be Free cry tears of joy!
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
9:57 pm
I guess the Rangers are 7-1-0. That’s pretty “en fuego” as far as starts go. Atlanta is 4-1-0, with three games-in-hand. If Atlanta won all three of those games-in-hand, we’d be tied with the Rangers.
Let’s all read tomorrow morning’s print edition of the Toronto newspaper to see how scathing the review of the Leafs 0-6-1 start is. That’s one of a possible fourteen (1/14) points. Just to get out of the lottery draft, Toronto is going to have to win at a pretty good clip in the remaining 75 games.
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
10:00 pm
It’s a final! Pittsburgh 4, Tampa Bay 1. Atlanta gains two points on the Bolts and ‘Canes tonight. (And the idle Panthers.) But Washington did win. I see the NHL Network is reporting that Hedberg made 40 saves in his season debut. That’s still too many shots.
How happy is Max Afinogenov right now? Didja see the Kovy “attaboy” head tap? Kovy’s having fun. Now sign that contract!!!
Darren
October 17th, 2009
10:04 pm
Except Toronto traded their pick to Boston for Kessel. So they won’t even benefit from their putrid play.
Atlanta, on the other hand, is definitely benefiting. Kaptain Kovy with two more, the second line breaks through, penalty kill negates a full 5 on 3.. so far, so good…
Tom
October 17th, 2009
10:08 pm
Smitty
There is constant talk of a rink in Peachtree City or the Thomas Crossroads area. We play inline at the Kedron rink and consider it a great alternative. Ice would be nice but I am not holding my breathe.
Great job by the Thrashers tonight. At what stage will people stop blaming the poor effort of their team and start giving the Thrashers some respect. I wonder if we will come out of the bottom third of the rankings?
Darren
October 17th, 2009
10:10 pm
Also, wasn’t so much as the number 40 as the number of in-close shots the Buffa-slugs had. Way too many. Hedberg had to be strong on his rebound control and recovery (and he was) to keep Atlanta in the lead.
JLH
October 17th, 2009
10:10 pm
6-3, 4-2, 2-4, 4-2, 4-2; there’s a pattern (or two) in there somewhere.
Great game, first 2 periods. The difference between this year and last year – when a team starts coming back on us I expect that we will hold them off. Last year I expected the opposite.
I was disappointed, but not surprised, that the fans were booing Max. What an awesome payback. I guess the 2nd line had their coming out party: 2 goals and 2 assists. Kane continues to look excellent in so many areas, doing a lot of the little things, with energy. I think we have a few guys who could actually learn something from him, but not as many as last year.
I’ve got to say that I’m worrying about Bogosian. His defensive lapses and penalties are gonna cost us sooner, rather than later. I think Anderson may need to sit him for a game to get his attention, like we did when we sent Little down 2 seasons ago. Schubert also doesn’t look real smart to me – out of position and passive too many times.
I think Kovy’s signature is at least half penned!
stendec
October 17th, 2009
10:15 pm
WOW! Moose stops 40 shots. Captain Ilya Kovalchuk scores two more goals. In a hostile rink no less! The Thrashers are 4-1 after five outings. PHENOMENAL! Any delusional apologists believe Sori Letemin would have surrendered only two goals on 42 shots? No chance in Hell. Cut him loose. Do not allow the untalented Finn back to f#ck up this amazing team chemistry! Agreed? That said…CONGRATULATIONS THRASHERS! Well done. Nighty night everyone. Peace. ++STENDEC++
Mad Max
October 17th, 2009
10:31 pm
I turn all WNY into alcoholic.
Why do Sabre fan chant Moose when I have puck?
Stendecs Mother
October 17th, 2009
10:32 pm
You stop being mean to your half brother Kari. I’m going to wash your mouth out with soap if you continue to type the F word 3/4’s of the way. Now take your meds and go to bed.
Sara
October 17th, 2009
10:41 pm
Brendan – and in other NHL news, Phoenix is pounding the crap out of Boston tonight. Really nice to see the Coyotes on fire out of the gate after that horrendous summer. Would’ve been so easy for them to be distracted and lackluster this year.
Also really nice to watch TO continue to flounder. They’re going to have Burke’s head on a platter if they completely blow this season and Boston gets to draft first overall.
As for our Atlanta Thrashers – wooooooohooooo. My friend and I were checking the score on our phones throughout the Gladiators game (because while they were sure up on updating NCAA football scores during the game, they couldn’t be bothered to announce the hockey scores). Nice to see the Kaptain with 2 more goals and Max and White get theirs. Waiting on NHL on the Fly to cooperate and play the highlights.
Oh and Brendan – regarding the wtf? in Detroit … I’ll be honest. I’m blaming Beast. Ever since he joined the coaching staff last season, Detroit’s defense and PK have struggled. Coincidence? I think not. They need to get their crap together – that division is way too competitive this season for that nonsense.
Smitty
October 17th, 2009
10:42 pm
Pierre Lebrun spoke about Kovy on the Hot Stove League on HNIC tonight. He mentioned the possibility of Kovy playing in KHL next year if he does not re-up here in ATL. He said that possibilty is slim and that Kovy’s first choice is to remain here. Lebrun’s gut feeling is that Kovy will re-sign in ATL within the month.
Nice to see Max score tonight after getting booed. Looks like all the lines are clicking on all cylinders. Defense needs some work.
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
11:15 pm
Sara, I think it’s time Mike Babcock had “THE TALK.” Really? Well, yeah. It is. Why wait any longer? Babcock has to call BEAST into his office and utter the word, “accountability.” Detroit is not, necessarily, in danger of losing the division, with 76 or so games left to play. But if things continue at this pace, they’re in trouble. Maybe even “making the playoffs” trouble. But I don’t want to go nuts here. They are the Red Wings. This will get corrected, one way or the other.
Did Babcock renew his contract over the Summer? Or was that Summer of 2008? I don’t think his job is in danger. But Beast may be another matter.
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
11:19 pm
And NHL TV just announced that the Leafs don’t play again until next Saturday? So, there’ll be seven days to (over)analyze the Leafs’ start in Toronto. Ron Wilson and Brian Burke should just turn off their phones. In the Leafs’s defense, they’ve played some good and hot teams. But they’re not playing well. And when a team isn’t playing well, they’re not apt to win.
I’m watching the Sabres-Thrasher REPLAY on Center Ice. Kovy just made it, 1-0.
Sara, great to see the Coyotes with that 4-1 lead, late in the 3rd. There’s about 3:00 left.
BlueSpark
October 17th, 2009
11:26 pm
Off-topic: Ovechkin has 9 goals on 61 shots. Kovalchuk has 7 goals on 16 shots. That is not a typo.
Midfield
October 17th, 2009
11:26 pm
The SOG wouldn’t be as bad if it weren’t for the slue of penalties. Some of them were invented, I have to say. I’ve yet to remember the concurrent call in a scrum resulting on 2minute 5 on 3 in this league. Only in Buffalo. But, yes, Bogosian has skated a couple of games as sloppily as at the begiining of last season. Perhaps, it’s time to fly Schneider in to Duluth for a long weekend. Any Jewish holidays coming up soon?
Brendan
October 17th, 2009
11:30 pm
Ya know, tonight, I really looked forward to that Senators-Canadiens game. And it was a “decent” game. But I learned something I didn’t know in preseason. Ottawa is better than I thought. Perhaps, they’re better than Montreal. This is only one game, of course. But the Sens are 5-2-0, and the Habs are 2-5-0. And one of those wins was in overtime versus the Leafs. Bob Gainey spend A LOT OF MONEY to “fix” the Montreal squad. Doesn’t look like it was money well spent, yet.
See, what do I always say? “In hockey, there really aren’t ‘quick-fix’ solutions.” In short, you’ve got to pay the piper. You’ve got to take your lumps, and hope the draft brings ya something good. And the waiver wire presents you with something good. And hope to find some player who merely fell out of favor in his camp to wind up on your team. Do these things, and 3 years later, you should be doing pretty well. Instead, Montreal lets all 10 UFA’s walk. That’s making a statement about falling from #1 to #8 in the playoff field. But they spent too much on Hal Gill, Spacek, Gionta, Cammalleri, and took on that ridiculous Gomez contract. I’m not at all sold on Montreal being a playoff team. And as for Toronto, I know that Kessel trade was a bold and aggressive move. But it really wasn’t necessary. The Leafs didn’t HAVE TO HAVE Phil Kessel. Phil Kessel is not the “end all, be all” of NHL existence. They could have taken their chances in the draft, and probably done very well. Conceptually, rebuilding teams shouldn’t trade away their 1st round picks or 2nd round picks. That’s the best way to ESCAPE the mess they’re in. When Kessel returns, Leafs fans will demand a “hat trick” a game so that they feel his trade and salary were justified.
Smoothie
October 18th, 2009
12:10 am
Midfield, that’s pretty funny about Schneider and Jewish holidays. Last time I checked, he was on the shelf re-habbing his shoulder out in ‘da Couve. Perhaps Bogey should fly his buddy into Atlanta to let him re-hab his shoulder in his palacial new workout center at home. Actually, I think Bogey’s home gym is in Messena, but hell, Zach had plenty of time over the last 2 weeks of practice to move in some free-weights and machines. Bogey is struggling a bit, but Enstrom is bailing his butt out most of the time. The kid will be fine…he’s played a lot of hockey over the last 10 months with only about a month off this summer after the Worlds. Perhaps moving him down to # 2 pairing with Hainsey will get his attention?
Smoothie
October 18th, 2009
12:17 am
I gotta hand it to Moose, he was a wall in the paint tonite. He was well-prepared for this game and he made things easier for his d-men in the first 40 mins. I was fearful they were gonna hang him out to dry in the 3rd with their “nickel prevent” defense.
Despite facing 20+ shots, he gave up very few juicy rebounds save the one that resulted in the goal — a goal that Bogey perhaps could have prevented had he played the body on Stafford instead of reaching for the puck. Again, too much stick play by our d-men when the better play would be to tie up the man in the crease.
I definitely did not like Schubie with Pops, but MP3 was very good for the most part tonite. Speaking of d-men, does it seem like they are not jumping up into the play as much as last March & April? Perhaps it is just a by-product of playing with the lead thanks to our PP prowess. Hope we get better at pinching and possessing the puck as the season gets into full swing.
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
October 18th, 2009
12:55 am
This is your ten-minute RANALLO WARNING!
And yes…Mr. Rawhide is paying me double time to be working this late on a Saturday night!
World Be Free
October 18th, 2009
9:53 am
I have told ya’ll what i think of Hockey Night in Canada. Their hockey coverage used to be the best, now it is the worst. Kovy to the KHL? You have to be kidding me, why the heck woulod he want to play in the KHL?
Pretty amazing how bad Boston is so far this year. They also have the tough task of holding their team together, so close to the salary cap.
That has to be the biggest surprise. Montreal will set the example of how not to try and build a team-through free agency! I hope Toronto management learns from the Habs’ mistakes.