Eleven most pleasant surprises so far this Thrashers season
Given that the Thrashers are 10-6-1 and currently riding a four-game win streak, there have been quite a few pleasant surprises seen so far. As such, I’ve compiled a list of what I feel are the eleven most pleasant surprises to date in this still-young Thrashers season and have bundled them up to present to you now for two reasons.
1. I would like for you to vote on which one you feel is the #1 most pleasant surprise 17 games into the season, and…
2. To give people like Jack Bryan IV at Inronstone Bank something to read and think about while killing off another four days between games.
So, why “eleven” and not the customary “ten” that normally accompanies such a list? Well, as I was putting this piece together I found myself struggling to limit the list to just ten…which is odd seeing that in years past, come mid-November, I would have been hard-pressed to come up with just a half dozen or so. I guess in a way that alone is a pleasant surprise.
Anyway…so this one goes to eleven.
Now keep in mind that when it comes to some of the players on the list, it isn’t that I’m “surprised” at the fact they are playing well…really, it’s the level or degree of play they have sustained over the course of the first month and a half of the season.
With that in mind and with no further ado…here are my 11 nominees for most pleasant surprises of the year, in no particular order.
Ilya Kovalchuk: Not that anything really “surprises” me anymore when it comes to the captain’s on-ice prowess…but this year even more than in seasons past, he seems to have grabbed this team and propelled it to a level of play it otherwise could not have realized. He started off scoring 9 goals in the first 7 games…breaks his foot…is supposed to missed 3-5 weeks, a dozen or so games…instead returns after missing just six games…then proceeds to score 3 more goals and chips in 5 assists in his first 3 games back, leading an offense that has scored 15 goals in those three matches.
Now that’s what I call taking ownership of your team.
The Record: The 10-6-1 start is exactly what the doctor ordered for this team. The past two years have seen them get off to horrific beginnings and it set the tone for the whole year. We began to see last spring a foreshadowing of things to come, but questioned whether or not the good play then would leap over through the summer to this fall.
I think any such doubt has been officially dispersed.
So far, the Opie & Moose tandem has worked out very well (AP/Gregory Smith)
Rich Peverley: After 17 games, the Thrashers leading scorer is the player who makes the least amount of money on the forward line…at least until his nice raise kicks in next season. The Peever just continues to dispense out the points, netting 8 goals and his 15 assists is second behind Nik Antropov’s 16. 5 of those goals have come on the power play and 3 have been game-winners. This isn’t too bad for a guy that the Nashville Predators where trying to slip through waivers last January.
Gawd-almighty…could you just imagine the bitchin’ and moanin’ we’d all be engaging in if the situation were reversed and it was Don Waddell who allowed this guy to get stolen off the waiver wire?
Evander Kane: The fourth overall of last June’s draft was welcomed with open arms by Thrashers fans as we all knew he held a promise of good things to come. But how many figured those good things would come so early just this fall. Thus far, the 18-year old has accounted for 6 goals and 5 assists. Those 11 points are 6 best on the team…right between the two most recent young stars Toby Enstrom, (12 points) and Zach Bogosian, (10 points)… and Evander’s +9 rating leads the team.
Yeah…I think the kid can stay.
Zach Bogosian: And speaking of Zach…his 8 goals equals Peverley for second most on the squad and his 10 overall points are 7th highest. 2 goals have come on the PP and one was a shorty. Watching him guide the puck up ice in his powerful fashion is a thing to behold, my friends. Combine that with his play in the defensive zone, and sometimes one forgets that he only has 64 total NHL games under his belt.
No sophomore slump here.
Most Pleasant Surprise So Far This Season?
- Ilya Kovalchuk (2%, 3 Votes)
- Overall Record (3%, 5 Votes)
- Rich Peverley (8%, 16 Votes)
- Evander Kane (16%, 30 Votes)
- Zach Bogosian (2%, 4 Votes)
- Goalkeeping (13%, 26 Votes)
- Road Record (2%, 3 Votes)
- Special Teams (32%, 62 Votes)
- Maxim Afinogenov (12%, 24 Votes)
- Playing as a Team (9%, 18 Votes)
- Pavel Kubina (1%, 2 Votes)
Total Voters: 193
Loading ...Goalkeeping: Hard to believe that just two short month ago, many of us were wailing and gnashing our teeth over the fact that “Kari Down ’09” had actually come upon us even before the season began. We had the likes of Manny Legace in camp on a pro tryout…but instead the brain trust of Waddell, Dudley and Anderson decided to turn to Ondrej Pavelec…who at the time owned career stats of 6-10-0 with a 3.42 GAA and .890 SV%…with Johan Hedberg backing him up. Many thought they were smoking Opie-um for going this route, yours truly included…but it’s seems to be working out just fine so far, thank you very much. Opie is 6-5-1 with a 2.90 GAA and .917 SV% and just last Friday he laid the first goose egg of his career, blanking the Kings 7-0. And not to be overlooked is Johan Hedberg, who is kickin’ it in the support role. Moose has compiled a 4-1-0 record with a 2.63 GAA and .923 SV%.
I guess unlike that “other stuff…Opie-um isn’t bad for you.
Road Record: The Thrashers have indeed become road warriors…going 6-2-1 outside of Thrasherville. Two of those losses, a 4-2 defeat in Ottawa and a 2-1 shootout loss in Montreal, have already been avenged as Atlanta has returned to the scenes of the crimes and come away with a 3-1 win against the Senators and 5-4 victory versus the Habs.
By the way…we return to Long Island the day after New Years. Just sayin’…
Special Teams: OK, I know it’s placed down the list…but this is the one that gets my vote for the #1 most pleasant surprise so far this season. This is especially true with the penalty kill unit, which has been effective 84.5% of the time, (5th best in the NHL). Compare that to last season when they were only able to deny the opposition success during the man-advantage 76.0% of the time, (29th). Then there is the second best power play in the league right now, which makes teams pay for their on-ice transgressions 26.5% of the time.
You remember, of course, that it wasn’t too long ago that we wished the team could decline the penalty like they can in football?
Maxim Afinogenov: Mad Max is seriously earning that $800,000 the Thrashers organ-I-zation is paying him, eh? So far Afinogenov has 7 goals, 17 overall points and is a +1. In the last three games he’s tallied four goals and is a +4. Along with fellow countrymen Antropov and Ilya Kovalchuk, Max has completed the top line for this Atlanta team and the trio seem to be creating more and more chemistry by the week day hour minute.
Oh, and who do you think leads the team in shots on goal? Why…it’s Max with 41.
The Thrashers are playing...and fighting...better as a team (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Playing Like A Team: Sounds kinda cliché…yeah, I know. But really, this version of the Atlanta Thrashers is playing more like a cohesive unit than any has is many, many moons. It shows in their passing…the overall flow of their play…the way forwards back check more than in days gone by…and how they fight for each other and with each other.
You pick on one…you pick on ‘em all.
Pavel Kubina: I’m gonna name all of the quality, solid, dependable defensemen on par with Pavel Kubina that the Thrashers have had in their history…awkward silence…OK there, want me name them again? Look, this guy is big, knows how to use is size to his advantage, is a strong presence in the defensive zone and knows how to step up in John Anderson’s offensive style of play. The coach told me recently that his veteran leadership extends off-ice in the locker room as well…that he knows just what to say and when to lighten the mood with a witty quip. Kubina is just what this team needed this season.
Of course, we could just sum up this way:
Kubina = 3 goals, (2 PP), 5 assist, +7 with 16 PIM in 16 games played.
Exelby = 0 goals, 0 assist, -7 with 15 PIM in 10 games played.
With apologies to NASCAR Dave…’Nuff said!
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147 comments Add your comment
Tony C.
November 17th, 2009
5:23 pm
As far as surprises go, I’d have to say it’s O-P.
After watching the final tune-up game against Tampa, I left the Flatscreen shaking my head and wondering which of the good-looking young fellers down Chicago-way we’d have to give up in order to get Biron, or if Eggelstone’s autism department was up to snuff so that Giguire would ok a trade here…
O-P’s play has indeed been a pleasant surprise! A lot less peeking behind him, and while he still has a long way to go in terms of postioning etc. -the kid is a winner and has some serious mojo working-definitely doesn’t seem like the same player I saw in October.
Schroeder
November 17th, 2009
5:55 pm
I voted for Kane as being the biggest surprise as I will admit I was one of the few who said that he was too light to play in the NHL,Boy do I feel like a poor judge of talent,great wheels and he seems to get stronger with each shift.But,on the other hand I am not the least bit surprised by the MAD MAX! I have watched him in the past and been amazed by him,You guys have never seen him in such an OFFENSIVE minded system as JA’s,which will NEVER be mistaken for Lindy Ruff’s system.Max was never a perfect fit for that type of play,thats why it always looked like he was skating in circles,because his line mates were on a different page.I wonder why all I hear on OTF is what a great player Max is,not a defensive liability,constantly digging in the corners,backchecking,looking for the breakout,the only speed the guy knows is WIDE_A** OPEN.I’m sick of watching the man make 2-3 plays in a row,then get a bouncing puck and a split second tip that hops over his stick and all you guys do is rail on him. Let’s have some positive energy!!!
Red Light
November 17th, 2009
6:46 pm
Very well said Brendan. The truth is that none of us have been pleased with the on-ice results through the end of last season. Sure, there have been my-noot glimmers of hope here and there, and the team’s performance early this season has been better than expected. The fact remains, the skeptic looks at track record, while protagonist clings to hope or what might have been. I’ve long been in the former category, don’t apologize for it, and am waiting, still waiting for a franchise that can compete for the playoffs, and dare I say, the Cup on a continual basis. Is that a realistic expectation?
Personally, I believe the franchise, er, management and those in charge of personnel decisions, er Waddell, could have done more in the first eight years the franchise was in existence. You can shout from every rooftop to tell me otherwise, and I won’t concur. Is the team making strides, yes, and from my skeptical vantage point, I’ll simply say: “it’s about damn time!”
Like many of you, I have attended games since the inaugural season, as many as 30 games per year, until the past two seasons. I love the game, always have, and will continue to do so, whether or not this franchise ever amounts to anything or not. I prefer to be able to watch this team succeed for years to come. Up until this point, I wouldn’t have believed it to be possible given the well-illustrated points Brendan made above.
If Kovy isn’t signed or Waddell doesn’t get fair value in exchange for him, we’ll see how many protagonists are left standing in this blog, or any others for that matter.
While it is trite to say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, if Waddell is able to re-sign Kovy, Thrashers’ fans will have the proof that it is indeed possible, in this case.
Hockey Biltong
November 17th, 2009
6:51 pm
Pleasant suprise – Max A.
Best Suprise = Evander Kane
Bogosian was the hot late starting guy last year. Kane has proven beyond a doubt, up front, that he is the man!!!
jen
November 17th, 2009
7:35 pm
I’m voting for Special Teams. In the NHL since the lockout, you live and die in the regular season based on special teams. Case in point – Sunday, HUGE penalty with 4:50 or something like that to go, and the Oil barely got a sniff. With the constant evaluation of the rules and constant changes (mostly improvements) to the flow of the game, you have to be able to play in all situations. You have to make those nescessary stops, and you have to capitalize on your chances. As much as Kane has brought to the team, its only 17 games in and he has to make it through 82 (AND THEN SOME HOPEFULLY!).
We have depth on special teams for the first time EVER. We’ve never had an effective 2nd PP unit. Its been all Kovy all the time, and while Kovy is the man, other teams swarm him. We have multiple weapons on the PP. Bogo, Toby, Kubina, Peverly, White, Antro, big bodies, shooters who can find the net, and short handed the rest of the league just can’t cover them all. If you move to cover one of them, you open up Kovy.
The PK has been a revalation this year, aggressive man coverage, constant pressure on the puck carrier, great collapse to the center. gone are the days of the stand around diamond formation and hope to block the occaisional shot.
All of the above mentioned pleasant surprises; player changes, the savvy additions (and yes, I did just use savvy when thinking about DW), the rise of Pavs, the team buying the system, manifest themselves in our special teams. That’s what wins games and gets you points during the regular season. Points get you playoffs. I’m really starting to think we’ll get a sniff this year.
Glovesave29
November 17th, 2009
8:15 pm
Couple of things…
1. Congrats to longtime Gwinnett Gladiator Chris Durno for getting the call up to Colorado. He’s a good guy, and I hope he sticks.
2. I vote for Max for the most pleasant surprise.
3. PLEASE lets not get crazy with the lofty comparisons. Pavalec is NOT Hasek. Yup, they both flop around a lot and could never be considered “textbook” goalies. But Hasek was waaaay more technically sound. He made the wild saves when he needed to, sure – but Pavalec makes too many wild saves to correct mistakes he has made. Bogo is not Bobby Orr (i’m pretty shocked that came from you, Brendan). Bogo skates well, sees the ice like a vet and has a blistering slap shot. Orr revolutionized the game. Defensemen didn’t join the rush before Bobby came along. Bogo’s game may show some of the residual traits of Orr’s game, but the comparisons have to stop there.
I have been very pleasantly surprised by this team. The work ethic is there and they really seem to feed off each other. My only concern is do we have the depth necessary for the last quarter of the season when everyone is playing hurt and the playoff teams step up there game. I sure hope we can keep this up, I’d love to find out from all the “know it alls” up in Toronto what crow tastes like.
Dwayne
November 17th, 2009
8:34 pm
We know what crow tastes like….it tastes like chicken!!
Sara
November 17th, 2009
10:01 pm
See – and this is what makes it ridiculous. Team’s off to a fantastic start with all these positives, and there’s still some need to rehash the past over and over and over and over.
This is why I hate down time in the schedule.
Rawhide
November 17th, 2009
10:03 pm
In keeping with our subject of top-ten…or eleven…lists, Puck Daddy’s Sean Leahy has posted a blog listing his top-ten worst teams of the last decade. Number one on that list…your Atlanta Thrashers of 2001-02. That’s the one that finished with 54 points.
To put that season total into some perspective… given their current pace, the Thrashers would reach 54 after 44 games played. That would be February 9th.
ben
November 17th, 2009
10:22 pm
it has got to be op
pevs is more validation
Viking
November 17th, 2009
11:34 pm
Glovesave, I did not mean Opie is a Hasek. I meant to compare scary feelings among fans when the “swimming” starts. Hasek is the best I can come up with in this respect.
KovyRules
November 17th, 2009
11:52 pm
Brendan, I think you bring up a good point about a critical juncture in DWs tenure here – the playoff season. He was told by ASG that making the playoffs immediately was a top priority, and he achieved that task. The Coburn trade was a big help in that particular task because Zhitnik actually played a key role in winning games down the stretch (same with the Tkachuk, though I haven’t checked out who we ended up losing through those draft picks). So do you credit him with achieving exactly what his bosses wanted? Or do you discredit him for not standing up to them and pointing out the havoc that is consistently wreaked on teams that try to make that premature jump? Personally, I credit him for doing what was necessary, but also celebrate that he’s not trying to pick our future talent any more (after all, he drafted Coburn ahead of Phaneuf).
Again, I am thankful we’ve got Don doing business and contracts, JA coaching like the master he is, and Duds identifying the missing pieces. Let’s stop looking back in agony and look forward with a team that’s definitely in the top third of the league in bright futures.
KovyRules
November 18th, 2009
12:15 am
Rawhide, good find on Puck Daddy’s Sean Leahy’s bottom ten list! The Thrashers powerplay that year was 12%! That is astoundingly pathetic! To put that in perspective, the 62 goals we’ve scored this year over 1030 minutes of hockey mean the chances we’ll score in any 2 minute period is 12%. That year we needed the man advantage just to make things even. Whew, the bad old days!
Personally, I think the 2006-2007 Flyers should have been even higher on the bad list because of the very good talent level they had to work with. Then again, didn’t they go 4-0 against us that year? That reminds me, we’ve got a curse to break against Niittymaki this Sunday.
Tom
November 18th, 2009
12:33 am
Just was geeking around and figured out the standings based upon points per game played as of the end of tonights games for the Eastern Conference. We are 6th.
1 New Jersey 1.47
2 Buffalo 1.47
3 Washington 1.43
4 Philadelphia 1.35
5 Pittsburgh 1.33
6 Atlanta 1.24
7 Tampa Bay 1.22
8 Ottawa 1.17
9 NY Rangers 1.10
10 NY Islanders 1.10
11 Boston 1.00
12 Montreal 0.95
13 Florida 0.89
14 Toronto 0.58
15 Carolina 0.55
This looks much more realistic and balances out the standings. The Thrashers have played the least amount of games with PHI and BUF at 17, The Rangers and Islanders drop in the standings as their records are based upon having already played 21 games.
Tom
November 18th, 2009
12:38 am
Just another quick number to throw up there. Based upon the numbers as of tonight, making the playoffs will require 96 points. The Thrashers are on a 102 point pace.
Brendan
November 18th, 2009
2:18 am
Glovesave29, I was trying to use that Bobby Orr statement example as how posters can sometimes be heaping “misplaced” praise or blame on a player, coach or GM. And that, honestly, doing both are EASY to do. It’s a common mistake. (Pavelec and Hasek?) And rather, that we must look at things for what they are, not what we wish them to be. In short, it will be what it is. Now, I have no objections to Bogosian having a career like Bobby Orr’s, other than that it better not be cut prematurely short by a series of knee surgeries.
Posters all over the blogosphere love to make Bobby Orr-like projections when a defender prospect arrives with a great shot, blazing speed, and an outstanding ability to pass and/or read the play. Bobby Orr revolutionized hockey. I’m not sure how a blueliner can revolutionize hockey, in today’s game. But if Zach Bogosian’s outstanding play ever ACTUALLY CAUSES THE RULES OF THE GAME TO CHANGE, we’ll know he’s truly an ELITE, ALL-TIME BEST type of player. I’d love to be a witness.
Brendan
November 18th, 2009
2:55 am
KovyRules, maybe this is a bad analogy, but it’s the first one that popped into my brain at this late hour, awakened from a sound sleep. Consider the case of the poor broadcast journalist. Well, for a broadcast journalist, nothing ought be more important than that person’s integrity. That’s worth repeating. Nothing ought to be more important that that person’s integrity. Imagine, on some random Thursday, the broadcast journalist is handed a jaw dropping TelePrompTer feed. In an epiphany, the broadcast journalist says, “I’m not going to do this. I’m not going to sit before a television camera, speak to the American people, and spout this OPINION masquerading as FACT or NEWS.” He turns to the producer and says, “Either revise the script or accept my resignation. And, for the record, the weather guy has been waiting YEARS for this BIG BREAK. I’m sure he’ll read WHATEVER YOU JOLLY WELL WANT HIM to–this job pays $800,000 a year, before the bonuses kick-in.”
Now, that would be admirable conduct. Broadcast journalists don’t hold the LOFTY status they once did. The Walter Cronkite-era is long over. And “polls” pass as news, etc. And “News as Entertainment” has now entered the American Lexicon. And because of it, broadcast journalists are given quite a bit of leeway. Even a moniker like, “The most TRUSTED name in News” … is like being called, “The cleanest pig in the sty.” Did the words, “News as Entertainment” exist in the 1950’s, 1960’s, or 1970’s? Okay, I digress. Back to the topic of “What should a GM really do?”
Raise your hand if you think Jay Feaster is one of the all-time greatest GM’s? Hmmn. That’s not a lot of hands. Ow! Someone just pinched me and asked, “Brendan, Who is Jay Feaster?” Okay, well … in the year 2001, Jay Feaster and Atlanta’s own Associate GM, Rick Dudley, shared General Manager duties over the Tampa Bay Lightning. By 2002-03, the GM job was exclusively Jay Feaster’s. Feaster inherited a team into its 10th season, (sound familiar?,) that was generally thought of … as a JOKE. In Tampa’s 10 completed seasons, they’d made the playoffs ONCE and had two (2) playoff wins to the franchise’s credit. In 2001-02, the Lightning finished 3rd in the SE division, with only 69-points. (We all know that miserable feeling.) But by 2002-03, the Lightning were much improved, with a final point total of 93, good enough for first (1st) place in the Southeast Division. The Feaster influence had begun. In the 2003 playoffs, the Lightning were hardly SWEPT OUT. In fact, they won a series many expected them to lose, to the Washington Capitals, in six spirited games. In the next round, they ran into the roadblock otherwise known as the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, the New Jersey Devils. But the kernel of BELIEF had been planted in Tampa Bay, after YEARS (nearly an entire DECADE) of floundering. Feaster made some nifty trades, waiver claims, and free agent signings. In 2004, the Lightning had what is still today, their franchise best season, at 106-points, where they REPEATED atop the Southeast Division. This time, there was no stopping them in the postseason. Sixteen (16) wins later, leaving the NY Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Calgary Flames in their wake, Feaster got to hold the Stanley Cup over his head, while congratulating the Coach he inherited from Rick Dudley, John Tortorella, for a fine season. The Lockout particularly hurt the Lightning, as they were in prime position to repeat as Cup Champions in 2005. By 2006, the playoff magic subsided. They finished with 92-points, 8th seed, and were decimated by the Ottawa Senators, 4-1, in the playoffs. In 2007, they reached 93-points, but that was only good-enough for 7th seed, and they were quickly dispatched by the New Jersey Devils, 4-2. The Lightning haven’t made the playoffs since.
The Lightning underwent an ownership transformation. And the “geniuses” that are Len Barrie and Oren Koules took OVER. And I mean OVERRRRR. How over??? Well, GM Jay Feaster looked at D-man Dan Boyle, who lead them in ice time during their Cup Winning Season in 2004, and offered him a brand new, six-year deal, with a NO TRADE CLAUSE. Feaster CORRECTLY felt that Boyle represented the glue for his team’s defense. He had all the evidence he needed to make that decision. But then, owners Barrie and Koules DEMANDED that the 32-year old Boyle be traded, for YOUNGER STOCK. Feaster, who was already a bit fed up over other dealings which he did not entirely endorse, was no longer in control. The Boyle situation brought the matter to a head. Feaster locked the guy up in February, but ownership demanded that he be shipped out, due to his advanced age and susceptibility to injury. Feaster was now fed up. He didn’t want to make this move. He didn’t want any part of it. He resigned, stating, “What do they need a GM for? They’re doing whatever they want, without consulting my input.” Or words very near to this effect. Feaster was still the named GM when the deal that sent Boyle to San Jose, along with Brad Lukowich, for Matt Carle, Ty Wishart, San Jose’s 1st round pick in 2009, and 4th rounder in 2010 was consummated. Dan Boyle, through the first 21 games of 2009, was a +7, with 4 goals and 16 assists, for 20-points. Or, said another way, Boyle is “a point a game” defenseman who logs around 27 minutes of ice time per game. On 11-20-09, Boyle logged 30:40 of ice time.
What should Don Waddell have done? Well, that depends on HOW HE FELT, KovyRules. If he felt, like he did on Draft Day 2006, that Braydon Coburn was the “cornerstone” of the blueline for the franchise in the coming years, he should have voiced that concern. Loudly. If Waddell felt, “Well, Gosh. Coburn is not really working out like we’d hoped. I don’t think he’s going to live up to his potential. He’ll make a great sacrificial lamb for getting the IMMEDIATE HELP we need,” then he probably should have proceeded. Which he did. And it worked–for short term gain, longterm loss. I’m not someone who endorses “short term gain, longterm loss.” I’m the sort that says, “You can’t BUY the Stanley Cup. You’ve got to take your lumps, taking what the Hockey Gods give you along the way, on Draft Day, and off the waiver wire. And make the best of it. Four years later, you should be sitting pretty, with one of the youngest, fastest, most highly-skilled teams in the NHL.” That’s a “Brendan Philosophy,” not espoused by others, necessarily. I agree with the 4-year plan we’re currently on, that NO ONE in Thrasher Front Offices will admit is taking place. However, don’t the results and budgets speak LOUDLY towards INTENT? Allrightee then.
Laughing, I think Tampa Bay sent Matt Carle, after something like 6 games, to Philly for Eminger and Doug Brownie. Those guys (Len Barrie and Oren Koules) should have at least attempted a “Fantasy Team” before playing with a real, live NHL franchise. To their credit, Viktor Hedman plays 26 minutes a night and Mattias Ohlund logs around 24 minutes, as does A. Meszaros. So, they have found a way to address the void created by the departure of Dan Boyle, the guy who finally relented on his no trade clause in fear that he might be claimed off waivers by Atlanta, with six years left on his deal, if he did not acquiesce to the trade with San Jose. Ahh, we can laugh about it now. Right?
Bogosian is our “cover-up” move for Coburn. The night the Zhitnik for Coburn trade was announced was, definitively, the worst I’ve ever seen Don Waddell look. He hadn’t shaved. He probably hadn’t slept. He had bags under his eyes. And his body language suggested he’d just been GUT PUNCHED. Personally, I don’t believe his heart was in that trade. But there’s no doubt that the Thrashers playoff berth was hanging by a thread at the time the deal was made. We can argue over whether firing Hartley right then and there, with Waddell coming down to coach them INSTEAD of the Coburn for Zhitnik deal would have been a better option. Bygones. It cannot be undone. We did see playoff hockey at Philips Arena. And a division title banner does hang from those very rafters, at a very high cost. And that banner serves as a reminder and a cautionary tale over what can lurk at the trade deadline, when a team is in desperation mode. Others will argue that the banner is a symbol of achievement. I suppose, it’s a matter of interpretation.
Jay Feaster departed the Tampa Bay Lightning with 24 playoff victories to his credit, for his tenure with the Bolts. I do not know what he’s currently doing for a living. But I know this. I admire his resignation. And I think other people do, too.
KovyRules
November 18th, 2009
8:18 am
Brendan, I largely agree with you, so I should probably leave it at that. I just think anyone still wishing we had Brian Burke (http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/11/12/forbes-not-kind-to-atlanta-teams-especially-thrashers-falcons/) as GM should have the humility to realize they might not make the best staffing decisions themselves.
ben
November 18th, 2009
8:23 am
much agreed on Feaster. But it won’t happen again. I think he’s learning on the job. Unless the team tanks, they should make the playoffs. And Kovy sees the improvement. I think he’ll sign for a shorter-term deal, say three or four years.
Rawhide
November 18th, 2009
8:57 am
Tom – Regarding your 12:33 am post about standings based on points per games played…you’ll notice that there are 3 teams in the Southeast that currently hold playoff positions.
hip czech
November 18th, 2009
9:28 am
Interesting article on the Filatov situation:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=24368
The article mentions Atlanta being a good fit…but what the heck does ‘…also might generate interest in a less than desirable fan base of Atlanta.’ mean?
I don’t think we want to get anywhere near Filatov (or Zherdev for that matter).
Thrashfan01
November 18th, 2009
9:47 am
Biggest surprise is special teams. No one thought a team that was 29th in PK was going to be in the top 10 this year. No one dreamed Thorburn would have played very well in a PK role. We all knew Kane was capable of playing a defensive role but none of us foresaw his hounding the point on the PK and causing repeated turnovers as teams tested him. Both Moose and Opie have been allowed to see the puck, in part because Kubina and Schubert have done a solid job of clearing the crease, in part because the forwards on the PK get into passing lanes which limits the chances around the crease.
This PK in no way looks like last seasons, this group is using size and speed to make it a perimeter game. That is the biggest surprise.
Tom
November 18th, 2009
9:49 am
Rawhide – Amazing isn’t it? What thrills me is that we are on a 100+ point trajectory while playing some of the tougher teams on our schedule. And I am still a believer that the East will be without any Canadian teams in the playoffs.
Imagine a Canadian shut out and 3 teams from the Southeast? Bet you would be able to hear the gnashing of teeth in Canada all the way down here.
hip czech
November 18th, 2009
10:12 am
can we beat the dreaded ‘third jersey’ jinx tomorrow night? So far 0 for 3.
Darkhorse
November 18th, 2009
10:18 am
Latest Custance article/interview with Kozlov about the Kovy situation.
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Grinder/entry/view/43788
Zoomo
November 18th, 2009
11:28 am
Been too busy to read this blog and comments until now. Great contributions from all of the “Rowdies”. A diverse set of opinions on the 11 surprises offered by Rawhide. Fun to read through it all, since I don’t think many of us expected so many positives.
I voted for special teams simply because of the 180 turn on the PK. I think Viking’s post up near the top of the blog summed it up nicely. You have to give the coaches a lot of credit for doing the video research on the top PKs, deciphering the best approaches, and translating it to on-ice performance. That is what coaching is all about.
Second I’d go with Kane and agree with five_hole that his defensive play in all 3 zones is what stands out. He obvisouly had some good coaching coming up and he has great instincts for when to chip the puck out, lift a stick from behind in the neutral zone, or lay a corner forecheck with authority. And, he’s OK when he has the puck on offense too
World Be Free
November 18th, 2009
12:02 pm
I get a chuckle out of people blaming Lindy Ruff for Max’s recent failure with the Sabres.
Max had 10 years-10 seasons in Buffalo, was successful during most of his tenure in Buffalo. Lindy was one of his biggest supports, until it got to the point that he could no longer live with Max’s constant giveawys and mental lapses. He still had plenty of time to get his act together with the Sabres.
Remember, Max was rumored to have been on the trade market for almost 2 years, no takers thoughout the league. Then he was free all summer, no takers until the Thrashers gave him a tryout and a one year “commitment” slightly above hockey min. wage.
Good that he’s doing better in Atlanta.
Viking
November 18th, 2009
12:08 pm
Tom,
Great job at figuring out the standings that really matters.
Just googled and found a site that will do the math for you. According to the site, it is updated hourly and the presentation is in the shape of end of regular season projection. In spite of the NY Rangers connection, it is worth a place in your “Bookmark” or “Favorite” list.
Tom, as you say, it will take 96 points to beat the current 8th place team (Ottawa at 95.7 points). But in the long run, it could be a slightly less point requirement (93 points), since the projected break even mark currently is at 93.83.
So if you want a true reflection of where we stand after each day, check out “Rodent’s Real Standings”:
http://hockeyrodent.com/RODENT.HTM1
Viking
November 18th, 2009
12:24 pm
I forgot to mention, click on “Ilyan Gaborchuk” link while viewing the standings from the link on my previous comment. It will give you an insight into how our Kovy situation is viewed from the outside.
Darren
November 18th, 2009
1:03 pm
Pittsburgh is getting crushed with injuries on defense. Any chance we send them somebody to relieve the potential logjam?
Hockey Biltong
November 18th, 2009
1:12 pm
The Hockey Rodent is a good blog.
But I like Bill Better…
Brendan
November 18th, 2009
1:33 pm
Viking, what’s the latest on MPS? I didn’t see him in the Oilers-Thrashers game.
WBF, sometimes a player just gets into a “rut.” I think this is what happened to Max. Though, all the criticisms of him over those 10 years appear to be valid. He does skate real fast, loses the puck in the neutral zone a lot, and misses in some “sure fire goal” situations. But hey, I’m delighted with the guy so far, in Atlanta. This scene and system seems to be agreeing with him. Look at his point totals.
KovyRules, I’ll let Jeff Schultz know your stance on Brian Burke. You do understand that I was summarizing JEFF SCHULTZ’s position from 2007. Don’t you? I wouldn’t have advocated getting Scotty Bowman or Brian Burke, since, in my view, neither would seriously contemplate coming here. Especially, in the midst of ownership turmoil. My point, in recapping’s Schultz FREE ADVICE to the Spirit Group in 2007, was that the team had OPTIONS about what to do to improve its value on Forbes’ list. Certainly, playoff revenues in 2008 and 2009 would have helped their cause. Of course, the moment I suggest that, the “Trial Watchers” will jump all over my case that it was in the Spirit’s best interest to keep the value of the teams lower, so that if the judge ruled in Belkin’s favor, that his ‘buyout portion’ would be smaller. I suppose they have a point there. That the team wasn’t in the playoffs in 2008 and 2009 is a fact. But, I actually support the decision, in 2007, to build slowly through the draft. I just questioned why the team was going through a second building process with a GM who already had his shot. And Waddell certainly had his opportunity. There’s simply no denying that. He’s the one and only GM in the franchise history. But, in my view, Waddell is doing a much better job of it this second time around. I give him credit for that. Waddell has endured multiple ownership groups, none of them particularly good, and is TRYING and DOES CARE. I don’t think there’s any denying that.
Viking
November 18th, 2009
1:34 pm
Hockey Biltong,
Rawhide/Bill is really, really great. However, use “the Rodent” for updated true standings.
Viking
November 18th, 2009
2:03 pm
Brendan,
After the fact, while I am very happy with Kane, my draft choice MPS (Pääjarvi-Svensson) is doing great with Timrå in the Swedish Elite League. 7 goals 8 assists in 20 games.
Spud Webb
November 18th, 2009
2:22 pm
Good points for Max. Smoothie, I couldnt recall who he skated with in 06, so I went and looked at his stats. Best two seasons 05-06 73 points (77 games), plus 6. 06-07 61 points in only 57 games, w a plus whopping plus 19. Then the wheels came off, combined the last two seasons 104 games played 48 points and a total of -23.
On one side, Max never had an issue with anyone “keeping” up with him. Buffalo has had small, quick, fast teams for the last 6-7 years, guys could keep up. I think it’s a combination of things, an &ss load of talent & expectations along with staying healthy. The guy is unquestionably talented and had HIGH expectations up there. At times I feel like he was trying to show everyone what he can “do”. He seemed to be pressing a lot along with being hurt. He wanted to show he could still play.
Either way, I’m glad he is proving me wrong and helping this team. I hope he continues to play within himself, again, he has the talent!! Love that it’s helping the Thrashers & Kovy!!!!
World Be Free
November 18th, 2009
2:22 pm
Brendan on Max-
I think you hit it right on concerning Max.
He needed a change, got it and both parties are better for it.
Not that I am a huge Lindy fan, but blaming Ruff 100% for what happened is just not accurate.
Tom
November 18th, 2009
2:35 pm
Viking
Thanks for finding that great site. The new rule of the internet is, if you think you are doing something new, search harder, someone else is most likely there.
Tony C.
November 18th, 2009
8:17 pm
hip czech, So with you on that Filatov article. It just further confirms something I’ve been dying to see: A homegrown Power-Forward right winger. One of those nasty big-@ss canadian guys.I had hoped LaVallee might be it, turns out he’s not quite, gets traded.
But this next guy in the system-SuperKane’s old teammate?
“ A prospect that the Blue Jackets would be interested in is Spencer Machacek. Machacek is a right winger that had an impressive rookie year with the Chicago Wolves putting up 23 and 48 points in 77 games and is off to even a better start this year with 5 goals and 15 points in 16 games in the AHL. ”
He seems to be picking up where he left off, I am hopeful that he is on the “untouchables” list-watched him play a little bit on TV last year-have hopes he will be that guy that becomes that winger I was talking about,
Brendan
November 18th, 2009
10:24 pm
The Detroit Red Wings got ripped off on a goal tonight, when the game was 2-1, in favor of Dallas. That goal would have tied it, 2-2. Now, Dallas did score a 3rd goal, and won the game, 3-1. So, I suppose it didn’t alter the outcome of the game. But it sure could have changed the dynamic of it. The puck was in the net for 3 full seconds before the referee blew the whistle. Toronto called with a review to ostensibly say, “This has to count.” And the on ice official said, “No, my intent was to blow the whistle prior to the time that I actually blew it. Therefore, no goal!” Wow.
I see former Thrasher Andrew Brunette scored his 8th of the year. He continues to plug along in the NHL. Eight goals isn’t anything to sneeze at. Milan Hejduk has quietly scored his 10th of the season. Guys are playing effectively, later and later into their careers.
Tony C.
November 19th, 2009
1:34 am
Intent to Whistle is the single hardest thing to explain about hockey.
It may be an even more asinine rule than the infamous “Instigator” rule-may be a case of #1 and #1-A
JLH
November 19th, 2009
7:08 am
Tony C. – Why do you say the Instigator Rule is asinine?
Sara
November 19th, 2009
7:31 am
I about sent my remote through the TV after that call. I am so sick and tired of the crap arse officiating in this League. And it gets worse every single season. The play-offs last year were some of the most poorly officiated games in professional sports I have ever witnessed – didn’t matter what series it was or what teams were playing, the refs screwed up left, right, and center on calls, no-calls, no-goals. But nothing gets my blood boiling more than this “intent to blow” BS. Well, that’s not entirely true – it makes me even madder when the League somehow attempts to justify the actions of the morons in the stripes. I mean, when Toronto calls *you* that’s a pretty clear sign that you done f’ed up. This and overall marketing (or lack thereof) are IMO the single two biggest FAILS by the NHL itself.
World Be Free
November 19th, 2009
7:45 am
Sara-so many of the older NHL officials are retiring after this season. Do you think the officiating will be better with new refs? You wonder.
Seems like the officials for just about every sport are coming under fire these days. Basketball offcials (for years), college refs (as have heard in the south), baseball umpires (MBL wants “tradition”) now NHL officals. I thought technology was going to fix all this by removing a portion of the human element?
Darkhorse
November 19th, 2009
9:01 am
These “younger” refs may have some friends in Vegas they can’t disappoint.
Dwayne
November 19th, 2009
9:18 am
Soccer needs instant replay, did you see the handball that lead directly to the winning goal for the French over the Irish?
Alan R.
November 19th, 2009
9:36 am
Do you think the officiating will be better with new refs? You wonder.
No.
Christoph Schubert
November 19th, 2009
9:37 am
Dwayne, Wen kümmert es um das dumme Französisch der hässlichen Iren. Eine Gruppe von Schülerinnen könnte sie besiegen. Die wahre Ungerechtigkeit war das Handballziel, das von jenem Scheiße Kopf Diego Maradon im 1986 halb endgültigen Spiel in Mexico-Stadt eingekerbt worden ist. Deutschland hätte England im Finale spielen sollen und wir hätten jenes Spiel gewonnen.
Ich hasse Sie Maradona!
World Be Free
November 19th, 2009
9:57 am
Dwayne-YES!
And those blown calls have international implications!
Sara
November 19th, 2009
10:02 am
WBF – I honestly don’t know. There is the positive for the new refs that they are coming in in the “new” NHL. They only know one set of rules whereas the established refs had spent years forming habits about how they called games then were asked to change those habits. However the rules are so confusing at times that it doesn’t make consistency even. What’s a penalty in one game with one set of refs isn’t a penalty the next night with two different refs.
But ultimately to me the bigger problem lies at the top of the food chain with Campbell (and the director of officiating – not that we have one right now – that’s currently being done by committee). How often do you hear or see an NHL ref being censured for a big screw up? Heck, how often does the League even admit there *was* a screw-up? Every time there’s a brouhaha over officiating, the NHL circles the wagon then collectively bury their heads in the sand.
Refs are human and they are going to make mistakes and I can acknowledge and accept that. But the goal should be to work to improve the officiating overall and on case by case bases. Yet as far as the average fan can tell, they don’t do a darn thing about it and that’s disgraceful. I mean, even the SEC has publicly mea culpa’d this year a couple of times. Surely if they can do it, so can the NHL.
Get The Puck Out
November 19th, 2009
10:32 am
There’s a rumor that Marek Malik is “debating Thrashers or Europe” on ESPN rumors. Do we really need him?