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
Dandylions
November 17th, 2009
9:41 am
First
Dandylions
November 17th, 2009
9:43 am
I always wanted to say that but now that I’ve done it …well it’s kinda silly.
World Be Free
November 17th, 2009
9:43 am
Very nice piece Bill. We are off to a good start.
I have enough nice things about Max-the season is young, he has plenty of time to be Max!
five_hole
November 17th, 2009
9:46 am
Did I get first?
Bill, I voted for Evander Kane. There is no way I thought a scrawny 18 year old could stay on an NHL roster, let alone perform at the level he has. I’ve been most impressed with the way the kid plays defense. He just seems to have an instinctive ability to know what to do in all 3 zones and you just can’t teach that.
Betweeen Zack & Bogosian (and yes, Little too) we have some really good young quality talent for years to come.
Midfield
November 17th, 2009
9:46 am
Yeah. I like X, and I don’t like Toronto, but, seriously, what on earth have they been think… I mean, smoking?
JLH
November 17th, 2009
9:47 am
Peverley. We saw what he could do last year, but I feel he has become the “poster child” for the optimism we have for this team, mostly because of his play, but also because he represents, in many ways, a turn around of our management’s ability to make smart decisions, and by extrapolation Kovy’s confidence in the team.
h
November 17th, 2009
9:48 am
It is tough to pick the MOST pleasant surprise from that list. I can narrow it to my top 4….Kane, Max, Special Teams and Goaltending. The road record is a surprise, but when you look at who we played, it is not a total shock. Good teams must win on the road. I’m not surprised about Kovy and Peverley. I really didn’t think Pevs was a fluke. I am shocked that Kane is playing so well and doing it the way he is doing it. He is a warrior to the net which is one of the things this team needed. Max’s play and his +/- are a surprise to me as well. I knew he’d score some pretty goals here and there, but he is playing awfully well and not a real defensive liability. The goaltending has been really really good, but honestly, I think alot of that is the superb defense in front of the net. Rebounds are getting cleared instead of ending up on opponents sticks. Special teams are a surprise, but only on the PK side. The aggressive PK units are much more effective than in seasons past when 4 guys would form a square and barely move. Good post Rawhide.
TableHockey
November 17th, 2009
10:20 am
Hard to narrow down the most pleasant surprise but I think for me it’s Evander. I fully expected him to be back in Vancouver by now but instead he is positioning himself to be a strong contender for rookie of the year.
Viking
November 17th, 2009
10:23 am
Until last year I had managed to not see “Spinal Tap” and the “amplifier analogy” would have been lost on me. But now I thankfully get it and the mockumentary is on my top 11 list of movie favorites!
Some of the items on your list are great things, and are not too surprising. Rather fullfilled expectations. However, my 3 main worries for this season is on the list of positive surprises:
1) Penalty Kill. There are some new faces on the team, but it appears that the main problem was how the coaching was conducted. The PK video research over the summer and transformation of this knowledge into action by our coaches is nothing short of remarkable.
2) Pavelec. I had no faith in his readiness going into this season. While he frequently scares you with his style, he manages to get the job done. At first I thought it was just pure luck, but the statistical sample of his success is still growing. Maybe we can compare him with his countryman Hasek, whose unusual style must have induced similar feelings among Redwings fans.
3) Kane has also completely surprised me. Used to be unhappy with him getting his continued hockey upbringing while occupying a roster spot. I was very wrong.
ChippersLoveChild
November 17th, 2009
10:49 am
Going with the special teams and the road record. Although I am enjoying everything about this team. I hope we can re-sign the team in the offseason! I’d hate for this to be a one year thing… we have Kovy, obviously, due for a (fingers crossed) extension, but what about Max, Kubina, Army….. eh Slava and Slater….. lots of guys to pay this summer. Keep it up boys! And I think Antro leads the team in helpers at 16, not Pevs with 15.. just saying.
Spud Webb
November 17th, 2009
11:03 am
Had to go with Kane. The team chemistry appears to be AWESOME, but I never, ever expected Kane to do this so soon.
GREAT JOB THRASHERS…
Smoothie
November 17th, 2009
11:03 am
Wow Bill, that was EPIC!
I love pleasant surprises!
Get The Puck Out
November 17th, 2009
11:06 am
Kubina- no doubt. The biggest problem has always been defense. Scoring always seemed to be the least of their problems, but Pavel has the defense playing like a defense should. I know he’s not doin it on his own, but i think he has made everyone else’s game step up. As long as everyone stays relatively healthy, they’ll be in the playoffs.
Rawhide
November 17th, 2009
11:11 am
five_hole – You’ll have to add Pavelec to that list of young stars.
ChippersLoveChild – Right you are…Nik has 16 and Rich has 15. Noted and corrected. Ya know, one could add Antropov in that list of surprises as well.
See you at Hooters!
Smoothie – Pleasant surprises and happy endings…yup, all good things indeed!
WBF – Yeah…there is still time for Max to be Max, and I’m sure I’ll lose some more of my hair in the coming weeks over him. Of course, there has been plenty of time for him to “be Max” already…but as we speak, the guy, so far, is on pace for 34 goals and 82 overall points. In last week’s Thrashers Math 101 class, that number was projected to be something like 17 goals and 64 points.
Smoothie
November 17th, 2009
11:11 am
Peverley does have 16 assists…if you count his rescue of his adorable adopted dog “Bear”…nice promo work by the ASG and marketing staff. Kudos to Rich “Ten Gallon Dick” Peverley for realizing his potential with all of the ice time he is now getting.
But did anyone expect him to be the Eli Whitney of the NHL? He is the human version of an “interchangeable part” as he is successful no matter what line he is on and he makes every linemate better when he’s playing with them.
ChippersLoveChild
November 17th, 2009
11:21 am
Haha, touche Rawhide, touche…. and yes, Nik has been solid as well. I love the first line, very nice to see them playing at such a high level. Hopefully Nik can make it off your island soon as well. We all know Slates will be the last man standing, just a matter of time.
Dwayne
November 17th, 2009
11:23 am
special teams, its the biggest difference from last year to this year, Kane is a pleasant surprise, but he prolly dont make(most) anyone else’s opening day roster unless they play similar to waht JA does. (^^^)
Bluenote
November 17th, 2009
11:26 am
Eli Whitney of the NHL? Pretty obscure (but on-target) analogy there Smoothie.
Gotta say Special Teams have been the most astonishing turnaround for me…as it seemed DECLINING PENALTIES might have been the best way to go for some past squads.
No doubt it’s been fun seeing some best-case scenarios with new faces becoming leaders.
Does Jeff Schultz know about this?
Brendan
November 17th, 2009
11:33 am
I can’t believe it, but I actually voted for Max. My 2nd choice was the 6-2-1 road record. I would have added a lower GA stat, for where I thought they’d be this far into the season. And my third choice was Evander Kane.
Peverley and Kovalchuk aren’t surprises for me. I’ll tell you what I am truly surprised about: (1) No goals for Nik Antropov, (2) one (1) goal for Slava Kozlov, and (3) Todd White’s lack of production. Those are the biggest surprises to me. But, it’s still very early. And like WBF says, “there’s still plenty of time for Max to be MAX.”
But so far, Finny is smiling. And Kovy is smiling back at him. And I find that to be a good thing. (Even though I’d never thought of Afinogenov as a “top line” forward.)
Riceowls8891
November 17th, 2009
11:38 am
To me its goaltending. I had no faith in Opie, none. I was wrong. I like Moose, and think he is the perfect back-up, but I was afraid he would have to carry the team when Opie imploded. I was wrong.
And Max won’t “be Max.” He doesn’t have to be a star here, or carry a team. He can be a support player and play within himself. Besides, the knock was he would skate and skate and turn over the puck because his teammates couldn’t keep up. As we have seen over the last few games, Kovy can keep up.
But maybe the biggest surprise occurs November 28th, when we beat Philly. Man, I’m tired of losing to those guys.
Smoothie
November 17th, 2009
11:42 am
Bluenote – I specialize in the arcane and making observations that might otherwise go left undiscovered…or if nothing else my arcane references end up toiling in obscurity until someone as astute as yourself elevates it with your keen recognition! What?
Damn, and I’m not even drinking right now! But I wish I were!!
And yes, the penalty kill prowess we have exibited thus far is nothing short of miraculous…luckily, I think, barring injuries, we have the horses to continue it. Although Slater and sometimes Army scare me. I would prefer we make Whitey a PK specialist to take some of the pressure off of Pevs while Army gets more net-clogging duty on the PP unit with SKozlov, Little and Enstrom / Kubina (Kovy is the default of course!). Then you have a “big man” on each unit with a playmaker, a garbage man (Army & Antro) and a wildcard who can do both (Little & Fins). No wonder we have the best PP in the league…woo hoo!
Pass the Maker’s!
Smoothie
November 17th, 2009
11:45 am
Nice point Rice-cakes about Max! Before, other than Roy, who did the Slugs have who could keep up with him. In 2005-’06, they still had the play-making artist Briere who could get him the puck and a fairly speedy Pomminville to crash the net.
WBF & Spud – was that the line Max was on the year they went to the Conf Finals? Pommes – Briere – Max? Roy was still pretty young and still on the 3rd line right? And I’m thinking the 2nd line was Vanek – Drury – Kotalik.
Holy s_!$ that team was loaded…how did they not win the damn Cup!?
World Be Free
November 17th, 2009
12:15 pm
Smoothie – cannot remember who Max played with back then.
Kane is my new favorite on the team. Not a big kid (yet), but he’s certainly no afraid of anything. If he grows by 20-25#, he will be a force.
Also-big ups to Max, only because I thought he was going to be a total flop-loser and he’s played well so far. If you remember, he played well in Buffalo for several years. Max is still a fan favorite in the Queen City. And he was never asked to be the star or carry the team in Buffalo, just play both ends of the rink. He earned his spot in the press box the past 2 seasons.
Playing with Kovy and Antropov could make alotta players look good.
Darren
November 17th, 2009
12:16 pm
Good list. My vote would also go to special teams, since it’s not often a team leaps all the way from the bottom of the league to top five in penalty killing.
Looking at the roster, it’s really not a surprise the power play has been good, but definitely the PK gets my vote.
However, very honorable mentions go out to goaltending, Kane, and Afinogenov as well.
GaVaHokie
November 17th, 2009
12:48 pm
I voted for ‘Special Teams’, but I have to say Evander Kane’s defense is definitely a HUGE surprise… most of us were worried about him being a defensive liability… I stuck him on Reasoner and Armstrong’s line preseason just so he would “actually have someone to back him up”, but he’s actually tops on the team… go figure.
Bogosian just one goal away from tying Tremblay’s goals record for a Defenseman… awesome, just awesome!
KovyRules
November 17th, 2009
12:51 pm
Great list, Rawhide, but there are too many positives to pick just one. I never thought Kane would stay, and I never saw the potential others did in Opie, so being dead wrong on those two aught to make them the biggest surprises. But I voted for “Playing like a team”. I think that bleeding for each other thing feeds into special teams, road record, Kovy staying inspired, etc. And I don’t just mean brawling. I mean the diving poke checks, the extra hustle in the corner, the electing not to skate out to be recognized as a star after scoring 4 points so you goalie can have all the glory for his first shutout…
Another surprise – small margins of defeat when we do lose. We may not give 100% effort some periods, but we were absent for entire games in past years. This team has enough pride not to let that happen any more.
And Midfield, I’ve come to realize that for Toronto the Kubes – Ex trade was more about salary cap than talent or ability. But good on DW for capitalizing on their bad/sad/ridiculous situation. As a former western Canadian, I can’t miss an opportunity to rip on TO, so… they have an astounding $32.6 million of cap space tied up in goalies and Dmen, and the worst D in the league. Heehee!
JS
November 17th, 2009
1:01 pm
I can’t believe no one has picked Kovy. I know we all are not surprised by his on ice flash (that’s expected), but does no one remember Hossa’s contract year? He simply mailed it in and was concerned about nothing, but himself. If Kovy had taken the same route we would not be having half of these conversations. If he starts the season at half mast then the team does not gel as quickly and as well as they have. I know they have played six games without him, but look at the difference in play when the captian is on the ice. Surprised might not be the right word for Kovy’s play and leadership so far, but I surely think he needs to be recognized for not pulling a “Hossa” on us!! Keep it up Captian, this is your team.
Buzzeng
November 17th, 2009
1:02 pm
I’m going with “playing like a team”. We knew we have some talented players, but with some of the pre-season major personnel additions, it wasn’t clear if we were going to get better or get a basket of individual egos. So far, the team members have all stepped up and the contributions to the record are more widely dispersed than I remember in years past (Yes, Kovy’s always on top, but seemed like there was a big drop in numbers after #17 and maybe one other) – this year, goals and assists are plentiful and are coming from many players. As further support – would you have predicted the team’s record if you knew we were going to lose Kari before the first game and Kovy for six games of the 17 (more than 1/3rd of the games)? That’s the surprise to me – lots of contributors in G, on D and on O.
Midfield
November 17th, 2009
1:06 pm
Tremblay holds a record? Why did you have to remind me of him? I’m going to have a nightmare tonight.
Sara
November 17th, 2009
1:34 pm
I voted for special teams but I’d say it’s neck and neck with the PK/Kane – with one impacting the other. Kane isn’t the only reason the PK has been so successful -credit is certainly due across the board from the coaches to the PKers to the goalies – but that he’s been so effective as a part of it has been stunning.
Bob
November 17th, 2009
1:36 pm
I’ve got Max as the biggest suprise, I thought he would completely flop here and be a huge turnover machine and liability for us. Pleasantly suprised.
I am not suprised by Peverly, he showed last year what he could do and has carried on this year. Great job by Anderson telling Waddell to get him off the waiver wire. Coach should get a lot of credit for the “playing like a team” suprise, it seems that the guys have all bought into the system and that’s 2/3rds of the battle right there
Smoothie
November 17th, 2009
2:06 pm
Peverley was just on fan590 radio in Toronto. Pevs was cordial and answered their questions well, but man are those two hosts a couple of douches?? Their first comment to Rick was something about Filatov going to the KHL and they thought there were all clever and funny. You could tell Rick couldn’t care less for what they said and was like: just get on with it chuckleheads, I don’t have time for your sophomoric crap.
Jimbo
November 17th, 2009
2:40 pm
No question that the PK is the most pleasant surprise. Great to see opposing players pressured all over the attacking zone instead of just sitting back in the box. #2 Bounce Back Ability- team just doesn’t quit even when we fall behind by a couple. In past years, team often folded up too quickly. #3 Goalie that doesn’t allow rebounds- Pavs gloves or smothers chances around the crease. Kari kicked them to permits rebounds coming back. #4- Thorburn and Bolts actually looking like enforcers. Summer training obvioulsy helped. #5 Almost complete absence of negative stuff from Stendec.
3stripes
November 17th, 2009
2:47 pm
I voted for special teams. Two new pieces on the PK – Thorbs and Kane, and they’re playing very well. I never thought of Thorbs as a penalty killer – very pleasantly surprised. I’ve always thought we had the talent to have a strong power play – and we finally do.
I’m still pinching myself that we’re this deep into the season and we’re top 5 in both PK and PP. Just… wow.
NASCAR Dave
November 17th, 2009
2:56 pm
NUFF SAID RAWHIDE!
It’s about time KOZLOV STEPPED IT UP!!!
MB
November 17th, 2009
3:04 pm
Went with special teams, but had to suggest another one…Waddell’s recent track record (though with all due recognition to Messrs. Dudley and Anderson).
Think about it…what would your expectations have been if you’d been told:
1) Waddell will make a deal with one of the league’s “top” GMs, moving two fan favorites for a high-priced veteran D-man and a prospect
2) The Wadd will pick an 18-year-old undersized power forward and keep him up with the big club for, potentially, the whole season
3) Don will take a flyer on a 30-year-old vet with “mercurial” talent who for the past two years has been in the doghouse of one of the most respected coaches in the NHL
4) He’d bring back a former Thrashers defenseman who couldn’t stick with the team and spent last season in the KHL
5) He’d give 236 goalies a shot at the job in camp, including a solid vet with #1 experience, only to ultimately give the job to the heretofore frustrating Ondrej Pavelec with Moose as his backup.
6) That instead of bringing in a “true” #1 center, D-Wadd would go out and pick up Nik Antropov, a center/right wing hybrid who had frustrated fans in Toronto and New York, and place him on our top line.
Add in the doubts that went along with picking up a Nashville Predators cast-off, and the Wadd’s success record of late is approaching his failure record for the first, oh, 8-9 years. Again, lots of credit to Dudley and Anderson, but since we’d no doubt hammer Donny Boy if these moves had failed, we should also give him some credit for their success (to this point).
Brendan
November 17th, 2009
3:24 pm
Brendan Shanahan just retired.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=506470
Alan R.
November 17th, 2009
3:31 pm
Smoothie:
a. Got a transcript of what Peverley said? Or perhaps a link to the interview?
b. That whole Filatov thing has been decided, and he’s already spoken to the media about it.
Interesting news, to say the least.
Red Light
November 17th, 2009
3:40 pm
Shame on you Rawhide, World B., Brendan, et al. Only Bob and MB mentioned John Anderson, who at this point in time deserves the most credit for sticking to his plan, working in the new faces along with the holdovers, giving Bogo, Peverley and Kane the ice time necessary to flourish, not sounding the alarm when Kovy was on the shelf, and sticking with a two-goalie system when things weren’t perfect a few weeks back.
While coaching in the NHL is for the most part overrated, who couldn’t win in Detroit for example, personally I think Anderson has done a great job tinkering with the lines and d-pairings, along with trying to get his players to maintain an even keel: such as you’re not as good as you think when you win, and you’re not as bad as you think when you’re on a losing streak.
The best evidence is the ability to win back-to-back games against the Rangers and Kings last week, and the best sign is that the Thrashers endured five-day layoffs, four-day layoffs and three-day layoffs and won games. Those layoffs, while good for the legs, aren’t always best for hitting on all cylinders. Another item is the team, even in its losses when it fell behind by three goals or more, continues working. That’s a very positive sign and a stunning revelation for this franchise.
The Thrashers are 7-0 when scoring first and the only team not to surrender at least one point to opponents when doing so. In addition, the special teams are greatly improved thus far this season, which again is a testament to the coaching staff.
Anderson is my No. 1 choice.
Red Light
November 17th, 2009
3:41 pm
Chicago Tribune report on Toews, Kane and Keith extensions
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=506414
Brendan
November 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
Duly noted, Red Light. I am slinking to the corner to go feel shame.
World Be Free
November 17th, 2009
3:49 pm
Red Light-I have mentioned J.A. in several posts.
You got me – tomorrow I will be perfect.
Red Light
November 17th, 2009
3:57 pm
“You go to the box, you know, 2 minutes by yourself and…you feel shame, you know…and then you get free”
Rawhide
November 17th, 2009
4:01 pm
Red Light – As I said…there are so many good things going on with this team now that it was tough to narrow them all down. Excellent points though about JA and his leadership behind the bench!
MB – You are spot on regarding Waddell…like I said in the post, we would all be screaming bloody murder had he been the one to let Peverley go and not the other way around. Same is true with what he’s done over the last couple of years…which has been very good.
When ya bash a player, coach or GM when they do poorly…ya gotta be able to give ‘em credit when they do well.
Midfield
November 17th, 2009
4:21 pm
Is that a Bjorn Borg’s pitcure?
ThrashfaninPitt
November 17th, 2009
4:30 pm
I voted for Peverley, although all of those choices were good.
However, let me point out some numbers if you will:
Rich Peverley: 17 GP; 8 G; 15 A; 23 P; +5; 1.35 PPG
Those numbers already look great, but compare with some notable names:
Marian Gaborik 18 GP/ 13 G / 12 A / 25 P / +6 / 1.39 PPG
Patrick Marleau 22 GP / 12 / 12 / 24 / +3 / 1.09
Joe Thornton 22 / 5 / 19 / 24 / +2 / 1.09
Alex Ovechkin 14 / 14 / 9 / 23 / +10/ 1.64
Dany Heatley (Jerk) 22 / 14 / 9 / 23 / +2 / 1.05
Ryan Getzlaf 19 / 2 / 20 / 22 / +3 / 1.16
Steven Stamkos (1st RND pick) 18 / 13 / 8 / 21 / +5 / 1.17
Sidney Crosby 21 / 10 / 11 / 21 / +7 / 1.00
The list goes on and on, but the point is, Rich is in some VERY elite company. That has got to be the biggest suprise of the season!
(Source: NHL.com)
ThrashfaninPitt
November 17th, 2009
4:33 pm
Oops, forgot to point out that his numbers are comparable to all those elite names, yet hes played fewer games than all (except Ovechkin) and in some cases, SIGNIFICANTLY fewer games!
Viking
November 17th, 2009
4:43 pm
Midfield, see what I wrote earlier about the movie “Spinal Tap”.
It is the guitarist that is bragging about his amplifier which can be turned up to 11 instead of 10!
Midfield
November 17th, 2009
4:47 pm
Spinal Slap sounds even more familiar to me, Viking.
Brendan
November 17th, 2009
5:09 pm
I do wonder, though, if it is bashing to factually report recorded events. Actually, I don’t “wonder” about that. It isn’t bashing. Did Don Waddell draft Braydon Coburn? Yes or no. Did Don Waddell trade Coburn for Alexei Zhitnik? Yes or no. Did Zhitnik help lead the Thrashers to a playoff berth, and a Division title? Yes or no. Did Don Waddell ultimately decide to buy-out Zhitnik’s contract, such that it still hit our cap limit in the 2009-10 season? Yes or no. Poster reaction to those posed questions will be very telling. For the answers to these questions both lead themselves to (1) support of or (2) criticism against Don Waddell’s Administration, under the stewardship of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
I think Waddell is doing a much better job than he’s done in the past. But would I, or ANY poster, be guilty of “bashing” Waddell to say that the franchise has finished in the bottom third of the Eastern Conference seven times in nine (7/9) completed seasons? See, ‘cuz I think that’s an explanation of truthful events. There is no inaccuracy about the statement.
If I were to say that the past two seasons resulted in 76-point campaigns? Would it be a “lie?” Is it a “fabrication?” Would I be one of the “lying liars, spewing forth lies?” Would I be guilty of “bashing?” Or, is that just a factual presentation of events as they actually occured? Did the Atlanta Thrashers, in 2008, finish 28th overall? Yes or no. Did they draft 3rd overall, in 2008? Yes or no. Did the Atlanta Thrashers finish 27th overall, in 2009? Yes or no. Did they draft 4th overall? Yes or no. Is a 27th place finish an “incremental progress” from 28th, the previous year? Yes … or no?
Would it be factually inaccurate to say that this franchise has made six lottery draft picks in its decade long existence? Am I “bashing” anyone? It is what it is, is my reply. This team has owned eight picks in the Top 10 overall, since the Inaugural season. Is that a false statement?
Previous lottery draft picks of Stefan and Heatley are no longer here, with two more, Lehtonen and Kovalchuk, un-signed beyond this coming April, with the team’s exclusive rights to them expiring on June 30, 2010. Is that “slander?” Or it is merely “truthful reporting?”
I think, sometimes, lines of reporting and bashing are confused by some posters. To me, Waddell-bashing would be statements like, “our bumbling, lisping little fraud of a GM.” Or comments like, “Don Fraudell.” And so forth. There’s no way to regard that other than as “bashing.” But is it “negative” to report results? Even unflattering ones? My answer is “No, it is not.”
Is reporting that Zach Bogosian appears to an excellent draft selection … a false statement? Yes or no. Remember, that’s an opinion, not a fact. Would calling Bogosian the second-coming of Bobby Orr be engaging in hyperbole? (Well, time will tell.) Would saying that I think Don Waddell is doing better as a GM … make me a “Waddell apologist?” Or a “sheep?” Would a statement announcing Waddell’s improvement at his job be factually accurate? It would seem to be an opinion, that could very well become FACT. In my view, which is admittedly subjective, I think Waddell has become a much better GM since 2007. In my opinion, he’s learning how to do his job better. If that “opinion” is true, does that absolve all previous results? Obviously, not. The past cannot be changed. The results are in. Every year, the Thrashers have some point total to account for the results of their games played. Those results … are what they are. And in the case of the 2009-10 season, they will be what they will be. And when the season is through, they will be recorded. Is that “positive” or “negative?” It’s neither. It is what it is. It will be … whatever it is. Maybe it’ll be 95-points? Maybe it’ll be 85-points? Maybe it’ll be 75-points.
If it’s 95-points, but Ovechkin collapses in his return to MSG, and is done for the season, and the Capitals plummet to the bottom of the division, while the Thrasher win the Southeast division, is it all due to Waddell? Or the Spirit, LLC? If it’s 75-points, one fewer than the previous two seasons, but there are “mitigating circumstances” as to why that happened, is it all Don Waddell’s fault? Or that of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC? The possibility of “misplaced” praise and “misplaced” blame would be equally apparent in 75-point or 95-point results, as outlined above. Still, there’s a “body of work” to examine, since 2004, when the Spirit, LLC assumed control. There has been a division title and there have been lottery draft finishes, and one (1) playoff berth on their watch. With zero (0) playoff wins. It is what it is. Is that praise or bashing?
Would it be factually inaccurate to say that teams all across the NHL fire Coaches and GM’s over lottery draft finishes? Is that “false reporting?” Or, is it merely a reporting of events that is truthful?
That’s a lot of questions. But I think it merits some reflection, to determine what is and what is NOT, “Waddell bashing.”
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?
Spud Webb
November 19th, 2009
10:52 am
Yes, Bring Malik on, we can treat him the way the Rangers fans used to!!!! ahhahahah poor guy.
Sara
November 19th, 2009
10:53 am
GTPO – that doesn’t make any sense. We are really deep at D – even if Coach isn’t happy with someone at D, we have our own internal replacements.
Dwayne
November 19th, 2009
11:29 am
Christoph Schubert….thank you for the foriegn language lesson…but, as Jethro Bodine once told the lovely Miss. Hathaway..”i didn’t understand a word you said” What time does the puck drop!!!!!! woooooohooooooo
Dwayne
November 19th, 2009
11:30 am
Chemistry is good….no need to add anybody…A N Y B O D Y
Alan R.
November 19th, 2009
11:41 am
I am amused at the comments from Christoph Schubert, but am even more amused at the fact Dwayne doesn’t understand. And yes, Christoph, that was a huge injustice. That goal should have been disallowed, much like the Red Wings goal last night should have been allowed.
Refs should officiate the game, not write history.
Rawhide
November 19th, 2009
11:42 am
Dwayne & Sara – Agree 100%…there is no need to look to bring in anyone else. This team is functioning well as a unit “as is”. The last thing Waddudleyson need to be trying to do right now is sqeeze in a new player that we have no idea who they’d fit into the system. Like Sar said, if the coach thinks there is a change that needs to be made we have players in the system that can be tapped.
Red Light
November 19th, 2009
12:18 pm
Malik is a stiff on the ice, reminiscent of former Thrashers’ stork Todd Reirden, and brings nothing to the dressing room either. Pass.
Darkhorse
November 19th, 2009
12:20 pm
Malik is not a big step up over Pops, Schubert, or Salmela. Plus Valabik, Kulda, or Oystrick would be fine fill in choices over him. Not sure why DW would even bat an eye at him at this point.
Rawhide-Really great article BTW. Hopefully, after tonight’s game you can find something else new and positive to add to the list of eleven.
Red Light
November 19th, 2009
12:21 pm
Although left wing Milan Lucic stayed home from the trip to Atlanta because of food poisoning, he is due back in the lineup any day now. And center Marc Savard, who has missed the last 13 games with a broken foot, has started to skate again and could play on Thursday, although he’s leaning toward Friday. From Tony Lee, NESN
Dwayne
November 19th, 2009
12:23 pm
Alan R, I easily laugh at myself and have no problem people laughing at me. If we all laughed more the world would be a better place. So, let me in on why you are amused…..:-)
J.B.
November 19th, 2009
12:34 pm
ugghhh… again; espn rumors especially about hockey are crap.
Toby
November 19th, 2009
12:36 pm
I say bring him in…Bring in all former Whalers!!!
Nevermind…don’t.
World Be Free
November 19th, 2009
12:42 pm
GTPO-agreed JB
ESPN continues to prove that they know nothing about hockey or the value of a legitimate rumor. How ESPN has fallen.
Toby-not that many former Whalers out there. Shanny retired the ax this week, one fewer to bring to ATL!
Miami Screaming Eagle
November 19th, 2009
12:43 pm
UNLEASH THE FURY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alan R.
November 19th, 2009
1:06 pm
Just the way you put it, Dwayne. My amusement is unintentional. “Schubert” is amusing because he’s writing in German, and I understand just about everything he’s saying.
KovyRules
November 19th, 2009
1:08 pm
Rawhide – Waddudleyson? That’s a Savardian spinorama of a term! Keep it up!
Dwayne, let me introduce you to Google translate (http://translate.google.com/#). I’ve no idea what Christoph says either, but putting his blogs in Google translate is highly entertaining. His latest post “translates” to (wacky spelling and punctuation included, but expletive deleted): “Dwayne, Who cares about the stupid French of the ugly Irishman. A group of students they could. Defeat The real injustice was the handball goal which was scored by that **it head Maradon Diego in 1986 halb final game in Mexico City. Germany had to play England in the final and we would have won that game.” Even if this isn’t the real Schubert, I’m guessing he’s really from Germany – seems somewhat passionate about his soccer.
Dwayne
November 19th, 2009
1:32 pm
Thank You KovyRules and Alan R….. now i am amused to…
J.B.
November 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
Got this passage from the article about mad max on the thrashers website…
Kozlov, who teamed with Afinogenov for half of the 2001-02 season, played a big role in the play that got his countryman off the schneid in the goal department. Fittingly it came against Buffalo at HSBC Arena.
I thought that phrase was something Rawhide came up with a blog or two ago. Is this some hockey term that’s widely known and of which I’m ignorant or did someone cut and paste from the iceman’s blog?
Toby
November 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
WBF…we have three former Whale in our coaching staff alone…Anderson, Cunnyworth, and Weeks
Sara
November 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
Actually the expletive was the one word I *did* understand in Schubert’s post.
BTW, Lucic was put on a plane this morning for Atlanta – he will be playing tonight.
Stay Thirsty My Friends
November 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
I realize that ESPN’s coverage of the NHL is horrible but they actually have the Thrashers as their game of the night tonight. Attached is a link to a real positive article and video from Melrose and Hradek. I did not realize that we are the only team in the league to be 7-0 when we score first.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=4670427
Lets bury one early and get to 8-0 on that stat and continue our winning streak to 5 games.
Now everyone get off their butts and get down to Gorins for a big boy, get to your seats on time and let make some NOISE for our boys!!!!
Go Thrashers!!!!!
Viking
November 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
Finally, my 5 years in school of being forced to learn German starts to be fruitful!!!
Schubert, Ich bin sehr rustig, aber ich verstehe ganz gut.
Tony C.
November 19th, 2009
2:56 pm
WHatever!
If you’re going to b!tch about the “hand of God” goal, then you better be prepared to own up to Das Hand from the World Cup in S.Korea.
Team USA got jobbed on that non-call. Everybody hates USA though so no controversy there.
JLH I feel the current language that defines the instigator rule does more to actually hurt players than it protects.
To put my opinion in perspective let’s take a look at something most Thrash fans can remember.
WITH the instigator rule, Jarko Ruutu runs #17 with a knee-on-knee hit (I believe it was intentional, refs can’t decide if it is or not-however Ruutu is laughing and talking trash as he skates by our bench). #17 out for like 2 months, Ruutu on-ice 4 shifts later
Two games later, same player (Ruutu) again injures an opposing player with a dirty hit-suspension is considered, but not given.
Four games later same player (Ruutu) puts another opposing player out for the season and receives a $5,000.00 fine.
Thats 3 players out for extended period of time and honestly, one of the guys that caught an elbow hasn’t been right/the same player since.
WITHOUT the instigator rule, Ruutu is not able to skate away scott-free to hit to injure other payers. Either his next shift, or the next period, he’s going to have to fight. Chances are he knows he’s going to have to answer the bell, he probably keeps his elbows and knees in when he finishes his checks.
Now, I don’t want to see the league go back to a “saturday night fights” type thing, but I feel that the current dialog on “head hits with intent to injure” and some of these hits where guys are charging in from the blueline on icing plays where they are CLEARLY playing for the hit, not the puck-there is a lot less accountability for being a dirty player, a player who plays to injure the opposition (to me, there’s a difference between playing hard and playing to hurt).
I think the way the instigator rule is currently constructed there’s no opportunity for players to regulate themselves-and the refs & league have shown that they can not, or will not regulate this type of behavior.
Rawhide
November 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Rawhide – Waddudleyson? That’s a Savardian spinorama of a term! Keep it up!
KovyRules – That’s a fine piece of Word Smithing yourself!
If you’re going to b!tch about the “hand of God” goal, then you better be prepared to own up to Das Hand from the World Cup in S.Korea.
Team USA got jobbed on that non-call. Everybody hates USA though so no controversy there.
Tony C. – I remember that game well…stayed home to watch USA lose to Gemany 1-0 in the elimination round of the World Cup after eliminating Mexico. I recall going into the office later in the morning pi$$ed as all get out!!
As for your thoughts on the instigator rule…I could not agree more. It takes away the on-ice rule of law.
I thought that phrase was something Rawhide came up with a blog or two ago. Is this some hockey term that’s widely known and of which I’m ignorant or did someone cut and paste from the iceman’s blog
J.B. – For the record, I first heard the term “Off the Schnide” from Chris Berman of ESPN. He used it as a way to indicate when an NFL team won their first game of the season or when a player scored his first touchdown.
Nonetheless, if those at the Thrashers website wish to play off of what we do here…that’s fine with me too.
GaVaHokie
November 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
Malik is a stiff on the ice, reminiscent of former Thrashers’ stork Todd Reirden, and brings nothing to the dressing room either. Pass.
Or, even more recently, Ken Klee… he’s another one of these vets that’s supposed to be dependable in his own zone. He’d probably be used on the PK in a shot blocking role.
Toby Enstrom says...
November 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
Denna kväll , jag vill slag din målet lik en hyra mula.
Alan R.
November 19th, 2009
4:08 pm
Can’t. Stop. Laughing.
Toby Enstrom says...
November 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Alan, are you laughing at ME??
Smoothie made me do it!
Midfield
November 19th, 2009
4:24 pm
Good point, Tony. Especially, if you consider the unwritten list of untouchables, i.e., Crosby, who often throws punches fully expecting for refs to immediately separate him. They might as well put him in the addendum to the rules as the exception.
Glovesave29
November 19th, 2009
5:04 pm
Ultimate Thrasher stiff was Adam Burt
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
6:14 pm
Will the fans “boo” Marc Savard tonight? Sara, good scoop on Lucic making the trip. NHL Network said, LAST NIGHT, he would not be coming. Of course, AJC reported Kovalchuk wouldn’t make the trip to MSG last week, and we all know what happened there!
Dwayne
November 19th, 2009
6:51 pm
Cindy Crotchby sux!!!!
Nate
November 19th, 2009
7:48 pm
Agh!!! Burn the burgundy jerseys now!!!
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:00 pm
Nik Antropov grabs his tickets, waves to remaining inhabitants, and boards the ferryboat of “Schneid Island.” Kovy has a goal and an assist. And Toby Enstrom has two helpers. But that’s not the story of the night.
The story of the night is the BATTLE for the 1st OVERALL PICK in the draft, happening at RBC Center in Raleight tonight. Here’s your boxscore, through two periods. http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009020299 .
Notice that Toronto had a 3-0 lead, after one period. Carolina tallied two LATE 2nd period goals to give themselves a glimmer of hope. Is it too terribly wrong of me to say, “Go ‘Canes!!” Honestly, a regulation time loss would be so deflating for Carolina, who has lost 15 of their last 16 games. Or is it 16 of 17? It’s been a rough start in Raleigh. I don’t want Jim Rutherford to get that 1st overall pick.
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:05 pm
And now, it’s 4-2, Leafs over Carolina, thanks to an early PPG.
Unless the ‘Canes can mount a rally, this looks like another loss. Is Paul Maurice about to get canned? 
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
It’s 4-3, Canes are still kickin’. C’mon Thrashers, the clock is ticking here on this 3rd period.
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:30 pm
FINNNYYYYY :Mrgreen:
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:30 pm
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
Two goals by Tim Gleason has the ‘Canes and Leafs tied at 4!!!
Thrashers and Bruins are now in overtime. Finny’s out there. Will he get the game-winner, too??
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:42 pm
Toronto scored with 0:30 left in regulation to take a 5-4 lead. But Erik Cole scored for Carolina, with 0:03 left in regulation time. It’s 5-5, in an UTTERLY WILD one in Raleigh. Toronto-Carolina are in overtime now.
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
9:44 pm
Kovalchuk was denied in the shootout, as was Kozlov and Peverley. So, Boston wins, 4-3. But Atlanta salvages a point, thanks to Maxim Afinogenov’s late goal.
Brendan
November 19th, 2009
10:02 pm
Carolina, on shootout goals by Ruutu and Jokinen, defeated Toronto, 6-5, and 2-0 in the shootout. Good for them. Their fans in RBC Center needed something like this. There hasn’t been much for them to cheer about since the playoffs ended last year. But scoring with 3 seconds left, then winning in the shootout, the fans got their money’s worth in Raleigh tonight. They trailed that game, 3-0, after one period. I believe, but don’t quote me, that Carolina has caught or surpassed the Leafs in the standings now.
goose
November 19th, 2009
10:23 pm
I really would like to know what Anderson was thinking putting Kovy in the shootout over Max.
LAC
November 19th, 2009
10:27 pm
This was THE LAMEST shootout effort we have had in ages.
Slava looked LOST ! It was terrible, another game we should have been much better in.
42 SOG is unacceptable period.
Empty seats galore and the nesn announcers were really pointing it out… While we have been doing better, we are still several players away from being really good !
World Be Free
November 19th, 2009
10:31 pm
Toby-Cunney is an ex-Sabre too. I saw him outside Philips before the KISS concert. He’s a great guy.
Vitamin Z
November 19th, 2009
10:40 pm
Good to get a point out of this game. Two things that I don’t get though. One, why do we constantly put Kovy on the shootouts? He has a horrible track record! I just don’t get it. Two, why did SSHD did not show the HD feed where Boston did? There is already an HD feed, does it still cost more for SS to stream it?
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
November 19th, 2009
10:59 pm
This is your official 10-minute Ranallo Warning.