Buckle up for the Thrasherville Thriller ride
The Thrashers need to post one of those roller coaster warning signs outside of Philips Arena or as a disclaimer on the TV screen prior to each telecast. You know… the kind that informs those with heart conditions or expectant mothers that this might not be the ride for you.
Just like those thrill rides at Six Flags, this team takes its fans on a series of ups & downs, ins & outs and thrills & chills almost every game…most of the time at very high speeds.
Rich Peverley celebrates game-winner with his teammates (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Thursday night’s recent Thrasherville Thriller just adds to the recent string of games that kept us all on the edge of our seats. The 6-5 win over the Dallas Stars was the fourth win in the month of December and, just like the prior three, Atlanta needed to work the overtime to get the job done.
There were five power play goals in this game to go with two shorthanded tallies…and a game tying, late period goal by Dallas that deflected in off Loui Eriksson’s face shield and past Ondrej Pavelec.
That’s right folks, this ride…er, I mean…this game had it all!
The Thrashers came back from 1-0, 2-1, 4-3…and then shook off Eriksson’s game-tier with just 72 seconds left in the third before winning this night’s Dancing with the Stars contest in the OT.
And all of this came on the heels of Wednesday night’s agonizing 4-3 loss in Florida in which their hard work to erase a 3-0 deficit was kicked to the curb with a late-game goal.
One things for sure folks…you’d better keep the antacids stocked in plentiful supplies if you are gonna follow this team.
The hero on this winning night was Rich Peverley, who took a pass from Maxim Afinogenov and dispensed the puck past Marty Turco 1:16 into the OT session. It was Peverley’s second goal of the night and 12th of the season. The Peever finished with the 2 goals as well as an assist and a +1 with 2 SOG.
Afinogenov scored in the third to tie the game at 4 all. While on the man advantage, Bryan Little made a great pass to Afinogenov who was all alone on the right post to slam it home…which is only fitting seeing as who it was he who drew the penalty in the first place. Max also had a pair of helpers as well with 2 shots fired on the Dallas net.
Ilya Kovalchuk scored his team-leading 19th goal during the first period. His power play blast from the left point knotted the score at 1-1 and he finished with a goal and an assist on 3 SOG.
Jimmy Slater finally got off the Schnide by scoring his first of the season. It was of the unassisted variety at the beginning of the second to level the score at 2 apiece. Slates won the puck on the left side boards just past the blueline…drove to the net and somehow got it past Alex Auld on his way past the cage.
Ondrej Pavelec makes one of his 42 saves against Toby Petersen during the third period (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Nik Antropov slammed home his sixth of the season as well…he now has 4 goals in the last five games and has 27 overall points. It drew the Thrashers even at three all…and chased Auld from the Dallas goal.
Ondrej Pavelec got the start on this winning night and found out what his counterpart Johan Hedberg must have felt like Monday in New York. Opie was subjected to 47 Dallas shots…all during regulation…and though five got past him, many of his 42 saves were highlight film material. Glove saves…blocker stops…sliding from one side of the goal to the other…Pavs was very, very sharp this night.
His record is now 9-8-3 though his GAA increased to 3.18 and his saves percentage is now .912.
“Our goalie was outstanding tonight,” Peverley said after the game. “[It] may be the best performance all year”.
Atlanta’s goaltender even got some props from the opposition as well. “Whatever his name is, he got some incredible saves tonight”, Stephane Robidas said of the 42-save performance.
Um, Stephane…. His name is Ondrej Pavelec.
The Thrasherville Thriller ride continues Saturday night when the New Jersey Devils come to town and Martin Brodeur continues his quest for career shutout number 104.
Waddell Does A Double-Take On Puck Daddy’s Latest Top-Ten List
Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski has posted a top-ten list of the most lopsided trades of the last ten years. As you might guess…the Don Waddell general managed Atlanta Thrashers are indeed a part of this compilation And we aren’t treated to just one Waddell deal here…oh no. Don’s got two …actually, make that three…in the top ten.
One of them good for the Thrashers…two un-good.
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129 comments Add your comment
Kbelle
December 18th, 2009
1:02 am
Great blog, Bill!!!! Hilarious and true, much hockey dap to you! Maybe Philips Arena should open a pharmacy in the Hawk Walk area so Thrashers fans can access the proper uppers and downers necessary for game viewage.
Brendan
December 18th, 2009
1:06 am
One deal I hope Waddell gets CREDIT for is the Eric O’Dell trade for Erik Christensen. I still love that deal, even if it’ll take years to see the benefits from it.
Rawhide
December 18th, 2009
1:18 am
Brendan – Agreed on the O’Dell deal. Dumping Christensen was good enough…but that kid is a true gem!
Kbelle – blushing Awwww…..shux, ma’am.
Brendan
December 18th, 2009
1:19 am
Very exciting game tonight. Here’s the boxscore, if anyone’s interested: http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009020505. Hainsey was a -2, following his -3 performance vs. Florida. Bryan Little, for the second straight game, was -2.
Max has a big 3-point night, including a huge goal that made it tied at 4-4. Kovy has 2-points. And Peverley got his SIXTH Game-Winning Goal (GWG) on the year, in a 3-point night.
Alan R.
December 18th, 2009
1:19 am
And we aren’t treated to just one Waddell deal here…oh no. Don’s got two in the top ten.
Three in the top ten.
10. Hossa deal.
9. Coburn deal.
…
2. Savard deal.
Brendan
December 18th, 2009
1:21 am
Just so it’s out there, FORTY-SEVEN (47) shots against … in a HOME game. Wow. Good thing we have two good goalies in Atlanta!!
Fierce Dawg
December 18th, 2009
1:29 am
i was at the game tonight. it was indeed quite an emotional evening. i was yelling in frustration and jumping up and down with glee all within 2 minutes!
i was glad pavs got the dub tonight, because he sure earned it, despite the GAA taking a hit. that was the best 5 goal performance i have ever seen!
some idiot right behind me was yelling “you suck peverley” to the lets go thrashers chant. not 90 seconds later he scored that shorty, and i took pleasure in turning right around and glaring at him. the resulting sheepish look was priceless.
hope the O continues to roll against brodeur! go thrash!
Wayne stuck in AL
December 18th, 2009
1:47 am
Watching on TV, I noticed the 100 level (behind the benches) was virtually empty the first two periods, while the aisles behind the goal lines were pretty much represented, but once the third period started, there were more people behind the benches; did Arena mgmt. decide to let people from the upper level (300 level) move down?
BTW: To be expected, the Defending Big D blog took some shots at our attendance:
http://www.defendingbigd.com/2009/12/17/1206417/game-day-thread-dallas-stars
R. Stroz
December 18th, 2009
2:02 am
Wayne stuck in AL – The arena slowly filled as the night went on. The real empty area was the upper deck on the attack once side behind the goal.
For what it’s worth, there were more Dallas fans than I expected. The Dallas fans cheered and were pretty good sports throughout the game.
The greatest cause for concern from my perspective was the amount of time spent in our end of the ice, especially in the third period.
The whack-a-mole defense (copyright reserved for poster Sara) appeared to return.
Fierce Dawg
December 18th, 2009
2:17 am
the announced attendance was shy of 12,000. there were maybe 8 or 9,000 there, with a couple hundred Stars fans. but the lower end zones and the upper bowl along the rink was pretty full. i will say this about our crowds…….unless we’re getting the stuffing beat out of us, there is usually plenty of energy and noise.
Dwayne
December 18th, 2009
6:35 am
Hey Kbelle, did you say viewage or sewage?????
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
7:39 am
Wayne, last night’s traffic from Cobb County to the arena was the worst I have seen in some time. We all arrived late, a first time for me.
My wife wondered what the heck I was talking about when I yelled out “Jimmy’s off the Schnide”. Stroz reminded after the 2nd period, that Zhitnik is the lone castaway on Schnide Island.
I come back the same thing-covering the point defenseman in the defensive zone. I have no idea why our wingers drop down so far in our zone. Stephane Robidas’ arms must be tired today, he had so many quality shots last night. This has to be fixed.
Pavs was incredible last night; his save on Lehitnen near the end of the second period was unbelievable. I guess he doesn’t like sitting on the bench. The old Pavs would have sulked and had a bad game. The new Pavs accepted Moose’s challenge and rose to the occasion. Kari better take noticed.
Finally, what were Kovy and Max thinking on Jere Lehitnen’s shorthand goal? They both skated right by the Dallas player as he sat in the slot, pouncing on the rebound for Dallas’ second goal. Kovy 3rd star? A Dallas player should have received a star.
Nice to the old couple at the game last night. I haven’t seen them all season. a hockey couple that dresses with class, something rare.
Miami Screaming Eagle
December 18th, 2009
8:01 am
Folks here like to toss management under the bus about trades-how about looking at Montreal. The Habs gave up Stephane Robidas and Mike Ribiero to Dallas for virtually nothing, now both players are key members of the Habs. Nice to see Bob Gainey can one up so many other GM’s and he still has his job!
HookyBob
December 18th, 2009
8:03 am
Great game.
Stroz:,..I was one of the few in the upper deck behind our goal last night,…along with about 6 Stars fans. With the back and forth goal scoring we more or less took turns cheering for our teams (aka antagonizing each other). When it came to cheering for good saves though we had a lot more to cheer about than the Stars fans. The talk about OP giving up 5 can be put in perspective when you realize that the Star’s goalies gave up 6 on 25 shots (less than 80% save %).
That upper deck seat provided a great view of Slate’s getting the monkey off his back. Even though he didn’t get an assist Thorburn deserved one on that goal. He crossed the goal line (albeit just outside the post) about the same time the puck did.
Also had a great view of OP’s stop when Jere Leitimen was in alone. That has to be one of his best saves of the year. I so loved watching the Stars fans slump in their seats, shake their heads, throw their hands up, etc.
One thing that stuck out to me about the Stars offense is how much the try to tip the puck. They were redirecting shots from all over. It seemed as if some D-man shots were intentionally a bit wide with the intent of a re-direct. In that type of shooting I think we were better off having OP’s bigger body in the net.
It should be noted that the Thrashers got a couple of other monkeys off their backs last night. Correct me if I wrong but isn’t that our first win this season when wearing the 3rd jersey? Also, Brendon can finally cheer as that was our 1st victory at Philips over the team he dislikes so much.
Go Blue, let’s keep Marty’s record quest on hold Saturday night.
Zoomo
December 18th, 2009
8:23 am
Great blog, Bill! Kaptain Kovy and the Kardiac Kids.
Kevin Weeks was gaga over Pavelec on last night’s NHL on the Fly. Raving about how Atlanta has found its future in the net and talking glowingly about how much fun it is to watch Pavs.
stendec
December 18th, 2009
8:28 am
Good morning Bill. Definite Tums performance last night. Glad it went way of home guys. That said. Worth repeating…Talk about roller coaster rides! The Thrashers won an overtime game on home ice in their All Hallows Eve uniforms after surrendering the tying marker in the final two minutes. A Thrasher netminder allowed almost half a dozen goals but won. The same Thrasher that scored the go-ahead shorthanded goal netted the winner in overtime. That same Thrasher leads all NHL players in the winning goal category. This was a nice one after the Thrashers failed to collect any points in the previous bout south of the Georgia border. Way to go Thrashers. No. I do not expect Captain Ilya Kovalchuk to stay in a Thrasher uniform. Just my opinion. Merry Christmas all. ++STENDEC++
R. Stroz
December 18th, 2009
8:35 am
Correct me if I wrong but isn’t that our first win this season when wearing the 3rd jersey?
HookyBob – You are correct sir.
Watching that game could put someone on blood pressure meds.
KovyRules
December 18th, 2009
8:38 am
Roller coaster, no doubt, but that’s what our team is built for. Yes, our grasp of hockey basics sucks (um, first forward back needs to pick up the open guy from their team – cost us three times in Florida and was laughably missing on the Stars shorthanded goal; and, as WBF said, wingers cover the point perhaps?). But, from an entertainment standpoint, this team is in the top decile of the league. I remember the dump-and-chase teams of the past, so I will savor our scoring talent while I can.
On the other hand, it wouldn’t hurt Kovy’s to backcheck a little now and then. When JA mentions having a “teachable tape” from this game I hope the embarrass the heck out of Kovy for that defensive series leading to the short handed goal.
But I’ll finally be back in Blueland on Saturday – bring on the Devils! Sadly, not likely to be as wide open as last night.
WM
December 18th, 2009
8:38 am
We got lucky, simple as that. Our D was atrocious…way to much time in our zone. And would it kill one of our guys to be slightly more aggresive in the PK or even a 5 man? How many times did we sit behind the goal waiting for a play to develop and Dallas had a guy right there causing problems? I’m glad we got the win, but our D is getting exposed like Tiger Wood’s little black book. Could we not trade for a defensive player? Now lets go light up Brodeur tommrrow night.
Rawhide
December 18th, 2009
8:39 am
My wife wondered what the heck I was talking about when I yelled out “Jimmy’s off the Schnide”. Stroz reminded after the 2nd period, that Zhitnik is the lone castaway on Schnide Island.
WBF – Yeah…he and Boris Valabik, now that he’s returned to play.
Definite Tums performance last night. Glad it went way of home guys.
stendec – Maybe they should pass out the “Three Tums tablets” awards after the game instead of the “three stars”?
Roller coaster, no doubt, but that’s what our team is built for.
KovyRules – Indeed. I believe it was “Bob” who made the observation at the biginning of the season that we would need to win a lot of 5-4, 6-5 type games. If you look at allt the one-goal losses this year, a tone of ‘em have been of the 4-3 variety.
Good thing we do have the kind of O-fense that can get 4+ goals regularly
KovyRules
December 18th, 2009
8:45 am
Two final thoughts – earlier in the season I was mocking the Habs for only having only 4 wins in regulation after better than 20 games. Well, we’ve now gone 9 games without a regulation time win. Those who live in glass houses…
Second, I was so pumped that it looked like Pevs had extended his league lead in GWGs with that beautiful shorty. Despite the Stars tying it, count on the Dispenser to pop in another in OT just to make sure he got the GWG. He’s my MVP, Bill.
Hockey Biltong
December 18th, 2009
8:47 am
3rd period the liquor has kicked in, providing a soporific effect, otherwise fr$#king cardiac arrest.
WBF- Squeaky Fromage and I stood up when ‘kiss-cam’ caught the old couple.They are icons in the hockey arena.
Kozy had a quiet game and Kovy gave up the puck more than Bogo.
But Pevs was working hard all game, while Little was being smacked around, a lot.
The D needs to cover the points a lot closer. The Stars were getting blasts off all night long.
The game needs to start at 7:30. It’s just insane to expect people to make it downtown and be seated by 7pm. I live intown and tip my hat to you all who put the effort out to make it to the games from afar….
Red Jerseys looked great last night!!!!!
Hockey Biltong
December 18th, 2009
8:51 am
I hope that we Thrasher Fans turn out in force Saturday, against the Diablos’. We need to pack the Bulb!!!
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
8:52 am
Hey Bill, we forgot about Doris, cause he’s so forgettable!
Kovy-last night was entertaining, now we get New Jersey, the trap team. Boring!
Stendec-not sure where the Kovy negotiations are right now. some big decisions coming up for the franchise. There’s teams out there that have assets to offer if Kovy is not going to sign long term. I go back to what I said yesterday, as Kovy, do you want the $10M / year or do you want a Stanley Cup. You can’t have both, so take your pick.
How about that Rich Peverly, my so far MVP pick. The guy is money.
Rawhide
December 18th, 2009
9:01 am
I hope that we Thrasher Fans turn out in force Saturday, against the Diablos’. We need to pack the Bulb!!!
Hockey Biltong – Agreed. Two top-six teams in the East currently…the Thrashers coming off a HUGE win…and then there is this Martin Brodeur character making another attempt at career shutout #104, which would give him sole possesion of that NHL record.
Yeah…the place needs to be packed!
Hey Bill, we forgot about Doris, cause he’s so forgettable!
KovyRules –
LOL!!! But to be fair, I kinda like the Boris/Schubert pairing. Valabik can concentrate on being the “stay home” D-man…it’s not like he’s expected to produce goals, ya know. Schubie like to attack and shoot. Also, I think the pair are a collective +2 in the four games they’ve played together.
I’ll need to get Trixie to effort that research, though.
Hotrod
December 18th, 2009
9:06 am
I think we hook or crooked that game last night. What ever it takes.
Coaches will probably be rethinking the prevent defense call for the last half of the third. Dallas really made us look pathetic leading up to the game tier with a little over a minute.It was every thing we could do to squeeze out an icing,3 or 4 in a row. Maybe they had the goalie pulled, I can’t remember.
Pavs, what can one say but your own team was in awe last night. Welcome to the NHL for the rest of your career.
Bob
December 18th, 2009
9:08 am
Fun game to watch, but man, as teams tighten up their defense after the Olympic Break, we’re going to have to tighten up as well. How many times have you heard a goalie get praised for a great game after giving up 5 goals?!?
Peverley got loose again, great to see, I like him a lot. Money, indeed.
“It’s just insane to expect people to make it downtown and be seated by 7pm.”
It is mind boggling how they continue to stick with the weekday 7pm starts with a downtown arena, fans mostly in the burbs, in Atlanta traffic. Mind boggling that they keep sticking with that no brainer of a decision. For myself, to make a 7pm start, I’d have to leave work at 4:30 and leave home before 5:30, to barely make the puck drop. When they had 7:30 starts, I could work till 5:30, go home and get a quick bite, leave the house at 6:35 and make my seats in plenty of time for the anthem.
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
9:09 am
Actually, Doris and Schubert looked pretty good when they played as a tandum. Of the 2, Doris is surely the pylon.
hip czech
December 18th, 2009
9:10 am
Did Brendan Morrow even play last night? I honestly don’t remember seeing him…
Another big concern last night was the faceoff circle, I haven’t checked the stats, but it seemed like Dallas dominated and it led directly to the Benn goal.
Hard to say your goalie was great in a 6-5 game, but Pavelec was unbelievable. I thought he made the glove save Lehtinen’s goal from my angle. I guess I just expected him to make it the way he was playing.
Spud Webb
December 18th, 2009
9:31 am
Zoomo, Weeks was going nuts about Opie and how well he played!! Classic, Weeks is horrible by the way!!
WM, I’m interested to hear what you have to say about Opie today? Was that a game where he said “i want to be number 1″ or was that not a good enough performance last night??
WBF, I was crapping myself watching Max and Kovy on that shorty, GOOD LORD!!!!
I tell you what, this team has more heart, grit and no quit in them then any other Thrashers team ever has. We’ve got some issues for sure, but they never quit and I’m proud of them!!!
d
December 18th, 2009
9:33 am
Dress Like An Empty Seat Promotion – that’s funny.
Thinking about the 10 worst trades – what if Florida still had Luongo and J Bo? They would be a beast in the SE division.
five_hole
December 18th, 2009
9:34 am
Bill To be fair to Boris, he missed like the 1st 28 games? He’s only been back for the last 5, so to compare him to people that have been available the entire season isn’t right. On the other hand, he’s never scored in an NHL game, so I don’t expect that to change any season soon.
I decided we need a chant against one of our own: “Haaaiiinnnssseeeyyy – Haaaiiinnnssseeeyyy – Haaaiiinnnssseeeyyy – YOU SUCK!!!
Can we please agree to never mention that guy Waddell traded Coburn for again in this blog? It hurts my eyes just to see that name in print. Thanks.
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
9:59 am
Spud-the short play reminded of the old Max, the one Sabres’ fans know all too well.
Hip-Morrow was there, he seems to have lost a step and his old nastiness. Overall team defense is pretty poor, hence allowing 5 goals and 46 shots. Good that the goalie was incredible.
Smoothie
December 18th, 2009
10:20 am
Stroz – that game put me on thin-your-blood-with-bourbon meds!
Who woulda thought last nite would be the nite Jimmy Slates was a key catalyst for the boys?? He must’ve liked getting his picture in the paper: http://bluelandchronicle.blogspot.com/2009/12/scene-7.html
WBF – I could not believe Kovy got a third star for his rather putrid effort. His give-a-crap meter wasn’t at zero by any stretch, but he seemed rather impatient with the puck and didn’t have much luck even when he tried to help out with the forecheck. You’re right, Robidas, Lehtinen or even Eriksson deserved a star more than he.
Good to see Dicky Pevs not only back in the scoring column, but the game-winning goal-scoring column. He essentially had two GWG, but I guess the Thrashers felt bad for the Stars, who outplayed our asses all night, and decided to give them the “loser” point.
Midfield
December 18th, 2009
10:21 am
Now that I’ve cooled off a little. Hainsey has skills, for sure. But dude is way too soft, especially for his size. My impression of him is that he constantly afraid that opponent players will move him away from the puck, and so he tries to rush getting rid of it under pressure. He rarely plays the body and tries to guess forward’s move with the puck. And when he guesses wrong, you get what we got in Florida the other night – a late goal against.
Nikita
December 18th, 2009
10:25 am
re: trades, dude, I’m over it. I agree that paying anything whatsoever for Zhitnik was idiotic.
However:
1. Coburn was very, very young at the time. We shouldn’t have traded him, but I understand why the pressure was on to do so, and his potential was not necessarily clear.
2. I actually think the Hossa trade was a very good one. The bullet on that ignores a key fact, which is that we really didn’t have much choice on Hossa and he wouldn’t have played well for us if we kept him. In that situation, getting a number of ways to build the future is not a bad trade, however the actual pieces work out. And what did Pittsburgh get for that? They got hosed. Or Hossed. Taken.
Paminski
December 18th, 2009
10:32 am
Even though it was quite a ride, we were never out of the game. Competitive games are more fun to watch than blowing out the opponent completely (and both more fun than losing badly). Gratz to Jimmy! Now for Boris….nah, never mind. He shold just concentrate on not screwing up. Modano has impressive moves that make him look many years younger.
I see C-Viv has an article on what Waddell says about Kovy’s contract. Nothing wrong with the reporting, but I trust Waddell about as much as I trust rumors from Russia.
Spud Webb
December 18th, 2009
10:35 am
Or “munsened” ahahahaha. Love that movie, Kingpin.
I’m sick today with this Kovy Crap. I hate to keep bringing it up. But WTF is the hold up??? Either get him signed this week or trade him. I WANT to focus on what we have going on here and get ready to push towards the playoffs. I mean DW how many times do you have to meet with his AGENT? SIT YOUR FAT &SS DOWN DON AND GET THIS DONE OR DON’T AND TRADE HIM. I feel like I’m being held hostage!!!!!!!!!!
Toronto SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haahahaha
Smoothie
December 18th, 2009
10:37 am
Also, a hat tip to Chris Thorburn who played one of his best games as a Thrasher in my opinion. JA must’ve thought so too by rewarding him with top line minutes in the 3rd. Or else he was just looking for extra insurance to protect against Kovy’s defense. But instead of dropping Little to the 4th line, please move White down! He’s useless of late.
The defense HAS GOT TO GET BETTER! I have a feeling we’re gonna get killed Saturday night (say 4 to 1 or 5 to 2) because NJ has the type of players (Parise, Langenbruner and Zajac) that work their tails off and have the skill to make you pay when the D breaks down. Last nite’s game alone increase our Shots Against avg by 4 tenths of a point!! We are now almost giving up 35 shots per game and each period is just as bad as the others (1st: 11.3; 2nd: 11.1; 3rd: 11.7)!!
As many have mentioned, our point coverage was miserable. I think it may be a by-product of some of our D-men wearing down a bit (or being too soft, ahem, Hainsey!) and JA asking the wingers to dive down a bit more for loose puck support. However, the Stars got so many easy good looks from the point that they were able to creat “puck plinko” havoc all night long. At least we were able to chip the puck out along the boards diagonally for break-outs to Fins, Kaner and the like.
By the way, Colby Armstrong seems to have found his mojo! I wonder if he is now an expectant daddy cuz he seems to be playing for his next contract wiht a hell of a lot more passion. His hustle on the shortie to his road roomie was sensational. I like the balance of the lines right now but it may be time to just keep Kane with those two as Kaner and Colbs are puck-cycling monsters right now. However, Pevs is developing some chemistry with Finny now. But then again, he’s PEVERYWHERE! He has chemistry with P-EVERYONE!!
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
10:46 am
Smoothie-I called Thorny the clear unsung hero yesterday. He has raised his game, through hard work and determination-it’s certainly not talent. Other players should take notice.
J.B.
December 18th, 2009
10:49 am
ooohh man. have y’all seen the comments on chris’ blog. it’s getting ugly over there today. think i’ll hang with the iceman until Viv posts a new one effectively hitting the RESET button…
Zoomo
December 18th, 2009
11:26 am
>>Zoomo, Weeks was going nuts about Opie and how well he played!!
Man crush? It was funny considering that he gave up 5. But, when you see the highlight reel of saves from last night, you gotta admit it was some stellar stuff.
I spit coffee reading five_hole’s Hainsey chant.
Spud Webb
December 18th, 2009
11:47 am
Oh yea, I mean I didn’t disagree with him despite the 5 goals. Weeks is just a mess!!
R. Stroz
December 18th, 2009
11:53 am
But instead of dropping Little to the 4th line, please move White down! He’s useless of late.
Smoothie – I agree with that, and while we’re at it, take White off the power play.
Little played some of the best hockey this season when paired with Kane. I’d like to Peverley center those two for a few games.
Thorburn was out of his mind last night. I guess he enjoyed the promotion.
The Devils game will be a real litmus test as to where the Thrashers really stack up this season.
J.B.
December 18th, 2009
11:58 am
i just saw the devils are playing tonight. probably good for us to get ‘em on the back end of a back2back set…
five_hole
December 18th, 2009
12:32 pm
Zoomo Thanks. I aim to please. When you spit your coffee, I hope your aim was good too.
So, when it comes to the trade deadline, what do we want? We used to beg for a #1 centerman, but even though we don’t have a true #1, I don’t hear anyone complaining about that anymore. And frankly I’m not all that concerned about our offense. White isn’t the answer, but he’s not killing us, either. We’re streaky, but we should be able to score with anyone. I do see people complain that we’re losing battles in the corners (and they’re right) but that’s because we’ve got some smaller wingers (Max & Kane) and I wouldn’t sit either of them. I’d much rather see Waddell/Dudley go out & acquire a big frikkin’ defenseman. Let him play with Bogosian and rotate the 3rd pairing between Hainsey/Schubert/Salmela/Popovic/Valabik.
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
12:32 pm
J.B.-this menas the Devils will be holding and interfering ven more Saturday night!
R. Stroz
December 18th, 2009
12:45 pm
WBF – That’s Lemaire’s style of play. A lot of moving picks, which rarely get whistled down.
J.B.
December 18th, 2009
12:46 pm
WBF – Agreed. That means our power play must get it’s collective butt in gear and keep it there for 60. I’ll be curious to see if they put in Brodoeur or a backup. I’m thinking Pavs for us since he was awesome last night and I think he did well versus NJD last time we played them as well.
TableHockey
December 18th, 2009
1:08 pm
NHL.com is running an article about how Brodeur will have a record just by stepping on the ice against Ottawa tonight. Of course he is also one shut out away from breaking Sawchucks record but I think maybe Brodeur will sit against the Thrasher’s on Saturday so he is fresh for the Pens on Monday.
Also NHL.com gave Peverly one of their three stars.
Nikita
December 18th, 2009
1:23 pm
*sigh*
Y’all know how I feel about Thorburn. But let me just say this — he has middling talent and improving conditioning. His skating is far better than last year, and he’s gotten way more aggressive in crashing the net. His hands are o.k., but his shot shows some signs of becoming fairly good. And his work on the PK? Both better and essential.
Kudos to the coaching staff for developing him, and please be aware that he’d still be just as bad as he started if he played for Bob Hartley. And for taking a cheap asset and increasing his value.
R. Stroz
December 18th, 2009
1:25 pm
WOW, did anyone else notice we’re fifth in the conference?
TableHockey
December 18th, 2009
1:47 pm
R. Stroz – absolutely noticed that – wish we had more that a 4 point cushion over 8th place but noentheless it is nice to be in the midst of the playoff hunt at Christmas.
Bob
December 18th, 2009
1:48 pm
“JA must’ve thought so too by rewarding him with top line minutes in the 3rd. Or else he was just looking for extra insurance to protect against Kovy’s defense. ”
I noticed that and thought Coach was sticking him there to be someone defensively responsible out there with Kovy, as Kovy has been so lax on defense. He has to start skating both ends of the ice, you want the big contract? Earn it!
hip czech
December 18th, 2009
1:48 pm
RS – yeah, can’t really expect much more, unless we catch Washington (which is not out of the question, but doubtful) the best we could expect would be #4, so to be sitting at #5 is decent.
The playoffs are there for the taking this year. Outside of Pitt/Wash/NJ the rest of the conference is pretty interchangeable. The Thrashers could fluctuate from #4 – #8 unless a nice 4 or 5 win streak pops up. I like our chances if we’re in about the same spot at the Olympic break. The schedule in March is 12 home games and 5 road games, all the road games in the eastern time zone.
Brendan
December 18th, 2009
1:51 pm
I’ll be cheering loudly when Boris gets his 1st ever NHL goal. I just hope someone saves the puck for him when it happens. My fear is that the goaltender will be so flustered, that he’ll fish the puck out of the net and flip it over the glass. Though, I’d take the penalty that comes from doing that.
HookyBob, I know my reasons for disliking the Stars are probably pretty flimsy, but that team rubs me the wrong way. I don’t like their colors or their uniforms. Brett Hull irks me. (I won’t mention the 1999 Finals. These comments are inside parentheses, so they really aren’t there.) Last night was a most enjoyable win. I don’t even care that we gave a WESTERN Conference opponent a “freebie point.” The bottom line is … we WON. Pavelec registered a win. Peverley got another GWG.
So, who wants to see Brodeur set the NHL record in Blueland? No one’s hand should be up. But if he does it, hang on to the ticket stub.
Smoothie
December 18th, 2009
2:00 pm
Might as well lock the #4 spot into our sights and try to catch NJ with a big “4-pt” win Saturday night. Don’t they still have a G-I-H or two on us as well? Especially if they play tonite, Sat AND Mon. Aren’t we off until Wed vs Boston, first of 7 road games? Wait, duh, I’m going to the game Monday versus the Frogs.
Nikita, yes Thorbs has “limited” skills, but he’s pretty fast for a big guy and now that he has strengthend his lower body, he might prove to be a valuable RW plug-in for the top two lines here and there when we need a physical banger to free up space for Kovy. Now that Kovy has an actual playmaker in Antro, the Thorbs experiment may prove more fruitful this year than last.
Kovy – Antro – Thorbs
Kane – Pevs – Little
Kozzy – Reasy – Max
The Rest..shuffle as needed
World Be Free
December 18th, 2009
2:01 pm
Stroz-sorry I’ll miss you tomorrow night, I am headed to a Christmas party and my wife has already volunteered for designated driver duty!
J.B.-let’s hope the PP it looks a little like it did last night. Kovy needs to get one of the stars!
Smoothie
December 18th, 2009
2:03 pm
Oh snap! I forgot Army again!! Sorry…sprinkle in some “shredded cheese” as needed! j/k
hip czech
December 18th, 2009
2:54 pm
In DW-speak, he can truthfully say this:
“We like our hockey team. At this point I can honestly say that I haven’t talked to one team about a trade. Why even start that because our goal is to get this player signed.”
because he has probably talked to more than one team.
R. Stroz
December 18th, 2009
3:18 pm
hip czech – There went my afternoon cola.
Smitty
December 18th, 2009
3:39 pm
Kovy and Max really looked bad on that SH goal against. Very disappointed in Kovy’s defense as of late. Kind of thought he would be setting a better example as the”C”. If Kovy gets traded to Boston as Bucci suggests, we have to get Wheeler, one of their first round picks and Lucic. I hope I spelled his name correctly
Hockey Biltong
December 18th, 2009
6:34 pm
WBF- Sorry to miss you too. Enjoy your party and a good dose of NHL on the Fly, for the victory celebration after the D’s go down….
HookyBob
December 18th, 2009
7:26 pm
Kukla’s Korner has an interestingly example for those who don’t like the point for an OT loss. The Dallas Stars record is 14-20, Vancouver is 19-15. Because 11 of Dallas’s losses came in OT they have 39 points while Vancouver has 38 points. Just think they were tied before we played Dallas!
Midfield
December 18th, 2009
9:31 pm
Brendan, how’d you compare current negotiations with Grossman to those when the current contract was done? If I recall, Kovy was in Russia for a couple of weeks into the season as a “hold-up.” Do you think that this situation is radically different and warrants a different pattern?
KovyRules
December 18th, 2009
9:36 pm
Watching Leafs-Sabres. Sabres are killing them, but are being outshot 31-17. I still think SOG is over-rated, and watching teams I’m not biased toward (i.e., the Thrashers), that truth is easier to see.
Midfield
December 18th, 2009
9:53 pm
That’s so cool.
KovyRules
December 18th, 2009
10:16 pm
U guys drinking, or what?
Brendan
December 18th, 2009
11:24 pm
Sara, I just got done watching the Blackhawks win the shootout over the Bruins with goals by Toews and Kane. Goaltender Tim Thomas skated over to his bench and proceeded to “Hasan Chop!” his goalstick into bits, right in front of all the members of his team.. So, when is the rule coming about stick smashing? How many times now, have we seen this? Luckily, no one was hurt.
stendec
December 19th, 2009
12:14 am
What are you doing up this late/early Mr Rawhide? Captain Ilya Kovalchuk needs to learn one thing. Actually two. The first is to lead by example. If a damn optional skate is called participate. That is what a true leader would do! In this instance absence does not make the heart grow fonder. The second conerns the financial pie. Take the majority of team funds for yourself if you insist but then spare me your prima donna attitude about heading in the right direction to win a championship. Once you are the highest paid whatever in the NHL do not go into Maryann Hossa mode every time you have a pity party. True fans such as I know when you are going all out or dogging it. The Thrashers cannot pay top dollar to anyone who fails to play like every shift is their last one. True captains play out of their minds every second of every shift. Have you done so lately IK? Did not think so. Either serve up a few body checks or start wearing a dress with a chicken on the front. The choice is yours. I personally expect you to bolt. Fine. I wish you well. Only, as my good friend Josey Wales once said, “Don’t pi$$ on my boots then tell me it is raining.” I know lies when I hear them. I know insincerity when I hear it. Don Waddell is not the only one misleading Thrasher fans. Right el Kapitan? Sorry for soap box sermon. This really bothers me. Good night/morning all. ++STENDEC++ Bill, remember Marcel Dionne? Great hockey star forever stranded in Los Angeles. Always a bridesmaid never a bride despite all the talent in the world. May be path IK chooses to take. Just a thought.
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
12:20 am
Midfield, I do think things are very different this time around. For one, there is no lockout. We haven’t gone 15 straight months with no NHL activity, due to work stoppage. There’s also no ambiguity over where team priorities lie. No matter how BADLY one might judge Don Waddell’s GM prowess, DW KNOWS, good-n-well, what the team’s #1 priority is this time around. I’m not entirely convinced Waddell realized Kovy was the #1 priority, back in 2005. At that time, he was pursuing Peter Bondra, Bobby Holik, Teemu Selanne, and he also had Heatley in the fold, before Dany requested the trade. So, when that happened, DW had dealings with Ottawa to negotiate, ultimately getting Greg deVries and Marian Hossa. Other bloggers have suggested that Waddell DID realize Kovalchuk was the #1 priority, he just couldn’t sign him. My argument about that was always this: “Why didn’t Waddell know what the going-rate (price) was for a Kovalchuk, back in 2005, such that he could make him a non-insulting offer and sign him as his FIRST move, post-lockout? Why was he nickel and diming him?” If he did know going rate, why didn’t he turn to ownership and say, “You have authorize more money for this contract. It’s essential. Or he’ll be a holdout?” Oh, here we go. “How do you KNOW he didn’t?” And so forth. All things I CANNOT prove, of course. Well, I tell you what. Exasperated. He’s got to prioritize what the team’s needs were in 2005. If he didn’t realize Kovy was #1, that’s bad stewardship of the franchise. Second, if he did know, he’s got to turn to ownership and say, “Let’s nip this in the bud. This has to be contract #1, deal #1, of our post-lockout, or this could get ugly. Authorize me to spend WHATEVER it takes.” And if ownership says, “No, nickel and dime him.” Then you just don’t do the Holik deal (Hallelujah!) or the Bondra deal. One of those two guys doesn’t get signed so that Kovalchuk does get signed, and EARLY, and participates in training camp. What I believe, and CANNOT prove, is that Don thought that “Well, Kovy is an RFA. He’s not going anywhere. So, I’m not going to worry about it. It’ll get done, eventually. Even if we have to match an RFA offersheet.” It got pretty hairy when Kovalchuk was about to set foot on European ice as a paid professional, which is something that would have invalidated his NHL eligibility for that season. The other looming problem would have been that if December 1, 2005 had rolled around, with Kovy still un-signed, he’d likewise be ineligible for the Thrashers for that season. The third thing, back in 2005 that is DIFFERENT this time around, is that the salary cap has virtually no bearing on this upcoming deal. The Thrashers have the cap room for a LEAGUE MAX contract. They’ve had that ‘earmarked’ for quite some time. It’s not something that wasn’t anticipated, catching them WHOLLY UNAWARE. I think the whole issue now is … does Ilya want to play here from NOW ON, or for just a little while longer, say a few years, or NOT AT ALL.
If the issue is … despite all comments and intents to the contrary, that Ilya wants to play in a different market, then that’s a whole other situation. If that’s the truth, God forbid, then I think we ought to accommodate him. Huh?? In other words, “Tell us, Ilya, where you want to play, so we can make the BEST DEAL to get you where you want to be.” I hate to even talk like that. My thoughts are always focused on keeping him here, in Thrasher Blue. I think that’s what Waddell wants, too. It’s seemingly what most fans want. Though, clearly not ALL fans. And, hopefully, it’s what Ilya wants.
Since the Thrashers CAN OFFER Kovalchuk the league max, I don’t think money is the issue. The only way MONEY is still the issue is if the KHL is coming in with $15 – $17 million-a-year to play in his native Russia. And like Waddell said, “There’s nothing he can do match an offer like that.” All Waddell can do … is offer the max contract. That’s it. Ohhhh yesssss. He can FRONT LOAD it, I suppose. Players like the front loaded contract, especially with the CBA expiring in June of 2011. Last time around, the players had to agree to a 24% rollback, ACROSS THE BOARD, to get the work-stoppage resolved. But once the player gets his front loaded money, the CBA concessions don’t apply. He’s ALREADY been paid his money, UP FRONT. Think Briere’s deal, with Philly. But I digress.
Kovalchuk holds all the cards, but one. He could wind up traded to someplace he’d rather not be. Like Edmonton. But, he wouldn’t have to be there long. And the moment he signs with another team, Oiler fans would hate ‘im for life, for not re-signing with them. Hypothetically. What makes things different this time around … is that pending UFA eligibility. Folks, like it or not, Ilya has EARNED THE RIGHT to play where he chooses now. So, if he doesn’t CHOOSE us, we’re over. We’re through.
I’m hesitant to even mention this, but imagine that … the AS,LLC & Waddell are the fiancee and Ilya is the would-be groom. And the couple has been together for 5 or more years now. And the woman prods, “We ARE getting married, right? Right? Aren’t we? You LOVE ME, after all, don’t you?” And the man (Ilya) says, “Baby. Yeah, sure. I just need a little more time. I mean, what does a few more weeks or months matter in the BIG PICTURE, when we’re going to spend our WHOLE LIVES together.” Is hearing that “reassuring” or merely infuriating? If you’re the woman putting up with this man for 5 long years, why hasn’t this man put a down payment on the reception Hall, and selected his BEST MAN for the wedding? Why are the wedding invitations not in the mail, much less ORDERED yet?
Tim
December 19th, 2009
3:54 am
I hate to agree with Stendec… even partially. First, I don’t know Ilya but I know people in the Russian community (80,000+ strong in Atl Metro) who do know him. He seems like a decent guy who has genuinely put down roots here.
HOWEVER… I have fallen off the Kovy-the-hockey player band wagon. I feel like an ex-smoker who gets sick at the slightest whiff.
1. Kovy will never be worth what the Thrashers are going to have to pay to keep him.
2. The Thrashers could very well end up being better off without him.
3. I think most hardcore Thrasher fans will be able to live with a trade and the rest of the fan base will support the team if they win… just like every other professional sports franchise.
Back to point 1 — The two players on an NHL team that have to put out max effort every shift, every game are the Captain and the highest paid player… particularly if he’s making max or near-max money. Those two players have to set the example and bust a$$ every time they’re on the ice. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Kovy is dogging it, I just don’t think he ever learned to play that way (I think I really want to believe that’s true). He’s made a nice living waiting for the miracle outlet pass.
I don’t know how many more times I can watch him float by an opposing player without any pressure at all. I don’t even need him to hit the other guy, just make it difficult for him to shoot or pass the puck. I don’t know how many more times I can watch him cough up the puck. I can barely stand on skates and I think I can take the puck from him. Why is that? IMHO, it’s because he’s never learned how to use his 6′2, 230# frame to protect the puck… AND… he uses a stick that’s useless for anything but shooting lasers at the net.
Oh my God he scores pretty goals and can undress a defenseman in open ice, at speed. We’ll call those OMG moments. Of course, he also provides us with plenty of Oh S**t moments. I’ve been kind of adding the OMG’s and the OS’s and comparing them. Guess what… OS!!!
Also, when you’re making big money in a salary-cap sport you better be making your teammates better because they’ll be that much less to pay for good players.
Most pundits think it’s going to cost the Thrashers between $8 and $9 million to keep him in Atlanta. Let’s say they pay him… where’s the money to pay Bogosian and Kane going to come from? Those two players are the future core of this team.
That brings me back to point 2 — I think that Kane, Bogosian, Peverly, Enstrom and Goalie A,B or C are the future of this team… at least I hope they are. Throw in most of the rest of this current roster and a decent, two-way LW from a Kovy trade and I’ll be in the stands for sure. Give me Max over Kovy… he plays hard all the time… wow, what a motor that guy has. Think about this – when are the Thrashers at their best? PK, when Kovy is on the bench. I don’t want a Captain who doesn’t kill penalties… I’m not sure why but it doesn’t sit well with me. Kane is 18 y/o and is killing penalties.
Point 3 — Yeah, it’s fun watching Kovy score goals but he makes me want to pull my hair out. Daren Eliot summed it up best after Ilya scored against Fla the other night. I’m paraphrasing but he said Ilya did everything wrong in that shift but the puck found him on a long rebound and he put it home. He went further and said that Ilya didn’t seem to know where to be. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Here’s my wish list as a Thrasher fan. 1. Ilya wakes up tomorrow and realizes that he has to play every shift like Max plays… full speed. On the rare occasions that Kovy plays a game that way, the Thrashers are a really, really good team. Short of that, 2. The Thrashers trade him for a top six, two-way forward and a bunch of prospects. Then they tell there fan base that they couldn’t justify paying him the money he wanted and that they are going to pin the franchise’s hopes on a young group of players who play a little defense, play with heart and actually play BIGGER than their size instead of smaller.
If there are other hardcore fans who feel this way, we need to let management know. My fear is that they will sign Kovy for HUGE money because they are afraid of losing US. Kovy is not capable of playing within this or probably any system and will be the downfall of this franchise if they break open the bank for him. DW and AS need to know that we will support a trade.
Dwayne
December 19th, 2009
6:17 am
As long as there is a team in Atl., I will be a fan. Kovy or no Kovy. I will still get the center ice package so I can see them when they are not on sports south. I will still drive up there once or twice a year to see them.
World Be Free
December 19th, 2009
8:47 am
Biltong-have the Blackberry in hand and TiVo working on 2 TVs, so I am good. Are you going to be at the game Monday night against the Habs?
World Be Free
December 19th, 2009
8:51 am
KovyRules-shots on goal are not that relavent when your goaltender is Miller and the Leafs goaltender is Toskela.
Watch Hasek for years; he played better when he had 40-50 shots on goal compared to games when he would get ony 25. Hasek played the 3rd period of an All Star Game in San Jose a few years ago when he was still a Sabre, had 25 shots in the period. He was in the zone, which is what some of these goalies, like Miller, get in some nights.
These guys say “give me the shots”!
World Be Free
December 19th, 2009
8:59 am
Hey guys-on the Kovy situation-
None of us really know what’s going on with the negotiations, but we can see that it has had an effect on Kovachuk’s play. All we can hope for is that both parties come to an agreement on the future very soon, so this thing doesn’t drag out forever. Sign the contract or move him for assets. To keep him until July just to make the playoffs in thw worst decision that could be made. I do not believe we can blame the Thrashers at this point as far as the nnegotiations. I think they have communicated with the player and his agent. If it’s not going to work, then both parties need to move on.
Stendec, you impress me with your recollection of Marcel Dionne. You remember him as a bridesmade; I remember him as the ultimate professional. He was well paid to be a hockey player, but in truth he was much more than that. He played hard evey shift, never complained and was a leader to younger players.
Sabres had Gilbert Perreault and the Kings had Dionne; both deserved to win a Stanley Cup, neither did. Too bad.
NorthStarsDave
December 19th, 2009
9:26 am
I have been out of town….just getting caught up….and read the Schultz column and posted the following….
And the Thrashers are in 5th Place in the East!!!
BTW…Kovy has been a big minus his whole career here….he has never played both ways….
What…no comments about the head of the KHL being in town? Come on all you hockey know-it-alls….
The KHL and Bettman have been in talking about putting an agreement together…and Bettman is looking for the head of the KHL to buy one of the troubled NHL teams….which Atlanta is the largest market and has the most potential. Investing in one of the troubled teams would initiate an agreement between the KHL and the NHL regarding the trading and acquisition of players.
Kovy…and the other Russians on the Thrashers…LOVE it here! Remember, it was Kovy who recruited Antropov and Mad Max and had a big say on the acquisition of Kubina (a Czech, BTW).
And let me ask everyone…despite the economy, the salary cap in the NHL actually went UP this year…so, what do you expect the cap to do in subsequent years?
And for those that say Chicago is a mess…or will be…give me a break…they just signed most of their young talent…
Sign Kovy for the max…get the KHL Guy to buy the team…trust me, he can afford it…build an arena near your fan base….Doraville, are you interested in doing something with the dirt that used to be the GM plant?…and watch the team take off.
The problem all along with the Thrashers has been ownership…..
Oh…and for you all that say the Hawks draw….I watched a little of the game last night…wow…a lot of empty seat suits in that ’sold out’ crowd….against one of the better teams from the West….
Miami Screaming Eagle
December 19th, 2009
10:59 am
I rarely go on a rant on this blog but I have a good one going.
Open request to Jeff Scultz and Mark Bradley-please do not write any articles about the Thrashers or hockey. You two know nothing about hockey, just like Idiot Moore.
Jeff and Mark, please concentrate about writing stories about the tattooed gangsters in the NBA, which are more on your level.
Darkhorse
December 19th, 2009
11:39 am
stendec and Tim-I have to agree with both of your sentiments on the Kovy thing. Kovy still has quite a bit of immaturity in his game, on and off the ice. Or like Tim suggested, he just never learned to play that way and doesn’t see any problem in his own game. Don’t get me wrong, he does more for this franchise than anyone else.
If you want to be the Micheal Jackson superstar performer of your team and the NHL while getting paid more than anyone else, then you need to lose the Weird Al Yankovic aspects of your game. When your goalie is in trouble, do something original like PLAY YOUR MAN TIGHT, not skate around in circles beside him like a ballerina watching a major scoring chance take place.
And I know Kovy’s not the only one on this team failing to play a very good two-way game, but he is the one that wants the big pay day and is the leader of the team.
Agree with WBF also-Get a deal done or don’t. If you’re going to have to trade him, I would think the sooner the time, the better the return. Because he will be just a rental player to whomever he’s traded to, if that happens. I don’t know……maybe he realizes all of this and will take 9-9.5 to help keep our cap competitive, but I doubt it.
hip czech
December 19th, 2009
11:45 am
Tim, excellent post (and at 4 in the morning!)…Stendec also…good points.
I have to laugh at the rumors I’ve seen…especially the one saying NEW JERSEY would be a good fit for Kovalchuk. Give me a break, no way Kovalchuk could last in Lemaire’s system. Gaborik couldn’t do it, neither could Kovalchuk cut it with his lack of defense.
What I don’t understand is the seemingly lackluster effort by the captain in the last few weeks. He has two good reasons to put out max effort each game 1) to prove to Waddell that he really is worth being paid the top player in the NHL, or 2) to impress other teams if he knows he is not signing here.
To give half-baked efforts doesn’t do anyone any good.
Alan R.
December 19th, 2009
1:07 pm
HEY GUYS! It seems Ottawa isn’t drawing very well this year. I guess we should move them to Kansas City!
Miami Screaming Eagle
December 19th, 2009
1:24 pm
Funny that an AJC columnist would write about the Kovy situation when the BRaves haven’t signed Adam LaRoche yet. Resigning LaRoche is a bigger “no Brainer” than resigning Kovy!
World Be Free
December 19th, 2009
1:26 pm
Thanks for the link Alan-funny how this situation has elluded the boys from Hockey Night in Canada.
Dwayne
December 19th, 2009
1:32 pm
Kari is skating…que Stendec
Rawhide
December 19th, 2009
1:59 pm
I got a chance to watch morning skate at Philips…looks like Pavs will get the nod tonight.
heading back down after dealing with some home-holiday chores. Hope to see everyone there.
As Dwayne indicated, Kari is indeed skaing again and Steve Weeks indicated he is progressing nicely.
Alan R.
December 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
Funny that an AJC columnist would write about the Kovy situation when the BRaves haven’t signed Adam LaRoche yet.
Actually, I’m happy AJC columnists are paying more attention to hockey. Everyone here should be happy for that. This team needs more notoriety in the local press. It’s all a part of “build it, and they will come.” It’s being built, and very slowly, they’re starting to come around.
Alan R.
December 19th, 2009
2:05 pm
que Stendec
“Que” is one of the only Spanish words I know, and I don’t think it means “what” you think it means.
(Hint: Cue.)
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
Even if Kovalchuk remains a defensive liability, he is the #1 draw for fans to Philips Arena, in my opinion. Also, I think Kovy is the #1 draw for free agents to COME to Atlanta. So, in that sense, he’s re-signing is rather vital, despite Kovalchuk’s defensive shortcomings.
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
2:34 pm
Hip Czech, I had that very thought, too, upon initially reading that Waddell comment.
But I figured I’d be attacked by the grammar Nazis if I pointed that out. And if not, that I’d be accused of Waddell-bashing to suggest that the number of teams Waddell has potentially spoken to about Kovalchuk … were plural. As in, more than one.
Waddell is no stranger to these sorts of comments. I remember this one, in particular, “I guess I could say that I wasn’t ENTIRELY happy with the player, since we’ve traded him.” The referent? The Jason Williams trade. Dissect that Waddell quote with a microscope … and you’ll see what I mean. But, I’m choosing to let it go. Was that the trade where we got Clay Wilson?
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Rawhide, the tally for the MVP votings, as best I could tell, was seven votes for Peverley, seven votes for Moose Hedberg, and five votes for Kubina. Pretty interesting stuff, there. If we, as bloggers, are so very split on who the MVP of the team is, it’s a darned GOOD thing. Kinda surprising was that Ilya Kovalchuk only got one vote, I believe. As anyone who isn’t a Thrasher fan who Atlanta’s MVP is, they’d likely reply, “Duh, Kovalchuk.”
Tim
December 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
Thanks hip czech. I couldn’t sleep last night and had to get that off my chest. I noticed a few things I left out of my 4am “rant”.
Mostly, for the record, I would love for the proverbial light bulb to go off over his head. Actually, I would love for Kovy to become some combination of himself and Hossa. Kovy has a great shot, some great open ice moves (though he has become pretty predictable), he is more personable, but mostly… he actually seems to want to be here. Hossa has everything else: better hands (and a more useful stick) down low, in insane ability to protect the puck but mostly he has a coach’s son’s mentality… he is a fundamentally sound, two-way hockey player.
I have a client who has been a hockey coach and has owned, put together and won a championship with an ECHL team. He told me that Kovy is just not a system player. That’s a nice way of saying that he’s not a team player. He could still be a good teammate, just not a good team player. I’m not a hockey expert but the truth in that seems quite obvious if you watch him closely.
IMHO – Imagine if Allen Iverson was a Russian hockey player and that he was actually a good person and good parent… you’d have Ilya Kovalchuk! He’d be a great scorer, he’d occasionally give you a spectacular assist or steal but he’d be a defensive liability. Teams would fall in love with his offensive talent, pay him too much, build a team around him and never win anything.
Trust me, it hurts me to write this because I have really enjoyed watching him play and there is every indication that he a great guy but I’ll reiterate… I think it’s important that DW and AS know that they will not lose the fan base if they trade him. I really believe that the fans will see the wisdom in such a move… eventually at least.
five_hole
December 19th, 2009
2:56 pm
I hate to say it but Tim is right about me (and my wife) and probably most of the rest of you. We’re hockey fans. We’ve been fans for 40 years (in our case, at least) and if Kovy walked, we’d female dog and complain, but we’d end up going to more games. We did the same thing when Hossa left. I did the same thing in St. Louis when they traded Brendan Shanahan (for some unknown kid who played as badly as Valabik. His name was Chris Pronger).
However, I for one would much rather see him here. Yes, he can be a defensive liability. But he is without question worth the price of admission to watch play the game and just how many NHL players can you say that about? He is a star, people talk about how he undressed that defenseman before he scored, and the Thrashers need that. Just pay him the money and move on.
Not sure I agree with … where’s the money to pay Bogosian and Kane going to come from? It will be years before they’re eligible for free agency-type money, and the cap will move by then. Not even sure how much impact giving Kovy the big money would hurt us. Kovy would make his current salary plus Koslov (assuming he’s done here; at least for his current $3.5 mil). We’re also paying Lehtonen $3 mil which I’m assuming (considering the play of Pavelic) will be freed up after this season. That should go towards keeping Max and Kubina.
It could be that Kovy (or his agent) is stringing things along to get the biggest $$$. That’s just negotiating, and I don’t hold that against him. I have to do that all the time when I get a new contract. Everything I read says he wants to play here, and I believe that. I want to believe that. But if he walks away (or gets traded) be sure that I will female dog and whine, then continue to go to games, because we like hockey, and that’s that.
R. Stroz
December 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
five_hole – The Thrashers will also have an extra 1.16 million from getting Zhitnik off the payroll next season.
Smoothie
December 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
A LOT of great commentary on this blog folks. We have such knowledgeable hockey fans in this town (unfortch we get no credit for making this a hockey town because of a number of factors that deter more casual fans from coming on a regular basis, but that’s a different topic, sort of) and it is interesting to see so many bloggers going on record saying that they would be okay with Kovy getting traded for the betterment of the team in the long-run. BTW Tim, GREAT POST!!!!
I too am in the camp of pragmatic acceptance that we will need to do what is best for the team, and not short-term tkt sales, very soon and that may mean trading Kovalchuk. Luckily for Team Waddudley some cat named Lehtonen might be the key to getting good value in a January deal involving Kovy if he can come back and play capably. My gut tells me we are sold on Pavs being the goalie of the future. It’s hard for anyone to think that we will continue to invest in Lehts as our # 1 after so many injuries and the fact we gave him a one-year deal in his final RFA year.
But back on point w/r/t Kovy. He is an unbelieveable talent, the likes of which come along very rarely. Is he a Top 10 player in the world? NO. He may be one of the most Top 5 EXCITING players in the world, but as Tim stated above, his “O.S.” moments generally equal his “OMG” moments. Until he commits to being a better, well-rounded player ALL THE TIME, he will never be a Top 10 player in the world let alone Top 10 in the NHL. Perhaps he is struggling with finding a balance now that he does not have his top gear. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind I reckon at this point that Kovy came back too soon. When is the last time you remember Kovy having a flat-out, all-alone breakaway on net or even an instance when he took the puck strong to the outside and drove to the post?? I don’t think he’s had one since he’s been back.
Kovy is playing hurt and it is hurting his ability to be the best leader he can be because he never learned to be a good 2-way player. Now that he doesn’t have his full speed and explosiveness, he ends up floating around and coasting a lot. In fact, I think his ability to cut and reverse on defense when the puck changes directions is suffering the most. Unfortunately for Kovy, he is on the verge of two very important things: a) a new LT contract decision and b) the Olympics, which obviously mean the world to him. He is a national hero and he wants to take that status to an even higher level at Whistler / Vancouver in Feb. He can’t do that if he wears himself out and / or gets hurt even more.
But the problem is that he is captain now. He by definition of a leadership, cannot take any shifts off. He MUST set the example with his play as well as his words. I have no doubt in my mind that the captainship changed him as a player last year. I saw things from Kovy that I never thought I’d see. As a result, I was convinced that he would want to stay as he demonstrated a willingness to do things that he hadn’t done well in the past (like back-check, drive the puck deep, celebrate teammates’ goals more than his own etc). But now I’m conflicted because things have not progressed as quickly as they should have on the new contract.
We are entering into the final homestretch on this and all the caring fans know this. This next 4-5 weeks are critical. Especially if this team does not get to 10 or 11 games over .500, which I don’t think they will because there are too many flaws, most of which I believe are the byproduct of this contract conundrum. By the end of January, we should know the future of Kovy in Atlanta. If he isn’t signed by then, he is gone. And I doubt Waddell will wait until the deadline to trade him. Of course, if Lehtonen doesn’t come back and we have no additional leverage in a trade, then I can see us taking our chances on a playoff run with Kovy in a desperate attempt to go deep and convince Kovy to stay. But by then, I think, it will be too late. Kovy will feel compelled to go into FA and drive up his price. That’s what agents make their clients do…unless their name is Rich Peverley apparently.
Smoothie
December 19th, 2009
4:08 pm
Sorry for the long post, I guess I should’ve saved that for my own blog, but I’d rather put up mugshots of Andre the Giant and brazen cops in fictitious posts about what happened to “Ondrej the Giant” after the game Thursday night:
http://thrashingbirds.blogspot.com/2009/12/thrashers-goalie-ondrej-giant-pavelec.html
Shamless plug I know, but why the heck not? We Thrashers fans can’t get enough right??
Smoothie
December 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
Stroz, I love you man, but you just obsoleted my long post by kicking this “stuff” onto the 2nd page. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to do it again!
PYSCHE!!
BTW, I’ll buy you a beer near your section at the game Monday night as me and K-belle will be in the lower level for the game vs the Frogs.
Smoothie
December 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
Sure thing! To go with your “bon-bons”, right?
World Be Free
December 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
Alan R.-AJC columnists
World Be Free
December 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
Alan-AJC
I like others, I just wish they would get it right about the Thrashers.
five_hole
December 19th, 2009
5:47 pm
R. Stroz Please, please; I never want to hear that name mentioned again. Just let it go; OK?
Tony C.
December 19th, 2009
6:24 pm
WE’re gonna be representing in force tonight-even got permission to bring The World’S Cutest Hockey Fan out for a rare late-night.
Had to go with cheap seats tonight
section 308…
See yall around the arena
Dwayne
December 19th, 2009
6:47 pm
Here is the thing for me, when I am watching hockey, there is only one person I stand up to watch while carrying the puck on the rush, at anytime during the game, that person is Ilya Kovalchuk. Point is, there is no one more exciting to watch while carrying the puck on a rush, Max is close. Yeah I know, everyone stands late in the game, down by one, but I think you know what I’m saying.
Dwayne
December 19th, 2009
6:49 pm
Alan R. thanks for the english /spanish lesson. My sister is a english teacher, I get popped on the knucles all the time.
Dwayne
December 19th, 2009
7:47 pm
nj commentators are butchering Atl’s d rightfully so…..but it is 3 to 1 hahahahahahahahahahaha
Matt
December 19th, 2009
8:34 pm
OMG, it’s the SOS AGAIN!!! One night our goalie is going to get killed facing this ridiculous number of shots!!!!! 33 shots for NJ and it’s not even the end of the second. (Continues banging head on keyboard)
12345
December 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
Two words for the Thrashers after this disgrace… NO PLAYOFFS !
Tom
December 19th, 2009
9:22 pm
For those at the game tonight, you missed us being called out by Chico Resch, the Devils announcer. The effort shown by the team was embarrassing and to listen to 60 minutes of it being observed sucked.
Matt
December 19th, 2009
10:07 pm
What a friggin joke!!. Learn how to play the damn game for 60 full,complete and total minutes!! SOS EVERY game!!
Smoothie
December 19th, 2009
10:09 pm
Could we really be this bad?? How do you give up 24 shots in one period to a team that employs the TRAP?! Are our players really this dense and stupid that they don’t realize you have to chip and dump the puck behind their D and then go outwork them for opportunities? I guess they relaxed big time when Brodeur was chased…how embarrassing is it to lose this way? If these two back-to-back defensive efforts doesn’t lead to some pro-active changes, then we are in big TROUBS!!
Thrashy Thrashy
December 19th, 2009
10:18 pm
The Thrashers can make the playoffs if they don’t keep playing like they’ve played the last two nights. They won’t be anywhere near the postseason if they keep playing like this.
That is obvious to anyone.
Tim
December 19th, 2009
11:09 pm
I’m speechless
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
11:13 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen, Glenn “Chico” Resch called … us … out. Allllll game long. He was exasperated by the lack of commitment, effort, and defensive gumption. At one point, Resch said, “I don’t think Atlanta has come close to winning a puck battle.” And he later added, “Thrashers d-men backed up to the faceoff circles, Doc. I can’t EVER RECALL a team when one team so readily and willingly surrendered the blueline.” It would go on like this … after each whistle. To say that Chico Resch is less than impressed with the Thrashers would be the understatement of the night. But it’d get worse. If you think he called the team out, you’ve haven’t BEGUN to hear him light into Ilya Kovalchuk, the Captain.
I mean, it was torturous and relentless. To the point where Jay Grossman, Kovy’s agent, just might give him a call, regarding defemation of character. Of course, I say Chico Resch is entitled to his opinions. You don’t have to agree with him. But Resch basically said, “Ilya Kovalchuk cannot get the MAX contract, with play like this. He needs to go to a team where he’s not the TOP BANANA, where he can learn how to be a complete player.” He stopped just short of saying any GM in the league who pays this guy the Max is an idiot. Wow. Well, you can’t say Resch is a guy who masks how he feels about things!
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
11:14 pm
It’s official. Tim is without speech.
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
11:20 pm
My favorite Resch RANT of the night was this one. “Doc, I’ve scoured the Thrashers and the only one out there who deserves $11 million … is that guy! The one in net, keeping the Thrashers in this thing. Ondrej Pavelec. That’s your MAX contract guy.” I just about LOST it. It was like Resch was auditioning for a spot on late night TV comedy.
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
11:22 pm
Where’s our Ranallo warning???
Brendan
December 19th, 2009
11:32 pm
Anyone wanting to catch the Resch rants can tune to Comcast Channel #782 to catch the replay.
jen
December 19th, 2009
11:50 pm
So was it me, or was Kovy just checked out tonight? Problem is, as the captain of the team, the team feeds off of his energy and he just freaking stood around tonight like our old friend Andy “Traffic Cone” Sutton. It was horrible to watch and the first time I’ve really thought his head just wasn’t in the game. I wanted to see Anderson sit him down for the entire 3rd period. He just wasn’t working at all.
Sign him or trade him, but do something. Previous posters have mentioned this, but bottom line is that in a cap era, you have to be flexible. We have cap space, Pevs signed to a reasonable contract, but long term, Kovy has to realize that guys like Bogosain, Kane, Pavelec, Little, Enstrom are going to have to be signed around 4-5 mil per contract. If he goes for 11 million, the Thrashers will never be able to field a truly competitive team, that’s 30+ million for a line and a hlaf and a goalie. Notice in the playoffs that its the DEEP teams that win. Crosby knew that, so did Malkin. If anyone in this league deserves cap max, its Crosby (who I personally don’t like, but you can’t deny his impact on his team and the game in general), and as such both players took less money long term than they could have had to allow the Pens a bit of flexibility to field a deeper team. That extra 3-4 million saved in salaray allows you room for depth. As much as I like Ovie as a player (and how can you not love watching this guy), Washington has no defensive stud and its defensive depth that historically wins championships (not to mention the fact that they’re riding cheap entry level rookie goaltending, and Cam Ward excepted, that’s not exactly confidence inspiring come conference championship time). There’s already talk that they won’t be able to keep Ovie, Semin and Backstrom together, and throw Varlamov into that mix, because the kid can play and will be getting paid at some point in the not so distant future.
I’ve been a hockey fan all my life, born and raised in the ATL. I’ll watch hockey here no matter what (hey, I’ve suffered through 14 win seasons, so its not like I don’t know how to watch cruddy hockey and still find a way to enjoy it). Kovy, I love watching you night after night, but put your money where your mouth is, sign a reasonable deal that allows the Thrashers to field a winning team, like YOU wanted, or get the heck out of dodge man.
Alan R.
December 19th, 2009
11:53 pm
Not sure why everyone is (again) concerned with the $11m figure, since that “report” is just a rumor, and there’s no indication of any truth to it.
stendec
December 19th, 2009
11:54 pm
Another totally heartless embarrassing giveup job by Yardbirds at Loseland. It rarely gets much worse than this! No points in a showdown in which at least one point was critical. Anyone out there who still believes Kapitan Ilya Kovalchuk is not in full Maryann Hossa mode should be strapped in a straightjacket then confined to a room with heavily padded rubber walls. The Russian is through as a Yardbird! That was plain to even a blind person tonight. Who needs Kari Lehtonen when sieve Pavs is available? I look forward to a game at Loseland where NO fans show up to watch these quitters! Fan support has to be earned. These gutless wonders have done nothing to generate any excitement or enthusiasm for fans! Trade IK. Maybe the prima donna will actually try for some other team! It is obvious his captaincy is nothing more than a cruel sham! Coach John Petrino should rip the damn C off chest of uncaring captain then fling it into nearest wastebasket. No captain quality bums on this team! The way I am feeling right now he can go to another team, Russia or to Hell. I am nauseated by his total lack of effort! From the damn team captain! Cannot say much more. Too damn mad and aggravated. Hope heartless Falcons lose by multiple touchdowns in a few hours! Damn them all. ++STENDEC++
stendec
December 20th, 2009
12:03 am
Where do I join the Chico Resch Fan Club? Guy was right on! About everyone and everything. ++STENDEC++ See why apologist Brendan does not like him. Damn truth hurts!
Smoothie
December 20th, 2009
12:03 am
stendec – it no matter ’bout da Falcons as they have been eliminated by the Cowboys beating the Saints…well at least someone beat the overrated Saints. Vikes will go to the Super Bowl but lose to the Colts. But that’s just one man’s prediction.
Oh the Thrashers. Glad I didn’t have to suffer through that farce of a first period — I would’ve been pissed despite the 2 goal lead since 24 shots against is OBSCENE and insulting to fans — and it would’ve stung seeing them blow a lead against a team that is built not for comebacks, but for protecting early leads. We chase the best goalie of all time and lose to a chump like Danis??
You’ve got to be kidding. It’s major gut-check time for the le Thrash…who’s gonna stand up as the next leader of this team? Cuz apparently Kovy has fallen prey to his true intentions and it’s tearing him up inside; his leadership is not there. If he knew in his heart if he were staying, wouldn’t he be playing with more passion, more energy and more discipline??
Smoothie
December 20th, 2009
12:07 am
I meant: if he knew in his heart THAT he was staying…
I reckon you got the gist.
Time for straight talk between management and Kovy. Each side needs to tell the God’s honest truth at the conference table so the team can do what is best for the future and the player can feel relieved that his future is more in focus…even if that means a trade to another contender for a run at the playoffs.
Scotty
December 20th, 2009
1:02 am
Sad, simply sad.
R. Stroz
December 20th, 2009
1:42 am
Kovy should be ashamed of himself. Is he starting to remind anyone else of Yashin?
Hopefully, Kozlov will pull him to the side and talk some sense into his head.
Brendan
December 20th, 2009
1:46 am
Well, the replay of the game just ended. But why would I watch that debacle again? It was worth it … just to hear Chico Resch. I gotta start watching more Devils telecasts. The guy is really entertaining. Do I dare check out what the “On The Fly” guys are saying about us tonight?
Jen, I agree with you. The sooner the contract/trade is resolved, the better. I’ll miss Kovy a lot, if he leaves. But if he doesn’t want to play here anymore … or if he’d just PREFER to play elsewhere, he’s earned that right. He’s put in his time. I hope he stays, of course. And I hope he’ll make more of a commitment to improve the defensive aspect of his game. Who just said, “what defensive aspect of his game?” Allrightee, then.
Alan R., the $11 million figure was raised tonight and repeatedly mentioned by Resch during the telecast. He said, “The guy who should be earning $11 million is Ondrej Pavelec.” Then he added comments to the effect that Pavelec was the only Thrasher putting up a fight to stop the opposition. Resch was “en fuego” during the entire telecast. It made me want to check out more Devils broadcasts, to see if he’s always so colorful. Resch has a real passion for hockey that shines through. He seemed genuinely concerned about Kovalchuk’s game. And how to improve it.
Well, if there’s some hidden positive about this game … it’s that it’s pretty safe to assume that Ilya wasn’t auditioning to play for the New Jersey Devils next season.
Brendan
December 20th, 2009
2:00 am
Smoothie, the time to do just that is getting short. Did Mr. Grossman arrive in town? Was that Medvedev, of the KHL, here too? If so, was that the distraction in Kovy’s head?
R.Stroz, if Kovalchuk isn’t re-signed, does that open the door to keep Kozlov? Or is he pretty much gone, either way? I can never get a good read on Kozzie and his intentions. All I know is, Kozlov is going to be an unrestrict free agent come July 1, just like Kovalchuk.
Brendan
December 20th, 2009
2:02 am
R.Stroz, you dropped the Y word? I didn’t think we were even still allowed to mention Yashin’s name. Is he still hitting the Islanders’ cap?
LAC
December 20th, 2009
2:14 am
In over close to 40 years of watching & listening to NHL hockey games, I have NEVER NEVER NEVER heard an opposing announcer Blast a team like Resch did last night… Problem is HE was correct, All Night !
We have NO defense, I am getting sick of watching #4 get beat ALL the time, out of position 3/4 of the time, two goals I blame him for, esp that first one, instead on challenging the shooter and getting in his face and knocking him off the puck, he allows him to make a simple move and use him as a screen, result GOAL. He is on the ice for far too many goals. Then there is Enstrom, take some time next game and see how many times he gets beat to the puck and he cannot keep up with bigger skaters. I really wonder about keeping either of these guys, maybe a few weeks in the ECHL might help, because they are playing AWFUL.
Then #17, coasting like a cork on the water, doing NOTHING on defense or the forecheck, NOTHING, just standing around the blue line hoping
someone else does the work and gets him a pass out, so he can fumble the puck when he is checked going into the offense zone.
Bryan Little/Todd White, get rid of these clowns they are killing us.
To chase a Hall of Fame goalie, then lose like a bunch of kids from
Life College is an absolute shame.
Then John Anderson, his system DOES NOT WORK, there is no defense
in his system and it is killing us. Right the ship on defense John and NOW ! This was a game we should have won, and shut Resch up, we did not and he exposed us for what this team really is… Not that good,
and I sadly agree NO PLAYOFFS for this collection of half quitters…
Where has Kane gone ? Back to the WHL ? I think that is a move that needs to happen, he is just not ready, he is LOST out there.
We are now taking on water and will be sunk after this 7 game road trip, we will be toast, down there with Carolina… We are not a playoff team and time to dump #17 for what we can get…
Sorry but facts are facts, and Resch really nailed us all night telling us how BAD we really are, Were YOU listening waddell ? You stupid FOOL !
Rawhide
December 20th, 2009
2:23 am
Sorry for the lack of proper Ranallo Warning guys. Heres a new blog to try and figure out the right words to describe the loss to New Jeresy.