Tough finding right words to describe Thrashers loss to Devils
I am finding hard to come up with the right word to truly describe Saturday night’s 5-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils…and un-good doesn’t seem to do it justice.
Frustrating comes to mind. So does aggravating…and maddening…and puzzling…infuriating, maybe? Bedeviling…I suppose that word could be considered appropriate.
I do, certainly, have some other words that could be used…but I do try to keep things at least a PG-13 level around here.
Things started out in a manner that one could say was fortunate for residents of Thrasherville. The home team somehow found themselves leading 3-1 after one period of play despite being completely outplayed. Their first goal came from Ron Hainsey, who just seconds prior was sprung from the penalty box. Assisting on the play was Christoph Schubert and Pavel Kubina…two defenders assisting on a goal by a third defenseman.
But the main reason they found themselves is such good shape was due to Ondrej Pavelec turning away 23 shots face out of 24 while his teammates put 3 of 6 past Martin Brodeur.
That’s right, outshot by 18…defense playing about as out-of-sync and unfocused as they have all year…but somehow Atlanta was up by two after twenty. If you are a Thrashers fan…ya gotta be feeling bless about where your team stands in this game, don’t ya?
Dean McAmmond's goal in the third period gave New Jersey a 5-3 lead (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Adding to that fortunate set of circumstances, Marty the Magnificent took a seat at the end of the Devils bench as the team emerged from the locker room to start the second period. Now, I don’t mean any disrespect to the New Jersey backup goaltender…but if I’m nursing a 2-goal advantage with 40 minutes left to play and am given a choice between facing Martin Brodeur or Yann Denis, I’m going to take my chances with Denis…even if he’s coming in 2-0-0 in three games played with a .923 SV% and 2.14 GAA and even if Brodeur did play just the night prior.
So what did the Thrashers do with their good fortune? Well…to start with, they can’t get anything past Denis on 12 shots in the second, continue to look scattered in the defensive zone and watch as the Devils put three past Opie on just 9 shots before returning to the locker room again.
Talk about looking the proverbial gift horse in the mouth…
New Jersey than padded the lead to 5-3 in the third by way of a 2 on 1 break. Dean McAmmond took a pass from Patrik Elias and buried the shot past Pavelec…despite Maxim Afinogenov hooking him all through the defensive zone.
Adding to the overall frustration as a fan is how this team yet again managed to allow 40+ shots on goal to get through on the goalie. On this night it was 42…Thursday night it was 47…Monday it was 48. For the season now, Atlanta surrenders an average of 34.9 shots against…that, folks, is dead last in the league.
Which word best describes how you feel about the Thrashers consistently giving up 40+ SOG?
- Whatever (0%, 0 Votes)
- Nuisance (0%, 0 Votes)
- Aggravating (19%, 19 Votes)
- &%$#@! (81%, 82 Votes)
Total Voters: 101
Loading ...Of the three goals New Jersey scored in that middle frame, the most agonizing one for me was the third. With the score tied at 3-3, Rod Pelley found the puck around the blueline fired the puck in from there. Pavs simply didn’t look ready for it and in it goes. I was sitting in the press box for this game…and they ask us to be professional and all that while there…but I do believe a choice word escaped my tongue at that point. Sorry Ms. Sunshine.
To be fair, Pavelec was simply outstanding in the first, making great saves much like he did Thursday against the Stars. But it looked like the kid was just worn out after the opening period when he helped his team build the fortunate 3-1 lead.
Fortunate, however, was not the word that Hainsey used when speaking of the early lead…”false” was what he used to describe it. “We got outplayed in the first and built a false lead,” he said after the game. “They outplayed us the entire game except for our goaltender”.
Sleeping was the word Pavelec used to explain what went on out there. “We were sleeping during the first period,” Pavelec explained. “We did not play 60 minutes”.
Of his personal stats of 37 saves on 42 shots, Opie took no solace. “Five goals is five goals no matter how many shots”.
There are some teams you can squeak out two points from while not playing your “A” game…but these New Jersey Devils are not one of those teams. And regardless of whom the opposition is, when you consistently give up 40+ shots on goal, you are looking asking pleading begging for trouble.
Another major concern is this whole “didn’t play 60 minutes” thing. How many times have we heard that phrase used when discussing a Thrashers outing this season? Too many, I’m sure. And if that isn’t addressed…and soon…the “not playing 60 minutes” issue could more than likely equate to “not playing past 82 games”.
And that would indeed be cause for Thrashers fans to begin to utilize many, many more choice words this spring.
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120 comments Add your comment
Brendan
December 20th, 2009
11:02 pm
I want to be clear about something. I still very much admire Kovalchuk. There is no question … that he’s special. Mario Lemieux called him, “the best pure sniper in the NHL today.” I don’t have a reason to disagree with that. Where the blogger comments are negative … is regarding the COMPLETENESS and consistency of his play, as expected, in his Captaincy.
If DW could actually get Kovalchuk re-signed for $8-ish million, I think fans would be appeased. There’s a perception that exits out there, that might not be true, that Kovalchuk has demanded the league maximum. Bloggers are frustrated by that perception, when they see a lack of defensive commitment, by the Captain. If Kovy agrees to $8-ish million, then he’s acknowledging that he’s still got more work to do … to become a COMPLETE player.
I, personally, would like Kovalchuk to stay. I grapple with, “at ANY cost?” Whenever you have an “at ANY cost” situation, it’s UN-good. It’s un-good precisely because it reeks of desperation. And whenever someone is desperate, bad decisions usually follow. And sometimes, a decision is so bad … that it cannot be undone. Or cannot be undone without adding further problems. Think Yahsin and the Islanders. Or maybe even Jagr and the Capitals. (8-years/$88 million.)
I believe that hockey in Atlanta will survive without Kovalchuk. I prefer not to address “Waddell as GM” when discussing it. I see Waddell as a guy who’s trapped in a bad job. He’s trying the best he can. He’s even shown improvement. But he’s no Scotty Bowman, either. I don’t see him as “blameless.” I think there’s plenty of BLAME to be spread around. If I could waive my magic wand, the first thing I’d wish for … is new/BETTER ownership. That’s the first hurdle. The AS, LLC can pretend that they’ve done nothing wrong in the stewardship of this franchise. But clearly, they have. Their decision-making has hurt hockey in the region. It’s all too easy to blame Waddell. Waddell carries out their orders. But to think Waddell is blameless, that he’s just some “puppet,” is offbase. I don’t think, for a split-second, that any of the AS, LLC owners could identify Devon Setoguchi in a police lineup. They don’t follow players, or player trends. They don’t know who to draft. They don’t know who to trade for. They wholly rely on Waddell to decide what is best in that regard. At BEST, these owners identify things like, “We need a #1 defenseman. Go GET one.” Waddell dutifully follows suit, offering $7.4 million to Brian Campbell, in Free Agency. When the AS, LLC says, “Don, salvage the playoff berth. Get a defenseman.” Waddell phones around the league, in desperation. There’s that word again. GM Paul Holmgren says, “I’ll make Zhitnik available, but it’ll cost you Coburn.” Waddell probably screamed out some expletives at Holmgren. But then said, “I grudingly accept. My owners will CAN me if I don’t land a defenseman.” Of course, Waddell could have told the owners, “We don’t need to do a trade. We need to fire Harley and let me RIGHT this ship behind the bench, to salvage the playoff berth.” When Waddell did eventually fire Hartley, he went 11-4-1 in relief. Had the same thing happened in 2007, maybe some of those disasterous trade deadline moves would have never been done? And if Waddell failed, as GM/Coach, he’s gone, too. Again, ownership oversees the staff. If the staff is failing, it needs to be replaced. It’s about accountability. To fans, to investors, to the league, to the players, and even amongst themselves.
Dwayne
December 21st, 2009
7:21 am
On a positive note: Toby Enstrom’s got an assist on Pavel Kubina’s goal Saturday, he passed Frank Kaberle for the Thrashers’ all-time leader in assists by a defenseman. Toby has 83 now.
KovyRules
December 21st, 2009
7:53 am
Not only did I fall to 4-1 on the season, I’m very close to changing my pen name. My wife asked “Is Kovy playing tonight?” half way through the SECOND period. The correct answer was “he dressed, but not playing”. Brendan, I used to be a “must sign Kovy” guy, but these last 15 games have been a glimpse into life with an uninspired Kovy. How is he going to be any more inspired than now? He has to know other teams are watching him, too, so if he wants a trade to a cup contender he ought to be showing off. But his play on 5 out of 6 shifts is absolutely pathetic. You are completely right “If Kovy leaves, Atlanta has a lot of other options, in terms of strategies. They could try to roll four lines of 20 goal scorers, with youth and grit”. See y’all in 12 hours…
Dwayne
December 21st, 2009
8:04 am
I will be there tonight also, bringing my daughter and 2 grandsons…. section 211. First game this year, I hope I we are not booing all night.
World Be Free
December 21st, 2009
8:08 am
LAC-thanks for being the 2nd person in ATL (along with me) that is calling for Chelios. Chelios is a winner; he would bring a winning attitude to this team immediately.
KovyRules
December 21st, 2009
8:29 am
Dwayne, I’ll have my kids there too, so I’m really going to have to show some self-control if Les Thrash start playing curse-worthy hockey again.
PIcking up on a theme Tim mentioned on Rawhide’s previous post, “when are the Thrashers at their best? PK, when Kovy is on the bench”. That is also when they have a defensive system in place. Watch the forwards when the puck isn’t in our zone. If we don’t have the puck, one of them is always back patrolling our blueline for the fast-breaking opponent. It is a clear system with personnel trained and committed to that system. But 5-on-5, all our systems appear offense-oriented. I’m not sure if it is coaching, the system, or players not buying in, but until our 5-on-5 play improves we’re a borderline playoff team with a quick exit in April.
WBF, I think Chelios couldn’t be worse than our 5th-6th d-man on any given night, so why not shake it up with him?
Dwayne
December 21st, 2009
8:44 am
I actually thought Chelios would be playing as soon as he was ready, Maybe he would have the BALLS to ask Kovy one simple question. “What the hell are you doing?”
World Be Free
December 21st, 2009
9:02 am
Kovy-I totally agree
Zoomo
December 21st, 2009
9:03 am
I assume most folks have seen Eklund’s latest tweets…. I know Enkulnd is completey worng most of the time…..
Eklund I was just told by a VERY tied in source that Kovalchuk is 100% done in Atlanta.
Eklund to clarify, DONE in terms of kovalchuk means my source is saying that he will be traded and no longer a Thrasher. sorry
World Be Free
December 21st, 2009
9:04 am
Went to the Sabres’ blog after the loss to Pittsburgh in a shootout Saturday night (after beating the Leafs the night before). Their blog looked alot like this blog; everyone licked, nobody happy.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2009
9:06 am
Actually WBF, I mentioned back in early NOV when Cheli had put together a +8 and a goal and 6 assists in roughly 7 games. He would be a great mentor and leader for our young guys. Plus, he wouldn’t have to play B2B games with the blueline depth we have assembled.
Nikita
December 21st, 2009
9:28 am
Various & sundry, based on watching part of the game and following these guys for a few seasons (10) now…
I have referred to Kovy as Princess Kovalchuk, and I would like to remind you all of why I have done so in the past. Because Kovalchuk has certain skills that aren’t easily replaced, but when you sign a player like him you have to also compensate for his many bad habits. And, if you’re Trasher management, apparently you have to let him pick his own teammates as well. Which is b.s. He’s worth a relatively high price on a relatively short contract — and I will continue to say that until he shows at least a modicum of consistency and some inclination toward two-way play. Money is not so much the issue for me, but I am very, very worried that we’ll give him what he wants and be stuck with a prima donna for a decade.
As to the others:
1. I like White, but he’s lagging. Sit him.
2. Actually, White, Koz, and Little are all struggling. I’m not too worried about Koz and White because I do see them playing decently and I know they have perspective based on working through issues like this over their long careers. But Little is a kid and he’s hard on himself. He needs successs or he needs a break — he needs some way of addressing his mental state, or we’re going to have a repeat of Erik Christensen. And that would be a tragedy with Little’s potential.
3. The 6 worst +/- players are Bogo, Hainsey, White, Koz, Max, and Slater. But when you compare their +/- to ice time and points, the laggards are clear: Slater and Hainsey. IMO, Hainsey has consistently underperformed since we signed him because he’s not playing with 100% effort — he needs to be put on notice. And Slater needs to be waived/sent down. We’ve had him on the squad with minimal payout for far too many years, and two coaches have done absolutely everything possible to bring out the potential that many feel his draft rank indicates. But, like, Garnet Exelby, we can’t move on with him on board.
World Be Free
December 21st, 2009
9:38 am
Nikita-so would he be an Ice Princess?
Smoothie-I should have known you would have throught the same; forgive me for not remembering, Mr. Smooth one!
B. Thenet
December 21st, 2009
9:40 am
Slater has put together some of his best games as a Thrasher recently, I don’t get your opinion of him at all.
The one who I think is getting a huge pass is Bogosian. He has been downright terrible in his own end recently, and Hainsey has been put in some very bad situations because Bogo has been chasing the puck and not playing positionally sound hockey.
I know Bogosian is a kid, but his play has taken a big step backwards this year in his own end.
Nikita
December 21st, 2009
9:56 am
*Slater has put together some of his best games as a Thrasher recently, I don’t get your opinion of him at all.*
Yeah, we say that every year. And every year we get to the end and Slater has failed to convert and taken up a roster slot that could be taken up with a developing player for another season.
I agree that Bogo needs correction. The problem, though, is that 4 of our D are running substantially to the negative. Which makes it hard to pull out all the offenders. Bogo’s still outplaying Valentine, and at least he’s producing points. Is there some reason we can’t bring back Oystrick, incidentally? He’s not any worse than Popovic, and he’s better-rounded than Valentine.
Tom
December 21st, 2009
10:13 am
Rawhide, was looking at your headline and had a thought.
“Tough finding right words to describe Thrashers loss to Devils” is a good headline but a little inaccurate.
I have no problems finding the words to describe the debacle, but those words would never make it past the editor or the publisher would have been more accurate.
Spud Webb
December 21st, 2009
10:16 am
Some awesome posts here. ahhahaah, Ashamed, a GREAT VENT! Good Job. And I think it was smitty saying “risked losing a TV” ahhahahahahahah, line of the day.
My thoughts…we CANNOT expect 2 d men to cover 5 skaters and this is what is happening. Yes Bogo and Hainsey look bad, but so would we when Max and Kovy and a few other wings are skating around waiting for a break away. I mean picture perfect, max and kovy just watching the game!!! Un freaking believable…and this is why max won’t get a long deal at this point. RIDICULOUS for sure. We “peel” off at the blue line, almost like “you go get him” or the whack a mole as sara has posted in previous years.
WBF, you know the more I think about it I think Chelios being here would be a good thing. I wasn’t for it at the beginning but we need someone on this team the players will listen to?? especially kovy? Chelios would have ZERO problem with calling out the Captain or punching him.
Rawhide
December 21st, 2009
10:23 am
Tom – I, too, had several words to use. And like yours, I would never had been able to use them…headline or body of text.
That’s why I opined that I was having a tough time chosing the right one(s) that were acceptable… sigh
Let’s hope afte tonight we are able to use words that are much more positive!
KovyRules
December 21st, 2009
10:35 am
WBF, I was actually thinking about the Sabres in relation to our team, since our styles are somewhat similar (high speed, transition game, etc.). Something frightening – Vanek’s play, after getting his $7M contract. Makes me think of Drury and Briere’s contracts. I’d hate to see us regretting Kovy’s contract in the same way.
All those thinking Kovy never learned to play two ways should review the tape from the first ten games of the season. He was puck-hungry, and that meant flying back to the D-zone to get the puck back. He kows how – it’s purely a matter of motivation IMHO.
Tom
December 21st, 2009
10:45 am
If I was John Anderson I would post some of these comments on the bulletin board. Tell the boys if the people who are shelling out their hard earned money can see how poor their effort was, think of what the other GM’s in the league are thinking.
Schroeder
December 21st, 2009
10:46 am
Ladies and gentleman,what is all the uproar about? IK’s style of play has not changed one iota since he came into this league.Ya’ll act as if Chico has brought some REVELATION from the mountaintop.The Kapitan has installed more figure 8’s between the bluelines than Katarina Witt. If I had a nickle for every puck that he has had stolen from him and every puck that he has lost at the point during a PP, I could buy out the ASG and run it into the ground like they are. Exactly what in #17’s history leads anyone on this blog to believe that if Ilya signs his contract that he will magically become a Selke winner,as well as the Richard trophy and LEAD this team deep into the playoffs. I say trade him to SJ for Thornton,so that he can be back w/ Heatley.Both of them circling around center ice for that “breakout” pass and leave their linemates and D-men dangling in the breeze.Wow,it took this ex-goaltender from the 70’s to open peoples eyes to what has been happening on the ice since #17 signed here.I have kept my mouth shut in the past as not to be vilified on this forum for suggesting to trade him now to get MAXIMUM value in return,or wait until the deadline when need from other teams creates crazy transactions.I would sure like to play poker with all the people on this blog that demand to know every detail of the negotiations between DW and Grossman.If I were in DW’s position I would not give anyone the time of day in regards to this.Yeah,I’m gonna negotiate this deal in the media and the blogosphere.I know that the current GM has some past issues but I think a monkey w/ a note in his mouth knows that this deal or no deal has to be handled properly.I sincerely hope that he can make adeal w/another team that will help this team NOW and not a bunch of prospects that have a 10% chance of helping this team 5 years from now,when we are in year 15 of the 5 year plan. WAKE-UP people,#17 will benefit this team more in a trade/sign & trade deal than signing him to 11 yrs of “whoops stolen from IK and they have a 2 on one the other way”and we don’t have the money to sign a 4th liner in the ECHL.
Spud Webb
December 21st, 2009
10:59 am
KovyRules, the sabres got munsoned on the Vanek deal. Edmonton offered that contract to Vankek. We had to match it. Coming on the heals of losing Briere and Drury, and millers contract was coming up. Had to keep the faith with us fans and match that contract. Vanek will hit 40 goals again this season and is much more responsible then kovy.
Bill, I’m with you a 1000 percent, sit Toddy for a long, long time. Useless for sure.
Red Light
December 21st, 2009
11:03 am
Just a subtle reminder about where this franchise stands versus the other three expansion teams, each of which have had changes in their ownership along the way. Lets not think this is a mere puppet regime DW has operated under. He has had nearly full reign of personnel decisions since inception.
Expansion Teams Since 1998
Avg. # of Points Per Season
Minnesota 86.75
Nashville 84.20
Columbus 72.25
Atlanta 71.55
Playoff Appearances
Nashville 4 of 10
Minnesota 3 of 8
Columbus 1 of 8
Atlanta 1 of 9
Playoff Record
Minnesota 11-18
Nashville 6-16
Columbus 0-4
Atlanta 0-4
Number of GMs
Nashville 1
Atlanta 1
Minnesota 2
Columbus 3 (one was interim two months)
Number of Head Coaches
Nashville 1
Minnesota 2
Atlanta 4
Columbus 5
Smoothie
December 21st, 2009
11:08 am
WBF – no worries mate. Just lettin’ you know the Chelios fan club was just a wee bit bigger than you thought!
Seriously though, why don’t we sign him and bring him up to teach Bogosian a bit more about positional defense and the like? Perhaps it would be good for Zach to play a few less minutes and get some mentoring from a vet like him.
I would love to see Kulda get his shot too and since he’s a bit older and wiser than Zach, he might mesh well or better with Ron Hainsey right now. Look what Kubina’s presence has done for Enstrom? Toby can focus on what he’s good at it because Pavel’s got his back. Right now, Hainsey isn’t able to play his game. If Kulda is more defensively-minded, perhaps Hainsey can free-lance a bit more.
Kubes & Enstrom
Kulda & Hainsey
Bogo & Cheli / Schubie (on back to backs or when CC needs a rest)
I don’t see the value of letting Salmela rot on the bench and he should still have some AHL options since he is a) under the age of 27 and b) hasn’t played more than 70 NHL games…just like Oystie. As for Valabik, I could care less at this point.
Matt
December 21st, 2009
11:42 am
Man, what a depressing morning. The reports from Canada, Schultz’s column and the like all lead me to one sobering conclusion: where there is smoke, there is fire” i.e. Kovy is finished in Atlanta. Way, way, way too many negative waves for me to believe that #17 is going to sign. I felt that, even though a MAX deal would cripple this franchise, that it had to be done for the sake of hockey’s survival. Now, I think I would take my chances, trade Kovy for the best possible deal and work on developing the young core that we currently have and the players ready to come up from the system. Sad, Kovy was and is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NHL. This is NOT the Christmas present I was hoping for.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2009
11:54 am
Schroeder – thanks for joining the fray, but where have you been brother? There are several astute folks on this blog that have been acutely aware of Kovy’s MIA routine over these last several weeks. And contrary to what you say about Kovy always being a “figure-skating” floater, the man had played a much more discipline and inspired game since receiving the captainship last January. He was playing with much more fervor and passion in the first month of the season. Perhaps the doctor’s were wrong in suggesting that the injury was such that it was up to Kovy and his pain tolerance. Because if he is hurting himself, his team, and his market value, then he should be resting in a whirlpool in the trainer’s room until that foot is 100% healed!
Dwayne
December 21st, 2009
12:08 pm
Schroeder, you are playing the same tune we have been humming for a while now. But I will say that after Pevs got here and Kovy was made Captain, we saw a change in his play for the better, which gave us high hope for this year. Well, we are in a playoff spot, for now.
World Be Free
December 21st, 2009
12:17 pm
Vanek-you know Spud, the Sabres set themselves up in the Vanek deal. They already knew they weren’t going to resign Briere or Drury. They sat there like idiots waiting to be picked off and Edmonton did it. Typical Darcy Regier. They could have had Vanek for less. Frankly, I would have taken the five 1st round draft choices and let Vanek walk.
Kovy-though I thought BUF could have had him for less, Vanek for the most part has played pretty well. He’s having a tough year, but the fans and management are letting him work through it. He’s not looked to for leadership on a team that seriously lacks leadership. You figure $7M would buy you more than just 40+ goals.
For most of 2009, I thought Kovy was worth the kind of money we have been talking about. But his play lately has made me wonder. I’d hate to get stuck with a guy who gets the big money, then let’s his play drop down a few notches after the ink dries on the contract. You just never know.
Matt-the Canadian press is bored and they are looking for something to write. If what they are saying is true, then there’s nothing we can do about it. We gotta move forward.
Hey Bill, looks like there’s a movement afoot to bring in Chelios. Care to make this your next blog subject? Chris Chelios has Tim Horton written all over him. Yes, the GREAT Tim Horton. What an addition that would be!
Schroeder
December 21st, 2009
12:28 pm
No doubt that he has had a recent flash of sporadic responsible play,but if it is a problem with his foot,sit him.I personally see that “old” Kovy comes out way too often.A true CAPTAIN would recognize that and put team first and change his attitude and performance.Smoothie,the only reason I read this blog is for the astute observations and the hockey knowledge brought by yourself,Glovesave29,WBF,Spudwebb,Sara and the rest! I’m just saying we have to take the blinders off and realize that at some point a decision for the long term health of this team (on the ice,Iam never going to try to address the off-ice issues,don’t know anything about that)is going to involve at some point parting ways w/#17.But to say that his MIA status has only been for the last few weeks?IMHO is that I must have been watching a different game. Sorry,just my opinion.(I know,I know, everybody has one of those too. I appreciate the response.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2009
12:48 pm
Schroeder – I’m sure there are a few folks in your camp w/r/t Kovy’s play leaving something left to be desired. Don’t get me wrong, even the ones who are crediting him with improved defensive play are not ever going to mistake him for Selke Trophy material. But his leadership was evident as well as the team’s response. If he would just realize how special he could be and put forth this consistent effort, then everyone would be better off…even the ASG despite the $10 M dent in the wallet.
You’re probably more right than wrong in that we will all need to prepare ourselves for life without Kovy sooner than later. In late November, I was 90% sure Kovy was going to sign by Christmas. Now, it’s more like 33.3%. If he isn’t signed by mid-Jan, then he’s gone. DWad will have no choice in my opinion. But then again, he could always do a Florida and keep him hoping for the best (playoffs).
Schroeder
December 21st, 2009
12:48 pm
Please don’t get me wrong,I bleed for this team and I know that they have made tremendous strides,I am an “oldhead”hockey fan.I worked at a driving range in Marietta back in the 70’s and I got to know a number of Flames from that,tipped an adult beverage with Tom Lysiak,Rey Comeau and played liars poker with anumber of them including Pat Quinn until 2am and we all could have been blindfolded with a shoelace. But,I don’t see the intensity or the leadership from #17 as a Captain that I saw in Pat Quinn as a Captain. I know its a different age,but the game has not changed that much and I know that now our window of opprotunity to make a flash in the post season is so narrow that I pray that we take every chance needed to extend this season into the spring and beyond just one good year. thanks for the chance to vent.
Spud Webb
December 21st, 2009
12:59 pm
Schroeder, I cannot disagree with anything you’ve said. He needs to step it up!!
TableHockey
December 21st, 2009
1:18 pm
Seems the consistent theme in the ruom mill is that Kovy’s camp is seeking the league max on a long term deal. For obvious reasons the Thrasher’s can’t do that – but I’m wondering if any team out there is willing to pay league max long term for Kovy?
10 Spot
December 21st, 2009
2:00 pm
I agree that this team needs a major wake-up call, possibly utilizing a bullhorn and MIRACLE-esque practice drills. Only in pro sports could you be asking for a raise and report to work like you’re in a coma and do the shabbiest job ever. Or should I say a “koma”? Hmmm. Where’s the accountability??
Nate
December 21st, 2009
2:02 pm
I’m going to the game tonight as well. All I want for Christmas is a hockey team in Atlata that plays 60 minute hockey games and gives 100% effort on defense every shift. Too much to ask I know, but it’s my Christmas wish…
Zoomo
December 21st, 2009
3:17 pm
I have a free extra for tonight. Sec 311. Anyone interested? Please post here by 4PM
stendec
December 21st, 2009
3:23 pm
A victory tonight is mandatory for any playoff aspirations! A loss would allow continutation of a slide into who knows how many games. A triumph would stop the bleeding at least temporarily. I like Kari Lehtonen right now more than I do El Kapitan Ilya “Defense?” Kovalchuk. The Russian is killing my team with his uncaring apathetic unefforts. The Finn will not start hurting my team again until he returns between the pipes. Peace all ++STENDEC++
Glovesave29
December 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
C’mon, let’s be honest here. We are on a bit of slide here of late. It’s a damn long season and these are going to happen. The SOG against is alarming and must be corralled. But if in August, we’d have been told that in the days heading up to Christmas, the Thrash would be five games over and in the 6 spot in the Eastern Conference, we’d ALL have been pretty damn excited. This team is not as bad as they are playing now, and they are not as good as the team that went 7-1-2 over the stretch a month ago. This is a .500 team that has better days ahead of it. This is with or without Kovy. Don’t get me wrong, i’d love to keep him, but not at the league max. He would be doing himself and the team a disservice for such a contract as the team could not afford quality players around him. He’d be a star off to himself and certainly father away from a title than he is now. If we trade him, we’d get a pretty strong group in return, and that may make us a stronger team on the ice, but not in the court of player and public opinion…thus making it even harder to attract fans and players. Kovy, take the hometown discount and let us continue to build around you.
The fix – well that’s tough. We need to start making the opponents pay for going into the slot and the corners. We do not finish our checks. Like my coach always said – try to put them THROUGH the boards, not into them. The purpose of checking is to disrupt the timing of the play, and to have the cumulative effect of the constant bashing take its toll on the other team. They’ll still crash the net, hockey players are just wired that way, but the results will diminish.
As for some of the solutions i’ve read here? C’mon y’all, settle down, let’s not be foolish. Trade Bogo??? That is ridiculous, he’s a guy just finishing his rookie year (taking into account the huge chunk of games he missed last year) and he is playing against the top lines in the league. Remember Chris Pronger with the Whale? Couldn’t stop ANYONE. He turned out OK. I suggested Chelios back in June, and I stick by that. Kane is just feeling the effects of the drastic change between the NHL and WHL. The NHL needs to address this and allow players to go to the E or the A after juniors. Still a ton of promise, skill and grit – I for one am glad to have him. More playing time for Slater and Little – both play with a ton of energy and grit. Less time for White and Hainsey. Let Schubert play wing for a few games, lets start crashing hard and develop a “lunch pail” mentality. Best way to break out of a slump – hit anything that moves and hit em hard. Play with your heart on your sleeve – the pucks will start to fall our way…
I have friends who work for the team…i’ve been told Kovy is a true leader. Not everyone is Mark Messier, but that Ilya leads this team in every sense of the word. He must continue to grow into his role. Ripping the C off is not a good idea.
Ray
December 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
I’ll be there in 111 as usual. I need to walk over to the other side one of these games to meet some of the bloggers. Seem they all sit catercorner from me.
KovyRules
December 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
C’mon, stendec. I’m pissed that we’ve gone 10 games without a regulation win, and even more pissed about a lack of effort from numerous individuals in that span, but “mandatory for any playoff aspirations”? I don’t think I’ll rest easy about the playoffs with a win, nor will my playoff hopes be dashed with a loss. There are 48 games left. Remember 34 games ago when none of the experts even picked us for the playoffs?
Tom
December 21st, 2009
7:37 pm
The only good thing about the broadcast tonight is that it is in French so I can not get annoyed at the announcers.
After the first 10 minutes it looks like they got a talking to. Even Ilya is getting back on defense.
Tom
December 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
We outshot them 18-3 in the first period. Nice goal with Kolvalchuk crashing the net. You think that they may figure out that if you hustle you can be a pretty good team.
Putting On The Foil
December 21st, 2009
7:50 pm
WTF! 3 shots allowed in first. That has to be a record of some sort for the Thrash.
GoIceBirds
December 21st, 2009
7:56 pm
http://www.justin.tv/jetsetjpp
Tom
December 21st, 2009
8:02 pm
The Canadians fired their coach between periods for only getting 3 shots against the Thrashers in the first period, only 21 less than the Devils did Saturday.
Putting On The Foil
December 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Hedberg still asleep from first period no action I guess.
Tom
December 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
36 shots to 13. Of course we are down 2-1 but we have hit a bunch of posts. The play is much better tonight than Saturday night.
Putting On The Foil
December 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
Having to follow on the radio tonight. What a reversal so far with the SOG.
Viking
December 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Thanks for the link GolceBirds!
Listening to Kamal instead of the french version. The slight delay of the picture make Kamal being great at predicting the outcome of every play!
GoIceBirds
December 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Dude, I put a link in above where you can stream it on line.