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
GoIceBirds
December 21st, 2009
9:19 pm
I tried to pause the sound so that it would be in sync, but I couldn’t get it to work. The delay was driving me crazy so I am watching in silence….I am watching though….which is nice.
Putting On The Foil
December 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Thanks for the link. The radio from the Thrashers site matching up good.
Putting On The Foil
December 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
Todd White useless
GoIceBirds
December 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
Crap. We got a point but that one hurt. Leading by 1 with 2 minutes left….we have to close that out.
LAC
December 21st, 2009
9:49 pm
Well if it is not time to put todd white on WAIVERS I will NEVER KNOW ! This guy $UCKS, He is the worst player on the, wait a minute, I forgot zach “CREAMPUFF”, cost us the game Bogeson or however you spell his name. He is THE WORST defenseman on the team, and he DID cost us the game. I say trade him while he has “some” value, he is getting WORSE
not better…. Gee Whiz.
And yet again I saw two Coasters tonight, one under my Ice Tea and the other had #17 on it… So what if your contract has hit a snag, you are NOT worth what you want I’ll say that.
We needed that extra point BAD, and lose to a poor Mtl team when we get 50 SOG.
Get rid of todd white WAIVERS anything, and send Creampuff zach to the ECHL where he just “might” learn some defense, he is flat AWFUL.
A game raod trip coming up… I predict 0 Wins and 7 Losses… The END is not that far off folks… Just look at the play… It is not very good !
Brendan
December 21st, 2009
10:01 pm
Brodeur has just set the record! 4-0, Devils over Penguins. What a team to do it against?!! Crosby, Malkin, Staal, etc. Congratulations, Marty! Shutout #104, 1st place in NHL history.
HookyBob
December 21st, 2009
10:24 pm
OK already, I’ll quit complaining about not starting until mid-game and keeping the shots against down.
Tonight we came out fast, furious, kept the opponent’s shots under 25,…and lost. Go figure.
Sure would have been nice to head into this road trip with a win. Let me know if anyone is planning on viewing some away games in Decatur or East Atlanta area. I’m thinking I owe a couple bloggers an adult beverage after not showing at Twain’s back for the Edmonton game in Nov.
Good to meet you Rawhide, FIF, and RiceOwl, and chat with you mister R Strozer. So who remembers Strozer Martin and his most iconic line?
Rawhide
December 21st, 2009
11:00 pm
HookyBob – Great to meet you too. Section 120 was a rockin’ place tonight, eh? And Hockey Biltong and the lovely Mrs. Biltong were just over in 119 too!!!
Ray – I must have just missed ya tonight…I was over in 11 saying hello to Bill and his daughter Jessie just prior to the game. I’ll be in your neck of the woods when we play Toronto and Carolina next month.
Bill – Good to see you and Jessie again and it was a pleasure to meet your wife and son. Great looking family ya have there, my firend.
KovyRules
December 21st, 2009
11:46 pm
LAC, not sure which game you were watching, but this proves there’s no satisfying some people. Tonight we play one of the best two-way games in the past month, burn out the shot clock (not even counting the multiple posts hit), hold the opposition to 23 shots and fewer odd-man breaks than any game in weeks, and you think we’re ready for an 0-7 skid? I hate the result, but that was a tremendously entertaining game.
It’s a killer trip, with 5 opponents ahead of us in the standings, but I’ll call for a 4-2-1 road trip. I’d rather be the optimist.
fes
December 22nd, 2009
12:09 am
nice catch rawhide! what’s on the yellow shirt?
stendec
December 22nd, 2009
12:11 am
Hi Rawhide. Had trouble finding words for giveup job against Devils? Then you are really in a jam after bellyup surrender afainst the Montreal Habnots. The damn Montreal Habnots! Heartless, embarrassing and pathetic come quickly to mind. That said…NO EXCUSE FOR THIS SHET! Had long post but damn thing got eaten up. To Hell with all these heartless oxygen wastes! ++STENDEC++ Be glad when they leave for Hamilton or any damn place desperate enough to welcome them. Damn expansion team would be a step up. In right damn direction! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours Bill. Just want Yardbirds gone! Any damn place but Atlanta.
stendec
December 22nd, 2009
12:14 am
Het KovyRules. Yardbirds will not fold completely on road trip. 0-7-1 sounds about right for these untalented quitters ++STENDEC++ Kovy sucks! Money hungry Maryann Hossa mode bestard.
Rawhide
December 22nd, 2009
12:24 am
fes – Thanks…actually, I caught two shirts tonight. The Blue Crew were very generous to the Ice Man
I have no idea what was on them though…both times they somehow wound up in the hands of a couple of kids sitting nearby.
stendec – Thank you for your Christmas greeting and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas as well.
As for the game, I have to say I thought the Thrashers played very, very well tonight. 50 SOG to just 23? WOW!!! But to see the Habs skate away with the second point in OT…total letdown, I won’t deny that.
But if they play every game the way the played tonight, (minus the ill-timed Bogosian hooking call with 2:09 left), then they’ll be OK.
stendec
December 22nd, 2009
12:36 am
This from the mouth of totally brainless alleged Coach John Petrino:
We did exactly what we wanted to do the entire game
What the Hell? So you planned to surrender the tying goal in the final minute then the losing goal in overtime? What a total jerk. I would fire his unqualified a$$ for that ignorant remark alone. Moose was in best Kari Lehtonen form. Pure bullshet noneffort! This team has no fire or heart. No talent. No balls! Plenty of apathy and laziness. I say pay Kapitan Ilya Kovalchuk what he is worth! I judge $500 per game plus all the concessions he can consume to be about right. Trade his sorry coasting Maryann Hossa a$$! ASAP. Completely unacceptable giveup choke job! Shove the damn excuses apologists. ++STENDEC++
Thrashy Thrashy
December 22nd, 2009
1:17 am
stendec,
I believe he was referring to the fact that the Canadiens only had 23 shots in the game. He wants to cut the opposing team’s chances down. If the Thrashers do that, they’ll have a chance not to be, uh, whatever it is you think they are whenever they lose.
(By the way, I read your crap on the Falcons blogs, too. You accuse Matt Ryan of waiting for a good “matchup” to make his return to the field. The Jets have the best defense in the NFL. You think Matt Ryan specifically chose that game to make his return? Are you out of your mind? You don’t have to answer. I could tell you to go play in traffic, but I’d rather you have a Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas!)
R. Stroz
December 22nd, 2009
1:29 am
Other than the game against the L.A. Kings, I thought the Thrashers played the best 60 minutes of hockey all season. Although losing is never good, that was the best effort I’ve seen out of the team as a whole in a long time.
Kovy decided to show up and played both ends of the ice. From the looks and sounds of things, the negotaitions hit a snag Saturday, and, as a result, Kovy played with little passion Saturday night. Tonight, Kovy played like a professional. If Kovy wants to move negotiations along, he should sit down with Dudley. Waddell is more interested in nickel and diming and Grossman is more interested in a 10% parasite agent fee for the next 10 to 15 years. Waddell and Grossman aren’t likely to resolve anything.
When Kovy wanted to improve the team, he recruited players. If Kovy wants to get a contract done, I’d suggest he take a more active role than implicitly trusting Grossman. Fedorov implictly trusted his financial advisors without good results.
Kovy wouldn’t have recruited players here if he didn’t plan to stay. So, I believe we all know where Kovy would prefer to play.
Anyway, back to the game.
I’d like to give a tip of the hat to Antropov who is on fire.
And finally, Anderson has Antropov screening the goalie on the power play. It only took a little less than half the season for Anderson to figure out that strategy.
On the other end of the equation, the coaching staff needs to have a sit down talk with Bogosian about the mental aspects of the game. The kid is taking ill timed penalties and blowing assignments when the game is on the line.
And last, why did Anderson have Todd “Charmin” White and Kozlov on the ice for the four on four? White has proven himself unworthy all season and Kozlov isn’t exactly a speed demon anymore. When I saw the two of them on the ice as the third shift of forwards in the overtime, I smelled trouble.
Anyway, more 60 minute efforts are needed down the stretch. If the Thrashers continue to play the way they did tonight, they will make the playoffs.
KovyRules
December 22nd, 2009
1:31 am
stendec, spend some time on the TSN blog to see how badly the Habs are getting ripped for being dominated and simply lucky. 9 out of 10 comments say that. If the opposition fans all think they got lucky, then maybe they did and maybe we didn’t suck?
Merry Christmas, Bill! Thanks for all the insightful blogging!
LAC
December 22nd, 2009
3:48 am
Stroz, you are 100% as always. Last night, while good for the most part, the team… yet again fell to pieces in the end.
There is no rhime or reason for their play, it is Helter Skelter,
no system, no plan, looks like each player, for the most part, has a me only thought process. Just awful, most nights to watch.
This seven game trip will be, I am afraid, the begining of the end of any playoff hopes. I… Sadly do not see us winning a single game.
That will end in two weeks and we will be in likely 14th position at that point, way behind.
Now, todd white needs to be put on waivers this morning, this guy is the WORST player on the team period, I think most will agree.
#17, end contract talks, trade the guy, get a bundle in return,
he could careless about staying here, and these “agents” why do players waste millions on them, can’t the player do his own talking ?
But it is over for #17 here, coasting, not leading or caring, I’m sick of it.
zach B. Get rid of this guy, he no longer knows how to play defense,
he is flat TERRIBLE, his hooking cost us the game and is NOTHING else he should sit for 3-4 games.
This whole team is just not that good, sorry to say, well it was fun
while it lasted, being in a playoff position that is.
Lastly to kovyrules, Wins are what I want to see, entertaining games where we do not win and NOT acceptable, but they must be to anyone who associates himself with a coaster like #17 !
Putting On The Foil
December 22nd, 2009
6:19 am
I guess the Thrash got a taste of their own medicine tonight. How many have they won like that with SOG reversed. Played better on both ends. Sure wouldv’e liked the extra point though. Thanks again for the TV link last night DolceBird.
Zoomo
December 22nd, 2009
7:30 am
R. Stroz, nice to meet you last nice. And, Kracker too. And always good to see Rawhide.
>>When I saw the two of them on the ice as the third shift of forwards >>in the overtime, I smelled trouble.
Re: Kozzy and White. I have to agree. That was a strange 4 pack on the ice. Prior to that, Anderson had the right 4 on 4 shifts with speed and defense.
Bogo’s hook was downright stupid.
I sure didn’t like the loss, especially at home, but you can’t fault the effort last night. If they played like that everynight, we’d be a lock for a playoff spot.
Gotta say that Ron “The Enigma” Hainsey was on top of his game last night. I thought he and Reasoner really stood out with exceptionally smart and timely plays in our zone. Antropov probably had his best 2 way game of the year. He seemed to be in the right spot all night.
Please leave Jimmy “Slip and Slide” Slater in the press box. Take White with him.