Another Thrashers attempt to win two straight ‘Staals’ out
The Carolina Hurricanes are mired in the middle of a horrific season with league’s worst record. They were 14-27-7 as they came into Philips Arena for a Thursday night match with a Thrashers team who…if a few other scores fell their way…could have moved into the 8th position in the Eastern Conference with a win.
However, just the day before, the Canes announced that they were switching captains… Rod Brind’Amour handing over the ‘C’ to Eric Staal. Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said that the new captain “is the player around whom the team will be constructed” during Wednesday’s announcement.
Well, if Thursday night’s performance is any indication of what the future holds for that organization, they should be just fine as the new captain led his mates into Thrasherville and spanked the home team 5-2 behind his hat trick. Staal had 8 shots on goal.
Eric Staal's second period shot gets past Ondrej Pavelec. Opie saw 4 of 21 shots get past him (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Thrashers were trying to win two consecutive games for the first time since an overtime victory against Montreal and shootout win against the Rangers back in mid-December. To find the last time they strung together two regulation wins, we have to go back to…flipping back through schedule…back to…ah, here we go…all the way back to November 28 and 30 when they beat Philadelphia 1-0 and Florida 4-3. However, as has been the case since, their “win streak” was stalled out at one.
Or would that be… “Staal-ed” out?
For Carolina…this was only the fifth road win of the season.
Starting for the fifth time in the past six games, Ondrej Pavelec… who is now 12-13-4 with a 3.47 GAA and .903 SV%… surrendered four of the goals on 21 shots. The 22nd shot that resulted in Staal’s hat trick came while Opie as on the bench.
That’s right…the Thrashers held the ‘Canes to only 22 shots. Granted, three of them came during a third period in which Carolina was entered with a 4-1 lead. But this is the second time this week that Atlanta held a team to fewer than 25 SOG but wound up losing. Last Monday they were blanked in Florida 1-0 and held the Panthers to just 24 shots.
Atlanta was held without a goal on all six power play chances…four of which came in the third period. “On special teams, I don’t want to use the word horrific”, coach John Anderson said in the post-game presser. “But that’s the first thing that comes to my mind…our power play isn’t generating a lot”.
Carolina, on the other hand, had three goals on four power play chances.
With the loss, Atlanta is now 22-21-7 and remain at the 51-point level. Combined with the Islanders shootout win against Florida, Tampa Bay’s overtime win against Toronto and Philadelphia’s shutout against the Rangers, the Thrashers now find themselves tied with the Panthers for second place in the Southeast Division and one point ahead of the Lighting. They reside in the tenth place spot in the conference along with the Panthers and Canadiens…all three now two points behind the 9th place Flyers and three points behind Boston and the Islanders who are 7th and 8th.
I guess if you want to look on the bright side…if the current win-one-lose-one trend the Thrashers have been on lately continues, then we should all be treated to a victory Saturday while viewing the game at TJ’s…right?
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95 comments Add your comment
Mooseberg
January 21st, 2010
11:17 pm
Get Kozy off the ice…its getting worse than AHL level….sorry I like the man but he was bad and has been for most of the season. Did Kovy down a liter of STOLICHNAYA before the game? He fell down atleast 4 times, miss handled the puck more than that and turn it over just as many….you think he had money on the game? Really making it hard to be a fan these days….go thrash?
Why do I still go to games?
January 21st, 2010
11:34 pm
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I have to type it because I’ve lost my voice.
Thrash remembered TOO LATE that you have to backcheck Carolina VERY AGGRESSIVELY. Especially if your team doesn’t posess a real starting goalie, just two back-ups
Wayne stuck in AL
January 21st, 2010
11:56 pm
I’m ready to quit this team and jump on the Nashville Predators bandwagon; at least they’re a team with a clue.
sisu
January 21st, 2010
11:57 pm
Get rid of Antropod, someone needs to remind this team that the games start at 7 on weeknights not at 8:15.
Once again the team failed to play 60 minutes! The playoffs are fading fast at this rate…
Brendan
January 22nd, 2010
12:08 am
Here’s your boxscore. http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009020748
Philly banked 2-points, as did TB, and Ottawa, and the Islanders. Florida and Toronto picked up a “pity” point. Annnnnnnd, Atlanta got zip, against the 30th place team in the league. Is this how to DRIVE for the playoffs?
When will “accountability” emerge with this club? Look at OTTAWA, since they were humiliated by Atlanta, and consequently FIRED their goalie coach!! Doesn’t that say it all??? That was Ottawa’s sixth straight loss, and their season was rapidly unraveling.
I’d ask for a quote from ownership, but I if I got one, I’m sure it’d only make me throw up in my mouth a little bit. Ready for Bruce Levenson’s reaction? “We’ve got 32 games left, and I have every confidence that we’ll win most of them, make the playoffs, and win a round or two.”
stendec
January 22nd, 2010
12:35 am
I take great exception to all those who refer to the Carolina Hurricanes as the worst team in the NHL! These Canes displayed grit, heart and determination in the face of adversity on hostile ice. Have a tremendous amount of respect for that organization. Team captain was not getting the job done so a more deserving player was presented with the C. I would like to rip the C off uniform of El Kapitan Ilya “Give Me Big Money For Being Useless” Kovalchuk. The oxygen waste Russian only shows up to accept feeds during man advantages. How well did he do his job? No goals. Powerless play a horrific 0-for-6. Do the math! Give the C to Moose Hedberg who gives a #### about winning or losing and the two remaining fans. ####, just throw the #### C patch in the trash! Only Mr Hedberg has anything close to NHL caliber talent on this club. Points alone cannot judge worth or worthlessness of NHL unit. When a squad gets blown out on home ice by the alleged worst team in league then that team earns dubious distinction of being recognized as worst. Sort of like college sports polls. No arguments in these quarters. Loseland quitters are worst in NHL! Points be ######. F#ck apologists! Hope Siberian #### enjoys Winter Olympics. Hope the #### loser stays in Soviet Union after Games are over! Contract? Contract extension? For what? All those regulation defeats which result in no points? Even his figure eights have lost their luster and become tiresome. A stale hot dog, a watered down soda pop plus $500 per game. Tops! If he wants more than that then let him take his misfiring and uncaring self on to whiter ice elsewhere. Maybe even to Hamilton. ++STENDEC++
Brendan
January 22nd, 2010
12:40 am
Here are your updated standings. Thrashers in 10th place, with a real chance to be 13th, without a win in their next game. http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20092010&type=CON
stendec
January 22nd, 2010
12:59 am
I have no respect for Ilya Kovalchuk.
I have even less after reading this quote which was attributed to him:
“I think we work(ed) hard (if he actually thought that then his mental capacties are to be brought into serious question). We (I) got (off to) a(nother in a long line of) slow start(s) again (pre game vodkas can have that effect). We (I) have to prepare for the game’s better (just what the #### do IK and these other bums do DURING practice?). This was a huge game for us (me), but we (I) have a lot of games (Olympic ones) ahead of us (me). If we (I) play with the right intensity (skating figure eights while awaiting breakout passes are tiring and worth the millions I steal, uh, earn), hopefully things (a big fat contract which I do in no way deserve) are going to go our (my) way (I still get paid so screw my critics and my teammates).”
This is the Atlanta TEAM CAPTAIN?
Sigh.
++STENDEC++
John Petrino sounded like a blithering idiot himself. Oh well.
Mr. Heat Miser
January 22nd, 2010
1:04 am
Thank God it was “Thirsty Thursday” at Headlines Grille. $3 beers was the only thing keeping me in the game. Effing pathetic. I’d like 10 minutes alone in a room with Sydel, the Gearons, and that @$$hole Levenson.
Scott
January 22nd, 2010
6:50 am
If Don Waddell was smart, he would send a film of the game to Jay Grossman and ask him if there was anyone on the ice who is worth 10 million a year (or 9M, or 11M). He certainly could not state that #17 in the red sweater is, at least if he was being honest. There were many times where he didn’t make the right play (hold the point, stay on his skates, etc.) these things happen. There was a play with around 5 minutes left in the second where Kovy was skating a lazy circle between the blue line and the top of the circle, we are in our end, the puck slides slowly by him about 3 – 5 feet away, he could have easily gt the puck without being touched by anyone – he made not a move to the puck, it went into the corner where Carolina regained possession. They didn’t score that time, but it was a crap play – JA should have sat him on the bench for that one, that type of lack of effort is unacceptable from anyone, especially the Captain, and especially I guy who is rumored to be looking to be the highest paid player in the NHL.
Two more points:
We did not “hold” the ‘Canes to 22 shots, they elected not to take a ton of shots and maintain puck possession, which is a smart thing to do when you have a huge lead and have hockey players who can execute.
The Thrashers are screwed for a while – if we pay Kovy his King’s Ransom, we are overpaying and the team will suffer. If we don’t, we won’t get much value for him and it will take a while to rebuild.
The Real Thrash
January 22nd, 2010
6:54 am
It’s the GM stupid!
Custer
January 22nd, 2010
6:55 am
Not worthy of a Custer comment except:
Kovulchuck ain’t worth a f…..
Kovyoverrated
January 22nd, 2010
6:57 am
11mil a year? Really?
R. Stroz
January 22nd, 2010
7:14 am
Watching this team play is giving me Tourette’s syndrome and/or Coprolalia.
Brett
January 22nd, 2010
7:39 am
Pathetic! That pretty much sums up the Thrashers play last night. No jump at all. They had a prime opportunity to gain to 2 critical points, but instead played like they’ve already given up any thoughts of making the play-offs. Just PATHETIC!!!
World Be Free
January 22nd, 2010
7:50 am
Get rid of the 3rd jerseys. They bring out the worst in the team. Some of you have been alot tougher on this team today that I am. I can’t argue with any of you and the mass of empty seats in the arena should be enough to prove how we feel about the current team. Truth is, the current team looks alot like past teams.
Up to this point, I have not looked at John Anderson as being the problem. But if he keeps Kozlov on the ice any longer, I will have to change my attitude. It is the coach’s responsibility to “field” the best possible team. Kozlov on this ice is not the best option. You mean there isn’t a call-up available in CHI that will help this team?
Bogo without a veteran NHL defenseman is not the best option either.
Bogo IS a talented played, but he is lost in the current setup. He needs a partner that will keep him in line-he’s only 19!
As a former defenseman, I can tell you that the quality of your playing partner can make or breaks you. It is obvious that Hainsey is not the perfect for for Bogo and that may not be Hainsey’s fault. Get Bogo someone who can watch his backdoor or remove the requirement that he rush with the offense.
Deals need to be made, whether it involved Kovy or not in management’s issue. Too many guys are not holding up their end, which is why the Thrashers are playing NHL quality hockey for 45-50 minutes/game. Minnesota took action this week to deal with their issues, we need to do the same before the season is lost.
moriler
January 22nd, 2010
7:58 am
Well, something went right at least — we _lost_ that game.
What?
Yeah, we lost. That was a last-place team on the road. They could easily have given up one more goal between the 8- and 2- minute mark, and been rattled enough to give up the tying goal when we pulled Pavelec. Not like it hasn’t happened before, right? And let’s face it, when this offense is moving its feet and using its head, it can put the biscuit in the basket in short order.
But that isn’t the way to win hockey games. It isn’t sustainable. It is fun when it happens, but it takes way more energy to come from behind than it does to pull out to a lead. It’s good to be a third-period team, but you also have to be a first-period team too, so you don’t end up three goals down before you get warmed up. (technically the third was a 2nd period goal, yeah, but it might as well have been 1st.) I’m pretty sure Anderson knows this, too, which is why he makes those neat red faces after these games.
The problem right now is the players, and without being inside the locker room I can’t tell you who are the ones that have their minds wrong. I’ve been anti-Slater for years, for example, but he certainly looks like he has his mind right this season finally — took him long enough. But that shows you how appearances change. I can tell you this, though — some of the players in that locker room aren’t mean enough. You have to _want_ to go out and stomp on someone. And there’s a shortage of that right now.
Mike
January 22nd, 2010
8:02 am
It is efforts like that that make me not feel so bad about the possibility of Kovy leaving. Then maybe we won’t be dependant on one person to score on the power play and others will have to step up. Maybe we will have 5 people playing hard all the time, not just when it comes to the offensive side of the ice.
HookyBob
January 22nd, 2010
8:13 am
Well, that wasn’t the Thrashers “A” game last night,..and we needed it. Kovy had a very poor outing as well. Come on guys…you’re going to lose more of those 10,400 folks that showed up last night (and that is with over 3,000 free tickets).
Does anyone have news on contract talks with Kubina? I know it is over-shadowed by Kovy’s contract issues. As maligned as our defence is losing Kubina in July, or at the trade deadline, might hurt us more than losing Kovy. We give up the most goals in the league and he is a plus 8.
WBF: From a blog or two back, I was writing about the Red Raiders of Colgate.
R. Stroz
January 22nd, 2010
8:22 am
If Anderson can’t tell Kozlov is kaput, we need to resurrect Anne Sullivan and turn her into a Thrashers coach.
Matt
January 22nd, 2010
8:27 am
It’s sad. The same things keeping happening in the games, the players keep saying the same things and we keep writing the same things. What does it take to have something be CHANGED? I just don’t understand how it’s possible for a team to not show up for two-thirds of every game and almost always play themselves into a hole.
World Be Free
January 22nd, 2010
8:33 am
HookyBob-AY! The other Red Raiders!
Stroz-the coach is responsible for what happens ont he ice. He accepts the job and works with the talent provided. And no matter what happens, he has to make it work or it’s his job.
This has been going on for 10 years, a decade, since Bill Clinton was prez. It has to stop.
R. Stroz
January 22nd, 2010
8:42 am
WBF – I agree with your assessment up to a point. The GM has to procure more than one forward that his the size to screen the goalie.
The coach has to bench ineffective players, such as Kozlov, otherwise the inmates run the asylum.
LAC
January 22nd, 2010
8:46 am
I finally think john anderson has lost control. He keeps saying the SAME thing and NOTHING changes, except the lines and that is not what needs to be done.
Can’t this guy see zach b. stinks as a defenseman ? He allows a goal a game the past three with CRAP defensive play, just standing around, no hitting, he will not check in open ice worth 2 cents and my grand daughter at 8 is tougher than he is. He has turned into the WORST defenseman in the entire NHL. Waive/trade or send him to the ECHL, but get the HELL rid of his sorry A$$ !
Now this system we employ DOES NOT work in the NHL, may in the AHL, but not NHL. Look at NJ, no BIG name players, but gritty guys who work hard and a really, no name defense, sure a hall of fame goalie, but it s
DEFENSE FIRST and that is what we need to do, forget this wide open offense, defense WINS, not tons of offense…. CHANGE the system or change the coach !
Lastly look at the teams that DO make changes, they get BETTER, what the hell do we do… NOTHING, same old fish wrapped paper game after game after game. That is why we will NEVER win because either these WIMP owners or STUPID waddell are afraid of change… WHY ?
The game last night was simply an I quit game, no heart and NO desire to win… and last night #17 looked like a rookie in his first game, LOST and he wants HOW MUCH ???? No thanks…
But when will these owners come forth and appear before us fans to explain what they are afraid of and why waddell is still here, guess we can only hope and ask here, because also the worthless beat write does not have the guts to ask TOUGH questions of these people, he can only call us fans who want answers names, what a loser, just like the Thrashers, what a LOSER ajc… ASK SOME QUESTIONS of team Quit !
True Hockey Fan
January 22nd, 2010
8:46 am
Tthis hockey team has no heart. How would you like to play on a team who has a captain who only plays when He has the puck. It is my opinion that this team would be better served with players who are interested in playing as a team. Kaptain Kotton Kovy again showed how selfish He really is. His Russian teamates showed how they play with no heart at all. Anderson better get out the big stick ( ice time ) to get this team turned around. Time for Kozzie to go to the Old Folks HOme.
Toby
January 22nd, 2010
8:53 am
I heard a rumor that Frank Wren is going to stick Kozzy at 1st once Glaus gets injured.
Really though….Bob McKenzie says that Kovy will be traded and is already “unofficially” on the block. He said that Wad wants NHL players and not picks/prospects. He said that Calgary and Chicago may be in the mix. I’d love to see Kovy + Army for Sharp + Versteeg. Done.
Get this done ASAP and lets concentrate on the playoffs and getting Kubina signed.
Bob
January 22nd, 2010
8:54 am
We stink. Fire Waddell. So depressed.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 22nd, 2010
9:10 am
LAC- good points but do you know the biggest different between New Jersey and Atlanta? The Devs have Lou Lam and we have Don Lame.
ASG deserves this team and a half empty arena. The idiots in the Canadian media are so deperate to steal this franchise that they overlook the obvious fact that it is being run into the ground. Even Canadian fans wouldn’t support this team the way it has been ran since 1999. The problems on top can no longer be ingored.
rightshot
January 22nd, 2010
9:11 am
Despite the score, I thought OP played well. The rest of the team hung him out to dry.
Question. After the third goal was reviewed and awarded to the Canes, they ran the clock back aprox. 30 seconds. What would have happened if there had been a penalty during that 30 seconds the officials gave back. Would it have made a difference if was taken by the Thrashers or the Canes?
GaVaHokie
January 22nd, 2010
9:14 am
I turned off the game after the 4th Carolina goal… it was obvious the effort wasn’t there… lazy hockey, the crowd was completely out of it. Just wasn’t worth watching.
This was supposed to be the easy week of games. The last three weeks until the break are going to be more brutal. They’re gonna wish they had played harder this week.
moriler
January 22nd, 2010
9:17 am
@rightshot: Anything that happens during that time period is erased, up to and including another goal. It’s as if it didn’t happen.
Dwayne
January 22nd, 2010
9:28 am
Kari steals that game if he was in net. I know it, you know it and ++youknowwho++ knows it.
DWTOO
January 22nd, 2010
9:28 am
Last night was really disheartening – no effort at all. Every time this team faces a key game they go in the tank. Win last night and we’re eighth palce. Instead we lose to a team in last place.
We sat in front of a member of the Flames and the son of a member of the Flames and I don’t think either were impressed with our Captain last night. Especially his reaction after wiffing on the puck at the blue line. Also, they said the ‘Canes have more talent than their record indicates. It was interesting to hear their discussions.
Oh Well – onto TB. Should be a good time at TJ’s saturday.
Rawhide
January 22nd, 2010
9:35 am
We did not “hold” the ‘Canes to 22 shots, they elected not to take a ton of shots and maintain puck possession, which is a smart thing to do when you have a huge lead and have hockey players who can execute.
Scott – Agreed…they were nursing a lead.
@rightshot: Anything that happens during that time period is erased, up to and including another goal. It’s as if it didn’t happen
moriler – Hmmm…I wonder, them if we can we get the officials in Toronto to review the last two and a half months of the Thrashers seasons.
Russian
January 22nd, 2010
9:39 am
**to Hockie**
“I turned off the game after the 4th Carolina goal… it was obvious the effort wasn’t there… lazy hockey, the crowd was completely out of it. Just wasn’t worth watching”
I did same thing, just switched channel to Ovi vs Crosby. I enjoyed that game. OUR PP was horrible and did not getr better. PK was fine until Carolina ruined everything. Anderson has to do something until it will be later. Anyway, FIRE A COACH.
JEff
January 22nd, 2010
9:45 am
Anyone seen the CAPTAIN play hockey lately??? If you find him please let him know fans pay to see him play not trip over his skates or skate in circles waiting for the puck.
Hackett
January 22nd, 2010
9:46 am
The Colgate Raiders
I grew up watching them. I knew most players from that played 88-01
DWTOO
January 22nd, 2010
9:47 am
R.Stroz – If Anne Sullivan was the Miracle Worker doe that mean we look (and play like) Helen Keller?
MASHAPlayer7
January 22nd, 2010
9:54 am
I don’t even know where to begin…went to the game last night and I was disgusted I paid money to see that effort. Great first 2 minutes of the game, one shift where they actually were hitting bodies (Slater’s line) late in the third period, and a few good scoring chances where Cam Ward shows us why he is still one of the best goalies out there.
But the overall effort stunk! Pavelec could be faulted on the 2nd goal, but otherwise played well with no defensive support. 4 powerplays in the third period and we got ZERO. Soft play…lazy play….uncalled for! I agree with all of the poster…Kozlov is done! Keep sitting White. Bring some grit up from Chicago (Machachek, Crabb) and plant them in front of the net on the PP and let’s score some ugly goals.
I could keep going but I have to be productive today….
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
9:54 am
First, Carolina had a shots on goal edge of 15 – 8 after the 4th goal to go up 4 zip. Pathetic. Way to come out strong against a team supposedly more “fragile” than any in the league. How do you not know they were going to come out fired up after Staal got named captain? Match their intensity, make sure you back-check and get the puck deep. What happened to all the good cycling and fore-check pressure from the last several games. It’s as though they fully expected Carolina to just lie down and take it! Oh yeah, our PP is absolutely PATHETIC!!
“This hockey team has no heart. How would you like to play on a team who has a captain who only plays when He has the puck. It is my opinion that this team would be better served with players who are interested in playing as a team. Kaptain Kotton Kovy again showed how selfish He really is.”
I really try to give Kovy the benefit of the doubt since he hasn’t had the requisite “talent” around him to be successful, but I’m not buying that crap anymore. This is a team sport and if you play as a cohesive unit with passion and fire, then you will have a good chance to win more than you lose. But if you don’t even show up, then there is a serious problem. How were we more focused and prepared to pay Toronto than a divisional rival? Or is Toronto just that lousy?
TrueHockeyFan is right. When you’re team captain doesn’t play 100% ALL THE TIME or at least give an honest effort in the other facets of the game, it has a way of dragging a team down. We ARE NOT TALENTED ENOUGH to take nights off despite what October and November suggested. Why Bogosian has an ‘A’ I have no idea? Does anyone ever see him vocally encourage teammates or shout someone down for missing an assignment? I love the kid and I think he is playing with the wrong pairing mate in Hainsey, but he’s only 19. Why was he given so much responsibility? Does he not give full effort anymore because he has learned too many bad habits from his captain?
Says Bogosian, “I learned it from watching you Kovy!”
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 22nd, 2010
10:01 am
I sense Waddell will get desperate and trade a good prospect or high draft pick to salvage the season. Zhitnik all over again.
ZHITNIK!
LAC
January 22nd, 2010
10:02 am
Right Miami, I always thought the purpose of a professional franchise in any sport was WINNING… That is a foreign languare here, not in NJ.
Sure they have their Great Goalie, but they do not play this wide open abandon the defense system. It is very controled, and is set up to stop the other teams with DEFENSE. Watch NJ, their defensemen RARELY enter the offensive zone, they stop at the blueline and do what they can on offense from there and are already in position to cut off the other team and a forward in the high slot is always ready to go either way the puck does.
Just WHAT do we do ? It is simply Helter Skelter out there, running all over the place, lots and lots of people OUT OF POSITION and the other teams get going very easy into our zone.
This may not be the most exciting style to play, but when you think DEFENSE first, which WE DO NOT, you will be better off, this “system” we play simply CANNOT win period.
The coach either needs to change or change the coach, simple as that.
Players who do not give 100% effort either SIT, get let go or traded.
Simply put we do NOT have commited players here and they are not too good either. little, where is he these days ? Oh he is still here ? Why ? white the same, kozlov coasting, zach b. worthless and on and on and on. Ilya worth $11 million a year, NO WAY !
When things do not work, you make changes. These “owners” are already the LAUGHING STOCK of the NHL, so what do they have to lose ?, FACE ?, hardly, so why will they not change the GM ? or the coach or lastly the players who are NOT getting it doen on a regular basis. But then these are the drunk owners of the NHL, what could you expect ?
But defense wins, may not be fun to watch all the time, but when you lead the NHL in points and WINS and have LOW GA, isn’t that what it is ALL about ? I think so and I agree with Miami don lame, Career LOSER !
TheFan79
January 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
It is time for this ownership to clean the house .They are going to need a big broom.Pathetic loss last night.I am not going to waste my Saturday night by watching this team getting kicked by Tampa.Sorry guys.I love this team but come on guys.We need a change on this team .
TheFan79
January 22nd, 2010
10:05 am
Clean the House.
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
10:13 am
Clean house indeed. Fire Waddell, give Dudley the reins and see what he can do to put the fear of God in these lazy bastards. Let him try to trade Kozlov (some GM desperate enough for a PP spark might be short-sighted enough to take him off our hands), and allow him to make the necessary roster moves to allow Crabb, Machacek, Oystrick and Kulda get their chances to make an impact. Afinogenov should have some trade value so get rid of him before he becomes immovable. Try to impress upon these men that if they don’t hustle like Kane and Slater on every shift or they don’t backcheck like Antropov or they don’t give up the body like Marty Reasoner, then they WILL NOT play. Plain and simple.
Brett
January 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
I don’t think we have to worry about paying Ilya $11M. 1 – he isn’t going to resign here. 2 – The ownership is too cheap. 3 – He isn’t worth it! It’s about time to resolve this issue and move on! I’d rather have a captian that is going to lay it on the line night after night. Not one who plays when he feels like it!
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 22nd, 2010
10:38 am
We should have moved Kovy before the season when he had value. Now he’s just a rental player with 1/2 the value at best (like Hossa).
Another reason to fire the GM, all the scouts and clean house!
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
11:14 am
Trixie, dearest Trixie, do you see a post of mine hung up in the blog bermuda triangle between 10:05 am and 10:20? Perhaps it was lost forever, but I was just echoing the sentiments of TheFan79. Lucid and passionate points he makes.
World Be Free
January 22nd, 2010
11:20 am
Trixie-we don’t want to hold up The Smoothie Express.
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
11:24 am
WBF – I don’t know about that! Perhaps I just need my disgruntled voice to be heard among the biggest group of diehard Thrashers fans there are, many of whom actually see the tragedy. I’m done hoping for the best and last night’s performance has put the final nail in my coffin of expectations. NO PLAYOFFS…AGAIN.
Putting On The Foil
January 22nd, 2010
12:03 pm
Please! Just FIRE SOMEBODY.
James Brown
January 22nd, 2010
12:03 pm
I don`t know who to blame all thses bad starts on….always 2-0…..3-0…and now 4-0…….I would say its the coaching staff and Captain that have to get this team ready to play………………agree with Smoothie at this point…………No Playoffs again………….I hate our ownweship too……….no accountability from top to bottom…………sad
Bob
January 22nd, 2010
12:11 pm
we stink.
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
12:19 pm
Did y’all see JA’s big “changes” over on Viv’s blog…what a joke.
Might as well mail it in cuz they have no prayer with those lines and this lack of “give a crap” in the lockerroom.
Darkhorse
January 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
Could not have articulated any better myself Bob…..
A “C” level 16 year old student in juvi puts in more effort than this team.
Drew
January 22nd, 2010
12:31 pm
It’s not just one thing, it’s EVERYTHING that’s wrong with this team and organization..Fire’em all…even the Blue Crew.
World Be Free
January 22nd, 2010
12:35 pm
Smoothie-do you think we are in line for a 3rd consec 76 point season?
World Be Free
January 22nd, 2010
12:44 pm
Anyone see the Philly highlights last night? Looks like Philly is gooning it up again
Hartnell and Avery went at it klast night. I’d best the last oerson to stick up for avery, but I have an issue when a guy like Hartnell, who wears a visor fights any player without a visor.
Regardless of whether it’s Avery or not, take off the visor before you fight.
World Be Free
January 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
Anyone see the Philly highlights last night? Looks like Philly is gooning it up again
Hartnell and Avery went at it last night. I’d best the last person to stick up for Avery, but I have an issue when a guy like Hartnell, who wears a visor fights any player without a visor.
Regardless of whether it’s Avery or not, take off the visor before you fight.
Ronnie Milsap
January 22nd, 2010
12:47 pm
Thrashers are awesome, they play their hearts out each and every game. They practice hard and pay attention to detail. What a two way player Kovy is, he is worth the 11 million per year he wants. Am I the only one who can see this?? AM I?
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
12:51 pm
I don’t think we’ll do THAT poorly, but I think we’ll be lucky to see 84-86 points as it turns out. Unfortunately, I predicted 86 points in the contest I think. That now seems to look like a best-case scenario.
To get to a record of 38 – 34 – 10 for 86 pts, we’d have to go 16 – 13 – 3 in the last 32. Even that seems like too big a mountain to climb.
R. Stroz
January 22nd, 2010
12:51 pm
What is Anderson smoking?
FIRE WADDELL AND ANDERSON
Give the jobs to Dudley and Cunnyworth.
GaVaHokie
January 22nd, 2010
12:58 pm
Uh oh… it’s coming from TSN’s main page now… Kovy is “unofficially” on the trading block…
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=307228
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 22nd, 2010
1:25 pm
Milsap-Stevie Wonder endorses the Hawks
Stroz-now that’s a great idea
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
1:39 pm
Kovy – Pevs – Thorbs**
**Thorburn has only been on the ice for 2 ES goals in the month of Jan: once with Slater & Reasy (NYI) and the other time with Slater & Kane (TOR). No reason to take Thorburn off that line. Kovy works harder to get his own shots when there isn’t another Russian across from him. Pevs should get more pucks to him in prime position.
Army – Slater – Little
Slater and Little work really hard, cycle well and back-check pretty well; having Army on the same line will work better than Kane because Kane seems to get too offense / forechecking-focused and doesn’t get back on a rush. In fact, Kane’s been on the ice for the third most ES goals in January behind Fins & Pevs. Army knows he’s not fast enough to get too carried away in the O-zone and will put a premium on defense.
Kane – Antro – Max
The only way to cover up for Max is against weaker competition and playing alongside Antro; perhaps Kane can jam home some of Finny’s weak-ass wrist-shots. At the very least, Kane will be in the right place at the right time as he has a nose for the loose puck. Playing against weaker competiton will keep these guys from getting burnt so often. Antro can stay high and get back on most plays.
Kozlov – Reasy – Boults (occasionally White when Kozlov needs a break)
Changing the D-pairings wouldn’t be a bad idea either as Bogo needs a break from playing against the best forwards and so many minutes. His offense isn’t out-weighing his deficiencies on D. Let him play 10-12 mins ES with Boris on the 3rd pairing. He can get 3-4 mins / night extra playing on the PK with Big Bo as well. Salmela can play with Hainsey on the 2nd pairing. There will still be breakdowns because Hainsey isn’t physical enough, but I think Anssi can be taught to watch for this and bring the help if necessary. Kubes and Tobes are fine. They will have an occasional bad game but that happens playing against the best forwards all the time. Can Salmela handle 20 mins / night tho?
Jeff
January 22nd, 2010
1:47 pm
The “Red Sweater Curse” strikes again!
stendec
January 22nd, 2010
1:49 pm
Ilya “Even My Misfires Are Worth Big Bucks” Kovalchuk to the once Atlanta Flames? No. No! NO! NOOOOOOO! A thousand times no. I love the Calgary Flames. I hate the Atlanta Yardbirds, uh, Trashers, eh, Chickens, duh, Thrashers! Chicago? Home of organized crime kingpin Barack Hussein O…, excuse me, Al Capone, and the revived Blackhawks. Where the Siberian #### can be reunited with his booty buddy Maryann Hossa? Sounds like a good fit to me. I say good riddance to bad rubbish! Let one of the other players skate just as impressive figure eights for a whole lot less moola. ++STENDEC++ In the words of Captain John Luke Picard, Make It So. ASAP!
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
2:16 pm
Looking at Calgary’s cap issues and contracts, they might make a logical trading partner. Plus, they are hurting for offense. We are hurting for 2-way centers and defense.
Enter Ollie Jokinen, who is a UFA next season. While he is a good 2-way player, he is better in the SE where he can take full advantage of his offensive skills and not have to be so defense-focused as in CGY.
Calgary would probably LOVE to have a western Canadian boy like Armstrong. He fits their mold and can jam home rebounds / dirty goals. He’d be a nice opposite fit to Glencross or even Iginla.
Rene Bourque is a UFA next year as well but I see CGY wanting to re-sign him. Perhaps a Jamie Lundmark or even an Eric Nystrom might come back to us in a trade since they are UFA’s.
The key here is if CGY is truly ready to unload Phaneuf because of his huge contract. At $7 M per year, it probably seems even worse paying him that much when Jay Bo is making slightly more. Would they bite on Hainsey since he’s supposedly a vaunted offensive D-man? In fact, I think Ronsey is getting mis-used here in ATL as he is being asked to lock down the crease and his puck-moving skills are being wasted.
How about this?
ATL gets: Jokinen, Phaneuf, Lundmark & Colin Stuart!
CGY gets: Kovy & his rights, Colby & Moose to back up Kipper.
Calgary saves $2.45 M in the process and we move on and start building this thing around Kane, Bogosian & Phaneuf and hopefully Ollie.
Pevs – Ollie – Thorbs
Kane – Antro – Max
Stuart – Reasy – Litts / Slates
Boults – Lundmark – Slates / White
Kubes & Tobes
Dion & Zach
Boris & Salmsy (Kulda)
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
2:24 pm
EDIT: I doubt CGY would take such an expensive player in Hainsey without any guarantee of keeping Kovy. We’d have to send back a D-man so we’d likely end up giving them Boris and then the ASG will have to pay Hainsey $4.5 M to play 3rd pairing minutes.
Matt
January 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
Fire Waddell NOW and THEN trade Kovy.
five_hole
January 22nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Had to wait to watch the game this morning on replay. It comes down to special teams. They scored 3 PP goals; we got zero. And on at least 2 of the PP goals we had Hainsey stationed in front of our goal, watching the play as ‘Canes cruised into the slot & scored. He might as well have been eating popcorn & drinking a cold one.
I say it again; we have as much or more talent than we’ve ever had here. Certainly enough talent on paper to make the playoffs. The difference comes down to the coaching. I think John Anderson comes across as a nice guy, as a motivational guy, but nice guys finish last and he isn’t motivating them enough.
Russian
January 22nd, 2010
3:08 pm
**to five_hole**
Great Point about Anderson. He is nice guy, but he is not a NHL Coach.
GaVaHokie
January 22nd, 2010
3:11 pm
Smoothie… was Hainsey supposed to be part of your offer?!
MASHAPlayer7
January 22nd, 2010
3:23 pm
Brad Ratgen of Hockeybuzz reports that Sykora to the Thrashers. Great, another soft aging european player. ugh!
Smoothie
January 22nd, 2010
3:29 pm
Masha – in a trade with Minn or just eventually as a FA, not that I put too much stock in their rumours.
Hokie – yes and no. I was going to but then I thought about CGY needing goaltending depth for Kipper. I don’t think they’d be willing to take Hainsey AND Moose as they wouldn’t save any money under the cap. Would they take Hainsey, Kovy and Army or Hainsey, Moose and Kovy? Any team who trades with us will want cap relief of $2 – 3 M at least so it’s probably Army OR Hainsey.
As I said before, it will be a matter of which team is desperate enough for offense as they slip out of the Top 6 spots (think Zhitnik in 2007) in an attempt to not only keep their playoff aspirations alive, but also make a deep run. In my opinion, the logical candidates are:
1) Calgary
2) Boston
3) LA Kings
4) NY Rangers
5) Ottawa? doubtful
6) Detroit? more doubtful
MASHAPlayer7
January 22nd, 2010
3:35 pm
He said trade was reported…but no details on for whom/what. Maybe trade White straight up??? Waddell would clear a little salary that way.
TheFan79
January 22nd, 2010
3:40 pm
Maybe if we start boycotting the games owners would finally realize that change is needed on this team.
Fire somebody would you .
Rawhide
January 22nd, 2010
3:41 pm
He said trade was reported…but no details on for whom/what. Maybe trade White straight up??? Waddell would clear a little salary that way
MASHAPlayer7 – Oh, if the hockey gods were actually to smile upon Thrasherville in such a way….
TableHockey
January 22nd, 2010
3:56 pm
Eklund says Sykora is not coming to Atlanta….. soooooo I guess we will see him here later next week?
GaVaHokie
January 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
Smoothie… was just curious because you left Hainsey out of your line combo’s.
Eileen
January 22nd, 2010
3:59 pm
Last night’s PP, power pass, was so incredibly frustrating to watch. It is clear that the players are supposed to get the puck to Kovy. Every other team has figured that out and therefore, does everything to block his shot. Then we lose the puck down the ice.
I drove home so incredibly frustrated and angry. Again we heard, “we started out slow”. Geez, enough excuses. Play 60 minutes.
joedaiceman
January 22nd, 2010
4:03 pm
I finally figured out the defensive strategy for the Thrashers. Put 5 skaters on the ice, tell them to act like forwards, skate around like it is a beerfest and then let the goalie handle that pesky little thing called defense. Brilliant. This team does not have a scoring problem, it has a scoring against problem and nobody is stepping up.
The only guys I see playing with heart out there are Slats and Evander.
Red Light
January 22nd, 2010
4:24 pm
Rawhide Question:
To make the best possible deal for all concerned, particularly Atlanta, would it make the most sense to sign Kovalchuk and then deal him to his team of choice?
Example: Lets say Waddell knows LA is on the Grossman-Kovalchuk list and he calls Lombardi and says: if I sign Kovalchuk for an average of $9.5 million for eight years, will you take him? In return, I want X, Y and Z, or W, Y, and Z.
That way, Kovy goes where he wants with a new deal, Waddell looks better because he actually was able to sign him (somebody) and he gets a little more value from the deal, and LA doesn’t have to negotiate to sign him long term between the trade and June 30, which takes the pressure off them.
Too logical I guess! Thanks, I answered my own question.
alex
January 22nd, 2010
4:50 pm
it’s no even return for kovy. we in lose, lose situation like usuall under dw for last decade. stendec you so worry about kovy, try not to be, he already got bronze for olimpick, bronze world champ, two gold world champ, mvp world champ, and going to get his money and stanly cup for sure. instead checking kovy money please assess worth of person you working for in spokeperson position, you lovly michigan boy dw. it’s line nhl teams for services kovy, just one team wanted you boss – alaska “weasels” he going to take you on same position and kiss kovy @$$ in peace.
Matt
January 22nd, 2010
5:15 pm
If I still had hair I would be pulling it out in clumps by now given the play from last night and the Kovy news of the day. Watched some of the Caps-Penguins game on NHL network last night. Is it too late to try to get Ovechkin for Kovy straight up?
atlthrashsuck
January 22nd, 2010
6:27 pm
Wow is all i can say… Really we beat the canes’ twice and lose badly the 3rd? The thrashers play with no consistency. This team plays with no grit or pride but just to collect their paychecks! Yay! 4 years without a playoff berth or win! Good roll for the thrash (which they truly are)!
atlthrashsuck
January 22nd, 2010
6:30 pm
FIRE COACH ANDERSON
TRADE PAVELEC
WIN GAMES
HIRE A GOOD COACH THAT HAS NHL LEVEL OF STRATEGY
RE SIGN KOVY OR EXPECT ATTENDANCE TO BE LESS THAN 1,000
Then they mite make the playoffs!
rob
January 22nd, 2010
8:06 pm
JUST A THOUGHT…. I saw a post saying that we are all saying the same thing over and over and over. No heart, questionable leadership, losing fan base. How many people are on this blog though? How about a real article in the AJC embarassing the team from ownership down to the stickboy, and every lazy player and non inspiring coach/GM in between? The truth, and nothing but the truth…..10 years and one 4 and out playoff spot!?!?! All the Trashers are are underpaid golfers. Put a SPOTLIGHT on them and ask them some hard questions!!!! COME ON let’s have some ACCOUNTIBILITY here!!!! Maybe then we can actually get around to playing some HOCKEY!!!!!!
Jimbo
January 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
The Perfect Trade Package- Captain Coaster, Donnie Brilliance, JA, The Spirit owners, and Kozy for anyone who really cares about hockey and winning. WE NEED A VERY LARGE BROOM, aged dead wood is hard to move.
LAC
January 22nd, 2010
9:45 pm
Rob, I have asked the deadbeat beat writer of this “so called paper” to pin waddell down and ask him when does he plan to resign or what do you think of everyone calling for your head. What does that IDIOT do ? Resorts to calling me names !!!! Can you believe it ?!!!
I offered to put up $10,000 in a fight, he whips me he gets $10K, I win he asks THE questions. But again, as is his childish style, he resorts to name calling the fan base, much like his “hero” levenson who does the exact same thing.
This paper has GUTLESS reporters in the sports field, I am NOT talking about Mr.Bill Tiller, who does an EXCELLENT job, but then he does not “work” for the paper.
They are afraid they might offend someone and be banned from
reporting on the team, so what do they do ? Write STUPID articals, like waddell and his daughter, which was the worst thing I ever saw on a sports page.
So the beat writer, is a tool of the spit, I mean spirit clowns who will do nothing to offend them with, as you say Rob, THE tough questions.
I agree it is way PAST TIME for people who write for this rag to step up and rip the GUTS out of first waddell, the the owners. We have GREAT hockey fans in Atlanta, and we deserve a LOT better on the ice and in the paper.
Offer still stands villimore… let’s see some GUTS !
Paminski
January 22nd, 2010
11:14 pm
See you at TJ’s on Sat.
Hockey Biltong爽
January 23rd, 2010
12:55 am
Open letter to the Trashers.
I went to that game. You All Sucked Loud and Long.
Don’t come back till your are all grown up and ready to play for real.
Regards,
one very pissed off fan.
p. s. You let Staal get a hat trick?
Where is your shame?????????
Dwayne
January 23rd, 2010
8:06 am
I will now turn my money and support over to the White Basketball League. Hopefully they will bring back those short-shorts and lower the goal to 8 and 1/2 feet.
rob
January 23rd, 2010
9:26 am
too bad our farm club wasn’t closer. We could all go cheer them on instead and get the teams attention that way. And that way it would be easier to get some of those guys up and playing w the team. could put them up in the northern burbs and get them more fans than the Thrashers til they straighten up.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 23rd, 2010
9:51 am
rob – there’s a reason why the farm club isn’t closer-even less fans to show up to games.