Moose dropping piles of saves all over Thrasherville
Johan Hedberg may be just less than four months shy of his 37th birthday, but one thing is for sure…he’s not showing any signs of slowing down due to his escalation in years. In fact, he’s playing with the enthusiasm and agility of a goalie 10-12 years his junior.
After Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, Hedberg has now gone three straight starts in which he has allowed the opposition but one single goal. Combined with last weekend’s game in Tampa Bay and last weeks start in south Florida, he’s stopped 82 of 85 shots faced in those trio of games…which calculates to a .967 SV% and 0.98 GAA in 183 minutes of play.
Going back over his previous five starts, he has four games in which he’s only allowed one goal per as on January 7 he turned aside 29 of 30 New York Rangers shots on the way to a 2-1 shootout victory. As you’ll recall, that win snapped the nine-game holiday losing skid the Thrasher were on.
Johan Hedberg makes one of his 34 save against the Ducks (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Even counting the debacle against the Caps on the 9th, he has a .935 SV% and 1.76 GAA in his last five outings. Overall for the season, he is now 11-8-4 with a 2.46 GAA and .917 SV%.
Although Ondrej Pavelec has performed much better of late, Hedberg play between the pipes has by far been the most consistent between the two. And as I have opined before, if the Thrashers are going to get through “Kari Down ‘09-’10″ and still be in a position to make a playoff run…they are going to have to do so riding the Moose.
Unlike last week’s disappointments in Tampa and Sunrise, Florida…the team was able to reward their goaltender with a win as Colby Armstrong netted the game’s first goal and Maxim Afinogenov’s power play tally in the third gave them just enough offensive production to carry them through.
Max’s goal snapped an Oh-fer fourteen stretch of fruitless man advantage opportunities for the Thrashers. For the night, they were 1 for 4 on the power play while successfully denying Anaheim on all four of their power play chances.
“Before the game we spoke about we wanted the power play to get going and how it’s going to win the game,” Afinogenov said afterward. “We just tried to shoot more and I think its working. We got a couple of shots…The puck was bouncing there for me. I just tried to put it into the net and it worked”.
As for the win itself, Moose remarked, “It’s a big win for us tonight…We’ve been deserving to win the last few weeks, and tonight we managed to get the extra goal. Hopefully that’s what we need to put us on a roll here”.
Well…if it’s a “roll” the Thrashers are to get on, it’ll have to be continued Thursday night in Philadelphia, where the Thrashers last won a game…hmmm…when was it…the Hoover administration? Maybe I’ll have Trixie look that up in the morning.
Of course, it was just last November 28 that Atlanta finally snapped their long losing streak to the Flyers…a 1-0 shutout authored by Hedberg in which he stopped all 34 shots that got though on his goal. Two night’s later, he helped the Thrashers to a 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers.
Why is that significant? Well…that was the last time Atlanta has put together back-to-back regulation wins.
Given his play this season…and especially of late…my hope is that the team will once again be riding the Moose into Philly and he and the Thrashers can drop that little streak off as well.
And Finally…
Yes folks…we have a star in our midst. Our very own Mr. Heat Miser has made the cover of Atlanta Magazine….just scroll down towards the bottom and you’ll see him and his hair in all it’s flaming glory! It’s a part of their “67 things every Atlantan must do”.
Seeing that Mr. Heat Miser…a pround member of the Nasty Nest has graced the cover of that publication, I guess one of the 67 manditory things is to partake in the “You Suck” chant down to an opposing goalie at Philips Arena.
Congrats Heater…you just remember all us little people now that you’ve made the big time!
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156 comments Add your comment
jason
January 27th, 2010
12:37 am
Great job by Kovy not giving a rip tonight.
Mr. Heat Miser
January 27th, 2010
12:40 am
Silver
Cup Guy
January 27th, 2010
12:44 am
First?! Well Mr. Rawhide it was indeed an excellent game! However, not to kill anyones “BUZZ” (So Darren and Dan said on the radio) Kovy looked horrible. I mean just beyond awful. Do you think anyone address his play in the locker room? I mean surely they don’t think he plays well, do they? I saw him skate a perfect, beautiful circle 8 tonight. He was all over that blueline, but rarely in the defensive zone. I don’t mean to hound on him, but it is always like this. Even when we scores 2 goals and an assist, it was him just skating in a circle waiting for someone to pass him the puck. I think they call that cherry picking?! Anyways. Great game for MOOOOOSE! I love to see him get those lucky goalie bounces. Boris! Wow! I called the stars at the end before the announced him and I gave him a 3 because we played great. Blocked shots, shot the puck…ON GOAL… and played a strong defensive game. Props to the team tonight! Cya in Nashville not quite like Thrasherville, but we will make it like Thrasherville. I think I will watch 300 before we go.
Except we will win and not die!
Mr. Heat Miser
January 27th, 2010
12:46 am
Moose was da bomb. Kovy looked bombed.
Brendan
January 27th, 2010
1:51 am
Everyone see the Jeff Schultz article yet? He makes some good points. And he’d have something more positive to say, if competent ownership and management were in place, to address the Core Areas of responsibility for “player development” and “player retention.”
Dwayne
January 27th, 2010
5:46 am
Great Headline Mr. Bill.
World Be Free
January 27th, 2010
6:41 am
The “guys” played well last night-Slater, Thorburn, Salmela, Moose, Max and Marty (as usual). And big ups to Boris, as much as I pick on him, he played well and earned a 3rd star. No Doris last night.
Todd White threw 2 body checks – I hope the eggs in his pocket didn’t break. He played OK
Max put his head down, skated hard and backchecked on 2 occasions-I need to buy a lottery ticket.
The bad-too many giveaways in the neutral zone again. Thrash are lucky the Ducks didn’t make them pay. We proved we could win without Kovy-he was a no show last night. I am normally not that hard on him, but he was invisable last night.
The refs were bad again-you wonder if they know they suck? Some of the calls were real bad, or as Charles Barkely would dsay – “that’s turrible”.
DWTOO
January 27th, 2010
7:20 am
“Riding the moose” – that’s just wrong. Except in Alberta. No room foe beastiality in this blog. Think I pointed this out before.
Not Blind
January 27th, 2010
7:27 am
I even heard D Elliot comment negatively on Kotton Kandy’s lack of defensive effort.
Brett
January 27th, 2010
7:49 am
Was Kovy a healthy scratch last night? He was nonexistent. Trade him already! It’s obvious the guy has moved on. The Moose played a great game last night! I think Slater has finally found his stride. He has been playing great of late. I thought the team look decent last night. They had their usual lapses, but held their own.
Somaatl95
January 27th, 2010
7:49 am
Great Game! And yes, congrats to the Miser for hitting the big time – couldn’t think of a “cooler” guy for them to make a coverboy!
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 27th, 2010
7:57 am
I think you can judge Kovy’s future by watching his play last night. He looked like the Kovy of 3 years ago, making it on talent alone, less the determination. Last year at this time, he was truly trying to become a leader. Now he’s not even trying because he and his people know he outta here.
I’d rather have a legion of loyal players anyday than overpaid “stars”-just look at New Jersey and Ottawa.
Navin R. Johnson
January 27th, 2010
8:12 am
Heat Miser – YOU’RE SOMEBODY NOW!
R. Stroz
January 27th, 2010
8:14 am
Kovy had a good mentor on how to dog it in your contract season, Maryanne Hossa. He learned well.
Ice Daddy
January 27th, 2010
8:21 am
I was impressed last night with 2 people that have been getting dogged here lately – by me and others. Boris had an excellent game and while I thought he deserved it, I was surprised to see him get the third star. I guess the media was watching him too.
The other guy that looked much better was Zach Bogosian. He’s still got a ways to go, but his positioning was much better as was his decision making. Most of the time, people aren’t getting behind him because he is slow. They are getting behind him because he is out of position and makes a bad decision. Much improvement for him last night.
Moose is definitely on a roll. Now if he can turn that roll into a Philly Cheesesteak, I’ll be happy. Pavs isn’t playing too bad either but I say ride the Moose.
MASHAPlayer7
January 27th, 2010
8:24 am
On the flip side, maybe we didn’t notice him because he was giving the puck away or out of position. Maybe he was playing team hockey. I’d take 40 goals from Kovy and 2-way play. But nah, that’ll never happen. And for $10 mil/year or whatever – no thanks – I’d like to see our trade return.
Doing some American Hockey League trolling this morning, and look who I found…old friend Brad Larsen. http://theahl.com/stats/player.php?lang_code=en&id=696
MASHAPlayer7
January 27th, 2010
8:26 am
correction: didn’t notice hime because he WASN’T giving the puck away….
Mooseberg
January 27th, 2010
8:27 am
You want to make a statement to the team and move on…take the C off Kaptain Kupcake now and give to someone who can lead by example. Then your not trading your Captain…just a Kupcake. Any suggestions on who should have the C on their jersey?
World Be Free
January 27th, 2010
8:38 am
Last night, I got a kick out of going into the store inside Philips, looking at the $100 game jerseys worn by some former Thrashers. Most of these guys had a cup of coffee in the NHL, primarily with the Atlanta.
They should rename this rack the “Who’s That” rack or the “Brad Tapper Rack”. Scary how many of these guys were deemed NHL worthy. Some of them couldn’t skate as well as I do.
J.B.
January 27th, 2010
8:43 am
anyone know why moose was wearing a mask from like 3 seasons ago last night? just curios…
Daculafan
January 27th, 2010
8:46 am
Let’s give a shout out to Jim slater who was the un-named assist on that Army goal. He created huge traffic in front of the net and pulled 2 defenders which really opened up the slot for Army. He may have never touched the puck but I can assure you that without his play hard at the net there’s no way that goal goes in.
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
8:46 am
anyone know why moose was wearing a mask from like 3 seasons ago last night? just curios…
J.B. – Yes.. he said he broke his SpongeBob mask in Tampa so he had to go with that old one. I believe I remember him say that the one worn last night was the same one he used during the playoff run.
Daculafan
January 27th, 2010
8:47 am
If that’s the case now that this mask has proved lucky he won’t be able to change until the fortunes of the team turn south again…I give it a week or so
DWTOO
January 27th, 2010
9:03 am
Be sure to look for Mr. Heat Misers spread in an upcoming issue of Cosmo. He’ll be appearing in wig, sunglasses, his wrap around balls, and his NN thong.
DB
January 27th, 2010
9:05 am
Rawhide, do you usually wear a coat and tie to the games? You looked busy on your phone or I would have said hello. One thing that was pointed out to me (and this may have been done games ago) was that the “Kovy’s Krewe” area is now missing. Maybe one day soon our esteemed GM will join that sign.
J.B.
January 27th, 2010
9:14 am
Rawhide & Daculafan – Hmmm. I actually like the old one better than the spongebob mask anyhow. The pirates of the carribean one from last season was pretty cool too.
WM
January 27th, 2010
9:21 am
As an avid reader and periodic commenter, I’m done with Kovy. His lack of effort last night tells me his bags are packed and he’s just waiting on the taxi to the airport destination unknown at this point. Sad but true. I can only hope the next move our d-bag of a GM would make would be to hand in his two weeks notice effective immediately. Moving on, last night’s game was alright. I guess I expected two teams each coming off two days rest to play a little faster paced game. It was good to see Moose get a win after busting his tail. I really did like his aggressive play with the puck (especially that PK in 2nd where he essentially cleared it at the blue line). Reminded me of that other net minder up in NJ. Overall the team played a relatively clean game…wouldn’t say they played a full 60, but I’ll give them a full 45. Tough one tomorrow night in Philly.
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
9:24 am
Rawhide, do you usually wear a coat and tie to the games? You looked busy on your phone or I would have said hello.
DB – Most of the no…I’m normally in my jersey and a pair of jeans. But, as was the case last night, I am sometimes invited to join a group in the press box as well as be involved with some things downstairs with the players/coaches before and after the game. On those nights I am asked to dress “appropriately”.
And while I may don a sports coat overa button-down dress shirt, I never wear a tie. Given the way this team plays sometimes, I might be tempted to choke myself with it. Fortunately, last night was not such a case.
World Be Free
January 27th, 2010
9:33 am
Dacula-good to see Jim up his game. I wanted him outta here last summer but he’s earned a spot on the roster and not a spot in the pressbox.
Did you ever think you would see the day when Slater was more valuable to the team than Kovy? Toss in Boris too!
Hollywould
January 27th, 2010
9:40 am
I was sitting behind the goal last nite and MOOSE was spectacular. How many minutes did the ballerina get last nite? It seems Anderson might have sat him. I watched our so called ballerina captain flat out give up on 3 or 4 plays. Let him go!!! the rest of the team was playing hard.
Cup Guy
January 27th, 2010
9:59 am
To answer your question on who should get the “C”. I say give it to Rich! That guy was a steal and he is definately the most hard working guy on our team night in and out. It’s not always about points but he has them, Its not always about skating hard, but he does it. It’s not always about getting this team fired up, but he does it. It is about all of those things all the time. Something Kovy never does. He leads by examply offensively and that is it. He never gets in the teams face and tells them to hustle. He never plays D. He barely hustles unless we have the puck in the off zone. This guy is the worst captain i have seen in a long long time. BYE KOVY!!!! I can’t wait.
Tom
January 27th, 2010
10:09 am
Watching the game on television it was interesting to listen to Darren’s commentary. He was all over Kolvachuk’s lazy play.
Typically this is ignored as the Darren follows the party line in his commentary. Don’t upset the management that pays my salary and all that.
So it made me think. Is Darren going off the reservation? Or has the team given up on Kolvachuk and the Thrashers brain trust wants us to change our opinion of him?
My guess is that it is the latter, giving the team the story line that we will be a better, well rounded team with Ilya.
Always Hoping
January 27th, 2010
10:37 am
What surprised me was the stat shown on the scoreboard last night…..Evander Kane leads the team with 73 hits. If I had to guess I don’t think he would have been in my top five. The kid is tough but if he is lesding the team in hits it shows the other guys need to step up and play more physical.
3stripes
January 27th, 2010
10:39 am
Yeah, it’s pretty sad knowing Kovy’s checked out already. Watching his lack of effort on the defensive end has gotten really tiresome. I’m wondering if we might actually play better as a team without him. At least others would have to take a shot on the PP…
World Be Free
January 27th, 2010
10:41 am
I’d give the C to Pevs too.
Just think, to go from a waiver wire transaction to an NHL captain.
Eileen
January 27th, 2010
11:01 am
Moose was spectacular. I love that guy. The determination on his face speaks volumes. What a great game. It was also fun to see some of the big names on the Ducks team. Kovy looks lost. If he wants an Ovechkin contract, he needs to perform like Ovie on and off the ice. Ovechkin is such a great two-way player and a PR dream for Washington. When was the last time we saw Kovy interviewed post game?
Cornbread
January 27th, 2010
11:09 am
Kovalchuck quit the team at the beginning of December.
WM
January 27th, 2010
11:09 am
I forgot I had a question. The cross checking penalty Moose took, what was he carrying on about afterwards? I kept seeing him make motions towards the goal as if something were wrong with it. Any help?
Smoothie
January 27th, 2010
11:10 am
Reasoner should get the C. He was the player’s choice as best lockerroom guy and unsung hero. He actually leads by example, coaches / helps his teammates, especially young guys, stays focused with an intense aura all game long and doesn’t make any excuses cuz he leaves it all on the ice every night.
To build on what Hollywould was saying, Kovy is killing the spirit of this team. I too had the privilege of sitting on the glass last night. Thusly I had the misfortune of witnessing Kovy’s lame-ass cherry picking routine in the waning seconds of the game.
With less than 20 seconds left, Kovy just stood at the top of the zone observing Antropov harass the puck handler along the boards. Instead of helping to seal off the puck carrier by coming to Nik’s aid, he just stood there and waited in hopes of a loose puck. If he helps pressure the puck, they probably chip it out into the neutral zone thus effectively ending the game. Instead the Ducks player is able to keep the puck in and they nearly score in the closing seconds.
I reckon that explains why Antropov broke his stick over the crossbar while Kovy skated quickly to the room after tapping Moose on the head. Surely it was out of disgust and disdain for his captain’s lack of leadership and maturity. Good Lord I can’t wait to see him get shipped out, but it won’t be till March 3rd.
Hockey Biltong
January 27th, 2010
11:15 am
Yes, A ‘C’ to Pevs!!! He deserves it!
So will it be “Heat Maestro” now???
Riceowls8891
January 27th, 2010
11:16 am
Antropov should be mad a nobody but himself. A back hand pass up the middle of the ice with less than 10 seconds to play? Pin the puck to the boards and end the game. And thats true regardless of what Kovy was doing.
DWTOO
January 27th, 2010
11:23 am
Count me in among those who would give the C to Pevs. He’s easily the team MVP. Plays both ends of the ice, PP, PK, or ES.
Tom – That’s an intersting point on DE – is he really on Kovy for his play or is he working from the script handed him?
DWTOO
January 27th, 2010
11:27 am
WM – Think Mosse was still upset about the goal and felt there was goalie interference on the play.
Mooseberg
January 27th, 2010
11:28 am
The ‘C’ to Pevs or Marty works with me. I did not get to see the game last night but watching the replay it was really nice of Kaptain Kupcake to give the Ducks a 5 on 4 at the end of the game while he watched from the blueline, glad we were not even strength.
Andrea
January 27th, 2010
11:30 am
Speaking of “Dropping Piles” last night….
Kovalchuk was dropping piles of dog feces in the form of “Ooh, I don’t want to get hurt before my next contract is guaranteed!” all over the ice.
Kovy = The NHL Version of Randy Moss (& Defensive Equivalent)
Cherished by Blueland, # 17 has defecated on the franchise and the entire Thrashers Nation fan base.
Trade that Defensive Liability NOW just to get him out of here!
Oh, and.. ROLL, TIDE !!
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
11:35 am
I forgot I had a question. The cross checking penalty Moose took, what was he carrying on about afterwards? I kept seeing him make motions towards the goal as if something were wrong with it. Any help?
WM – I’ll echo what DWTOO said…from my vantage point it looked like he was still peeved at that no call.
TableHockey
January 27th, 2010
11:55 am
Looks like Sykora is going to be UFA in the next day or so – wonder where he will end up?
My vote for the “C”? I would be happy with Pevs or Reasoner – both bust their tails and deserve it.
If Kovy leaves and Kubina doesn’t resign – does that make Hainsey our highest paid player?
Jim Mora
January 27th, 2010
11:58 am
J.B. – Yes.. he said he broke his SpongeBob mask in Tampa so he had to go with that old one. I believe I remember him say that the one worn last night was the same one he used during the playoff run.
PLAYOFFS!!! PLAYOFFS?? DID YOU SAY PLAYOFFS??
Smoothie
January 27th, 2010
12:02 pm
Rice – while he was prolly pretty pissed at himself for the bad clearing attempt, at least he was actually trying to make a play on the puck unlike Mr. Cherry Pick.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 27th, 2010
12:18 pm
Kovy’s nopt the real problem here folks. The real problem are the owners that don’t care. I think Kovy knows the owner do not care so why should he commit himself to being here long term when the owners have no such commitment.
That’s why he’s held out all year, waiting to see if our Whisky Tango Foxtrot owners were going to step up and commit to Atlanta long term and they have not.
I don’t blame Kovy, not one bit.
LAC
January 27th, 2010
12:18 pm
Great game by the players WHO CARE, just so sick and tired of watching #17 coast like always, and he wants HOW MUCH ? Forget it !
Maybe $5 a year, but NO MORE, he is NOT a complete player.
Good defense for a change and GREAT goaltending !!!!!!!!
Boris looking really sharp, see him look around before making passes out of his zone, then makes the RIGHT one !!!!!!
zach again cost us a GOAL, he coasted by and let the guy skate right in, WHY is HE not GONE ?
Riceowls8891
January 27th, 2010
12:25 pm
Smoothie: But its the wrong play. The Thrashers didn’t need a clear. They needed to run clock. He’s 6′6″. Pin the puck, games over. He could have been the only Thrasher in the zone and ended the game.
But don’t misunderstand. I’m not defending Kovy. Kovy should not have flown the zone in that situation. And other than the pass that Max missed on the first power play, Kovy was nonexistent last night.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 27th, 2010
12:29 pm
Blaming Kovy is too easy-he’s not the problem, neither was Hossa or Marc Savard or any other player that got the heck outta here when they could.
Scott
January 27th, 2010
1:00 pm
Character is what you do when no one’s looking. Everyone’s looking at at Kovy, and he is not performing to his capabilities – maybe he is hiding an injury – the ASG and Thrashers have a vested interest in not publicizing an injury at this point. If he is healthy, shame on him, and shame on JA who rewards him with (or allows him to have) the most even strength ice time of any forward on the team, and keeps the C on his sweater. That’s not the effort I want from the team captain.
Fish or cut bait. Get rid of the poison, put the C on the Moose, or Pevs, or Reasoner. Slater would be good too – the effort is definitely there. And why that line (Kane/Slater/Armstrong)is not getting more ice time than any other is beyond me, they deserve it. JA could send a great message – you wan’t ice time, play like you want it!
Brett
January 27th, 2010
1:42 pm
I just heard some interesting comments from Jay Feaster(former Tampa GM)about Ilya on NHL Live. He basically said the Ilya has quit the team. He stated he wasn’t real impressed with #17 play of late especially since he is seeking such a large payday. I know that we have already surmised this from his effort on the ice recently. But to hear it coming from a former Stanley Cup winning GM really hammers the point home. JA should seriously consider removing the C from Ilya. I can only imagine what the atmosphere must be like in the locker room. Watching a player of Ilya’s ability half-a$$ it night after night while the rest are busting their a$$es. Shame on you Ilya!!!!!! No Heart!!!
Bob
January 27th, 2010
1:52 pm
“So it made me think. Is Darren going off the reservation? Or has the team given up on Kolvachuk and the Thrashers brain trust wants us to change our opinion of him?”
“My guess is that it is the latter, giving the team the story line that we will be a better, well rounded team with Ilya.”
Very astute, Tom. Is it time to start booing Kovy? That craptacular performance he’s bringing deserves it.
Russ
January 27th, 2010
2:07 pm
I may have too much time on my hands, but I just thought of something regarding Kozlov’s recent healthy scratches (not that he doesn’t deserve them with his play this season). Slava has a NTC in his contract and has seemed very content in Atlanta this season to just go through the motions and collect a paycheck. Could scratching a proven veteran like this be used to pi$$ him off enough to waive his NTC? Then, you still get something for him before he becomes an UFA this summer…and if you are trading Kovy anyway (all indications point to this) why not have a fire sale with all the underperforming veterans? Just a thought.
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
2:30 pm
Russ…eh, it’s a thought. I wuold think Kozlov would only waive his NTC if…and only if…Waddell had worked out a deal with a team highly favored to win the Cup. Say…a washington or Chicago type of team. But…if you are the GM for one of those teams…what do you need with Kozlov right now?
Anywhooooo…speaking of “too much time on my hands”…check this out. It’s possible for the Thrashers to end up in 6th place at the end of tomorrow night’s play.
Uh-huh….stick with me here.
Tonight…Carolina beats the Rangers in regulation while Tampa bay does same to Montreal. That would leave the Rangers and Habs at 55 points. Then tomorrow, Carolina beats the Islanders in regulation while the Thrashers beat Philly in regulation. That would leave the Flyers at 55 points, the Islanders at 54 points.
Thus…Atlanta would have 56 points while the Flyers, Panthers, Rangers and Canadiens would have 55…Boston, Tampa Bay and NY Islanders would have 54.
Hmmm….
Smoothie
January 27th, 2010
2:50 pm
Okay, I was a bit curious about some “key” stats so I gleaned them and discovered some interesting tidbits.
PP Woes:
The Thrashers are much better off when simply scoring on the PP. DUH. You could say this about any team as most games are won by an avg of 3 to 2.
Their record when scoring on the PP?
16 – 7 – 5 (.66 Pts percentage)
Their record when NOT scoring whilst a man-up?
7 – 14 – 3 (.35 PP)
And the only teams they’ve managed to beat without a PP goal are:
Ott (51 svs by Pavs)
StL (monkey puck skipper goal)
Car (3rd per comeback in Nov)
Fla (Fins 4 the win)
Fla (S0 win in Fla)
NYR (S0 win to break 9 gm losing strk)
What does this mean?
This team isn’t good enough to win without solid special teams. Actually, they need stellar special teams, like MTL, to make up for their lack of talent.
What is their record when not only scoring on the PP, but also when having the PP edge in a gm?
13 – 4 – 2 (.736)
Hello!
How many PPG’s did we have during the 9 gm losing streak?
Only 4. And in three of those, we managed to get the loser point. In the other, we lost by a goal in that infamous collapse at home vs NJ after chasing Brodeur.
So next time you watch a game and we score on the PP, before the 3rd period especially, you can expect them to win 65-75 percent of the time.
Russian
January 27th, 2010
2:50 pm
**to Rawhide**
This is exactely why our TEAM is horrible and bad. IF Someone win in Regulation, if someone lost in OT or SO. Thrashers always looking for some IF. You remember our first PO, we got in not been a BIG WINNERS. We almost stepped out and just Miracle moved us to PO. Now we are talking a same situation.
Son of Enstrom
January 27th, 2010
3:03 pm
Did anyone notice last night that Atlanta Spirit had taken down the “Kovy’s Krew” sign from the top of Section 122 but left all the other player signs at the top of the other respective sections?
Someone pointed that out to our group at the game, and we were speechless when we realized it.
Paminski
January 27th, 2010
3:07 pm
Did you ever think you would see the day when Slater was more valuable to the team than Kovy?
WBF – I admire you for admitting that a couple of your least-favored players are fairly decent this season. I have been a closet Slater fan for years. Just ask my spouse (who I like to call Lurker #28). I’ll follow your example. As an anti-Boris activist, I admit he’s never looked better.
MSE – Absolutely. It’s not fair to pin the team’s failures on Kovy. He is the scapegoat of the moment for the ASG. That said, he is still being paid to perform. If this were a contract between a builder and an investor, someone would get sued. Kovy’s bags are packed.
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
Russian – Dude…I was just doin’ the math.
Maybe I should have made the statement…”None of this matters at all unless the Thrashers can start stringing some regulation wins together, but….” before mapping all that out
rob
January 27th, 2010
3:49 pm
I like Pevs and Slater, but not sure about the C yet. Strip it from 17 and put it up for grabs and see who rises to the top for it. As far as Kane’s hits, just watching any game he is the only one throwing his body into anyone…..just doesn’t have quite enough weight yet but his heart is definitely in the right spot! Announcer on TV last night said he saw more guys in front of the net in a 3 line stretch then he had seen in the last month…..almost fell outta the couch laughing. About time some truth be told around here. SOLID EFFORT, but why oh why, with the game on the line and Thrashers on the PP right at the end, would ANYONE in their right (or wrong) mind, put 17 on the ice?!?!?! Yes it was a PP, but THEY were the ones pushing for the tying goal and I would have expected our DEFENSIVE TEAM on the ice to work hard to keep the victory. Lucked out, thankfully, and it didn’t bite us in the rear but what a blunder on JA part! Earlier I watched the MOOSE stone 4 of the 5 Ducks on the ice in 1 possession before the Thrashers could clear over and over, the man just doesn’t give up! Here’s to hoping they can find a way to dig down and continue some hard play.
Lee
January 27th, 2010
3:49 pm
Rawhide-I like the optimism, though there’s not much left in me. Do you happen to know if slava will play tommorow?
Lee
January 27th, 2010
3:51 pm
I think Pevs and Slats would be great captains, waaaay better than kovy, but that’s not sayin’ much.
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
3:58 pm
Do you happen to know if slava will play tommorow?
Lee – No I don’t. I guess we’ll learn from C-Viv tomorrow sometime. Now…that being said…I don’t know if you caught the post-game presser with JA last night, but he was asked when Kozlov would play again. he said he didn’t know, but it was really tough for him to sit Kozzy down. Anderson said he respects him so much as a player and a man…it was tough. But he had to do it for the good of the team.
I paraphrased somewhat there…but that was basicaly it.
Being there to see it person was a lot different then just seeing it on the TV. I really got the sense that he didn’t want to have to sit him, but he had no choice, really.
World Be Free
January 27th, 2010
4:09 pm
Paminski-gotta call it like it is if I am going to keep your respect.
Jimmy and Boris have worked hard and taken alotta grief here. I give them credit for trying to improve themselves. Good for them.
hip czech
January 27th, 2010
4:14 pm
I posted this on the blueland blog also:
“Former Daily News beat writer Rich Hammond, who was hired this year to write FOR the Kings and travels with them confirms what Eklund and I have been saying for the past week. The Kings have made an offer for Kovalchuk. Atlanta has countered. No names are mentioned in Hammonds blog but my sources tell me that Jarret Stoll is part of the deal, Alexander Frolov is not.
There’s speculation that Jack Johnson is one of the players Waddell is asking for but Lombardi has refused to part with him. Waddell apparently also wants Wayne Simmonds, which I doubt Lombardi parts with UNLESS Kovalchuk is signed long term (which Hammond claims Atlanta is not willing to allow)”
The thing that really baffles me is Waddell’s stance of not allowing teams to negotiate with Kovalchuk. If you trade him strictly as a rental we’re looking at about the same return we got for Hossa.
If a team could sign him first then we’re talking more in return as far as current players that will help now. About the only team where a rental makes sense is Chicago.
Smoothie
January 27th, 2010
4:26 pm
Hip czech – if the Kings are definitely and truely interested in trading for Kovy, he MUST come off the position of not allowing the trading team exclusive rights to Kovy. I don’t see how else a team would be willing to assume the risk of Kovy possibly getting hurt during the Olympics and losing time for the stretch run in March. I’d be happy with Stoll, Simmonds and their #1 if all they want is Kovy and his rights. Otherwise, might be good to throw in Colby as a sweetener and get a prospect as well.
R. Stroz
January 27th, 2010
4:36 pm
Stoll seemed like a good option until I saw an article that he dumped Rachel Hunter. Bygones.
R. Stroz
January 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
If the Kings would make this trade:
Kovy and Armstrong for Stoll, Simmonds, and Brayden Schenn.
I’d take it.
hip czech
January 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
The Kings are definitely the frontrunners if they can negotiate. Not wild about Stoll, Dustin Brown would be better.
Teams up against the cap would be the rental players, Chicago, Philly, maybe Boston. I can’t believe the rumors are still there about Carter, the Flyers would be crazy to trade Carter for Kovalchuk. The scoring is a wash.
Wonder how much are shots against and goals against will go down once Kovalchuk is moved? Let’s see how much a difference playing 5 on 5 in our defensive end makes as opposed to playing man down for the 21 minutes Kovalchuk is on the ice.
Adam
January 27th, 2010
4:48 pm
MSE/Pam- You say It’s not fair to “point fingers at Kovy” BS!! and Hossa as well. When you have a cancer in the locker room it affects the rest of the team. Especially when the cancer is the Kaptain. Look these guys are paid big bucks to play this game. What about heart, what about honor, what about self respect????
How well do you think the team would have finished in 07-08 if Hossa actually played instead of playing not to get hurt. Even if he would have still been traded at the deadline if the team would have gotten 90-100% from him to that point I bet they would have made the playoffs that year. Now with Kovy it’s even worse because the C is mailing it in. Who knows what the future holds all you have is today, so do your best today and worry about tomorrow when it gets here. Every time he sets foot on the ice he shows the kind of person he really is…
WBF- The other day you said they can’t take the C from Kovy until he’s traded. How about this? Take the C from him and put it on Pev’s jersey then put Kovy in the press box or better yet just tell him to stay home.
Anyone have a seat behind the Thrashers bench they’re willing to part with. I break my oath of not going to another game till DW is gone just so I can throw my Kovalchuk jersey over the glass to him.
You guys that still go to games need to make a big banner that says “Kaptain Koastalchuk” and start a chant. You can squeeze it in between chanting “FIRE THE DUCK”
Adam
January 27th, 2010
4:49 pm
**Disclaimer**
The above post was in no way shape or form, either real or implied, meant to take any attention away from THE SORRY A$$ GM & OWNERS of this team!
goose
January 27th, 2010
5:13 pm
Did anybody else notice we were playing the Hurricanes for the first three minutes of the game last night. Give the “C” to the Pevs dispenser and give an “A” to Max. He may not all ways play like we want him to, but he sure works harder and back checks more than any other Russian on the team and always has a smile.
Red Light
January 27th, 2010
5:57 pm
According to Ken Campbell of the Hockey News, each passing day that Kovy remains on the roster costs the Thrashers a little more $33,000 per day. If that is the case, by the time the Olympic break rolls around, the Thrashers will have “wasted” $627,000 on him and if no deal is made until March 3, another $528,000 will go down the drain. I don’t know about you, but $1.155 million seems like a tidy sum to be wasting for an organization that’s bleeding money.
With nine games left before the deadline, that means Ilya will pocket $128,333 per game. If he scores two goals per game in nine straight, he’ll pocket $64,166.50 per goal. If the Thrashers go 7-1-1 over the next nine, then the team will have paid Kovy $77,000 for every point the team earned. I guess that’s a good deal?
Dwayne
January 27th, 2010
5:59 pm
“Kaptain Koastalchuk” now thats funny
Rightshot
January 27th, 2010
6:11 pm
Ya’ll might find this interesting (assuming I set it up correctly)
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=307639
At least you can copy and paste.
It’s an overview of the trade situation for the East from TSN
Rightshot
January 27th, 2010
6:15 pm
Found the west trade set up too
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=307638
Notice what is says about LA
Rightshot
January 27th, 2010
6:19 pm
By the way, based on what I have read over the last few weeks, and I’m sorry, I don’t remember any specific sources, the hang up with the Kovy talks was length of time. He wanted like 9 or 10 years and D-wad ask saying about 7.
Don’t know if money was part of the issue.
GaVaHokie
January 27th, 2010
6:31 pm
According to Craig Custance, Exelby has requested Burke seek a trade for him. He’s upset with his ice time.
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Grinder/entry/view/53533
World Be Free
January 27th, 2010
6:52 pm
Adam-the divorce of the Thrashers and Kovy is going to be nasty without the club going out of its way to make it nastier. I think we all see the deal coming, let’s just make it and be done with it.
Then let’s find a way to build this franchise long term with the talent we get from trade. L.A. has the talent to transform the Thrashers overnight to a very good hockey team, with Pevs as captain.
LAC
January 27th, 2010
6:58 pm
I’d take Brown/Johnson/Simmons and Schenn for #17 & #20, that would be the best I could see. Doubt many other teams could come close to offering what we need and with IDIOT waddell who knows what is going through that empty brain of his !
Need to move todd white if at ALL possible, so then look at all the cap space we will have.
BUT… If #17 leaves what top UFA’s would EVER come here ?
On NHL POWER PLAY this afternoon, Bill Clement, Former Atlanta Flame, said #17 is gone
from Atlanta and thinks the franchise will NOT be far behind. Dennis Potvin echoed the SAME thoughts and says if they cannot keep star players, it is doubtful they can remain in Atlanta. The guy who is the host, forgot his name said he thinks next year will be the LAST for NHL hockey in Atlanta… Sadly I agree, it’s over, thanks to the spit, oh I mean spirit group, is rutherford snydel drunk tonight with geron and “beau turner ” ? We ALL know levenson is wasted, Thanks guys for killing a great sport in this city and thanks for keeping Worthless, Lying, Stupid, Idiot GM waddell in charge, he $UCKS ! just like YOU ALL DO !
Rightshot
January 27th, 2010
7:04 pm
one more tidbit I found on TSN
Boston is out of the Kovy chase but LA, Chicago and Vancouver are in.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/bos100125.html
rob
January 27th, 2010
7:36 pm
I don’t see how Kovy leaving will really hurt us that bad. OWNERSHIP continuing not to give a dam on the other hand….. that might keep some from coming here. One thought I do have about this is….what will the effect on Nik and Max be? Max is only one year but Nik came here for Kovy and signed a multi year deal right? Sure was the way they made it seem and I hope that if Kovy leaves it won’t effect Nik cause I actually think he is a good addition to the team and one that another solid UFA would want to be on a line with after watching him play here for a while. I think Armstrong may have found a new life with Slater/Kane, and wouldn’t mind seeing if that works before talking trading him, though before that I would have been for it as he appeared to have slipped. White on the other hand, I can see getting rid of easily without much lose as he seems to have been erased from any chemistry with anyone now. Give the C to Pevs for the remainder, but I still say it is up for grabs next year???
Adam
January 27th, 2010
8:20 pm
WBF- What I’m getting at, without being so sarcastic & negative, is I think the TEAM is better off with hm anywhere else but on the ice right now. The way he’s playing and his lack of leadership seems to be detrimental to the club as a whole.
How about this? If nothing changes over the next 5 games send him to Vancouver a week early. Shuffle the roster around a bit, call up someone if you have, then see what happens. They have 2 days to practice before flying out for the Av’s game. Then finish the last 3 games before the break without him around. Then see where his heads at after the Olympics.
-82 lifetime, wow sorry I looked it up…
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 27th, 2010
8:22 pm
LAC, as for the Thrashers leaving Atlanta, there’s one thing in our favor-this league does not like to move franchises. Thrashers’ fans have already shown they can support a team. Nashville, Tampa Bay, Florida, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Ottawa and Phoienix have all had ownership issues the last 10 years. In each case, the league helped right the ships in each city. TB and Pittsburgh went o to win Stanley Cups.
These guys know the problem in Atlanta is ownership, not the fans. If we can get an owner that will commit to SOMETHING, then we have a chance to keep the team here for a long time. All the cities mentioned as possible replacments for Atlanta are MUCH SMALLER. That’s not a good thing if you are trying to secure a TV contract.
We need to stop thinking of ASG as the end all to hockey ownership in Atlanta.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 27th, 2010
8:23 pm
LAC, as for the Thrashers leaving Atlanta, there’s one thing in our favor-this league does not like to move franchises. Thrashers’ fans have already shown they can support a team. Nashville, Tampa Bay, Florida, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Ottawa and Phoenix have all had ownership issues the last 10 years. In each case, the league helped right the ships in each city. TB and Pittsburgh went o to win Stanley Cups.
These guys know the problem in Atlanta is ownership, not the fans. If we can get an owner that will commit to SOMETHING, then we have a chance to keep the team here for a long time. All the cities mentioned as possible replacments for Atlanta are MUCH SMALLER. That’s not a good thing if you are trying to secure a TV contract.
We need to stop thinking of ASG as the end all to hockey ownership in Atlanta.
Rawhide
January 27th, 2010
9:12 pm
Re: My 2:30 pm post above….
Thus far, “Operation Take 6th Place” is proceeding as planned. Carolina leads the Rangers 4-1 and Tampa Bay leads Montreal 3-0. Both games are deep into their respective third periods.
tapping fingers tips ala Mr. Burns
Exxxxxxxxx-cellent
Mooseberg
January 27th, 2010
11:32 pm
Rightshot, I am working in boston for a couple of months(during the week…have to go home and warm up each weekend) and the talk radio here sure do think they are the lead for Captain Cupcake, they think he can save the world.
ben
January 27th, 2010
11:37 pm
I’m going to be an adult here. Kovy made this team exciting, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He used to go end-to-end w/ the best of them. He made players arounsd him better. He’s the best pro athelete in a city that had Chipper, Mike Vick, and Hossa. Could there be a fan interest problem? Yes, but it could be fixed. Was this team hurt by the draft choices of Don Waddell? If at this point you don’t think so, I’m sorry, but you’re lying to yourself. The Economy didn’t help. The transient nature of the city doesn’t help. The lack of coverage doesn’t help. The weak radio signal is ungood. The constant chirping from Toronto doesn’t help.
But the somber truth is, they all knew Kovy was leaving. Kovy should have been traded 2-3 years ago. I suspect his face-melting years are almost over. He’ll be a great get for any team, but the NHL game dictates defense some of the time. Le Thrash will stay. We are the 9th largest city in North America. Teams all across the continent, all teams, are having problems at the gate. Even NASCAR, the Yankees, Mets, and several NFL teams are having problems at the gate.
We should all be glad that our physical well being is independent of our Thrashers. I will attend Thrashers games as long as I’m able. I love hockey with the unquestioning devotion of a child. I was not given this game, I found it. I’m a native Georgian gfoing back vbefore the Revolutionary War. My devotion to this team does not mean I’m a sheep, stupid, or shallow. I’m a Grad Student with a genius IQ at one of the hardest public Universities in America. All my devotion to this team means is that when I’m not puzzli8ng out any of the difficult problems assigned to me, I choose to what the Atlanta side.
Thank you Kovy. Thank you for making a hard game seem so easy. Thank you for not putting down my hometown when given the chance. thank you for playing a child’s game like a man who cared, and who played for the joy of playing. Thank you for comporting yourself as a responsible adult. Thank you for pointingf to your father in the stands in the early years. That made us see that you were human despite of your physical gifts. I would also like thank you for standing beside the Snyder family. Thank you for the goals, and assists, even the phantom ones.
Ilya, you are the reason I also root for the Russians. You are my favorite player, no matter where you go. Truly, I wish you the best in whatever’s next. For one, I hope you cream my favorite team every chance you get. I hope vyou win the Stanley Cup. Truly, I wish you the best.
-BCK
LAC
January 27th, 2010
11:50 pm
Miami, I agree, however IS there someone here in town who WOULD buy the team and keep it here, outside Arthur Blank, AKA Deep Pockets… Look at the Braves, owned by a company in DENVER ???
Then this SPIT group with the two Philips teams, leaving Falcons owner by ONE OWNER.
Funny how Washington has turned into a POWERHOUSE… remember a few years back
when we drilled them 5-1 and the fans chanted FIRE HANLON ? They did and
then their OWNER signed OV and they have surged to what will be their third straight SE Championship, Then look at our MESS.
A pathetic GM, who belongs in a home someplace away from other humans, a man who CANNOT be trusted at all, and these “owners who are a collection of rich little Wimps who likely never could make the team in HS and have only book smarts and not one lick of COMMON SENSE and NO idea of how to operate a professional franchise.
But what gets me is why do we NEVER hear them babbling ? They are ALWAYS Hiding
and do not respect the FANS one bit !
Simply put, go back and look at Washington, empty seats, poor team, make changes, invest in the CORRECT players, NOT todd white types and commit to the FANS and tonight was their 25th SELLOUT this season, you know spirit clowns WINNING is the BEST
promotion you can ever have, but when the group who owns this team does not care, why should the fans. Mark my words… IF we are lucky enough to get a NEW OWNER, not plural,
who will make a commitment like DC did, Watch the team turn around and the FANS return,
keep it the same and fewer and fewer fans, but you have to start someplace with change and nothing would improve the Thrashers more RIGHT NOW than FIRING the idiot, liar we have as GM, then we would start moving in the right direction !
Dwayne
January 28th, 2010
6:30 am
I say we blame Gary Bettman and the rest of the owners for letting the Alt. Spirit Group buy the team.
Riceowls8891
January 28th, 2010
7:37 am
Bill; Two down, two to go. Just don’t tell the team. The last time they had a chance to move back into a playoff seed they gacked it up. Carolina, I think.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 28th, 2010
8:06 am
Right on LAC, couldn’t agree more with your accessment. I sat next to a Washinton Caps fan at the nightmare a few saturday’s ago. She echoed what you stated about the state of their franchise just a few years ago.
Not sure if there is anyone in this town that would buy the team. But you have to look at this market being more favorable than the current alternative markets. People around the league know how many hockey fans already exist here, fans like us that would support a franchise that is properly managed.
This is a hockey town, a much better town than any of those current in our division. Give us a product that we can believe in.
Rawhide
January 28th, 2010
8:59 am
Bill; Two down, two to go. Just don’t tell the team. The last time they had a chance to move back into a playoff seed they gacked it up. Carolina, I think.
Riceowls8891 – I don’t rememer if a win last week against the Canes would have landed us back above the playoff line or not…you may be right…but what I do remember is Dec. 30 in Boston a win would have put allowed the Thrashers to jump over the Bruins into 5th place.
Instead…they got smacked 4-0, taking only 18 shots.
But here we are, a month later, and there is a chance to climb back over three teams with a win tonight. Again, coupled with an Islanders loss, and it’s 6th place all to ourselves. Amazing, is it not?
After the crap-tacular holiday season losing streak…Kovy’s contract negotiations stringing out to this point…playing the entire season with what are really “backup” goalies…Todd White, Slava Kozlov and Bryan Little having
offdissapointingbadterribledisastrous performances this season…here we are, still in a position to grab a playoff position with February staring us dead in the face.World Be Free
January 28th, 2010
9:04 am
Bill, this team needs an injection of new blood, maybe someone from the minors to stir the pot. The idea of no call ups during a season, when you have had so many ups and downs makes no sense at all.
New blood in the group makes everyone less bitchy; it worked for the Beatles when the brought in Billy Preston!
Darkhorse
January 28th, 2010
9:41 am
Ahhhhh.good ‘ol Billy Preston. Saw him play with Clapton’s band a few times. Talk about a performer that put his heart and soul into his work, unlike some of our Thrashers. He battled turmoil his entire adult life with health and substance abouse problem, but he had a strong family of musical friends to help him be the best at what he did. RIP…
The Thrashers need new blood yes, but a lot of the guys need to take a look in the mirror, needing a blood infusion of heart to rid them of their self-pity/me first play. The whole organization is slowing killing the fanbase, even some of us hardcore ones. We’re only one point out of a playoff spot, but with the Kovy saga, among other stuff, it feels like the season is a wash in many ways. As one of my favorite George Harrison songs goes…..
Isn’t it a pity
Now, isn’t it a shame
How we break each other’s hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other’s love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn’t it a pity
Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we’re all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can’t hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn’t it a pity
Isn’t it a pity
Isn’t is a shame
How we break each other’s hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other’s love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn’t it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Isn’t it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Now, isn’t it a pity
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
9:42 am
100th
Smoothie
January 28th, 2010
9:47 am
WBF is right. Joey Crabb is another Slater-esque type player who will battle relentlessly in the corners and along the wall as well as crash the net with abandon. He has scored 10 times in the last 16 gms. I reckon he has made a pretty good case for a call-up. Send Pops down and bring in more new blood at least until Kari is ready to return.
rob
January 28th, 2010
9:52 am
I think they are afraid of calling up from Chicago. Doing so means there is a problem at the top, and heaven forbid we admit THAT! Chicago is there for the Thrashers for a reason. It keeps everyone on notice that if your dedication slips, there are a hungry group of guys who WANT to play at the NHL level. Think they wouldn’t make the most out of even a 2 or 3 game stint here? Probably run into everything that moved that wasn’t in a Thrashers uniform, maybe get a little excitement going with it, and we the fans sure would appreciate it. Let’s see what else we have down on the farm, bring a few up and let the guys know it is time to buckle down and play hard…..or else.
mr. mike
January 28th, 2010
10:00 am
Ben; excellent, mature, Brendan-esque post!
I frequently read/review tsn.ca as well as Bruins & Flyers fan blogs(no one does it as well as Rawhide, however). The ENTIRE rest of the league would be batsh!t to get Kovalchuk on their team. He’s never been a defensive player; but he is a “once in a decade” acquisition for any team in any sport & to think he’s only a few games away from departing is quite sad.
Unfortunately; I don’t buy the “9th alrgest city/Philips lease” stuff anymore. Los Angeles is a larger cith than ATL; and the Rams left; Cleveland was larger at the time than ATL when the Browns bolted.
I think it is close to 100% that the Thrashers are gone in no more than 2-3 seasons, assuming no re-signing of Kovalchuk. I find that almost heartbreaking….
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
10:15 am
It’s a damn shame Colin Stuart was traded, and then, subsequently not claimed on waivers when the Calgary Flames sent him down to the their AHL affliate.
One game last season, I watched Colin Stuart and Joey Crabb go into the corner to get a puck. Watching Crabb and Stuart pummel the guy with the puck reminded me of the Hanson Brothers. I just laughed and thought, that is what this team has needed for years.
World Be Free
January 28th, 2010
10:18 am
Darkhorse-excellent George quote. Billy’s electric piano solo on “Get Back” is one of the classics of all time. Almost Rick Wakeman. I was thinking more of “Revolution” when reflecting on current thougths about the Thrashers.
Smoothie-Just look at Ottawa as an example of success through hard work. As a Sabres’ fan, I have always hated Ottawa. But you have to give them credit this their current position in the standings, with all their injuries.
Somaatl95
January 28th, 2010
10:29 am
The Future (If DW goes and we Get Decent Ownership): “Welcome Thrasher Fans to the “Coke” as the Thrashers have another sellout game at the Coca-Cola Arena here in the lovely city of Atlanta. After a decade of constant turmoil and losing superstar Ilya Kovalchuk a few seasons ago the Thrashers Organization faced a large scale revolt from Fans and Season Ticket Holders alike, finally forcing the club to fire Don Waddell and promote Rick Dudley to General Manager, who made more ‘common sense’ moves in his brief stint as GM than any moves done in the history of the club. New ownership has revitalized this club on a level not seen in Atlanta since Arthur Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons and changed the history of that franchise, changing the futures of the Thrashers and Hawks alike. We now go down to the ice as Natalee Taylor talks to newly crowned Co-captains Rich Peverly and Evander Kane on what it is like leading this young team, now that Atlanta truly lives ‘The Hockey Way’! After that the puck will drop as the Thrashers hope to dominate Sydney Crosby and the Penguins, who have not have a victory against the Thrashers in their last 6 meetings. Stay tuned!”
It can happen, maybe by a LONGSHOT, but it could be a possibility. Anyone who remembered the Braves in the 80’s would have called you crazy if you would have told them they were about to win their division 14 times in a row, and nobody ever expected the Falcons to break their “Back to Back Winning Seasons” curse.
Isn’t it nice to dream a little dream?
I’m just sayin….
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
10:33 am
World: Getting Alfie, Michalek and Spezza back during the past six games certainly didn’t hurt the Sens. Elliott has played unbelievably well in Leclaire’s absence and they now have a seven-point cushion over the sixth place teams. Just goes to show how some teams are able to respond to a bad performance like they had in Atlanta. They haven’t lost since!
Smoothie
January 28th, 2010
10:34 am
Indeed Ottawa is a fine example of how you keep ur players on their toes. Accountability! What a novel concept. Look at what they are doing without a certain selfish 50 goal scorer. And they even acquired the extreme example of Byran Little: Cheechoo who is barely a 10 goal scorer now.
That’s why I want to get my hands on a Patrick Sharp (ideal best case but unlikely) or a Blake Wheeler. We need a superb 2-way player to lead this team and help transorm the paradigm. I appreciate Ben’s passion for Kovy, but you have to move on when the player’s agent starts holding ur franchise hostage. I hate to see Kovy go cuz I know what he’s capable of, but he’s no different than Hossa in that he’s not going to give 110 percent despite what he says in the media. He even has a better team than in 2008 when Hossa decided to dog it post-All Star break.
World Be Free
January 28th, 2010
10:36 am
Red Light-translate to some of the player supposedly being offered by L.A. in exchange for Kovy. They are offering up some hungry young players, if the names rumored in the offer are correct.
Hockey Biltong
January 28th, 2010
10:49 am
Ben- nice sentiments.
If I was going to buy the Thrashers, I’d wait until Kovy was traded, and the value of the team was as low as possible. I would pray that we received a good return for Kovy, and upon buying the team, totally remarket and repackage it.
New radio deal with a better signal, send video to all tv outlets to encourage airing of product during sports segments.
Entice season tix holders with fabulous deals and open up the upper level to bare bones minimum pricing.
Install knowledgeable and motivated mangmnt. and coaches. keep the good and dump the useless.
This team with the right chemistry could go far.
It needs to change now.
No more lameness, no more uncaring from a fractured ownership.
Rawhide
January 28th, 2010
10:51 am
I frequently read/review tsn.ca as well as Bruins & Flyers fan blogs(no one does it as well as Rawhide, however).
Mr. Mike – blushing Awwwwww…shux
World Be Free
January 28th, 2010
10:53 am
Biltong-you get my vote!
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
11:08 am
World: Look at this blog about Jack Johnson.
http://kingscast.net/frozen-royalty-dean-lombardi-jack-johnson-is-learning-his-craft%E2%80%A6belatedly/
World Be Free
January 28th, 2010
11:52 am
Very interesting Red Light. I know Carolina gave up on him, lost patience with his desire to stay IN school instead of signing and making the transition to pro hockey.
Betcha the folks in Michigan like getting slammed about their program!
Riceowls8891
January 28th, 2010
12:41 pm
One wonders where this team would be if Kari had been healthy, and White, Little and Slava were even 90% of last year. Sigh, I think my head just exploded.
GaVaHokie
January 28th, 2010
12:57 pm
These guys know the problem in Atlanta is ownership, not the fans.
Miami… I wouldn’t be too sure of that… attendance is horrible. And, how many times can the league afford to bail out every team that falls into trouble? Something’s gotta give at some point. We JUST might be the city that gets the short end of the stick.
… just being devils advocate… I want to believe the same way you do, but the whole landscape is a mess. From ownership, management and fans (not excluded).
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
1:09 pm
Not to mention sponsors. For the two-minute drill, the winner used to get a Hummer. Now he/she gets a $150 gift card to restaurants. Snicker…..
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
1:24 pm
The Hummer isn’t LEED certified. The ASG must keep its priorities in order.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 28th, 2010
1:24 pm
GaVa-Washington is no better hockey town that Atlanta. The product was bad, the ownership horrible and nobody showed up. Give us an ownership group that cares and commits and the seats will be full again.
Heck, look at Chicago and Boston! Both cities suffer from poor attendance for years, until ownership changes in philiosophy.
People in this city are stupid-
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
Stroz, you always make me burst out laughing. Keep ‘em coming! I think I’m going to petition MENSA to admit Bruce Levenson. Think they’ll go for it?
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
1:37 pm
Stroz: But, isn’t the B.S. they have been feeding us for the past five years LEED certified?
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
2:19 pm
Red Light – That would be Levenson Golden Grain certified.
alex
January 28th, 2010
2:20 pm
just get it from russiam web site. idiot gm in interview with sov. sport started ” i am not going to answear kovy contract question”. don if even 5% decency left in, please resign. like knight from hawks. instead sometimes finally you going to be fired. i hope i still be alive, team still be here and this day should be georgia state holiday.
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
2:31 pm
Brendan – Yes, this MENSA group would go for it:
Monkeys
Engaging
Neanderthal
Spirit
A$$clowns
MENSA
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
2:43 pm
Well played, Strozie.
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
Miami, GaVaHokie:
Here’s a bit of attendance history from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Washington. As we all know, NHL attendance is really tickets distributed, not actual gate attendance. Not sure it’s all tied to ownership or philosophy!
Atlanta has averaged 15,185 fans per game through the first nine seasons and the average will likely drop under 15,000 after this season. This will be the fourth season in 10 years with an average less than 15,000 per game. Their best season, as has been widely reported in this blog, was the inaugural year with an average of 17,206.
Boston has averaged fewer than 15,000 fans per game in only one season since 1995-96, and that was in 2006-07. Their worst stretch was from 1989-90 through 1993-94 at the old Boston Garden, but they always averaged 14,000-plus.
Chicago had three brutal seasons at the gate: 2003-04, 2005-06 and 2006-07. From 1989-90 through 2000-01, the Blackhawks averaged 18,007 per game, and posted the franchise’s highest average ever last year: 22,247 per game.
Washington has averaged 15,612 in attendance during the past 19 seasons with just six seasons under 15,000 per game (2005-06 and 2006-07 were the most recent instances). Their highest average was last season with 18,097 per game.
During the past nine seasons before this year, the other four Southeast Division teams’ average attendance has been: Carolina 14,976, Florida 15,617, Tampa Bay 17,090 and Washington 15,380.
Here’s the shocker: Colorado average attendance for 23 home dates is 13,766. They have declined every year after the lockout.
Rawhide
January 28th, 2010
3:44 pm
Per C-Viv…Hedberg starts again and Kozlov sits again.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 28th, 2010
4:31 pm
Nice work Red Light
GaVaHokie
January 28th, 2010
4:48 pm
Red Light… You joke about the Hummer Two Minute Drill… but, I’ll also throw out the “Powertel Power Play”.
…The KB Homes giveaway… the golf game to win a year lease on a BMW… you’re right… Corporate Sponsors are “down”.
I have a feeling the person who coordinated all those promotions isn’t with ASG anymore… or maybe even let go when ASG took over (can’t remember the timeline) and replaced with one of “their guys”.
They should probably go find that person and bring them back… double their salary.
Somaatl95
January 28th, 2010
5:09 pm
Could be worse, could be the Summers Eve Power Play, where the power play ALWAYS “AIMS TO BE FRESH”
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
5:21 pm
Actually, more apropos would be…The Puck Agency Power Play
Grossman’s company!
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
5:23 pm
How about the “Absolut Vodka Power Play”, you need a shot to watch it, Kovy already has.
Red Light
January 28th, 2010
6:00 pm
Could be a tough night for the Flyers. They’ve been sitting around at home for three days in the midst of a 13-day homestand, during which they will play only six games. That means they’ve been driving the kids to school, fulfilling the long list of honey-do’s including providing some manly duties. And you all know what that means: no legs!
The last time the Thrashers won two in a row was Dec. 12 and Dec. 14. A one-goal home win against Montreal, followed by a shoot-out win at New York. Lightning strikes twice in 45 days?
You heard it here first! Thrashers win tonight by a goal.
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 28th, 2010
7:38 pm
I like the “Hot Pockets” power play. Not that Hot Pockets have a catchy slogun, but they make me wat to throw up, just like our power play.
HookyBob
January 28th, 2010
8:14 pm
Red Light: After Slater’s goal I’m on board with your prediction (smacking knuckles on forehead (ie wood)).
Hope Moose holds up. Stendec is sooooooo right about Moose. He gives everything, and if not burnt by a bad bounce or bad luck, delivers a chance for two points. Inexpensive and well liked by teammates,…he’s got my admiration. I sure hope we can keep him after his playing days are over. Bet he makes a mean lefsa too.
Rawhide,…your plan for 6th place may also be coming to fruition (again sacking knuckles on forehead). Go Blue,…beat the goons. Wonder if Bolts and Carcillo will have a go?
Biltong,…managed to find the Allegash Curiex (sp). Enjoyed it but had a headache the next day. Will stick with Allegash Duble or Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout.
Finally, whatever happened to those pre-game prayers? Maybe that is part of our problem this year.
Two questions: 1)What do you think of this trade,…Kovy and Hainsey for Dion Phaneuff…? 2)Is it very feasible?
Oh,…oh Philly just tied it.
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
8:48 pm
How about the “Blue Crew Power Play” because the bounces aren’t going our way.
rob
January 28th, 2010
8:57 pm
dam 3-1!!! Even my 3 year old son already boos when he sees the Flyers jersey!!!!
rob
January 28th, 2010
8:58 pm
Do you think anyone would be interested in Hainsey? Big guy that can’t hit the end boards if they stand still!!! KOVY SCORES!!! 3-2 Between that and his one moment of back checking earlier….did Nik hit him with his stick in the locker room the other night? LOL
Rawhide
January 28th, 2010
9:08 pm
He’s here…he’s there…he’s PEV-RYWHERE!!!!!!!
HookyBob
January 28th, 2010
9:38 pm
Moooooooooose…….
World Be Free
January 28th, 2010
9:48 pm
Jimmy Slater, I am sorry I ever doubted you.
He’s to the Thrashers what Matt Diaz is to the Braves.
I hate the Flyers so this was even more fun. Nice game in the middle of all this Kovy BS.
Replayed tomorrow afternoon-TiVo time!
HookyBob
January 28th, 2010
9:49 pm
Rawhide, correct me if I’m wrong,…. but methinks the Boys in blue are in 6th place in the east.
I sure hope the ASG pay attention to the brain-trust makes up the Ice Man’s blog.
stendec
January 28th, 2010
9:52 pm
Thrashers steal two critical points in Philadelphia! How? A 3-1 deficit after two periods was completely erased by a trio of highly unlikely third period markers! True Captain Johan Hedberg was not his usual stellar self with three goals allowed during the first 40 minutes. The red hot netminder literally got physical down the stretch to make sure the Flyers got no more! Rare that a Thrasher goaltender allows three markers without overtime/shootout. Power play still powerless. Penalty killing unit turned things up a notch! Uncaring slacker Ilya Kovalchuk finally put one in the net. Even a blind squirrel stumbles across an acorn every once in a while! Take those millions of bucks ticketed for the Siberian shet and give them to Mr Moose Hedberg. The staunch netminder is the heart and soul (and true captain) of this club! ++STENDEC++ Kari who?
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
9:53 pm
I think we should all chip in and buy WBF a Slater jersey.
HookyBob
January 28th, 2010
9:53 pm
Let me add,…I hope Ilya and Grossman pay attention to the Ice Man’s brain-trust.
dandylions
January 28th, 2010
9:55 pm
tomorrows headline – ride the Headless horseman – GO MOOSE!!!
Here's the dilly-yo
January 28th, 2010
10:07 pm
Complete aside, but does anyone else find Dan Kamal like, almost completely unlistenable? His post-goal stingers are so forced, and, well, lame.
“Wake up and smell the hummus?” Really? Hummus?
Radio = off after that. Sorry.
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
10:12 pm
Well, it’s a huge win. A four-point swing with a team side-by-side with us. But guess what, folks? Every win, from now on, will be HUGE. And every game, from NOW ON, will be “the biggest game of the season.” Tonight, Atlanta defied the odds. Down 3-1, after two, they rallied for three (3) goals in the 3rd period to win the game, in regulation time. That’s, well, astonishing.
Moose battled all the way. “Second half” Slater potted two goals. And the Kaptain ended his 3-game pointless skid. For a while, though, it looked like Philly THUG Daniel Carcillo had scored the GWG, when he made it, 3-1.
Okay, we’re in 6th spot. Let’s project a bit. Six games from now … we’ll be tied for 9th or 10th in the conference, where a win gets us back into playoff position or pushes us back to tied for 12th or 13th. That’s just going to be the reality for a while.
Atlanta can TALK about the playoffs … because the teams all around them … are just as tepid. But I’ll defer to the Jeff Schultz quote, “There are eight teams within 3-points of each other, for three playoff positions. Feeling ‘lucky?’”
The opportunity for this team to be sitting comfortably in 4th or 5th position PASSED when they went 1-7-4 over 12-game stretch. These are the consequences for that failure. This team was was once 14-7-3. That’s seven (7) games over .500. They blew it. And now, they’re forced to scratch and CLAWWWW for every points.
Folks, great and exciting as this win was … WE STOLE THIS GAME. We “stole” games earlier this year, too. As Darren Eliot said, “The Thrashers have been strong in the 3rd period all year.” But as Bob says, “Sooner or later, that catches up with you. And you get exposed.” Think of it this way, if you’re in a boxing match, do you want to (1) win most of the rounds or (2) be forced to go for the knockout in the 15th round? This team opts for the knockout punch, swinging for the fences, when trailing by two runs, with nobody out, and men on 1st and 2nd, and the “Hail Mary!” pass, as time expires. Great when these things work. Really great. But when they fail, you realize that winning each round is a better approach. Bunting, to push the men into to scoring position at 2nd and 3rd, with one out, is a smart move. And taking the “high percentage stuff” underneath is a very effective way to move the ball down field with 2:00 left to play. Atlanta doesn’t excuse the fundamentals very well. We’re not good at backchecking. We’re not terribly proficient on the PP. And we don’t win puck battles nearly enough. We lack grit.
It’s great to steal a win, but it’s a lot better to play well and with consistency.
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
10:17 pm
Ranallo warning??
R. Stroz
January 28th, 2010
10:20 pm
Here are my nominations for the next blog article title:
1) Headless Hedberg Hexes the Flyers
2) Thrashers Ride the Headless Mooseman
3) Headless Mooseman Clips Flyers Wings
4) Headless Hedberg Helps Slater Kane the Flyers
and the winner is…..you choose
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
10:20 pm
Geez, have the Carolina Hurricanes LOST since Staal was named Captain? I think they’re 5-0-0, and Staal has eight (8) goals in that span. Talk about a renaissance. Of course, getting Cam Ward back also helped tremendously for Carolina. Trouble is, they might just play their way out of the 1st overall pick in the draft.
Mark
January 28th, 2010
10:32 pm
Great win by the Thrashers tonight. Great comeback, good physical play and back into playoff position. Rawhide, can you work with your Editorial staff to give some love to the Thrashers? After such a great win, and an important win, it would be nice to see the some love on the homepage of ajc.com (vs stories on the Peachtree Road Race signups in 2 months). We deal enough with the negative stories. This was a REALLY big win. Would love to see the hometown paper treat it as such. Thanks!
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
10:34 pm
Choice #4, Stroz.
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
10:37 pm
That should read, “execute the fundamentals.”
Rawhide
January 28th, 2010
10:38 pm
dandylions – That’s actually a really good suggestion…but I went with “Operation ‘Take Sixth Place’ – Mission Accomplished!“
dandylions
January 28th, 2010
10:54 pm
Loved Bush – love “Mission Accomplished”