Operation ‘Take Sixth Place’ – Mission Accomplished! (well, at least for now)
I take you back to Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 pm. In that post, your humble blog host opined that there was a mathematical formula in which the Atlanta Thrashers could take over sixth place in the Eastern Conference. All that needed to happen was for Tampa Bay to beat Montreal and the Hurricanes defeat the Rangers that evening. Then, on Thursday night, Carolina needed to return home to take care of the Islanders and…most importantly…the Thrashers would then need to take care of there end of the deal by beating the Flyers in Philadelphia.
And with that…Operation “Take Sixth Place” was a go!
First, the Canes smacked New York 5-1 while the Bolts were shutting out the Habs….and we’re halfway home. Then tonight, Carolina continued to hold up their end of the deal by thumping the Islanders 4-1. Three down…one to go. All that was left was for the Thrashers to do their part in Philly.
Mission accomplished!
Well…I mean, at least we are in 6th place for now.
Behind a pair of goals from Jim Slater…and what in the world has gotten into this guy of late?…and one from Ilya Kovalchuk and Rich Peverley, the Thrashers did indeed catapult themselves into sole possession of sixth place in the east. They needed three in the third period to do so as they found themselves down 3-1 after 40 minutes of play.
Jim Slater celebrates his first goal of the night in the first period (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The eventual game-winner was an absolute thing of beauty as Evander Kane streaked up the left side boards, wrapped himself around the backside of the goal and found an open Slater in front who simply had to direst the puck into an empty net.
In fact, it was very similar to his first period tally…that assist also going to Kane.
Kovalchuk got things rolling just 29 seconds into the third when he slipped behind the Flyers defense on a faceoff from the left circle. He then gathered the puck and moved in from left to right, getting Ray Emery to drop to the ice before lifting it top-shelf.
Peverley then tied the score less than four minutes later via a breakout pass from Pavel Kubina…he raced in one-on-one with Emery and buried his shot. Todd White earned a secondary assist on the goal.
Slater’s second goal of the night then put the Thrashers up 4-3 at the 13:28 mark.
And as exciting as all that was…play of the night honors goes to Johan Hedberg, who was making his third consecutive start. With just under four minutes to play and the Thrashers nursing a one-goal lead, Simon Gagne raced into Atlanta zone on the left side… Moose raced from his net to cut him off at the pass, sliding in to poke the puck away. In the collision, Hedberg lost his helmet…and almost lost his head.
In fact, it almost looked like he did as his jersey came up over his noggin. As play continued, he jumped back to his skates looking like the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
For the night, Moose saved 34 of 37 shots faced and improved his season record to 12-8-4.
Tonight’s thrilling win, coupled with Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Anaheim, means the Thrashers have won back-to-back regulation wins for the first time since last November when they shutout Philly 1-0 then beat Florida 4-3 two night’s later.
Hmmmm…oddly enough, that’s the same night that Panthers’ netminder Tomas Vokoun almost lost his head.
And Now…It’s On To Nashville
Saturday night the Atlanta Thrashers make their way to the Music City of Nashville, Tennessee to take on the Predators…and they will not be alone. Hundreds of Thrashers fans will taking part in the Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club’s invasion of Sommet Center by hopping on buses and making the journey to Nashville.
I will also be making my way to the capital of Tennessee along with The Blueland Chronicle boys.
Local authorities have been notified and placed on high alert.
And Speaking of Bus Trips
The Thrashers, TJ’s Bar & Grill and I are planning another Thrashers Party Bus trip on Saturday March 20 when the Flyers return to Philips Arena. Like last October’s Trip-A-Paloosa, the bus will depart TJ’s Bar and Grill in Alpharetta, drop fans off at Philips for the game, then return to TJ’s afterwards.
$55 buys ya a lower-level ticket to the game as well as gets ya on the bus and avail you to the drinks onboard. Prizes will also be raffled off on the way down.
If interested, please shoot an e-mail karin.beckman@atlantaspirit.com…or leave me a message below.
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154 comments Add your comment
jcwhitingjr
January 28th, 2010
10:43 pm
See you in Nashville! Could this be the beginning of the team coming together again and playing like they did the last half of last season? The talent is there. They just have to make up their minds that they are going to do it!
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
10:45 pm
The “On the Fly” Anchorman Dan Pollard was playing up the Thrashers and their rist to sixth spot. Trouble is, there’s nearly 30 games left to play before “sixth place” would really matter.
Rawhide
January 28th, 2010
10:53 pm
Trouble is, there’s nearly 30 games left to play before “sixth place” would really matter
Brendan – True that…but a loss tonight and the Thrashers could have found themselves as far down as 12th place if Florida, Boston and TB win their games tomorrow.
Lots-o-hockey left to play, that’s for sure…but it’s better be in this position now than otherwise.
Petty Officer Thrash, USN
January 28th, 2010
10:54 pm
Was watching the game highlights from Game 2 of the series against NY after listening to the on-line broadcast. I was there that night. The Moose was unbelievable, and I maintain that without that freak goal we win that game and the series maybe goes a little differently. My point? I would love to see a Philips Arena that full and that full of energy for a hockey game again!
Great come-from-behind win, but when is this team gonna start playing from the first dropped puck to the last buzzer? Dan Kamal was even questioning the lackluster effort in the 2nd period. No bueno. I guess 6th place is still 6th place though…
On the upside, Dan Kamal is my new favorite play-by-play game announcer. His thoughts on Slates’ second goal? “Wake up and smell the hummus!” I’ve never heard an announcer go crazy like he does when the Thrashers score.
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
11:10 pm
But it’s going to be like this, pretty much, from this point forward. Where a win puts up into the playoff field or a loss puts us at 10th, 11th, or 12th. The reality is, there are eight teams separated by 3-points, with only three (3) playoff spots left. It very well may come down to the final game of the season. And if our 82nd game puts us in 8th spot, is everything solved? Or does Don Waddell still need to go? Especially, with a still untraded Kovalchuk.
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
11:15 pm
Just to throw this out there, even if the Thrashers manage to be among the playoff invitees, would even two playoff wins do it? I still say … that this team is nowhere near ready, depth or grit-wise, to compete past the 1st round of the playoffs. And that’s not just a ‘little problem,’ that’s a BIG PROBLEM, after six lottery draft selections and 9 Top 10 overall picks. This team should be loaded for bear, but it’s not. It’s time for change, even if the playoffs happen.
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
11:17 pm
I’m watching the Flames vs. Coyotes, from Phoenix. And both times that the Flames scored, the arena ERUPTED by fans wearing red Calgary jerseys. I had to check several times … to really be sure this game was being played in Arizona. The Flames fans are out in FORCE. And this is a Coyotes team that is well within the playoff field.
KovyRules
January 28th, 2010
11:22 pm
Can’t let Brendan just talk to himself. I believe you need to win a playoff series to get the fans to believe (and the huge NHL playoff monkey off the city of Atlanta’s back). But to win a series you gotta make the playoffs, and at least this team has seemed to care about that for the last half-dozen games, so here’s hoping…
mr. Heat Miser
January 28th, 2010
11:22 pm
The last time the Thrahers visited Nashville I was able to witness a 7-2 win. Stood downstairs after the second period and shook hands with the Predators fans as they left en masse. “Thanks for coming” Looking forward to Saturday. Fang Fingers? U gotta be kidding me……..
KovyRules
January 28th, 2010
11:24 pm
Brendan, after living in Calgary for 26 years, I can tell you why there are thousands of Calgarians in Phoenix. It is currently 18 F in Calgary…
Somaatl95
January 28th, 2010
11:25 pm
Hard to say Brendan, but at least we aren’t last in the league at the moment, and that is nice. Maybe this is a nice spark that will help Kovalchuk perform auto cranial-rectal extraction and either lower his price tag or start playing a little more defense, if he really, truly wants to win like he has been saying. DW has called in specialists for his own cranial-rectal extraction and the docs have said that its nearly impossible for that to happen. This feels like its the start of “Make it or Break it” period for the Thrashers and hopefully we get a good bounce for once.
Still think if Phillips revokes their naming rights that Coca-Cola should step in. BTW. If I were smart enough to create a facebook page called “Change Phillips to Coca-Cola!” I would.
LAC
January 28th, 2010
11:39 pm
Absolute Great Win in The City of Brotherly Love, Loved watching those Philly fans
Pout and Moan it was Excellent.
Good game even from #17, he DID an excellent job backchecking a 2-1 break, and it saved a good SOG.
All around EXCELLENT Effort, What has gotten into Jim Slater, I admit I have never been much of a Slater fan, but he is playing well at this point.
Also excellent game from Boris, who continues to improve every game !
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
11:45 pm
Good point, KovyRules.
Somaatl95, I sure hope you’re right. If this team were to go on a tear, it might start a wave of belief. But really, what has this organization done to DESERVE our support? Other than raise ticket prices on STH’s, then discounting them later on, in the midst of 76-point campaigns? With no accountability at the GM position.
I’d love to see some more playoff hockey. Every fan would. But what would be the ‘greater good?’ (1) Waddell fired at season’s end or (2) Thrashers make the playoffs, Waddell handed another 2-year contract extension. And bear in mind, 53% of the NHL’s teams make the playoffs. Difficult questions, I do realize. It just seems ‘wrong’ to root against success for your favorite team. Especially knowing that the consequences of no playoffs … are probably NOTHING. It won’t, necessarily, spell the end for Waddell in Atlanta, for oversight of the team. And see, to me, that’s the BIGGEST PROBLEM we face. Yes, Yes, Yes, the ownership is inept and terrible. No argument. But if they grew enough of a brain to realize that Waddell should be fired, that … ALONE … would signal that real changes are happening. Ownership that holds people accountable for failure … might help to bring people back.
But the playoffs! The magical playoffs! The end-all, be all, of hockey existence!! Well, maybe not so much. Kovy obviously has reasons for not re-signing here. Would all his concerns magically disappear with the arrival of four more postseason games? Our team is run the way it is. And has been. Until THAT changes … aren’t we just rearranging deck chairs? Fortunate that the other teams around us as just as tepid and underachieving? The 8th spot might go to a team with 88 or 89-points this year. It will be an anomaly. It will be the exception that proves the rule. But does it mean that the Thrashers are suddenly ‘well-run,’ from Top to bottom?
LAC
January 28th, 2010
11:47 pm
Quick note… I see that the NHL is helping in the sale of the Tampa Bay Lighting, When did this happen ? WHY can’t it happen here ? Check TSN…
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
11:48 pm
Somaatl95, I would love it if Coca-Cola wanted to buy the naming rights of the arena. It beats “Kotex Place,” or “Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific Arena.”
Somaatl95
January 28th, 2010
11:49 pm
If Dudley or someone else than DW is running things, yes. Otherwise we will always have the Weakest Link at the very top.
Somaatl95
January 28th, 2010
11:51 pm
“Kotex Place” where you can win an all new Apple iPad! Brings new meaning to “Spotty play”
Brendan
January 28th, 2010
11:58 pm
R.Stroz, you want to get in on this ‘naming rights’ ideas? I welcome your suggestions, too.
R. Stroz
January 29th, 2010
12:00 am
Maybe a septic tank service can buy the naming rights to the arena.
The catch phrase:
It Smells Like Money
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
12:02 am
I can hear LAC, now. He’s always saying the owners need to take off the diapers. So why not, “Depends Arena.”
sisu
January 29th, 2010
12:07 am
Great win, I will enjoy this until Saturday when we head up 75 and 24
Somaatl95
January 29th, 2010
12:10 am
Created the group on Facebook, everyone feel free to join up!
http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=279950567239&view=user#/group.php?gid=279950567239&ref=nf
SavannahBlue
January 29th, 2010
12:21 am
Growing up a New Jersey Devils fan but now being a die-hard Thrashers fan, it’s extremely frustating watching this team flounder year after year. As much as I like John Anderson, I just don’t believe his system is a playoff winning system. If your team can’t defend, you simply have no chance of winning in the playoffs. Relying on your defensemen to score can win you hockey games. It will work to win the Calder Cup and it may get you to NHL playoffs, but I don’t see how it stands up in a seven game Stanley Cup series. Hopefully I’m wrong in my thinking.
Also, with the Eastern Conference being so tight, we better hope the Thrashers have a playoff spot pretty much locked up prior to April. The Thrashers last five games of the year:
@ Capitals
@ Penguins
Home Devils
@ Capitals
Home Penguins
KovyRules
January 29th, 2010
12:41 am
Good point on the end of season schedule, Savannah. That’ll either get us ready for the serious post-season level of play or get us ready for the golf course.
Wayne stuck in AL
January 29th, 2010
12:50 am
From HockeyBuzz:
http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/first1.gif
Oddly, for the FIRST time, no one pulled this FIRST! crap on this site…
Dwayne
January 29th, 2010
5:49 am
Hey SavannahBlue…I’m StatesboroBlue, I didn’t know there was another Thrasher fan south of Macon.
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
6:43 am
Wanye, I have given up reading Eklund’s garbage. Him and his stupid dominos.
Stroz-I would wear my Jim jersey with pride, though I really have my eye on that Lubos Barteko game jersey in the Thrashers’ store. Lubos, wherever he may be now.
John Anderson has to pick a group of guys to have out for the last minute and stick with it. Just make sure Antropov is not one of them. I like Antro, but not in the last minute. He gave me a heart attack against the Ducks, no help needed. You have to give these 2 wins to the Moose, especially the way he played in the final periods of both games.
LAC, I still say the best thing that even happened to Slater and Boris was quality time in the press box. You cannot discount the value of damaging a player’s pride, then seeing if they have what it takes to come back. Both are playing the best hockey of their careers. Or maybe I should make a point of ragging on a player for weeks, since everyone I rag on (including Thorburn) seems to elevate their game.
Brendan-wish I could have taped the Chicago-San Jose game last night, forgot. Must have been a good game!
Petty Officer Thrash, USN
January 29th, 2010
6:43 am
Any thoughts on the current net minder position after tonight’s performance from Moose? Other than a couple of mistakes in that second period, he’s been pretty solid. I’d love to see him stay in Atlanta for at least a couple more years, but with his good showing of late is it possible DWad will try to deal him at the deadline to try to work a package deal? Or does he take the starting role for now?
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
6:59 am
Petty-Moose has elevated his trade value for the club. I think he’s gone by March 3rd, unless the organization decides to trade Kari instead and resign Moose for 2 more years, which could happen. The next few weeks could be very interesting for this team, depending on what they do with Kari and Kovy. Toss in Colby Armstrong too, though I would like to see Colby stay.
Putting On The Foil
January 29th, 2010
7:10 am
Savannah Blue and Dwayne. There’s one more in Sylvania.
Zoomo
January 29th, 2010
7:13 am
“You cannot stop Jimmy Slater , you can only hope to contain him”
Eileen
January 29th, 2010
7:31 am
Rawhide and others going to Nashville, is anyone concerned about the weather? It looks like Nashville is in for a huge storm. Since we were planning on traveling there on our own, I am wondering if we are all going to make it.
Smitty
January 29th, 2010
7:37 am
Bad stretch in the 2nd period last night almost lead to 13th place. Hard to believe NHL defensmen could play so many bad 2 0n 1s. Did not notice Annsi on the ice too much in the third period.
Pierre Lebrun noted that Evander could be ATL’s next franchise player. I hope that does not jinx us in that he will be the next star player to leave. Hard to believe an 18 year old is becoming our best player and maybe leader. He made Pronger look old last night. He seems to be bringing out the best in Slater and Colby.
This team needs the Kovy situation settled immediately. Yes, Kovy scored last night. Just think how much better this team would be if Kovy drove to the net like he did last night on a more consistant basis. Perhaps getting a couple of young players similar to Kane in a trade with Kovy would not be so bad.
Mrs. Zoomo
January 29th, 2010
7:40 am
I hate how Moose comes out of the goal so much but that play last night was hysterical! It wouldn’t have been funny if it didn’t work out.
See you in Nashville, be careful driving!
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
7:48 am
Smitty-Pronger is old. Hard to rag on our management when you look at Philly’s giving up 4 first rounders to get Pronger, then give him a long term deal. He’s a pylon, another long term “investment” like Danny Briere. Stupid Briere took a dumb penalty at the end of the game, pretty much sealed the deal for the Thrashers.
Philly has not learned their lesson; don’t overpay players that are over the hill!
Smitty
January 29th, 2010
8:06 am
I would have liked to have seen somebody go after Briere after his hit on Colby. Colby was on his knees after being tripped up along the boards and Briere drove his head into the boards. Maybe it was because it was a tight game. I hope Colby does not forget.
Hockey Biltong
January 29th, 2010
8:13 am
I wanted Schubert out there for the end of the game. When did he get hurt and how?
I am also happy to see Slater doing better. I said he would improve this year and voila! he is really clicking with his line mates.
GaVaHokie
January 29th, 2010
8:23 am
Slater is benefiting from hard work and communication… go figure that those two elements make you a good hockey player.
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
8:24 am
Smitty-Briere acts tough when he has so many goons around to protect him.
That’s why I love to see the Flyers lose-so goon hockey will finally go away forever!
Hockey Biltong
January 29th, 2010
8:25 am
R.STROZ -#4!!!! that is great.
and HOOKYBOB – Curieuox gave you a headache?? Well it is 10% alc. but so is Brooklyn Double Chocolate Stout. Buyer beware!!!! lol.
Hockey Biltong
January 29th, 2010
8:25 am
WBF. you going to the game on Tuesday??? If so we must hook up.
GaVaHokie
January 29th, 2010
8:26 am
I’m a big fan of the Brooklyn Double Chocolate Stout.
Smoothie
January 29th, 2010
8:29 am
Guess who has as many points, 15, in January as our esteemed captain? That’s right, the irrepressible James “Jimmy Skandalous” Slater, who has 6 goals and 9 assists according to Ben Wright. Does he really have 9 assists?? Wow.
Slippin’ Slates is now suddenly Scorin’ Slates, make him Captain Johnny! j/k
Oooo, but our D looked awful at times last nite. But a huge win nonetheless! Keep it going boys! Let’s make March count!
TableHockey
January 29th, 2010
8:30 am
WBF – unfortunately I agree with your view on Moose. He has elevated his trade value and I fully expect him to be moved at the deadline. A solid reliable back-up tender would be valuable to a several teams in the run right now.
I HOPE JA will at least let Kari play a few games before pulling the trigger on a Moose trade just to ensure we have a reliable duo in Kari and Pavs.
I also wonder if Armstrong’s elevated play as of late isn’t his effort to be a “throw-in” on a Kovy trade – I’m sure inside he still stings a bit about not getting to lift the SC in Pittsburg.
GaVaHokie
January 29th, 2010
8:31 am
I think Hedberg just went from “Moose” to “Turtle” last night.
If Philly scores that goal, it goes down as one of the most embarassing hockey moments of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrBewSNJd6U
Not Blind
January 29th, 2010
8:35 am
Watch the replay on Slater’s game winner. As he is driving to the net he pushes the Philly D-man into Emery. Seeing that made me like that goal even more !! That’s Karma payback for all of Phillie’s dirty tactics.
Still, if this team would play hard for 60 mins they would be more like Ott. Winning games going away instead of relying on the goalie and luck in the last couple of minutes.
We have to come up with a new nickname for Moose. How about “Moose No-Head-berg”. Moose Nohedberg.
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
8:43 am
Rawhide and others going to Nashville, is anyone concerned about the weather? It looks like Nashville is in for a huge storm. Since we were planning on traveling there on our own, I am wondering if we are all going to make it
Eileen – Yeah…I’m keepin’ an eye on it. Looks like a nasty system coming through.
Guess who has as many points, 15, in January as our esteemed captain? That’s right, the irrepressible James “Jimmy Skandalous” Slater, who has 6 goals and 9 assists according to Ben Wright. Does he really have 9 assists??
Smoothie - Very interesting indeed. I’d say he is hands down the player of the month for January.
I think Hedberg just went from “Moose” to “Turtle” last night.
GaVaHokie – HA!
Well played, sir!
Mrs. Zoomo – Hellllllo there
Hockey Biltong
January 29th, 2010
8:47 am
GaVaHokie – you have sublime taste buds!!
Moose makes my wife and I Batsh#t crazy. We love the guy, but think a moment. Carcillos’ goal was because he and Kubina were sucked into one side of the net. Then he was drawn out another time and blocked the shot , but the Flyer[forgot who] had an open rebound shot across the crease which he MISSED…which was quite fortunate for us. If you were watching home video of us watching the game, the dogs are barking insanely as my wife is shreiking at the top of her lungs, “Moose, NOOOOO”, and I am spewing a blue streak of phrases not fit for man nor beastie…..he really can be drawn out too far. And behind the net, his play is very risky, the kind of stuff that will put your dads’ Porsche into Lake Michigan….
Edistoned
January 29th, 2010
8:50 am
Great, great game last night. Have to follow it up with a good string between now and the break for it to mean anything.
Love the Kane, Slater, Army chemistry. Time to see these guys on the PP. Kid needs to keep his head up with those wrap arounds. Plenty of film on him now. Somebody’s gonna be gunnin’ for him.
Unreal pass from Kubina.
CANNOT trade Hedberg with this team in contention. He is the heartbeat of this team. Tough decision on which goalie goes.
WBF – I think I’ve seen Barteko name on the Solvokien Olympic roster.
Safe travels to Nashville. Great town. Need 2 points.
hip czech
January 29th, 2010
8:52 am
Wow, a Kovalchuk back-check…who would have thought?
Can’t remember if it was the Flyers 2nd or 3rd goal, but one was directly on Salmela. What on earth was he doing up at the Flyers blue line being the lead forecheck?
I understand Anderson gives the green light to the D in this system, but that was ridiculous. That led directly to the odd man rush and the goal.
The ‘Turtle’ had to be the funniest thing I’ve seen in an NHL game. I can’t imagine the ribbing Hedberg took after the game.
GaVaHokie
January 29th, 2010
8:54 am
We have to come up with a new nickname for Moose. How about “Moose No-Head-berg”. Moose Nohedberg.
Good one, but I think Ben Wright’s is my favorite so far with “Icabod Moose”.
Hockey Biltong
January 29th, 2010
8:57 am
Rawhide, do you know what is up with Schubert???
GaVaHokie
January 29th, 2010
8:58 am
It’ll be interesting to see if Yahoo or other internet outlets pick up on the Moose moment… could be a good piece of publicity today, albeit embarassing.
Smoothie
January 29th, 2010
9:05 am
Ooops! Make that NINE POINTS total for Jimmah. I sholdnt post early in the morning just after waking up! At any rate, Jimbo + Kaner equals GOALS!
Now that Pevs is heating up, perhaps the goal-scoring will pick up now. Just need to get Max going again. Move Little back with Kane and Slates to shore up the D. Colby can be effective with Pevs and White or Kozlov if Max goes back to the top line RW.
Jimbo
January 29th, 2010
9:15 am
Good comeback and win in a tough arena. Again, the so-called Anderson System gave Phillip a number of odd man rushes in the second period and one near the end of the game. With a man advantage with a little over two minutes to go, we did nothing and Philly got the better chances. The System has no defensive component to it and we have to hold our breath at the end of every close game. Good to Slater getting rewarded for his perpetual hustle. Kane is setting him up for some very easy goals. He doesn’t have the hands to create his own chances.
TableHockey
January 29th, 2010
9:16 am
Hockey Biltong – Schubert is on IR with no surrent time table to return unless I’ve missed something lately. Not sure of the injury though I heard it was his hip.
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
9:25 am
Rawhide, do you know what is up with Schubert???
Hockey Biltong – He’s on IR with a “lower body injury”. Last I heard, it was going to be 2-4 weeks.
Hollywould
January 29th, 2010
9:30 am
Can’t trade Hedberg/ he is keeping us in every game. Man, my son and I played the turtle play back 10 times. we couldn’t stop laughing. Kane plays like he is possessed. They all need his energy. Great win!!
Paminski
January 29th, 2010
9:55 am
If Slater keeps this up, WBF is going to have to get his own #23 jersey.
Blueland Traveler
January 29th, 2010
10:16 am
Anyone know the forecast for the Nashville area tomorrow?
LAC
January 29th, 2010
10:21 am
Hey Bill, found this in the Philly paper… So 10 years at $85 million is NOT enough and he is DONE speaking to Atlanta ? Have not heard this before…
Kovalchuk is slated to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and said he is finished negotiating a possible extension with the Thrashers, who have made the playoffs just once in franchise history.
So it IS over, then get rid of him…???
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
10:27 am
LAC – Take it all with a grain of salt. Who did they claim was the source for that info?
Do I know if it’s “done” or not? Nope…I don’t have a seat at the negotiation table. We’ll all just have to wait and see.
To be honest, I’m not too worried at the prospect of losing Kovy…I am, howver, terrified at the thought of Waddell being the one to negotiate the trade. I seriously fear that we are going to be sitting here 2 years from now waiting to see how certain prospected acquired in the deal will pan out to see if the “Kovy Trade of 2010″ was a success or not.
You know…kinda like we are now after the Marian Hossa trade…
Blueland Traveler – Right now there is a rain/snow/ice mix going on in Nashville. But for me, the big thing is what are the traveling conditions going to be like tomorrow morning from NW Georgia, through Chattanooga and up I-24. Right now…it looks un-good with that same mess hitting the area tonight and continuing through the AM.
James Brown
January 29th, 2010
10:34 am
Well I must say I enjoyed the third period………..took the girlfriend to play trivia at the local sports pub so I was glancing at the big screen at every opportunity to keep up with the game while trying to guess what hit The Steve Miller band had in England ten years after it was released…….ugh……………gotta love Jimmy Slater………….he has picked up his game big time…..and I do think that Boris` play has come a long way………I will agree with Brendan though…….things are a long way from being fixed………………I will continue to say that JA`s system has a “minor league” look to it……………if we make the playoffs it will be an early exit which I think will get DW and JA fired………………I`m glad we finally won two in row though…………..in regulation at that
Smitty
January 29th, 2010
10:47 am
You all be careful going over Monteagle.
Looks like Boris is finally coming around. Have to be very patient with the tall guys. Not everyone is a Tyler Myers.
Russian
January 29th, 2010
10:50 am
Please be careful who is going to drive tomorrow to Nashville. I want to see everyone com at Tuesday in Phillips Arena.
**Rawhide** – That’s it. No IF. We just jump to 6-th place. Good game!
moriler
January 29th, 2010
10:53 am
(covers eyes) cannot… keep… coming from behind…
Oh well. At least we played two periods in this one, and if you’re gonna be a 40-minute team, the 1st and 3rd are the ones that matter the most. And it was certainly amusing, to say the least. Still astonished that Slater has turned into something worthwhile (finally!), but certainly not going to complain — better late than never to learn that while hard work and hustle won’t make you an Ovechkin, it’ll certainly keep you on the roster and the ice.
So we’re in 6th place… sort of. Let’s run the numbers real quick.
– We’ve got two in hand vs. Ottawa and Pittsburgh, but we’re 8 and 11 points back respectively; no motion there.
– Philly has one in hand and is one point back, so they control whether they want 6th place.
– Boston has two in hand and is two points back; they control whether they want 7th place.
– The Panters, Ranjerks, and desHabillees are all a point back, but either have no games in hand or have played more games. They can’t pass us without our help.
– Tampa has one in hand and is two points back, but has 2 fewer wins than we do so loses any tiebreaker.
– The Islanders are two back and have played two more games; they are in real danger of becoming only-spoilers this season, the way the Leafs and Canes already are.
So, really, we have a solid grasp on 8th place. That’s about right considering the way we’ve been playing (and the way the rest of the conference has been playing; we may not be fabulous, but we only have to be better than 7 other teams to get in).
Kovy — I wish this was over one way or the other. If he’s asking too much, he’s asking too much and we need to get rid of him. I wouldn’t want to pay even the amount that’s reportedly offered for a one-way winger, elite sniper skillz or not, and sudden defensive outburst (a full-speed backcheck? really? did i see that?) or not.
We’ll see against Nashville, I guess. Won’t be an easy game, but the Preds’ arena isn’t all that scary. Hopefully we can play this one with a lead for a change…
R. Stroz
January 29th, 2010
10:58 am
I-24 going up and down Mounteagle will be shut down if the current forecast holds.
Nikita
January 29th, 2010
11:06 am
I really enjoyed last night’s game. I hoped to see it in Philly so I could keep those two intrepid Thrasher fans shown on the telly company, but my work scheduled didn’t allow it.
Ah, Moose. His play last night was pretty darn good. And I say pretty darn good, because in the third he got punchy. The turtle play was a good example, and he was well out of his net several times when it wasn’t the best timing. That said, it worked out and he played his heart out.
Jimmy Slater was on fire. So was Evander Kane.
And White, Antropov, and Enstrom played very solid games.
Mr. Heat Miser
January 29th, 2010
11:10 am
I’ve heard that 41A is an alternate route that trucks take during inclement weather. Or we could always cut up I-65 in Alabama.
Mr. Heat Miser
January 29th, 2010
11:13 am
Regardless of the weather – we will be tailgating.
LAC
January 29th, 2010
11:30 am
Always the LONGER route I-20 to B’ham and up I-65, flat all the way to Nashville…
about 275 that way, compared to 240 via I-75/I-24…
jt
January 29th, 2010
11:31 am
I’m a huge fan and live in Columbus
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
11:36 am
LAC – Thanks…good to know.
jt – So…you’re say that you are a “huge” fan, as in your support for the team…or you are just a “huge fan”???
Either way…good to have you along!
LAC
January 29th, 2010
11:45 am
Bill, the story was by a beat writer in Phila. I did not pick up his name, but it was in the Flyers scetion of the Philly paper..
J(Z)
January 29th, 2010
11:49 am
Yeah so what are the non-bus riders travel plans. Heck, I wonder what route the bus is gonna take with this weather. I’ve never been to or even through Nashville so I don’t have any idea what to make of this weather. Hopefully they’re better equipped to deal with snow/ice than we are!!!
Spud Webb
January 29th, 2010
11:52 am
Lol, I’m opening my mouth and eating some crow right now!! Hats off to Jimmy Slater. I was very vocal at the beginning of the season to get him out of here!! Watching him right now is amazing and a credit to him. He’s been our best player over the last few weeks!!! Good Job Jimmy!!
Love Kane, looks like he’s got his legs back!! Nice win for sure, speaking to my brother in Philly now, he’s pissed!!! ahhahahahahahahh
Not Blind
January 29th, 2010
12:03 pm
They have got to put a string of wins together for any of it to mean anything.
If Kovy has actually quit talking to DW then I would expect to see the ‘C’ stripped off him pretty quick. If they do that they shouldn’t name another C or else rotate the C for the rest of the season.
Dwayne
January 29th, 2010
12:05 pm
If JA breaks up the ASK line, JA will no longer stand for John Anderson.
Be safe in your travels!! Where is our good buddy Stendec? I sure do miss him.++DWAYNE++
Dwayne
January 29th, 2010
12:12 pm
Here’s hoping Wash. Buff. and ANA. take care of business tonite……….WTF, now have a beer!!
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
12:14 pm
Biltong-I will be there, just don’t know where I am sitting yet. Please keep me posted on where you will be.
Mrs. Zoomo
January 29th, 2010
12:18 pm
For those of you concerned about the driving conditions tomorrow (being the weather freak I am driving Zoomo crazy about it) I saw on the Atlanta Thrashers Fan Club FB page that the bus driver, company (?) talked to the Tenessee DOT who said they are already lined up for action on the interstates. I guess if the bus can make it the rest of us can!!!!
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
12:24 pm
Table Hockey-I think if Moose has a future here, it’s as a goalie coach. I cannot see retaining Steve weeks unless Pavs faults are corrected. That’s what a specialty coach is supposed to do.
LAC-on the Tampa situation-
I have said it before that the league does not want to see teams moved. They want stability in the form of establishing teams and cities. Phoenix is the most obvious example. Somebody used the example of the NFL moving 2 teams out of L.A. The NFL has a history of letting teams move around and their hands are kinda tied after the Raiders moved to L.A., then back to Oakland.
BTW-L.A. will get a 3rd franchise when Ralph Wilson dies and the Bills move from Buffalo to Los Angeles.
Bettman doesn’t like teams moving.
J.B.
January 29th, 2010
12:37 pm
Here’s a link to the article in the philly paper that states Kovy SAID he was through negotiating with Atlanta, though no quote is provided…
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/83010732.html
I’ve tweeted Jay Grossman, Ben, and Chris to see if it’s true and if I get a response. I’ll post another comment if I do.
J.B.
January 29th, 2010
12:52 pm
Chris Vivlamore seems to think that Kovy hasn’t shut the door on negotiations with Atlanta, he’s just done talking about it… completely.
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
12:56 pm
Dwayne-Sabres are concerned with Ottawa being in their rear view mirror and Marc Savard is coming back for the “Brunes” tonight.
FlamesFan
January 29th, 2010
1:35 pm
That Philly article also states that DW will not allow for other teams to negotiate an extension with Kovy if a deal is made. If this is true, then it means one of two things: 1) negotiations really are continuing (per Vivlamore) or 2) Kovy’s trade value is significantly reduced, which makes DW a bigger idiot than any of us ever imagined.
Kovy did look good last night. Can we arrange for 8 other scouts to be at all of our games?
Moose’s great play of late will probably earn him a spot on a contender. Hopefully we will get some value for him.
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
1:45 pm
Mrs. Zoomo - Thanks for the update! I just sent Mr. Zoomo my contact info via e-mail. While you are on the way up, give me updates if you feel it necessary.
Tell the little guy I said “hello”.
(That would be your son…not Zoomo).
Bluenote
January 29th, 2010
2:05 pm
Spud I am with you 100%…Few things have pleased me more than to be wrong. I would have traded him for a case of pucks (or maybe Export Ale) at the beginning of the season. His work ethic and attitude have been terrific. If it could only be bottled and passed around the locker room….
Travelers… be safe and have a great trip to Music City
PJ
January 29th, 2010
2:29 pm
Anyone interested in two tickets to the Nashville game? I have two lower bowl tix, would love to make trade…..contact slpjlay@gmail.com
rob
January 29th, 2010
2:39 pm
Anytime the HATED Flyers lose is a GREAT night!!!! Thankfully they sucked the big one and missed our mistakes. Great win, the puck bounces good for us finally. Seemed there were way too many odd man rushes by them though, and how many times did Kubina get beat wide? It was nice to see Kane make Pronger look so bad on the first goal…..I just said a little prayer that Pronger didn’t remember that later and pull a cheap shot for it! I wouldn’t mess with the Slater/Kane/Armstrong line. Colby may have found new life there. Don’t think it’s to get a trade either. Hard work is contagious and maybe Slater/Kane are rubbing off on him. Peverley deserves better than White unless he can somehow get him going in the right direction too. I agree with the early post about getting rid of Waddell. If the team can overcome this and compete in spite of it….signs on the glass saying “TRADE THE GM!!!!”, or “Thrashers win in spite of Waddell’s efforts” LOL Don’t let him get the credit for the teams success (if it happens). He has taken all the hopes of the first fans and dumped on them, and so he needs to know how the fans feel about him. Come back to the game!!! Cheer the guys and boo the GM! Instead of telling the other goalie he sucks, how about Waddell sucks? Or Waddell sucks too??? We can loose Kovy and Waddell and start out anew. LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!
hip czech
January 29th, 2010
3:04 pm
good read here:
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/1/27/1269369/why-ilya-kovalchuk-isnt-the-poster
These paragraph is right on…
The Thrashers have a miserable history, and they’ve miserable management for their entire history. They let Steve Staios and Andrew Brunette walk. They drafted Patrick Stefan over Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. They traded Braydon Coburn for Alexei Zhitnik. Beyond top fifteen picks, their draft history is terrible. A team that doesn’t draft well, makes short-sighted and lopsided trades, and lets solid role players walk away shouldn’t succeed. The goal of a capped league is to create a more level playing field, not create parity at all costs despite organizational management.
Lee
January 29th, 2010
3:12 pm
Slats is a BEAST! Man, he’s one of my favorite players that never gives up.
Um, so if we lose to Nashville where will we be in Standings?
Dwayne
January 29th, 2010
3:16 pm
Armstong/Slater/Kane…The ASK line, someone gave them the name on Viv’s blog….so here is the ? I asked them.
Lets say, the ASK line stays together for the remaining of the year, and play well, maybe help lead us to a playoff berth. Do you try to give Armstrong a 2 or 3 year deal for decent bucks??
Diego from Lilburn
January 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
I wonder if Kovy was reading Rawhide’s blog yesterday before the game and got tired of us all dogging him for his weak defense? He actually had some serious hustle on that awesome backcheck in the first. It saved a solid scoring chance.
Kovy – Hats off. Props where props are due. Now don’t go back to skating figure eights at the blueline tomorrow in Nashville…
LAC
January 29th, 2010
3:39 pm
Thanks JB, for the link… Hip Czech got it RIGHT.
Lastly Ice in Huntsville and 6-8 inches tonight in Nashville. Too bad Amtrak cannot run a special out of the parking lot under the Philips, would be neat, since the train could stop a block away from the Somet Center, no driving and a LOT of fun !
Eileen
January 29th, 2010
4:10 pm
Mrs. Zoomo, everything I am reading is painting a pretty bleak picture of the road conditions. Is the fan club going to give any further updates on the weather? Thanks so much for your earlier information.
Thrashers27
January 29th, 2010
4:11 pm
J.B.,
Take into consideration that the article you provided the link to says that quote is from Kovy, but provides no attribution.
I keep hearing that quote, but I have yet to see what source got that quote from Kovy. It really is bad journalism for that publication to print such a quote without attribution.
billybobjoebob
January 29th, 2010
4:34 pm
good win thrashers keep it up… Philly sucks more than the thrash to give up a 2 goal lead in the 3rd. Keep this up and make your fan base happy, go and get a playoff spot, win a playoff game, and kovy will stay. However, if they lose a couple, and dont get a spot in the playoffs the whole franchise will be in serious trouble. For now, go thrashers.
Mrs. Zoomo
January 29th, 2010
4:45 pm
Eileen – I agree, it sounds like the roads are really bad, but the storm is supposed to be moving east tomorrow. I’m not sure what the fan club is doing…or what the status of the bus is. We are planning on driving up tomorrow but taking a wait and see approach…checking the weather and road conditions tomorrow. Keeping our fingers crossed!!!!
Pull Over!
January 29th, 2010
4:53 pm
http://www.tennessean.com/
100th !!!!!!
World Be Free
January 29th, 2010
5:10 pm
Sounds like you people hate Philly more than Buffalo? Could that be true?
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
5:32 pm
No, WBF. They hate Buffalo more. Don’t be fooled.
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
5:34 pm
Sharks vs. Blackhawks was a great game. Chicago was up, 3-0, in the 1st peiod. But the Sharks battled back, to force overtime. And then, I think it was Brouwer who scored, to win it for the Blackhawks. I’m tellin’ right now, folks. Chicago vs. San Jose is a playoff matchup that is GONNA HAPPEN. I can’t say where. Not the 1st round, but maybe Round II or the CF. But those two teams will meet in the postseason.
HookyBob
January 29th, 2010
5:35 pm
World Be Free: Philly’s game is far too goony for me. I appreciate tough/physical hockey,..but they are too close, often over the line, on being dirty. I admire the Sabres as they field a competitive team year and year out without much for high paid stars. (Vanek wouldn’t be making his big bucks yet if it weren’t for that shaft job by Lowe.) The Sabres also play a good team game.
Biltong and Hokie: Methinks you might enjoy Bridgeport’s Blackstrap Stout. Another stout on the sweet side and at $7.50 /six it is much cheaper than Allagash’s and Brooklyn’s offerings. Think I’ll have one now.
Go Blue. Beat the Predators. Do I hear an “A-men” for a Peverly hat trick? (Actually I respect the Predators, for the same reasons I like the Sabres.)
HookyBob
January 29th, 2010
5:44 pm
The weather talk is interesting. Anyone growing up in hockey country knows this is what separates hockey moms,..from other sports moms. They deal with this many times a season. Caravan and carry worst case items like tire chains, sleeping bags, candles, and high calorie fruitcakes.
Hockey moms….my hat goes off to you!
hip czech
January 29th, 2010
6:17 pm
The Brooklyn Brown Ale is good stuff…another ‘cheap’ stout is Mackeson….kind of the sweet side also, but good.
rob
January 29th, 2010
6:21 pm
Diego,
He made that great back check and then in the 2nd and 3rd he dogged it again…..maybe we should post this blog on the scoreboard for him to read. When I saw his backcheck, I rewound it, thinking I had mistook the jersey number, as I do once in a while getting 17 and 47 mistaken.
WBF,
I am from Buffalo LOL so I love them and HATE the cheep bunch of hockey players always assembled in Philly hahahahaha
I am still waiting to hear a story done on Waddell’s PATHETIC history here! FIRE him, get on with the job of making this a HOCKEY TOWN again!!!!
A27
January 29th, 2010
6:30 pm
Ahhh… Hockey talk and Stout beer what a great combo… Having a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout with a nice hot bowl of beefstew. CHEERS!!!
Sarah Palin
January 29th, 2010
9:52 pm
Thank you HookyBob.
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
10:00 pm
Some more favorable results coming in from the schedule tonight…
Washington beats Florida 4-1
Buffalo beats the Boston 2-1
So the Panthers are not able to leapfrog over us and the Bruins were not able to tie us at 56 points.
Tampa Bay and the Ducks are tied 1-1 with about a buck-thirty left in the third.
Go DUCKS!!!
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
10:09 pm
Hiller just ROBBED Stamkos in the overtime.
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
10:14 pm
Hiller just stoned St. Louis, now! Go Ducks!!
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
10:17 pm
We’re headed to the shootout! Both teams used their timeouts in the overtime. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that before.
Brendan
January 29th, 2010
10:21 pm
Ducks wins it! Thank you, Anaheim!
Rawhide
January 29th, 2010
10:33 pm
Yessss. Ducks win in shootout.Tampa Bay gets a point…55 on the season. Thrashers remain in 6th all by themselves.
Now looking ahead to tomorrow’s action…
5th place Ottawa with 64 points is at Montreal, who have 55 points.
Philly hosts the Islanders. Flyers with 55 and NY with 54.
So, regardless of the outcome in those games, two teams in the hunt with the Thrashers will gain 2 points. Hopefully…neither go into OT.
Then there are a few east teams playing western conference teams…
The Rangers have 55 points and are at Phoenix
Boston has 54 and host L.A.
Toronto has 44 and is home against Vancouver.
Carolina hosts Chicago.
What does all this mean?
Atlanta needs two points in Nashville tomorrow night! (duh1)
goose
January 30th, 2010
1:02 am
For those of you who don’t know as of now are Chicago Wolves are doing quite well. They are in fifth place in their conference with 58 points in 47 games played with Winning 9 out of the last 10. They are 28-17-0-2 (the AHL differentiates between overtime and shoot out losses the wolves have not lost in overtime and have two losses in the shoot out). Jason Krog is 5th in the AHL in points with 9 goals and 40 assists for 49 points and is tied for first in the league lead in assists. Brett Sterling is tied for the league lead in goals with 25. Tim Stapleton is third in the league with 23 goals. Kulda leads the league with a +31 and grandpa Chelios is second in the league with a +24 Peter Mannino leads the league in goals against average with a 1.76 and also leads the league in save percentage with a .943% with 13 wins 3 losses (has one shut out) in 18 games played. Those are all of AHL player of note. Also Kozek has 7 goals 11 assists 18 points in 41 games played and is +1. Oystrick has 6 goals 14 assists for 20 points in 37 games played and is a +6. Crabb has 16 goals 11 assists for 27 points and is +8 in 46 games played.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
1:56 am
Thank you, goose, for the AHL update. I hope Chicago Wolves have a great season. It’s also my hope that our prospects can make the leap from the minors to the pros, at some point. When people ask me, “Brendan, what are the Thrashers going to do when no respectable free agent will touch us with 10-foot pole?” My answer is always, “that’s what the draft is for. We just have to hope our selections can eventually make it to the NHL level. And then prosper there.”
I do realize … that for some of you, this is a very lame answer. But it’s the one we’ve got. This franchise has to improve on the core areas of “player development” and “player retention.” If you stop for a moment to ponder this, it’s possible that next Fall’s Thrashers will not have Kari Lehtonen or Ilya Kovalchuk among its ranks.
So? Well, between 1999-2002, this team benefitted from the possibility of landing franchise players in the lottery draft. In 1999 & 2001, Atlanta enjoyed 1st overall draft position. In 2000 & 2002, it owned the 2nd overall picks. Those players turned out to be Patrik Stefan, Dany Heatley, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Kari Lehtonen. If all four of them are GONE after a decade’s worth of seasons … it’s more than just disappointing, it represents abject failure as an organization. I hear it, now. “But nothing is ever guaranteed.” What does that mean, exactly? That it’s “okay to fail?” Ostensibly because life is full of uncertainties? Oy gavult. The silver lining to any season that ends with 78-points or less … is that you have a pretty good chance to rebuild your club with a Top 10 or even lottery draft selection in June.
Many teams could only hope for the opportunities with which the Thrashers were blessed. Two 1st overall and two 2nd overall picks, inside even a six year span, would be incredible. That it happened in four straight years ought to translate into … well, “The Pittsburgh Penguins.” Penguins drafted 1st overall in 2003 & 2005 and 2nd overall in 2004 & 2006. Those players are Marc-Andre Fleury, Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Jordan Staal.
A few years back, several bloggers opined that, given the parameters of the cap, Pens GM Ray Shero would “never be able to keep that core nucleus together.” Welllllll, they’re all still there. How does one explain it? Who did the Penguins lose from their Cup-winning roster? Sykora, Gill, Scudierre, and Satan. And keep in mind, that’s still a roster that went to “back-to-back” Finals. And can anyone really say … with certainty … that the Penguins won’t win the Eastern Conference again this year? For a third year in-a-row. The only season that matters … is the playoffs, then WHAT YOU DO once you get there.
Segue, look out West for a moment. The Mighty Red Wings, with tonight’s win, got back into 8th spot. They’re not having a fabulous season. But all they really have to do … is get in. If they do, how eager is the #1 seed going to be … to have to face Detroit, right off the bat? Last year, the #1 seed out west was San Jose, a President’s Trophy winner. Their playoff results? Bounced in six games by Anaheim. Their mantra? “Put it behind us, win the President’s Trophy again, and win the Cup along with it.” If San Jose draws Detroit in the opening round, they could golfing EARLY again. That’s why they play the games.
With respect to the Thrashers organization, they simply must try a new strategy, a new business model, with new Management personnel. It’s not about being in a weak division, or in a Conference whose teams are overly “watered down” this season. Those are just “blessings.” It’s, simply put, about making better decisions. That’s what it takes. Make good decisions … and good results will likely follow.
Look at this whole Kovalchuk situation. Can anyone argue that Ilya doesn’t have the Thrashers exactly where he wants them? If he wants out, he’s certainly positioned himself to be traded. If he wants the league max, Atlanta is a likely candidate to pay it to him. Ilya could have been traded as early as the 2007 offseason. That’s not what the Thrashers wanted to do. It’s not what Thrashers fans wanted to see happen. But who’s responsible for “oversight” of the franchise, if not the GM? It’s his job to create a climate of winning and success. That’s the pot of honey that brings forth all the Free Agent bees. He didn’t do it. This ownership didn’t hold him accountable. Both are to blame. With this losing environment, Atlanta is forced to overpay for its players. And often cannot keep its players (Heatley, Hossa, Savard, Coburn, Kaberle, Audette, Brunette, Staios, etc.).
I always speak honestly. Agree with me or not, I am honest. I am frank. And I am sincere. On June 28th, 29th or 30th, if placed in the situation Waddell found himself, here’s what I would have done, even if it were WRONG to do it. “Ilya/Jay, I’m offering 12 years/$121.2 million, to be paid in $10.1 million increments. If you want to cut the term in half, I’ll still do six-years/$60.6 million.” Is he worth that much? Of course not. But the offer expires on July 14, 2009. If his signature isn’t on that contract, we discreetly, but ACTIVELY pursue trade options. And tell him that, too. If he says, “I want to evaluate the team/ownership more,” I say, “Fine, he’s a one-year, $10.1 million deal. Sign it within 72 hours. Or it’s withdrawn. That buys you a year to evaluate the situation. But we’re not going to have your contract hovering over our heads like the Sword of Damacles throughout the season.” Is $10.1 million cap hit more than Crosby? Yes. More than Ovechkin? Yes. Is it something Kovalchuk could honestly say, with any kind of credibility, “insulted” him? No. Any way you slice and dice it, a cap hit of $10.1 million … is … not … insulting him … or any player in the NHL today. If Kovy says, “nyet,” it’s because he doesn’t want to play here. And if that is the case, holding on to him only bought you “time,” not a different outcome. Bygones. The time to do something that might make Kovalchuk sign a proactive contract … was 2007, after the NY Rangers sweep. And there it is. With no ’sugarcoating.’
Tony C.
January 30th, 2010
5:51 am
nYBODY ELSE MIND SEEING N a ON sLATER’S SWEATER NEXT SEASON-CURRENTLY PLAY BEING CONSISTENTLY DELIVERED (i DO BELIEVE HE’S CAPABLE OF DOING JUST SO)?
Lee
January 30th, 2010
7:50 am
Tony C.-I’ve always wanted an A on Slats, take it off of Hainsey and put it on Slater.
The Hedless Hedberg save is all over Yahoo now, lol.
Lee
January 30th, 2010
7:53 am
wow, I spelled headless wrong.
HookyBob
January 30th, 2010
9:38 am
Sarah: You are welcome. And welcome to this blog. I’ll try to stop over and see you at the next game. (You’re in section 222 right?) I’d like to hear more about your support for extending bar hours in Wasilla,..despite law enforcement concerns about added traffic fatalities. I know you must have had a good reason.
World Be Free
January 30th, 2010
9:45 am
Watched the replay of the Philly game last night. I guess I had not realized how good of a game Kane had, especially against Pronger. Jimmy on our #1 line?
You have to give the coaches alotta credit for the changes in the 3rd period, especially on the Pevs goal. There’s a game in which we can say we outcoached the opposition.
World Be Free
January 30th, 2010
9:53 am
Hooky Bob-Philly just keeps living in the past. This is not 1975 AND the Flyers have not found a goalie close to Bernie Parent since he retured. Parent was THE major reason they won those Cups in the 70’s. I still think “Flyer hockey” is one of the reasons that keeps the NHL behind other sports. Sabres aren’t cheap, though I do get a kick out of Kaleta.
Brendan-you know I like to stir to pot on occasion.
Rob-so many of us from Buffalo know this snow, ice and white-out stuff. Western New Yorkers know snow and hate the Flyers, so I am lovin’ it when they lose to anyone. Now they have the headcase in goal. Marty was too good of a guy for Philly.
World Be Free
January 30th, 2010
9:56 am
Brendan-I go depressed after reading you last post, where we were in the draft and what we may have left after this season. It’s enough to make you sick. We look like the Toronto Maple Leafs south.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
10:51 am
WBF, I have to wonder, out loud, this question, “Yeah, but does it make THIS OWNERSHIP depressed?” If the answer is, “no,” then they just … don’t … care.
But, that’s not what they’ll say. Here’s what they’ll say. Ready, World Be Free? Here it comes. Levenson approaches the podium to address the STH’s. “As you know, we simply couldn’t afford Ilya Kovalchuk’s ridiculous salary demands. But no worries. We’ve got a pipeline of talent coming from Chicago, and now we have more money to go shopping in free agency, where I’m CONFIDENT, Don Waddell land us the missing pieces we need to get back to the playoffs. Regarding Kari Lehtonen, we convened as a group … and collectively decided that Kari’s health issues are just something we’d rather not deal with anymore. So, we released him/traded him/didn’t make a qualifying offer, resulting in his becoming a UFA.”
It’s remorseless, like that, with them. They don’t know “value you” as customers. They don’t care what you think. Six thousands fans of the other team will show up, game-after-game. There are over 5 million people in and about the metropolitan Atlanta area. There’ll always be 3,500 Thrasher fans. That means roughly 10,000 fans. Discount the slight reduction in revenue-sharing, and you’ve got a franchise that can survive, so long as they stick to the minimum payroll plan. They’ll essentially break-even.
Now ask yourselves this question. “Is this what the NHL had in mind when they put a team in Atlanta? That it’d be bleeding them of $14-$17 million, annually, in revenue-sharing dollars? Or, did they think, “This club is well positioned, within the Southeast Division, to be a dominant team, and a good revenue producer for this league.” Because honestly, I think it’s the latter, not the former. Bettman expect a market like Atlanta, saturated with northern transplants, to pack the house, assuming the product the was good and well-run.
Your thoughts on that topic?
Lee
January 30th, 2010
10:53 am
Intresting article here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4868156&name=lebrun_pierre
J.B.
January 30th, 2010
11:06 am
Jay Grossman concurred with Chris about Kovy being through TALKING about negotiations to the media. He said Kovy ending negotiations with ATL was “Absolutely not true”.
rob
January 30th, 2010
11:16 am
Brendan,
Great post, would love to see even more in depth article explaining that to the rest of the hockey world and asking why in the world does Waddell still have a job, do the owners down there really not care that much about hockey?
Tony C,
While I am glad Slater is playing so hard right now, he is gonna need more than just a month of solid play to earn that C. That being said who should get it? Don’t know, we went through too long a streak with no one standing up to try to right the ship. Could Pevs be a C? Don’t know about that yet either. I say if it gets taken away from 17 then you pass it around….and if we can make the playoffs, maybe someone rises to the top, but if not then you come into training camp w the C up for grabs and let someone TAKE IT! The C is something very few people can actually wear, and shouldn’t just be given to someone on a spur of the moment decision or based on a short period of time. I would like to know who the team would want as C, if it isn’t 17. Of course that would mean actually asking questions that might risk conflict or make the owners/gm/coach mad and heaven forbid THAT happen here. Just ask the fluff questions and hope no one ever ever notices.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
11:38 am
Hey, look who is the player of the day at NHLPA.com? http://www.nhlpa.com/
It’s none other than Atlanta’s Jim “Second Half” Slater! I’m fine with Jimmy getting an “A,” if the organization wants to bestow that upon him.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
Rob, two of my posts got caught in SPAM filters this morning, but I’ll try again. Basically, this ownership considers anything that happened prior to 2004 as “not being relevant to them.” They acknowledge that Waddell should have hired someone to coach the remainder of the 2008 season, rather than let Waddell do it for 76 games. For their part, they’ll acknowledge that the lawsuit is on them. They’d readily admit that they would have preferred to end it quickly and in a less messy manner. But, that story opens the door for … “but we didn’t have money to go spend, while the legal fees added up to $10 million.” So, we figured we had a pretty decent GM in Waddell, who could also serve in a dual capacity as Coach. We asked around. And everyone told us how much they admire and respect Waddell. (What are they supposed to say, “You’re riding on the Titanic. Cut bait.”) He came out of one of the greatest organizations in the league (Red Wings). He’s been part of Team USA hockey, off and on, for decades. And he’s won half a dozen minor league championships. They’d tell you that Heatley, Kovalchuk, Coburn, Little, Bogosian and Kane are all very fine draft selections. So Waddell knows what he’s doing there. And as for losing pending free agents, they dismiss that aspect of the way the franchise is tun to the “realities of the salary cap era.” Pretty convenient for them, huh? “The guy wanted too much. More than he was ‘worth.’” If there weren’t a salary cap, they’d still have lost them. Then the excuse would be, “We’re just the ‘little guys,’ trying to compete with the New Yorks, Phillys, Bostons, Detroits and LAs of the world. We desperately NEED a salary cap structure, to help us out. Thud.
Any of this pushing the bile to the tip of your throat? They just don’t get it. They don’t. And they won’t. It literally will take Commissioner Gary Bettman’s intervention to get this club to shift managerial gears. They won’t come to that conclusion, all on their own. There has been only one (1) PROACTIVE contract in the franchise history. That’s it. Ten years. One proactive contract. And it was Enstrom’s, not Savard’s, not Hossa’s, not Kovalchuk’s, not Little’s, and we’ll see with Bogosian.
Shrugs. I don’t know what to tell you, Rob. Other than, “pray harder than you ever have … for ownership to WAKE UP.” I sort of thought, mayyyyyybe, that they got a reality check … when they threw all that money at Brian Campbell, and STILLLL he wouldn’t take it. The light bulb didn’t go on. Instead, they congratulated themselves on the non-acquisition, citing that Campbell’s numbers aren’t worth his salary.
A-hem. Yeah, well … I can’t help but notice that it didn’t STOP you from offering it to him. Campbell REJECTED the offer. The one that ownership claims wasn’t worth the money. Okay, maybe they never said that. I can’t find a quote about it, anyway. But I’m reasonably certain it’s how they view it now, in hindsight. But the truth is … they offered MORE TOTAL GUARANTEED MONEY than Chicago. Chicago’s cap hit was larger, so people think they offered more. That isn’t the case. Atlanta offered more total money, at a lower cap hit.
I wish the Thrashers luck in attracting free agents. Personally, I think they should focus on developing their prospects and continuing to stockpile via the draft. Whoever does sign with us … is only chasing the money. And that’s not the right culture for team growth.
Spud Webb
January 30th, 2010
12:25 pm
I’ve got a GREAT Idea, just came to me, had to write it down!! I really never do these things but… How about Kovy for Dion Pheanuf?? I would LOVE that trade. Dion gets 6.5 a year for the next 4 years. Yes, he’s having a down year, but I still love the kid. A GIANT, PHYSICAL D man as a Thrasher?? That would be a first!! Flames need help up front and would love Kovy, I’m sure!!!! Yahoooooooooo…of course this won’t happen.
R. Stroz
January 30th, 2010
12:38 pm
HookyBob – That wasn’t me.
Thrashers27
January 30th, 2010
12:39 pm
I was just looking over the schedule for the remainder of the season. Things looked encouraging through March. Once I flipped the calendar to April, things got a bit depressing.
Assuming the Thrashers acheive a lofty, but not unreasonable record of 16-8 between tonight and the end of April…they will have earned 88 points with five games remaining on the regular season schedule. This is where it gets scary… Of those five games, two are against Pittsburgh, two against Washington and one against Jersey. Ouch!
Traditionally the boys would need to win at least two of the final five games in order to have a shot at the playoffs…maybe three. However, with this season’s Eastern Conference parity maybe 88, or 90 points will allow a team to squeak into that eighth and final playoff spot.
Maybe the boys squeak into the post season, get hot and make a good run…Hey, a guy can dream can’t he?
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 30th, 2010
1:26 pm
Lee-interesting artcle and admission on Waddell’s part. Do you think he just figured this out?
Why not give the guy a deal that gives Kovy and out of the contract if the team moves to another city? Or is that too smart?
Miami Screaming Eagle
January 30th, 2010
1:36 pm
Spud-I’d make that trade tomorrow. I think the problem with Dion is how he is being used in Calgary. I am not sure how many minutes he’s getting, but Calgary has a great “D’ and need offense. Dion is their most tradeable asset and worth the $$$.
But hense the ownership problems with the Thrashers. Too bad we have to trade Kovy instead of having him spend his prime years in Atlanta.
These idots are only concerned about gangster basketball.
HookyBob
January 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
Spud: I don’t believe Kovy for Phanuef straight-up is very realistic. Now if you throw in Hainsey and possibly a depth player from the Flames chances get better.
Stroze,….my apologies. I’ll look closer for finger-prints next time.
R. Stroz
January 30th, 2010
5:21 pm
Why not give the guy a deal that gives Kovy and out of the contract if the team moves to another city? Or is that too smart?
MSE – Good point. I addressed this issue with someone and received the following link. A “no relocation clause” can’t be placed in the contract.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/12/30/thrashers-uncertain-future-playing-a-role-in-kovalchuk-talks/
This is the ket to the article:
A player can ask for a no-trade clause in his contract. But he can’t ask for a clause that reads, “If the franchise relocates to Winnipeg or Quebec, the player can opt out.” Doesn’t work that way. And I would like to see the look on the face of the next owner when the Thrashers tell him, “Well, we can bring Todd White with us but not Kovalchuk.”
Kovalchuk can’t be guaranteed of anything: 1) That the Atlanta Spirit will keep the team and spend to keep and acquire players (according to NHLnumbers.com, the Thrashers rank only 23rd out of 30 teams in payroll); 2) That anybody who purchases the team will keep it in Atlanta and also spend to compete.
Look at the past. Look at the present. Look at the future. There is no reason for Kovalchuk to feel comfortable.
Here’s the real quaetion: If you’re Kovalchuk, do you trust the ASG and Waddell? If not, what do you ask for, could that be max cap?
R. Stroz
January 30th, 2010
5:23 pm
I’m not sure how link became “ket.”
HookyBob – No problem. However, I’m a Batman fan, especially the last two Batman movies.
Tom
January 30th, 2010
8:16 pm
If you are looking for the game and you have Center Ice, the internal feed from Nashville is on. Channel 780 on Directv.
Tom
January 30th, 2010
8:22 pm
Well our beloved Captain and Kid Bogo did a horrible job on the second goal. There was a guy sitting in the slot for what looked like 5 seconds all by his lonesomeness. He put down his cup of tea to score the goal…
Tom
January 30th, 2010
8:29 pm
Damn the announcer showed up halfway through the period. I was enjoying actually watching a game without being treated like a moron…
Tom
January 30th, 2010
9:11 pm
That is bulltwinkies taking the goal away from Kane.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
9:22 pm
Chris Thorburn has scored a Short-handed goal, to make it, 3-2, for the Preds over the Thrashers. It’s an interesting feed. That’s for sure. It’s on Comcast Channel # 783 tonight.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
9:26 pm
The Nashville announcer just said, “There’s a 400 person contingent here tonight from Atlanta. They’ve got to like what they’ve seen so far.”
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
9:27 pm
Bryan Little just scored for Atlatna! It’s 3-3.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
Thrashers lose in regulation time, 4-3, to earn zero points.
Diego from Lilburn
January 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
Dang. 4-3 preds.
Brendan
January 30th, 2010
11:30 pm
It was a good game tonight against a playoff-bound team in Nashville. I think the Thrashers played them very well. 31 shots against. Special teams were at least “okay.” One PPG and one shorty. Here’s your boxscore: http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009020813
Atlanta now sits at 7th spot. Montreal is, at the very moment, 8th. And your attention please, Carolina’s 4-game winning streak now sees them 14th in the Conference. That’s right. They caught and surpassed the Toronto Maple Leafs. Seems naming Staal Captain was a popular move. Staal has scored 8 goals in five games since it happened. Carolina also has TWO games-in-hand on the Leafs. But it doesn’t end there. The ‘Canes also own two (2) more wins. For Toronto, things aren’t going that great lately. Tonight, for example, they lead Vancouver, 3-0, and didn’t come away with a single point. They lost, 5-3, in regulation time.
Other notes, at -3 were Bogosian and Ron Hainsey. At -2 were Kovalchuk and Little. At +1 were Thorburn, Reasoner, Salmela and Enstrom. Our ice time leader was Kubina, at 25:25. Enstrom played 25:06.
LAC
January 30th, 2010
11:38 pm
No way Kane goal is NOT allowed. No Way Arnott is allowed to skate in like a prince all alone 7 seconds into a period… zach $UCKED tonight as usual, why is he STILL HERE ?
Please send him off with #17 when he departs !
R. Stroz
January 30th, 2010
11:43 pm
Brendan and/or Tom – Since I didn’t watch the game, can you tell me if the -3 for Hainsey and Bogo were (a)indicative of their level of play, (b) an anomaly resulting from Koasterchuk being on the ice with them, or (c) both of the above?
stendec
January 31st, 2010
2:03 am
In a slide? Cannot win a game to save your life? All hope seems lost? Who is on the schedule? The Atlanta who? Fear not! The losing streak will soon be a distant memory. These heartless quitters are just playing out the string! Sorry son of a ##### alleged captain Russian Ilya “Not Worth A Russian ####” Kovalchuk cannot score or play a #### lick of defense. The Siberian #### does skate a mean figure eight! Only joy this Maryann Hossa clone receives from hockey is of the Olympic varity. Hope Russia gets waxed by whoever the #### is on the schedule! I have submitted my final contract offer to the agent of the uncaring Soviet. A stale hot dog, a flat soda pop and $2.99 per game with an incentive, not completely heartless, of $50 bucks per assist and $100 per goal scored. That money will remain in cofers! Still more than this team cancer is worth! I admire and respect true Captain Johan Hedberg tremendously. It is my belief he is the only professional hockey play in Atlanta that gives a #### about winning or the few remaining fans. That said. My hero did a Kari Lehtonen type act tonight (last night, sorry). Must be physically exhausted but Moose was a virtual sieve. Final goal was a pure Sori Letemin marshmallow! Okay big fellow. ####. Just ####. All club members except Mr Hedberg can roast in ####. Apathetic unconcerned losers! May this group wind up in Hamilton or someplace even colder. Pieces of commode residue! ++STENDEC++
stendec
January 31st, 2010
2:13 am
Instead of Thrashers they should be called Throwups, Upchucks or Giveups! Absolutely without redemption. Losers with a capital L. Quitters without compare. Enjoy the Olympics boys! Your Olympic break started weeks (months?) ago. Right el kapitan? ++STENDEC++ Except, of course, for Mr Johan Moose Hedberg. Only TRUE PROFESSIONAL in ENTIRE organization!
ben
January 31st, 2010
4:23 am
the t-birds lost . . , goodbye kovy / the t-birds won . . . hello kovy. Does that sum it up? Jeeze, we are so predictable. At the end of the day, who the eff knows. To paraphrase Skip Carey: A fan from Tucker wants his hero back.
But I’ll root for this team any way, even if he doesn’t show next year.
Tom
January 31st, 2010
11:15 am
Stroz, all of the above. The second goal was amazingly sloppy. The 4th goal he walked in from the faceoff and we just watched.