That Bergie kid comes through again
The “LAB Line”…that’s what Thrashers TV commentator Darren Eliot referred to the line that is made up of Bryan Little, Nik Antropov and Niclas Bergfors…which I think is very appropriate given that they have found great chemistry together and the experiment of putting them together has so far proven to be a great success.
Friday night in Minee-SOH-Tah, they again brewed up some magic to help propel the Thrashers to a 3-2 win over the Wild…the first time ever that Atlanta has come out of that state’s capital with a win.
Bergie’s blast at the 11:05 mark of the third period broke a 2-2 tie and provided the winning margin…it was the second time he’s scored a game-winner since coming over to the Thrashers along with teammate Johnny Oduya, who got the secondary assist on the goal. Little’s pass from center ice sprung Bergfors toward the goal up the right hand side.
Bergie has gotten of 15 shots on goal and is a +3 in the four games played since joining the squad. He’s making the #18 jersey look as good as it has since…since…well…since…hmmmmmm, oh what was that guys name again that used to wear that number around here a few years ago?
Pile up in front of Thrashers goal. Johan Hedberg, Ron Hainsey as well as the Wild's Kyle Brodziak in action Friday night (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Oduya’s assist was his second point in as many games and finished Friday night with a +1 rating. He continues to play very solid on the blueline, helping to stabilize that normally shaky aspect of this team.
The two are obviously making the best of this “it is what it is” situation, eh?
Earlier in the game, Nik Antropov’s tip of Pavel Kubina’s shot tied the game at 2-2 in the first period. Evander Kane…who played a hellova game against the Wild…opened the scoring 8:43 into the game. Kubina finished with two assists.
Big moment in the game was late in the first period. The Wild had erased the Thrashers 1-0 early lead and taken a 2-1 advantage with goals by Andrew Brunette…an original Thrasher…and Andrew Ebbett . Then came a 4-minute high stick call against Eric Boulton. Going down 3-1 would have been un-good…but they negated Minnesota’s man-advantage after Marel Zidlicky committed a high-stick infraction of his own.
Shortly after Zidlicky scooted off it the sin-bin, Maxim Afinogenov’s hustle drew a holding penalty from Shan Hnidy, another former Thrasher…and in just 1:58, Atlanta had gone from a 4-minute penalty kill situation to a 4 on 3 power play.
That’s when Kubina and Antropov made the Wild pay, tying the score with just 14 seconds left before the first intermission.
Quite a swing of events.
Arturs Kulda looked sharp in his first NHL start…he played with a good deal of confidence. One play that sticks out in mind mind came in the third period when he steamrolled a Minnesota forward in front of our goal. Being physical on defense and knocking opponents out from in front of the goalie…now there’s a concept, eh?
Johan Hedberg made start number 27 on the season, and in saving 36 of 38 SOG he improved his record to 14-9-5 with a 2.56 GAA and .916 SV%. If the Thrashers are to make a serious playoff run next month, it looks like it’ll be upon the back of the Moose.
At the trade deadline, the Thrashers should be...
- Buyers! (79%, 72 Votes)
- Sellers! (21%, 19 Votes)
Total Voters: 91
Loading ...Ondrej Pavelec is scheduled to start Saturday night in Chicago given the back-to-back games, but it is interesting to note that while Opie will be facing the Blackhawk for the first time ever, Moose is 4-1-0 lifetime versus the Hawks with a 2.34 GAA and .911 SV% in six games played.
Just sayin’…
This back-to-back set of games will be the tenth such time the Thrashers have played on consecutive nights this season. In the previous nine they have gone 6-1-2 in the tail end game.
With the two point secured in Minnesota, they now have 61 points after 59 games played. That is 13 points better then the 48 points they had after this many games last season. If they wind up with 13 points more than last year after 82 games, they’ll have 89.
The victory also puts them two points out of a playoff position in the conference with one game left before the Olympic break. They remain tied with the Rangers who beat Pittsburgh 3-2 in overtime.
Kovy Gets Off Schnide In His ’New Jersey’
In case you missed it, Ilya Kovalchuk notched his first goal as a member of the New Jersey Devils. His third period goal broke a 2-2 tie with Nashville in the third period…the Devils went on to win 5-2.
Viewing Party at TJs
Saturday night’s game will mean another viewing party out at TJ’s Bar and Grill located on Holcomb Bridge Road in Alpharetta. As always, Tim and Mark Ecclestone and all of the wonderful staff will certainly provide their normal great service and the Thrashers Fan Club will be bringing the party atmosphere.
If you can make it, I know you’ll have a great time. I won’t be able to be there myself as I will be out on a Valentines Eve date with the Divine Mrs. R. However, I’ll catch the replay upon our return home.
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129 comments Add your comment
Fierce Dawg
February 13th, 2010
12:20 am
Way to go boys!
Looks like Bergie and Johnny like their new team just fine. So far, we’re getting more out of our end of the deal than Jersey.
Tony C.
February 13th, 2010
12:22 am
first?
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
12:24 am
Right on cue Billy! Just needed me to prod ya a bit!
Great win for the boys tonite. Nice to get that hard-earned win to validate all of the things they’ve been doing well lately. Tonite they were a bit more disciplined in their zone on account of better positional defense. But Moose was on top of his game the last 40 minutes. Nice to see “Kool-da” beat the crap out of people in the crease and at the blueline tonite. If only Boris would play that strong on his skates! We could have one nasty blueline once Zach matures. BTW, Hainsey has played some of his best hockey these last 4 games. He seems to be thriving alongside Oduya, who is a very smart and cerebral hockey player. Nice to see Ronsey use his puck-handling skills and sneaky speed to move the puck up the ice quickly and get it into the zone on the PP. And he has really seemed to take the leadership mantle on his shoulders to fill the void. Very vocal out there.
Rawhide
February 13th, 2010
12:36 am
Smoothie – Hey, have I ever let you guys down…leavin’ ya hangin’ without a timely entry?
Hnnngghhh???
Hhhhgghhh???
Hhhhgghhh???
The word “Hnnngghh” is provided by and on loan from The Blueland Chronicle to whom I give much thanks for their permission to use
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
12:43 am
Big Willy – of course not! You are a man of the people and you deliver as regularly as Bergforce One! We would be lost without you. Heennnggghhh?!
Hey, noow that Ilya has finally scored his first goal for the Devils, perhaps we can stop talking about that fool. He will regret leaving this franchise. The future is bright and it was showcased for the entire NHL to see tonite in the form of Kane, Bergfors, Little, Kulda, Enstrom and Bogosian. If we can pick up another scorer at the deadline — hint, hint, what rhymes with phony Ilya? — this time can make a serious run at the playoffs. The bottom three seeds may be up for grabs. Hell, with the way Buffalo is playing, and considering how dependent they are on a tiring, overworked Ryan Miller, perhaps even all bottom 4 seeds will be up for grabs. Now we just need to figure out a way to jump on Chicago early and try to hold them off for an OT loser point. Perhaps Pavelec will rise to the occasion and stand on his head!
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
12:46 am
PS (and then I’ll shut up) — Crabb scored AGAIN tonite. A goal and 2 assists.
Please for the love of God, put Todd White on waivers!! Perhaps some desperate GM will claim him on re-entry waivers. We need more grit, energy and someone who can create more space for Fins and Peverley — who was sooooo tentative and indecisive tonite — to operate. One word: CRABBER!
Rawhide
February 13th, 2010
12:50 am
Smoothmister – “Bergforce One”…awesome!
OK…let me tease you with this propsed scenario:
White waived…Crabb Cakes called up…joins line with Peverley and Army.
Stop slobbering on yourself…
LAC
February 13th, 2010
12:52 am
Wow, This was one of the BEST games the team has played in a long time, a full 60 minutes and
this Bergfors kid is really something so far… Odulya is solid and the rookie defenseman played very very well a real “Heads Up” preformance.
Little has really picked up his game after being a ghost most of the year…
A win in Chicago would be outstanding and remember all the home games in March 12 home 5 away…
Excellent game, oh yes, the NHL offical blew yet ANOTHER call on the goal by Hainsey, no arm up, nothing until AFTER the goal was scored, The NHL Really needs to get these guys to do a better job, this guy tonight was UNGOOD !
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
1:03 am
DROOOOOOOOL
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
1:08 am
I don’t think it’ll be so bad to start Pavelec against the Blackhawks. We’re EXPECTED to lose. Chicago is the #3 team in the NHL. Still with me? Why not give Atlanta’s “new” #1 goalie the opportunity to show how he handles a big game like that?
Shifting gears, it’s hilarious to hear Glenn “Chico” Resch singing the praises of Kovalchuk, now that he’s a Devil. When a few weeks ago, he was making comments like, “Doc, I just don’t get it with this guy, Kovalchuk. He’s so one-dimensional. It’s not just about shooting and passing. It’s about leadership. Setting the standard. Leading by example. And being a complete player. Look at Kovalchuk on this goal. He’s not even making an attempt to backcheck, Doc.”
I’d love to make Ilya and Resch review that game, with Resch’s commentary on it. And watch how awkward it gets.
For some reason, Devils fans threw hats on the ice for Kovy’s goal. It was not a hat trick.
vik
February 13th, 2010
2:23 am
its because those fans care, unlike you fairweather, dumber than brick, atlanta fans… follow your leader waddel blindly.. right off a cliff..
Barry
February 13th, 2010
3:53 am
Man gotta be happy with this trade. Bergfors is so far making the best of this new opportunity to play top line minutes and give all he’s got. I was also impressed with Kulda. I’ve heard alot of good things about him but haven’t really gotten to see him play until tonight. He looked like he knew what to do out there. It didn’t seem like he was nervous at all. Now if we can just get Chelios to spend some time with Bogosian somehow and get Zach’s head straightened out then we should have a pretty solid defensive corp. Great win by the boys and solid 60 minute effort. Wild made a great play on the powerplay for their first goal and the 4th line of the Thrashers had a costly turnover in their own zone which led to the Wild’s second goal. Other than that Moose and the team closed the door. Now on to Chicago. Man that’s going to be a tough game. I just hope the Thrashers make it respectable. I’m not expecting a win, but they better not go out there and lay an egg like they have a tendancy to do after playing good for a couple of games in a row. Hopefully Pavelec has done his homework because he’s about to be tested tomorrow night.
Until then,
May the Bergfors be with you.
Dwayne
February 13th, 2010
6:18 am
vik…no one likes Waddel…you can’t argue about what Chico said about Kovy when he was a Thrasher. Any way, I hope the Devils win the East, could not stand to hear about Cindy Crotchby or AO in the Cup finals.
jerry
February 13th, 2010
8:34 am
If they had lost the game, no one would be crowing over Bergfors. It’s all about winning and always will be.
Mr. Heat Miser
February 13th, 2010
8:45 am
Sit White and bring up Joey Crabb – Atlanta’s Deadliest Catch
jimbo
February 13th, 2010
8:49 am
Kulda looks like an upgrade over Valabik, Popovic and Schubert. Hope that he gets to stay for awhile longer so we get a real good look at him. Great to see Little taking charge. He’s out of the Kovy shadow.
True Hockey Fan
February 13th, 2010
8:51 am
Good for Kovie,BUT, please can we forget about him already. We are clearly a better team without KKK. aka , ( Kaptain Kotton Kandy ). Bergie plays defense and forechecks and backchecks and plays within JA’S system. Oduya has mde our defense better. Clearly the Thrashers are poised for a playoff run that should be fun for all hockey fans in atlanta, even Mister Negative,Shultz.
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
9:16 am
The Bergfors cliches are starting-and for good reason. This kid has a shot. I hope he NEVER uses a slap shot, ever, don’t need to. Nic Bergfords has Mike Bossy hands.
I did some research on NJ when the rumors came out that they were in on Kovy. Bergfors was supposedly an untouchable as far as any trade was concerned. Now we know why.
LAC put it best-the guys played 60 minutes, which is what you have to do against Minny. They needed the 2 points as well, so we sure did earn it.
On Kovalchuk-Kovy is proving that he has to be the centerpience of an office to maximize his skills. He’s just not getting enough ice time in NJ to be himslef. Remember Kovy, this is what YOU wanted MR. First Class Organization.
The Thrashers have a March 27 trip to Carolina-anyone going?
Midfield
February 13th, 2010
9:17 am
Do we need to get ‘true fan’ certification some place to be entitled for an opinion? Even after beating MINNESOTA power house (WOW!!!) I don’t believe for a moment that Atlanta is the better team than it was a month ago. You see, Waddell is still running it, and ASG is still owning it, and it is no good all around. And, by the way, I’m not a big fan of Shultz either.
Tom
February 13th, 2010
9:29 am
Not to defend DWs overall track record, but it certainly appears the Kovy deal is going to pay huge dividends. We have some VERY talented youth on this team now. Kane and Bergfors will be stars on the top two lines for years to come. Oduya has been very solid (then again, some of us already knew he was a good player and refrained from the knee-jerk ripping of the trade right off the bat).
And if Cormier gets his head straightened out, man…we’re going to be good hockey team for awhile.
Now…let the mea culpas commence…all you knee-jerkers get in line and have at it.
Lou Lamoriello
February 13th, 2010
9:30 am
I want Bergie back, Don, I’ll give you Kovy, a prospect and a 2nd rounder.
Red Light
February 13th, 2010
9:37 am
Quietly, very quietly, Antropov has surpassed his career high in assists and is just nine points from tying his career high for points in a season. So, during the past three seasons, Antro goes from 56, 59 and now has 48 with 23 games left to play. The surprising thing to me, even though plus-minus is often a BS stat, that last year was the only one in which he had a minus rating. He is now plus-70 for his career in this his 10th season. That’s impressive (I guess). I think we all would like a big guy like that to be a bit more combative in the corners, etc., but this UFA signing looks pretty good right now, and I didn’t think so at the time because of the $2 million raise he got.
Remember he didn’t score his first goal until Nov. 19, and only had two thru Dec. 9.
The shot by Kane over the left shoulder of Backstrom was beauty!
Last thing, Kozzie and White combined for 101 assists last season, both playing all 82 games. This season they both have a paltry 16 assists and both are -16, and they both average 3 minutes fewer of ice time per game this season over last. Not hard to figure why JA isn’t playing them more, and why few suitors are interested in their services.
If Jody Shelley brings a 6th-round pick in a deal, surely the best possible deal the Thrashers could make is the following: a) Kozlov and a sixth-round pick for future considerations (used DVD collection of Mystery Alaska, Slapshot and The Mighty Ducks ought to do it); b) Todd White and a seventh-round pick for anyone named Crosby (Bing, David, Norm or Cathy Lee).
DWTOO
February 13th, 2010
9:39 am
WBF – The fan club is running a trip to Carolina.
Zoomo
February 13th, 2010
9:46 am
Can’t add much about the game to what’s already been said. Solid. We got robbed a few times in the 2nd period. Coulda been a cakewalk if one of those went in.
Agree about Hainsey’s leadership traits. No if we can just upgrade a player or two, we might make a bit of a run.
Lee
February 13th, 2010
9:46 am
Jeez, that kid’s good!
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
9:55 am
I get tired of people bashing White, though I’d be fine with waiving him if Koz were also waived. I think we can do better right now, and even if we had to keep their salaries it wouldn’t be a huge hit.
However, White’s faceoff % was 80% last night. I suppose that’s in his favor. Actually, as I look back over the last 5 games, his FO is very high.
Which reminds me, I nominate Peverly for sitting. He’s ben quietly negating his last season’s play.
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
9:58 am
DWTOO-I heard about it, wondered who was running the gig-thanks
I wonder if Bergfors and Oduya are chirping the “it is what it is” line now? Players want to play. Nic was not getting ice time in NJ and he’s flourishing in Atlanta. Oduya is becoming one of our best defenseman fast. Hockey players crave minutes, they hate to be dropped on the 3rd defensive pairing or the 4th line. Sitting on the bench or in the press box is excruciating for a player.
Red Light-page back to June and I was hoping for Antropov to land in Atlanta. Nic is quiet and unassuming on the ice, but he’s also a steady producer. Getting out of Toronto was the best thing that ever happened to him, New York too.
Hockey Biltong
February 13th, 2010
10:22 am
Nice win for the team. New identity seems to fit nicely. I echo others sentiments about Kulda. A quality debut.
moriler
February 13th, 2010
10:24 am
If it’s the LAB line, does that mean we should show up wearing lab coats and carrying a sign reading “DO SCIENCE TO ‘EM” — with a mad-scientist type waving a hockey stick?
five_hole
February 13th, 2010
10:29 am
I’m outa practice. For the record, Kulda was +0 in 9:36 with 1 shot and 4 hits. But this belies his play on the ice. For a rookie in his first game, he did not look out of place and played physical.
Speaking of physical play, how about that hit Bogosian laid on the Wild winger in the 1st period? Zack still had mental lapses on defense, but when he smokes someone on the other team like that, ya gotta love it.
So, I heard they brought Kari up. When’s he gonna . . . (um, hold on a minute). talking to wife . . . they did? . . . in less than a week? Um, nevermind. When I leave & come back again, who’s gonna be traded next? I’m assuming that the consensus on the blog was that this was a good thing. Personally, I think it was a good move. Kari had all the talent in the world but just couldn’t stay healthy. This clears, what; 3 million off the payroll? And according to Hockey’s Future, we got Dallas’s top rated defensive prospect.
Is Don Waddell keeping notes on the palm of his hand or what?
I love playing a team that’s supposed to beat us; we’ve got nothing to lose. Lay it all out there, guys! Go Thrash!
Smitty
February 13th, 2010
10:46 am
Kane, Little, Bergfors, Kulda, Bogey, Tobey, Cormier(next year) and even Boris(next year) have the look of a nice young nucleus to build on. Hainsey has been better since Oduya came on board and if Army and Kubina(a must) decide to stay to stay who knows. Antro to this point has exceeded expectations and Slater has finally started to come around. The team has responded since Captain Albatross flew off to NJ.
I always thought the best way to build a team is through youth. Dudley seems to have an eye for young talent. Hupefully he will wear off on DW. As for White and Kozzy. Kozzy gave us some good years and he deserves a graceful exit. As for White, faceoffs aside, I would like to see a kid from the Wolves be given an opputunity after the March 3rd, if no additions are made.
I sure would like to see Kubina extended before the end of the year if not before the trade deadline. It sure would show the fans a commitment from ASG that we have not seen in the past.
five_hole
February 13th, 2010
10:55 am
Hey Smitty You said “Hainsey has been better since Oduya came on board”. Has Hainsey been paired with Oduya? I saw him score last night and almost fell out off my sofa. He did play well. I heard (Mr pretty boy) even got into a fight last week. What’s up with that?
hollywould
February 13th, 2010
11:01 am
Great Win last nite. Man, Kane is one tough guy. He took and delivered a couple of heavy hits but keeps going. Battles in the corners/ gets under the skin of the other team/ kid is gonna do nothing but get better. Let’s take out Chicago tonite!!!! I would buy a Kane jersey but everytime I do that player gets traded so must be a jinx.
Puckhead
February 13th, 2010
11:27 am
thanks Midfield the posts were way to positive – not only better now than a month ago – we are 18 points better than a year ago at this time – here’s a blog that might provide more negativity for you – http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:31 am
Ummn, say. Is Dudley trying to ditch most of the players Waddell brought in? ‘Cuz … I’m “fine with that.”
Midfield
February 13th, 2010
12:09 pm
You know, Puckhead, you’re so convincing that, having read your brilliant comment, I am now 100% sure that the Thrashers is a legitimate contender now. We’re definitely on our way to compete for the Cup. Could you please make sure that Don is retained for another decade? Please?
DWTOO
February 13th, 2010
12:11 pm
LAB line – was think of my seven month old brown/black lab mix that already weighs 55 ibs. He’s a hoss!
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
12:35 pm
I think very few fans on this blog are ready to down any heavy doses of the playoff kool-aid but its hard to not see how this team has responded since Captain no-Commit left for “greener” pastures. The team is playing with passion and even though they are far from flawless, they are trying to play as a cohesive unit. Its refreshing to watch a team that does not need to make allowances or concessions to an ego-star like Kovy who *needs* so much ice time to be dominant.
Nikita – Ill grant you that Peverley hasn’t been all that special of late, but unlike White, he does things with the puck that puts pressure on the other team. White rarely gets in a position to do anything constructive with the puck. He’s been good on the PK but I fail to see why we need to pay him $2.5 M to kill penalties and win a few draws. How many FO did he actually take last nite? He’s not the C on the Peverley line but perhaps he’s being asked to take FO on one side since he’s lefty and Pevs is righty.
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
12:44 pm
I am not counting out the playoffs just yet. Most of the teams in the mix for th 7th and 8th spots have some issues too. There’s some desperation out there, while our guys are still recovering from the Kovy trade and clearing a path towards our own future.
Tonight’s game in CHI will be very interesting. You have a number of guys in Chicago that may be looking towards the Olympics, not concentrating on their games. Should be fun, as long as Opie doesn’t struggle stopping the beach ball.
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
1:00 pm
10, I think. About 15%. Not huge, but helpful.
and I don’t argue that we can do better, I simply think everyone should be a little more equal opportunity.
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
1:01 pm
p.s. if he’s gold in the PK, he’s absolutely worth paying $2 mill. But I don’t think he actually plays that much on the PK these daus.
Also, does it scare anyone other than me that Chris Thorburn is now third FOR ALL TIME in consecutive games played for the THrash?
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
1:02 pm
Dang it: I don’t argue that we CAN’T do better. Geesh.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
1:04 pm
I want to piggyback here on Smoothie’s post above. This team is now really about being a TEAM. In short, who is the LEADER of the Thrashers? Stop. Hold up. No ONE, ISOLATED name jumps off the page. This isn’t Ferraro’s team. It’s not MacEachern’s team. It’s not Mellanby’s team. It was never, ever Holik’s team. It’s not the Heatley/Hossa-Kovy scene anymore, either. The longest tenured netminder in team history is gone now, too. What’s left … is a group of players trying to “make it” in the NHL. Some want out. Some don’t. There we are. I say, let’s move forward with the players that want to be here.
The future is Bogosian, Enstrom, Little, Pavelec, and Kane. We have some veterans, too. Some will stay a while longer, like Hainsey, and some won’t. We’re probably talking about Kozlov, Kubina, and Armstrong. I don’t know what to tell you about Moose. To hear the organization talk, they’re “confident” in Moose for the rest of the season. Will they re-sign him in the offseason? I have no earthly idea. It’s not totally inconceivable. Hedberg, on a 1-year deal? Shrugs. Maybe. But I would think that, for insurance purposes, they’d be looking at a free agent goaltender on July 1. Hedberg is a pending UFA. Which is why I urged trading him, while his max return value is at its highest point.
The organization would tell you Moose will not be moved … because he’s “essential to our playoff berth.” Okay. That’s a reason. We can debate if it’s a GOOD reason. But, it’s a reason nonetheless. At least, they supplied that much. Hedberg has always been well-liked by the members of the dressing room. He’s a former two-time teammate’s teammate award winner. If anyone … on our current team … has been more dedicated to being here, and being a Thrasher, than Moose, I want to know who it is? So, perhaps, in their shoes, they’re rewarding him for his longevity–and dedication–by not trading him.
It suddenly dawns on me that Eric Boulton has been here a good, long while, too. I think this is his fifth (5th) season with Atlanta. And they might re-sign him, again. Who knows? I’m not quite sure if Boulton has eclipsed J.P. Vigier in terms of games played for the Thrashers.
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
1:12 pm
That is a bit scary regarding Thorburn’s streak of consec games played. Its too bad he wasn’t blessed with slightly better hands as he gets into position enough to score 10-15 goals.
As for tonite, does Slava get back in or does Johnny give him an extended vacay to rest up for March? Or is he trade bait?
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
1:13 pm
Brendan, don’t be surprised someday that this team isn’t Evander Kane’s team. The kid impresses me with his motor and fearless drives to the net. I am becoming a big fan of the Real Deal. We have talked alot lately about Bogosian acting 19. Evander is not acting 18; some of the vets need to look to his as an example.
Am I the only person here who doesn’t give a darm about the Olympics, outside of the hockey games?
BG33Brown
February 13th, 2010
1:16 pm
The best thing about last nights game was after the Thrashers went up 3-2, they didn’t let up. They kept playing extremely hard. And what a job by Thorburn to draw the cross check while killing the penalty-AMAZING.
Whenever I hear the LAB line all i can think of is Ron Burgundy saying, “its science.” Love that line.
BG33Brown
February 13th, 2010
1:16 pm
I’m a man who discovered the wheel and built the Eiffel Tower out of metal and brawn. That’s what kind of man I am. You’re just a woman with a small brain. With a brain a third the size of us. It’s science.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
1:17 pm
Oh, I don’t disagree with you, WBF. It could turn into Kane’s team. Or, even Bogosian’s, if things change for him.
Smoothie, what’s Thorburn’s consecutive game streak at now?
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
1:35 pm
WBF, you’ll excuse the sentimentalist in me for this post, but the Olympics is the time, every few years, when the World actually stops to be civilized to each other. And it’s wonderful to see. In a way, it’s John Lennon’s vision come to fruition. “Imagine all the people, living in peace?” Well, for two weeks, every two years, that happens, in the form of the Olympics. Oh yes, wars still continue during the Games, make no mistake about that. But for a brief while, the peoples of the world gather in a centralized place … to be DECENT to each other. And it’s remarkable to witness it.
It’s the sort of comeraderie that makes you wonder … “if we can all get along for two weeks, why not a month? Why not two months? Why not a year?” But, in the end, I’m afraid, it’s the differences among peoples that keep them separated, ideologically, philosophically, regliously, spiritually, etc. We can suspend our disbelief, hate, anger, resentment, and hostilities … on about a “2 week basis.”
So, for me, I’m happy we get these two weeks of harmony and “good will among mankind.” In many ways, it even supercedes what we experience each year at Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Ramadan.
But, in terms of events, I do look forward to the speed skating, ice dancing, figure skating, and bobsled/luge events. Sometimes, I’ll even watch the skiing! But, it’s the ice hockey that I’ll be recording. If the United States cannot win it, I’ll be pulling for Canada and Suomi (Finland). In Torino, Italy, Finland lost one game. And it was for the Gold Medal. Sweden won the Gold, after choking badly to Belarus in 2002. This year, the pressure is squarely the hosts, Canada, to win the Gold. North American Games tend to favor North American teams. So, I do look for Canada and the United States to do well this time around.
DaveR
February 13th, 2010
1:49 pm
World BF: Check out the curling when it gets going. I was surprised how entertaining that event can be.
It looks like the sort of thing that anybody could do – the “athletes” look like members of your Sat night bowling team.
five_hole
February 13th, 2010
1:52 pm
A guy who’s pseudonym is World Be Free, and he doesn’t care about the Olympics? Am I the only one who sees irony there?
I’ll be the 1st to admit there are events I don’t particularly care for (like the biathlon) but I do like watching women’s figure skating, the luge, the snowboarding, the slaloms & the downhill. Of course, hockey is still #1.
Smoothie In terms of Slava, he has no trade value sitting on the bench. Anderson needs to play him tonight.
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
1:55 pm
I believe Thorburn is at 213. per the Thrashers web site.
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
2:03 pm
How many athletes are representing Iran and North Korea at the Olympic Games? Sorry, not trying to get political.
If Russia’s communist curtain can crumble, than anything is possible. I just hope the good people in Iran who want to be free can achieve their collective goal of self-govt or representation.
Anyway, back to hockey. Normally I hate the Olympics for interrupting the NHL sked, but this year it could be just what the Thrash need. More practice time and chances for the new guys to bond with their new team.
Having Moose and Toby for our new guys is really a blessing. And I’m sure all the ice time is making them feel right at home on the ice as well.
And the other nite in COL, before the Avalanche caved us in, there was a glint of hope in Nik’s eye that was not there a few weeks ago. He seemed very happy in his interview. He did not look like a guy who felt jilted or spurned by a friend who encouraged him to come here.
Nik has done everything asked of him and more. I was not thrilled with the FA signing last summer but Antropov has proven his value to me. And it seems like he can be one of those strong, quiet leaders whose actions speak so much louder than words.
We do have reason to hope and its because of guys like Nik, Rich, Bryan and Evander. If the new guys buy-in all the way, look out!
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
2:04 pm
I really think Anderson should waive Slava. And White. But especially Slava.
a. he’s disgruntled, so keeping him in the locker room is probably not wise.
b. he’s playing poorly. Unlike White, I’m not aware that any aspect of Slava’s game can currently give the team an advantage.
c. he has a NTC. So trading him will be complicated and possibly impossible. discounting is still illegal, right?
d. even in his current state, he’s probably going to have enough value based on his career and general skills for someone to pick him up and give him a shot off reentry waivers. (For half his salary, for example, he might be attractive as a shootout specialist for a team down the stretch.) Also unlike Todd White, who probably wouldn’t get picked up off waivers.
e. And if not, he can be the Eric Perrin of 2010.
LAC
February 13th, 2010
2:05 pm
Interesting comments in the Minneapolis Times sports blog this morning…
Calling for the coach to be fired, calling GM Chuck Fletcher “chicken” and demanding trades
of older, as one guy put it, worthless players brought here by a…. Get a DUMB GM !
Wow, there are TWO DUMB GM’s in the NHL now… How interesting ?
Also losing to “Atlanta” is unacceptable period, well YOU lost 3-2, Sorry !
Nikita (in PA)
February 13th, 2010
2:06 pm
P.S. What I want from the break is for the team to develop an effective Power Play. The weakness of those units in that format are a major impediment to our success.
Lee
February 13th, 2010
2:09 pm
Look for a blowout tonight, in favor of the ‘Hawks.
Alan R.
February 13th, 2010
2:35 pm
Brendan:
a. Those announcers know which side their bread is buttered on.
b. Kovalchuk is not a Captain in New Jersey.
c. Fans threw hats because they were caught up in the moment. Watching one of the most prolific goal scorers in the game get his first goal while playing with their team had to have been an amazing experience for them. For us, it’s almost nothing, because we’re used to seeing him throw pucks at the net, and occasionally, watching one go in.
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
2:57 pm
I see my comment on the Olympics has churned a few people; I always like to stir the pot!
I am old enough to remember when the Olympics were reserved for amateur athletes, people that played their respective sports to win, not necessarily for money. Now it’s mostly about professionals. Under the current rules, The Miracle on Ice would have never happen. I miss Jim McKay’s Olympic commentary and the quality ABC put into the Games in the 60’s and 70’s.
I was in Oslo 2 years ago and saw the ski jump from the 1952 Winter Games up close. Came to the conclusion that ski jumpers are the ultimate mad men.
For all of sold on world unity, the 2010 version of “We are the World” came on the radio. It’s really nice that they could toss some hip-hop in the new version, makes me proud to say my pants are always pulled all the way up not to display my boxers.
Red Light
February 13th, 2010
3:17 pm
Total games played in a Thrashers sweater: Thorburn 214, Enstrom 223, Boulton 295, Slater 312, Kozlov 534.
Vigier played in 213!
rob
February 13th, 2010
3:21 pm
Liked the spirit and the drive I saw out there last night. Liked seeing Kulda clear the crease on the wrap around when the puck was free and I was screaming “NO” at the TV because I was expecting an easy goal there. Imagine how happy I was to see a D man not only put a body on the guy, but drive him behind the net and outta the play so Moose could recover the puck!!! Awesome. I didn’t actually see the first 2 periods (dam dish and snow, but a well placed snowball cleared it up and I saw the 3rd period), heard Nik hit a huge post in 2nd, he really has an unassuming HARD shot huh? We lucked out with a few posts in the 3rd period that thankfully went our way. Would feel good about chances with someone other than Pavs to rely on…… Can the refs get a clue about how to call a game? We are getting WAY to many non calls. Should have been TWO interference calls before Kane finally hit there goalie in that sequence and the ref called him. Sure it was interference on Kane, pure and simple, but what about the 2 calls the ref watched and didn’t call just before that?!?!?! Dam zebras suk! Anyway, much better feeling to the game out there for us, in spite of our owners, GM, and coach. Don’t let a few wins deflect the fact that they still suk. The THRASHERS must be playing good though because LAC and Standec even said positive things. They better look out or they might actually want to buy a ticket and watch these guys play in person!!!! Oh, and where is doubting Sage at, I wonder???? HMMMMMMM, just wondering LMAO.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!!!
Red Light
February 13th, 2010
3:24 pm
White has played in 209, Little 183, Armstrong 158, Hainsey 138, Reasoner 138.
Red Light
February 13th, 2010
3:37 pm
Three seasons after scoring 93 goals and adding 69 assists in 2005-06 and 2006-07, Jonathan Cheechoo has cleared waivers and has been sent down to Binghamton. He’s 29 years old. OUCH.
Matt Cullen will play with Kovalev and Regin for the Sens tonight. Two points at least.
Alan R.
February 13th, 2010
3:39 pm
WBF, in response to your query about the Olympics…
… all I care about is Hockey. I don’t care for much more than that.
Not saying I won’t watch it if it’s on… just that I’m not going to actively seek out the other events.
Viking
February 13th, 2010
3:51 pm
Tobias Enström’s little sister is also an olympian. She is playing right now for Team Sweden’s Hockey team.
You can see the resemblance:
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/athletes/tina-enstrom_ath1027722Zz.html
Smoothie
February 13th, 2010
3:52 pm
Red Light – thanks for the games played stats. Interesting to see Boulton and Slater have played so many games. The Thrashers must lead the league in 4th line continuity and loyalty to the same 3 grinders. Good to see Slater raise his game a bit and get 3rd line minutes.
rob
February 13th, 2010
3:59 pm
Nikita,
Pevs has been a little off, but the bench? Your last name isn’t White is it? JK White is being given yet another chance at life here on the team and just not getting it done, and the fact that he is faltering has a direct correlation with Pevs and Mad Max also, so our 2nd line needs to be addressed, thankfully 1st and 3rd are really playing some inspired hockey and I expect them to keep it up, now how about the 2nd line getting solidified without Kozlov/White in the role? We will need 3 good lines to do this, as we have to score a minimum of 3 goals a game to get 2 points. I just don’t see too many 2-1 wins for us.
kracker
February 13th, 2010
3:59 pm
DaveR: Curling rocks! (pun, hehe)
Viking
February 13th, 2010
4:13 pm
Toby’s sister just scored.
They said that Toby and Tina are the first brother and sister ever being olympic hockey players.
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
4:31 pm
Alan R-Olympics seem staged these days. The Lillihammer Games were pretty cool, I like when teh games are in a rural place away from a major city.
kracker
February 13th, 2010
4:33 pm
Very nice, Viking!
R. Stroz
February 13th, 2010
6:04 pm
My favorite winter Olympic events are the ones I used to particpate in on roller skates, back when they were squads.
There is nothing like short track speed skating…bumbing, speed, and reckless abandon…next hockey…followed by, believe it or not, figure skating, as I never managed to land a squadruple toe loop before I torched my knees. That stated, getting enough air with roller skates is alot more difficult than getting enough air on ice skates.
The best thing about speed skating is there is a clear winner with no judging to screw the contestants over.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
6:05 pm
Alan R., very good points. All well-observed. Reminds me a little of Darren Eliot, in that regard. Ya know, something? If the Thrashers actually announced Darren Eliot as the next GM, I don’t think I’d even fly off the handle. Darren’s not stupid. He’d probably do okay. And I’m confident that the Eliot Administration would get a few playoff series wins over nine (9) completed seasons. No, I didn’t say playoff wins. I said, “playoff SERIES wins.” But I digress.
I want to echo Nikita’s recent post about improving our PP unit. If Atlanta is going to turn to its grinders to generate chances, it’ll also draw penalties. And that’s GREAT, provided that we have a PP unit that can cash-in about 30% of the time. Every team in the league would like to average two PPG’s per game. That’s an awesome advantage to hold.
WBF, yes please. I do like it when you stir the pot. It brought forth some good comments and topics of discussion. Even a new blogger. And new additions are always welcome here.
Red Light, I am always indebted to you for your outstanding research. If I’d thought about it a lot harder, I’d have remembered that Jim Slater is a 2002 draft pick. So, his tenure with the Thrashers is quite substantive at this point. Will he be re-signed next year? My feeling is, “yes.” Let me explain. Slater, in my view, isn’t trying to leave. He’s not eyeballing some other club. Even if he were, his next contract won’t be a big one, and Atlanta can surely pay it. In fact, rubbin’ my chin, he’d probably take a paycut to stay. Which brings me to my next point, Atlanta’s not close to winning the Stanley Cup. So? So, our 4th line center doesn’t need to be someone substantive at this juncture. My sneaking suspicion is that Slater will be re-signed in the offseason. In a Thrashers era where longstanding players like Kari, Kovalchuk, and perhaps now Kozlov, are being tossed aside … or forced to be jettisoned for substitute assets, it might be a “nice gesture” to proactively sign Jim Slater to $715,000. I’m sure he’d be amenable to it, in lieu of wondering IFFFFFF an NHL team will sign him for next season. If Slater is really thinking, “I’m worth $950,000. And I’ll hold out for that amount,” I’d be shocked. And I’d also wish him “good luck” in his quest to find someone willing to pay it. I could go as high as $750,000 for the guy, just because of his longevity with the team. But the truth is, Jim Slater is non-existant until Christmas. Then “second half” Slater kicks in, for some reason. If he winds up with 10-12 goals, great! He knows his role.
R. Stroz
February 13th, 2010
6:07 pm
Viking – After looking at Toby’s sister, Tina, I’m confident she can kick Todd White’s butt.
five_hole
February 13th, 2010
6:08 pm
World Be Free The old USSR teams of the ’60s, the ’70s and ’80s (until they fell) were the equivalent of professional teams. That was their sole job; playing hockey. Their “cover” was being in the Soviet army. One of the last “soldiers” from the Soviet era is Slava Koslov. We started playing our professionals because a large part of the world was doing it already.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
6:09 pm
I’m in the Spam Filters again.
World Be Free
February 13th, 2010
6:13 pm
Five_hole, yeah I know the Russians were pros, not just the hockey players. But it stinks that we had to join the parade by adding our paid atheletes.
I just enjoyed the days when MOST of the participants were not pros. Now it’s more for the exposure for the NHL (winter) and NBA (summer) than anything. The Olympic Games have lost their original meaning for me to be too interested.
I have old NHL games on TiVo; let’s hope NHL Network gives us some games from earlier in the season during the break, college games too!
R. Stroz
February 13th, 2010
6:14 pm
Did anyone else think the Opening Ceremony last night was lamest/weirdest opening they had ever seen?
The tattooted punk rock clogging violinist looked like a satire of Riverfest and Braveheart.
Badger Bob
February 13th, 2010
6:50 pm
Stroz, the opening had plenty of awkward to it, and not just the failed torch thing. Have you ever been to Vancouver? Its more quirky and artsy than Seattle and it seems a lot of that shone through. Being a Canadian prairie boy, I liked the acrobatic dude that turned the floor into wheat fields (yes, wierd description if you didn’t see it), and it was great to have the athletes in the stadium to see it all, but it made it a strange, slow event overall.
RedLight, you are so right about Antro. His +/- is meaningful because he earns it by backchecking and being responsible in his own zone.
five_hole, it looked like Oduya and Hainsey were primarily together last night, and it seemed Bogo was out there with Kulda a lot. Maybe JA is trying to get Bogo to mature by putting someone less experienced with him? Bogo’s first period check was a thing of beauty, and something we should expect from him every period.
FormerIslesFan
February 13th, 2010
7:08 pm
Viking,
Okay, does that mean that Tina is the one that got the “Shoot The Puck” gene!?! Surely, Toby can take a lesson or two from his sister and learn to put the puck on net rather than pass it every time (in all honesty, he seems to have gotten much better since Kovy is no longer on the left point requirng the feed).
Viking
February 13th, 2010
8:46 pm
FormerIslesFan,
Tina actually scored a very pretty goal preceeded by some nice passing. It is entertaining to watch women’s Hockey, but unfortunately, “body play” is not allowed. It looks like what Bogo and Toby did in overtime in Denver. Tina is a forward and seems to be a good shot blocker and PK player.
Yesterday Darren said that Toby will not shoot unless there is some folks in front of the net. So, hopefully they can do a little more Holmströmian stuff so he will SHOOOOOT.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
10:31 pm
Kane and Slater are now a +3, heading into the 3rd stanza. Down 3-1, after one period, the Thrashers have scored three (3!) unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead into third period. Goals by Kane, Afinogenov, and a PPG by Enstrom powered the Thrashers. But the springboard and catalyst of it all was Marty Reasoner, who lost his stick on a PK, but dove “face first” down to the ice to block a shot. The puck hit him in the forearm, and he left for medical treatment.
The play was so “gutsy,” it clearly inspired the rest of the team. Folks, they haven’t quit. I think they’re “mad.” They’re mad Kovy left. And they’re bound and determined to show the whole frekkin world … they weren’t a “one-man” team.
Now, Hossa did score tonight, for Chicago. It was a short-handed goal. Since then, Hossa has been invisible. And the Blackhawk fans have been silent as a church mouse. Atlanta took them out of the building with that three goal second period. Folks, this is impressive. Pavelec has battled back. Pavelec did NOT quit. He has made tough saves in this second period. And right now, it’s on him to hold the fort, here in the third period. And if he does it, when will the bloggers give him credit? This is the same Pavelec who made 50 saves to steal a game earlier this year from Ottawa. And stole a game from the Red Wings, I think, 2-0. (Unless that was Hedberg who made 40 saves. And I apologize if it was.)
Atlanta, to its credit, is treating this game as if a playoff berth were on the line. Here’s your boxscore: http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009020913.
In case you’re curious, it was the Islanders over Tampa Bay, Boston defeated Florida in the shootout, and Philadelphia won over Montreal. The Sabres toppled San Jose, 3-1. And Detroit bested Ottawa, 4-1. Carolina defeated NJ, 5-2. In the loss, Kovalchuk and Salmela picked up helpers on a goal by Zach Parise. Carolina is on fire, since making Staal captain and getting goaltender Cam Ward back from injury.
Colby Armstrong just DECKED Marian Hossa. And Hossa is out!!!
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
10:47 pm
Okay, this is rediculous. Colby Armstrong has been tripped and crosschecked twice on his subsequent shifts, with no calls by the refs. I understand that the refs might feel Colby has some retribution coming back his way, and that the refs are going to somewhat allow it, given that Hossa is a major star. But c’mon. There are rules to this game. And being tripped and crosschecked to the ice, in FRONT of the refs, is a punishable offense. No matter WHAT Colby did earlier to Hossa.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
10:50 pm
Okay, the refs have got to start calling penalties against Chicago, while taking liberties with Colby Armstrong. The refs allowing this “get-even-ism” is sad.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:03 pm
Just seconds left in regulation time now.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:04 pm
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-ver-time.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:06 pm
Hossa has NOT returned since Colby “legally” tagged him goofy. I suspect his evening is through. But we’ll see if he’s out for this overtime session.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:21 pm
Thrashers lose in the shootout, but get a point. That big second period brought them back from a “sure loss.” Atlanta had a chance, but they went into a defensive mode and were badly outshot in the 3rd period. Great overall game, though.
Blackhawks 5, Thrashers 4. Toewz with the only goal in the shootout. Atlanta shooters were Little, Antropov and Bergfors.
Folks, against the third-best team in the NHL, in THEIR barn, I’ll take a “pity point” any time.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:28 pm
R.Stroz, I missed the Opening Ceremonies. I’m hoping that Comcast has it as a special feature “on demand.” The opening and closing ceremonies in Beijing were spectacular. And in the Winter Games in Salt Lake City, back in 2002, the opening and closing ceremonies were terrific.
stendec
February 13th, 2010
11:30 pm
First a statement of fact. The Thrashers are a better team without Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils are a worse team with him. That said. I have a new favorite Thrasher! That man is Colby Armstrong. Sorry Johan Hedberg. I still admire and respect you pal. Colby knocked that traitor son of a betch Maryann Hossa back to whatever the Hell country he came from! I leapt from my seat with utter joy. I hate that untalented sack of shet! Was hoping a stretcher would be required. No such luck! Reg Dunlop has authorized Colby to collect the bounty. Hope Colby repeats the brutal hit when a certain Russian Devil visits Atlanta. Pavs waas a damn sieve. Gave up three early goals then choked on the tying marker. Clueless idiot looked braindead in shootout! Weak link on this night was definitely between the pipes. Moose would have brought home that much needed extra point! Thanks John Petrino. Moron! Mission was not fulfilled. Five points were required not four. Damn. Just damn! ++STENDEC++
Tom
February 13th, 2010
11:34 pm
I would hate to be Stendec’s dog.
Yung JB from MTL
February 13th, 2010
11:34 pm
Why didnt JA pull off a Bob Hartley and switch Pavs for Johan in the SO? I mean, Hedberg is like 15-4 in SO while pavelec is 0-3 this season.. I mean, this was a much needed point.. anyways 4 out of 6 in that road trip satisfies me, but we were that close to 6 out of 6
Tom
February 13th, 2010
11:35 pm
Oh, and Ilya was -2 again.
Tom
February 13th, 2010
11:40 pm
New Jersey’s record after “the trade” is 2-3-1 …
We are 2-1-2 in with 4 of the games on the road and playing 3 of the top teams in the league.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:43 pm
Tom, it’s nice to see Ilya maintaining his standards. Wouldn’t it be hilarious if the Devils flip Kovalchuk to the L.A. Kings for the the kind of fleecing Atlanta was supposed to get out of them? Actually, on second thought, that wouldn’t be funny at all.
stendec
February 13th, 2010
11:49 pm
Bill. This is for you and other posters. After watching the team with IK and without him. How many points, in your opinion, did he cost the team during his final do not give a damn stretch? Be honest! My guess is a dozen. Yours? ++STENDEC++
R. Stroz
February 13th, 2010
11:53 pm
Have you ever been to Vancouver?
Badger Bob – Nope. Those ceremonies challenged the line of artsy vs. weird/boring.
Brendan – You may want to have a 2 liter of Vault/Jolt/Red Bull if you plan on watching the entire opening ceremonies.
Colby Armstrong thanked Hossa for sending him to the Thrashers.
Brendan
February 13th, 2010
11:56 pm
Young JB from Royal Mountain, it’s risky to put in a “cold” goalie for a shootout. And it’s terrible to deny the guy who’s battled for 65-minutes his opportunity for a win. Pretty much, only Bob Hartley would try that move.
Brendan
February 14th, 2010
12:00 am
I found something called “Opening Pt. 2-12,” 53 minutes long. Is that the Opening Ceremonies? I found it under “sports,” then “Olympics 2010,” then “Best of the Day.” I’m grabbing my Coke Zero and guzzling it down. I’m goin’ in!! Let’s see if I make it all the way through. Then again, I have the FF button!
stendec
February 14th, 2010
12:03 am
Okay wise a$$es. Moose gave up early goals then closed the door to secure very important REGULATION points! Pavs Lehtonen allowed three super quick goals, one to a damn player that I personally detest, only to have the guys pull his a$$ out of the fire with four goals. That was not enough for the jerk! Johan Hedberg would never have positioned himself out of that tying fourth goal. To make matters worse the goof looked positively brainless in the shootout. Bye bye needed extra point! Yes I am pi$$ed. Six points. Six very crucial points! Were all within the grasp of the Thrashers. They “grasped” only four of them! ++STENDEC++
Brendan
February 14th, 2010
12:04 am
Rawhide, we have another entrant into the hopper for the “post of the year.” It’s R.Stroz, from moments ago. http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/02/13/that-bergie-kid-comes-through-again/comment-page-1/#comment-21093
Armstrong thanked Hossa for sending him to Atlanta. that’s pur GOLD! I might make a banner and stream it around my rec room, Strozie.
Smoothie
February 14th, 2010
12:11 am
Managed to catch the final 10 mins after some other things and it was obvious the team was completely out of gas holding on for dear life. As amazing as Pavelec was in the 3rd, he was rather shaky in the shootout. But what was worse was the utter lack of imagination in the S/O by our guys! WTF? You’ve played hockey your whole life, surely you can work a fake or deke in before shooting!
Smoothie
February 14th, 2010
12:22 am
stendec – glad I was, ahem, um “busy” and missed that 4th goal allowed by Pavs. Someone needs to teach this kid a) how to stay on his feet longer and b) stop making himself so damn small in the crease. This hybrid butterfly crap is for very few goalies. And Dom Hasek you’ll never be Ondrej!
Oh yeah, I’d say Kovy’s lazy ass cost us at least 7 or 8 points in January alone! Have fun playing with your equally lazy buddy Zherdev next year in the KHL, you jerk!
@ least we'll always have 1999
February 14th, 2010
12:23 am
Say what you want, but Kovy made this team. I guess it’s just like the Expos who kept shipping all those great players out. You could staff an all star team with th scoring that came through here. Yeah, we got Kane and the rest now, but it must be something in the water, because this team has a huge problem w/ player retention.
Brendan
February 14th, 2010
12:31 am
Smoothie, I’d like to try Bogosian and Kubina in shootout attempts. Why not? I’m not too sure I’d go with Bryan Little in my top three. If Slava is playing, Kozlov is my #1 shooter. I’d try Bogosian in the 2nd slot. And Bergfors in the #3 spot. Then Kubina. Then Little. Maybe Kane, ahead of both of them, actually.
Smoothie
February 14th, 2010
12:42 am
How about this order Brendan?
1) Mad Max – he’s so frenetic and unpredictable that even if he doesn’t score he gives the goalie a lot to think about
2) Slava-matic
3) Bergforce One
4) Peverley
5) Kaner – its time for this kid to get more special situation spots and he’s not afraid to try some shit!
Nikita (in PA)
February 14th, 2010
12:47 am
Whatever, least. I said it before about 50 times, and I’ll say it again. Kovalchuk brought a lot to the team, but keeping him had an opportunity cost. Specifically, the entire team had to be built to help him succeed, which was a hell of an achievement considering he didn’t play any defense.
The team looked pretty good this evening. The only exception I’ll make to that comment is Mad Max, who I’m going to call out for patently stupid play — dude, stop passing across the crease. Just effing stop it. He played well other than those fluff-brained moments, but one of those really could have cost us. Reasoner and Army and Hainsey really did great tonight, and obviously all the dudes with the goals rocked it.
As for shootout order, I’d probably have led: Slater, Bergie, Kane, and Army.
Smoothie
February 14th, 2010
12:49 am
Damn filter!
How about this order Brendan?
1) Mad Max – he’s so frenetic and unpredictable that even if he doesn’t score he gives the goalie a lot to think about
2) Slava-matic
3) Bergforce One
4) Peverley
5) Kaner – its time for this kid to get more special situation spots and he’s not afraid to try some shiz!
@ least we'll always have 1999
February 14th, 2010
1:10 am
Hossa, Savard, Brunett, Audett, Kovalchuck.
What kept screwing the team was poor defense all around, and goaltending. They should have gotten 2 defense-first forwards and put Kovy on that line. They should have dropped coin on a legit #1 netmider.
Hockey Biltong
February 14th, 2010
1:52 am
Excellent effort tonight.One point , but the effort and especially the chemistry is really panning out. This should make us buyers. I hope we get an awesome player such as Ponikarovky and maybe Kaberle. That, I think, would give us an edge.
LAC
February 14th, 2010
2:09 am
Tough one to swallow in Chicago… Decent on offense, but POOR goaltending cost us.
Let’s hope things improve after this break and we can make playoffs and maybe, just maybe, these little owners will Finally Realize they Have to Fire waddell once and for all.
Oh yes, did you notice the asg tool beatwriter is not blogging during the Olympics…
Just NO class or passion for the game, and the LEAST of all NO GUTS ! Go away chris and be the Tool you really are !
POTF
February 14th, 2010
7:27 am
Sure have loved watching this team for the last week. Lot of spring in the step. How many miss Kovy now? I thought I would, but don’t. 6 out of 6 points for the trip was certainly achievable, but I think most of us would have gladly accepted 4 out of 6 if asked before trip started. As for the great hit last night. Was that BlackHawk STRONGARMED or HOSED? Powerplay looked a little better last night. Reasoner on the PK, nuff said. Where the hell has this Kulda been hiding all year. Definitely like what I see with this kid. Hope the energy continues after the break. Personally think it will. One other thing, from what I’ve seen on the shootout, may as well give Thorburn and Boults a shot.
POTF
February 14th, 2010
7:29 am
“Let’s hope things improve after this break and we can make playoffs and maybe, just maybe, these little owners will Finally Realize they Have to Fire waddell once and for all”
LAC
If the Thrash make the playoffs, Waddell certainly won’t be fired.
World Be Free
February 14th, 2010
8:55 am
Colorado and Chicago-2 tough teams that the Thrashers played tough on this road trip. Four out of 6 points is pretty good. Looks like New Jersey is no better off with Kovy in the fold.
I stand by what I said at the time of the Kovy trade-in the end, Kovalchuk will get $.60 on the dollar for what he could have made in Atlanta. That’s alotta money to give up for the CHANCE to win a Stanley Cup.
DWTOO
February 14th, 2010
9:17 am
Stollberg really took the team to task on the post game show last night. Calling the OT losses just that and saying the one point shouldn’t be awarded. Think he’s missing the “point” here. If you go back to the good old days both teams would’ve have left the arena with one point and that would’ve been the end of it. IMHO the OT/SO is a bonus point. Although, I’d just as soon go back to the tie.
Team has really showed some spark on the whole trip. Each game they could’ve just gone into the tank, but, battled back. Would have been nice to come back with six points, but, taking four from a three game western swing against two of the best and another team fighting for a spot also is impressive.
Hockey Biltong
February 14th, 2010
9:18 am
We are going to by necessity, aquire a strong goalie, if we’re are going any distance into the play-offs.
Hockey Biltong
February 14th, 2010
9:20 am
So winger, centreman and goalie.
Tim Thomas
Ponikarovsky
Kaberle or Johnson
Red Light
February 14th, 2010
9:27 am
Like the 1934 MLB All-Star Game when Carl Hubbell struck out Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin in succession, the Blues’ Chris Mason stopped Semin, Ovechkin, Backstrom and B. Morrison in the shootout to give St. Louis another win before the break. They’re only 5 points out of 7th at this point.
The third or fourth liners have been playing well for the Thrashers and I loved Boulton’s hit on Kopecky. I like keeping those units together as much as possible, but I think Washington’s group barring injury is pretty stout Smoothie. Gordon (295 games), Steckel (217), Bradley (349) and Fehr (160) all are used to Boudreau’s system, and while the top two lines get the goals, these guys are a very valuable part of the Caps’ success.
I think the reason Slater, Kane and Armstrong have been successful together, not only because of their hearts, is that they are all North-South types on the ice. They go from goal line to goal line rarely going East-West. They are effective because of their speed and their hustle is rewarded.
Scott Gomez is that type of North-South player, and I always thought he would have been the perfect center for Kovalchuk. Kovy is always more effective going North-South rather than that pulling up, circling and creating space stuff that was never his strong suit. He has the speed and strength to go forward.
Guys, not sure if you had the chance to see Stephen Weiss go through the Boston defense last night for his goal, but I can tell you Chara had a yard sale after it. Check out the highlight!
Zoomo
February 14th, 2010
9:35 am
>>Stollberg really took the team to task on the post game show last night.
I call Stollberg “the grim reaper”. The guy is the most negative commentator I’ve ever heard. He crucifies the team afet every loss and is barely complimentary after wins. OK so we’re not the Wings or Caps or Blackhawks. We get it. I tune the guy out on the postgame until Kamal comes on.
I’d suggest that one of the reason hockey hasn’t grown in Atlanta is all the negative media. Schultz, Stolly, Bradley, etc.
Hockey Biltong
February 14th, 2010
9:57 am
Weiss picked Charas’ pocket!!!
World Be Free
February 14th, 2010
10:08 am
Stendec, I have to admit I really never thought about what Kovy may have cost us but I think you are right on with the comment. More to the point is what did the distraction of the Kovy contract courtship dance cost us from December to late January.
Nikita-Kovy did bring a lot to the team in the way of talent and his individual abilities. Guys like Kovy open spaces for other players, making them better. But this team is better off today, because they are playing like a team. The team does not have to deal with Kovy’s donkey snits during every game, normally at crucial times. If given the choice, I’d take Hossa over Kovy anytime.
Red Light-I saw the Stephen Weiss goal, end to end rush that left Chara jock strap at the blue line. That was a great goal. Chara’s play is part of the reason Boston has fallen back this season
Biltong-I’d take Thomas in a heartbeat. Nothing wrong with Tim’s play, he’s just been beaten out by a younger goaltender.
Get The Puck Out
February 14th, 2010
10:28 am
I think we already have a Captain. He was willing to sacrifice his body to stop a shot, and he got it. He was always in the right spot on the PK at the most critical time and he gives it his all. If Kovy had played with that much heart he may have been worth 10 mil. a year. Reasoner should be Captain because he cares what happens on the ice. Kane is really gonna be something special in a couple of years. If the defense tightens up a little more and we get better in goal we could be in the playoffs. That second period last night showed the thrashers playing up to their potential, believing in each other to do their job and always thinking ahead to the next move. I am enjoying the way they have played since the departure on Kovy, and they are playing more as a team. But just because they are playing as a team does not get Don Waddell off the hook. He still needs to go, and it would be even more encouraging if new owners were waiting in the wings. Just try and be POSITIVE.
World Be Free
February 14th, 2010
10:33 am
G-T-P-O I’ll always vote for Marty for captain. He just doesn’t ake mistakes, great team guy.
LAC-surprised you did not rip Bogo on the Hossa goal. Bogosian made a bad decision trying to keep the puck in the Hossa right on him-led to Mary Anne’s SOG.
Hockey Biltong
February 14th, 2010
10:40 am
WBF- yes we need that bump up in goalie standards. And Marty would be an awesome Kapitain!!!
Rawhide
February 14th, 2010
10:40 am
Happy VD everybody! Here is a new blog for you all.
Brendan
February 14th, 2010
10:45 am
Smoothie, I stand corrected. I like your shootout order way better than mine. If Slava is playing, he’s got to be the #1 shooter. We need a goal to start. Max is a good choice for a 1st shooter, too, though. Kane would be interesting to try as a 1st shooter. I’m also okay with mixing it up with the Pevs dispenser early on in the shootout. But I am serious about Bogosian as one of the top three shooters. I think he could be good at it. And there isn’t much video of him in them. Generally speaking, d-men don’t get many breakaways.
Brendan
February 14th, 2010
10:55 am
WBF, regarding 8:55 AM post, but buddy, it was never, E-vah, about the money. That, my friend, was just a “smokescreen.” How does Ilya tactfully say to ownership, “You send me a GM with a DECADE’s worth of failure to renegotiate my contract? With all due copyright respect to John McEnroe, ‘You CANNOT be serious.’”
I begrudge Ilya Kovalchuk nothing. Absolutely nothing. I wish him every success in his future years. He gave us 8 years, with a smile. And I truly believe … that if this organization had displayed a modicum of timely accountability along the way, he would have re-signed for the rest of his career here. All he wanted was: (1) committed, stable ownership, (2) Good GM, (3) Accountability, (4) “decent” Opening Night budgets, (5) good scouts, and (6) capable teammates.
If you’ve got those six things, Stanley Cups will follow. Kovy hasn’t even put his house up for sale. I think he’s gonna live here, no matter WHERE he plays. Imagine it, folks. You’re at Target or Publix or Kroger, and there’s Ilya, buying Karoline a loaf of freshly baked bread. He says, “Hi neighbor!” You wave and smile back at him, “Sorry the Thrashers are woefully inept at running an NHL franchise.” He shrugs, then says, “You and me, both!”
Brendan
February 14th, 2010
11:03 am
Negative media in Atlanta? Someone, somewhere, has to say when “The Emperor is NOT wearing any clothes.”
Rawhide, I got no Ranallo warning.
LAC
February 14th, 2010
3:06 pm
WBF, I did not see that play and his number… Oh well just more of the same…