Still some fight, life left in Thrashers after 6-3 win over Sens
OK…so in my previous post I engaged in a little math exercise to show how difficult it would be for the Atlanta Thrashers to overtake the New York Rangers as well as Boston Bruins and make the playoffs. The numbers, as of yesterday, did not look very good at all…and the schedule looked equally as rough.
Nope…didn’t look good at all.
Then the Thrashers go out and smack the Ottawa Senators 6-3. To make matters even that much better, New York then gets beat by St. Louis 4-3 and Boston gets blanked by the Pens 3-0. With that the simple math calculates to…3 points out of the playoffs with 12 games left.
Oh…and the Bruins are in town Tuesday.
Johnny Oduya is checked against the boards by Ottawa's Erik Karlsson (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
In between now and then, however, is a pair of games against the Philadelphia Flyers… Saturday here, Sunday there. Were the Thrashers to actually sweep the two…don’t laugh, we are 2-0-0 this season against them…then Tuesday matchup could be for that 8th spot in the east.
Boston plays the Rangers Sunday afternoon…so that’ll be an interesting matchup to watch as well.
The Thrashers still have a bit of an uphill climb here…but by putting a solid effort together against a playoff-bound team, combined with a couple other outcomes that went their way, they at least have put themselves in a better position.
As for the game itself…like I said above, it was one of those rare games this season that the Thrashers played what could be called a complete game. Not a perfect game, mind you…but a good solid effort from start to finish.
They got on the board early when Evgeny Artyukhin took advantage of a misplayed puck at the blueline by Andy Sutton…remember him?…and slipped the biscuit past Brian Elliott at the 2:35 mark of the first period. They advanced that margin to 2-0 early on in the second when Jim Slater deflected home a pass from the left side by someone in the #12 jersey.
I say “the #12 jersey” because…well…I don’t really know who that was, but I wish I knew what he did with Todd White. This guy was playing some pretty darned good hockey Tuesday night. In the first, he caused my oldest tax exemption to exclaim, “Hey, is that Todd White fighting for the puck in the corner? Who does he think he is?”
For the night, “Todd White”…or whoever he was…finished with 2 assists and +3 rating.
Nik Antropov tipped home a pair of goals… both while Atlanta enjoyed a man advantage. In the second period he deflected in a Pavel Kubina shot…Kubina was originally credited with the goal but the score sheet I’m looking shows him with it. He later gave the Thrashers a 4-3 in the third when he did the same off a Toby Enstrom shot from the point.
Yes, that was a Toby Enstrom shot while on the power play…in the same game Todd White played very well and was a +3 with 2 helpers. There are some strange things happening in Thrasherville.
The assists was also Toby’s 100th in his NHL career.
Colby Armstrong then salted the game away with a pair of goals to put the score at 6-3. The first came about a minute and a half after Antropov gave them the lead…taking possession of the puck just inside the Senators blueline when Chris Phillips bobbled the puck. Later Army lit the lamp again with assists going to Slater and White.
Regarding the Thrashers playoff chances, Armstrong said, “We’re chipping away at it…hopefully it will be for the best”.
Johan Hedberg faced 39 shot on his goal…and one to his jaw when Jarkko Ruutu knocked him over in the crease chasing the loose puck. The play resulted in one peeved Moose as the goalie had to be held back from trying to…ahem…discuss the matter with referee Stephane Auger.
“He couldn’t get back to the net and was elbowed in the face”, coach John Anderson quipped after the game. “Other than that, the ref said it was a good hockey goal”.
As the play happened, I couldn’t help but remember a goal that was disallowed last week that would have tied the game against Nashville. The refs waived it off because it was ruled Armstrong …no, it was Thorburn…interfered with the keeper, not allowing him to play the puck. But that play was nowhere near as egregious as this one.
With the win, Hedberg moved his season record to 18-13-52.69 GAA and .914 SV%.
I ask you, where would we be without the Moose right now? I’ll tell you where we wouldn’t be…we wouldn’t be just 3 points away from the playoffs with 12 games left to play, that’s for sure.
Who’s That Lady?
The lovely lady that was seen on the big screen in Philips Arena during the Two-Minute Drill contest was none other than Mrs. RStroz. Unfortunately, she did not win as the Thrashers were killing off a penalty for most of those two minutes…thank you Mark Popovic.
Oh…and RStroz was next to her.
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80 comments Add your comment
R. Stroz
March 19th, 2010
12:39 am
Repost from previous blog:
Did the lady that donated her kidney nominate herself for the seventh man award? I doubt it. She donated her kidney for the best interest of another human being. People who behave in this manner don’t turn around and toot their own horn, instead, they usually truely believe anyone else would do the same thing if they could. These people represent everything that is right with the world.
Most people with any degree of intregity don’t raise their own hand to receive an award, and when they do receive an award, defer the award to others that they deem more or equally worthy.
That said, can anyone truely, sincerely believe that the elderly couple shouldn’t be nominated for the seventh man award. This couple has attended games for season after season. Does anyone else get concerned if the couple isn’t at the game. I do. Last season, they missed numerous games, and the next time I saw them, instead of walking hand in hand, the gentlemen was wheeling his wife in on a wheelchair. Ladies and gentlemen that is devotion, compassion, passion for life, and marriage at its best.
Despite obstacles, they continue to attend games and have won the hearts of many fans. Why? Because they represent all that is right with marriage: longevity, a passion for life, and compassion. How many of you hope that your life/marriage weathers the test of time like theirs has.
As fans, they continue to support the team through thick or thin.
So I say nominate those who don’t promote themselves but promote devotion to the team and devotion to one another as human beings.
To me, the lady who donated her kidney and the elderly couple inspire the rest of us to be better people. Those type of individuals deserve awards, not self promoters.
Quite frankly, I don’t see how anyone could nominate themselves for any award. I have been nominated for awards year after year for volunteer work in my community. I always turn the award down unless those that have assisted “the cause” are equally recognized.
Yep
March 19th, 2010
12:59 am
That was a fun game to watch….
ben
March 19th, 2010
1:18 am
If ASG trades away our hockey idols for AHL scrubs every year, the least they can do is change the contest rules for the 7th Fan. Geeze, it sure would be amazing if the T-Birds made the playoffs without Savy, Hossa, or Kovy. Say what you want, but this team could have been special. At this point I just can’t care quite as much as I used to.
Paul Culpepper
March 19th, 2010
1:35 am
I think it was Thorburn last week vs Nashville who was involved in the no goal call.
HonkyTonkHero
March 19th, 2010
1:39 am
Nik was an amazing presence in front of the net tonight. Sticks were on the ice and guys were thinking hockey. That lead to the 3 turnovers that were quickly turned into goals. Excellent game. One game at a time guys.
Smoothie
March 19th, 2010
1:39 am
Bill – there’s your 7th man essay right there. Stroz just did it for you / us.
Stroz – man, that damn near brought a tear to my eye.
The Bennings looked quite happy and eager to please the Blueland faithful on the Kiss Cam tonite. And in spite of what Andy Sutton tried to do to ruin the evening!!
Toby Enstrom – see what freakin happens when you shoot the damn puck!!
Folks, as crazy as it sounds, we are right back in this. At least in the sense that we can partially control our own destiny vs Philly and hipefully Boston. If I’m a sheep for believing, then BAAAAA freakin BAAAAA infidels!!
BTW, if Wake freakin Forest can come back and win down 8 in OT, then anything is possible. Believe.
Smoothie
March 19th, 2010
1:51 am
Oh yeah, I’m not sure if I trust my eyes but I swear Mike Fisher snuck into our dressing room to kidnap Todd White and then impersonated Mike Fisher while wearing Todd White’s jersey!
And somewhere in China, a woman touches a pig.
Cornbread
March 19th, 2010
2:01 am
Enstrom has the weakest shot from the point in the NHL. Still, it’s encouraging to see him putting it on net. At least he hits it, unlike some other D-men.
Nikita
March 19th, 2010
2:40 am
*I think it was Thorburn last week vs Nashville who was involved in the no goal call.*
Correct.
*For the night, “Todd White”…or whoever he was…finished with 2 assists and +3 rating.*
Ahem.
And I dodn’t know what’s wrong with Toby this year. He has — had a decent shot — and he used to use it.
LAC
March 19th, 2010
3:35 am
Solid last two games, Just keep the one game at a time focus…
Playoffs?
March 19th, 2010
6:10 am
Enter your comments here
Sara
March 19th, 2010
6:58 am
I’m a happy hockey girl this morning!
Just to clarify, since I went back and read through some of the posts from yesterday re: 7th Man. The rules to the contest are not set by the Thrashers – they are NHL rules based on state laws. In fact, it sounds like the Thrashers are trying to do the right thing by allowing nominations. They just have to be a bit on the down-low about it since I’m sure the NHL isn’t overly impressed when teams “go rogue.”
Riceowls8891
March 19th, 2010
7:37 am
Now for Philly, with Brian Boucher (6 starts all season) and an AHL call-up, in goal. There is life (at least until April).
Zoomo
March 19th, 2010
7:39 am
Just when I think I’m out…they pull me back in
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
7:46 am
Stroz-that’s a pretty long post for you, almost Brendan-esque.
I am accustomed to the Henny one-liners!
Go to the net, just look at Jimmy. Slater had another go to the net goal last night. Jimmy is not big, not like “Arty” big but he sure gives his best. If he resigns, I might have to invest in a SLATER jersey! Maybe.
I watched the Rangers and Boston last night. Both teams look WORSE than the Thrashers right now. Tampa got thumped by Buffalo, Florida blew a 3 goal lead in the 3rd period and lost to an offensively-challenged team in Phoenix in a shootout (sound familiar).
Dave Tippett is coach of the year for the Yotes-hands down, what a job!
Boston wimped out on Matt Cooke; Brunes fans should be ashamed of their lack of desire for “proper revenge”.
As LAC properly stated, one game at a time.
jimbo
March 19th, 2010
7:56 am
RStroz; Great, well written reminder that there are things in this life a little more important than some silly game played on a sheet of ice. THANKS. Back to the boys- this weekend will tell the tale. It will be interesting to see if they band together and give themselves a chance against Boston. I’ve given up on Anderson’s ability “to motivate”. His personality and style may fit with a veteran laden team like Detroit but a young team like the Thrashers has to be “roused”. He just doesn’t seem to have the spark and his so called “system” might fit for the shoot-em up AHL but not the NHL.
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
8:13 am
For all you people that are lobbying for Nittymaki as our starting goalie next year-you better watch the highlights of last night’s Buffalo-Tampa Bay game and see how “Niity” plays against all other teams except the Thrashers.
Stroz-nice people on the old couple.
moriler
March 19th, 2010
8:23 am
So a few columns ago (http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/03/12/thrashers-not-getting-their-kicks-on-route-66/) I said…
“The only way to make the playoffs at this point is to take the one positive we have left (most home games) and try to ride it as hard as we can — and hope that Boston flounders with Savard out. That’s enough to get us into a first-round matchup vs. the Capitals.”
And now look where we are. We scraped together a few points by losin’ to teams we were supposed to beat, and beating teams we probably shouldn’t have, and Boston has gone 2-5 in their last 7. Mmm. Tasty crunchy Bruins. I feel bad for Savard, but Cooke’s cheap shot may have done us a huge favor.
Poor Philly. Bet they’d like to borrow Nitty back for two games right about now…
DWTOO
March 19th, 2010
8:26 am
Nice post Stroz. Your crumegdon (need spell checker here Rawhide) reputation will be ruined. Thanks.
My faith has been severely tested this past week and reluctantly attended last night, was hockey or clean carpets/yard work. I would have been PO’d sitting on the couch last night rather than be at the arena.
And a Thank You to Mandy Sutton for his cheap shot on Bolts last night. That seemed to spark the Thrash. And then he punked when Bolts called him out. Did anyone see the linesman shadow him at the end of the game?
TableHockey
March 19th, 2010
8:32 am
You’re right Bill it wasn’t a perfect game – but if the ref hadn’t gotten between Boulton and Sutton it would have been pretty darn close to a perfect game!
I’ve really enjoyed watching Nik grow this season and step out from under the shadow of Kovy and come into his own. He is a much needed presence for the Thrashers in front of the net.
Smoothie
March 19th, 2010
8:45 am
Funny how Army started out with a miserable first period but ended up the hero! But when you play with Todd White, your destined for greatness! LOL
BTW, what is it gonna take to make our PP look even semi-NHL caliber?
Eileen
March 19th, 2010
8:45 am
Stroz, lordy, I have a tear in my eye. Having lost my sweet husband and father of our young childrent prematurely to cancer, I share your sentiments. Particularly about hockey being a game. While I want to win and am often very annoyed by the product on the ice (although there are games like last night!), I always put it into perspective. It is a game. Every time I see the elderly couple, I am reminded what a blessing it is that they are still well enough to be sitting TOGETHER at an NHL hockey game. To you naysayers, a winning product is what matters to most fans, but some times just having the opportunity to escape reality and sit with my kids and watch a game live, is such a blessing.
rob
March 19th, 2010
8:49 am
Jekyl and hyde…DAM Which team will show up on any given night is making for one roller coaster ride isn’t it? When they’re hot, I think we can play with most, but when we’re flat….the WHOLE team is. Way to keep the intensity and make them pay for their mistakes last night.
Now for thoughts to ponder. I have issues with the game last night, and here it is. When someone takes the liberty to intentionally hit your goalie IN THE HEAD, he needs his a$$ beat. Adding insult to injury, they scored, and the refs looked the other way. Now Moose is rightfully pissed, and his head was not in the game which directly led to the 3rd goal. Luckily the period ended to regroup, which they did. If someone had gone after dumba$$ ruttuu then and there then Moose may not have been so upset, the fight would have cleared the air, and we move on. Not doing so, they later crashed the net AGAIN with Foligno, who sat on Moose for quite some time with Hainsey finally pulling him off, and Heim (?) them grabs the Moose and isn’t hit. C’mon guys!!! If Moose goes down where are we? He is a team leader and no one stands up for him?!?! Yes we won and that is great, but I felt that was something that needed to be addressed and was of great concern watching the game. Does anyone else think the same?
WBF,
I posted about Nitti previously with same concerns. He is at best average except against us.
rob
March 19th, 2010
8:52 am
Smoothie,
I had the same thought concerning Armstrong. Amazing what being in the right place at the right time can do. Maybe this will get his head out of his rear?
Rawhide
March 19th, 2010
8:59 am
RStroz – As I psoted last night before putting up this blog…well worded and very well done, sire.
Paul Culpepper – Yes it was Thorburn…
rob – “Jekyl and Hyde”…that is probably the most appropriate way to describe this team. They can go out on any night a beat a very good team, and then lay an egg against a very mediocre the very next game. I guess it’s that “inconsistency” thing John Anderson refers to so much.
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
9:04 am
rob, which leads us to the conversation of which tough guy to keep, Boulton or Arty. Bolts would not stand for our goalie getting slammed. This team seems different without him on the ice. That will be management’s call. I do remember your post on Niity. Not sure he’s the answer next year. What about Turco?
Smoothie-looks like army is playing for his next contract. I think his departure is certain of all tghe UFAs we have in our lineup.
ChippersLoveChild
March 19th, 2010
9:08 am
I get it… you beat the good teams, and lose to the bad ones… well that should make for a productive April at least.
rob
March 19th, 2010
9:11 am
Rawhide,
The fact that it is to such extremes is what makes it so difficult to grasp. We need stabilization, but from where? I would like to think that Nik is slowly taking over and giving us hope, and Kane’s enthusiasm can be a good spark as well, but I wonder if JA is the man to be able to grab their attention on those nights when everyone is just in zombie mode. By this point in the season you would hope that we were all on the same page. I just hope that they are all there when we take the kids to their first hockey game this weekend and they can cheer LET’S GO THRASHERS!! clap clap clap clap clap a lot. They have been practicing watching the TV games LOL
Rightshot
March 19th, 2010
9:17 am
rob – I agree. I was waiting for us to get a lead and then send someone to kick ruutu’s back side to a pulp. I would have told one of the players to go seek and destroy.
Moose looked much better, more solid and rested. Perhaps play Opie Saturday and Moose Sunday?
Was before and still am a Slater fan. Always liked his grit and how he always goes all out every shift.
BTW, saw Tyler Myers last night. He has a bruise under his nose and on his chin.
As for the 7th man award. I suggest we all write into the Thrashers and nominate the lovely couple depsit whatever rule there is against it. It might work. (I wonder who’s jersey they would pick at the last home game?)
rob
March 19th, 2010
9:19 am
WBF,
I like Arty, and don’t actually see him in the tough guy spot, he looks like a good 3rd line guy I think. Size AND speed. Has shown already he can score some nice goals and crash the net, I like it. I think it falls on every guy on the ice to go after anyone who takes liberty with your goalie. Anyone else, sure let the tough guy take care of it, but the goalie needs immediate attention, not a few shifts later (or never as was the case last night). Other teams will look at this and a playoff series against the same guys night after night doing that without fear will NOT be good.
Bob
March 19th, 2010
9:23 am
kudos, stroz.
The Bruins have no offense. They absolutely stunk last night in a home game they should have been pumped for against the Pens, a Pens club who had just been beaten by the Devils in a tough game the night before. They are catchable, but the only spot that matters for any success is getting to the 7th seed, and that is still going to take a miracle (the Caps will just be a 4 game sweep).
Smoothie
March 19th, 2010
9:25 am
Damn it! I thought someone wrote that Dallas beat Philly. Guess we’ll need to do it ourselves.
rob – I agree with you that it was disheartening to see the lack of retaliatory response when OTT was bum-rushing Moose. However, when you are missing Thorburn, Kane and lack grit on the goaline, it puts the onus on Boulton. He invited 2 guys to fight and was declined by both Neil and Mandy if I recall correctly.
rob
March 19th, 2010
9:27 am
How about getting the old couple recognized not as the 7th man award, but something else? Get the Thrashers to recognise them for a decade of inspiration? As many have already posted, those two are as much a part of this team as most players. Get a jersey with their last name on it signed by everyone on the team. That way there is no uproar and they are recognised not for one year as 7th man, but for their continual support and inspiration to the team and the fans. Just a thought.
Badger Bob
March 19th, 2010
9:38 am
Rightshot, I picked Slater as last off Schnied Island and, at the start of the year, would have listed him as least important UFA to sign. He’s completely changed my mind. I always liked his grit too, and he always shows up, works and HITS hard. But what’s changed is that his hands might not be as stony as I used to think now that he’s playing with playmakers, like Bergie on Tuesday and (cough, hack) Whitey last night. Well, I guess he didn’t use his hands for the Buffalo GWG, but you know what I mean…
You know if we’d just played .500 hockey since November we’d be a lock for the playoffs. Jekyl and Hyde for sure. 3 points away from the playoffs and 5 points away from the number 3 overall pick. What to do, what to do…
Smoothie
March 19th, 2010
9:43 am
…lack grit on the BLUEline, not goaline, not that goaline is actually a word!
rob – I like your idea re: the sweet, storied couple. But perhaps a petition-like blog by Rawhide would be a better way to deliver the message in a resounding fashion.
Badger Bob
March 19th, 2010
9:54 am
Is it irony that Sens fans were laughing that the Thrashers picked up Schoobie on the waiver wires (for nothing, and only half his salary), then they go get Mandy (for a second round pick, and paying all of his $3M salary)? Well, it’s funny, at least.
Alan R.
March 19th, 2010
9:56 am
The play resulted in one peeved Moose as the goalie had to be held back from trying to…ahem…discuss the matter with referee Stephane Auger.
Stephane Auger. Remember him?
Glad this team came back from intermission to beat the “Senators & Friends.”
It was nice to see the team make Andy Sutton look like the traffic cone he really is.
Savannah Blueland Fan
March 19th, 2010
10:20 am
Toby would like to thank all the posters on this blog for reminding him what to do with the puck. Something got into his head.
After the second period with the score tied, I thought–here we go again. Getting me all excited just to blow me off. There is a word for that, but this is a family show. That is why I would like to extend a personal “thank you” to Andy Sutton. Hitting Boulton seemed to add a spark that sealed the game. That is, I believe, the first time I have ever seen Eric dazed and confused on the ice. But probably the reason we won the game.
Stan H.
March 19th, 2010
10:31 am
I think the team that is ripe for the picking is Philly. They have lost BOTH their goalies. If we are able to sweep them, I think that is a blow that they don’t come back from.
Toby Enstrom
March 19th, 2010
10:40 am
Anything for you, Savannah. I’ll never leave you hanging out there, hot and bothered.
Schroeder
March 19th, 2010
10:42 am
When I played 35 yrs ago you didn’t “invite”someone to drop the gloves,If I was pissed I jumped in and if the other guy declined,so be it, I would hand him his hat w/ his head still in it. Bolts needed to jump first,then send an “invatation”.Mandy Sutton is a wimp,only hit people that have their head down.He did not want any part of Bolts,but he should not have had a choice. As far as I’m concerned Ruutu should still be picking parts of his jaw out of a set of Thrasher knuckles. “I ain’t sayin’, Im just sayin!!
moriler
March 19th, 2010
10:49 am
Rightshot: You _did_ see the two minute penalty Kubina got for “slashing” Ruutuu right?
Shoulda been five for spearing: kubina put the blade right in Ruutuu’s nuts.
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
10:56 am
rob-Arty amazes me with his speed and size. You don’t see too many players standing in front of him when he gets going. I hope they can keep him.
Badger Bob-good observation on schubert, they hated him in Ottawa. I think he has played well for us, hits alot too! They are trying to sell Mandy as a big time hitter and shutdown defenseman. they must be seeing something I do not see.
Nobody called for Slater’s departure more than me last summer. Now I want the guy resigned for sure. He’s finally playing like a hockey player instead of a figure skater. He’s no longer Johnny Weir! Jimmy rushed the net last night, just like he did on the GWG against Buffalo. His hit on Tyler Myers was great!
Spud Webb
March 19th, 2010
10:56 am
Up and down…down and up. At least this team keeps it interesting huh??? I really, really hope we make the playoffs…hate getting my hopes crushed but dammit we deserve it don’t we????
Lol, anyone see Thornton (bruins) get Matt Cooke last night. Still not sure how Cooke wasn’t suspended??? Anyone else notice things tilt towards pittsburgh in the NHL??? A repeat offender (cooke) not suspended…another repeat offender suspended 8 games (deserved).
Also, not sure if anyone on here has seen the “pat cormier elbow”?? youtube it. He’s property of the thrashers from the kovy trade. Absolutley SICK…one of the worst I’ve seen.
Red Light
March 19th, 2010
11:08 am
The hit by Sutton energized the Thrashers. Whether or not it was a cheap hit as suggested is open to interpretation or bias. Of course, Sutton and Clouston didn’t think it was dirty but Army certainly did. Either way, the Thrashers responded and the roof caved in on the Sens. While the first week after the break didn’t work out as planned, I mentioned awhile back that the stretch of games beginning March 16 through the back-to-back meetings with Carolina would be the key to the Thrashers’ playoff hopes. The back-to-back games against Philly should be wildly entertaining (hopefully).
I had a chat with a great hockey fan last night, who said three out of four points against Philly is mandatory. So, how about your thoughts on the following questions:
1) If the Thrashers don’t get at least 3 points this weekend, are they done?
2) If the Thrashers do make the playoffs, will they draw more than 15,000 fans for the home games or less than that number?
I’m assuming if it’s Washington vs. Atlanta, Ovechkin and Co. should draw but the October home games against the Caps averaged just 13,042.
And, I will finally admit that Nik Antropov was a fantastic acquisition.
J.B.
March 19th, 2010
11:12 am
if we make the playoffs, the building will be full. hopefully the dominoes will fall just right with thrasher wins and eastern opponents losses to get us into the 8th spot. i may be stupidly optimistic, but i still have a good feeling.
Bob
March 19th, 2010
11:14 am
1) If the Thrashers don’t get at least 3 points this weekend, are they done?
No, but they must get at least 2pts setting up the match against Boston on Tuesday. Tuesday is the must win game, must get a regulation win Tuesday. Could be the biggest game of the year for our boys.
2) If the Thrashers do make the playoffs, will they draw more than 15,000 fans for the home games or less than that number?
Yes, if they make the playoffs, the home games will sell out.
rob
March 19th, 2010
11:24 am
Schroeder,
my point exactly. ruttuu shouldn’t have been given the option. Go after him, gloves off and either make him man up or he can turtle, those being the ONLY 2 options given him.
Red Light,
I see 15k+ because the FANS want to see playoff hockey. And regardless of who we play (if we can somehow get there) I don’t see a 4 and out. This team will win at least one which will be important going forward. At the same time, IF we make it, we will see why we need a goalie who single handedly keeps a team alive when the team falters.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!
moriler
March 19th, 2010
11:29 am
If we are not within 2 points of Boston when we play them Tuesday, then yes, we are done.
If we _are_ within 2 points of Boston, then we can tie them — and if we do that, we’re squarely back in it.
TheFan79
March 19th, 2010
11:29 am
Critical next two games.
Brendan
March 19th, 2010
11:49 am
Every game, since the Holidays, has been critical, essential, “huge,” etc. Nothing will change, unless the Thrashers are mathematically eliminated, either through their own play, or the improved play/results of the teams all around them. Even the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are still in this thing.
Boston is without Savard for the rest of the season, I believe. The NY Rangers have no consistency. Montreal went on a streak. They’re just as apt to put a losing streak like that together. We can’t rule out Tampa Bay, either. With so many middling teams, any of them ‘could’ get in. The NHL likes this situation. It should prop up attendance, down the stretch.
This is a very, very fortunate year for weaker teams in the East. Normally, 93-94 points would be required to make the playoffs. It might only take 87 or 88 points to get in this year. One year, I think it was 2003, the NY Islanders made it in at 83-points, one game over .500, “NHL-style.” It all depends on the year.
The sad part is … Atlanta may well finish the year with 85-88 points, be tied with two other teams, and wind up 10th in the Conference, according to various tie-breakers. At least these games MATTER. I think Atlanta is 21st or 22nd in the league of 30. If they falter, they could get into the lottery draft. If they go on a tear, they could wind up 16th or 17th or 18th in the league and inside the playoffs. It should be a strange and exciting finish to the season.
Red Light
March 19th, 2010
12:00 pm
ECAC Hockey Fans, I know you’re out there! Cinderella teams don’t just happen in the college basketball tournament.
Brown (12-19-4), which finished 11th of 12 ECAC teams during the regular season, faces second-place Cornell today at 4 p.m. for a berth in the ECAC finals. St. Lawrence and Union play for the other slot at 7 p.m. Both games will be shown on the NHL Network today/tonight.
Brown has never won an ECAC title.
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
12:04 pm
Schroder-TOTALLY agree. Back in the day you’d punch first and ask questions later. I wonder what Assoc. GM Rick Dudley would have done in that situation? Actually, I know what he would have done.
Ruutu, Neil, Sutton, Cooke would not have survived in the 70’s and 80’s. Kaleta went after Stamkos last night. In the old days he would have been toast!
It shouldn’t be-”Do you want to go?”
It should be- “We are going so get ready!”
Mrs. Zoomo
March 19th, 2010
12:07 pm
My husband stole the quote I was going to use!!!!!!
Schroeder
March 19th, 2010
12:21 pm
I compare it to an exchange w/the ex-wife,”I’m gonna get mine,you better get yours!!”
Schroeder
March 19th, 2010
12:23 pm
To you younger folks,that was not a reference to fighting.
Schroeder
March 19th, 2010
12:32 pm
Sorry,the mind kinda wandered a bit.
Thrashers27
March 19th, 2010
12:44 pm
For those wondering what our goaltending will look like next year, have a look at this article. It’s buried a couple of paragraphs down, but sounds like Mannino could be the man ‘tween the pipes next season.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=521695
Netminder
March 19th, 2010
12:51 pm
Thrashers27 nice read. Thanks.
Smoothie
March 19th, 2010
12:57 pm
Did somebody mention Jekyl and Hyde?? The Thrashers’ wild inconsistency is maddening. To wit, check out these odd-ball stats since THE trade:
Record: 6 – 6 – 3 (6 game point streak followed by 5/6 game losing streak followed by 2/3 game win/points streak)
In the 6 game point streak: Shots Against Avg of 35.67; Shots For Avg of 30.5; Goals Against of 2.83; Goals For of 4.00
In the 5 game losing streak: Shots Against Avg of 30.2; Shots For Avg of 29.8; Goals Against of 3.80; Goals For of 1.20 (WTF?)
In the recent 3 game points streak: SAA of 35.0; Shots For Avg of 31.33; GAA of 2.67; Goals For Avg of 4.00
Apparently, as long as they give up at least 35 shots on goal, they manage to average 4.00 goals scored on their opponent. Yet, when they attempt to play it closer to the vest and clamp down on shots, they give up an average of 3.8 on only a 30.2 shots against avg. That’s a miserable save percentage of .874!! What in the hell?
Obviously, JA’s system thrives in a game when they can rope-a-dope their opponent and get grade-A breakaway chances and odd-man rushes in transition that exploit their opponent’s over-aggressiveness. In games they lose, we know they have a tendency of getting down early and then the other team goes into, often successfully, shut-down mode. If we can avoid the slow starts, perhaps this team can win 4 or 5 of the next 6 points vs Philly and Bahstahn.
But from game to game, we really don’t know which Thrasher team will show up! Or do we?? Looking at the recent trend, does this mean we will enjoy 2 or 3 more games of earning points? I sure hope so!
BAAAAA freakin’ BAAAAAA infidels!!
Rightshot
March 19th, 2010
1:01 pm
moriler – I did see the slash on ruutu, but from my POV, it looked like Kubina was going for a stick lift and happened to hit his wrist instead. Why the ref called a slash on an upward motion is beyond me.
What should have happed, as opined above, ruutu should have been pummelled about the head and shoulders for his hit on Moose. Not tripped, slashed or whatever. He deserved nothing else.
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
1:08 pm
Classic Schroeder!
It does get confusing sometimes
Smoothie-I think the Thrashers’ success is more related to how well the opposing team is playing. we did well tuesday becuase Buffalo was sleep walking thru the first period. I don’t want to make it sound like we get lucky, but…..
FormerIslesFan
March 19th, 2010
1:14 pm
Okay, just a little bit of a vent here. Nothing new that we haven’t discussed before, but I have to say this one…
WTF is with the NHL on the Fly guys? The Thrashers bury the Sens with a great effort. At the same time, NYR lose (whoo-hoo!!) in regulation as do the Bruins closing the gap for the 8th spot in the East to 3 points.
What do the talking heads say after the highlights? They talk for three minutes about the “11 game win streak of the Sens” from months ago being history (DUH-5) and absolutely nothing about the Thrashers. They mention nothing about the tight race in the East for that playoff spot (or the effect of the other games) and certainly don’t say anything about Boston coming to Atlanta next week.
Now, I understand Canadian bias and playing to a crowd, but come on… Even Lilibeter said to me this morning, “Do you think the fans in Ottawa are even scratching their heads wondering why they didn’t say anything about the team that just shelacked us??”
Okay…I feel a little better now…
Rightshot
March 19th, 2010
1:16 pm
And to clarify, once the Thrashers got the 3 goal lead, THEN they needed to go after ruutu. Get the lead, pummell ruutu, win.
Easy.
World Be Free
March 19th, 2010
1:23 pm
FormerIslesFan-it’s like NFL Network’s obsession with the Dallas Cowboys and ESPN’s obsession with Tiger, Kobe and Lebron.
HockeyBuzz loves the Flyers too; that’s why it will be so much fun to watch them get bounces from the playoffs early this year!
rob
March 19th, 2010
1:31 pm
Savannah,
It was HUGE to see Toby shoot! Happened more than once too (think I counted 4 shots). AND he had a multi point night!!! Wonder if there is a correlation there? Hmm, shots equal scoring chances equal goals and assists. Maybe there is something there. Now let’s keep on him about it because we should get HUGE production out of him if he does it consistantly.
ruutu has been like that every game I’ve ever watched and he played in. Nothing but a cheap bum
rob
March 19th, 2010
1:41 pm
Thrashers27,
Couldn’t get the link there, but seems I recall while he was up over the Olympic break him saying something about how much faster things happened on the ice here. I know they have to get his feet wet and all, but Pavs isn’t close to ready for the NHL, if they wanted to try Mannino, give him a shot, but we are gonna need to sign a bona fide goalie in the off season! Guess I won’t stress about it now but I hope like hell they aren’t thinking about NOT getting one. Then they can bring Pavs/Mannino along at their pace instead of forcing them to the detriment of the team.
Thrashers27
March 19th, 2010
2:48 pm
Rob,
Mannino is already 26 years old. Don’t know how much more seasoning he could use. At some point there have to be guys that can step in and play here. I would think as well as Mannino is playing the AHL that he could do well here too. Mannino’s numbers go like this: 23-3 with a .926 save percentage and 2.12 GAA and he’s riding a 13 game winning streak. Pretty stellar numbers if you ask me. I’d say he definitely deserves a look.
Look at a guy like Varlamov in Washington. He came up and immediately established himself as a solid NHL goaltendener…in the playoffs no-less. We also have Mcyntire, Kangas and Carrozi who have potential…and don’t forget the Moose. He’s playing inspired hockey right now. MOOOOOOOOOSE!!!!
rob
March 19th, 2010
5:23 pm
I agree give him the chance, I saw before the olympic break he had some great numbers. That being said goalie and defense are often positions that require additional time to develop, and goalie is the one position you dam well better be strong in if your aspirations are to go past the 1st round. Moose is playing inspired hockey, and he has to keep playing above himself if we have any hopes this year, and going forward I hope we have more good prospects in the works, but we will need help in goal sooner, and if it happens that one of them materialize sooner than expected…awesome that is a spot that it is always enviable to be in…more than 2 quality goalies right? I would think if they thought Mannino was ready he would have replaced Pavs, who obviously isn’t there yet. Should be a good camp next year with all the things going on…hopefully between what we have gotten this year and the hard-working Wolves ready to make the jump, we can solidify and be a team to be taken seriously next year, I hope (not taking anything away from this year either of course).
Lee
March 19th, 2010
10:19 pm
The thing is ’bout the Thrashers is that they always win to the good teams and they always lose to the suckish teams, I don’t get it….but keep playing like they did yesterday and beat the livin’ life outta the Philadelphia Cheestakes!!
GO THRASHERS!
Yung JB from MTL
March 20th, 2010
12:28 am
I had the awesome oppurtunity to watch the game on TV since it was on RDS, and hell was I satisfied! What I hate though is all you guys that follow the stupid bandwagon every time the Thrashers lose, and then right aways change to ”March to the Playoffs” mode.
Most of you were asking the thrashers to pack in for the Draft lottery. I hate nay-sayers. just sayin’
Anyways I think we have awesome chances to make the playoffs. Boston with no savard is like the Thrashers without Kov…. wait bad comparaison
GO THRASH. BIGGEST FAN IN MONTREAL
fes
March 20th, 2010
12:48 am
I don’t think ‘most of us’ wanted them to pack it in Yung JB. There are those that think that’s the right approach, but I think the majority of us want the team to go all out 82+ nights per year, no matter what position we hold in the standings. Do like the rest of us and skip over the negative posters. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
World Be Free
March 20th, 2010
8:36 am
I have to admit that Todd White has come alive the past week or so. I wonder if it was his image on a milk carton that got him going! Saw him actually through some body check in the past few games, though I would not characterize them as “thundering” body checks.
We are going to need Bolts and Arty for the Flyers.
Dwayne
March 20th, 2010
10:12 am
Did someone say ruuto has nuts???
Alan R.
March 20th, 2010
2:17 pm
Attempt #2:
It seems that Stephane Auger strikes again.
Scotty
March 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
Looks like JH is goal tonight again. Good. Pavelec can handle the load tomorrow. Wouldn”t it be something if Tuesday night’s game against the Bs is for a playoff spot? Whoda thunk it a week ago?
Regarding the Kiss Cam couple for seventh fan award, I would think this would be something the fan club would be all over. For those of you who are members of the ATFC, what are your thoughts?
Brendan
March 20th, 2010
8:06 pm
So, how would anyone assessing the Thrashers chances, from the trade deadline forward, know that Marc Savard would get injured for the season, and open a closed door? Would knew the Flyers would lose two goaltenders and be forced to go with Boucher for the rest of the way? Who knew or even suspected that Ottawa would implode, when they came into the Olympic break “en fuego?” And finally, who would have thought that, an 0-5-1 stretch of post trade deadline play … could even remotely leave the Thrashers still in the hunt?
These are fortunate accidents. Or serendipity. Maybe the Thrashers will make the playoffs. I’m rotting for that. But it wouldn’t have been my opinion that Atlanta would make the playoffs at the trade deadline. Even the Rangers are a question mark for the playoffs. But if the Thrashers make the playoffs, due to the misfortunes of others, does this mean that Atlanta “correctly assessed” its situation at the trade deadline?
Bear in mind … if Philly’s goaltending remains healthy, is there any chance they miss the postseason? If Marc Savard stays healthy, and Tim Thomas plays better, who thinks Boston could miss the dance? Who saw Montreal putting a streak together?? Beee honest. And the Florida Panthers, who cashed-in their chips for the season, are still very much alive. It speaks to just HOW WEAK the seeds 6-13 really are.
The East might see 4 teams finish with 88-points. Some will get in. Some won’t. Atlanta wasn’t a good bet to be a playoff team. But it’s still possible. Like it’s still possible for Florida. And shoot, Carolina won AGAIN. What’s the ‘Canes record … since (1) Eric Staal was made Captain and (2) Cam Warn returned from injury. Ask anyone if they thought Carolina had a snowball’s chance in Hades of making the playoffs. They’re NOT mathematically eliminated yet.
And doesn’t that speak VOLUMES about what’s going on? It’s all craziness.
stendek
March 20th, 2010
9:55 pm
Hi Rawhide. Guys did well! At least one point is mandatory in Pennsylvania to maintain any realistic playoff aspirations. See what losing six winnable games does? Do I smell a Pavs Lehtonen appearance upcoming? SHUDDER! Oh well. Certainly savor what I witnessed tonight. As all true Thrasher followers should have. That said…How old is Johan Hedberg? 20? 26? Surely no older than 29! Moose was phenomenal Saturday night at Blueland. Two goals surrendered. Against the Philly Highflyers! Does it get much better than that? No! The Thrashers were in their blue uniforms at Philips Arena. Hopefully they will not unpack their pink don’t give a crap uniforms Sunday in the City of Unbrotherly Love! When Thrashers play they can compete with any NHL squad. When the Thrashers decide to figure skate they can lose to any high school hockey squad! Too bad that horrendous slide probably cost the guys a playoff spot. Thrashers played some of the worst hockey imaginable during that nightmarish stretch! Hope it is not a case of too little too late. Wanted to climb into the stands to kick some butt during overwhelming vocal outpourings during Philly goals. Both of them! This is Thrasher ice. Oh well. Take a bow Johan. Stage a curtain call Thrashers. Well done everyone! Keep up the high intensity level. ++STENDEK++
Brendan
March 20th, 2010
10:32 pm
Looking for a Ranallo warning and finding none, I shall proceed. Great win! That’s 3-0-1, for seven of a possible eight (7/8) points. Since the Coyotes game, things have gone Atlanta’s way. Boston plays the Rangers tomorrow afternoon, if I heard Darren Eliot correctly. I think we root for a regulation-time win. I can’t tell who we want that to be. If we say, the NY Rangers, they pull closer to us. If we say, Boston, then the Bruins extend their lead.
This upcoming schedule represents the season. Toronto twice. Carolina twice. And the faltering Bruins. Don’t count on ten points just yet. Toronto hasn’t played badly in their last 10-12 games. Carolina is one of the hottest teams in the league. Don’t let their record fool you. I feel more confidently about beating Boston than I do Carolina.
That those 5 games (Toronto twice, Carolina twice, and Boston,) a really rough end of the season follows. Like I said, I think we WILL defeat New Jersey and Pittsburgh at least once each. New Jersey got shutout by the non-playoff bound St. Louis Blues, 1-0. Kovy lending them offense they lacked? Shrugs.
Nashville and Columbus are in overtime, in a scoreless tie. 0-0. See? Goals are getting harder to come by, at this time of year. Segue, Moose Hedberg, over the past four games, has given up 12 goals. That’s an average of 3 per game. Will a GAA of 3-per-game be enough to get it done for Atlanta? We’ll have to keep watching.
Folks, if the Thrashers come away with nine (9) points from Carolina twice, Toronto twice, and Boston, they’re going to have a real chance to make the playoffs. But if they come away with no points from Carolina, one from Toronto, and two from Boston, for a total of three out of a possible ten (3/10), it’ll be over, barring utter collapse of all the teams around us.
Predators just won, 1-0, in overtime over the Blue Jackets.
Smoothie
March 21st, 2010
12:16 am
Regardless of what happens rest of the way, ’twas a magnificent nite at Blueland. Nice to see the boys take it to those cheap-shotting ass clowns from Filthadelphia! Especially with 2,000 of their fans in our bldg. But I reckon the other 14,000 folks were quite tickled by the Blueland beatdown!