Stick a fork in them and pull them off the playoff grill – The Thrashers are done
Ah, yes…late March-early spring in Atlanta. It’s a beautiful time of year in these parts…a time when we, among other things, pull the cover off of the grill that’s weather through the winter on the back deck and prepare it for another season of outdoor cooking.
You name it, it gets flamed up on the grill here in the south…burgers, hotdogs, steaks, chicken,chops, ribs…mmmmmmm, meat is good!
Carolina goalie Cam Ward denies Pavel Kubina during the Canes 4-1 win Monday night (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
But ya know what else got grilled around here recently…the playoff chances for the Atlanta Thrashers. Yup, with the giant flameout on the ice of Philips Arena Monday night they all but went up in smoke in the night skies of Thrasherville. And I assure you, the smell that permeated around the intersection of Marietta Street and Centennial Drive did not smell as sweet as what will surround the cul-de-sac I live on this weekend.
Oh sure, the Thrashers are not mathematically eliminated and technically they remain within “striking distance” of Boston, Philly and Montreal…but the 4-1 loss to Carolina last night pretty much puts the Thrashers on the side of the NHL grill where ya put the “done” meat…no, make that the “well done to the point of charred” meat.
Put a fork in ‘em, folks.
Although the box score will show their only goal was via a power play, for the most part of the evening the Thrashers performance while enjoying the man advantage left the paying customers at Philips steamed and sizzling mad. After Nic Antropov put Atlanta up 1-0 on the first power play of the night, they simply looked lost and confused on the subsequent five they were afforded the rest of the way.
The penalty kill, however, continued it’s strong work of late…killing off all three Carolina power plays. Over the last seven games, Atlanta has gone 20 for 20 when facing being down a man.
Southern hospitality was again the order of the day as the visiting team won …as was the case in the previous five matchups between the Thrashers and Canes. Atlanta took all three in Raleigh by a combined score of 15-7 while the Hurricanes took all three here and outscored our team by a total of…now get this…13-3. In the last two it was 8-1.
Just ouch.
Making matters even more frustrating was the fact that we got a nice serving of “help” smothered in Buffalo sauce as the Sabres downed Bahhh-ston for us…the score of that game hovering above us all night like the blue light of a bug zapper that served only to illuminate Carolina’s grilling of Thrasher meat below.
I tell ya…rooting for the Sabres sorta gives me the same feeling in my gut as eating a jar of potato salad after it has sat out on the back deck in the sun for an entire week…but it’s worth it when they take care of the Bruins for us like that. Of course, it wouldn’t feel so bad if the Thrashers had done more to help themselves. But right now, I think I need a stomach pump.
And so, if last night’s game was considered a “must win” in regards of keeping hope alive for the playoffs…the one tonight in Toronto has to be considered a “must-er win”. Because after that we are down to those final five with three of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference…three teams that the Thrashers are collectively 1-8-0 against so far this season.
Ugh…there goes my stomach again.
And Speaking of Southern Hospitality…
I met a pair of fairly cool Caniacs last night…Liz and Sydney who had driven down from Carolina to enjoy the game, (and unfortunately, “enjoy” the game is just what they did). They sat a few rows in front of myself, Rightshot and “Lola the Lurker”.
When chatting with the pair, Liz showed me a picture of her favorite Thrashers fan…it was none other than our very own Mr. Heat Miser. The picture was taken last weekend during the Thrasherville invasion of Carolina. After the game, MHM was gracious and kind enough to chat with them, even though it was obvious he was still seething from the outcome.
Cool, classy guy that Heat Miser.
Anywhooooo…Liz and Sydney share our passion fro hockey and agreed with me that the two fan bases always have a good time together when visiting the other. We can go, cheer our team, and enjoy the good times in and around the arena without being a group of obnoxious %$#&#@!.
Nice to meet ya both, Liz and Sydney.
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138 comments Add your comment
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
10:31 am
All hail the ominiscient Stooge of Bwuewand!! His holiness has spoken.
Red Light
March 30th, 2010
10:32 am
Ray Shero extended RFA Kris Letang for four years at $3.5 million per season. What a novel concept, extending a contract within a fortnight of the beginning of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Here’s your reward Kris for a job well done, and by the way we expect you to play your ass off in the playoffs again this year. A strong message from a proactive GM. What a breath of fresh air.
Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Captain Queeg wants to know who took an extra scoop of strawberries.
ChippersLoveChild
March 30th, 2010
10:35 am
There is always next year?
Alan R.
March 30th, 2010
10:35 am
Remember the last time we stuck a fork in ‘em?
Sure, the Thrashers “smell” pretty well done, but are they?
Probably. There’s still some raw meat in there, though. If you’re looking to char them, then you’ll need to keep them in the fire for a few more games.
TableHockey
March 30th, 2010
10:39 am
Thanks for the reminder Rawhide – I need to get my propane tank refilled.
Can’t wait till we are mathematically eliminated so we can start talking about exciting things like who will be our new coach, what RFAs will we be able to resign, what UFAs will we resign, where will the draft party be, etc. etc.
Last season ended on about as high a note as it could (sans playoffs) thanks to the strong finish. Don’t think we will have the benefit of that with the April we are facing. We will go 0 for Caps and probably 0 for Pens. Maybe we take Jersey – unless Kovy decides to get his first hat trick for the season. That will probably not help with the re-signings we need to make.
joedaiceman
March 30th, 2010
10:40 am
This is a team with no leadership and no heart, excepting Moose and Slats. It is worse than a story of failure, they simply do not care. Last night was a travesty.
Sage of Bluesland
March 30th, 2010
10:42 am
Who’s the “stooge” again? Who continues to subsidize this incompetence? Who, amazingly, comes to the same conclusion others have years ago?
Uh-huh, that’s what I thought!
Don’t worry, there’ll be another batch of sheep and their ‘comments’ to laugh at arriving shortly…
Captain Obvious
March 30th, 2010
10:48 am
Yeah… they’re forked for sure
J-man
March 30th, 2010
10:48 am
It’s just better to face the reality of not making the playoffs. Continuing to hold out hope in the (almost) impossible just makes it harder when they finally fail.
TableHockey – Anderson will return as coach. How could he not given the “success” (ha ha) of this season? The only chance to get rid of him was if the team continued its free fall earlier and plunged into the bottom 5 of the league standings.
Thrashplayhere
March 30th, 2010
10:50 am
You’re a moron, Ice Man.
Ashe
March 30th, 2010
10:53 am
4 bad goals on hedbergs part/defense part. and a lack of offense.
we arent done, we just need to not lose when philli or boston wins. If either of them gets a win and we lose. We are then done.
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
10:54 am
Red Light-A Caine Mutiny reference?
I am impressed, do you think he has marbles in his pocket?
This team has been steaming over its own tow line for years!
Classic reference!
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
10:56 am
Hey moron, when have I ever said that Don Waddell is a great GM? When have I ever said that I was a STH? Why do you continue to labor under the misconception that I am some mindless “sheep” who isn’t realistic about this team? I am just trying to keep things fair and balanced when it comes to a sports franchise that gets no legitmate or fair reporting of the facts. You seem to think you’re entitled to success or some reward just because you’ve been given back a franchise after it was unceremoniously yanked out from under you 30 years ago. I’m sorry that Don Waddell pissed in your cornflakes 8 years ago but you are the saddest of the sad when it comes to our mostly classy and level-headed fan base. If you actually knew me, and you won’t because I have no desire to ever meet your pathetic and arrogant ass, you would actually understand my perspective. But alas, you just bleet on and on and on about the same thing over and over eventhough you fail to provide any facts to support your position that a STH revolt / boycott has bore any tangible fruit in the cause to shift the fortunes of this franchise.
ben
March 30th, 2010
11:05 am
Wow, we all need to take a breath. This team is bad, but let’s not trash each other over it.
Rightshot
March 30th, 2010
11:06 am
Rawhide – Had fun sitting with you and “Lola the Lurker” last night. Thanks for inviting me to sit with you two.
BTW Lola, you promised to say hi today.
Despite the strong play of Moose and ,dare I say it, MOST of the defense (sorry toby) it was the forwrds that let us down last night. On several occasions, they had a chance to shoot the puck and did not and turned the puck over numerous times (I’m looking your way Max)
I am disappointed at the effort and apparent lack of willingsness? desire? determination? put forth by the team, including the coaches.
My own 3 stars of the game,
#3 the 2 very nice Carolina fans we got the pleasure of speaking with.
#2 Rawhide and Lola for their hospitality
#1 the blonde with the big… uh beer that kept walking past us last night. Thanks
Sage of Bluesland
March 30th, 2010
11:13 am
Jackpot!
Some, you know who you are, keep looking for that key which definitely does NOT exist…
It does make me laugh, I have to admit…
DWTOO
March 30th, 2010
11:13 am
Ah Smoothie well said, but, please refer to Rawhide’s advice regarding trolls – best ignored.
First time I’ve seen Mr. Heat Miser and “classy” in the same sentance. LOL!
WBF/RL – Noitced the refernce to the Caine Mutiny. They (Waddell and Anderson) have to have their marbles in their pockets – sure don’t have them in thier head.
Hoping for a change in leadership in the off-season. NHL caliber teams don’t have a power play that looks as bas as ours. That was painful to watch last night.
Old Yellow Stain, aka Red Light
March 30th, 2010
11:14 am
“This team has been steaming over its own tow line for years!”
Beautiful WBF!
“I’ve got those Yellow Stain Blues”
Joe Friday
March 30th, 2010
11:15 am
Glass 1/2 full guys, we’re one step closer to getting the root cause addressed and that is the removal of Don Waddell as GM.
Does anyone know for sure if his contract is in fact up at the end of this season?
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
11:17 am
ben – I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m only trashing one person on this blog: the resident know-it-all who can only seem to satisfy his oversized ego by bashing honest hockey fans, who manage to glean more from the fan experience than simply the bragging rights that come with supporting a team that wins consistently. Guess he was spoiled rotten by all that constant winning and success of the Braves during their unprecedented run of success and choking. I know how bitter one can become from watching teams that choke all the time (Buffalo Bills, Wake Forest etc) but I refuse to buy into the boycott bull pucky the Sage-less one likes to bombard us with on this blog.
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
11:21 am
Red Light-on a day of sorrow created by our team, good that we can reference one of America’s great war movies staring Humphrey Bogart.
So the question is-who will be our Moral Officer?
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
11:23 am
Now, now Smoothie, no dissin’ the Bills please. Sabres did the Thrash a favor last night but we couldn’t close the deal.
Baaadger Bob
March 30th, 2010
11:23 am
Just when you get your hopes up, things looking brighter, the potential of a better future, it all get’s dashed. I’m refering to Sage making civil and insightful comments yesterday, not the Thrashers. Sage, can you run the numbers for us on boycott effectiveness? Please list all franchises that have moved as a result of poor fan support in your analysis.
Ashe, I’ve shared your hopeful optimism for the past two weeks, but can’t get there anymore. It’s not that they lost their last 3 at home. Its not even who they lost to. It is HOW they lost – uninspired, disinterested, uncoached. PP is pathetic beyond all words. No coordination whatsoever. If we dump in, none of our guys seem to expect it and often lose the race to the puck. If we carry it in, none of our guys are charging in to at least give their D more to think about than just checking the puck carrier. 4-on-4 is even worse. We treat puck possession like its a bad thing. JA must go.
moriler
March 30th, 2010
11:24 am
In general I don’t recommend responding to trolls such as Sage; he long ago checked out of caring about the Thrashers, and only posts here to see who he can get riled up. But this much I do have to say: Leaving Blueland empty will cause you all to lose the team completely, not just Waddell. I think most of you understand this, but for the lurkers, it’s worth repeating.
Nothing will make Bettman move this team unless the fans choose to not show up, rendering it unprofitable for _any_ owner to keep it in Atlanta. If that happens, you can watch them get moved to Hamilton or some other bumble**** town in Canada, regardless of how good the on-ice product is at that time — look at the rumors surrounding the Coyotes.
I’m not suggesting renewing your season tickets blindly, mind you — only do so if you enjoy going to games. But any “boycott” would simply move the team out of Atlanta again, and if it happens twice, it will never come back.
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
11:27 am
Sorry guys, I missed the posts calling on the rest of us to be civil while I was typing my last post. I’ll go back to ignoring the troll.
ThrasherTim
March 30th, 2010
11:29 am
* Last 3 home games during a ‘playoff’ stretch drive: L, OTL, L to Boston, Toronto, Carolina and scored a total of 2 goals? WTH?
Red Light
March 30th, 2010
11:35 am
World Be Free: I know it’s a mistype, but I’m reminded of one of the great Danny Ozarkisms of my youth.
When asked during a losing streak if his team had a morale problem, Ozark said, “I don’t think our morality has anything to do with it.”
Since Ensign Willie Keith isn’t available, I nominate our current Kane!
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
11:42 am
“It’s not that they lost their last 3 at home. Its not even who they lost to. It is HOW they lost – uninspired, disinterested, uncoached. PP is pathetic beyond all words. No coordination whatsoever. If we dump in, none of our guys seem to expect it and often lose the race to the puck. If we carry it in, none of our guys are charging in to at least give their D more to think about than just checking the puck carrier. 4-on-4 is even worse. We treat puck possession like its a bad thing. JA must go.”
Baaadger – well said man, well said. Nail, hammer, head. Why JA can’t seem to get these guys on the same page for a big game is beyond me? Yes, the talent of this team is incomplete, but there should be enough passion and determination to overcome it in a game against an opponent no more talented than yourself. It’d be one thing if we were getting demolished by Washington or Pittsburgh, but losing in the fashion we’re losing speaks to a lack of leadership and sound coaching. Sorry JA, but your ship has sailed in Atlanta. Perhaps you’ll learn from it and become a better coach, but the puck bounces your way more often than not because you work harder than the other team, not because there is some sort of cosmic hockey law of averages that makes it so.
Prudence
March 30th, 2010
11:48 am
Bill, I find it offensive that you are talking about grilling the Thrashers meat.
Dwayne
March 30th, 2010
11:51 am
Why do we stink 4 on 4? Because JA mixes the D men up and they skate around the rink, hollering, “I got ‘em, you take ‘em”
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
11:54 am
Clarke MacArthur makes Todd White look like a defensive stalwart.
Toby Enstrom sometimes makes Mark Popovic look like Brian Rafalski.
Please tell me that Evander Kane will get to lace up the skates 2nite.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
11:55 am
There is always next year?
ChippersLoveChild – Yes…and has been said in Atlanta before after a “burning”… tomorrow is another day.
Thanks for the reminder Rawhide – I need to get my propane tank refilled.
TableHockey – Did mine last Saturday.
Thrashplayhere – That should read “You’re a moron, Iceman”…not “You’re a moron, Ice Man”.
Red Light – Thanks for swingin’ by last night…great to see you as always.
Rightshot – The pleasure was all mine. Glad you could join us.
Bill, I find it offensive that you are talking about grilling the Thrashers meat.
Prudence – Dear Prudence…nice to have the PETA crowd come out and play.
Not Blind
March 30th, 2010
12:04 pm
There is nothing that infuriates me more than seeing a Thrasher [ D or forward ] skate right by the opposing puck carrier. It’s like the coach has told them that they are supposed to skate to a certain spot and watch the opposing player take his best shot. It would seem to make more sense to slightly change course and knock the opposing puck carrier on his backside.
Knowing that this is how the Thrashers play means that the opposing team knows they have all the time they want to really take a great shot instead of being hurried and either shooting the goalie’s logo or totally missing the net.
volgrad1985
March 30th, 2010
12:06 pm
Rawhide……Didn’t you already publish this article once before?
This sorta reminds me of the TV news trying to scoop each other during elections, being the first to report that someone has won a state with 1% of the votes tallied. If anyone wants to really get a scoop on everybody, why not pronounce that the Thrashers have a fork stuck in them in the first week of October?
Nope, I think I’ll just wait till the next week plays itself out to see what happens.
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
12:06 pm
Smoothie-3 losses
I posted something similar last night when I got home. Surprised more did not chime in on my blast of Colby “Swiss” cheese.
Red Light-who would be Mr. Keefer in the scenario? The “Yellow Stain Blues” referring to cowardice, pretty appropriate for our recent play.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
volgrad1985 - To your point…this team does have an uncanny nack of coming back from being seemingly buried. And I hope to heavens they do it again. But…IMHO…for this team to have had a serious chance at making a run at it next week, they needed to take last night’s game and tonight’s.
Like I said, hope I’m wrong…but right now, I think they’re toast.
sisu
March 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
So another season is done…only way it would not be is to win at least 5 out of 6. Don’t think that will happen. This off season will be mighty important, the goalie situation needs to be looked at, coaching change along with the GM would be nice…
There was no way this was the same team out there last night that I went to see in Carolina last Saturday. If these guys are professionals then I for one would not know it. Toby was horrible last night, if there was a goalie who could have stolen a game for us last night he was not in the building. Nice to see how a discard from Dallas is tearing it up in Carolina (jokinen)
Pittsburgh Pirate Fan
March 30th, 2010
12:19 pm
I am not sure in Toby and Clarke are the issues here. I think this system is as dysfunctional as this organization.
Some of you people have taken shots at your fellow bloggers today. Our frustration should not be with each other, it should be directed at this stupid organization. We all know where the problem lies and it’s not with us. All we can do is hope that the powers that be finally see what the heck is going on here and bring in somebody that knows the game. Whether it’s Dudley or not, we need a hockey man, scouts and coaches that can build a culture that will sustain a winner.
The problem is not us folks; our only fault is our continued support of this team. It’s not that we are sheep or idiots, it is because we are hockey fans. We hold out the hope that one day, this team will be one that we can be proud of, that Atlanta will become a preferred destination for free agents. The Braves comparison made the other day is classic example of how a team can change with the right people in charge.
R. Stroz
March 30th, 2010
12:31 pm
do you think he has marbles in his pocket?
Yes, he has marbles in his pocket because he took them out of his head to play with them.
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
12:33 pm
WBF – agreed Colby has mostly sucked the past two months (at least). He’ll likely be able to sell his pathetic play as a dislike for ATL or JA when he’s talking to UFA suitors, but at this point I’m perfectly happy he’ll be sailing on.
PPF – good post. We all agree the organization must change – our lovely host has said so almost all year, I believe – hopefully starting with a sale by Octocluster, then a new GM, and finally a coach, in that order and in short order. In the meantime, all we’ve got left it to assess the play of individual players.
With Toby, I’m willing to excuse his knuckleheaded play of the past week as exhaustion. I don’t think it is typical of him. And I blame JA for not seeing it and giving him some rest. We’d hardly do worse with Kulda, Vish or Chelli in his spot.
With Clarke, I think its too early to tell. It would be nice to see a young guy actually improve and develop here.
Bob
March 30th, 2010
12:44 pm
“Our frustration should not be with each other, it should be directed at this stupid organization.”
Yep, some guys are missing the big picture and focusing on players. The players come and go every where, there’s one thing that doesn’t change, and that’s the futility of it all. That won’t change until Waddell is gone.
“With Toby, I’m willing to excuse his knuckleheaded play of the past week as exhaustion. I don’t think it is typical of him.”
Sorry, he’s been the same guy since his first year here. He constantly gets ridden of the puck and manhandled by bigger forwards driving our zone. Sure, he makes pretty figure 8’s circling back into our zone with the puck and can make a nice pass from his backline to the middle, but we need more than that. We need D that can play D. Enstrom is a typical Waddell mistake.
Joe Friday
March 30th, 2010
12:44 pm
crap, the damn cookie from this site keeps wanting me to be Bob!
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
12:49 pm
volgrad1985 – you may have uncovered the key to this team – Rawhide’s posts.
March 18, AM: “Ungood Math” post appears, stating we need to face up to the Thrashers demise.
March 18-21: Thrashers beat three straight playoff-positioned teams to reignite their chances
March 22, AM: “Be There” post appears, expressing optimism with “the way these guys are playing right now”
March 22-29: Thrashers lose three straight home games to all but erase the playoff hopes of their fans
March 30, AM: “Done” post appears.
March 30 – April 10: ???
If they win the next four, I’m going to have to insist on nothing but pessimistic blogs from you, Mr. Rawhide!
Mitch
March 30th, 2010
12:50 pm
I am a true fan and Bleed Blue, but it seems to me that this team is playing like its game 42 midway into the season no Urgency since that Philly series seems like they think there done, either that or they just can’t handle the pressure We need better leadership to keep everyones mind and focus right and a coach that doesn’t sound like Droopy when we lose. I like Anderson’s style and gameplan but he seems like he wants to be all the players friends He needs to go in that locker room and rattle some skulls and bruise some egos. My other concern is the powerplay Even if the stars align and we do make the playoffs How will we compete with our broken powerplay? “It will be lambs to the slaughter” GO Thrashers anyway!
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
12:52 pm
If they win the next four, I’m going to have to insist on nothing but pessimistic blogs from you, Mr. Rawhide!
Badger Bob – You got it!
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
12:58 pm
Badger-this younger generation is the instant gratification generation, not wanting to put forth the effort required to make something bad better or even good. Colby is a classic example of this. These guys are all paid a salary slightly higher than the Average Joe. It’s not too much to ask for a player to do the best he can do every night. We all know players and teams have an off night. We cannot change humanity. But it should be expected that a guy that makes as much as Armstrong will show up more often than not. Sorry to sound like an angry old man.
Colby hasn’t this year. GMs and scouts have a tendency to have memories when it comes to offering up a long term deal to a guy who has had it in 2nd gear (at best) all year.
Attention all free agents-most of the teams in the league are up against the cap, have RFAs to resign and holes to fill in their rosters looking for players at the right price. I think these UFAs are all expecting windfall paydays July 1. July 15 and August 1 may become more frequent signing days as long as the cap stays where it is for the time being. Hockey is not like football, where teams can void or buy our bad contracts so easily. Just look at Zhitnik’s contract.
Braydon Coburn is a FA this year, not sure if he’s an RFA or UFA. Interesting.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
1:07 pm
WBF – I was speaking last night to someone..was it Rightshot?… who was surprised to learn we are still paying Zhitnik to “not play” for us. But the $1.16 million we’ve paid him for the last 2 seasons comes to an end this summer. My proposal is to call that sum of money the “Zhitnik Buyout Fund” and keep it on hand to drop a deserving player from the roster.
July 1, the next recipient of the ZBF should be Todd White, IMHO.
Oh…and Coburn is an RFA, coming off a $1.3 million contract.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
1:08 pm
Anyone a bit surprised like me that Kane won’t be in the line-up (see Dan Kamal’s tweet) tonite? If he’s skating pain-free, why not let him play? If they’re worried about him, why take him on the trip?
WBF – I think you are right…some of these UFA’s will be in for a rude awakening. That may actually help the Thrashers, but they have some tough decisions to make. Right now, I’m inclined to bring back C-Mac (potential is there to be a solid 3rd line contributor), Arty, Boulton cuz he’s a cheap 13th forward, Pops over Schubie and maybe Kubina if he’s willing to sign for 2 years. But I doubt that. Plus, we need to get younger and ornery-er on the blueline. We may want to trade Toby while his price is higher than ever. But it may make more sense to keep Toby and use Oduya as trade bait since they are such similar players.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
1:10 pm
Oh, and Slater of course! He might even be alternate or captain material. Fancy that!
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
1:10 pm
WBF – Philly’s situation will be interesting this summer. Short of an unlikely visit to the conference finals, this year will be viewed as a failure. Yet they’ve got less than $10M of cap space to find a goalie, three Dmen and a forward or two. Although Coburn is an RFA, they may be willing to deal since they’ve got no breathing room.
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
1:20 pm
Bill-thanks for the Braydon info. Sounds like Philly wants to dump him anyhow. He was rumored out of Philly at the trade deadline.
Smoothie-I have to contemplate our UFAs and where we want to go from here. I hope Kubina is part of our future, I think Pavel has played well this season. But you are right-we ahev to get younger and hungrier.
Badger-I am really enjoying Philly’s pain. They have “bought” their way into trouble and it will be sometime before they get out of it. The Flyers will be older and slower next season. Naturally, they will revert to thuggery.
Philly fans were jumping all the Sabres’ fans after they signed Briere. Danny is an “anchor” weighing down the Flyers for the next 5 years. Philly fans are alot quieter now, along with Ranger fans for Drury and the same reasons.
Spend wisely-this actually may be a summer where a team looking for the right players could make up alotta ground quickly.
Jeff
March 30th, 2010
1:21 pm
Amzing the vitroil around here between us fans. I may be wrong, but this is still just an entertainment, and nothing more. No point in getting our whites in a wad over some lousy hockey GMs, coaches and players. If you enjoy hockey and don’t mind seeing an inferior product, then go (and boo if you like). If you can’t stand it, then don’t go. There are a million other things to do in this city. Sorry, but it’s not real life for anyone other than those being paid by the organization.
Jeff97
March 30th, 2010
1:24 pm
Rawhide – The biggest thing missing from this team is leadership and experience. How many guys on this team have been down this road before? Kubina, Reasoner, Hedberg and Max are the only few that I can think of that have any real playoff experience. And I dont see any of them other than maybe Kubina as team leaders. We need players that will right the ship during a game when things are going south.
My wish list for the off-season…A true #1 Goalie..overpay if you have to. We need to get that resolved.(i would even settle for signing a 35 yr old Nabokov and giving Pavs some more time) Re-sign Kubina. A scoring forward with grit and leadership. hard to find, yes. but we have the money and some assets to move.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
1:29 pm
How many guys on this team have been down this road before? Kubina, Reasoner, Hedberg and Max are the only few that I can think of that have any real playoff experience.
Jeff97 – There’s also Kozlov, but….
Savannah Blueland Fan
March 30th, 2010
1:32 pm
Everyone is just frustrated because Ryan Miller gave us a gift last night all tied up in a pretty ribbon and the team just spit in his eye.
jimbo
March 30th, 2010
1:38 pm
I agree with many of you, let’s vent our frustration at this totally inept ownership and management right down to Johnny Boy. His comment that we had to “chip and chase” when facing trap type defenses in the neutral zone is absolutely “unbelievable”. That’s the best that old Bone Head could come up with. It is very, very frustrating to watch a pretty decent group of young guys get no motivation or strategic direction from the coach. Throw Teflon Don and Johnny Boy out of here.
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
1:42 pm
Jeff-agreed
Savannah-just another day at the office for Ryan Miller.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
1:56 pm
Savannah-just another day at the office for Ryan Miller.
WBF – I get such a serious case of “Goalie Envy” when I watch Miller play for the Sabres….
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
2:00 pm
If my attack on Sage is considered “vitriol” among fans, then we have some reading comprehension problems in the class here. C’mon people. I take full responsibility and stand behind my comments. And I also stand behind the loyal bloggers and fans of this team. In my eyes, Sage of Buttland is hardly a “fan”…just a know-it-all troll trying to get a reaction. And he got it, but I’m just trying to fall on the sword.
I think on the whole everyone in this little family of hockey dysfunction gets along just fine. But please don’t stop in directing your anger where it is warranted…right at the top of the pyramid and behind the bench there in Blueland.
Lastly, an interesting stat to make you feel even worse. Since the 5 game losing streak — I’m counting the OTL vs PHX in my analysis so I exluded it from the streak — the Thrashers have only allowed 2 PPG in 9 games. You would think that shoring up the PK would be the big difference maker for a team in need of wins, but it hasn’t been. The team record over those 9 games is 5 – 2 – 2. But in those 5 wins, the PPG differential is only +2 and in the 4 losses, the PPG differential is +3. Go figure. They haven’t choked on the PK, but they’ve choked in every other facet of the game in the last 3 losses.
Get The Puck Out
March 30th, 2010
2:01 pm
Take the “DON AND JOHN SHOW’ and tour somewhere else. This same ole’ song and dance is gettin’ really, really old. Good thing that they are not on the Gong Show, cause i’da gonged em’ a long time ago. Nuff said!
Jeff97
March 30th, 2010
2:07 pm
Rawhide – yeah, just goes to show how easily I forgot about him.
It is just hard to imagine how a team so close the playoffs can perform so uninspired as a group at home. And I am tired of excuses like “we played nervous”..thats all coaching and leadership as far as I am concerned. (or lack thereof.)
Stephen
March 30th, 2010
2:14 pm
I am a fan who secretly roots for the Thrashers to make the playoffs and so badly want them to do well. Although I will not go to a game, buy products, or watch on TV until I actually believe a change has been made. I regard the 1st step to be the firing to DW and a clear picture shown to the fan base who the Thrashers will be. Will they be a big bruising defensive team, a fast puck movement team with lots of 20 goal scorers, or a team built around a few superstars? Fire Waddell, make up your mind and lets grow hockey in Atlanta but until then I will be a quiet fan who shows no support wishing that I could openly support our hockey team.
LAC
March 30th, 2010
2:18 pm
Don’t worry folks…. don waddell has TWO four plans on the drawing board, one on how to lose more star players and the other how to destroy the fan base and NEVER make the playoffs !!!!
I have a ONE SECOND plan for waddell YOU ARE FIRED !
Sage of Bluesland
March 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
“…And he got it, but I’m just trying to fall on the sword….”
Our “hero” to the rescue…Wow–such arrogance! We should all “bow down” to your selfless acts for the greater good…
(Please)
It is good to see you finally ‘getting it’ and calling for the head of Don Waddell…Oh, and to one of your lapdogs, ask Matt Millen how that ‘fan-reaction’ worked out for him in Detroit…
Basic economics, folks. Stop subsidizing the incompetence and watch how fast the behavior will change…and if it doesn’t change, then it’s not worth being here. Period.
(Unless you’re the type who is just happy to be in the league; to be in the room with the big-boys…if so, then you’re not a fan of the Thrashers. Period. Fans of this team should be exhibiting tough love to the ownership and stating that this product is not acceptable.)
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
2:38 pm
Stephen – Good to know you’re out there … and it’s equally good to see a “lurker” step forward from the shadowy back of the blogoshere at post such a well stated comment.
LAC – Tell me something…will Don Waddell’s third “five year plan” begin at the end of this, the Thrasher’s tenth season of play…or are we already halfway through the third five-year plan given Waddell was hired in 1998?
World Be Free
March 30th, 2010
2:48 pm
Bill-with goalies, the secret is to give them some support. We don’t support our goalies, so Miller may look like Moose if he played here fulltime.
Smoothie-you have my support dude.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
Arrogance…takes one to know one you stooge.
Basic economics. Ha! There is nothing basic when it comes to the clusterpuck of an operation known as the ASG. Sports franchises have been defying the tenets of “basic economics” for a long time now as they are often nothing but a rich-boy’s hobby (see Dan Snyder) or a tax write-off for a syndicate of stupidity a la Atlanta Stupid Group.
You make it seem like it is so black and white when it is absolutely not. How many STH have already defected and guess who is still the GM? Do you really think the majority of people attending the games regularly are paying anything close to full price?? I don’t think even you’re that obtuse.
This is the 7th year of utter insanity wraught by the fools of the ASG. Who knows when they are going to wake the hell up and make changes that improve their standing in the NHL. For now, they seem content to make a little money off the Hawks and concerts while the Thrashers serve as a convenient little tax shield from full corporate taxation.
thebigharybeast
March 30th, 2010
3:03 pm
You know, I often wish us blue collars fans could take up a mass collection and buy this team ala a Green Bay Packers. Let the people own it. Im a notorious lurker here and like everyone else just want someone to give a dang upstairs.
The team very much represents those who own and control the team. No matter how much heart a player has, when your bosses are inept, eventually they are going to bring you down to. Its why no one wants to play here. It is very much a disease rotting the oragnization and the team from the inside out.
We are watching our franchise die each and everyday.
Joe Friday
March 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
“this younger generation is the instant gratification generation, not wanting to put forth the effort required to make something bad better or even good.”
Preach it. And if that makes up grump old men, so be it, but at least we get things done and aren’t afraid of work.
“How many STH have already defected and guess who is still the GM?”
Thousands of us have, but remember this: I “think” Waddell’s contract is up at the end of this year. Remember, the rumor was that after he fired Hartley and went on that 10-4 run as coach, he went to ownership and said “see, I can do it” and they rewarded him with an extension. The extension is rumored to be up at the end of this year. So, we already know that the owners are cheap and trying to save money (they made Waddell coach all that year so they wouldn’t have to pay two coaches, and then went the cheap route with Anderson. So, assuming all that is true, which it seems to be, then logic would dictate they are being penny wise and pound foolish and figured they’d let Waddell run out his contract so they wouldn’t have to pay 2 GMs. My hope is that they finally get rid of him at the end of this season when his contract is up, and the statement that thousands of we former season tickets holders have made, will be recognized and will force them into a move.
“they seem content to make a little money off the Hawks and concerts while the Thrashers serve as a convenient little tax shield from full corporate taxation.”
I see things like this said often by people that don’t own a business. Let me assure you that no one buys a business and runs it to take losses to offset their gains on other businesses. It simply isn’t true and it’s a fallacy that people hold onto thinking “well, it’s a tax write off for them and that’s why they own it”. It’s bunk. A business owner, or anyone, will take their short and long term capital losses and use them to offset short and long term capital gains. But there is no one that does this on purpose. Given their druthers, any business person would prefer to make money on each and every one of their enterprises and investments and happily pay their taxes on the profit from each.
Let me put it this way, if the Hawks and Phillips make the Spirit Squad $50m per year, but the Thrashers lose $50m per year, then the Sage Seven plus Belkin just made a whopping 0 for that year and they wouldn’t have to pay taxes but they also made zip (sports franchises aren’t appreciating year over year anymore, so they can’t even be banking on that cap gain coming in the future). The Illustrious Octomess would certainly prefer to make $50m off the Hawks and Phillips and break even on the Thrashers, pay their taxes, and still bank $30m that year, split up amongst the Wonder Bread Boys to take their wives to Tahiti.
Paying $20m in taxes and banking $30m is preferable to a net zero, yet having to pay no tax.
Sage of Bluesland
March 30th, 2010
3:23 pm
“…How many STH have already defected and guess who is still the GM?…”
That’s really the point: Not ENOUGH have turned away. TOO MANY have applauded Don at these silly town-hall meetings! That is a huge problem. The owners must walk away from one of those Rawhide-Waddell-Lovefests thinking that Donny is doing a great job!
I agree on the indirect tax-benefit for an unprofitable enterprise, but that can only go so far. It’s like buying another house to get the interest write-off…simply doesn’t work in the long run…
Nope, sports is no different than any other business. It IS basic economics at the end of the day. There will be exceptions to the rule–those that are carried by the others but for only so long.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
3:35 pm
Sage – In all seriousness…I’d like to know when I have ever said I think Waddell has done “a great job”? I’m quite certain I have constantly been on the side of relieving him of his duties as GM since I have hosted this blog for the past 2-1/2 years.
Please do not confuse my desire to attend games…and my wish that others would too…as a belief that Waddell is “doing a great job”.
rob
March 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
Sage, are you from Winnepeg (or Whiney-peg as that is what they do about their lost team)?
Sage of Bluesland
March 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
No, you have been moreso on the ‘right’ side in this argument, Rawhide, I have to admit…Compared to that clown Bradley, you have been closer to Schultz–and the truth–on the whole subject (Bradley treats Waddell the exact same as he did with Babcock; thus why I think he’s been bought off with something…he deletes my comments on the matter so I must be close to the truth, eh?). I just, ohhh, ‘interpret’ a glimmer here and there of forgiveness–and don’t like it a bit…
I would only like a blog that begins AND ends with the facts on what Ownership/Waddell have done to run this organization into the ground…
(that’s me being facetious for those who may be confused)
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
3:47 pm
Joe / Bob – but they have other businesses that presumably ARE making money so they can make their cash calls and such for the ASG. I’m not saying they’re losing money on purpose, but when you don’t have stability within your own ownership structure, it’s easy to see how their current state of affairs has become the short-term business plan. I’ve worked for a large company with hundreds of different properties and it’s not uncommon for them to carry B/E properties because of the cache and prestige that comes with them while other smaller, less glamourous properties make all the profits. I’m not saying anything other than the fact that it is probably far more complicated than some would have you or want you to believe. Business is never black & white but rather an endless series of opportunity costs / decisions.
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
3:47 pm
Illustrious Octomess – nice one, Joe!
Sage of Bluesland
March 30th, 2010
3:48 pm
(I think my response just got lost? Oh well)
No, Rawhide–you have been more ‘correct’ than wrong on the subject…I just ’sense’ a bit of ‘forgive-and-forget’ when it comes to the ups-and-downs of the team and with Donny….especially those delusional upticks…
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
The NFL has evolved into big business, but the owners still wield more control than the NFLPA. To say that the original NFL and eventually AFL didn’t start out as the CC hob-nobbing hobbies of filthy rich men like Lamar Hunt, Ralph Wilson, Tex Schramm, Al Davis, Ford, Rooney etc, would be an outrageous mis-statement of the truth. Once owners started selling teams for huge profits at sale, then more and more wanted in on the action thinking they could skate by with modest profits and a modicum of success on the playing field before selling it to the highest bidder 10 years later. Pro sports has been more like a real estate business as opposed to a manufacturing company that must have a real competitive advantage or economies of scale to make them profitable year after year as going concerns. When there is actual competition and not profit sharing like you have in all the big 4 sports, then you have a real business. Pro sports is still very unique within the landscape of big business in America.
rob
March 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
Jeff,
Hockey isn’t just a mild form of entertainment for everyone. Some of us (maybe more than some of us) grew up with this game, playing outside from the time we got home from school ’til mom called us in (for the second or third time). It isn’t just entertainment, it is a part of some of us. I will continue to go to games even if the Thrashers aren’t good, because of my love for the game. Will I boo when they are bad? Of course I will. I called for them to bring the pee wee teams back out during that 8-1 Caps monstrosity to the delight of many sitting around us. Didn’t keep me from cheering Kane when he hit someone on the boards that same game, and didn’t keep me from coming back as many times as I could afford to the rest of the season either. Do I despise the ASG? Ummm yeah, but the Thrashers are the home town team and that is who I cheer for, and as a fan I take their play to heart, because they represent this city where I live playing a game I have played since someone could shove a stick in my hand. So while some consider it merely entertainment, that is good too we need all the fans we can get, others are a little more into the sport, and therefore the team.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
4:02 pm
Sage - Trixie rescued your 3:46 pm post from Blog Purgatory.
Anyway…I hear ya, truly I do. And we are both big enough to simply agree to disagree on certain fine points.
As for ‘forgive and forget’…eh, I like to try and be fair when I observe what is going on. Now, thet doesn’t mean I’m always correct in what I see and opine about…but when the team does good, I like to say so. When there is a trade or deal that is made that I agree with, (case in point the Kubina for Exelby trade or the Avinogenov and Antropov signings), I say so. Same true with those that are complete disasters…(see also, Coburn for Zhitnik).
But these are all just parts and pieces to the “whole”. And the “whole” is what is is…a decade-long epic FAIL.
Now, if what Bob/Joe Friday belive is true…that Waddell’s contract extension is et to expire…then there is no way on God’s green earth that he should be se-signed. However, there will be a time to address that here…but not until after the season is over. We are, after all, in the midst of a “playoff push”…don’t laugh…and even though I give the team little chance of succeeding given last night’s result, that is my focus right now as far as blogs are concerned.
ThrasherTim
March 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
In a season that started off with so much hope as:
* The team started off 14-7-1 after finishing last year 12-6 (combined 29-13-1)
* Management signing Antropov & Max to improve a team Kovvy had input on
* The team and Kovvy were saying in public that a deal would get done
* Special teams were in the top 10 the 1st 20 games
* Even media were starting to believe we had a young, improving team
Since then:
* Stretch (25% of the season) where we didn’t get a regulation win
* Kovvy gone
* Power play is almost powerless
* Another 6-game losing streak during a playoff stretch drive
* Listless performances at home – in half-filled buildings
* Less likely we’ll make the playoffs in a historical weak Eastern conference
* Looking at 2 more players walking in UFA (Kubina, Armstrong)
* Even Peverly has slowed down dramatically from his point per game average – hmmm, did the slow down occur right after he signed his new contract?
Sure we have money to sign players next year but again…who wants to come here unless the paycheck is large enough? It’s hard for coaches and management to put the hammer down on players’ efforts when we’re simply happy they are signed to play here. We have no winning tradition and no packed arena to make players want to come here.
I am hoping beyond hope that Duddley is making good calls behind the scenes with some of the scouting and youth evaluation. Perhaps we can be next year’s Colorado and the core of young players we have can grow together but as of today, this season is a total disppointment unless we win out, get in the playoffs and win at least 1 game.
somaatl95
March 30th, 2010
4:08 pm
As I have said in the past, a losing team is something all Atlanta Pro Teams (with the exception of the Flames that is) go through. They may not win the whole thing (as the Braves managed to finally do once, in 1995) but they build excitement. As much as I would love seeing the Cup hoisted in Blueland, I will settle for years of playoff appearances. I’d much rather read about everyone bitching and complaining that we can get close to the cup, but not quite yet. Made the World Series that much sweeter in 95, and this city will go insane when the Falcons finally win a super bowl (if the ‘Aints can do it, anyone can). There may be a slight pandemonium when the Hawks win their first Championship, but that is neither here nor there. I love this team of ours and want them to stick around for a long time to come – and even though people on this blog rarely respond to what I have to say it is a sheer joy to be able to know what my fellow puck-headed friends are thinking about their Thrashers and I am thankful that Rawhide gives us a forum to discuss in and occasionally drops a line in as well.
In the words on Rodney King “Can’t we just all get along?”
And this is for you Brendan, cause you respond to me the most: Fire D-Wad!
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
4:16 pm
somaatl95 – Nicely played…
Joe Friday
March 30th, 2010
4:19 pm
“There may be a slight pandemonium when the Hawks win their first Championship”
Is that what the kids are calling a riot these days?
“I’d much rather read about everyone bitching and complaining that we can get close to the cup, but not quite yet.”
Amen, brother.
Pittsburgh Pirate Fan
March 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
Joe Friday-I think they call it “Freaknick”
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
4:25 pm
somaatl – can’t disagree with anything you say. As a transplant, it’s harder for me to give a crap about other sports. I used to be a big Falcons fan but eventually realized I would much rather spend my money on hockey as it is a much more exciting sport. Plus, living here in ATL made me start to resent football as it’s all anybody wants to talk about, especially the ass clowns on AM Radio. As for the other two sports, I’ll never be more than a once in a while casual fan because the other two bore me to tears. And I played baseball through HS!! I guess once you become addicted to golf and you get further and further removed from your youth, you start to narrow your focus to the things you truly love or enjoy.
EA
March 30th, 2010
4:35 pm
Michael Gearon Jr. is on 680 the Fan right now. You can call and speak to one of the owners.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
4:37 pm
Go for it Sage, now’s your big chance!!
somaatl95
March 30th, 2010
4:44 pm
LOL, Thanks you guys
Atlanta wouldn’t react like Detroit or LA after winning it all in Basketball, too many people getting to the parking deck to protect their ride (Hell, I would)
I grew up in Gwinnett County and was the dorky younger brother of a High School Athlete (my brother was a pitcher for the Brookwood Baseball Team in the 80’s, I tried High School sports in the 90’s and managed to break every bone in my wrist, ending a sporting career for me) and grew up suffering through Braves games and Falcons games, as my father is a die hard fan of both teams… and that was the only reason I drank the Braves kool aid in the 90’s and Falcons Juice in the past few years, after so many years of suffering it was nice to see everyone in the town (and the media) get behind those guys. And they deserved it.
That being said I witnessed my first hockey game during the 92 Olympics and was hooked. I had the pleasure of seeing the Thrashers first home victory (Against Calgary no less- oohh the sweet irony) and spent this decade, you know, actually learning the sport. I just wish our knuckle-headed friends to the north would stop trying to poach our team and look at Atlanta sports overall – once the Thrashers start winning (consistently) and one day hopefully soon they will, the Arena will fill up with casual fans and not fill up with Fairweather Fans of the away team (see the every Pens game in Philips this season)
Just like the Braves, Falcons, and believe it or not, Hawks. All it takes is a GM with a 3 year plan (Establish, Execute and Polish) and a coach willing to change things up and adapt and we will be winners. Until then I will be here with you guys. As much as everyone hates Sage for expressing his opinion, remember they are all like A–holes, everyones got them weather you like it or not. I imagine he will be a different character when there is a change. Even Stendec has been positive as of late (for the most part) so anything is possible.
PEACE!
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
4:55 pm
Atlanta has the potential to be a great sports town, but there is soooo much going on. Tough for the average person to enjoy a little bit of everything. I’m sure a lot of us are drawn to hockey because it is a bit more accessible (due to the team’s struggles) with lots of comps, free-bies and discounted tkts floating around. But knowing that what I get out of the hockey experience is mostly positive (fast, exciting game, friendly fans, good camraderie, Bill’s parties etc), I don’t feel as though I’m wasting my money. Someone’s got to take care of the great beer vendors at Philips Arena and the hard-workin’ boys at Gorins!
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
4:57 pm
Got the Gearon 680 post too late. Any reports on what he said? Anything of substance?
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
5:11 pm
Unfortch, 680 the Fan’s audio link doesn’t work here where I work so I can’t report back. Hopefully someone heard some of the BS he was shoveling…I would imagine it was more of a Hawks love fest if I had to guess what they talked about.
Rightshot
March 30th, 2010
5:15 pm
As a lifetime Atlanta resident, Even back before the Braves and Falcons started playing well, everyone knew this was a fair weather town when it came to sports. people like to cheer for winners.
I truely believe that once the Thrashers start winning, more fans will come. More importantly, more season ticket holders will come.
I whole heartedly want donnie boy gone and the Octocluster with him. BUT I will still attend games and still support the TEAM!
If that makes me a sheep, then Baa Baa Baa!
somaatl95
March 30th, 2010
5:27 pm
If we are the sheep, Rawhide is the Sheppard ! Baaa baaaa baaaaa
Yung JB from MTL
March 30th, 2010
5:36 pm
THANK YOU FOR THIS ARTICLE RAWHIDE! Remember what happened last time? 4 wins in a row? Haha I pointed it out the first time, this is my second stint. Anyways I’m still believing in my thrash until the end of the 3rd period of the 82nd game! 3 teams that we can catch, still need a good run.
Montreal-82pts:My hated team cause I live here and I hate its fans and organisation. That said, goalie instability and lack of offense might help us.
Philly-82pts: Worst goalie situation in a while. Laviolette will continue playing Boucher because he’s his American baby goalie, lets hope the other teams will take advantage and help us.
Boston-80pts, 1 game in hand: Closest team, yet farthest. It all depends on Rask’s play. They are playing good hockey, but their offense is bad.
You can look at it this way: If any of these 3 teams get 2 60-min losses in a row and we get 2 straight Ws, were at least #8!
GO THRASH
Red Light
March 30th, 2010
5:36 pm
Since the resumption of NHL play after the lockout for the 2005-06 season, the state of hockey (apologies to Minnesota) in Atlanta has deteriorated beyond compare in terms of captivating your fan base. Except for those franchises located in Phoenix, Denver and Uniondale, L.I., the combination of the Thrashers on-ice product and the management team has forced, yes forced, hockey fans to seek the refuge of the Center Ice package on cable or satellite. Lets take a look at how it happened, because we are all aware of the whys.
In 2005-06, the Thrashers played in front of 15,000-plus crowds 22 times. During the playoff season, that number swelled to 28, 30 if you include the two playoff games. In 2007-08, that number remained fairly strong with (25) 15,000-plus crowds
Then, the Second Depression hit, both financially for the fan base and with the realization that despite the GM’s assertions, the combination of Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen doesn’t equal the contributions of a certain Slovakian forward. In 2008-09, the number of 15,000-plus crowds decreased to 19, and for the first time since the lockout dipped under the 50 percent mark of its total number of 41 home dates. This year the departure of Kovalchuk and other franchise transgressions, have enticed just (12) 15,000-plus crowds to visit Philips Arena for Thrashers games. Four of those have come in March.
So, lets recap those numbers: 22-28-25-19-12. That’s 106 games and the team’s record in those games is a somewhat respectable 52-54, not including the OT/SO nonsense.
Now, I’m no psychologist, but I do know that if a player skates onto their home ice to the murmur of the “crowd”, looks up to find seas of open seats, then I’d be a bit depressed too. After the 6-game losing streak, the Thrashers win three home games and then win a game at Philly to climb back into the race, and then they basically have to beg people to show up with $25 and $10 seats for the next two games, which yields little more than 14,000 in the stands and one goal in six-plus periods on the ice. Then, another road win in Carolina and you’re welcomed home by yet another bleak crowd.
One day, this entire group is going to wake up to the realization of what might have been. You supposed to buy weakness and sell strength. In order to get stronger, you can’t continue to let the same people repeat the same mistakes.
“Failure is not a single, cataclysmic event. You don’t fail overnight. Instead, failure is a few errors in judgment, repeated every day.”
This organization has that premise down pat!
EA
March 30th, 2010
5:44 pm
Smoothie, I missed the first segment about the Thrashers. The second segment was all about the Hawks. All of the callers asked about the Hawks. Kincaide said Gearon was not afraid of the tough questions. Whether or not he only took Hawks calls on purpose, I can’t say. I read about Gearon being on 680 on the Blueland blog. Maybe they will put an audio on the website.
Savannah Blueland Fan
March 30th, 2010
6:34 pm
Maybe the first question was “Why do the Thrashers choke?” and the announcer says “OK enough about the Thrashers, let’s talk basketball”.
LAC
March 30th, 2010
6:59 pm
Bill, To be real honest… Who Knows !!!
This guy is NOT a straight shooter with the fans and when he makes these “plans”
known to the public… It proves to be dishonest at the best, because what he says… NEVER
comes to pass !
These “plans” are worthless as the person spewing them out… To be honest, what year is this and what plan is it ? X, Y or Z ? I wish I knew, but this up and down play this week has been damning and shows this is not a playoff team, We need a completely NEW direction.
Thanks…. Bill !
kracker
March 30th, 2010
7:27 pm
Anybody know the TV broadcast situation? Is this a “Leafs TV” produced game? It’s listed on both Sportsouth and Center Ice but both feeds are black screen
erock
March 30th, 2010
7:36 pm
IT IS ON SPORTS SOUTH
erock
March 30th, 2010
7:38 pm
I HATE TO SEE THE THRASHERS TREAT KOZLOV AND BOULTON THIS WAY BY MAKING THEM SCRATCHES. THEY HAVE DONE ALOT FOR THIS ORGANIZATION TO BE DONE THIS WAY. I HOPE THEY SIGN ELSEWHERE NEXT YEAR.
kracker
March 30th, 2010
7:43 pm
Thanks, but it’s not on my Charter cable. I’m calling them….
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
8:00 pm
Another breathtaking effort by the Thrashers featuring a whopping four shots. Good Lord how much more pathetic can we be?
kracker
March 30th, 2010
8:01 pm
erock, Are you watching the game? What cable system are you on? All I get is a black screen on Sportsouth and on Center Ice, what I normally see if a sports game is blacked out.
stendek
March 30th, 2010
8:05 pm
Four shots in 20 minutes. An average of a shot every five minutes! With a power(less) play factored in. Way to go quitters! I know. You are afraid you might score if you shoot because it is, after all, the Maple Loafs! Just throw a few towards the net so the one remaining fan (Branden) will still believe you all give a shet. The rest of us know you are so far in the tank it will be August before all of you climb out! Heartless uncaring scumballs. ++STENDEK++
R. Stroz
March 30th, 2010
8:05 pm
Darren Eliot denigrates himself, as well as Cornell, when he refers to the first period as “playoff hockey.”
Eliot needs to maintain some form of integrity, regardless of the source of his paycheck.
kracker
March 30th, 2010
8:12 pm
Ha! Got the game now. Something is screwed up on Charter cable for this feed. I switched to the TV tuner and I get it fine. Just in time to see Max and A-train score!!!!!!!! All they needed was me watching, hehe GO THRASH
R. Stroz
March 30th, 2010
8:17 pm
Would someone clue Matt McConnell in that the following statement is an oxymoron.
“Army races for the puck.”
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
8:17 pm
Wow, the consummate “puck tease” finally pulls the trigger and scores around a nice screen by Bergie. And a goregeous feed by Reasy to Arty gives them that oh so coveted 2 goal lead we love to squander! I sure hope I’m wrong on that statement. Already starting to sit back a bit.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
8:23 pm
Stroz – ha, LOL! Army couldn’t even outrace Exelby on that turnover, wow. And u r right about Eliot…assinine comments for a team that can’t win a big at home during said playoff race!
How ya feelin’ big fella?
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
8:31 pm
The disaster tandem of Tobo Bogo strikes again. Horrible decision to pinch at the wrong time by Enstrom and a complete failure by Bogosian to do the one thing a D-man is supposed to do: and that’s to take away the passing lane.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
8:33 pm
…on a 2 on 1 that is. Just damn.
stendek
March 30th, 2010
8:37 pm
Stage is set! Thanks to Pavs Lehtonen. Plus that worthless piece of commode residue who made a pitiful half-hearted attempt to cover his man on the Maple Loaf goal. Whoever the scum is! Thrashers set for another choke. Will either lose 3-2 in regulation or in shootout. Nobody gives a crap about any garbage pity point at this stage. Would like to be wrong. But…these ARE the Thrashers! ++STENDEK++
A fan
March 30th, 2010
9:04 pm
Smoothie: How can you be so obtuse?
Sage: What? What did you call me?
Smoothie: Obtuse. Is it deliberate?
Sage: Son, you’re forgetting yourself.
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
9:07 pm
Nice deflection by Big Nik to give them the lead back. How long before the choke? It’s pucker time in Tronna!!
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
9:21 pm
Oh Lawdy! Huge PK in the last 2 mins! Goalie pulled!
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
9:24 pm
Wow! Huge kill for the win. Marty with 3 consecutive clears before the final mad scramble. So who wants to bet Kovy chokes if it goes to a S/O vs Boston?
Jason
March 30th, 2010
9:25 pm
Even in New Jersey, Ilya finds a way to bring the Thrashers down….
Blueland Buddha
March 30th, 2010
9:31 pm
Ilya didnt need to choke in the SO. His giveawa in OT led to the Bruins goals with 20 seconds remaining in OT. What an a-hole
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
9:42 pm
OMG too funny Buddha! Well, not really. Have fun chasin’ that Cup Koval-choke!
Tom (Capital T Tom)
March 30th, 2010
9:42 pm
It was even better. Ilya gave away the puck, then ran into his own guy knocking away the defensemans stick, and then guarded the blue line to make sure no one moved it as the play was on the other side of the ice…
If I was Ilya though, I would do everything I could to make sure the Thrashers did not make the playoffs. Think about it, our boys make the playoffs without him that would lower his stock even further.
Tom (Capital T Tom)
March 30th, 2010
9:46 pm
If the Thrashers did not have the horrible schedule that they do for the final 5 games I would be excited. They are only 2 points behind Montreal, Philly, and Boston right now.
Lets hope the three teams we play pack it in and try to get healthy during the upcoming games…
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
9:54 pm
Well, if Theodore impersonates a sieve like he did 2nite vs Ottawa, perhaps we can steal one. Sure!
kracker
March 30th, 2010
9:56 pm
May be too late but it’s very nice to get a win!!! I’m hoping the Pens, Caps and Devs tone it down a notch for their remaining games.
Brendan
March 30th, 2010
10:01 pm
I haven’t had a chance to read any of the poster comments, but I will. First, I wanted to post a boxscore from the big win over Toronto. http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2009021133.
At +2 was Mark Popovic, who played 16:47, picking up the slack for Kubina.
At -1 were: Little, Enstrom, MacArthur Park, Peverley.
25:57 … were the minutes played by $4.5 million-per-year Ron Hainsey. So, he earned it, tonight. Oduya played 22:21, Enstrom played 21:30.
Finny, +1, with a goal and an assist, was the team leader in shots, with four, while logging 14:58. Antropov, 14:24, had a GWG and a helper. Artyukhin, who only played 10:05, had a goal and was +1. Jim Slater had 3 shots, played 15:46, and was even, but flirted with disaster with that “late” penalty. Which John Anderson, once again, dropped a minimum of two (2) “F” bombs. A WTF … and a F’me. CLEARLY. Someone has got to talk to him about that. There are lip readers out there.
Thorburn, who had a helper, was a +1, at 10:08 of ice time. Peverley played 17:32, but was a -1. Bergfors, who had an assist, was a +1, at 14:11 in ice time. Reasoner played 15:01, was a +1, with an assist.
What a job by Pavelec. Folks, he hasn’t played badly down the stretch. It’s always to good to win in Toronto.
The Red Wings led Edmonton, 4-0, tonight. The Oilers rallied to tie it, 4-4. An apparent “high stick” deflection goal STOOD, very late in the 3rd period, to give Detroit the win.
stendek
March 30th, 2010
10:11 pm
Bill. Pink uniforms were in Toronto Tuesday night but never unpacked in third period. Blue ones prevailed. Thank God! Thrashers had opportunity to go bellyup after hosts tied score in third period. Pavs refused to allow that to happen! A win is a win. Even over the Maple Loafs! Glad I was wrong! Thought prediction was right on when Maple Loafs tied game in third period. Relieved next goal went to visitors not home team. Do not believe Thrashers possess heart of playoff team. A team with fire in its gut would have rolled opponents during these last few weeks. Glad to see Kane back. He reminds me a lot of that guy who plays for Flames. Stanley Cup? Anybody except New Jersey (Ilya Kovalchoke) or Chicago (Maryann Hosegag). I am fine with anyone else. Except perhaps Montreal. Have ALWAYS hated those guys! Before I forget. Way to go Pavs! Saved butts of lazy teammates in final period. Kudos! ++STENDEK++
Joe Friday
March 30th, 2010
10:11 pm
Worried that Kubina may be done for the year. Devils looked like crap tonight.
Lee
March 30th, 2010
10:15 pm
HAHA!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Blackhawks-fans-snort-in-disgust-at-Toews-pig-no?urn=nhl,231193
Smoothie
March 30th, 2010
10:23 pm
Joe F – didja see how Kubes got hurt?
Brendan
March 30th, 2010
10:38 pm
Here’s the updated standings. http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?type=con#&navid=nav-stn-conf.
Los Angeles Kings went into Nashville, with their rookie “prospect,” Jonathan Bernier, and got a 2-0 shutout. That’s a big win for L.A., to get off the schneide and keep them in 7th spot, ahead of Colorado. Unfortunately for Nashville, it means the Red Wings have 3 games in hand, with only a 3-point lead.
C’mon. I want the Coyotes and the Preds in Round I. It’ll give me some “late” games that are worth staying up for.
Stay Thirsty My Friends
March 30th, 2010
10:55 pm
Does anyone have an update on why Kubina did not play the 3rd?
kracker
March 30th, 2010
10:58 pm
So close, Brendan. Too bad we have a really tough schedule for the next five games, unless they all decide to rest a lot of folks. Either way it looks tough.
Also too bad Kubina got injured. Hopefully it isn’t too bad. GO THRASH!
bandwagon fans
March 30th, 2010
11:17 pm
Uh, is this the AJC’s Thrasher Fan Blog or the I Hate The Thrashers Blog? How DISGUSTING is it that the team is in the thick of a playoff race and the title here is “…The Thrashers Are Done”?!?!?!
They are 2 pts behind 3 teams and the entire 1st page of this blog is like an “I told you so” contest! They may make it in and they may not make it in. Thank goodness it’s not up to the “Fans” here because they would be “done” even though there are games left to play……Take a bow you BANDWAGON FANS……YOU QUIT before your team did this year!
Badger Bob
March 30th, 2010
11:34 pm
Um, bandwagon, yes we are two points behind 3 teams, but each of them holds the tie breaker over us, and a game in hand, and we’re going into a stretch of five games against 3 teams with a combined record of 230-106-44. Three games against teams still fighting for a Division title that will help them avoid the Caps until the conference finals and two games against a team fighting for the President’s Trophy and an assurance of Stanley Cup finals home ice advantage. We’ll need to go 4-1 and have one of MTL, BOS or PHI go 2-3-1. Not impossible, but a realist might call it as he sees it.
And for the record, our team quit on December 3. And on March 6. And again on March 23. Yet we were still there on March 29, hoping and cheering for the best.
On the bright side, we just officially eliminated the Laffs from the playoffs!
Brendan
March 30th, 2010
11:36 pm
So many comments. I finally finished reading them all. I am most piqued about what M. Gearon said on 680TheFan. I missed his comments. Did anyone catch them? I have always thought that, of the Octocluster, Michael Gearon, Jr. was the most competent of the group. It seems to me, therefore, that if coherent thought and a rational approach is to take place, it will be lead by him. I think it’s too premature to announce a Waddell firing or promotion upstairs prior to the conclusion of the season. But those events are probably merely “wishful thinking” on my part.
But once the season is over, playoffs or no playoffs, a press conference, in any other reality than that found in Atlanta, would be held to announce that the Thrashers will have a new GM for next season. I don’t care if Waddell does manage to see his team win a playoff game, that’s not nearly enough success over a decade to justify renewing him. A career civil servant with his track record would be fired, even in the most liberal of Administrations.
Being a GM … in my view … is a privilege. It is not a right. It’s not an entitlement. It’s not some “lifetime” commitment. Any organization that offers a “lifetime” contract to an employee has just bend over and grabbed its ankles. It’s simply the wrong approach. I wouldn’t give Lou Lamoriello a “lifetime” contract. Even Lou has to know … that he’s still accountable. Even Lou … makes mistakes.
Somaatl95, glad to hear it. I look forward to the press conference, but given the track record of the organization … I don’t think Waddell is going anywhere. We simply cannot look at the results and think they, alone, will get Waddell fired. If that were the case, he’d have been fired long ago. No, this ownership will stand by him, I believe. He is a “useful idiot” to them. Waddell is a guy who, God love ‘im, never stops believing in himself, despite the results. Waddell is always willing “try, try again” in the face of failure. Waddell doesn’t get discouraged. He doesn’t complain about his working conditions, which are terrible. He doesn’t get angry if the budget is cut. Waddell, likewise, uses the AS, LLC as “useful idiots.”
Stop. Who’s the bigger idiot? The inept, incapable employee … or the owner who keeps paying the inept, incompetent employee? Waddell doesn’t want his paycheck to stop. Waddell won’t resign. And the AS, LLC can’t or won’t “man up” to fire him. It’s one of the oddest situations I’ve ever seen in sports. On the basketball side, Billy Knight would still be here … if the AS, LLC hadn’t told him, “You cannot fire Woodson.” That’s what made Billy Knight depart the organization.
Light bulb moment! Eureka!!! The AS, LLC should tell Waddell, “You cannot fire John Anderson.” Uhhh. Hmmn. No, that won’t work. I’ll tell you why. Waddell will shrug his shoulders, then say, “Okay. We won’t fire him. My paycheck comes every week.” Well, then, I hear you say, “The fans will chant Fiiiiire Wad-dell and Fiiiiire An-der-son!”
No, they won’t. I’ll put money on that one. Atlanta fans are too polite to chant, “Fire (supply name here)!” The fans in attendance … are those who take the “My team, come Heck or High Water. Through thick and thin. No matter WHAT” approach. They’ll fail to express angst and concern at the Town Hall Meetings. They’ll renew strictly on the fact that Atlanta will beat Kovalchuk and the Devils when they meet. They’ll renew because Atlanta beat Pittsburgh down the stretch. And Bruce Levenson will actually count it as a “playoff” victory, since we can argue that all these games in March are “playoff” games.
Rawhide
March 30th, 2010
11:41 pm
bandwagon fans – Yes…I, along with everyone else in here simply “hates” the Thrashers. How perceptive of you. That’s why so many of us who post here also attend many games, and it’s why so many of us spend as much time as we do discussing the team here…and it’s why I personally devote so many hours during the week to put this little blog thingy together.
All because we simply “hate” the Thrashers.
shaking head in disbelief
Yes, we are but 2 points out, but given the schedule coming up…I think we may very well look back on Monday’s loss as the one that “cooked” us because we just missed the playoffs. hope I’m wrong…we’ll see.
Anyway…here is a much rosier blog that maybe you’ll enjoy.
bandwagon fans
March 31st, 2010
11:28 pm
Rawhide, perhaps I wasn’t specific enough in my previous post. Or maybe your defensive posturing prevented you from “getting it”? Regardless, probably the 3rd most common complaint on these blogs about this team is: we’ve only been to the playoffs once in 10 seasons (sell the team and fire DW are clearly 1 & 2, in no particular order). So understandably, you’re pretty NEW to this playoffs thing. Allow me to assist.
We are Thrashers Fans. We cheer our Thrashers on in victory or defeat. With 6 games to go and our Thrashers 2 pts (technically 3) out of the 8th playoff spot, it’s simply NOT the time when we declare them “done”. This is a particularly grievous error by a mere fan of a team in the middle of a playoff race and is in fact the direct opposite of what one should be doing to support their team’s efforts. However, it is an appropriate action by, say, a Rangers fan or Bruins or Philly fan to prematurely declare the teams chasing them as “done”.
Thus, your “witty” little blog thingy here takes a normally indefensible action by a fan who calls it quits on their team with games still to be played and significantly raises it on the suckatude meter because you are presumably a Thrashers fan that we should all strive to model: You attend many games, spend time discussing the team here and devote many hours per week to run this blog. On second thought, that’s probably sufficient for this particular “give-up” on your part to register as a “suckatude squared” on the meter (a quite rare event).
There’s a reason WHY they play all 82 games in a season: Neither you nor I know who will win any given game on any given night…..especially in a playoff race where it took 77 games to mathematically eliminate the first team in the Eastern Conference. To assume otherwise makes you appear rather silly, uncommitted and in a hurry to be the first to declare your team the loser in a wide-open race. Where’s the glory in that? It puts you in the same class as those who jumped on the bandwagon in the past month and it’s just not an appropriate or responsible act by a fan blog.
Rawhide
April 3rd, 2010
11:49 pm
bandwagons fans – Appriciate your repsonse, but if I may return in kind…
First off… as the host of this little blog-thingy, I simply state things as I see them. When they lost to Carolina Monday, IMHO…they were done. Mathematically…no. reallistically…oh yeah. I even stated that in the blog itself.
Reason why…I saw the schedule coming up and believed that in order to have a chance they had to win against the Canes and Toronto. We blew our second chance in as many weeks to finally get over the hump…and I did not believe they were going to succeed after that failure. As things are playing out, unfortunately, looks like I was right….even though they have played well in the last two games.
So, with Monday’s loss…they were done. That’s how I saw things and that’s how I posted it. True…no one knows how things are going to pan out, but my honest assessment was what I posted. Yes…it took 77 games to mathematically eliminate Toronto, but we’ve known of their fate for weeks, if not months.
Now, if you feel that expressing my belief as such as “raising the suckatude level”, or it was “silly”, then I would simply disagree with that assement. Again…with the loss to Carolina, given the circumstances…my opinion was that they were done. If I had said anything different, that would not have been being honest with my readers. The last thing I’m going to do is come here and post up some “rah-rah”, “come on boys we know you can do it”, “we belive in you” type of folly. That you can find in other places. I call it like I see it…good or bad.
You mentioned me being “a Thrashers fan that we should all strive to model”. I would disagree with that as well. I’m not here to be a “role model”…I’m not here to be an example of how you or anyone else should be a “fan”. I am here to tell it as I see it, even if some may disagree with it, and keep the conversation rolling. Am I correct all the time? Nope. But I promise you what you read from me is what I sincerely believe to be true.
As far as a “defensive” posture is concerned…my friend, anyone who calls what I post as “disgusting”…simply because they take issue with it….should expect to be responded to. I’m sure you can understand that, even if we do have to agree to disagree on this subject.
Finally as I type this, the Thrashers still are not “mathematically” eliminated from the playoffs…but it is looking grim. However, I plan on being there Tuesday night and, like you, I will be rooting for, pulling for and hoping the Thrashers win…regardless of the circumstance. I do that because I am a fan.
And I would still love nothing more than to be proven wrong in my “Thrashers are done” statement…but I simply don’t belive it’s gonna happen. And I don’t think exressing that belief here is irresposible.
Now…with all that, I do thank you for reading as well as sharing your thoughts.