Habs working hard to kill off Caps & Max sighting in Birmingham
Last Friday, the top-seeded Washington Capitals were set to finish off the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens. They had taken games three and four in Montreal by a combined score of 11-4 and returned home with a 3 games to 1 series lead. With a win, they could have joined the Philadelphia Flyers as Eastern Conference teams that had punched their ticket to round number two and a week off to prepare for it.
Washington won the President’s Cup…had the league’s best G/G average, (3.82)…and the highest ranked power play, (25.2%). They had survived an early-series scare, losing the first game and then trailing 4-1 in the second period of game two, but now it was time to take care of business…do away with the first-round fodder and move on.
Besides, the NHL world is really just looking forward to that Crosby/Ovechkin rematch in the Eastern Conference Finals…so this first-round is just and exercise in academics, right?
Well if so…it seems Montreal has yet to receive the memo.
Behind Jaroslav Halak’s 53 save performance and Michael Cammalleri’s two goals in game six, the Canadiens will return to D.C. …a place where they have won twice in three games…for the all important, deciding, do-or-die, there is no tomorrow, lose and go home, win and move on, game seven on Wednesday night.
So how are they doing it so far? Well, one major reason is that Halak has held off the mighty Capitals offensive juggernaut when it’s matter most…holding them to but two goals on 92 shots over the last two games. Another has to do with the Hab’s penalty kill unit allowing Washington just a single power play goal, an Ovechkin tally in game four. This even though the Caps have been afforded 28 chances on the man advantage.
That’s a kill ratio of .96.4%…and it’s helped them to get to within a game of killing off the top-seeded Capitals.
The Habs and Caps are the only series in the east still yet to be decided as Monday night the Boston Bruins finished off their 6-3 upset of the Buffalo Bruins with a 4-3 win in Beantown behind a pair of goals by David Krejci.
If Washington pulls this series out with a win Wednesday night, they will take on a much-rested Flyers squad while Boston and Pittsburgh square off. If the Canadiens come out victorious…winning three straight after being down 3 games to 1…then the Penguins become the highest remaining seed and will draw Montreal while the Bruins and Flyers would go at it in round two.
Tomorrow night we’ll be treated to a seventh game in the battle between Detroit and Phoenix. This was brought about by the Coyotes win Sunday afternoon in Motown. If the Yotes pull this out…and that’s whom I am pulling for…then that would mean all four top-ranked teams advanced setting up a Sharks-Coyotes and Canucks-Blackhawks matchup.
If Detroit wins, they will be rewarded by drawing the top-seeded Sharks.
Vancouver will face off against Chicago regardless, who played there way into the elite-eight by way of a 5-3 game-six win last night in Nashville. This, of course, was preceded by Saturday’s dramatic overtime win when Marian Hossa went from sin-bin to hero…scoring 10-seconds after being freed from the box after a boarding call with 63 second left in the third earned him five minutes in the box with the Hawks down 4-3.
Afinogenov Sighting in Birmingham
Where does one go to prepare for the World Championship? Why Birmingham, Alabama of course. At least, that is, if you are Maxim Afinogenov.
Afinogenov scored a career-high 24 goals for the Thrashers last season (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
As Ray Melick of the Birmingham News reports, last Tuesday Max was in town with his girlfriend Elena Dementieva…who was there with her Russian National Team tennis teammates competing in the Fed Cup…and was looking for some ice time. So he shows up at the Pelham Ice Rink for a little adult pick-up game…to the delight of not only those he played against but for the fans that got to spend a little time with him afterwards.
Jeff Cheeseman, the director of hockey at the ice rink, said he was surprised to get a call from Afinogenov’s agent …but he was happy to make sure Max was on the list, even waiving the $10 sign-up fee.
“He was very professional, sharing the puck and everything”, Cheeseman said of the 30-year old native of Moscow who is scheduled to be a UFA this summer. “The I told him we have a little better level of competition on Thursday nights with BASH, (Birmingham Area Select Hockey). These are guys who played college or minor league, a few of the old Birmingham Bulls”.
“As a general rule, we don’t allow drop-ins”, Cheeseman continued. “We made an exception”.
As for the game…after Afinogenov scored seven goals in about ten minutes for the black team, making the score 7-2, he was “traded” over to white squad. The final score was 16-13 white…Max scoring 17 of the 29 overall goals and all three for team white after the score was 13-13.
After the game, word got around that the NHL star player was in the locker room and Max stuck around making sure everyone who wanted an autograph on a stick, jersey, puck or picture… got one.
He then thanked the players for allowing him to join them as well.
Sounds like a fun night and a good time had by all the lucky fans that happened to be at the rink that evening.
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147 comments Add your comment
R. Stroz
April 26th, 2010
11:55 pm
FIRST
R. Stroz
April 26th, 2010
11:58 pm
Kind of ironic that Max scored 17 goals isn’t it?
What was the number of that player that recruited Max for the Thrashers?
Brendan
April 27th, 2010
12:04 am
Nice blog on the Montreal-Washington series. If someone asked me to identify the two series that would go all seven games, I would have said, “Boston vs. Buffao” and “Los Angeles vs. Vancouver.” I sure wouldn’t have said “Phoenix vs. Detoit” and “Washington vs. Montreal.” But that’s why they play the games.
Nice to see Max destroyed competition at a fraction of his talent level.
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
12:12 am
I’m sure if Rawhide didn’t check my votes on the outcome of the playoff series, I would be 100% accurate.
Cornbread
April 27th, 2010
1:08 am
Max = Typical Hot Shot Ice Hog
Just sayin’
Good for him to get out there and lace ‘em up with the mortals.
BestTimesNow
April 27th, 2010
1:52 am
Here’s a link my videos and pictures of the game when Maxim was in Birmingham. It was a lot of fun.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BestTimesNow
ScottBravesfan
April 27th, 2010
2:45 am
That’s awesome that Max would do that. Classy guy
LAC
April 27th, 2010
3:04 am
We should have our AHL team in Birmingham, close by and hockey was a sucess with the
Birmingham Bulls of the WHA in the 70’s… Even Paul “Bear” Bryant attended games on a regular basis !!!
Carolina moved their AHL team to Charoltte for next season, Why not us to B’ham ?
Then we could develop our own players with our system, not like the mess in Chicago !
Plus Hamberger Heaven is in B’ham, Best in the WORLD !
ben
April 27th, 2010
6:39 am
Max did a classy thing. I hope he can come back, but oh well. Now that Dudley is making the choices, I know I will be.
Lee
April 27th, 2010
6:47 am
Talk about an upset! The Caps should’ve swept the Habs!
GO BLACKHAWKS!
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
7:41 am
Brendan-I hate to say I called the Sabres’ demise, but I am not surprised. A bunch of 3rd liners, half of which won’t go into the corners, take a hit to make a play. The guy they let go for nothing, Briere had a great series for Philly. You gotta have guys who are willing to make sacrifices if you are going to advance in the playoffs. Sabres will be on the golf course, again later this afternoon. Maybe now some of our fellow Thrasher fans can wonder why they get so crazy over a road win in Atlanta in the middle of a season. You have to take victories when you can. This is a 40 years tradition and counting.
LAC-putting a team in Birmingham would help the Thrashers build their following in the south, outside Atlanta. I remember the Bulls during their WHA days.
Joe Friday, don’t know what your gig is sometimes. Saw your post about Ellis last night (via Rinne). Not sure what your stance is on a new goalie, other than advocating for an old UFA that’s never won anything, which will require at least $5M to attract (maybe) to Atlanta. If we commit so much to a new goaltender, how much more will we have to sign our free agents and pickup another piece, or two? You should have some more respect for your fellow posters, but you don’t.
JLH
April 27th, 2010
8:00 am
BTNOW – Thanks for the video…………..Nice to see a player that just loves being on the ice! Brendan, I don’t understand your cynicism about Max…….. Do you really think his ego needs that kind of stroking?
Yes, I have to agree about moving our AHL team down here…… Birmingham or Gwinnett….. But I have to say, I don’t expect a commitment of that magnitude from this ownership group…..
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
8:21 am
Very cool about Max! Love hearing stuff like that… Evander Kane dropping in on youth hockey in Atlanta, Max dropping in on men’s league in Birmingham! That’s how you build a fan base.
DWTOO
April 27th, 2010
8:27 am
Nice to see Max mix it up with some local guys. He probably could have scored 50 – 60 goals if he felt like it. Would not want to be the goalies that night. Like the part where it states Max passed the puck and mixed it up. Max showed his class by hanging around after the game talking with the players and hanging around to sign autographs.
Imagine another professional athlete playing/hanging with the locals? That’s why hockey players are the best.
Birmingham would be a great place for our A League team. Gwinnett’s too close – not enough interest for two teams.
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
8:34 am
FYI… on the Draft front, our best possible pick now is #23 with the Nashville exit. Vancouver and Chicago are both Division winners. One of them will make it to the Conference Final.
Here is the best case scenario:
30) Detroit/Phoenix
29) Pittsburgh
28) Vancouver/Chicago
27) Philly
26) Washington
25) San Jose
24) Chicago/Vancouver
23) Atlanta (via NJ)
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
8:34 am
Operating on 3 hours sleep after arriving home at 4:55 am. A great playoff atmosphere last night in Nashville. Rinne was simply awful in the first period, seemed to be fighting the puck and didn’t look comfortable until midway through the second period. Despite trailing 3-1 and giving up the mid-ice goal, the Preds bounced back and made a nice comeback effort, particularly after withstanding 10 minutes of shorthanded play in the second. Following those penalty kills and during a break in the action, the crowd stood, hooted and hollered and waved their white towels for a solid 2 minutes to salute their team. A great scene.
More a bit later. COFFEE!!!!
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
8:36 am
also… you can sub out Philly and Pittsburgh with Montreal and Boston… it doesn’t matter, still works out the same. If Washington and San Jose make the Conference Finals, then Chicago picks 26th and we pick 25th.
jimbo
April 27th, 2010
8:45 am
Talk about a Rink Rat. I hope we keep him. What’s up with Halak? Looked like a combo of Roy/Brodeur. At times during the season he looked like Norm Maracle, flopping all over the place. Great to see the intensity of the playoffs and I hope that we get a new coach who instills this type of intensity into our boys.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
8:46 am
So are we resigning Max? Anyone else for keeping him other than me?
ThrashDawg
April 27th, 2010
8:46 am
I would like to see us resign Max to a two year deal. Off topic a little here but, is anyone else a little concerned we might go for a coach with little to no NHL head coaching experience? There has been alot of talk about the assistant coach in Chicago and I just don’t know if I am ready for that after Anderson. I would like a proven winner in the NHL, just my two cents.
Savannah Blueland Fan
April 27th, 2010
8:55 am
Chicago wins!! YEA!!!! Despite a whistle-happy bunch of referees.
Habs win!! BOO!!! All those white flags in the stands; so very French. So, is Washington going to choke again like last year?
Holding to my prediction that Blackhawks defeat the Capitals in 5 games.
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
8:56 am
So are we resigning Max? Anyone else for keeping him other than me?
WBF – raising hand, jumping up and down….OOOoooh, ME!! ME!!! ME!!!
Imagine another professional athlete playing/hanging with the locals? That’s why hockey players are the best.
DWTOO – Indeed…by far they are the best, most accessable pro athletes out there.
BestTimesNow – Nice!! Thanks!
More a bit later. COFFEE!!!!
Red Light – Trixie’s brewing some up down…when done, I’ll pour ya a cup. Take it black or with cream/sugar?
I would like to see us resign Max to a two year deal. Off topic a little here but, is anyone else a little concerned we might go for a coach with little to no NHL head coaching experience? There has been alot of talk about the assistant coach in Chicago and I just don’t know if I am ready for that after Anderson. I would like a proven winner in the NHL, just my two cents.
ThrashDawg – Agree on 2 year deal for Max…3 tops. As for your comments regarding possibly bringing in someone w/ no experience as an NHL head coach….I argee in general as well. I opined just after the firings that the new guy should come with proven experience at this level. I just don’t think we have time to give anyone else “on the joib training” like we did Anderson.
kracker
April 27th, 2010
9:06 am
LAC…great idea on having the Thrashers AHL affiliate in Birmingham. It probably puts a player on as little as 4 or 5 hours notice in a pinch when his team is at home, and he’d easily be available for the next day. Grows the SE fan base and expands hockey generally in the region, all good stuff.
Of course, it requires either AHL expansion or the relocation of a current team. I doubt there’s any chance of the Wolves leaving Chicago.
DWTOO
April 27th, 2010
9:07 am
Sign Max “Right F’in’ Now”!
WBF – It must “hurt” to say those words after watching Max play in Buffalo. However, he must have had an ephinany (sp?) this season. He still makes the bad pass and presses too much. And he’ll never be confused for a defensive specialist, but, he hustled, back checked (to the best of his abilities), and rarely took a shift off (face it – they all do).
Savannah Blueland Fan
April 27th, 2010
9:11 am
Oh, yeah…almost forgot: GO COLORADO!! Go Avalanche? Go ‘Lanche? We’ll work on your name later.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
9:13 am
Bill-me too, I like Thrash Dog’s suggestion of a 2 year deal. Gotta keep Max motivitaed by having to work for anotyher contractr in the near future.
Thrashdog-there are a number of names suggested out there for our next coach. I look at the success of younger coaches like Cory Clouston in Ottawa and Dan Bylsma in Pittsburgh to see young guys that bring a fresh approch to their respective teams. I am a big fan of Ramsay or other expeirences coaches. But I also worry if an older coach’s style and approach are not with the game as it is played today. I still consider Cunneyworth a candidate, though I think Randy has little chance of getting an interview here becuase of his role under John Anderson.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
9:17 am
Whether or not Max re-signs is entirely up to Max and his agent. Dudley Doo Wadd will sign him if the price is right. As long as they don’t over-shoot the target (I say no more than $2.25 M on avg), then Max should be back in Blueland this season. Preferably I’d like to see him play on the 2nd line with Kane and Pevs, at least to start out the season. Hopefully we’ll get our hands on Patrick Sharp for our top line and Little can slide down to the 3rd line between Jimmah and the Droid.
ThrashDawg
April 27th, 2010
9:22 am
WBF- I guess my gut feeling is the organization and more importantly the fan base needs a coach with a solid winning track record in the NHL. A younger coach is going to be met with some skepticism from the players (Anderson) and a luke warm response from the fan base. A young coach might be good in stable organizations like Pittsburgh and Ottawa, I just feel we are too fragile for this type of scenerio. We need a coach that will demand respect from the organization, players and fans.
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
9:25 am
WBF- I guess my gut feeling is the organization and more importantly the fan base needs a coach with a solid winning track record in the NHL. A younger coach is going to be met with some skepticism from the players (Anderson) and a luke warm response from the fan base. A young coach might be good in stable organizations like Pittsburgh and Ottawa, I just feel we are too fragile for this type of scenerio. We need a coach that will demand respect from the organization, players and fans
TD – Spot on, IMHO. If they look to the Wolves again and hire their coach, I think most people would roll their eyes and say, “Well…there we go again, making the very same mistake we did 2 years ago”. The coaching hire needs to signal a desire…an expectation…that winning now is the objective.
FormerIslesFan
April 27th, 2010
9:26 am
Note to GS29: I realize that that it was only games 5 and 6 and both were elimination games, but do you still hold the position that Halak is not a “money” goalie?
ThrashDawg
April 27th, 2010
9:28 am
Rawhide- Amen Brother!!! Dudley needs to send a message that this is not Thrasher business as usual to the players, fans and the rest of the NHL. It is time to put Atlanta in the hockey business with a respected coach.
da 'boomer
April 27th, 2010
9:30 am
down on the farm:
http://theahl.com/wolves-claw-past-ads-in-decisive-game-p142388
Rightshot
April 27th, 2010
9:39 am
All for signing Max to a 2 year deal.
Savannah Blueland Fan
April 27th, 2010
9:42 am
Scratch my last post!!! I meant—-GO COYOTES!!! Maybe I’m the one that needs more coffee!
kracker
April 27th, 2010
9:44 am
Max – yes, 2-4 yrs at $2-2.5M per. Max will still be fast w/ good moves 5 yrs from now.
Coach – prefer a formerly successful NHL head coach…but at least a solid assistant coach
Basically, for the above 2 topics, as well as all the other upcoming decisions, I’m trusting the new GM.
No GM makes the right call every time but it will be really great Duds starts off his tenure by hiring the right coaches, making the correct selections (and possible deals) at the amateur draft and hopefully his initial roster changes all work.
Get The Puck Out
April 27th, 2010
9:44 am
Lamire has retired. Maybe he just wanted out at NJ. Any thoughts on Lamire?
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
9:48 am
OK. First thing about Nashville is that the area surrounding the arena is a lot of fun with plenty of food and entertainment options, so unlike anything we experience around our venues. Yes, we have Taco Mac, Dantanna’s, STATs, etc. but there is no “area” near our arena. A food court just doesn’t do it. Outside the Bridgestone Arena, it’s mindful of a smaller, less raucous Wrigleyville in Chitown. Lots of Chicagoans made the trip and I visited with several before the game. Many got their tickets after Sat.’s win and because they can’t get tickets at the United Center, they made the seven-hour drive to Nashvegas.
Like Philips Arena, the Arena has a Center Club style club restaurant called the Patron Platinum Club run by the same folks that provide the food service at the United Center, Philips Arena, Bridgestone Arena, etc. A buddy of mine set us up there for the pre-game buffet and talk about letting the fox loose in the hen house! Very, very nice and unbelievable spread.
The game was boosted by a traditional playoff atmosphere and I have to give Nashville fans a lot of credit, although like Atlanta, they cheer for their goalie when making a routine save from 100-feet. Of course, after the unfortunate 2nd goal, I could see their point.
There is no question which team was more talented: bigger, faster, deeper, more skilled and the right team won the series. However, using the ifs and buts after Game 5, the outcome could have been much different.
Should you have the opportunity to watch a playoff game in future years in Nashville, I highly recommend it.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
9:51 am
Thrashdog and Bill-can’t argue with your thoughts. In fact I think you are right on concerning an experienced coach. So are we looking at Stevens, Ramsay, or someone else?
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
9:54 am
So are we looking at Stevens, Ramsay, or someone else?
WBF – I would think those names are at least on Dudley’s list…as well as others. He’s not in a rush to do this in the next couple of weeks. He’s said he wants to wait until after the playoffs are done to speak with a number of candidates.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
10:03 am
Thoughts on Lemaire?
Time to hang it up. Great system coach but his no-nonsense, gruff approach hasn’t worked for several years now with the veterans who tire of his constant criticism. He won a Cup and lost in the conference finals three times. Nice career and now it’s time for him to enjoy his retirement. He’ll be 65 in September and it may be time for him to take Lou with him.
John MacLean will be Lemaire’s replacement. Former Devil who holds the franchise record for goals, seven years as an assistant and now coach of the Lowell Devils (AHL). Tommy Albelin will be one of his assistants as will Mario Tremblay if he isn’t chosen instead of MacLean.
TableHockey
April 27th, 2010
10:05 am
WBF – for what it’s worht – the names I keep hearing from the talking heads are Ramsay and Torchetti
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
10:15 am
Lemaire is taking an office job with the Devils. He’s retiring to the comfort of a luxury box at the Rock. He will not be our coach.
I’m liking the idea of John Stevens the more and more that I think about it. Can coach young players, has proven his system works in the playoffs, plays a gritty, hard fore-checking style and has not yet had a goalie as talented as Pavelec between the pipes. Assuming we can hire a legit goalie coach and Stevens brings in some good assistants, I think this team can grow under his tutelage. I’m okay with Ramsay but again worry about his age and ability to connect with young players. Torch is the guy with all the cache (and obviously is tight with Duds), but I can’t help but think he’ll stay put and hope he succeeds Quennville when he gets the ax next year. Why do I say that? Because they will choke and lose in 6 games to Vancouver. They will lose a key player or two this offseason, start sluggishly and Quennville will be the sacrificial lamb on the altar for the Hawks, much like Stevens was in Philly. So I’m officially going on record that Stevens will be our next Head Coach in ATL.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
10:31 am
11 coaching changes since 1998 in New Jersey.
From Briere about the differences of Stevens and Laviolette: “”There is a difference in philosophy, in the way they wanted us to play,” Danny Briere said. “John was more passive, waiting for chances and for teams to turn the puck over. Peter wants us on the go, to attack at all times.
“I remember him showing clips of a lot of the guys over the first couple of weeks,” Briere continued. “As soon as the puck would turn, our first instinct would be to sit back and wait for the other team. Pete didn’t want that. He wanted us to be on the go all the time. I think, mentally, it was adjustment to just get on the same page he was of having us go on the forecheck all the time.”
Not sure if Stevens has any connection to Dudley, and that means his chances are limited. Tampa Bay for him?
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
10:35 am
“You should have some more respect for your fellow posters, but you don’t.”
No need to get your panties in a bunch, but sure I do, just don’t respect tripe like advocating Ellis for our goalie.
I explained to those of you advocating Ellis that he wasn’t the answer here, much less an improvement over Moose, and you didn’t want to listen. So the irony of Rinne coming out last night and absolutely crapping the bed in the 1st, and STILL not getting pulled for Ellis, speaks volumes as to Ellis and his ability, or lack thereof. Just the facts, man, could care less about blowing smoke up your rear about this or that, fact is Ellis couldn’t beat out Rinne who just took his club out of a key Game 6 and got knocked out in the 1st round. That’s not what we need here.
Red Light, not suprised to hear the faithful came down the road for the game. Cubs’ fans did the same thing when the Cubbies played the Braves a few years ago in the Wild Card series. Couldn’t get a ticket to save your life in Wrigley, I had some of my boys fly down and we had 10th row 3rd base line, bought after the season ended. The boys couldn’t believe we didn’t sell out here. We called Turner Field, Wrigley South, that week.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
10:42 am
Red Light-thanks for the inout on Briere. Danny was always pretty frank and open on how he feels about things. I am actually pulling for briere in Philly to make Darcy Regier look bad. I don’t believe there is any connection between Stevens and Dudley. Tochetti and Ramsay have the Duds’ connections, so I think have to believe they have to be the two leading candidates.
What about Lindy Ruff? Is it time for a change with ther Sabres? Just saying…..
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
10:44 am
Joe, thanks for the flaming turd response on Ellis. It’s interesting you would pick a blog name like Joe Friday. On TV, Joe Friday was a predictable stiff with no personality. Dan Ackroyd’s parody of him in “Dragnet” solidified his cigar store Indian personality. By your postings, I‘d have to say you hit the blog name right on.
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
10:54 am
“I‘d have to say you hit the blog name right on.”
Awww, someone has their feelings hurt. Quit crying and man up, Sally, or not, but please quit asking for losers like Ellis as our answer in goal. Think big.
“the names I keep hearing from the talking heads are Ramsay and Torchetti”
I think the odds are pretty strong that it’ll be Torchetti.
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
10:58 am
Red Light – I love Nashvegas….The Blueland Chronicle boys and I headed up there at the end of January to see the Thrashers play the Preds. Great crowd…even despite the 7-inches or so of snow that fell the day prior. I love how the arena dumps you out right on Broadway, what with all the live-band bars and all.
Took us 4-1/2 hours to get back to the hotel that was 2 blocks away. Don’t ask me why….shrugs
Oh well…what happens in Nashvegas, stays in Nashvegas.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
11:01 am
The anti-Regier-Ruff sentiment: http://www.nickmendola.com
Troubling financial news for Thrashers??? with no attribution cited: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/troubling-nhl-numbers/article1548055/?cmpid=rss1&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
11:07 am
You want facts man? Here you go:
In 111 games (99 starts), Dan Ellis’ career numbers are nearly better than Moose’s career year. Ellis has a career SV% of .912 and a GAA of 2.64 despite a relatively poor 2nd year in which his SV% was .900 and his GAA tumbled down to 2.94. But that .900 SV% was still better than 5 of Moose’s seasons as a back-up. Moose’s career year was the first one in 5 seasons in which his SV% was actually above .898.
While Moose certainly toiled on worse teams over the last several years, dismissing Ellis’s numbers as a potential UFA for the Thrashers is quite short-sighted and petulant for someone who likes to use facts to form conclusions. If you think Moose is going to duplicate his career year at 37 years of age, you are quite the gambler.
The bigger point is Ellis has the potential to be a solid goalie and at least a back-up for Pavelec for years to come where as Moose may have one or two decent years left in him at best. If you are so down on Ellis, does that mean you are sold on Pavelec to start 50+ games next year? Cuz your pipe dream of getting a player the caliber of Nabby is far-fetched at best.
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
11:08 am
FIF – yeah, still not sold on Halak. That being said, last night was one of the most electrifying performances I have seen in the net in years. It is amazing to watch when goalies get in “the zone” like he was last night. He was ahead of the play all night, his reads were spot on and his rebound control was immaculate. If this were a more regular occurance, I’d be first in line to back the Brinks truck up to his home and tell him to take what he likes (it’s not my money, so what the hell, right?). But I have seen him too many nights just not be there mentally. He makes tough saves to cover for mistakes he himself made. He often reaches for the puck instead of letting it find him. I just have that feeling that giving tons of cash to Halak is equivalent to when the Braves traded the future away to Cleveland for Len Barker because he pitched one amazing game in an otherwise mediocre career.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
11:16 am
A Blackhawks fan jumped on stage at Rippy’s Barbecue on Broadway after the game, tipped the band $100 to let him regale the crowd and then advised all Blackhawks patrons that he was buying and to put their drinks on his tab. Sadly, with the drive ahead of us we had to decline.
I prefer traveling to road games because there is something special about being in the enemy’s camp. I suggest that Rawhide’s blog and the “Fan Club” make trips to six venues next year, one per month, and plan accordingly when the schedule is released. The cities that would rank at the top of the list with reasons…
• New arena in Pittsburgh (AirTran)
• Tampa (golf during the day, watch Thrashers break Niittymaki’s streak if he re-signs, a few renowned nightspots)
• Sunrise, Florida (horse racing at Gulfstream Park during the day, beach time with the Ice Girls, a trip to a naughty place called Scarlett’s and maybe even watch some hockey)
• A tasty trio: Thrashers at Devils, Flyers and Rangers (make it happen schedule maker!)
• Raleigh for a Canes-Thrashers battle followed by an AHL game in Charlotte
AND FINALLY!
• HSBC Arena in Buffalo (Bowling tournament in World Be Free’s old neighborhood followed by watching LAC, Sage and Stendek go over Niagara Falls in a barrel).
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
11:17 am
Joe, thanks for not disppointed me with your ignorance. And remember, it will take alot more than a chump like you to hurt me. Try to remeber that.
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
11:19 am
Goaltending… I say go for Nabokov. If you can’t get him, resign Moose and Pavs.
Coaching… if my playing style is between Chicago hockey or Boston hockey? I’ll take Chicago hockey… John Torchetti.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
11:20 am
NY Post’s Larry Brooks on MacLean: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/maclean_deserves_to_be_next_coach_gvoRPKjq4EY3kbjjSdgZRN
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
11:23 am
I just have that feeling that giving tons of cash to Halak is equivalent to when the Braves traded the future away to Cleveland for Len Barker because he pitched one amazing game in an otherwise mediocre career
glovesave29 – Great drop-in referrence to the infamous Len Barker for Brett Butler trade of 1983. That was for the Braves what Zhitnik for Coburn was for the Thrashers. Yikes!
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
11:23 am
I’ll predict that Dan Ellis will be the next Flyer goaltender.
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
11:26 am
GaVa – Nabokov is everything and more what people here complain about Kovy. He produces, but is a selfish player. No sure I want that here in an already tenuous situation.
Marc Savard has been medically cleared to play. If the next round is Boston vs. Pittsburgh, I will make that must see TV for every game. The playoffs are dramatic enough, but add the Matt Cooke vs. Marc Savard history to the mix – woooo baby!
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
11:26 am
Just wonder where Theodore is going to land.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
11:33 am
GaVa-also wonder who Philly is going to dump to get Ellis under the salary cap. They have Coburn to resign and a bunch of players with no movement clauses. Wonder if they will just go with the Leighton / Boucher tandem, since both golies played pretty will at times this year?
Alan R.
April 27th, 2010
11:34 am
Red Light – I never expect anyone to attribute anything to a source in a blog. “Word is” or “It has been said” is a key indicator that someone is just trying to create the news.
It’s funny, in a way. I see it almost as the mass media trying to discredit blogs and bloggers from the inside with these sort of antics.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
11:38 am
Red Light – oooo yeah, I love the idea of going to Pittsburgh for a game in their new arena. Went to Mellon once (2005) to see the Thrashers lose 7 – 5 and the people could not have been nicer. But then again, I wasn’t wearing any team colors and I was with a cute Pens fan.
Anyway, would be nice to show them how loud a couple hundred strong Thrashers fans can be in THEIR building for once!!
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
11:42 am
Alan – I feel the same way. The media uses the blogs to distribute rumors just as much as we the fans do.
I also laugh when the media disparages blogs and sports talk radio as irrelivant. At least we are an open forum for discussion. I’ve always found it funny when arrogant know it all’s like Mike Lupica whine about them…as if we are all to just sit back and act as if everything that flows from his head is the equivalent of it having come from the burning bush.
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
11:44 am
watching WBF and Joe Friday take turns b!tch-slappin’ each other…passing popcorn over to FormerIsleFan
Dwayne
April 27th, 2010
11:48 am
Imagine another professional athlete playing/hanging with the locals? That’s why hockey players are the best.
Ben Roethlisberger has made himself very accessible, he played and HUNG out woth a local!!!!
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
11:48 am
Alan R. The Globe and Mail isn’t a blog, it is supposedly a news source in Canada.
Globe On Hockey
The Globe and Mail’s team of hockey reporters and columnists brings the latest news and analysis from across the National Hockey League.
No one found this slightly humorous?
• HSBC Arena in Buffalo (Bowling tournament in World Be Free’s old neighborhood followed by watching LAC, Sage and Stendek go over Niagara Falls in a barrel).
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
11:54 am
“watching WBF and Joe Friday take turns b!tch-slappin’ each other”
Rawhide, why don’t you let WBF do a blog, do the vote over and I’ll make sure to rally enough folks to vote for him so he can win. He’s had in panties in a bunch ever since then, obviously it means a lot to him, poor guy.
“Dan Ellis’ career numbers are nearly better than Moose’s career year.”
lol, ever heard the phrase “damning with faint praise”?
“Tampa (golf during the day, watch Thrashers break Niittymaki’s streak if he re-signs, a few renowned nightspots)”
The Mons? Count me in, especially if WBF and Smoothie go, I need to buy these guys a drink or eight!
Speaking of get togethers, you still thinking of this weekend at TJs, Rawhide? I’m out of town all weekend with the kiddies, but that’s my last trip till end of playoffs.
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
11:56 am
“No one found this slightly humorous?”
Absotutely. But then I’d try to one up you with one of my favorite “what’s the best thing to come out of Buffablow” jokes, but I’m afraid that might make send Lloyd over the edge . . .
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
11:59 am
JF – whatever man, you’re just being obstinate for the sake of being obstinate. I’ll buy you the beers at the Pony here in ATL if it gets you to stop being such a hard-ass. I think the majority of bloggers here are trying to be open-minded w/r/t a team that is hardly the destination of choice for UFA’s. Beyond Nabakov, who do you see coming here and why do you think they’re so much better than Dan Ellis?
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
12:02 pm
As for Buffablow, I’m pretty sure WBF can take a joke about his hometown as he’s usually the one making them. It’s the folks from Detroit who seem to be extra-sensitive around here!
Alan R.
April 27th, 2010
12:15 pm
Red Light – You might have missed this part of the story. It was at the very top.
An interesting item in John Shannon’s blog on Sportsnet.ca the other day stated as many as six NHL teams needed advances on television and/or revenue-sharing money to pay the bills.
Alan R.
April 27th, 2010
12:19 pm
Smoothie – We’re all sensitive about Detroit because many of us still have family there who are very much affected by the economic turmoil the place is in. It’s heart-wrenching for us as Detroiters to even know what’s going on in our home town, which is made that much worse by people making the “one house on a city block” or “looks worse than Fallujah” jokes.
Yeah, I know they’re “just jokes,” but it doesn’t make the pain any better.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
12:19 pm
Amazing how poorly Washington played last night. Their problems aren’t going to go away because they chose the wrong guy for captain in Ovechkin. He showed last night that he’s a regular season captain. He does not know how to lead a team in the playoffs, when the game is on the line. Washington still has a ton of firepower, but they had better get going quickly. Montreal is tiny in stature, yet they are outworking and out hitting Washington at every turn. Semin’s value is declining quickly. Eric Belanger is getting quality time in the Washington lineup-still say he’d be a nice upgrade from Slater.
Red Light-don’t tell me you ever “attended” one of those bowl-a-thons!? Bowling is Buffalo cause it can be done indoors with a steady supply of beer. Love the anti-Regier stuff, time for Darcy and Lindy to take their show on the road-permanently!
Bill-remember, we are on a hockey blog, so you’ll forgive us if we act like hockey players from time to time.
Joe-I’ll let you have the last word today because I hate deny a baby his bowl of ice cream. I really enjoy battling with people on this blog, as I have in the past. Today is no different. I hope the Thrashers sign Nabakov and he wets the bed, just for you.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
12:30 pm
Indeed, it is terrible what has happened in DET and I’m sorry for the hard-working people in the auto industry, but that’s what happens when you let labor union leaders run amok. Anyway, I used to live in North Carolina and the destruction brought upon the textile industry by NAFTA and “free” trade really rankles me to this day. But I’m certainly not going to defend the Tarheel State blindly due to the fact I still have family and friends there. I will extol the good things about living there while realistically acknowledging their short-comings. I just get tired of the double-allegiance bull-crap of some of our fans. But that’s because I would like to see more die-hard hockey fans of the Thrashers. But such is life! You can’t always get what you want. So you move out of Detroit and start fresh.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
12:35 pm
Alan R. I did read it and the only thing John Shannon mentioned was this: “Up to six teams throughout the US are struggling big time. The league has advanced some TV dollars and a percentage of revenue sharing that teams would normally get in September.”
The rest of it was penned by DAVID SHOALTS of the Globe and Mail.
Rightshot
April 27th, 2010
12:38 pm
Buffalo for a game! Hey I’m interested. AND since Toronto is right there, if the schedule works out right…
The Hockey Hall of Fame is there too. I’m just saying.
Alan R.
April 27th, 2010
12:43 pm
Right, Red Light, but David took his cue from the blog. The blog was the meat of Shoalts’ “article,” and he further went on to guess – with no positive information whatsoever – the six teams that took the early money.
Any good journalist would have done research. Not Shoalts. He’s taken his (mis)cue from a blog before. And in turn, it only makes blogs look worse.
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
I wonder if Barker can still lift his leg high enough to look under it.
After the first time I saw the Barker pitch, expletives flew out of my mouth.
FormerIslesFan
April 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
*munch munch* RH, can you pass the salt??
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
12:48 pm
That new poll on Coaching Candidates on the Thrasher AJC front page is terrible… I hope it’s not an indication of the true candidates.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
12:50 pm
Rightshot-then head down the Seneca Street (or Chippawa) to a bar ot two. Tronna for the Hall of Fame
HookyBob
April 27th, 2010
12:54 pm
Well, it looks as if our discussion of what goalie to go after has about run its’ course.
Moving out from the goalie position,..I some news that Ottawa may not be able to afford resigning Anton Volchenkov. Any interest here? I see him as a good replacement if Kubina leaves. What other D-men are worth taking a look at?
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
12:54 pm
picking popcorn from teeth…
FIF – yeah, here’s some salt….oh, and Trixie just brought us some Coca-Cola. What do you think of the Rawhide’s Rowdies Souvenir Cups she had made up?
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
12:55 pm
Next Thrashers’ coach? Hope it’s none of these guys rumored to be in line for Jacques LeMaire’s job- Mario Tremblay, Ken Hitchcock, John MacLean, Guy Boucher, Larry Robinson and Scott Stevens
GaVaHokie
April 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
Love the caption for the Paul McLean photo… McLean on the (right)?! That’s Mike Babcock.
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/thrashers/hockey-coaches/
LAC
April 27th, 2010
12:57 pm
Hey red light… Please stop in NC on your trip and stop your pickup truck on the tracks of my railroad there, I would like advanced notice so I can drive my SD-40-2 up your A$$… Fair enough ?
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
1:02 pm
I knew I could finally get a reaction from you LAC. Just kidding. No malice here. Take a deep breath!
I actually would like for you to play GM so that we could see an alternate view of the current situation.
Give me two goalies, five new forwards, one defenseman and a coach. I’m about to post mine.
Rawhide
April 27th, 2010
1:11 pm
Ya know…with all this chatter about possible solutions in the Thrashers goal, I’m a little shock and surprised that no one…and I mean ONE ONE…has suggested this obvious possibility!
And you all call yourselves hockey experts…I mean, really.
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
1:22 pm
Rumor has Volchenkov going to Washington. Let’s hope not.
Hey RH, Viv the Sieve is wearing illegal pads there…too wide (before some of you get bent out of shape by saying I cannot tell width from a photo – it’s the model they are, I can tell by the knee rolls) Just what we need, a Marty McSorely moment – handed the Habs that Cup (well along with Roy) in 1993.
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
1:28 pm
TSN.ca is having their “play of the year” voting on their website. Ondrej is up for it…lets flood it with votes and @&$%^!* off our Canadian friends….
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/special/?id=20223
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
1:30 pm
This wouldn’t break the bank and I believe there is drastic improvement with a few additions at center!
Tomas Plekanec + Antropov + Bergfors
Andrew Cogliano + Kane + Spencer Machacek
Peverley + Reasoner + Little
Thorburn + Mike Grier + Slater
Hainsey + Oduya
Bogosian + Valabik
Shaone Morrisonn + Enstrom
7th: Schubert
Pavelec + Martin Biron
BUY OR SELL?
Dwayne
April 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
Rawhide…Did a witch Dr. shrink Viv’s head? Beetlejuice maybe??
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
1:34 pm
Glovesave-Caps will have to dump Semin’s salary or 2 good players to get Volchenkov under the cap. I hear he’s looking for 5 years, $5M annually. Isn’t that what you are hearing Hooky Bob?
Dwayne
April 27th, 2010
1:36 pm
Red Light, I say buy ….I like that 3rd line. Can’t say I care for Doris tho. Could we get Mandy back to take his place??
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
1:44 pm
Regardless of what happens, UFA this summer will be quite interesting due to the number of teams pressed up against the cap. Should be a lot of wheelin’ and dealin’ at the draft I reckon.
Red Light – Biron would be my 2nd choice behind Ellis. Grier would make a nice 4th line addition and Morrisonn seems solid, but why is Enstrom on the 3rd pairing? Or are you thinking the 3 pairs would get fairly even ice time while Boris, Zach, Ron and Johnny get the bulk of the PK mins with Tobias and Zach getting considerable PP time?
Plekanec would be quite a get, but I don’t see Montreal letting him go. I think they’d rather stock the parent club with Bulldogs from the farm in order to keep Tomas and the 3 Smurfs intact. At least Cammalleri is earning his big FA paycheck as opposed to Gomez. Although Gomez has been better of late.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
1:55 pm
D-man pairings are just pairings, not order, but the lines are.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
1:56 pm
Dwayne: Valabik is under contract, that’s why he’s on the list.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
2:07 pm
Plekanec will resign with Montreal, as noted by smoothie. Both sides want to egt a contract done. Grier has also stated he wants to re-up in Buffalo. Smooth-the cap ceiling is going to force some good teams to shed a player or 2 for salary reasons only, both contract and UFA players. Got no choice.
Great start to the non-goalie UFA conversations.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
2:17 pm
Countdown to 100th commencing….three, two, 100!
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
2:17 pm
Premature jocularity…100th?
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
Okay, here is my proposed line-up for your 2010-’11 Atlanta Thrashers! And the entire line-up costs only $52.1 M. Sadly, Bryan Little was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks…my g/f is gonna slap me silly!
Bergie – Sharp – Antropovious (Antro is not a # 1 C!!)
Kane – Peverlicious – Mad Max (Max signs for $2.5 M per)
Pyatt (Taylor) – Slates – Arty (all get right around $1 M)
Thornton (Shawn) – Reasey – Thorbs / C-Mac (C-Mac @ $1.65 M tender)
Kubina & Enstrom
Oduya & Bogosian
Hainsey & Boris
7th: Schubie
Pavelec & Ellis
Rotate C-Mac into the 3rd line when match-ups dictate and bench Arty when he is free-lancing too much / not playing adequate D. Thornton gives the 4th line even more grit and size. Reasy & Thorbs have good chemistry and C-Mac can rotate in for more offense against a less defensive-minded team.
Whatta y’all think?
Savannah Blueland Fan
April 27th, 2010
2:30 pm
I feel as though Boris was a lot better this year than last. If we could just get him to drink more milk or something to avoid any more bone-breaking………………
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
2:40 pm
Smoothie-so you are trading Little for Sharp straight up?
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
2:41 pm
My team kicks your team’s a** Smoothie! Taylor Pyatt? Is he from Albany? Boulton is the equal of Shawn. Sharpie is not being dealt or leaving, Dreamweaver!
Marty deserves more than to be a fourth liner. He’s better than that, which is why I moved him up to the 3rd line.
Don’t think you added a playmaker for the second line, which is essential.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
2:52 pm
I would love to be able to trade C-Mac and a prospect for Sharp, but surely CHI would balk at that offer. Tis not a dream that CHI will have to give up someone. They are stuck with Huet and Campbell and they have nearly $57 M tied up already and that’s before they re-ink any RFA. Hell, we might be able to get Sharp for less than that if we offer the # 1 from NJ and a couple of prospects. Problem is which prospects.
Red Light – I agree that Marty deserves to play 3rd line minutes so if you want to dismiss Taylor Pyatt in Joe Friday fashion, then go with Slater on the LW, Reasy at C and C-Mac on the RW. That line might actually pot 30 goals or so. As for the 4th line, I could see us going in a number of different ways, but Thornton seems more willing to fight than Boulton and due to his size, he wins outright more often.
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
2:55 pm
While we’re discussing goalies, I’ve heard there’s a really young goalie that plays for Dallas with incredible potential. He does, however, have a history of a few health issues.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
3:06 pm
Not dismissing him. I have always appreciated Pyatt since he played his butt off for the Sabres back in 05-06, but he’s a carbon copy of Marty IMO. I like Shawn and Bolts but if you keep Arty he has to play that role. I think we’ve had this conversation at a game, and I think Arty has to be willing to play the big nasty for that salary. He’s not going to score more than 10-15 goals and he’s no set-up guy either. He can be an intimidating force!
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
Are you going to tell him he has to take his visor off? You’re much bigger than me and you might actually see eye to eye with the giant.
That’s not Arty’s game. I don’t think he wants to play that way. I think he has more potential than MacArthur if someone can hone his skills and rein him in a bit so he is more responsible. As for Pyatt, while he’s similar to Marty, he’s younger and plays LW. Not sure why we can’t have both. I certainly don’t want Kane playing 3rd line anymore and Pyatt would be a gritty stop-gap until Klingberg and Cormier are ready to take over. I’m trying to be realistic and think ahead to when our younger players will be ready.
kracker
April 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
Arty needs to lose the visor if he’s going to be our #1 enforcer.
Tony C.
April 27th, 2010
3:17 pm
I get the feeling that the front office is looking to re-sign Kubina then our RFAs then Afinegenov….. Don’t really see them making a big UFA addition (I’m still crossing my fingers for Marleau-but not holdingmy breath), I think the most likely scenario being that the #1 from NJD and prospects not named Macachek, Cormier, Esposito, Kulda in play-Hopefully we could snag a Patrick Sharp-type talent with such a package (don’t see him as enough of a playmaker to be a #1 pivot-but Big Nik certainly showed us he can be one so it would probably work).
As far as goaltending goes, I’m still very high on Vokun-I don’t want anything to do with Ellis or Biron.
But what worries me most is that list of coaching candidates they put up on the front Thrash-page…. If that’s the list that Duds is been given to choose from so far-well, let’s hope HE knows that Tremblay is the best option (judging from responses most readers not familiar w/Mario).
But everything that has been coming from the front office mentions that they are ready to graduate some guys up from the Wolves (Macachek being mentioned by name), and the need for our next coach to be capable teacher-of-the-game (Rules Murray out). This tells me that they’re looking to go forward with the youngsters we’ve got.
Not a bad idea-look at the talent that’s been assembled in this nuclear winter of post Hossa, Lehtonen & Kovalchuk trades (because let’s face it, no excuse for having talent like that and surrounding it with uhm “almost-there” talent) isn’t that bad.
Bergfors , Little, Cormier,Esposito, Macachek, Kane-maybe not earthshattering names (well Kane definitely stands out), but tell me any one of those guys sucks.
Bogosian, Enstrom & Kulda look good, Valabik showed a lot of progress-if he can stay healthy, I’d be delighted. Hainsey-I’m lookin for more to be honest, but he stepped up from last season. If we can re-sign Kubina, I feel good about our blueline.
Add in the FUBAS-factor and I just don’t see us making any big splashes UFA season.
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
I like LAC’s suggestion of Booghard. A real heavyweight
DWTOO
April 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
OK – Just my two cents:
Bergfors Antropov Afinagenov
Pleckanac Peverly Little
Machachek Slater Kane
A-Train Reasoner Thorburn
Odoyua/Hainsey
Kubina/Enstrom
Bogosian/Kulda
Valabik
Price(Halak)/Pavs
Does anyone think Matthew Lombardi would work well here? He’s looked good from what I watched.
Pardon the spelling.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
3:49 pm
Very expensive heavyweight and there aren’t many teams that play that way anymore, particularly in the SE divsion. It’s merely a sideshow these days, unfortunately!
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
3:49 pm
I forgot Kulda, darnit! Scracth Schubert and add Kulda.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
4:04 pm
DWTOO – not bad, not bad at all. I wish we had a realistic shot at Plekanec, but alas, I don’t think he’ll be interested in us. But you never know. He’s due for a big raise that MTL may not be able to pay him since they have nearly $37 M tied up in 7 players. Plus, they are going to have to ante-up to pay Halak since his agent is so tough. Price is definitely available unless they freeze-up and let Halak’s agent scare them into giving up Jaro. Also, MTL has a ton of RFA’s on its roster, 8 to be exact, which will make life quite interesting.
kracker
April 27th, 2010
4:04 pm
Oh…Evgeny needs to lose the visor and get a grill like this. I don’t think he’d ever have to fight more than once.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk23/mrbillyt/moonraker_jaws.jpg
kracker
April 27th, 2010
4:14 pm
Pretty good Dennis…maybe you swap Little and Kane…whichever starts off good and works better w/ Pevs. On the other hand, you may want to count on Kaner for heavy special teams duty and a little less at ES.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
4:35 pm
There are 4 UFA goalies who have played more than 400 games. Here are their career numbers along with age and salary in parentheses):
1) Nabakov (35 y/o & $6.0 M)…..2.39 & .912 w/ 50 shut-outs
2) Turco (35 & $5.4 M)………..2.31 & .911 w/ 40 shut-outs
3) Biron (33 & $1.4 M)………..2.63 & .910 w/ 26 shut-outs
4) Theodore (34 & $4.5 M)……..2.68 & .908 w/ 29 shut-outs
I sampled 9 other goalies who have at least 100 games played:
1) Mason, C. (35 & $3.0 M)…….2.54 & .914 in 253 gms (20 S/O)
2) Price, C. (23 & RFA)……….2.73 & .912 in 134 gms (4 S/O)
3) Ellis, D. (31 & $2.0 M)…….2.64 & .912 in 111 gms (10 S/O)
4) Emery, R. (28 & $1.5 M)…….2.70 & .907 in 163 gms (11 S/O)
5) Auld, A. (30 & $1.0 M)…….2.78 & .904 in 207 gms (6 S/O)
6) Budaj, P. (28 & $1.25 M)……2.74 & .903 in 197 gms (8 S/O)
7) Nitty, A. (31 & $.600 M)……2.98 & .903 in 210 gms (5 S/O)
8 ) Toskala, V. (34 & $4.0 M)…..2.76 & .902 in 266 gms (13 S/O)
9) Hedberg, J. (37 & $1.175 M)…2.93 & .900 in 293 gms (14 S/O)
10) Pavelec, O. (23 & RFA)…….3.33 & .902 in 61 gms (2 S/O)
Yeah, now I can see why Ellis would make such a lousy choice!
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
4:48 pm
Yea, Biron too!
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
5:10 pm
“you’re just being obstinate for the sake of being obstinate.”
Moi?
“I’ll buy you the beers at the Pony here in ATL if it gets you to stop being such a hard-ass”
Actually, I’m not allowed to go in those anymore, or look at any nekkid women not named Mrs. Joe Friday. Satan would get me in the end then, and we can’t have that. I was just name dropping the Mons as that’s where some of the fellas go every year on our Orlando trip, I hear it’s…interesting.
“Joe-I’ll let you have the last word today because I hate deny a baby his bowl of ice cream.”
ok
“I really enjoy battling with people on this blog, as I have in the past. Today is no different. I hope the Thrashers sign Nabakov and he wets the bed, just for you.
Wait, I thought I was gonna get the last word, Mom!!!
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
5:12 pm
Don’t you just hate it when stats back up an argument!
DWTOO: You’re going to pay extra for Lombardi coming off a career year, particularly if Phoenix advances tonight. But, he’ll make less than Plekanec.
Just for laughs I took Smoothie’s list and applied number of lifetime playoff wins, (W-L shown below), which I feel is a strong barometer for veteran goalies. Certainly, it has a lot to do with the team they played for, too.
1) Nabakov 36-33
2) Turco 21-26
3) Biron 11-12
4) Theodore 19-28
1) Mason, C. 1-8
2) Price, C. 5-11
3) Ellis, D. 2-4
4) Emery, R. 18-12
5) Auld, A. 1-2
6) Budaj, P. 0-0 (4 games)
7) Nitty, A. 0-0 (2 games)
8 ) Toskala, V. 6-5
9) Hedberg, J. 10-12
10) Pavelec, O. N/A
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
5:20 pm
stats back up an argument? lol. you guys slay me!
So, Red Light, with that lineup, you’re content with driving up to Nashvegas to watch playoff games? I’d prefer to watch our guys make the real season (although the drive up there may be just slightly longer than downtown at rush hour).
Frolov-Antropov-Sharp
Peverley-Little-Bergfors
Kane-Slater-MacArthur
Boulton-Reasoner-Thorburn
Kubina-Hainsey
Bogosian-Oduya
Kulda-Valabik
Nabokov (Pavelec backup)
$52m opening night roster and leaves me room to make a deadline deal to bring in a shutdown Dman for our playoff run.
Drop the puck.
Joe Friday
April 27th, 2010
5:24 pm
dang Trixie left Mac in there again:
Frolov-Antropov-Sharp
Peverley-Little-Bergfors
Kane-Slater-Machachek/Artyukhin
Boulton-Reasoner-Thorburn
Kubina-Hainsey
Bogosian-Oduya
Kulda-Valabik
Nabokov (Pavelec backup)
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
5:24 pm
Red Light – thx for cobbling those records together. Ran out of steam by the time I got to the 15th goalie!
Joe – LOL, the g/f will be pissed enough if she learns I want to trade her favorite player! We’ll just have to settle for a couple o’ brews at the rink I guess!
Whoa! The wind is HOWLING! Is hell freezing over?
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
5:31 pm
Joe – by my figures that would cost us closer to $53 M. It would cost us at least $16 M to sign Frolov, Kubes and Nabby, wow that’s a lot of coin. I sure hope hell IS freezing over!
World Be Free
April 27th, 2010
5:54 pm
DWTOO-I had Lombardi a few blogs ago, I think he’d be a real good addition here. Note to Thrashers-please don’t be tempted by any the garbage line Connelly, Riy or Pominville that the sabres may offer up at the draft. We don’t need any wimps on this tewam, especially Plastic Timmy.
Smoothie-doing your homwork today. Like I said yesterday, all the UFA goaltenders have something about them that makes them less than stellar. We just have decie if any of them, or a combination of any of them are an improverment over the Pavs/Moose combo. I thik a better team scheme will help our goals against average as much as new goalies.
kracker
April 27th, 2010
6:11 pm
Smoothie, from your goalie list…Salary-wise, either Auld or Budaj fits in my three goalie scenario. Pavs #1 backed up by an inexpensive acquisition or Mannino with Moose signed as goalie coach/goalie as insurance. I know it’s unconventional but Moose has the temperment where he could probably stay relatively sharp with an occasional start, dedicated practice time and keeping himself fit, as he always does.
I’m not advocating doing this, just thinking how to possibly upgrade the position on a shoestring budget if that is the type of budget Dudley is being given.
Perhaps, if like Tony C. said above, they are planning to promote some guys from the Wolves, the budget will allow for signing or trading for a more proven goalie, if they don’t go super cheap. We are sort of assuming, maybe hoping, the owners will spend something over $50M…52, 53. What if they are cash strapped and only allow $43-45M? Kulda takes Kubina’s spot, Machacek gets a shot at Kovalchuk’s roster spot…maybe Vishnevskiy gets a look.
Not counting Kubina and Armstrong, in-force salarys and modest spending assumptions on signing our UFA/RFA and counting two cheap promotions easily gets us to at least $44-45M. This is standing pat with Pavs and Moose. Bringing in the cheap 3rd goalie would add another $1M plus. If it’s Mannino, it’s less than a million.
Anyway, if the owners go the cheap route, this will be a tread water development year for sure. Which won’t do much to increase the ticket selling unless several of our youthful core have breakout years.
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
6:27 pm
I’ll buy you the beers at the Pony here in ATL if it gets you to stop being such a hard-ass.
Smoothie – As I’ve seen your woman, I would strongly advise you to skip the Pony and purchase a shiny ring and pole for your abode. BTW, you better do so in that order.
Red Light
April 27th, 2010
6:32 pm
I’m content watching playoff hockey anywhere Joe. Of course, I want it here, but if I can’t get it here I’ll go find it elsewhere.
A little side wager? I say there is no way they spend $52 million.
HookyBob
April 27th, 2010
7:01 pm
WBF: Yes, I believe Volchenkov has earned (ie will get) offers somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 M /yr, and it may take a “premium” for him to sign here. That is about what Kubina is making now. Not sure what other D-men (excepting Kubina) will be on the market July 1st.
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
7:03 pm
If they don’t spend $52 M, then they better be ready to lose that $7 M “saved” and then some in dwindling tkt revenue. Hell, the Hawks are in the playoffs and they are selling lowers for $30! Talk about your fickle fans!
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
7:43 pm
Thanks Smoothie…when I put together my wish list of goalies on the last blog, to be honest, I didn’t even look at stats. I picked who’s styles I liked, and I thought would bring the right element to the team. I stick by my Vokoun (for a big splash next year) or Ellis (for a solid back up / split-time with Pavs now) – and I like that you research backed me up – thanks!
kracker
April 27th, 2010
8:31 pm
Yeah Smoothie, at least us hockey fans are passionate enough about our sport to fill a playoff building without the lure of cut-rate tickets!
I don’t think the owners will set a mid 40s budget but who knows how their month to month financial situations go? It probably will help if the Hawks advance and put more cash in their pockets. They have their own Kovy-like situation coming up with resigning Joe Johnson, I think I read.
My best WAG is they try to get the RFAs and the lesser UFAs they intend to keep, including Max maybe, signed before July and see how much that costs. Then they know where they stand on making an offer to Kubina, if he’s interested. If he’s not or if they aren’t close they can try to target another 1st pairing guy. But here’s hoping Kubes likes what’s happening here and will sign reasonably, as he may be our only realistic option for maintaining a talent at his level.
So…if Duds is given $50M or a little less (my WAG), signing Kubina will about push payroll to maintain the team to a level approaching that amount, which could mean we would for sure be looking at a Machacek to fill a spot and Kulda or Schubert as 7th D. If my assumptions on what it takes to get some guys to sign are a little high, maybe they have a couple mil more to spend than what I figure…or maybe the owners will actually spend to $52-53 million.
This is all tea leaf or entrail reading lol…Max not signing or one sizeable trade or a couple of smaller ones in June can blow it all up! I don’t expect much in the way of a trade, though, except maybe involving the NJ #1, I look for them to try to keep intact the team they thought “should have made the playoffs” this year and go at it again with better coaching and a more experienced young core of talent. Hey, even with all the Kovy BS if Bogo hadn’t injure his arm and Kane didn’t break his foot the Thrash might be playing the Caps now tied 3-3 instead of the Habs!
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
8:40 pm
For all the Red Wing fans:
Go To (Special Place For Satan) Red Wings, Go To (Special Place For Satan)
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
8:41 pm
Smoothie – Are you ignoring my comment?
Smoothie
April 27th, 2010
8:57 pm
Nope! Go Coyotes!
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
8:59 pm
Come On McFly, are you CHICKEN?
HookyBob
April 27th, 2010
9:21 pm
Stroz-a-damus: Game on. Who will win tonight? (hint,..the team that scores the most goals)
R. Stroz
April 27th, 2010
11:03 pm
I predict, are you ready, the Red Wings will beat the Coyotes making all those from the cesspool, known as Detroit, happy.
HookyBob
April 27th, 2010
11:13 pm
R. Stroz = One of a kind. And we are so enriched to have him on this blog.
glovesave29
April 27th, 2010
11:20 pm
Not giving up on the Yotes yet, a quick PHX field goal and they are right back in this one.
HookyBob
April 27th, 2010
11:23 pm
Let me clear up any questions/thoughts about my last post. There was no sarcasim intended. This blog is truley better with Mr Stroz’s input.
Brendan
April 28th, 2010
12:21 am
JLH, I wasn’t being cynical. I was congratulating the man for a fine achievement.
Brendan
April 28th, 2010
12:23 am
WBF, we both called the Bruins over the Sabres. Just out of curiosity, the “monkey” get that pick right? If not, then … well … I’m better than the monkey.
Brendan
April 28th, 2010
12:38 am
Bummer that this 6-1 drubbing by Detroit will be the offseason memory for hockey fans in Arizona, who spent GOOD COIN to attend that game. I heard the announcers say that Phoenix soldout every home game for the playoffs. Good for them. That’s $8 million, if not more, for their “bankrupt” ownership. Now, let’s see what happens with that club. I think they’ll still be in Arizona next season.
Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings. What? It’s not wrong to congratulate them for beating Phoenix. The Red Wings were in 10th place in the West near the Olympic break. They climbed their way all the way up to 5th position. And I’m predicting the Red Wings over San Jose, to reach the Conference Finals, yet again.
Keeping score at home? If Detroit DOES, indeed, reach the Conference Finals, it will be the 5th time in the last eight seasons, (2002, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,) and fourth (4th) year in-a-row. So, the salary cap is working, right? Whistling. Checking my watch. Moving right along.
I’m also taking Chicago over Vancouver in the next round. So, to recap, it’ll be the Blackhawks and Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals, per my lousy projections. At present, I’m a rare 6-1, thus far. Believe me, that is a rarity for me. I’m usually 4-4 or 5-3 in the opening round. My “average” for the entirety of the playoffs is 8.5 wins against 6.5 losses. I’m, uhh … not good to picking these things. But, I’m reminded by a co-worker that “knowledge and good picks” often do not go hand-in-hand. You doubt that? Who wins your office football poll, 4 times a year? That’s right, Alice. Alice, the secretary, who couldn’t name 4 players on the Falcons, much less much four players in the whole league!! Her “time-tested formula” for success? It’s a combination of “better weather,” “better shopping,” and “team colors.” I repeat, Alice wins 4 times a year. But she’d go 0-16 in a Fantasy league, and be fleeced in every trade.
Rawhide
April 28th, 2010
12:40 am
Well…with the Wings’ win, I am now a mere 4-3 in my round-one picks. Un-good.
sigh…
Anyway…let’s discuss the Western Conference second round matchups, shall we?
Joe Friday
April 28th, 2010
9:35 am
“A little side wager? I say there is no way they spend $52 million.”
Sure. If they don’t, we’ll probably be driving up, over, down to somewhere to watch a playoff game next year.