Thrashers drop second preseason game despite better effort
Just as I did after Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to Columbus, I want to open up by saying that Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Carolina was just a preseason game…nothing more, nothing less. However, unlike the first preseason game, this recent one gave us a lot more good than un-good to talk about.
First on that list of good things is the play of newly acquired goalie Chris Mason. He stopped 28 of the 29 Hurricane shots in his first performance as a Thrasher and deserved a better fate in the outcome. That he looked this sharp in his first preseason contest is not totally unexpected, he’s a veteran and looked like he came into training ready to go.
Another vet that looked like he was ready to get the season underway was Freddy Modin. He led the Thrashers with 5 shots on goal and looked very comfortable with linemates Rich Peverley and Fredrik Pettersson. Combined, the trio accounted for 12 of the 32 total shots Atlanta was able to get off on Cam Ward.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, Ward was yet another veteran who was on his game.
Ben Eager impressed me once again. He’s a hard worker on both ends of the ice and makes his presence known each shift. Love the way he badgers defensemen who are trying to work the puck out of their zone.
The penalty kill was very impressive this night. They denied the Canes on all 6 man advantage opportunities, including 40 seconds worth of a 5 on 3. After two games Atlanta has killed off 9 of 10 penalties. Chris Thorburn and Freddy Modin stood out in particular tonight, as did each of the defensemen.
As for Fredrik Pettersson…simply put, after two preseason games I think he’s got the best shot of all prospects of making this team. Fast, scrappy, slick and crafty…I like him more and more every time I see him.
Alex Burmistrov improved upon his first outing… seemed to get his nose into more of the action. He played well killing penalties and his 3:52 TOI during the PK led all forwards. I’m still not convinced he’s ready for the NHL yet, but he’s has shown signs of the player he potentially could be.
Also, I have to point out the overall team defense again as they again held the opposition to under 30 shots on goal. Carolina was allowed but 4 SOG in the first period…only 1 in the opening 14+ minutes. This is the type of play Craig Ramsay was brought in to teach and so far after two preseason games it looks like we’re seeing signs of hope here.
This is one of the stats I’ll be watching most as the season gets underway. The more it goes below 30 SOG the better our chances of making the playoffs.
What were your first impressions of Dustin Byfuglien on defense? He certainly brought a nice edge to his game, very physical and aggressive. He swept the puck away from in front of our goal a number of times and had no issue stepping up into the attack. His 3 SOG led all Thrashers defensemen who took 10 total for the game.
Unfortunately, he was also involved the play that sent Carolina forward Sergei Samsonov off the ice on a stretcher. Buff tripped the Russian winger as he raced toward Atlanta’s goal and he crashed into the boards. He suffered a strained neck form the impact of going in headfirst.
The good news is that the Hurricanes have indicated that Samsonov does have full feeling in his extremities.
As for the un-good…
The lone goal of the game was the result of sloppy play behind the goal early in the third period. I couldn’t quite tell from my angle if the puck was played poorly off of Mason’s stick behind the net or if Zach Bogosian muffed it in the corner. But either way it ended up back out in front of the net and was put in by Jeff Skinner, who was selected in last June’s draft just prior to Burmistrov.
Chris Thorburn at center? Color me unimpressed after one game.
And of course there’s the goose egg on the scoreboard next to the Thrashers goal total. That’s never good to see. I know scoring 2 goals in a loss followed by 0 goals will cause some to start the wailing and gnashing of teeth regarding scoring concerns, but Atlanta got their opportunities but were just unable to figure out Mr. Ward.
The power play went 0 for 5 and is just 1 for 12 in the two games played.
But again, it’s just preseason folks.
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102 comments Add your comment
snail
September 27th, 2010
12:58 pm
You can not teach speed…I should know this. Bye bye Boris, see you at the finish line. If you ever make it.
DWTOO
September 27th, 2010
1:01 pm
It’s time to cut Boris loose – if he clears wiavers then he goes to Chicago. If not he’s someone else’s problem. Rigth now he’s behind FM, AK, and AZ for the last roster spot. And his performance on tuesday was dreadful and he isn’t on the bus to Nashville tonight.
GAY 4 BORIS
September 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
Swing lo, sweet beef Valabik!
kracker
September 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
Radio link for tonight’s game:
http://predators.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2010010052&navid=DL|NSH|home
Rawhide
September 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
SA-Weet! Thanks kracker!
Dwayne
September 27th, 2010
2:01 pm
I had nothing to do with the GAY 4 Boris post…
Christoph Schubert
September 27th, 2010
2:05 pm
Wenn Boris ist gut genug für diese mannschaft dann was ist mit mir?
Joe Friday
September 27th, 2010
2:23 pm
Bergfors and Valabik to NJ for . . . ?
Smoothie
September 27th, 2010
2:25 pm
….a few pastrami sandwiches, Mike Mottau and Kovy’s wife.
kracker
September 27th, 2010
2:59 pm
Oh no! Here come’s a flurry of relocation articles.
tweet – ScottyHockey Wow, Bettman just admitted on @nhllive that Winnipeg is the top option for an expansion or relocated team …
kracker
September 27th, 2010
3:00 pm
grrr *comes
World Be Free
September 27th, 2010
3:30 pm
I think Burmie stays for 9 games but I also think Stewart will make the team as well. J/F-not ready to give up Bergfors unless we get Zajac from NJ.
DWTOO-totally agree on Doris
Smoothie
September 27th, 2010
3:31 pm
kracker – yeah, for the Coyotes!! Bettman is gonna lose that fight to keep the Desert Dogs put…that whole deal is a mess and it seems like this is hardly the economy to rescue a bankrupt entity in America. It may work for a little while longer in CA where hockey is the #1 past-time…for now. Isn’t soccer catching fire in the frozen tundra? Blech.
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
3:32 pm
World: Who’s out if you keep Stewart?
Smoothie
September 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
WBF – totally agree. Ant Stewart is a Dudley guy…he drafted him. He only had the one year in Fla to show everyone what he could do. He wasn’t awful in 59 games in ‘08-09 for the Panthas playing on their 4th line. He provides an interesting depth option for the PK. Big, fast body who can hurt you on a S/H rush. Think Colin Stuart but bigger.
kracker
September 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Chris just posted a new blog with lots of Ramsay quotes and info.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-thrashers-blog/2010/09/27/ramsays-focus-continues-to-be-on-defense/
Smoothie
September 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Looks like this is gonna have a regular season feel to it, NSH is playing their studs for the home team:
Projected Line-up (off their website):
Goaltenders: Chet Pickard, Pekka Rinne
Defensemen: Francis Bouillon, Cody Franson, Kevin Klein, Ryan Parent, Ryan Suter, Shea Weber
Forwards: Martin Erat, Patric Hornqvist, Sergei Kostitsyn, David Legwand, Matthew Lombardi, Jamie Lundmark, Cal O’Reilly, Jerred Smithson, Steve Sullivan, Jordin Tootoo, Joel Ward, Colin Wilson
R/L – if Slates goes to I.R. short-term (likely), then you can carry 14 forwards as long as Valabik gets his 14 day rehab assignment.
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
A little late but the New York Islanders are bringing six players to training camp on professional tryouts. Forwards Jed Ortmeyer, Dean McAmmond and Krys Kolanos, defenseman Anders Erikkson and goaltenders Manny Legace and Joel Martin.
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
From Manasso, also today.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=538733
kracker
September 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
Boulton plays tonight, I bet he will be working hard! He has to know he doesn’t have that much time left. Is Stewart a good fighter?
kracker
September 27th, 2010
4:00 pm
tweet – ajcthrashers Line of Ben Eager-Chris Thorburn-Anthony Stewart will skate together again Monday vs. Preds.
Smoothie
September 27th, 2010
4:05 pm
kracker – Stewie tried but pretty much got worked over by Harrison Sat night…between Eager, Thor and even Slater, we should be fine if Boults were to get cut. But I think Boults stays for one more year. He’s the de facto vocal leader in that room I bet.
Smoothie
September 27th, 2010
4:29 pm
Dudley needs to reconsider and perhaps grab MZA (Mats Zucc-Aasen) off of waivers. Not really sure why the Rangers demoted him but I guess Todd White is really showing out in camp!! LOL
Mikey
September 27th, 2010
4:31 pm
I would take A-Stew over Bolts right now. I understand Stewart has played very well. Maybe I can have a look for myself Wednesday.
TableHockey
September 27th, 2010
4:41 pm
This news made my day – glad to know we didn’t give up a franchise goalie.
Lehtonen with groin problems {gasp} http://espn.go.com/blog/dallasstars/post/_/id/4091/kari-lehtonen-rests-sore-groin
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
4:59 pm
If Anthony Stewart was assured to get 10-12 plus minutes TOI every game, I’d agree with the sentiment. Otherwise, let him play every night in the AHL. He’s never been able to earn the minutes up until now. Two years ago in Florida, he averaged fewer than 8 minutes per game and played 59 games there.
puckhead
September 27th, 2010
5:01 pm
Here’s the ipod/ipad app link for 102.9 the buzz to listen to the Nashville feed tonight. http://www.appstorehq.com/nashvillerockradio102-9thebuzz-wbuz–everythingthatrocks-iphone-8443/app
Thrashers27
September 27th, 2010
5:02 pm
According to Ben Wright all of our boys cleared waivers.
I hate to be “that guy”, Tablehockey, but Kari with Groin probs story made me chuckle.
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
5:07 pm
Smoothie: Mats Zucc-Aasen is on an entry-level, two-way deal with NYR and likely will be called up once he gets used to North America style.
Zombie Steve
September 27th, 2010
5:23 pm
Ol’ Glass Groin Lehtonen strikes again
Dwayne
September 27th, 2010
5:28 pm
Que\Cue Stendec
kracker
September 27th, 2010
6:06 pm
The groin problem didn’t sound bad for Kari. I hope he can play well for the Stars. If he has not learned to get his groin area strengthed by now, he never will.
Boris Valabik
September 27th, 2010
6:33 pm
Lecke meine Mannschaft
Brendan
September 27th, 2010
6:59 pm
Red Light, hard to argue with your picks. It’ll be an interesting playoff field. I hope the race is as good this year … as it wa last year. What could have been better than a shootout in Game # 82 between the Flyers and Rangers to determine the final playoff entrant. By winning, the Flyers leapfrogged Montreal into 7th position. It turned out to be quite relevant, as by doing that, the Flyers HOSTED the Conference Finals over Montreal. Though, clearly, at the time, hosting the CF wasn’t on the minds of either the Flyers or Habs.
Brendan
September 27th, 2010
7:02 pm
What? “Kari Down ‘10″ has already started? And he’s making, what? $3.0 million-per-season? Like Peter Griffin’s “Cave in the Yard,” that was money well-spent.
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
7:06 pm
Exelby will not be a Ranger as he has been released from his tryout arrangement. Still want him back boys?
Redden accepted his demotion to Hartford and will be the highest paid minor league athlete in history (unverified but seems logical). Thus, the Rangers are now under the cap.
The Rangers have deferred any and all decisions about the center position (with Drury sidelined), keeping all seven pivots on the roster, according to Larry Brooks. “Artem Anisimov would appear to be the only lock to remain, leaving a battle royal to be contested among Erik Christensen, Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle, Tim Kennedy and Todd White.
Strong up the middle, right Glen?
Thrashers27
September 27th, 2010
7:27 pm
“YOU KIDS STAY AWAY FROM THAT CAVE!!!”
kracker
September 27th, 2010
9:24 pm
Thorburn line ties it at 1-1. Eager from Thorburn and Stewart.
kracker
September 27th, 2010
9:35 pm
Tied 1-1 after 2 periods. Pavs and Rinne have eached stopped 15 of 16 shots.
kracker
September 27th, 2010
9:41 pm
Btw, the Nashville guys said it was a really nice pass from Thorburn that sprung Eager for the goal.
Red Light
September 27th, 2010
10:01 pm
Thought I’d get this out of the way before the end of the game because you know it’s coming…Pavs stinks!
Brendan
September 27th, 2010
10:03 pm
Good job, Thorburn. Thorburn, for a very brief time, was given a chance on the Thrashers top line with Kovalchuk. It had some success, but was ultimately abandoned.
Thrashers27: Exactly! They must STAY OUT of that cave!!!
Red Light, honestly, as a “spare,” in the pressbox, at the league minimum, maybe I could see my way into letting Exelby back. But even then, I’m not convinced. I always like Exelby. He never grumbled about ownership, Waddell, or any of the coaching staff. He played over 300 games, I believe, as a Thrasher. But I cut the cord with that guy. I honestly don’t know if Rissmiller is still with the Thrashers. But if he hasn’t been cut, it might be after this game. When Rissmiller gets the ax, it’ll officially make Todd White a pure salary dump, for Brashear was bought out. Unless Rissmiller plays for Chicago. I guess we could call that a “farm system move.”
Okay, how soon until Vancouver, Calgary, NJ, and Boston make salary cap moves?
World Be Free
September 27th, 2010
10:13 pm
Brunes are in trouble if Savard is on the shelf long term.
Red Light, thanks for the Ranger update, confirming that Glen Sather is on of the the worst GMs in hockey over the last decade-really. Thanks for the anti-Pavs support. He stinks
kracker
September 27th, 2010
10:30 pm
Difficult to tell from the radio feed of the opposing team but it sounds like the Thrashers ran out of gas midway through the 3rd period. They only managed a couple of SOG in the last 12 minutes or so while giving up 10 shots and taking two consecutive penalties where the game was lost. Or maybe the Preds just turned it on, I could not tell from the Preds radio. Preds were called for no penalties, hmmm.
kracker
September 27th, 2010
10:35 pm
It sounded like Pavs played a pretty good game tonight, Redlight. A loss is certainly a loss but he is not the only guy on the ice.
Brendan
September 27th, 2010
10:38 pm
Red Light, I think you and I both speculated what non-sense paying Wade Redden $6.5 million was. I think you argued that $4.5 million, and not a penny more, was the maximum for Redden. And I’d agree with that, too. So, now, because he signed for so much money, he has to play his days in the minors. I supposed, from an accounting standpoint, hockey players play the game to GET PAID. And Redden will still make his millions. Can the Rangers consider a “buyout” of Redden? Or, it is too costly to do that, cap-wise?
R. Stroz
September 27th, 2010
10:42 pm
Three games, four goals scored. Anyone else notice a scoring problem yet?
This team lacks a finisher.
R. Stroz
September 27th, 2010
10:48 pm
OOPS!
THREE games, THREE goals scored. Anyone else notice a scoring problem yet?
Rawhide
September 27th, 2010
11:03 pm
OK gang…new blog to discuss the 2-1 preseason los in Nashville.
Thrashers27
September 27th, 2010
11:05 pm
I know these are pre-season games and I don’t know ’bout you guys, but I’d at least like to see our boys get one win. Just for morale’s sake.