Alex Burmistrov: Should he stay or should he go?
Decision time for Alexander Burmistrov is but a week or so away now. After the Thrashers finish with their October 26 game with the New York Rangers, they’ll have played nine games so far in the 2010-11 season. Assuming last June’s eighth overall draft pick plays in all four games between now and then, Burmistrov will have used up all of his time before this season counts against his free agent status. If he plays in game number ten October 29 against Buffalo, then it’s as if he was here all season.
So, the question is…with apologies to The Clash…will Burmistrov stay or will he go?
Will Alex stay in Atlanta and play beyond the ninth game, or will he go back to the OHL and play with the Barrie Colts? Keep in mind here, he isn’t eligible to go to Chicago given the AHL age requirements. Burmistrov will celebrate just his 19th birthday this Thursday.
With a good showing in preseason and in the first five regular season games, Alexander Burmistrov has possibly jumped into a full-time roster spot with the Thrashers (AP Photo/John Amis)
While Burmistrov has yet to collect his first NHL point, he has been a part in the high-successful fourth line along with Ben Eager and Chris Thorburn. He’s putting in fourteen and a half quality minutes per game, is a +2 overall and has shown serious improvement in his game each time out.
If you want to play the comparison game, the last time the Thrashers were faced with such a decision with a first round pick was just a year ago. Then it was Evander Kane. At this point in his young career he had already notched his first 2 goals…including a game-winner…and assists and was a +3 in after the first five games, averaging 13:35 TOI. In games six through nine he added another goal and assists as his ice time climbed to just over 15 minutes in those games.
Like Kane last year, Burmistrov has also won some points playing well on the PK unit, averaging 2:18 TOI while the team is shorthanded. Plus he has the ability/willingness to back-check very well.
The young rookie may still get out-muscled on some occasions, but he injects a great deal of speed and craftiness in this offense. He’s taken only one minor penalty, (interference), but has drawn multiple.
His work seems to have made an impression on coach Ramsay. Earlier in the week he told Chris Vivlamore, “In the Anaheim game, after we tied it, I put him out against [Corey] Perry, against [Ryan] Getzlaf and I put him out against [Joe] Thornton late in the San Jose game and he went out and won a little battle with this great big man. He has tremendous courage”.
If I had to venture a guess right now I would have to say if Burmistrov continues to play at the same level he has throughout preseason and the first five games, then he should win himself a full time gig in the Thrashers’ lineup. To me, his hustle, tenacity and ability to improve steadily has more than earned him the benefit of any doubt there may be between keeping him and sending him down.
Plus…how ya gonna split up arguably the best, most consistent line the Thrashers have skated out there so far, huh?
Where should Alexander Burmistrov find himself after nine games played in the NHL?
- Atlanta: He's more than proved himself (70%, 151 Votes)
- Barrie: He still needs more time in the juniors (12%, 25 Votes)
- Ask me sometime next week (18%, 40 Votes)
Total Voters: 216
Loading ...Some may say Burmistrov would benefit more playing top-line minus in the OHL as opposed to lower-line minutes in the NHL. But if he’s shown he can hold his own at this level, how much good would all that extra ice time down there honestly do him.
Seriously, I think he’s proved all he can in the juniors.
Concerned his size and inexperience could lead to injury at this level? OK, so noted and logged. However, I did some intense, extensive, exhausting, research recently and found that injuries also occur in the juniors.
Feel free to use that exclusive bit of info as you wish, wherever you may.
The only real issue that might come with deciding to keep Alex around past next week is what may happen upon the return of Patrice Cormier, who is currently nursing a broken foot suffered in training camp while blocking a shot. With fourteen forwards already on the squad, and the team’s stated desire to eventually trim back to just one extra forward and defenseman for healthy scratches, someone would have to be dropped to make room for Cormier.
Just prior to the season, speculation was that Alexander would fill his place on the roster, getting his nine-game look-see, and then head to Barrie when Cormier was cleared to play. But that logic seems to have been skewed just a bit with the way Burmistrov has responded to his opportunity.
If indeed Burmistrov is still around when Cormier is healthy enough to return, the decision could then become whether to send Cormier to the AHL or expand the forward roster back to 14. If Dudley and Co. choose the latter, I would assume Nigel Dawes could loose some games to last winter’s captain of Canada’s world junior squad, providing some company in the press box for Eric Boulton. Or simply replacing him there.
Lastly, and on a side note, Patrice Cormier seems to be clear of his legal issues following last winter’s on-ice hit from behind on Michael Tam. On Tuesday he entered a guilty plea to a charge of assault causing bodily harm. He then received an unconditional discharge from the courts.
Prior to the untimely foot injury last month, that was the only real cloud hovering over Cormier. Now, it could be Burmistrov “hovering around” Thrasherville past next week that may keep him from an NHL roster spot.
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89 comments Add your comment
Darren
October 19th, 2010
6:48 pm
While he’s not being used in the role in which we one day expect him to be, after some initial misgivings, I believe he has shown he can help the big club win now. I have seen a noticeable difference in Kane’s play this season over last; I can’t wait to see if/when Burmistrov is able to make a similar leap this year, given how he has already shown steady improvement.
Also, while we all know Dudley loves Cormier’s potential, the reality is Cormier needs game time at the pro level. He had but a minor taste in the AHL late last season. I think he needs some time there before he should be considered for the NHL.
gsukevin
October 19th, 2010
6:48 pm
The Thrashers need to make the playoffs and the Eager-Burmistrov-Thorburn line looks like a major part of winning hockey games. At times they have been the most effective line on the team. Burmistrov wins crucial faceoffs and is effective on the PK. The ice time he is getting in ATL is much more valuable for his development than the ice time he would get under lesser coaches and with lesser players. Keep Burmistrov with the big boys, he can hang with em.
Hoof Arted
October 19th, 2010
6:53 pm
Yeah, Alex can stay. Cormier may need some time working his way back into playing shape in Chicago, (though not long I would imagine).
If there needs to be a spot opened up for him later, maybe Boulton could be packaged up and dealt away for something decent in return.
Raymond Bowe
October 19th, 2010
7:01 pm
Just a quick note. The Barrie Colts play in the Ontario Hockey League.
RS
October 19th, 2010
7:09 pm
If they sent Burmistrov back to Barrie, he’s gone for the season. They can’t bring him back. These other guys could be sent to Chicago if need be and recalled due to injury, ineffectiveness, etc. I just think that Ramsay will look out for Alex and not let him get lost. Not to mention working with an NHL- level strength coach every day.
Waffleboy
October 19th, 2010
7:59 pm
Barring a disaster or injury, Burmistrov is here for the year. That said, if his play starts to struggle, you need to sit him for the good of the team. You can’t be worried about his development at the expense of the team’s success.
kracker
October 19th, 2010
8:01 pm
I voted wait until next weekbut y’all are convincing me Burma should stay. But if he goes to jr, I don’t wait past Saturday, go ahead and transfer him after Friday or Saturday’s game. Following this weekend, the Thrashers will need to practice w/o Burma on Sun-Tues to work on the reconfigured lines.
What is Cormier’s rehab status?
Zoomo
October 19th, 2010
8:03 pm
Burmy stays. He’s gotten pushed off the puck in the corners and has tried a few I’ll advised “too much fancy”. Other than that, he’s shown very good vision on the ice, a great work ethic and a running motor.
I like his versatility. Good on the PK and a guy who can be dangerous in short handed situations, good on a checking line, and I think he’ll be a very good assist man by year’s end based on his ability to see the ice and find his mates.
Nate
October 19th, 2010
8:09 pm
Rawhide – I think you mean 2010 -2011 season.
And I think he should stay. He’s a plus player. He’s helping the team more than he’s hurting the team. And he’s only going to get better.
jeff97
October 19th, 2010
8:15 pm
I think he stays. similar to Kane last year, he does very little right now on the ice that hurts this team. He is also very skilled and since he plays on the 4th line, that means he will often be out there on the ice vs other teams 4th lines against players not as skilled as him. i think that gives us an advantage. Sure there will be some bumps along the way, but i think he has earned this chance with his play and his overall attitude.
Rawhide
October 19th, 2010
8:17 pm
Raymond Bowe – Yes indeed they do play in the oHL. I brain cramped on that…sorry. It’s been fixed.
kracker – I haven’t heard yet about when Cormier should return. I’m sure as soon as he’s ready to hit the ice again, C-Viv will let us know.
jimbo
October 19th, 2010
8:17 pm
He’s playing 14+ minutes in the NHL that has to equate to about 14 games in the OHL. He appears to fit, is not awed, and skates as well as any of our centers. Keep the kid and continue his OJT.
Hokie P. Clisters
October 19th, 2010
8:29 pm
If Burmy stays then it says alot about Rammer’s confidence in him. Burmy seems to be doing all the little things to make coach happy. Rammer seems to go out of his way to praise the rookie. I am looking forward to see him play so I can make my own opinion. His teammates certainly seem to like him alot. However if he breaks out any figure 8’s then there’s trouble afoot…………..
SomaAtl95
October 19th, 2010
8:42 pm
I vote we keep him. Nuff said.
dwayne
October 19th, 2010
8:57 pm
if he stays there will be trouble, if he goes it will be doubled. i dont know what the hell that means for Johnny Burma tho.
Tony C
October 19th, 2010
9:02 pm
Howabout a 3rd option: Loan him to Frolunda ?
Tony C
October 19th, 2010
9:25 pm
IF he doesn’t stick-which while you can see he is still a boy amongst men, he does have some very adequate protectors skating with him… Still his vision is superior and while the speed of the game as it translates to time and space is something he’s still catching up to you can see (as Mr. T said) game-to-game improvement. The guy obviously wants to be here and that alone speaks to keeping him and well, it’s just a treat to watch him backcheck.
thebighairybeast
October 19th, 2010
9:26 pm
I guess I lean towards the stay side. Though I really want to say he goes down. Mainly due to the log jam we will have with the forwards. If he stays, who goes down when Cormier is up and at em?
Tony C
October 19th, 2010
9:47 pm
Also, some thoughts on Valabik-the guy’s still just 24…. if we look at most legit top-4 guys, it takes them a good 2-3 seasons at the NHL level to start to turn their stats towards a positive +/- … I’ve been watching the guy for as long as yall have and wow, he does seem to be a 1 step forward 2 steps back (at best)…but I also don’t believe he’s been afforded the time to “get” the NHL game… in part because of injury problems… I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a top-4 guy in this league, him being on waivers, should he find himself in the right situation (another org.) he could very well blossom (like a certain Finn who, for all the grief he catches on these pages sports a career 2.67 GAA and is 4-1 on the young season) much like Chara did after leaving NYI or Prongs did upon reaching STL…
Darkhorse
October 19th, 2010
9:50 pm
What a nice problem for the Thrashers to have for a change. Too many useful forwards…..not enough sticks. I still need till game nine to decide, mainly because of the logjam and no one wanting to deal this time of year.
Mikey
October 19th, 2010
9:55 pm
Put me down for “ask me next week”, but I’d bet he sticks around.
The kid as done well, better than I thought so good for him
Smoothie
October 19th, 2010
10:15 pm
He stays, I would be very surprised if they sent him back to Barrie. Once Cormier does his “time” in the AHL and becomes a viable option to the parent club, the Thrashers will have great depth and flexibility to call up players like Patrice, Machacek and Freddy P.
Only problem is who becomes expendable? Modin or Dawes? Nigel is in a position where the next 5 to 10 games will be crucial to his future in ATL. And unfortunately, injuries do happen and it looks like ATL will have some organizational depth to lessen the blow.
Short-term IR for Antropov to give him 2 weeks of rest? I could see it happening when Cormier is ready or if Freddy P shows he’s deserving of a re-call.
Mikey
October 19th, 2010
10:21 pm
BTW BlogMaster, I like how the AJC have moved your link higher up on the Thrashers page. Right up near the top where it should be.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-thrashers/
kracker
October 19th, 2010
10:28 pm
I’ll be darned!!?? I see Jeff Schultz has written what may be a favorable column about our Atlanta Thrashers, judging from the column title. I will read it tomorrow and see if that is so.
Mr. Heat Miser
October 19th, 2010
10:37 pm
Make him eat at the Varsity for lunch and make him hit the weights. Stays.
Polskidawg
October 19th, 2010
10:50 pm
He’s already a remarkable effective 4th line center, dare I say the best in team history. He’s staying. Dudley essentially said so when he was drafted – only injury or falling completely on his face would have changed it.
Cormier will spend a few weeks in Chicago, then he’ll be here to play and stay. I’d say that bodes poorly for Bolts, Modin and/or Dawes, as others have suggested.
Midfield
October 19th, 2010
11:08 pm
Burmistrov is not going to be sent down if Ramsay has any say in the matter. That’s pretty clear to me. He’s the most skillful PK forward Atlanta has ever had.
Thrashy Thrashy
October 20th, 2010
12:36 am
All you have to do is watch the kid to know he should be on this team for the duration. He’s in a perfect situation to learn the game on that fourth line. Besides, Rams can always sit Burmy for a game here and there to get him some rest.
stendek
October 20th, 2010
1:42 am
No need to wreck team chemistry now Bill. Just a thought. STENDEK @ _ @ GO THRASHERS!
Cornbread
October 20th, 2010
2:01 am
I’m liking more from him each game. At this point, stay.
Thrashpuppy
October 20th, 2010
2:14 am
I’m leaning toward stay too. His ability to read the ice and the play seems to be advanced for a player his age, from what I’ve heard and read so far. We need that. I hope he will work on building himself up more. But unless something drastic changes in the next few games, I just don’t see us letting him go back down.
Eugene
October 20th, 2010
2:36 am
They should send him down so that he can get more ice time in the minors. One more year of development and he can come back next year a much better player.
Alan R.
October 20th, 2010
7:12 am
Compared to our other centers, he’s already getting top-6 minutes. I’m completely in the “let him stay” camp — he’s earned it, even if he hasn’t scored yet.
Alan R.
October 20th, 2010
7:22 am
Hmm, now this is interesting…
Wonder how the league is going to handle this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5LdnNz2gXo&feature=player_embedded
Red Light
October 20th, 2010
8:08 am
No. 8 is ranked 9th of the 42 rookie forwards who have played this year in terms of ice time and only two others have seen as much PK time on ice (nearly 2 minutes per game). Even with Slater’s return, Alex is 3rd among all Thrashers forwards in PK time behind Slater and Thorburn. Just don’t think there is much to be gained by sending him back to the OHL, except alienation, and we have already witnessed that with Bergfors. He stays and the rest of the roster moves will fall into place later. Antropov, Modin and Dawes haven’t created shots and aren’t getting the minutes they are probably used to just yet, but I wouldn’t expect that to last much longer. Antro got off to a slow start last season too in terms of goals, but with only one assist so far, he must still be bothered the hip.
Brendan
October 20th, 2010
8:11 am
Well, you all know how I feel about rushing prospects. So, conceptually and philosophically, I prefer to have high-end picks spend a year in development, for growth, strength, and maturity. Point of fact, “every, single Thrashers high-end draft pick has been injured in their rookie season.”
Okay, with all that out of the way, and knowing Thrashers history as I do, I doubt this Burmistrov is going anywhere. They may keep him on 4th line, as a developmental measure. And I can support that, to a degree. But, this eventual role is that of a Top Six forward. He is somewhat undersized at this age. I hope he’ll be okay. History within the “new” NHL shows us … that it’s a young man’s league, and that some prospects can make the leap right from the Summer Draft to the Fall NHL season. I just hope … that he’ll get through the season free from injuries, to buck the trend.
glovesave29
October 20th, 2010
8:49 am
Burmistrov has good hockey sense, and that cannot be taught…you either have it or you don’t. For him to be sent back to the OHL – against players far inferior to him is a waste of a valuable resource. Let him play on the 4th line – get 12 to 14 minutes a game…that is infinitely more useful than 25+ minutes a game on the top line in Barrie.
More importantly he is learning the life of a pro athlete. The temptations and the travel…the OHL is a tightly packed league geographically. The WHL actually better prepares players for the rigors of the NHL season. It’s more travel and a tougher style of play.
Still find it amazingly silly that it’s OK of a player of his age to play in the NHL, but he is too young for the AHL, ECHL or CHL.
World Be Free
October 20th, 2010
8:50 am
Like others have stated-this team needs to win this year, they need to start filling the seats again. If Burmie is the best man for his current position (or better) then he needs to stay. This franchise has to turn aroundnow and they need the talent to make it happen.
He stays-no need to ask me in 1 week.
DWTOO
October 20th, 2010
9:01 am
This is a real weakness in the system. He would gain nothing returning to Juniors where he’d be the big fish in the small pond. The only advantage is that the clock won’t start on his contract situation. He would probably be better served playing in the AHL or ECHL for a year and transition into the NHL. Since the options are limited he is best served remaining with the Thrashers.
J-man
October 20th, 2010
9:39 am
Cormier is not going to start with the Thrashers. With zero pre-season games played, it would be absolutely delusional to conclude that he won a spot in the NHL. He’ll go to Chicago and depending on his play and how some players on the Thrashers do, he might be called up later. Or he could end up playing the whole season in Chicago.
I’m not seeing how Burmistrov doesn’t stay. The experience he gets will be invaluable and will bring him that much closer to being a big contributor in the future on this team.
World Be Free
October 20th, 2010
9:57 am
The only advantage to Burmie returning to Barrie is the opportunity to play top line minutes and leadership responsibilities. I think a guy like this would learn more from being around NHL professionals, players and coaches. The current system protects the junior teams so NHL clubs won’t just move a player from juniors to the AHL for seasoning. For this reason, I approve of the current system.
Dandylions
October 20th, 2010
10:10 am
Alan R – I think a few free tickets are in store for that fan!
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
10:44 am
I’ve only gotten to see Burmie play in 2 games; the opener against the Craps and the next night vs the Bolts. He played like he belonged in both games.
And while I like most of us had Cormier penciled in this year, he hadn’t actually won a spot. I would not want to give it to him, simply on reputation. Let him tear it up in the minor leagues. A spot will eventually open for him, due to either injury or non-production of someone else.
Speaking of the minor leagues, I went to see the OKC Barons play the Lake Erie Ice Monsters (what a great name!) last night. The Barons won 3-0, with Martin Gerber in net. Maybe 250-300 people at the game (seemed like attendance at a Thrahser game). I sat in the 3rd row and it was quiet enough there you could hear the puck hit the glass (girls screamed when it hit in front of them). Glovesave, they had 2 of “our peeps” playing for the Ice Monsters, Z. Cohen & C. Cohen (I’m guessing they’re brothers).
Red Light
October 20th, 2010
10:45 am
The junior coaches have too much pressure on them to win. They all think they are the next Toe Blake. Keep him here so that Ramsay can continue to teach him and not let someone else screw up his development.
Tom
October 20th, 2010
10:55 am
The line for me is the penalty kill. If a junior player has the skills and determination to play on the penalty kill against the best talent in the world, they deserve to play at this level. And with 4th line minutes the wear and tear is not as extreme for the young player.
Old Time Hockey
October 20th, 2010
10:59 am
Take the contractural/RFA stuff out of the equation. Is he good enough to help the team? Sure looks that way and should only get better, as long as he avoids the rookie injury we have come to know the last few years.
Red Light
October 20th, 2010
11:00 am
Nice start for Brendan Morrison in Calgary. After trying out for the ‘Nucks and released, he gets picked up by the Flames and has responded with a goal and four assists in his first five games and is playing about 15 minutes per game.
OmniFan
October 20th, 2010
11:00 am
Five_hole-Zach and Colby Cohen were brother Terriers on the 2009 NCAA champs at Boston University but as far as I know, they’re not related
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
11:04 am
OmniFan Thanks for the info. Quite a coincidence that they played both at BU and for the same minor league team.
Tom
October 20th, 2010
11:17 am
Via CViv — Bogosian, Bergfors and Boulton are Thrashers scratches.
The bad attitude that Bergfors brought here and through the contract negotiations is wearing on Thrasher management. I think he is not long for this team if he keeps getting scratched.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2010
11:27 am
The bad attitude that Bergfors brought here and through the contract negotiations is wearing on Thrasher management. I think he is not long for this team if he keeps getting scratched.
I don’t get that sense at all… from everything I’ve heard, he’s been good through all of this.
http://bluelandblog.com/2010/10/19/bergfors-a-work-in-progrss/
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2010
11:28 am
Never would have predicted at the beginning of the season that Burmistrov and Stewart would get regular ice time and Bergfors would be a healthy scratch.
James Brown
October 20th, 2010
11:31 am
Something is going on with Bergfors and Ramsey………………maybe he will catch fire like Slater did last year after he sat upstairs for a while.
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
11:33 am
If we’re only carrying 13 forwards, how can Ramsey sit both Bergfors & Boults?
JB
October 20th, 2010
11:43 am
Something is going on with Bergfors and Ramsey………………maybe he will catch fire like Slater did last year after he sat upstairs for a while.
^THIS
Rawhide
October 20th, 2010
11:52 am
five_hole – I believe at this time we do have 14 forwards:
Antropov, Bergfors, Boulton, Burmistrov, Dawes, Eager, Kane, Ladd, Little, Modin, Peverley, Slater, Stewart and Thorburn.
It was 13 prior to Slater’s return, Valabik went down to make room on the roster & get the defense to just 7.
I believe Dudley/Ramsay made a comment to C-Viv last week that they preferred to go with 13 forwards and not 14. If so, a move will need to be made. Sorry, I should have been more clear about that in the post.
TrueBlue
October 20th, 2010
11:59 am
Ya know, everyone talked all summer about Bergfors amazing offensive production…Yet, reading the Blueland Blog, we can see he really didn’t produce the way people around here talk. I am a bit surprised that he is being scratched so regularly though. A bit strange to me. A game or so to get his head back in the game should have been enough,
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
12:00 pm
Thanks Rawhide.
If Dudley and Co. choose the latter, I would assume Nigel Dawes could loose some games to last winter’s captain of Canada’s world junior squad, providing some company in the press box for Eric Boulton.
So, in order to get down to 13 forwards, you think it would be more likely for Dawes, Boults or Bergfors to be sent down? Seems to me the odd man out is Boulton. He doesn’t seem to have a place on this squad.
Rawhide
October 20th, 2010
12:06 pm
five_hole – Yeah, I agree. If they made a move right now to trim back to 13, I would think Boults is out. They have iced a nice set of lines w/o him thus far. His biggest asset with us in the past was his enforcer role. But we’ve got guys that can do that for us and be an offensive threat, (see also, Ben Eager).
As for Cormier, I would gather he heads to Chicago and plays there. Then later in the season, he is called up if someone is injured or to provide some extra depth down the …fingers crossed…playoff stretch.
Monkey
October 20th, 2010
12:29 pm
Keep the Kid! Build the team thru youth…not washed up veterans.
Brendan
October 20th, 2010
12:43 pm
Can we count Byfuglien as a forward? I’m still waiting for that change to be made.
FormerIslesFan
October 20th, 2010
1:16 pm
From my perspective, it’s pretty simple. Burmy should stay. I think his development here, based on the role he is playing and how he is handling it, is going to be better than anything that the “O” could give him.
I’m also of the opinion that when Cormier is ready to play, he will be assigned to the Wolves and given a chance to get his feet (foot?) back under him. I cannot imagine that he is ready to jump directly to the NHL after missing all of camp and pre-season with an injury. Take it a little slow with him and have him ready for the second half push.
BW
October 20th, 2010
1:16 pm
Like the Braves found out with J-Hey…the Thrashers don’t have enough goodwill to demote a player that is positively impacting the team.
Red Light
October 20th, 2010
1:59 pm
Sabres lines for tonight’s game per John Vogl
Roy-Vanek-Stafford
Connolly-McCormick-Hecht
Gaustad-Gerbe-Kaleta
Niedermayer-Grier-Ennis
Nice and interesting article from Bucky Gleason on former Sabres d-man Jay McKee, now a volunteer coach at Niagara!
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/columns/bucky-gleason/article225034.ece
Hoof Arted
October 20th, 2010
3:11 pm
There was this nasty foul odor downtown today. I thought the sewers had backed up.
But then I realized it was just the normal crowd of Buffaslug fans gathering near CNN Center.
Diego from Lilburn
October 20th, 2010
3:59 pm
I say he stays. He’s got the hustle down. Can you imagine him and Kane together? They could exhaust some opposing lines in quick fashion.
Red Light, can you take all our Hat Trick guesses and just make it the “Guess Who Gets the 2nd Hat Trick” Contest?
Joe Friday
October 20th, 2010
4:22 pm
I don’t know if it’s any attitude of if it’s just Bergfors’ game doesn’t equate to what they’re building here. He’s not a Ramsay guy and he’s not a Dudley guy. it’s why he got the back of the hand when it was contract time, one year, take it or leave it. Ramsay never talked about this guy, but gushes about Cormier (can’t wait to see him skate full time for us this year, I think he’s going to be the real deal and will fit this system to a T).
To us, we think “we need scorers, put Bergfors in there” but they have a plan and they’re sticking to it. He’s not a banger, he’s more of a floater, cherry picker like a Kovy or Max, so he doesn’t fit in the system. I really think Ramsay would rather have Stewart in there and Dawes in there than Bergfors.
World Be Free
October 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
Side note-one of may favorite little nasty guys signed with Nashville – Steve Begin. If we did not sign Dawes, I would have signed Begin. Physical player and no visor. You can’t be a tough guy and wear a visor.
R. Stroz
October 20th, 2010
4:30 pm
Traffic is moving at snails, or a slugs, pace going toward Philips Arena. There is a foul stench emanating from numerous cars, which smell like buffalo chips.
Russ
October 20th, 2010
4:44 pm
Let’s see if the Thrashers can keep shots against under 30 tonight. Mason has been very good so far and carried the team to a win in San Jose, but the shots being allowed is not a long term recipe for success. GO THRASHERS!!!!!
five_hole
October 20th, 2010
6:34 pm
Giving my karma to the Thrashers.
Zoomo
October 20th, 2010
7:43 pm
Watching via the internet from a hotel room in Marayland. They need some more jump in the 2nd period.
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:09 pm
Kari Lehtonen has returned to Philips Arena! What? Chris? Chris who? Chris Mason. Swear the sieve looks just like that other untalented bum. Team with one win comes into Atlanta then promptly slams three goals past this loser! Guy looks like he is playing with fly swatter not stick. Hey Thrashers. I do not give a **** what you do on road but it is imperative to win, or at least tie, on home ice. That is what playoff teams do. Hell, that is what above average teams do! Know what losers do? Stink up home ice! Very uninspired disappointing exhibition. Very much so. Ashamed to max. STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:15 pm
Is there some clause in contracts that Thrashers MUST perform like shet on home ice? Just saying. Man this sucks big time! Horrible display from team I want so damn much to embrace. Will maintain distance now. Total crap! STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:16 pm
Is Moose still available? Sigh. STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:19 pm
Thrashers may be average. No more than that. I had such high hopes. No more. No offense. No defense. No goaltender. No coaching. Hardly recipe for success! STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:40 pm
Forty minutes of stink it up hockey. No damn way to build enthusiastic fan base! Great way to discourage one. No Thrasher has displayed any fire, grit or heart. That is the demoralizing part. So very sad. STENDEK
stendek
October 20th, 2010
8:43 pm
Crash the net. Crash the net! CRASH THE DAMN NET! Know what Thrashers need to do? Three guesses. STENDEK
Thrashers27
October 20th, 2010
9:05 pm
Sopel’s gotta go. He may be willing to block a puck with his face, but otherwise, he’s not gonna help us. I wouldn’t cry if Dawes was bumped out either.
stendek
October 20th, 2010
9:14 pm
At least the sorry bestards did not get shut out on home ice! ONLY halfway positive thing about that choke job. Nauseating! STENDEK
Nate
October 20th, 2010
10:25 pm
That effort was so pathetic I left after the second period. I had better things to do tonight than watch a bunch of pansies that call themselves professional athletes skate up and down the ice in a haze. What a bunch of $#(*&$#(*&!!!!!!!!!!
stendek
October 20th, 2010
10:31 pm
Get a refund Nate? You were certainly entitled to one! You shelled out good money to watch two NHL teams compete not one. Sorry pal. I feel your pain. New season same old losers! STENDEK
R. Stroz
October 20th, 2010
10:38 pm
Wow, that was a crapfest.
The Rammer
October 20th, 2010
10:59 pm
The boys pooped their pants tonight.
Brendan
October 20th, 2010
11:14 pm
Well, that was a waste of an evening. The Sabres fans sure had fun!
Russ, I think the Sabres were credited with 42 shots on goal. I think Atlanta had 18. I’m not a math major, but I think that means they doubled up on us. “Psst! Brendan? They quadrupled up on us, it was, 4-1.” Right you are, anonymous poster.
Truthfully, I think the Thrashers were the beneficiaries of a non-goal by Buffalo in the 3rd period on a wrap-around. That sure looked like it was over the goal line. But, hey … they reviewed it … and didn’t find it to be a goal. Yay! Toronto helped us out, tonight. Someone had to. I’m hard pressed to name a Thrasher ready to play, tonight. Maybe Burmistrov. I lost count of how many times the Thrashers overskated the puck, and/or flatout turned the puck over. And two bench-minors, in one game, AT HOME??? Folks, that happens in collegiate hockey. It “could” happen in the AHL. But at the NHL-level, there’s almost nothing more embarrassing, for a Coach, then bench-minors. Honestly, maybe they need to work on that in practice.
Ramsay: “Gather ’round, boys.”
Players: “What are going to work on today, Coach?”
Ramsay: “Making successful line changes.”
Well, it was just one game. One of 82. There will be 76 more. Starting Friday, vs. Steven Stamkos (on pace for 60 goals) and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Maybe, with some luck, they’ll start Dan Ellis. Seriously, I think Tampa Bay is going to be a playoff team. I know, it’s early, and even Toronto and the Islanders look GOOD at this juncture, but with Simon Gagne, St. Louis, Lecavalier, Hedman, Stamkos, etc., this team is deep enough for a playoff-run. Their new ownership has made a different. They’ve changed the whole ATMOSPHERE of the lockerroom. Good for them. With Len Barrie and Oren Koules, they were a FANTASY LEAGUE team gone haywire. Much different, now. Hopefully, the Thrashers will have new ownership in the Spring.
Tom
October 20th, 2010
11:30 pm
My impressions of the game – The boys tried to be too fancy. Lots of dekes and moves and Center Ice highlight film passes that never quite made it. And the fact that they had only 18 shots just backs me up.
Hockey games are won by putting pucks to the net and then crashing the net. Instead nobody back checked, Hainsey and Sopel were left on an island without water, and everyone else acted like it was fan appreciation day and time to show our fanciest moves.
Ramsey has to show the boys film of the Caps game and how puck control, shots to the net, and intense play will win games.
Rawhide
October 21st, 2010
12:12 am
What’s the Thrashers new ad slogan this year? “A brutally good time”?
Yeah, well…that’s exactly what the Buffalo Sabres had last night in Thrasherville…a brutally good time.
R. Stroz
October 24th, 2010
11:00 am
LAST!
Rawhide
October 24th, 2010
4:53 pm
R. Stroz – Nope.