Accountability and responsibility – Thrashers face defining games after ‘unacceptable’ loss
Unacceptable: (adj.) Not Acceptable. Unsatisfactory. – “The Atlanta Thrashers’ effort during the 4-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres was ‘unacceptable’”.
There really weren’t a lot of positives to take from Wednesday night’s “effort” against the Buffalo Sabres. And to a man, everyone seemed willing to accept their fair share of the blame for the 4-1 loss, one in which they were outshot 42-18.
But if you’re like me and care little for excuses, then at least you appreciated the words that came out of the Atlanta locker room following the game. Starting with the man behind the bench on down to the players who were on the ice, none were offered up and only words of accountability were expressed.
Thrashers head coach Craig Ramsay was able to get the team's attention after Ondrej Pavelec was carted off the ice on opening night. They rallied for a 4-2 win against the Capitals. But he needs to get them focused and ready this weekend following Wednesday's "unacceptable" effort (AJC Photo/Curtis Compton)
“We turned over pucks in the neutral zone. We gave up odd-man rushes. Our changes were horrendous”, head coach Craig Ramsay said following the lackluster performance. “It’s one of those games you want to throw away, you have to deal with, and it wasn’t fun after the way we played with a high pace against the teams out west. To come home and play at a slow pace was unacceptable”.
“We were just too darn sloppy. They picked us apart”.
Ron Hainsey has seen his share of stink bombs dropped by these Thrashers. And he wasn’t applying any sugar to the coat this one. “[The neutral zone] was a problem, but we were not good in most areas, except for goaltending,” the Thrashers defenseman said.
“It was an issue. We had turnovers in the neutral zone. That was a problem, turnovers in the neutral zone, but we were bad in most areas. It was one of those games where we weren’t that good”.
Hainsey even compared Wednesday B-slapping to on-ice failures of previous seasons, saying it was “sort of a flash back” to flush-worthy games of years gone by. Hmmm, I wonder if he ever wakes up in the middle of the night drenched by a cold sweat after his subconscious painted nocturnal visuals of the 8-1 drubbing by the Capitals last winter.
…shudders…
And don’t look for any whining about the travel to, around and from the west coast last week. “That’s a typical excuse you can use,” goalie Chris Mason said. “The travel in this league, everyone has to do it. There is no reason. Maybe the first couple of shifts, but there is no reason to have a whole game like that”.
That sentiment is very reminiscent of former coach Bob Hartley’s “If they are ‘tired’ from the travel, let them install windshields for a while” comment several years back.
Missing from any post-game comments, however …anything that had to do with “bad bounces”, “bad luck” or “a break, a break there” kind of tripe. They were flat out outplayed, flat out beat and, if nothing else, it’s refreshing to hear those responsible for the debacle man-up and hold themselves accountable for their part in it.
Accountability: (n.) The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account; the obligation to bear the consequences for failure to perform as expected; accountableness – “The Thrashers players have expressed words of ‘accountability’ for their play”.
Now, if you are looking for any silver lining in the cloud that still emanates from the steaming pile of FAIL that the Thrashers dropped on the ice of Philips Arena Wednesday night, it’s that no team has ever been eliminated from the postseason after a loss in the sixth game of the season. As bad as it was…and it was bad…there are still 76 still to be played in season.
Thomas Vanek, Drew Stafford and the rest of the Buffalo Sabres had themselves a brutally good time in Thrasherville Wednesday night. They won 4-1 and outshot Atlanta 11-2 in the first period (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The first of those will occur tonight when the 4-1-1 Tampa Bay Lightning make their first of three trips to Thrasherville. The Bolts arrive in Thrasherville following last night’s video review-delayed overtime loss to the Islanders.
This next game, and the one that follows, will show just as much about who and what this team is than the events of two nights ago…if not more. While they won’t push them on the brink of playoff elimination if lost, the way the conduct themselves will show a lot about what kind of pride these Thrashers take in themselves and their team.
It”ll be a defining moment, if you will, in this still-young season.
If the coaches and players were truly embarrassed at the way the they were beaten…and they should be…then the way the come out versus these division rivals will say a lot about how they worked, how they practiced and how the committed themselves to insure the past does not repeat itself. This is even made all the more so given they were beaten in Tampa Bay 5-3 on the opening weekend of the season.
As we’ve taught our children…it’s one thing to simply acknowledge accountability and express remorse for being responsible for what took place. It’s another to hold one’s self accountable and responsible to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
By some accounts I have heard from people close to the organization, during a team meeting yesterday that it was made very clear by Ramsay and Co. that no player was exempt from being held accountable and responsible for their actions. No player…from the highest paid to the lowest…was above having to answer to their teammates and coaches for “unacceptable” play and no job was “safe”.
To that measure, Nigel Dawes, found himself riding the waver wire by the end of the day. If he clears waivers at noon today he’ll find himself playing in the AHL along with Boris Valabik, who himself was thrown to the Wolves last week. Dawes had no points and was a –6 in six games played. His game-winning shootout goal in Anaheim Friday was one of his few highlights.
But I would not at all be surprised if others find themselves on the “outs” if either game this weekend come close to fouling the air as badly as the last one did.
Responsibility: (n.) 1. The state, quality, or fact of being responsible. 2.Something for which one is responsible; a duty, obligation, or burden. – “Coach Ramsay will make it clear that the ‘responibility’ rests with every man on the team when it comes to their on-ice performance”.
Who could find themselves in danger of being tossed into Ramsay’s doghouse? Well, dare I suggest one Mr. Bryan Little? He has three assists and is a +2, but after six games has yet to crinkle the twine. This alone wouldn’t be all that troubling if not for the fact he is coming off a disappointing 13 goal just a season ago.
I mean, not to sound cynical, but just how long is Little going to be able to merit the “but he scored 31 for us in 2008-09” defense before his lack of scoring over the past season-plus starts to become a serious concern? The twelfth overall pick in ’06 needs illuminate the lamp.
Nigel Dawes scored the shootout winner against the Anaheim Ducks last Friday night. However, he had no points, was a -6 and was placed on waivers Thursday (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Rich Peverley, the waver-wire steal of two seasons ago, has scored just as many goals this season as Little has…or you or I have, for that matter. Pevs has but 2 assists and is a –2.
Both are leading candidates to find their images on my Todd White Honorary Milk Carton this fall.
Then there’s Freddy Modin, who has been barely visible on the ice with one goal and a –4 in 5 games played. I honestly expected a little more from the veteran.
Are the above-mentioned three, or any other player… including Nigel Dawes… solely responsible for the beat-down at the hands of Buffalo or the atrociously high amount of shots taken on our goal? Nope. But these are top-line performers who are looked upon this season to perform as such.
Excuses need not apply here.
And while I don’t see Little or Peverley being sent packing, I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility that their ice time could be reduced in favor of those who are getting the job done.
Simply put, coach Ramsay doesn’t strike me as the type who places “player potential” or “past performances” higher in value than “on-ice effort” and “scoreboard results”.
Accountability and responsibility: Two virtues the players had better hold themselves to this weekend. If not, the Thrashers now have a coach who will indeed do just that… hold them accountable and responsible for their actions.
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249 comments Add your comment
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 22nd, 2010
10:39 pm
9,138 @ the Bulb tonight? Funny….Crowd didn’t look that large on TV.
Horrible on-ice product + ludicrously priced tickets = well, if you need the answer explained to you, then you probably work in the Ticket Sales/Promotions Dept at the ASG.
I’m just sayin’……
Sage of Bluesland
October 22nd, 2010
10:42 pm
What a joke this organization is! Welcome to expansion days all over again.
Brendan talks that this is year 4 of the latest “Five Year Plan”….I think it’s closer to year 1.
Why the sheep continue to subsidize THIS, I’ll never understand. It’s actually offensive and an insult to my intelligence. Stop, ASG employees…Please stop with the propagandistic tripe. Leave that garbage to clowns like Smoothie and the guy who makes his hair a ‘flame’ or other idiotic “look”.
(just when I need a Sara-spreadsheet to feel better…where is it when you need one?…what an absolute JOKE!)
Just Curious
October 22nd, 2010
10:49 pm
OK Sage, how many of the 3 home games have you attended this year? (and this includes those you attended as “Joe Friday” or any of your other aliases.) Tell the truth, Sage!
R. Stroz
October 22nd, 2010
10:52 pm
Earlier I said that Freddy Modin was this year’s Ken Klee. I was wrong.
Modin is this year’s Todd White.
Sage of Bluesland
October 22nd, 2010
11:08 pm
Attended?! I haven’t attended a game in YEARS–and I’m proud of it. I refuse to ‘directly’ put money into this ownership’s pocket…the very thought of giving some of my hard-earned money to that fraud Don Waddell is hateful to me.
Is that all you’ve got? I remember when Joe Friday was Bob–and even when he still DEFENDED Don Waddell…Yes, he thought I was wrong and that we were ‘headed in the right direction’…I’m sure he laughed at me, too. He didn’t approve of me crowing about being right all along when he FINALLY came to his senses and belatedly concluded what I knew and preached all along…
But who remembers all that?
You need some game, son. Get with Sara on that spweadsheet–and let me know if you still think Don Waddell is doing a good job, all things being equal…
STOP SUBSIDIZING THIS INCOMPETENCE. YOU WANT CHANGE? DEMAND IT THROUGH YOUR WALLET. Everything else is just a waste.
I thought this team was supposed to be more solid defensively than we’ve ever been? What a joke. What a sad, pitiful, and pathetic joke.
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:19 pm
In wonderful mood. No World Series repeat for damn Yankees! Thanks Texas. Ohio Bearkittens lose at home! Thanks South Florida. As for blue uniformed Turkeys? Thanks for nothing. These bums should all be flipping burgers for minimum wage! Another no show heartless debacle at Philips Arena. Turned away after second goal. Knew q
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:29 pm
Trying again. Sorry folks.
In wonderful mood. No World Series repeat for damn Yankees! Thanks Texas. Ohio Bearkittens lose at home! Thanks South Florida. As for blue uniformed Turkeys? Thanks for nothing. All these bums should all be flipping burgers for minimum wage! No professional hockey players on this roster. Another no show heartless debacle at Philips Arena. Turned away after second goal. Knew quitters had mailed another one in again. Never inclined to switch back. Glad I did not! First the positives…NONE! Now negatives…offense, defense, coaching, goaltending and basically everything else. Thought marshmallow goals would be at minimum with banishment of Sori Letemin. Did not take into account Marshmallow Mason. What a sieve! Fans should boycott all remaining home games. Studio hockey (empty home arena) is what these heartless scumballs deserve! No excuses necessary. There are no excuses for this shet! STENDEK
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:41 pm
Accountability? Uh. NO! Pride? Fire? Desire? Heart? Uh. NO! To that idiot announcer that says YOUR Thrashers are behind by (pick any number) of goals. How about shutting the Hell up? These uncaring losers may be YOUR Thrashers but they damn sure are NOT mine! My Thrashers at least make it appear that they are trying during a game! Not these a$$hole quitters! So spare me. STENDEK
B. Thenet
October 22nd, 2010
11:42 pm
There is no excuse for the lack of effort shown in the 1st period of the last two games.
None.
There have to be players in Chicago(AHL) that are at least willing to put forth the effort for 60 minutes. Call them up.
Hockey Biltong
October 22nd, 2010
11:43 pm
It was craptacular, to say the least….
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:44 pm
Any players would be an upgrade from these no talents! STENDEK
R. Stroz
October 22nd, 2010
11:44 pm
Oduya is making Boris look good.
R. Stroz
October 22nd, 2010
11:45 pm
Actually, Charmin is better than Modin.
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:51 pm
Glad Turkeys firmed up after that embarrassing unacceptable loss to Sabres! With even more undigestable debacle against Tampa Bay. A DIVISION RIVAL NO LESS! Wow. Wonder if another meeting with coach will lead to 10-0 foldup at Philips Arena next? Just saying. STENDEK
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:52 pm
Can we trade entire team and coaching staff? Set a new precedent! STENDEK
Just Curious
October 22nd, 2010
11:54 pm
Sage, do you watch the Thrashers on FSS?
stendek
October 22nd, 2010
11:57 pm
Losses are unavoidable! Bearable only (only stressed here) when players give their all. These bums are not giving their all. It was plain to see that entire squad gave up after second goal! Guess what guys? So did I! Thanks. Got to watch uplifting Yankee baseball defeat and South Florida football victory. Appreciate you making decision for me! This type of who givews a damn play is killing hockey base in this state! Happy? STENDEK
stendek
October 23rd, 2010
12:00 am
Idiot clueless jerks who do not know squat about hockey can lay off Sage! One of few voices of reason. No reason to sprinkle shet over sugar! It still smells the same. Terrible hockey is terrible hockey! Sub .500 after two home choke jobs? Hmm. STENDEK
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 23rd, 2010
12:12 am
I really feel sorry for the STH & “Flex Plan” Buyers who were suckered in with this sham. I know it’s a “new” team and all and I’m not willing to throw in the towel just yet after only 7 games…..But these past two games look, uh, “unacceptable”. What kind of team (and players) QUIT on their coaches, fans and themselves after only 5 games into a season? I’ve seen quite a bit of sports teams in my years, but I have trouble recalling one that just flat gave up and started phoning in performances following the first 5 games of a new season! There needs to be a player who stands up in the locker room and becomes a leader here or the season really will be lost quickly.
Big Buff gets my vote. He just kept on and on and on tonight until he finally got the payoff. That’s the kind of effort every player on this team needs for every game! Besides, who’s gonna stand up in his face and say, “I don’t care what you say, I’m doing whatever I want to do. You wanna do something about it?”
That’s my 2 cents and I’m out. Oh yeah…..ASG: The freakin’ single ticket prices are WAY TOO HIGH!!! But I already covered that, right?
stendek
October 23rd, 2010
12:14 am
From the mouths of morons:
“We want to use [(Marshmallow) Mason on Saturday against Washington] (use him for what coach?),” coach Craig Ramsay (Petrino) said (with wink and wry smile). “You might as well let the kid(der) play (a loss is a loss is a loss). You tell the team it’s not the goalies’ fault (even though most NHL can save better than half the shots taken at them) . They are not supposed to give up (give up is team motto) so many chances (shots?). You put teams on the power play that often they are going to score (cause penalty killing could not stop sightless skaters), especially a team that talented.”
Mason, who had played all but the first 2:25 of the season in goal, said he was not tired (because he has not worked this season). He also pointed (in finest excuse fashion) to the Thrashers’ penalty woes (wah baldie). The Lightning converted two of the six chances (sieve).
“For whatever reason we are not as composed to start games as we need to be (excuse number what?),” Mason said. “It’s tough getting into penalty trouble (not getting into it but out of it), and you are expecting the penalty kill [unit] to get the job done a little too often (insert laughter here). It’s costing us (ya think?).”
Sigh. STENDEK
stendek
October 23rd, 2010
12:16 am
Pavs flat on back better than upright Marshmallow Mason. Not THAT is sad! STENDEK
stendek
October 23rd, 2010
12:25 am
Defend home ice! Turkeys have three home goals (1.5 average) in last three nights. Opponents have put nine past Marshmallow Mason and others (4.5 average). NHL mark for most goals in single season within reach. Keep up great work guys! Be remembered for something. Look fab in NHL record book. GO FOR IT! STENDEK
Derrick
October 23rd, 2010
1:02 am
I don’t think you can get many positives out of tonight’s game but if there’s one, it’s gotta be Dustin Byfuglien. I’ve heard all about him being lazy and not caring and all that kinda stuff but he showed up ready to play tonight and didn’t quit which is more than I can say for most of his teammates. He had 2 points, lots of shots, several big hits, and he was in the middle of a few scraps and was ready to drop the gloves if anyone would go with him. I have a newfound respect for him after tonight’s game and if he keeps playing like this then I say make him the captain and see what happens.
stendek
October 23rd, 2010
1:30 am
Accountability and responsibility should never be mentioned along with alleged Atlanta NHL team. Thank you Bill. STENDEK Any former Atlanta Flames out there? SUIT UP!
stendek
October 23rd, 2010
1:39 am
See now why Kari Lehtonen was expendable Bill. Jerk was excellent in shootouts. Only positive as far as I am concerned. This uncaring bunch not capable of winning in regulation. Will probably TREAT fans to overtime defeats on rare occasions. Do not see many shootout serbacks. Marshmallow Mason seems to be another clueless netminder. Scoring? A goal per game suits these quitters! STENDEK
Brendan
October 23rd, 2010
2:27 am
I don’t ’sugarcoat’ things. That’s not my thing. I’m more of a … “It is what it is” type. So, the good news is … there’s another game, tonight, vs. Washington. The Caps will be looking for revenge from their earlier loss to the Thrashers, on “Opening Night.”
We can talk about some “bright spots” so far this season. Our points leader is Andrew Ladd, at 7-pts, +2, 17:48 in ice time, with 2G, 5A. He’s got something of a point-streak going. When I look to Thrashers expected to lead, or at least put up the types of numbers they had last year, I’m looking at Peverley and Antropov. Yesterday, Peverley was “even,” at 15:18, with ZERO SHOTS. But for the season, he’s at 2-pts and a -2, with no goals. Peverley cannot be a “milk carton” player for Atlanta. Nik Antropov played 14:27, was “even,” with 1 shot, yesterday. He’s not on our leaderboard for anything. Antropov has to be better. I know, he’s injured; give him a break. http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20112ATLAASAll&sort=plusMinus&viewName=summary
Freddy Modin, of “Modin Watch ‘10-11,” has one (1) goal, no assists, for six games played. The “over/under” is 14/56. Modin is a -5, with 12:000 TOI.
More “bright spots,” versus Tampa Bay, Byfuglien had 7 shots (!!), including a PPG. E. Kane had 5 shots. With 3 shots, were Anthony Stewart and Ron Hainsey. Eric Boulton played 7:08. I believe he was “even.”
At -2 were: Burmistrov, Bryan Little, and J. Oduya.
At +1, the only plus player, was Jim Slater, who also scored a goal. It’s good to see Slater pocket a goal before Christmas. Hopefully, he’ll shed the “Second Half Slater” moniker.
Want more “bright spots,” Mannino stopped 15 of 16 shots, playing 38:26. That’s encouraging. Mason stopped 13 of 16, for 19:54.
Here’s how the D broke down:
Enstrom: 28:20, “even”
Byfuglien: 24:29, “even,” 1G, 1A, 7 shots!!
Oduya: 19:10, -2
Hainsey: 19:43, -1
F. Meyer: 14:43, -1
B. Sopel: 13:46, “even”
If the Thrashers get blown out in DC tonight … it’s time for a “closed door meeting.” It’s one thing to lose. It’s another not to be competitive. I’ll toss this out there one more time. If you subscribe to the theory that “you get what you pay for,” then this team has PAID FOR a 29th place finish. Why ’sugarcoat’ that? Go to capgeek.com and look at the Thrashers payroll. So, with six-points in seven (6/7) games, the Thrashers are WAYYY ahead of where such a salaried team should be. I had them with 4-5 points, through seven games, in my preseason thinking. So, a record of 3-4-0 isn’t so bad. But let’s make no mistake, these have been two stinker games at home. If you attended these past two clunkers, kiss your spouse or significant other … and thank them for putting up with you … on the drive home. This isn’t how you win back fans. But yes, it is ’still early.’ I’ve always said, “let’s evaluate at Thanksgiving.”
LAC
October 23rd, 2010
2:57 am
I remember your nasty comment to me thrasher27 after my accident, you Sir are a worthless COWARD !
World Be Free
October 23rd, 2010
6:41 am
Stroz, you are right on acout Oduya. Johnny’s giveaways lead to 2 goals the difference in the game. Little had a horrible 1st half last night, rebounded in the 2nd half. He missed an open net that would have made it 3-2 after Jimmy scored. Jimmy-I take all the bad things back that I said about you. Hustle and hit, give the guy more ice time. Burmistrov hustled every minute he was on the ice. My vote to keep him is well-deserved.
This is a North American team that does not hit. The team woke up early in the 3rd period after the coward Downie went after Burmistov. HIT SOMEBODY! Knock them on their ass so they don’t want to stand in from of your goalie.
Finally, I want to start a petition to get rid of the post-lockout rules so these bozo officials stop calling every little friggin’ incident. Let’s to back to the time when men were allowed to play men’s ice hockey. This is a confrontational sport, in which the participants are not allowed to confront. Mike Myers once described hockey as “soccer with an attitide”. These rules have taken the attitude away. I long for the days of Wally Harris.
World Be Free
October 23rd, 2010
6:42 am
One more thing-the team needs a captain. I change my vote from Pevs to Jimmy for captain.
EA
October 23rd, 2010
7:22 am
I am so glad sanity appears to have returned this a.m. Last night’s game was not good, but it was not like the game against Buffalo, We need to give credit to a much improved Tampa team. Stamkos tied for most goals in the NHL last year. He is well on his way to repeating that this year. The attendance is such a tough issue. Dan Kamal commented that playing in front of such a small crowd probably doesn’t help with motivation. He was very careful to say he did not want to knock the fans. but it could be a reason the Thrashers play better on the road. Yet, we all know just how patient the fans have been waiting for consistent winning. It is still early. Let’s hope the Thrashers that played the first 5 games shows up again tonight. Buff is the best! .
BG33Brown
October 23rd, 2010
8:22 am
Did anyone else hear BUFF undress the team on the PP no more than 1:30 into the 2nd period last night? I was in the upper part of 109 and I heard it clearly. (of course you could hear a pin drop in there last night)
Anyway, that is what we need. And I too have to give mad props to Buff. I was quiet unsure about not only picking him up but also him playing D.
JOB WELL DONE BUFF. We appreciate you.
glovesave29
October 23rd, 2010
9:01 am
We spent last night at the Gwinnett Arena watching the Glads. They won 6-2 over the South Carolina Stingrays in a great game. Was over 10K in attendance. The ECHL outdrew the NHL…sigh.
Fan from Carolina
October 23rd, 2010
9:01 am
Maybe everyone needs to take a hard look at the Sabres roster the other night and the Lightning team instead of bashing the Thrashers players so bad. It is like expecting the Royals to beat the Yankees every series. It can’t happen. Even without Gagne in the lineup Tampa’s 1st two lines are incredibly talented, maybe the best in the league. The Thrashers just don’t have this talent. Boucher looks as mean and tough as Torterella during the ‘04 Cup season and the Lightning are playing like it right now. I wish the Thrashers hired Stevie Y and Boucher right now but that isn’t the case and I actually feel bad for Kane, Ladd, and Buff for being stuck with another non-playoff caliber team, the Royals of hockey.
backcheck
October 23rd, 2010
9:59 am
Ducks fan here. A little early to get reads but you Thrashers are looking a tad streaky. Look at the record, win one, lose two, win two, lose two. Only 7 games but that is consistent.
Just a fluke? Standard deviation? Or is something going on there?
Mike
October 23rd, 2010
11:10 am
Tampa Bay 5 Atlanta 2, no defense, no speed, no muscle on the boards or in the corners, no puck control, no crisp passing and no offense. This is what the Thrashers will exibit all season because that is who they are, middle of the road team at best.
No excuses for any of the players and the Chicago 4 are not improving the lackluster Thrashers. Things never change for the Atlanta professional sports scene it will always be middle of the road or less.
Go Falcons, Thrashers and Hawks. Braves are the best we got.
five_hole
October 23rd, 2010
11:25 am
Can Buf play 40 min on defense? He, Toby and Hainsey and Sopel were the only consistently good d-men we had last night. Peverley is on a milk carton. Little is lost. It was just depressing to watch.
Thrashers27
October 23rd, 2010
11:31 am
For the love Stendek, I’m quickly turning to pessimist, but you really need to find something to do other than get drunk and rant about the Thrashers.
We don’t hear from you for months and now you’re all over the place. What’s that say about you? Negative much?
Sage of Bluesland
October 23rd, 2010
12:03 pm
“…Just a fluke? Standard deviation? Or is something going on there?”
I dare say the “fluke” was the “good start” that this team showed against Washington and San Jose….The Thrashers are a reflection of their ownership and their neglect.
Simple. End-of.
The “product” they fob off on the ‘fans’ isn’t worthy of anyone’s hard-earned dollar (well, assuming it is ‘hard-earned’ in the first place; it’s much easier to spend Daddy’s money now, isn’t it?). Yet, what is hilarious, is that some fans get so excited over the Summer, thinking-hoping-wishing-dreaming things could be different…somehow…someway…just click their heels twice and back in Kansas you go…
Oh well. It is what it is. It’s too bad clowns like Smoothie are absent after debacles like what I saw on the TV last night…From the comfort of my own home, I thought of him–and how he must stupid he must feel, waving that silly Bwuewand fwag…and of that other clown who wears a ‘flame’ wig…Wow. Just wow.
EA
October 23rd, 2010
1:01 pm
Broken record insanity. It has been less than 18 hours and we all are receiving our reminder of how to feel, how to act, what to spend our money on (or Daddy’s money??) and what to think by none other than SOB. That does it for me today. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful Saturday on this beautiful day. Go Thrashers! Let’s see a repeat performance of your first game against the Caps.
Red Light
October 23rd, 2010
1:30 pm
Wonder if any of the Lightning bashers on this blog during the off season are ready to drink the Yzerman-Boucher Kool-Aid yet? That team is head-and-shoulders better than the Thrashers right now. Might not stay that way, but they looked pretty good last night without Gagne.
How does this team rebound tonight off the last two efforts? They don’t. Washington 6, Atlanta 3
Smoothie
October 23rd, 2010
1:42 pm
R/L – don’t worry, someone will expose the Lightning for the frauds they are. They’re defensive corps is suspect at best and drops off precipitously after Hedman and Ohlund. Kubina as we know is serviceable, but when they come up against a team that has the talent to put the puck in the net as well as pressure it and forecheck, they will eventually begin to falter. Now don’t get me wrong, they have supreme offensive talent that will help them win many games, but I still think they’ll struggle to win more than 45 games once coaches figure out that Boucher likes to put both D-men in the corner to win a puck battle. If you hit the O-zone with speed and the wing opposite the defensman who dumps it in gets to the puck first and quickly reverses it, the area in front of the net is almost wide open with only a winger to defend the slot. The overload is working pretty well right now because no one in the NHL really employs it, but once coaches start making that adjustment, and the team’s with better offensive personnel than the Thrashers, then the “‘ning” will get exposed I think.
razorneck13
October 23rd, 2010
1:47 pm
There is a very good reason why you still hear fans shout “KNIGHTS” during the national anthem. That IHL team used to fill up or sell out the Omni game after game and that had everything to do with the fact that they were VASTLY more entertaining than any incarnation of the Thrashers. The Knights were passionate, fierce, gusty, full throttle, in it to win it and so on. I think the Thrashers need to dig into some video archives of that team, watch em and take notes.
So far as accountability, call it what you want, I see it as playing like you got a good pair and a beating heart. The flipside of that is of course that this team is missing some necessary pieces and that’s all on the heartless and pairless ASG.
Thrashers27
October 23rd, 2010
1:59 pm
Only trouble with that, razorneck is that the Knights no longer exist. Even if they did, it would still be tacky to yell during the national anthem.
alex
October 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm
STENDEK you no stupid, you really passion thrashers fan, but why you 3 years in a row screaming and yelling like guttless no heart quiter etc. how to solve? it’s easy just ask asg, llc to spent some money on hockey team or shut down this circus. 11 years performance in atlanta this asg clowns to long.
glovesave29
October 23rd, 2010
2:53 pm
“There is a very good reason why you still hear fans shout “KNIGHTS” during the national anthem. That IHL team used to fill up or sell out the Omni game after game”
Let’s not get into revisionist history here. The Knights drew OK for the IHL. Most weeknights had about 5-7K and a weekend more around 9K. Playoffs were much lower except for the final series against the Komets. That final game was the 2nd loudest I have ever hear the old Omni after Jim Craigs first game against the Colorado Rockies. Both were great nights.
It is still excessively disrespectful to all those who have fought and died for this country to scream that stupid “Knights” during the anthem.
Lee
October 23rd, 2010
4:28 pm
Is the game on TV tonight?
Red Light
October 23rd, 2010
5:32 pm
Smoothie: My only point was “That team is head-and-shoulders better than the Thrashers right now.” Not advocating a parade in their future.
Red Light
October 23rd, 2010
5:33 pm
No TV
Thrashers27
October 23rd, 2010
5:41 pm
I almost hate to ask, but has anyone seen tonight’s lineup?
Rawhide
October 23rd, 2010
6:14 pm
Thrashers27 – from what C-Viv says, Bergfors will play tonight and Ramsay has made a good deal of changes to the lines.
Should be interesting.
For those looking for a link to watch the game –> Here’s one <–