Thrashers 3-4-1 so far…eh, it could be worse
If someone had told you just last month that the Thrashers would be at 3-4-1 after the first two weeks or so of the season, I’m sure quite a number of you would have been OK with that. Two games against the three-time defending SE division champ Washington Capitals, a four game road trip just after the home opener…including three out on the west coast against teams like the Kings and Sharks…and even a couple against the much-improved Tampa Bay Lightning.
Not exactly the easiest way to kick off the new season. So being right around break-even can be placed in a positive light I suppose.
As coach Ramsay told Chris Vivlamore, “It’s scary sometimes if you look ahead [at the schedule] and I, honestly, try not to. But you couldn’t help but look at some of that and go ‘Uh-Oh, this is not good.’ When we initially looked at it and saw four in a row on the road to start, I thought we are playing good teams, it’s not good”.
Fredrik Modin, seen here being squeezed out of the play by former Thrasher Pavel Kubina, has not scored since opening night and is a -7 (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Ramsay did go on to say that he was “pleased” at what his team has accomplished thus far, but not “thrilled”…which is a pretty fair explanation of how things have panned out, I believe.
To bring the coach’s thoughts into perspective, also take into account the following. What if…again, just prior to the season…you would have not only looked at the schedule, but were also told that the following would be the case after eight games.
Bryan Little would have zero goals and but three assists.
Rich Peverley would have zero goals to go with his four assists.
Fredrik Modin would have 1 goal, zero assists and would be a –7.
Nic Bergfors would have zero goals, three assists and will have missed three games.
Nik Antropov would have zero goals, 1 assist and a –3 rating while playing limited minutes due to not being 100% following his hip surgery last summer.
Chris Mason, the netminder brought in to be a stabilizing force between the pipes, would have a 3.54 GAA.
Zach Bogosian would have played in just three games, missing the last five due to a shoulder injury.
And only five players…Chris Thorburn, Brent Sopel, Andrew Ladd, Ben Eager and the aforementioned Bergfors…would be on the plus side of the +/- rating.
While celebrating Andrew Ladd's power play goal in Washington Saturday night, Bryan Little took time to remind himself just where the goal is actually located at. He's scoreless after eight games (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Uh-huh…now toss into the equation the fact that the Thrashers not only have allowed 37.6 SA/G at this point, but the shots for/shots against deficit is –8.4. That’s more than the -8.1 SF/SA the 2007-08 version of the Thrashers put up…and we all remember what a success that season was, don’t we?
So you’ve got major players who’ve missed games, a lack of scoring from a number of top-six type, Mason giving up three and a half goals per game, numerous gaffs in the defensive zone which have led to goals and a defense that makes fans reminisce fondly of the good ‘ol days when they only gave up 33 SA/G.
Now if you take all of that into consideration, I’d be willing to bet that there are several who would have predicted the Thrashers would be lucky to have anything north of 2 or 3 points going into game nine in New York City. But instead, we’re looking at a 3-4-1. It’s not a winning record mind you, but given the circumstances…shrugs… I guess it could be worse.
Now, this isn’t to say that there haven’t been some good things to talk about. Certainly the 4 goals and 5 overall points from Anthony Stewart is noteworthy…as is the 3 goals, 4 points and +4 showing from Chris Thorburn. Taking three of a possible four points from the Caps early on is a bonus as is the fact that the much-worried-about offense has so far produced goals at a 2.75 per game rate, roughly the same as last year.
What concerns you most about the Thrashers?
- Lack of scoring from certain top-line players (33%, 58 Votes)
- Too many Shot Against (30%, 53 Votes)
- The SF/SA deficit (11%, 20 Votes)
- Goalkeeping (2%, 3 Votes)
- Health issues of key players (1%, 2 Votes)
- Too many mistakes in the D-zone (23%, 40 Votes)
Total Voters: 176
Loading ...However this team has some issues to hammer out, and hammer out soon, if it’s to remain competitive much beyond the time we send the tax exemptions out to extort sugary treats from the neighbors.
And primary among those issues is…just as it’s been for some time now…the infamous Shots Against bug-a-boo.
What’s the root cause of this problem? Well, it could be that the “up tempo” style of play can sometimes leave a team exposed in back. Also don’t discount the Antropov situation. Last season he was a +13 player, so not having him on the ice as much this fall plays into the equation.
And then there’s the absence of one Mr. Pavel Kubina. Remember, he was a “plus” defenseman for the Thrashers last season into late March. Ultimately he finished EVEN before sitting out the last few games with an injury. I have no idea what Rick Dudley offered him last summer, but I’m sure there are many in Thrasherville who wish it were just a few dollars more.
But moreover, I think this SA/G issue is indicative of how much work Ramsay and Co. have to do to “un-teach” certain bad habits…specifically in regards to overall team defense. Taking a team that was constructed for a decade in the mold of “score a lot and defend when you can” and turning it into a defensively-sound unit takes more than just eight regular season games.
But here’s to hoping they un-learn those bad tendencies soon.
If not…well, their position in the standings certain could be worse in coming days.
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156 comments Add your comment
Waffleboy
October 26th, 2010
9:17 am
Let’s not forget that this team is also dealing with losing Opie in the opening minutes of the opening game of the season. Mason has had to work much harder than I would have liked in the early part of the season. Hopefully we can get Opie healthy have some competition for the job between the pipes.
sisu
October 26th, 2010
9:18 am
Early in the season and the team is still trying to jell together, it should get better?
TableHockey
October 26th, 2010
9:19 am
Up early this morning huh Bill?
Wish you had given an ‘A and B’ option on the survey – those are the two items I’m most concerned about.
Andrew
October 26th, 2010
9:19 am
Ok, goaltending MIGHT be a tad forgivable, but i was still having higher expectations of Mason. Good to see Pavy back though. We have got to get more scoring and fast if we even want to be in the running for the playoffs. Kane is looking very strong, taking hits, dishing them out and still driving to the net. QUESTION FOR FANS: Are you pleased with the way our Chicago pickups have been playing so far? Me: yes and no. While i like that they are scoring, well at least 1 goal each (i think buff has 2 and ladd has 3?) i was expecting much more energy from everyone because of this pickup. ENERGY is a big problem as Buffalo showed us we are simply going thru the motions and i think the game @. Washington was the start of something new as they seemed to be moving faster. Hopefully it picks up soon and we will start winning more!
Mike
October 26th, 2010
9:21 am
They need to stop taking so many unneeded penalties. They need to stop playing like a bunch of kids while they’re at home, because aside from the home opener, I’m really not sure what I was watching out there. As long as they keep that style of careless play up, the fans will continue to be careless. Look at friday nights attendance. What was it, 8k or something like that? The same night, there were more than 10k at the Gwinnett game. That’s embarrassing. But on the other hand it shows that there are people in Atlanta who actually will come watch the Thrashers play if they pick their game up. This should be used as motivation to them that people are more interested in a minor league game than a NHL game.
mikey da mug
October 26th, 2010
9:24 am
Nice read, and way to put things in perspective, given the limited sample of games – here’s hoping to better days ahead
backcheck
October 26th, 2010
9:26 am
Great read Iceman. I go back to Stewart’s comment after your Thrashers came back to earn 2 points in the shootout against my Ducks, “Never say die. We have a lot of young guys who don’t know.”
Right there I think Anthony Stewart captured what might be your guys, as yet, undetermined identity. Never say die. They’re young. They don’t know when they’re supposed to lose. So they work hard, won’t quit and good things happen.
Stats are great but stats don’t measure heart. Your Thrashers have heart to spare.
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 26th, 2010
9:33 am
The Atlanta Spirit Group needs to get its collective head out of the sand and drastically CUT single game ticket prices to what they consider ridiculously low, and then cut them in half again in order to have north of 10k fans attend home games. This team is a disappointment when compared to the pumped-up hopes and dreams of the off-season dismantling and reconstruction. (You’ve sufficiently covered the specific disappointing stats quite clearly above.)
When the on-ice product is dull, uninspiring and even embarrassing (as the previous 2 home games obviously were), then casual fans DON’T jump through the hoops required to go downtown and pay exorbitant prices to watch failure live instead on their flat screens. Will it really take a sub-5k game before someone in the Thrashers office wakes up and realizes the ship isn’t just taking on water, but it’s already half-way sunk?
DROP TICKET PRICES NOW!!!!! Make them ludicrously low priced and maybe casual fans will start showing up again to watch this team……Maybe. Keep them priced at a king’s ransom and you can be sure they won’t be back. Of course the team could also just start winning with impressive and exciting play to bring fans to Philips. But which of these options is easier and produces instant results?? That’s what I thought….
Alan R.
October 26th, 2010
9:54 am
Posting before the crowd who believes the sky is falling.
ChippersLoveChild
October 26th, 2010
9:54 am
It would pain me to see them leave, but maybe they just move the team? This team will never win with these owners, I truly believe that… the attendance is getting worse every year. I will always come out and support the Thrashers because I have blind loyalty to them, but it’s sad to watch this team year after year.. Hopefully we can improve, but I just don’t see this team going anywhere.
4-Step Plan to Saving NHL Hockey in Georgia
October 26th, 2010
10:11 am
STEP 1: Send ATLANTA SPIRIT GROUP to Ottawa.
STEP 2: Send Jeff Schultz to Ottawa.
STEP 3: Teach Herschel Walker to Skate, Forecheck and Shoot a Puck.
STEP 4: Vote Republican Next Tuesday.
Thanks.
-
d
October 26th, 2010
10:14 am
Bill, this morning our 7 pts from 8 games places us 24th in the league standings. If I’m not mistaken, the Thrash payroll is the 29th smallest in the league. Therefore, are we not “over achieving” as measured by points or league standing per payroll dollar???
Adam
October 26th, 2010
10:14 am
I’d be happy with the record if the Buffalo game wasn’t the worst hockey I’ve ever watched. If the Gwinnett Gladiators are drawing 10K fans the same night as the Thrashers are drawing 8K fans, then I think it’s time to move the Gladiators out of the metro area. Why is the NHL club competing against it’s farm team? That’s crazy. Same can be said for the Braves.
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
10:20 am
Waffleboy – Good point regarding Opie and Mason.
mikey da mug - Yes, it’s a “limited sampling of games”. Only 8 so far. But it was just 5 not too long ago and will be 11 not too long from now. I still consider myself “glass half full” with this team, but pretty soon the “it’s only been [insert number of games played here] so far…” line goes away.
backcheck – Again, greetings from the opposite coast. In general I agree with your observation about this team’s “never say die” attitude. Unfortunately it’s the same thing we were saying a year agoi when they would come out flat, get behind early and then battle back. You can only do that for so long before it catches up with ya.
d - Overachieving given their payrol status? You may have a point…especially given that gapgeek has us dead last in that department.
Adam – keep in mind what it cost to buy a ticket to see the Glads…and parking. Yeah, it’s the ECHL and not the NHL, but the costs to see a game factor in HUGE when people are deciding where and how to spend their hard-earned money.
POFM – See above reply to Adam.
j nes
October 26th, 2010
10:31 am
The idea that the team will improve or jell as the season progresses is moot, ALL TEAMS WILL IMPROVE AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES! So well the Thrashers may get better, so will the teams that are currently beating them. I was impressed on opening night but haven’t been since.
J-man
October 26th, 2010
10:33 am
Adam – I’m not disputing that NHL ticket prices are too high everywhere as it’s not just an Atlanta problem, but you do get what you pay for. If you watch the Glads, you go with the understanding that maybe 1 skater on each team will someday play in the NHL. Most of their players will never even play in the AHL. You pay less for the Glads, but you get less for your money too.
Keep in mind that even the NFL is feeling the pinch from the economy and it’s the most popular professional sport in the country.
Hokie P. Clisters
October 26th, 2010
10:35 am
Mr. Rawhides, I have a solution for fan support. I call it the 3-4-1. You get tickets for 3 games at the price of 1.
j nes
October 26th, 2010
10:35 am
Adam, what about moving the Thrashers to Gwinnett instead? Maybe the team would actually have a home ice advantage if the arena looked sold out–even if it is a smaller venue. Sorry south Atlanta fans.
Red Light
October 26th, 2010
10:41 am
Carolina has been to Russia (exhibition game), Finland, Ottawa, Vancouver, San Jose, LA and Phoenix to start the season and came away with four wins and eight points in seven games.
Florida went to Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary, took two of three upon returning, and now heads to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. They have six points in six games so far.
Tampa Bay has 10 points in 8 games with two wins over Atlanta, but now must endure nine road games in their next 12, including a trip to Pitt and Wash, after a four-game West Coaster (SJ, Pho, LA and Ana).
Washington has five wins but its longest road trip so far was to Nashville. They play Carolina, Minn and Calgary during a three-game trip starting tomorrow but the tough part of their travel schedule doesn’t begin until Feb.
Atlanta won two games in thrilling come-from-behind fashion out West but the latest two home games are cause for some alarm because 10 home games are on the docket for November. Considering everything that Bill laid out above, seven points in eight games isn’t disastrous, but I don’t see the division rivals as throwing in the towel anytime soon either. This team had better find a fondness for home ice in November, even with the expected parity from top to bottom in the conference, the Thrashers must play .500 hockey or better for the next month and avoid more three game losing streaks. This is a vital stretch of games for confidence and cohesion.
Sadly, I think we had better get used to a half-empty building except for the Blackhawks, Penguins, Caps and Red Wings games.
JB
October 26th, 2010
10:42 am
they haven’t played since, what, Saturday? Here’s hoping the thrashers knock the rust off in practice BEFORE the game tomorrow night.
Nate
October 26th, 2010
10:52 am
You get what you pay for. Right now the owners are paying a coach to play guys out of position. It’s not hard to figure out why the SA/G have gone up in spite of a “defensive” coach being brought into the mix. Unless Ramsay changes his pairings and positionings to a bit of normalcy, Chris Mason is gonna take the first ticket he can get outta here between now and the end of next season.
rob
October 26th, 2010
11:07 am
Attendance here has to be the most pressing problem with zilch nada nothing being done to combat it. You lost your star power for those casual fans who didn’t know what Kovy was doing for the team, attendance and the ecomony are still spiraling, you completely dismantled the staff and most players, and are essentially a rebuild in dreadful need of a miracle season to save the franchise, and how do you try to draw a crowd????????? No one in the club can answer that.
HEY PRESIDENT WADDELL!!!!!! Do something PRODUCTIVE for this club!!!! One time in over a decade of futility, do something to fill the stands. General admission tickets with just upper and lower prices, ex-season ticket holder discounts, ticket giveaways……something.
I hope the effort this Friday against the Sabres is a 180 from the last one and they come out to get some payback for the humiliation they suffered. I think the team should give ticket holders from games like that a free or reduced ticket to a future game.
rob
October 26th, 2010
11:12 am
Here’s an idea to appease the angry STH who will yell what about us?! Give them a free pair of tix to half of the remaining games. FANS in the stands will spend $$$, make noise and help the players, and importantly from a standpoint of owners and the league, not be such an embarrasment on TV when you see way more empty seats than full ones.
World Be Free
October 26th, 2010
11:28 am
As usual, another great read Mr. Rawhide.
Not losing sleep after 8 games, especially if you consider all the changes this team made in the off-season. However, I am disappointed by the Thrashers’ defensive zone play. I expected a better defensive plan, more hitting by the defenseman and better coverage by the forwards. Oduya has been a disappointment so far.
I also expected more hitting from our forwards in the offensive zone. We need the bangers to go out there and bang so the opposition spends more time looking over their shoulders, especially at home.
As a former player, I can tell you that extended time together does not contribute to a team “jelling”. What you need to do is change the chemistry of the team, either by moving players or naming a captain. I believe the latter is necessary before this team really comes together for an extended period. My vote for captain is Jimmy, which means he will probably start playing poorly.
Alan R.
October 26th, 2010
11:46 am
what about moving the Thrashers to Gwinnett instead?
Because the Gwinnett arena doesn’t meet the NHL standards.
Sorry, people who don’t want to drive downtown.
EA
October 26th, 2010
11:57 am
The record is very acceptable at this point. None of the teams the Thrashers have played could be considered an easy win. My complaint is too many horrible penalties. You can’t severely cut the ticket price because it would not be fair to the season ticket holders who commited their money. Also, to those who have purchased single tickets to upcoming games. This is the NHL. These guys earn big bucks. It has to be paid through ticket prices. We are fortunate to be able to see some of hockey’s best in November with Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh visiting. If we don’t support our own team, this wonderful sport will not be ours to see locally.
Poop Head
October 26th, 2010
12:05 pm
3-4-1, 3 tickets for the price of 4 to see 1 Thrasher goal. Octotards new plan!!! Mr.Bill, please count my vote for the above poll to G: All of the above.
Wad
October 26th, 2010
12:05 pm
I see nuetral Zone turnovers and lack of getting the puck deep in the offensive zone as being the biggest problem on a consistant basis. Also, Buff on D has been a waste of talent in my opinion. Many times he looks hesitant to join the rush when he should and overly aggressive when he shouldn’t. I would recall Kulda move Buff to the wing and wave Modin. Modin and Andro have to be the 2 lowest skaters in the league.
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
12:28 pm
Some interesting news being tweeted outa the Thrashers camp today…
C-Viv is tweeting that Bogosian and Meyer will sit out against the Rangers tomorrow. Someone will need to be recalled from Chicago.
Ben Wright tweets that person will be Noah Welch.
Rawhide shakes head, wonders why it’s not Arturs Kulda
C-Viv tweets that Pavelec will get start Saturday in St. Louis…but not before he heads to Chicago for a conditioning start this week. Mannino will back out Mason tomorrow.
five_hole
October 26th, 2010
12:30 pm
The team is buying into a new system. As Bill pointed out, not everyone is firing on all cylinders. And they’ve only played 8 games. I’m willing to give it time.
BTW, I think Del Zotto could be a candidate to win the shootout contest at the next all star game:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Watch-Rangers-Del-Zotto-smash-camera-len?urn=nhl-279447
Finally, 4-Step Plan to Saving NHL Hockey in Georgia don’t be a
di*kjerk. Please keep your political opinions to yourself.Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
12:31 pm
Goodness gracious! Noah Welch!! Where’s Arturs?? Unreal.
I’m starting to worry about some of the decision-making. But I’m more worried about Bogosian’s shoulder. Damn, damn, damn.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
12:38 pm
Noah Welch? Is there a flood coming?
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
R. Stroz – Noah Welch. There was supposed to be a flood based on a lost bet…but the commitment was reneged upon
Welch vs. Kulda after 7 games in Chicago this fall:
Kulda: 7 games played, 1 assists, -1, 17 PIM & 13 SOG
Welch: 7 games played 2, assists, -1, 4 PIM & 12 SOG
Diego from Lilburn
October 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
I also want to vote “All of the above” to the poll. I voted for lack of scoring from top-liners just because if we are going to give up 3.5 goals per game that would be okay as long as we are scoring 4+ goals per game. Not exactly the proper solution but…
The team, most of the time, still looks like a group of talented individuals and doesn’t look like a talented team. Too many issues to list and I think everyone who posted before me already did a good job alongside the many deficiencies that Rawhide mentioned.
I’ve still got faith. It’s early yet.
It does amuse me how on “NHL On the Fly” every morning the pundits keep talking about who’s in the “playoff hunt”. Very amusing to me only 8 games into a season. It’s not a hunt yet fellas. Doesn’t mean you want to dig yourself into a whole in October, though. But it’s still not a hunt.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
12:42 pm
j nes – Good point about teams gelling.
Diego from Lilburn
October 26th, 2010
12:43 pm
Also Antropov and Peverly are killing my fantasy team. That’s what I get for being loyal.
Yesterday I was 171 out of 174 total players. Ouch!!!
Barry
October 26th, 2010
12:43 pm
I’m more concerned with the first and last part of that poll. The lack of scoring from guys like Little, Peverley, Bergfors is holding this team back. Also WAY too many turnovers especially in the defensive zone. I believe Caps scored all 3 goals from bad turnovers in the defensive zone. When Tampa was in Blueland two of their goals were turnovers RIGHT AROUND OUR OWN CREASE. One of those goals we had like 3 Thrashers players all right there and couldn’t 1) get the puck out of the center of the ice and 2) get the puck to another Thrasher. Pathetic.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
This team needed Afinogenov re-signed instead of an over the hill, slow, soft, Swede named Modin.
Flagstaff – Instead of calling Modin Angel Soft, what do you think about Swedee? It has a pansy sort of sound, just like Modin plays.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
12:46 pm
Can we leave Pavelec in Chicago? I preferred Mannino.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
12:47 pm
BTW, doesn’t Hainsey do enough hair “gelling” for the entire team?
Adam
October 26th, 2010
12:56 pm
Hmm, you get what you pay for… Pay $10 for a cheap ticket and sit wherever I want while watching Gwinnett hustle, fight and possibly win or spend $60-80 (+$15 for parking) at the bulb to sit where I do up north and watch players that are mostly AHL talent play at ECHL levels knowing I’m not going to see hustle, fight and most likely losing. I’ll take the value thank you.
If the AS wanted to put butts in the seats they would have cut ticket prices while they build the team and raise them once they’d built a contender, a la Chicago. They would have added another 7-10 mil in payroll, temporary or not, to complement the core they’re building. (Hell even adding 9 mil still would put them under Phoenix and they don’t even have an owner) Lastly they would step up the marketing. Look at some of the things Nashville is doing after hiring Jeff Cogen from Dallas. But it looks like DW is doing just as good of a job in his new position as his last.
World Be Free
October 26th, 2010
1:03 pm
I prefer Artus but Welch must simply be playing better than Kulda at this point. Maybe the coaches feel that he has a better mental makeup for the position. Remember, he is coming in a a defenseman that will play the least of all the d-men. Playing the occasion shift, less than a regular shift takes a type of discipline and maybe the coaches feel Artus would be better as a regular d-man. That’s the only explanation I can offer.
drew
October 26th, 2010
1:22 pm
Take it easy on cutting up Little, he has been stuck with 2 grinders, he is a skilled player, he needs skilled players on his line. Hes with 2 checkers that shoot everything, Little has not been set up once, where if he was with Antro, Berg, Pevs he would get those set ups and more chances. Now that it looks like him and Bergy are back together, I expect them to both get back on track once they get going, they had great chemistry last year. Little overall, has been better then Peverley, Modin, Antro. on the pk, in our own end, work ethic, etc. So stop just throwing Little under the bus Rawhide.
World Be Free
October 26th, 2010
1:29 pm
Little was invisible for 1/2 of the Tampa Bay game. I can forgive alotta things but I cannot set aside the lack of hustle.
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
1:37 pm
drew – While I certainly appreciate your support of Little…and I’m sure he does as well… I don’t think his lack of scoring is limited to just who his linemates are. And I’d hardly call Ladd a ‘grinder’.
Dating back to March 21, 2009, Little has a total of 13 goals in 97 games played.
Is Little the only player under-performing in my opinion? Nope…I think I called out several in the post.
Remember, Bryan Little was the only player that Dudley rewarded with a contract above 2 years last summer. He’s looked upon as a lead performer on this team. He needs to start scoring.
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
1:44 pm
WBF – but I don’t Little coughing up any pucks in his own end. I think Little is the least of our worries. If he’s still goal-less by Vets Day, then we can start piling on the dude. His effort has been pretty consistently solid in every game I’ve seen including TB.
Joe Friday
October 26th, 2010
1:46 pm
“I’m starting to worry about some of the decision-making.”
Starting to? I’m there with ya . . .
“But this kid needs to start scoring.”
Then the club needs to start making better decisions and skate Bergfors on one wing and Buf on the other and let Buf open up space and screen the goalie for them
Athrasherfan13
October 26th, 2010
1:50 pm
Bill, I agree that there should be a selection for all of the above.
As I have said before, October and most of November will suck for us. I still think there are negotiations going on for a trade that will bring us a Forward who brings sticks with points in them. Bergfors and another player I have yet to figure out, will go.
This team still needs time to (1) shake out the bugs left over from the Anderson experiment and (2) the new melting pot needs to learn to play as a team under a new system and under a coaching staff that is new to all of them. Attitudes need to be adjusted and consistency needs to come together.
Player specific:
Antropov needs an IR stint to get healthy…..he can’t and doesn’t move like last year.
Bergfors needs to go.
Opie will draw from his game one incident and we will see him playing at a higher level, similar to his early games in 2009-10
Bogosian just needs to stay healthy….these niggling little injuries are stifling a great player.
Kaner is going to be a big factor this year….he is skating like a madman and shooting all the time.. He will find the back of the net.
Hainsey’s extension was a huge mistake. His contract/ability will make him an albatross around the team’s neck
Buff is not consistent….some nights he mails it in and others, he delivers his own brand of “special delivery”
Slater is back. You can see his intensity and fire to play. He just needs a few more games to get into game shape.
The Thorburn line needs to focus on the net and a little less on protecting the player often referred to as “the little kid”, Burmistrov. The little kid is playing in the NHL. He has to earn his bones and the respect of his opponents…..let him mix it up a little. Thorbs will know when its time to defend his center.
Burmistrov probably needs a return trip to Barrie. He is a good player with some explosiveness and superstar qualities and he will eventually be a big contributor to the team, but right now, he needs a little more size and seasoning so teammates can play the game rather than act as a bodyguard. Actually I have a fear that is a 2 edged sword….I have a feeling that he may break out during the NYR game. Once he scores his first goal, he will go on a tear with more, which is good for us, but may lead to a less than ideal decision on Thursday after game 9 is in the books. I’m also concerned that he will be a target of Avery, adding further distraction to a game we really need to win.
And finally, lets not forget what we DO NOT HAVE any longer…….that ball and chain Ilya Kovalchuck.The fact is, he is a gutless, lying weasel that lied to every fan in this city. He participated in a scheme to circumvent the cap, damaging any credibility he might have had. He is not a team player….it’s all about him and only him. And for those fans who refuse to let go, even when Kovalchuk was here, there were still only 6,000 to 8,000 fans here. He can’t do it by himself, which is what he wants to do and did not have the supporting cast he needs to do it by himself. The loss of Kovalchuk is not the reason for poor fan turnout. Only our fans are the reason for poor turnout. The only bright spot of this entire paragraph is that Kovalchuk is now dragging a once strong and proud franchise with some integrity to the bottom of the league. And because they too, will not be able to afford a supporting cast for Kovalchuk, the Devils have rendered themselves irrelevant for a number of years to come.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
1:51 pm
Yeah, stop just throwing Little under the bus, throw both Little and Modin under the bus.
R. Stroz
October 26th, 2010
1:54 pm
The Thrashers can’t put Antropov on IR because they need his contract dollars to meet the minimum salary requirements.
The ASG is CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP.
Red Light
October 26th, 2010
2:00 pm
How about this ticket innovation…Grow the game with the kids
Box Office Only for Games with Pre-Sales of Less than 9,200
• Buy one adult ticket ($46 or higher) and get two free tickets for children under the age of 17 while supplies last
Box Office Only for Games with Pre-Sales of Less than 11,200
• Buy one adult ticket ($46 or higher) and get one ticket for one child under the age of 17 while supplies last
Season Ticket Holders
• Choose five weekday games (Mon.-Thurs.) during the season to invite family, friends and business associates to attend games absolutely free. That’s five times the number of seats you purchased for your use during the season.
1,600 season ticket holders x 2.5 tickets average per buyer = 4,000 tickets x 5 games = 20,000 tickets distributed.
With 37 home games left, that’s an average of only 540 distributed per game.
They could even do more than that!
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
2:00 pm
Yeah, stop just throwing Little under the bus, throw both Little and Modin under the bus.
R. Stroz – At least Modin has found the net once this season….once.
Poop Head
October 26th, 2010
2:13 pm
Atlthrasherfan13;;;;Bogosian just needs to stay healthy….these niggling little injuries are stifling a great player.
You can not use the N word on these blogs!!!!
World Be Free
October 26th, 2010
2:17 pm
Smoothie-I sat down near the glass on our defensive end Friday and he was floating up and down the ice. when Little comes alive he is a good player. And I agree with you that he is not the prime source of our worries. i havenn’t been a Little basher up to this point. Where are you sitting for the Slug’s game Friday?
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
2:28 pm
“R. Stroz – At least Modin has found the net once this season….once”
Why you guys fixated on goal-scoring?? In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve lost games due to our lousy play at the other end…you know, the one where defense is supposedly played??
And Modin doesn’t score without Antro’s big butt clogging up the middle of the slot…give Little a healthy Antro and Bergy or Kane and watch good things happen. Antropov’s hip and Bogey’s shoulder may end up being the keys to our season.
Kaner – Antro – Lits (Bryan likes to dish and Kaner likes to crash)
Ladd – Pevs – Bergie (Buff ideally)
Modin – Burmy – Thorbs (Burmy’s hustle can protect Swedee)
Eager – Slates – Stewie (speed and size that kills)
Hoof Arted
October 26th, 2010
2:29 pm
I’ve been watching Little for three years now. His slump is going on well over a year now, not just these first 8 games.
Kane, Stewart and Ladd have played outstand, though.
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
2:32 pm
WBF – okay, I’ll grant you that since watching live can be an advantage over TV if you are spot-lighting one player. Perhaps his frustration caught up with him because he was one of the few players husting his A off on that Wed vs the Slugs. I have notated many, many times in my game notes how often B-Lits thwarts an offensive rush with his back-checking. The boy needs a goal…one thing is certain: he gets down on himself when he misses a couple of layups, which he has. Give him Antro and Kaner and watch the lamp go crazy. And stop making Antropov play center when he’s not 100%!!!!!
Oh yeah, we’ll be in our usual “perch” with the gang in the uppers. Meet you at Beers Around the World for a brew before game? I know K-belle will want a “real” beer instead of the crappy stuff that comes our of the Arena’s polluted beer lines.
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
2:35 pm
Why you guys fixated on goal-scoring?? In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve lost games due to our lousy play at the other end…you know, the one where defense is supposedly played??
Smoothinator – Because Little is supposed to be a 30+ goal scorer. I’ll repeat from my 1:37 pm post….”Dating back to March 21, 2009, Little has a total of 13 goals in 97 games played”.
However, I agree with you in regards to where this team has lost games. Absolutely EEE-GREE-geously bad play too often in the defensive zone.
Diehard
October 26th, 2010
2:40 pm
The teams performance in the losses to Buffalo and Tampa were two of the most listless disheartening losses in the teams ten year history. Worse than even the expansion years. Those type performances will not build fans but drive them away. I am a huge hockey fan and came away disgusted and angry. Further to the extent the team played well on the west coast the games were blacked out on NHL Ice and nobody saw it. While that is a whole different vent it is no way to build a fan base. The team cannot show up in the second or third period and try to get back into games. The talent is not here. I want to see a team clawing and fighting when behind not going through the motions. All that being said the opening night performance against the Caps was very encouraging. Wish we could get that vibe going again
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
2:43 pm
“Because Little is supposed to be a 30+ goal scorer”
I hear ya Big Willy, but can you say “fluke”? We all know the 30 goals was an aberration. I think we’d all be happy to see the kid pot 20-22 goals. He’s a 20-goal scorer that should be dishing out 30-40 assists. That’s what I’d like to see out of him.
Riceowls
October 26th, 2010
2:46 pm
3-4-1 is okay if things get better. If the play in the 4 losses continues, its going to be a long season. I hope for the latter, but fear the former.
As for Welch over Kulda, if this is a very short call up (basically wednesday) a veteran will handle it better than a kid. IMHO
Rawhide
October 26th, 2010
2:48 pm
Smoothie – Point taken…but 13 in 97 games?
Kid needs to step it up. But again, he certainly isn’t alone.
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
2:53 pm
Well let’s just say that if he does break out of this slump AND really is capable of scoring 25-30 goals, then he’s gonna be RED HOT over the final 74 games! I’d be very happy with 25 over 74 or 1 every 3 games. Tomorrow night it starts: la Parka!!
Zoomo
October 26th, 2010
2:55 pm
Just a data point for the 10K attendance for the Gwinnett game last Saturday. It was the home opener and also the “Hat Trick for Reading” night. The “Hat Trick” program provides free tickets to grade school kids who read three full books. Free. Yes, we were there. I bet half the place was there on the free ride. Novel idea. Get butts in to see a game early in the season, in hopes that they like it and come back.
The Thrashers marketing team has missed the boat on how to get new fans into the building. There was zero Thrashers presence at the Gwinnett game. How can you not work out a deal with Gwinnett to have marketing or ticket reps or, at the very least, schedules to availble to the Gwinnett patrons?
You have to cross market to the Glads’ fans. I’ve heard it suggested that Gwinnett be the AHL team for the Thrashers so that you build player recognition so that when guys are called up, there’s already a bond with the player.
The Thrashers and Glads are already competimg against themselves why not make it really work as a partnership and build the fans base through the Gwinnett affiliation?
They really are two differnet experiences – the NHL and ECHL – the ECHL is very much a family vlaue night out. But there are plenty of Gwinnett that’d go downtwon if you’d market directly to them.
Zombie Steve
October 26th, 2010
2:58 pm
I’m gonna go ahead and say what a lot of you are probably already thinking:
What if Lits is a one-hit-wonder?
We keep acting like it should be a normal feat for him to drop 30 a season…. he’s only done it once…
Zombie Steve
October 26th, 2010
2:59 pm
Is he our Cheechoo?
Adam
October 26th, 2010
3:08 pm
Playing proper D everywhere on the ice will create scoring opportunities.
I never like it when players look to make the pretty pass out of the D zone. Skate the puck out, move it up ice, force the other team to make a play on you then pass. Get the opposing team in transition and stop allowing them to reset their offense before you’ve even completed your line change. That “pretty pass” that gets picked off means you’re the one caught in transition.
I actually think the Thrashers have been better on D than they were the last couple of seasons. It’s the poor puck handling that is killing them and leading to more SOG. Every bad pass or mishandled puck that creates a possession change is another chance for the other team to get a SOG instead of the other way around.
Rainman
October 26th, 2010
3:09 pm
Modin Sucks.
World Be Free
October 26th, 2010
3:14 pm
smoothie – see you before the game
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
3:15 pm
“I actually think the Thrashers have been better on D than they were the last couple of seasons. It’s the poor puck handling that is killing them and leading to more SOG. Every bad pass or mishandled puck that creates a possession change is another chance for the other team to get a SOG instead of the other way around.”
Adam – “sage-r” words have never been spoken. Not even by that SOB guy.
Jeff
October 26th, 2010
3:17 pm
Does anyone know if those of us with Dish Network but without the NHL Leage Pass will get to watch the game tomorrow night against the Rangers? Maybe one of of the other networks that Dish has picked up?
Smoothie
October 26th, 2010
3:17 pm
WBF – roger that! Look forward to the rendez-vous…and a Molson.
Red Light
October 26th, 2010
3:39 pm
Adam:
Counter to your pretty pass theory is the notion that when a player skates with the puck, it allows the opposition to clog the neutral zone. Of course, there is a time and a place for both. Now, I like the outlet pass a lot, but I want effective rather than pretty, and I grew up during the end-to-end rushes of Orr, Park, Coffey, Leetch, etc. and think that has become a lost art. Puck possession, no matter how you arrive at it, is a key component of the game. So far, the forwards have still been at the root of the problem.
Win the neutral zone, win the battle.
alex
October 26th, 2010
4:43 pm
gave up on the season just after 8 games, began study next lottery picks. only one hope left, asg clowns finally after prolonged court decision put team for sale, otherwise don and company going to total ruin this franchise to the point when relocation couldn’t be avoid.
Red Light
October 26th, 2010
5:02 pm
Tomorrow night, the Rangers and Thrashers may take the ice with a total of seven players from the April 12, 2007 playoff meeting between the two teams at Philips Arena. The Thrashers have two, the Rangers have five. Name them?
Oh, and the Thrashers won five straight games vs the Rangers until last year’s final meeting in which the Rangers won 5-2 in March. Four of those five wins were via the shootout. Care to guess who scored the deciding shoot-out goal in the four?
Get The Puck Out
October 26th, 2010
5:20 pm
Wouldn’t it be better to get half of the ticket price than to not get anything? If maybe they would try this for a few games, and the players actually hear fans instead of sounding like practice it might just inspire them. Or embarress them one.
JT from Columbus
October 26th, 2010
5:37 pm
I thought I read that there was an prospective buyer for the Thrashers? Was that just a rumor?
Hockey Biltong
October 26th, 2010
6:48 pm
mmmooooooooooooooooooooooo.
New Sheriff in town…. yall better behave….
J P Vigier
October 26th, 2010
7:30 pm
Miss me yet?
glovesave29
October 26th, 2010
7:34 pm
I go to Glads games for several reasons…first is obviously the price. I have two kids aged 9 and 7. Friday night tickets for them are (including dinner) are $15. If they get tired and want to leave earlier, no big loss. Equivalent tickets to the Thrashers are $70+. At that price they are staying to the end come hell or high water. Free parking is also pretty nice. The games not being televised is a plus too. No TV time outs and lengthy delays prior to faceoffs. This cuts 30-40 minutes off of the game time and this is certainly attractive to me. Every night there are scouts in the crowd, so getting anything less than a 100% effort by all is unheard of. I grew up playing this game – I know the difference in the quality of the play…my kids don’t – and its great family time.
Bettman will never allow a city the size of Atlanta to lose the team again. I am sure they have bought some extra time after bringing in true hockey guys like Dudley, Ramsey and Torchetti. But I can certainly see him getting involved should the ASG continue to allow this team to be underfunded and rudderless from the owners box.
I’ve been the proponent of moving the Glads to the AHL. I want the players to have as little possible change when moving between leagues. Players need not worry about apartments, packing, family…just makes the transition smoother for all where all they need to concern themselves with is hockey.
RS
October 26th, 2010
7:51 pm
Veej, How’s that bellringing job going?
Craig Custance tweeted this afternoon that Dudley told him there was a “99 percent chance” Burmistrov stays and there had never been any discussions about sending him back.
KLS1
October 26th, 2010
9:06 pm
Hard for the best scorers to net goals when we are always on the penalty kill.
DaveR
October 26th, 2010
11:10 pm
Bergfors is one of the most skilled players on this team, but for no good reason he’s been held out 3 games and he’s played limited minutes – maybe 10-12 mins, on 2d and 3rd lines – in the games he’s been used.
Ramsey/Dudley: Do yourself a favor and give him 16-18 mins on the top 2 lines; or do him a favor and trade him to a decent team that will use him properly.
Brendan
October 27th, 2010
12:31 am
I don’t want to come here and make excuses for Bryan Little. (Really, sounds like you’re about to, though, Brendan!) Last year, Little wasn’t playing his natural center position, like when he did score 31 goals. Now, that doesn’t absolve him of 13 goals in 97 games. That’s underperformance for a 1st round pick (12th overall), who should have more “upside” than this.
Here’s what I would do, bearing in mind, that I have ZERO professional wins to my credit. I’d put Little between Bergfors and Byfuglien. Then see what comes of it. If it’s junk, the experiment is over. If it produces, then I give the line more ice time.
Sara
October 27th, 2010
7:25 am
Eh, it could be worse? Gee such enthusiasm.
But yeah it could be. The good is that the team has kept itself in the mix and not already totally shot themselves in the foot in the standings. The bad is this team has a lot of work to do yet and you wonder how quickly the improvements can come.
Option B is pretty pointless IMO – it’s the symptom of the underlying problems of bad neutral zone turnovers, the inability to clear the defensive zone, the inability to sustain pressure in the offensive zone, and a further inability to keep their butts out of the penalty box. Not too mention an anemic PP unit and an inconsistent PK. Goaltending has been about the only thing I’ve been happy with overall and I’m not going to pin Mason’s ugly stats on Mason – not with that SA/G average they are running.
One more reason moving to Gwinnett would never work … you can’t sustain an NHL payroll in a rink that size. The teams that tend to profit or at least come close to breaking even are the ones that sell-out nearly every game in arenas with capacities close to or above the 18k mark. It’s part of the catch-22 for the Thrashers … piss-poor attendance means low revenues which means less money for payroll which means a sub-standard product which means no one wants to go to games.
World Be Free
October 27th, 2010
8:20 am
Burmie has worked hard every shift, he deserves to be here more than some of his teammates.
BlueSpark
October 27th, 2010
8:22 am
Brendan, when Little scored 31 he mostly skated with Kozlov and White, correct? Whitey was the center and little was RW, if I recall. A good chunk of those goals came in the first half of the season while on the PP. I chalk those up to the opposing PK being primarily concerned with preventing shots from the left circle by a certain LW with a penchant for blistering one-timers.
I would hazard a guess that Little shot more often in that season, as well.
In other words, it was probably a fluke, and I think Little will be lucky to get anywhere near 31 ever again. Not trying to knock him; I just think he benefited from teams’ defensive plan of throwing everything at number 17, and challenging the rest of Thrashers to beat them. This plan seemed to work.
World Be Free
October 27th, 2010
8:30 am
Glovesave-great idea about moving the Glads to the AHL and the local reasons for doing so. Add to the reasons, the possibility that Atlanta may have influence on the style of play of their primary farm team. It seems that as of today, the Chicago Wolves do what they want to do and the Thrashers have little influnece on how their prospects are developed. Chicago’s “square peg” style of play rarly corresponds with Atlanta’s style.
Darkhorse
October 27th, 2010
10:24 am
It will take a new owner to make the Glads an AHL team, but that is a good idea for an ownership that’s actually interested in building a winner. Doubt the ASGoons have any desire or deep enough pockets to make that happen.
Who owns the Gladiator’s btw?
Red Light
October 27th, 2010
10:41 am
There are too many obstacles at this point in time for the Glads to become an AHL franchise. Outside of Charlotte and Norfolk, all of the other teams are too far away to make the travel financially feasible. They spend a lot of time on buses right now, but in the AHL you have to fly to some locations (Abbotsford). Ticket prices in Chicago, for example, range in price from $13.25 to $54.00. Currently, Gwinnett prices are $11 to $31 on game day. Then, you have to add increased salary costs. Plus, Atlanta has trouble finding corporate sponsors these days, and I can’t imagine it would be any easier in Gwinnett.
Certainly agree that having the Thrashers AHL team nearby would be great and the “square peg” World Be Free talked about is right on target. Chicago’s owner runs his team as if it is his own team and he’s concerned with wins and selling tickets, not player development. It’s tough finding the perfect AHL partner these days and money is a huge issue.
GaVaHokie
October 27th, 2010
11:18 am
Per Dan Kamal on Twitter… Lines from MSG: Ladd-Little-Bergfors, Thorburn-Nik-Eager, Boulton-Peverley-Stewart, Kane-Slater/Burmistrov-Modin.
Smoothie
October 27th, 2010
11:21 am
Hokie – let’s hope Modin gets the healthy scratch! I think the Kane – Burmie – Slater line could be an interesting one to watch. And Slater can win key F/O in the offensive zone I would hope.
Slater versus Christensen in the F/O circle will be the key to the game!
GaVaHokie
October 27th, 2010
11:24 am
Ladd/Little/Bergfors… this line needs to start working the way it should.
Thorsy/Nik/Eager… I like the toughness on Wing with size in the middle.
Boulton/Peverley/Stewart… this is Ramsay philosophy. You have your ‘two players’ Peverley and Stewart with the 3rd guy thrown into the mix (Boulton). Perhaps Boulton’s hard work will create space for the ‘pair’.
Kane/Slater-Burmie/Modin… hmmm, would like to see Modin benched for a Kane/Burmie/Slater experiment.
GaVaHokie
October 27th, 2010
11:25 am
Hokie – let’s hope Modin gets the healthy scratch! I think the Kane – Burmie – Slater line could be an interesting one to watch. And Slater can win key F/O in the offensive zone I would hope.
… jinx!
GaVaHokie
October 27th, 2010
11:31 am
Can’t wait to watch tonight’s game on my 17″ computer screen… argh.
Why do I feel this Fox/DISH issue gets resolved once the Hawks start playing? *shaking head*
GaVaHokie
October 27th, 2010
11:42 am
Oh well…
Per Dan Kamal and C-Viv… Looks as though Slater is healthy scratch tonight.
Red Light
October 27th, 2010
11:51 am
With the game on Fox Sports South (local broadcast), no one should be blacked out of this except for Dish customers, right?
rob
October 27th, 2010
12:11 pm
Sure would be nice to see the Byfuglien experiment on D bear fruit in the way of some thundering “I’m not going into that corner again” hits and some consistant rushes. Beginning to see it as not gonna happen. Flip side of that is the few rushes I have seen him make, there has been action around the net and scoring chances. Kulda can be the solid D we need, and Byfuglien the offensive presence we need. Modin will not be needed at that point and Bolts can be the floater. Lines could then be solidified and get going. The only reason I can see not doing this now while we can get something going is…….well what I meant to say is…….
Does Byfuglien want to be a difference maker up front or just a coaster on the blueline? We have a lot of good pieces here, they just need that “spark” and leadership…..I was hoping Antropov was the leadership part but I fear this injury will hurt him and the team by dragging on instead of given the proper time and treatment to heal and stregthen before playing him and at Center to boot.
Those that see Berfors as the “most talented” player…..he scored a few nice goals after we traded away all our goals and that excited people, but he hasn’t proven anything yet, and I question if he wants to be here or not…..either way as unproven as he really is he needs to step up and prove he is the real thing for us to play him or for someone to trade for him, IMO.
Hope they can get it going again tonight and then get payback from Buffalo the second time around…..maybe Lalime can get that start for them.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!
schroeder
October 27th, 2010
12:39 pm
I would love to see a package come together soon that would send Bergie, Modin and hopefully Hainsey to a strapped club for a top 6 forward and D-man.That just might happen around the same time a Mr Cormier comes back and maybe open up a slot for Mr Freddy The Fly. Still love the guy’s hustle.
Brendan
October 27th, 2010
12:40 pm
Blue Spark, it may be true that B. Little never gets back to 31 goals again. But, the team has to at leat TRY to get that cylinder firing again. Even if he’s only capable of 20 goals per season, that’s still pretty good. We aren’t paying him the moon and stars. I just think Little could be so much more, with a guy like Byfuglien on his forward line, to open up space, and allow him to be at his professional best.
World Be Free
October 27th, 2010
12:46 pm
Red Light-thanks for your logistical look at having the Glads in the AHL. Similar issues for the Dodgers when they moved to L.A from Brooklyn.
Smoothie
October 27th, 2010
1:12 pm
Islanders goaltending consultant Sudarshan Maharaj believes 41-year-old Dwayne Roloson can play two or three more years. “When I do drills with him, he says, ‘Is that all you’ve got for me?’” Maharaj adds that Roloson is so economical with his movements that the goalie has no joint pain. Who is similar? Manny Legace (playing overseas at 37) and Chris Mason.
I have noticed how compact and “economical” Mason is when he’s on his game. When he gets sloppy, you know its because he’s tired. Here’s hoping a rested, revitalized Mason can steal us at least a point at the Garden tonite!
Smoothie
October 27th, 2010
1:13 pm
Ooops! Forgot to put quotation marks around that paragraph. That was from Eliotte Freidmann of CBC sports in Canadia.
glovesave29
October 27th, 2010
5:07 pm
RL – sure it is a haul to AHL Abbotsford, that is true…but what of ECHL teams in Anchorage, Victoria, Stockton and Las Vegas? Plus if we were to move the Glads to the AHL, my suspicion is that Tampa would likely move theirs to Orlando, and Miami would move up the ECHL Everblades.
There are more AHL players playing under 2-way NHL contracts in the AHL than in the ECHL, so the player salary costs are actually lower for an ECHL owner.
Chicago does not work for us because of the competition of the entertainment dollar there. If the Wolves did not try to constantly put a winner on the ice vs. acting as a true farm team for the Thrashers, then the fans will go elsewhere. Next year it will get even worse as the ECHL will have a team there too.
If the decision is to be made for the sole purpose of improving the Thrashers, then you cannot make a sound argument against moving the Gladiators up. Carolina moving their farm club to Charlotte proves the point. Call ups are easier. Logistics are easier. Player transition is easier. Plus you can have a weekly scrimmage of Glads vs. Thrashers. That is a practice i’d certainly attend! Charge $2 to get in and donate it all to charity. Have vendors there…food and souvenirs.
Red Light
October 27th, 2010
5:09 pm
World Be Free: My pleasure. Joe Friday and I will try to heckle you and the Smooth Blue Spark at Beers of the World before the game if traffic doesn’t hold us up.
Thrashers 4, Rangers 3
Red Light
October 27th, 2010
6:12 pm
Biron will start in goal tonight and Todd White will dress for the Rangers.
Colby Armstrong out 4-6 weeks with a finger injury for the Leafs. Will require surgery.
Red Light
October 27th, 2010
6:16 pm
First start at MSG by another Rangers goalie other than Lundqvist since Oct. 19, 2009.
Budder
October 27th, 2010
6:53 pm
The JPVJ reference above cost me a keyboard…“Veej, How’s that bellringing job going? “. Hee-larious!
Re Gwinnett Gladiators ownership, here’s a link: http://www.gwinnettgladiators.com/site/team/owners.asp. By and large, their owners have been there since day one, and if they had a chance to jump an AHL team, they’d be on it like white on rice.
You might even see some of these cats at AAHL games from time to time. Bring on the Wolves!
ThrashFan23
October 27th, 2010
7:07 pm
Link for tonights game against the Rangers. http://www.dailyfunsports.com/2010/07/ch-1.html
Thrashers27
October 27th, 2010
7:23 pm
WTF!!! UVerse is blacking out the games too?
Adam
October 27th, 2010
7:29 pm
Little must have been reading the blog.
PhiK
October 27th, 2010
7:29 pm
YEAH!!!!! Litts finally scored!
kracker
October 27th, 2010
7:57 pm
The Thrash did their all too usual “playing as if they are a man down” start but ramped it up in the 2nd half of the 1st period. They went from being down 0-1 and 1-7 in shots to being tied 1-1 and leading in shots 12-10. It’s really too bad that they squandered the 5 on 3 to close the 1st period. Antro’s attempt to pass it thru traffic across the low slot was really not a good choice, since it resulted in an easy 3 on 5 clear for the Rags.
Putting On The Foil
October 27th, 2010
8:01 pm
Thanks ThrashFan23 for the link
Waffleboy
October 27th, 2010
8:26 pm
Avery… again
jerry
October 27th, 2010
8:28 pm
I am blacked out on ATT Uverse. Anybody know why?
Putting On The Foil
October 27th, 2010
8:29 pm
Why do we still have Hainsey?
jerry
October 27th, 2010
8:35 pm
Now not blacked out. A real pisser.
Matt
October 27th, 2010
8:40 pm
Ohhhhhhhhhhh, shiny. Bergfors AND Little score? Nice to see two keys players off “the Schneid”.
Matt
October 27th, 2010
9:06 pm
GOOD LORD!!! 5-2 Thrash!!!! Dustin B with monster blast from right side on the PP. Wow.
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 27th, 2010
9:16 pm
Get rid of Mason….Moose was 10X better than him. What a total and complete disappointment! It’s now 5-4.
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:16 pm
Buff is working out pretty darn well at D! Advantage Coach Ramsay/Torch/Dudley over our AGMs.
Thrashers27
October 27th, 2010
9:17 pm
Take Todd White off of the milk carton!!! He’s been located in Manhattan.
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:17 pm
LOL Todder scores for the Rags….gaaa
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:19 pm
What game are you watching, pal? It is 5-3.
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:20 pm
oops, now it’s 5-4
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 27th, 2010
9:22 pm
Uhhhhh…You’d better speed up your Tivo. There’s 4:41 left in the 3rd and it’s 5-4.
Smoothie
October 27th, 2010
9:22 pm
Perhaps we can trade Modin for Todd White after this game…Rangers will want to move salary when their injured players get back. Good gracious Modin sucks!
litz
October 27th, 2010
9:23 pm
Anyone notice how the smallest line on the ice (Kane+Burmi) was the line that was skating the most even w/the heavily pressing Rangers?
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 27th, 2010
9:24 pm
I’m watching a DirecTV feed. The satellite must be “faster” than what you’re watching it on.
You want me to tell you who won?
litz
October 27th, 2010
9:29 pm
Holy Moley … what is that tie Ramsay is wearing?
Final is in, 6-4 (Ladd potted an empty netter)
d
October 27th, 2010
9:29 pm
yes!
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 27th, 2010
9:30 pm
Ladd, empty netter! It’s 6-4 W for the Thrash….Can we get another goaltender, please?
Matt
October 27th, 2010
9:33 pm
That was way, way, way too close at the end. When you have a three goal lead in the third period you have to finish off the opposition.
d
October 27th, 2010
9:34 pm
Brutal game for Oduya and Welch.
dwayne
October 27th, 2010
9:38 pm
i saw rangturds last 2 goals, poor job by Thrashers around Mason. A WIN IS A WIN!!!!
Tom
October 27th, 2010
9:38 pm
Regarding the Gladiator’s owners and a move to the AHL. I talked with one of the owners last year about this and he said they are doing well financially as an ECHL team. A move to the AHL with the additional costs associated with it would not be a good economic move for the team at this time.
It does make sense, Atlanta has an high cost NHL team already. By offering the discount pricing of an ECHL team the Gladiators can be competitive through discounted pricing in the same market. Chicago and Toronto can support the NHL/AHL combination as they are traditional hockey markets, Atlanta can not.
Tom
October 27th, 2010
9:44 pm
Not a bad game for the boys. They did not know how to hold a lead and got a little cocky. A sign of youth.
Terrible ice made things interesting.
If I was the coach I would take the team and explain that 5 feet around the net is our territory. You see any of their players in that region you get them the heck out of there. No questions asked.
The Thrashers do a terrible job of clearing the crease, keeping track of players in the crease, and gettting the puck out of the zone.
Welch looked pretty lost out there. He was on the wrong side of the play at least a half dozen times. I hope that he is not the best defensive player we have in Chicago. Let’s chalk that up to 1st game nerves.
3 points out of 4 against the Rangers and the Caps. I can live with that but the real test is how we show up against the Sabres on a Friday night. The Bulb we be full of those smelly Buffalo fans. We need to really come out flying and get control of the game quickly.
Curly
October 27th, 2010
9:45 pm
Nice to see three guys get their first goal of the season. Congratulations to Mr. Little, Bergfors and Boulton. Also Congratulations to Alex Burmistrov on his first NHL point, an assist on Kanes goal!
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:46 pm
grrr my last comment got caught in the spam filter, I guess….
You caught me, Family Man, I was watching on my DVR and about 7-8 minutes behind so I had to not come back to the computer until the game ended. Whew, we needed this win!
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:56 pm
The whole team, the coaches, the zamboni drivers, the ice girls, all us fans should be looking for some pay-back Friday night against the slugs. So….how will the Thrashers show up in two days???
kracker
October 27th, 2010
9:58 pm
That should pretty much be the theme of your next column, imho, Rawhide. That and lauding Berg and Litts for getting off the milk carton.
R. Stroz
October 27th, 2010
10:10 pm
Did anyone else notice who was covering Charmin when he scored?
Yep, Modin.
Curly
October 27th, 2010
10:21 pm
Stroz – not only that but Modin turned the puck-over in the D-zone.
Tom Lysiak
October 27th, 2010
10:22 pm
I don”t believe what Modin was doing could be called “covering” Charmin on his goal. He appeared to be admiring him, as he stood there watching…..
Brendan
October 27th, 2010
10:28 pm
Wait, Ranallo warning??? If you’re gonna do a new blog for this Ranger game, tell me now.
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 27th, 2010
10:38 pm
Uh, perhaps it’s time for Modin to play the role of the healthy scratch? I’m just sayin’……..
R. Stroz
October 27th, 2010
10:38 pm
Tom Lysiak – I believe you are correct.
Actually, Swedee was asking Charmin for his phone number
At which point, Charmin stated “that’s not the way I roll.”
Brendan
October 27th, 2010
10:38 pm
Okay, I don’t see a Ranallo warning. Here’s your boxscore from the big win tonight: http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2010020123
When Todd “Milk Carton” White was found by the NYPD after an all points bulletin, I was sure we would lose. It’s his 1st of the year. Had to feel good, for him. I’m thinking, “yes.” Todd White played 10:52, had 3 shots, and was a +1. That’s as good of a game as Todd White is apt to have.
Okay, off Schneid Island are Bryan Little, Bergfors, and Eric Boulton. Yes! Byfuglien with the PPG!!
Here’s how the D-minus broke down, and YES, Noah Welch played 18:39.
1. Enstrom, 1A, +2, 23:37
2. Byfuglien, 1G, 6 shots to lead all Thrashers, +1,
3. Oduya, -1, no shots, 21:21
4. N. Welch, -1, no shots, 18:39
5. R. Hainsey, 1A, even, no shots, 18:05
6. Sopel: +1, 1 shot, 15:08
At +3: Anthony Stewart, making a case for himself for the Thrasher Player of the Month. Though, at +2, Andrew Ladd might get those honors, with another goal, couple of points, to keep his streak going. T. Enstrom was also +2.
At +1: Sopel, Little, Bergfors, Byfuglien, Boulton, Peverley,
At -1: Modin (what a shocker!!), Burmistrov, Welch, and Oduya
At -2: Eager and Thorburn (bit a surprise, as he was our previous +/- leader.)
World Be Free
October 27th, 2010
10:46 pm
The legend of Todd White is growing.
Tomi Kalio was heard saying “that could have been me!”
Meanwile, Todd White, who has acquired some New York ways was quoted after the game saying “I got your milk carton right here”.
World Be Free
October 27th, 2010
10:50 pm
Burmistov never stops working
Brendan
October 27th, 2010
10:57 pm
Red Light, I think it was you that I was talking about about how, statistically-speaking, once the opposition reaches goal # 3 on the game, the Thrashers are in the loss column. Well, we’ve got to mark this one down, since the Rangers scored 4 goals, and didn’t register even a “pity point.”
Poor Ol' Family Man
October 27th, 2010
11:25 pm
Burmistrov is living the NHL Dream……Kovalchuk has become an NHL Nightmare. Can’t wait to see them meet on the ice. It’s Sat, Dec 18th at the Bulb.
So which team has more points by that day, the Thrash or the Devs?
Rawhide
October 27th, 2010
11:35 pm
I tell ya…did you see that Todd White out there tonight, scoring a goal on the Thrashers that lead to a frantic comeback bid?
I swear…why, oh why, did the Thrashers ever get rid of Todd White?!?
Anywhoooo…let’s discuss the 6-4 win in New York here gang.
R. Stroz
October 28th, 2010
10:35 am
LAST!
Rawhide
October 31st, 2010
10:39 am
R. Stroz – Again…nope.