Byfuglien happy in his roles as defenseman and clutch goal scorer
Sunday night, just after blasting the puck through Rick DiPietro to give the Thrashers a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders, Dustin Byfuglien skated over by the glass in front of section 103 in celebration. He turn to display his left arm toward the cheering fans, took his right hand and lifted up the sleeve to display the A-T-L-A-N-T-A that runs down it.
Fans love that stuff, ya know.
Big Buff certainly seems to be happy securing wins for his new city, it’s team and their fans. And he’s also appears to be very, very comfortable with playing the role of Mr. Clutch. As coach Ramsay put it after the win, “He wants to be a difference-maker all the time”.
“That’s the biggest asset a hockey player can have … is to want to be the difference-maker, to want to be the guy, to be the man. He puts his hand up.”
Byfuglien has been putting his hand up a lot this season. The goal he scored 1:30 into overtime, sending the Islander away with the thirteenth consecutive loss, was his seventh so far while his 19 overall points is second only behind captain Andrew Ladd. His three power play goals tie him with Rich Peverley and Anthony Stewart for second on the team, just behind Nik Antropov’s four. And two times the thrashers have won games in overtime…both times the players doing the honors were, you guessed it, Dustin Byfuglien.
Dustin Byfuglien celebrates his OT winning goal with Toby Enstrom on Sunday. It was Buff's second overtime score and fourth gam-winner this season (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
Buff not one…not two…no, not three…but four game winning tallies on the season. That’s pretty impressive considering Atlanta has only nine wins so far
Byfuglien’s performance this year is exactly what Thrashers fans had hoped for last summer when GM Rick Dudley made that big trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. Only, many around here had though such ice-ice heroics would come from Buff as a forward…not as a defenseman.
When Dudley leaked the news that the 6-5, 265 lb Byfuglien might be moved back to his natural position on defense, it was met with much wailing and gnashing of teeth. The Blackhawks had placed Buff on the forward lines a couple years ago to add size up front…an experiment that proved to be a success…and we wanted to see his big frame screening goalies for us too.
“We need that big body up in front of the net”, fans said.
“Put him up front during power plays”, was a common suggestion.
“Our offense looks weak and we need him there to help”, was a frequent lament.
“Buff is a terrible skater and will be a liability back there”, some even warned.
Admittedly, I scratched my head over the thought of having Byfuglien taken off the list of forwards available to the team and placed on the blueline. However, a month and a half into the fall campaign, the wringing of hands about such a move has proven to be unwarranted.
Beginning with Byfuglien’s personal stats…7 goals, 12 assists, and EVEN +/- rating, 2 OT goals and 4 game-winners…it doesn’t appear as though he’s struggling at all back there. And looking at those numbers, I guess it could be said that what Byfuglien has done here is become the Zach Bogosian type of player we had hoped for from…well…from Zach Bogosian.
As far as team numbers are concerned…again, the Thrashers don’t seem to be struggling too much in the wake of Dustin’s move to the D-line. They are potting goals at a 3.05 per game clip, tied with Pittsburgh for seventh best in the NHL, and their power play is a sixth-best 23.5% effective. Also, this offense is getting a lot of good looks at opposing goalkeepers as they are getting off 30.3 shots per game, which is the most since 2005-06 when they took 30.8 S/G.
And while the defensive unit Byfuglien is a part of is giving up an alarming 35.4 shots thus far this season, that number is improving having allowed just 30.6 SA/G. Regardless, Dustin isn’t exactly embarrassing Thrasherville with his play back there.
Giving credit where it’s due… the decision by Dudley and Ramsay to move Byfuglien back to defense has been a success and has proven to be the right one.
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100 comments Add your comment
R. Stroz
November 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
GOLD!
J(Z)
November 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
He’s on the ice probably about 8-10 minutes a game more than if he were a forward…I’m cool with that!
Paminski
November 22nd, 2010
11:16 am
It was the first game I was able to attend this season. DiPietro had some crazy saves. Also, tough name to fit into the “goalie, you suck” chant. Our goalie is starting to appear more consistent than he’s shown us before. O.P. made some incredible saves himself and the guys are playing better in front of him lately. Antro looks all warmed up for the season, no waiting for him this year. I agree, Bill. The crowd loves the “Buff” and he deserves the admiration. Looking good hanging out with the little Enstrom that could. All in all a solid effort.
thebighairybeast
November 22nd, 2010
11:27 am
Buff, Ladd, Kane, and several others are playing with heart. Even young Burmi is playing way above his years. The Washington game was sick! And last night was solid. Kinda get the feeling things are starting to come together.
Joe Friday
November 22nd, 2010
11:30 am
“Buff is a terrible skater and will be a liability back there”, some even warned.
What idiot said that? Wait, never mind . . .
The last two goals he’s had, they’ve been as a forward stepping into the slot and scoring, not a dman. He’s like a hybrid and that’s a good point that J(Z) has about him getting more time on ice from the d position.
Hip Czech
November 22nd, 2010
11:32 am
Just one suggestion…make the A on Enstrom’s jersey be a lower case a. Just seems like the right thing to do, big A, little a.
Thomas Magnum
November 22nd, 2010
11:33 am
I’ve got to say that I was one of the people who would rather have had him playing forward because I didn’t think we would have enough offense. I’m glad I have been wrong about both of those things and I hope the team continues to keep scoring. If only we can get our defense locked down.
I was also a little bit skeptical of the trade that we made to bring Buff here because I didn’t want to give up Morin. So far that is looking like a great move as well! Glad to have Buff here and he is quickly becoming one of my favorite Thrashers!
R. Stroz
November 22nd, 2010
11:47 am
Buff is bringing some swagger to a team that needs someone to become the new “marketable” player.
Joe Friday
November 22nd, 2010
11:55 am
“Buff is bringing some swagger to a team that needs someone to become the new “marketable” player.”
He was the guy that brought it all together in Chicago during the Cup run. Big Buf was the fan favorite, bar none.
rob
November 22nd, 2010
12:07 pm
He needs to be marketed more to the city. Watching him last year with the Hawks and now here with us, this is a guy that WANTS to represent himself and the team and the city. Give the fans here someone they can really get behind and cheer for! Oh and ASG better not screw this up and better lock some of these guys up…..the “star” status that brought non fans to watch IK skate 8s should be happy to come see some of the antics that are going on with the TEAM now! Now we need Buff to score a few away from home and taunt the fans there like I saw him do during the playoffs last year! PRICELESS and a great way to get rivalries going! Good old fashion hockey rivalries and passion will bring more fans out to games other than just 0 vechkin and Cindy.
razorneck13
November 22nd, 2010
12:07 pm
What did I predict a while back? “Lucky to get 10 goals being used as a defenseman”, I think it was. Sorry Buff. Now excuse me I have to get this egg off may face.
RS
November 22nd, 2010
12:08 pm
I’ve mentioned this on the Thrashers board before, but they need to find a way to use Big Buff to bring in Falcons fans. They’ve proved that they will come downtown and there’s enough of a “badass factor” to appeal to them.
World Be Free
November 22nd, 2010
12:24 pm
I nearly drove off the road when I heard we traded for Buff. The guy has the tools and the temperment to be a cornerstone player. The fact that he has lived up to the hype should be no surprise to anyone.
Can’t say enough about Burmie. He’s a kid, playing like a man. Great at both ends of the rink, slick moves and a smile all the time-he is having a ball. Veteran players should learn to have as much fun as Burmie is having.
To finish off the last blog, Stewart has to go when Cormier is ready. At least Jimmy tries; Slater is a 185# guy that plays like he’s 235#. Stewart is a 235# guy who plays like he’s 185#.
The Hainsey hit//I thought Ron held up on the guy, he could of really planted him. The league has already legislated fighting out of the game, now they are legislating honest body checks out as well. Very sad. Brings back memories of one of my favorite old Atlanta Flames, Hilliard Graves.
Alan R.
November 22nd, 2010
12:30 pm
He needs to be marketed more to the city.
This is more an underlying problem with the marketing department itself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_metropolitan_area
The Atlanta metro area, as evidenced by the graphic, is huge. It even includes Chambers County, which is located in Alabama. Thrashers advertising should be everywhere, at the very least, inside the ten counties that comprise of the Atlanta Regional Commission.
There is absolutely no excuse for the lack of any advertising south of I-20.
There’s an old saying that goes something like this. To make money, you’ve got to spend money. Atlanta Spirit, you’ve got to put up the dollars if you expect fans to come out and pay the dollars. You keep saturating the same places with advertising, and you’ll keep getting the same fans. What you need is more fans. Get them in the door any way you can.
Advertise on Fox5, WSB, CBS, WXIA. Call Comcast and see if we can’t get some advertising thrown in with the rest of the local advertisements.
Advertise Byfuglien, Little, Enström, and the rest of our young core. Advertise them everywhere, not just the northern suburbs. Hockey is for everyone, not just for the northside.
Darkhorse
November 22nd, 2010
12:51 pm
WBF-Agree with you on the Stewart comments. He just doesn’t seem to bring enough to the table to warrant staying in a top six role.
I too, thought Buff to D was a receipe for disaster. I will tuck my tail on that, but I still don’t see him becoming a “shutdown the opposing team’s top lines” kinda dman. I’m fine with hybrid if he does his best to use that big frame and slow down his man, but don’t market him to the fans and league as a #1 franchise damn. We still need one of those.
jimbo
November 22nd, 2010
1:08 pm
D-Buff is a good skater and is surprisingly fast for his size. Ramsey is letting him roam a la Niedemeyer which fits perfectly for him. With over 20 minutes of ice team each game, he is getting more chances as a D-Man than he would as a forward. We are finally starting to play some team defense and it’s showing in the SOG. Pavs is playing very well. Am cautiously optimistic.
rob
November 22nd, 2010
1:21 pm
Yeah, Pavs is pleasantly suprising as he has not had many of those sliding into the corner out of position antics that plaugued him last year. Could our new found goalie coach have anything to do with this? I would like to have Pavs asked if Malarchuk is helping him moreso then Weeks. He looks as if he is coming around and if that is the case….as this team gels it bodes well for us! BAHHHHH! LMAO
bria
November 22nd, 2010
1:25 pm
BUFFFF!
TableHocey
November 22nd, 2010
1:31 pm
Buff could contend for the Norris if he keeps this up. Currently he is tied with Nash for game winning goals in the NHL. Gotta give Ladd props too – that screen on Antro’s goal could not have been timed more perfectly.
Most important to me was the win last night – the Thrashers of old would have absolutely lost that game!
Zombie Steve
November 22nd, 2010
1:31 pm
Glad to see Pavs playing up to his potential too. Perhaps this goalie “consultant” is helping?
World Be Free
November 22nd, 2010
1:40 pm
Darkhorse-you been to any games lately?
rob-obviously a good move hiring yet another ex-Sabre to Malarchuk.
Hitting a few blogs today, sounds like Duds is patroling other teams looking for a forward. I.D.W.T.
Thrashy Thrashy
November 22nd, 2010
1:55 pm
If ASG had the common sense to start annual Thrashers offseason tours in Georgia and hit places like Augusta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, Albany, and Valdosta, they’d instantly get some free press all over the state at minimal cost.
That’s the kind of thing committed ownership should do.
I live in Albany. You never hear a word about the Thrashers. If ASG made an effort to promote this team in Albany, the odds are good that their results would be on the news every night. That’s free advertising.
saluda26
November 22nd, 2010
2:01 pm
WBF – Ole Hilliard Graves had the best hip check in hockey! Saw him lay out a few guys when he was with the Flames.
World Be Free
November 22nd, 2010
2:06 pm
saluda26-I remember Hillie’s hip checks very well. That was old school, you hip check a guy today you get jumped! The art is lost.
puckhead
November 22nd, 2010
2:50 pm
The only marketing this team needs is to continue winning and maybe cheap beer. I do believe they should provide the radio broadcast for free to stations outside of the 680 listening area.. Maybe get a % of local advertising revenue.
Party Pooper
November 22nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Went to the hot dog place on level 300 after the 1st period, on Sunday. I have a kid, it’s Kid’s Day, and there’s “Kid Meal” on the board. So, I ask the lady what’s the Kid Meal.
“We don’t have kid meals!” No apology. No explanation. She looks at me like I’m an alien.
It’s Kid’s Day. “Kid Meal” is on the menu above her. But they apparently don’t have such an item.
No biggie, really. Just interesting. Ironic, maybe.
The problem will probably be solved when they close level 300 with big black drapes…
NHL Ready
November 22nd, 2010
2:55 pm
Buff is really the D-man. Lets get some wins and build up the points. Big game VS Red Wings best team we will play so far this season.
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
3:07 pm
Party Pooper – I don’t doubt it for a second. The “service” on the 300 level (BofTW notwithstanding) is absolutely disgraceful and insulting to the consumer. Sage wants us to boycott the ASG, and I have absolutely no problem supporting a boycott of their ridiculously bad concession stands. I will still have my lone 24 oz Labatt and leave it at that!
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
3:08 pm
Cotton pickin’ spam filter!
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
Fingers tapping on desk waiting for Smoothie’s next installment…
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Foot tapping on floor waiting for Smoothie’s next installment…
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:17 pm
Now, resorting to pacing to and fro in the hallway anxiously waiting for next installment…
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:18 pm
Where’s the justice Trixie?
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:20 pm
It’s like waiting on a Johnny Oduya shot from the point…could happen…may happen…someday
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:22 pm
Man with Eastern European accent from James Bond film…”9 minutes and counting…”
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
3:25 pm
R/L – too funny. Nothing to get your hopes up over…just lamenting the horrible concession stand service in the 300 level and commiserating with Party Pooper. If you want a serious “installment”, go check out my blog essay on the win over the Islanders’. In fact, that reminds me, I need to go get caught up on my RedLightReport reading!!
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
I think Trixie is probably on T’giving holiday this week. Bill can handle it as he’s been very much on top of things recently. I think he’s written about 17 blog entries in the last 4 days. Bravo!!
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:28 pm
Already read your fine post Smooth Spark!
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
3:31 pm
R/L – in the meantime, here’s something to sink your teeth into stat-wise…I know you love your stats!
Since the CBJ debacle on November 4th, your Atlanta Thrashers — unless you’re name is SOB — have out-shot their opponent in 6 of their last 8. And in doing so, they have averaged 34.75 SOG while only yielding an average of 31.875 over that 8 game span. Problem is their record as they only 3 of those 8 games (3 – 4 – 1), but that is certainly progress of a the positive kind. If anything, blame the PP as they have only scored 2 PP goals in the last 6 games. Of course, last nite’s PPG was a rather big one, thanks Nikolai!!
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
3:31 pm
Odd timing…
“Philips Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, today announced the completion of the first phase of a multi-million dollar investment in its food and beverage operation. The concept changes, renovations and technological enhancements to Philips Arena’s dining offerings come on the heels of a $4.6 million redesign of its private business suites.”
Zombie Steve
November 22nd, 2010
3:38 pm
The concession folks are cup Nazis. Don’t bother asking for a spare.
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
3:39 pm
“Already read your fine post Smooth Spark!”
Awesome, thank you. Glad you thought it was fine…I was very happy with how it came out. Tough to frame around so many quotes, but I love that Rammer gives us so much material to choose from. Good stuff.
So, with the F&B “upgrades”, does this mean employees will actually be required to be cordial and considerate? How about some soda that doesn’t taste like cardboard from being so stale?
Alan R.
November 22nd, 2010
3:42 pm
I love Ramsay’s quotes. and I read the blog this morning, Smoothinator. A wonderful re-cap!
Party Pooper
November 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
When I saw “Kid Meal” at the ‘dog stall, I started dreaming of a hot dog, chips, Coke, cookie, and toy-gift super-duper combo. Maybe I’d order two. One for the kid and one for me.
But then… for $5.50 at Philips?! So, I was really expecting a 3-incher with a glass of water. (I want to make a joke here but they might delete the whole thing)
She threw me off when she said they didn’t have kid meals. I wanted to ask her to turn around and look up at the menu right behind her but why bother.
Rawhide
November 22nd, 2010
3:52 pm
Smoothie – Your 3:07 pm comment has just been freed from blog purgatory. Sorry it took a while, I was supervising the tax exemptions as they de-leafed the back yard. By “supervising”, I mean sitting on the deck with a cold beverage and pointing out the fallen foliage that they had missed.
Reason # 27-B why having teenage sons is a very good thing indeed.
Yes, Trixie has the week off. The girl has something like 56 vacation days a year…don’t know how she talked me into that deal. Anyway, she took the AJC Thrashers Fan Blog’s American Express Card and is in New York City on a shopping mission and will be taking in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Sherry Taylor
November 22nd, 2010
3:52 pm
It’s my understanding (I might be wrong, wouldn’t be the first time) that Buff signed only a one year contract. Well, I say, sign the boy to however many years he’ll agree to and pay him whatever he wants. He’s biggest spark this team has seen in . . . .a long, long time. He’s a leader, he’s an enforcer, he’s a skater, he’s the whole package. Pay him whatever he wants! And, if Ladd decides to leave after this year, Buff is the perfect choice for captain. And, another thing that makes him a good player is he is willing to accept responsibility for his mistakes. It takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong.
I agree about Stewart, for someone who started out well with the hat trick and his play on the west coast, he has fallen behind. Maybe he has the safe type attitude Kovalchuk had–I can and have to do it all by myself. I just think he’s slowed that line up. Little and Kane are putting it out there but there line mate seems to be slowing up. Too bad.
Nice to see Pavelec becoming what we’ve been told he could become. He’s played masterfully. I, too, am cautiously optimistic.
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
4:03 pm
Bill – I can see you on the porch sipping your beverage in between the barking of orders to pick up EVERY LEAF that has fallen. Can’t have any “leafs” of any kind disgracing your yard! I had a feeling Trixie had run off to NYC with the company card. I’ll pray for the existence of this blog as a literary going concern.
Alan – thank you sir for the kind words! I’m glad you liked it. I do hope that my feeling about this team is confirmed by its play over the next month or so. We still have a very difficult schedule with the next 8 games against playoff teams from last year: DET, MTL, BOS, COL, PIT & WSH (AGAIN!), NSH & COL again. We need to win at least 3 or 4 of these to stay in the hunt till things soften a bit: NYI, OTT, TB, CAR, NJ (ha ha!) TOR. December does not end easy either: StL, BOS, TB, PIT, BOS, NJ.
Wow, the sked makers did not want us anywhere near .500 by Christmas, did they?? Perhaps this team will start gaining some national attention with some wins over these tough teams other than Washington.
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
4:08 pm
Sherry – Buff is still under the contract he signed as a RFA during CHI playing days. It was Laddy that signed only a 1 year deal and if he keeps up this level of play, his $2.35 M salary will look like a real drop in the bucket!!
But I agree, time to start working on new deals with a X-mas holiday announcement to keep away the holiday blues (see last year’s 9-game winless streak). I say 3 years and $13.5 M for Big Buff (4.00, 4.5 and 5.0 perhaps) and a 5 year deal for Ladd (I bet he’d like to settle into one city finally) valued at around $4 M / year on average.
Pray for new ownership by next Spring so we can lock these guys up no later than the playoffs if Christmas time goes without contractual gifts from the ASG.
Darkhorse
November 22nd, 2010
4:19 pm
WBF-The Bhawks game was my last one. Sat right behind the Chicago bench. Fun game to be at, other than us losing. Almost made it to the Islander game last night, but had too much going on at the house to make it in time from Emerson. Thought about coming this Wed against the Wings after work, just not sure I can stomach all the Detroit fans that will be there. Not that I blame them, they have a good team this year to cheer for.
alex
November 22nd, 2010
4:24 pm
from very beginning didn’t understood reason Chicago part ways with buff. cap problem? everyone but buff. he is games changing star. so what next? say thank you stupid Chicago, get him long deal and build around. you going to get Stanley cup contender every single year. real owners get this conclusion easily, but asg not real, i am pessimistic until they in power.
Joe Friday
November 22nd, 2010
4:42 pm
Stewart 5 goals 6 assists for 11 pts which is 7th on the club, +/- of -1, 26 hits, shooting % of .139
Slater 2 goals 1 assist for 3 pts which is 14th on the club, +/- of -4, 28 hits, shooting % of .074
Shoot, Slater only has one more point then Boulton and at least Boulton is a +3. Slater has to sit when Cormier is ready. Modin is already an afterthought to me. If Duds is out shopping for a forward, then it’s probably to replace Stewart, but Cormier forces Slater out, methinks. The failed wrap around last night was just one more in a long string of ineffectiveness from Slater, all go, no results
Thrashers27
November 22nd, 2010
4:54 pm
Yep, Slates shoulda sunk the puck in that wide open net. If he’d just taken an extra step out he’d have had total control of the puck and a still wide open net.
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
4:58 pm
With 44 goals on 521 career shots, one must wonder if Mister Magoo would have a higher conversion rate than Slater.
Career numbers as a Thrasher
• Todd White 43 goals on 353 shots
• Patty Stefan 59 goals on 564 shots
• Colby Armstrong 41 goals on 271 shots
• Bobby Holik 41 goals on 481 shots
Thrashers record book
Slater is now 5th in games played, 9th in goals, 23rd in assists and 7th in shots
@not_CThorburn
November 22nd, 2010
5:04 pm
I had no doubts about Buff on D. Total Stud.
*** bows down *** We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!
Chris
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
5:07 pm
“Stewart 5 goals 6 assists for 11 pts which is 7th on the club”
Yeah, and four goals came in two nights, Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, which means he has one goal and five assists in his last 16 games and it’s not like he’s playing with fourth-liners either.
Joe Friday
November 22nd, 2010
5:12 pm
“it’s not like he’s playing with fourth-liners either.”
This is true. He can go as well, but Cormier can’t come in on one of the top lines and Slater can’t move up there either, Cormier forces Slater back to the buffet. That failed wrap around last night was the final straw for me.
Alan R.
November 22nd, 2010
5:13 pm
Smoothie – I think one thing that will really garner us some attention will be wins over some West Conference teams, and teams like Boston, Montreal and Pittsburgh. I don’t, by any stretch of the imagination, expect any of that. I do expect this team to come out and work hard, whether it’s the first or the second, up by five or down by five.
Fact remains, we need to start winning more consistently and against good competition.
Alan R.
November 22nd, 2010
5:16 pm
JF, this is what I posted in the last blog, in response to you.
I think it has to be Slater, he brings nothing to the table.
Disagree. It’s not going to be Slater, it’s going to be someone cheap.
We’re sitting at around the $40.6m mark, not including bonuses (read as: below the cap floor). Slater pulls in $1m/yr. Stewert pulls in ~$632k.We can ill afford to drop salary, only add. Cormier makes over $800k. Logically, Stewert gets the boot.
This isn’t to say Slater doesn’t get moved at the deadline for another piece to our puzzle. He very well may. This is just merely pointing out that Slater isn’t going anywhere when Cormier is ready for the big club.
———-
Now, if Dudley gets that forward he wants, is a good player and makes more than Slater, by all means. But we can’t be one dimensional here. We gotta have salary on the club as well as warm bodies.
World Be Free
November 22nd, 2010
5:25 pm
It is so great that we are talking about improvements to the lineup, upgrades with NHL players. In the past, we would just bring up AHL-ers and pretend they were big leagers. Jury is out on Slater, but not on Stewart. Some great posts today.
Darkhorse, I am out for Wednesday but will be there Friday and Sunday.
Old Time Hockey
November 22nd, 2010
5:40 pm
Who’d have thought 2 years ago that our first Norris trophy winner would be Big Buff?
What’s with all the Slater haters? One guy who never get’s accused of taking a shift off every now and then.
Burmistrov looks better at this age than Datsyuk did. Can you spell Selke?
Zoomo
November 22nd, 2010
5:54 pm
I’m not giving up on Modin just yet. If he can get healthy and get back in the lineup he might be a guy to give us 15 goals. He seemed to finding his game just before he went out. He’s a solid veteran and a great clubhouse guy. I’m not ready to write him off yet.
Stewart has been nearly invisible the past few games. I think he caught my eye once last night. I’d love to see us upgrade over Slater or Stewart too. Cormier could be it, but it’d be nice to find a 20 goal guy out there in a trade. Maybe Bergors goes in a deal?
Cornbread
November 22nd, 2010
6:01 pm
Let’s not forget all the naysayers who said, “Buff willl be nothing without Toews and Kane.” Maybe their real fear was the other way around?
I’m always reminded what a friend of mine who was paired with Buff on D said of him, “he is the most naturally gifted hockey player he has seen and can play any position he wants.”
Sara
November 22nd, 2010
6:15 pm
Slater’s 61% face-off win percentage might be a factor as well. That’s tops on the team among all the centers.
Red Light
November 22nd, 2010
6:50 pm
Sara:
Slater is a good face-off man, just doesn’t get on the ice enough to take them. Fact is, I think Slater can defend, I think he can forecheck, I think he’s willing to toss his body around, and I think he works hard most of the time. But, offensively, he confounds me. He creates and gets a lot of scoring opportunities but just doesn’t cash them in often enough.
He scores goals just when you think he’ll never score again — thus, watch him get on the board twice in the next three games!
Cornbread
November 22nd, 2010
6:53 pm
Why, particularly when this team is playing well, must some fans find a scapegoat, and many times wrongly so? Anthony Stewart has been the subject of much of this scapegoating since he beat out Freddy Pettersson for the job. He has not cost the Thrashers a win by serving up multiple free pizzas like a few have. The guy has ATL’s first and only hat trick, has 3 points and a +3 in his last 10 games, and is on pace to put up 40+ this season in the NHL(That BTW, is the same pace as Antro, Peverly, and Little). Still, the guy can’t catch a break.
He is a big and fast north-south wing. He’s not a flashy east-west guy. It is his job to chase the puck down along the boards and get it to Evander Kane. Looking at Kane and Buff’s team high of 76 shots, I’d say he’s doing that well. I like the look of that line. I think he, Kane and Little are enjoying it as well. They are quick and fast to strike as opposed to cycling and grinding down low. When they do cycle, it usually occurs with a quick scoring chance that catches their opponents off-guard. Maybe when they start burying more of those chances people will be singing a different tune?
Zoomo
November 22nd, 2010
7:16 pm
Good points, Cornbread.
Stewart is one of those players that sometimes shows you why he was a first round draft pick, and other times seems invisible.I’d like to see more consistency from him in his shift over shift play.
I don’t think anyone is making him the scapegoat, just some thoughts about what the team could be with an upgrrade at one of the foward slots. At the rate we are scoring, that might not be the primary need right now. But, Dudley will probably tweak the team at some point in the season to try and strenghten the roster based on what he see out there. It be interesting to see if he’s in live with all of the experts here
rob
November 22nd, 2010
7:19 pm
When Stewart starts putting a body on someone to free up Kane and Little’s speed then I say woohoo. Kane’s goals haven’t seemed to be from great feeds by Stewart. However, when Slater and Kane were paired they fed off of each others missed drives to the net because the other was crashing it also and picked up easy goals, which is what Ramsey is wanting guys to do and would seem like a good thing when Cormier gets here and moves Stewart out. This team was marketed as a big hard hitting group. Anyone seen that yet? I love the forechecking when it is clicking but on the nights it isn’t…..some hard hits by the big bodies just might infuse some energy into a lifeless Blueland and the Boys in Blue on the bench.
kovyoverrated
November 22nd, 2010
8:08 pm
I haven’t seen any of the Kovy-lovers lately. That -10 +/- is exactly what I told my Jersey buddies they would be getting. That deal has handcuffed the Devils for many years to come. Every time I see Kane and Burmy getting back on D, I shake my head and thank the hockey gods that that lazy piece of crap is gone.
Flames
November 22nd, 2010
8:22 pm
There is some window shopping going on. How great would it be to get a Jarome Inginla from Calgary?
Tony C.
November 22nd, 2010
8:57 pm
Iginla?
Sure, no problem, How great would it be to have to give up Kane for him?
hoosier_hoser
November 22nd, 2010
9:02 pm
You column points out how Dudley and Ramsey are more knowledgeable than your readers regarding Buf’s talents. Fair enough!
The facts of the case before the season went something like the following:
1. The Thrashers had multiple NHL caliber or super prospect defensemen under contract.
2. The thrashers had no 30 goal forwards on the roster.
3. Many, including most of your readers, believed that the Thrashers would have trouble scoring.
4. The Thrashers had little size and grit on the forward line.
Given these facts, as opposed to current hindsight, the notion of playing Buf at forward made a lot of sense.
air enough.
Tony C.
November 22nd, 2010
9:23 pm
Not to be to big of a wet blanket, Flames-but honestly, we don’t have too many guys/assets we could trade for Iginla that wouldn’t end being costly-we have no 1st-round pick this year, and you’re going to have to give up a 1st-round pick or a 1st-rounder for a guy with Iginla’s resume and reputation right?
I would think that’s who I’d ask for if I were Sutter-Evander Kane as well as a blueline prospect and 2nd round pick.
My point being that I think the price for Iginla will be too costly to actually consider doing a deal-but hey, if the Sutters are drunk or something and will take Modin and Valabik plus next year’s 1st-round pick (which would make it two years in a row of no 1st round picks)-then by all means that would be awesome and Vegas will certainly change odds of The Cup rollin on Peachtree from 650-to-1…
Rawhide
November 22nd, 2010
9:25 pm
hoosier_hosier – In fairness, I include myself in that number whom Rick Dudlay and Craig Ramsay know more than.
Curly
November 22nd, 2010
9:43 pm
Smoothie – A little Canadian National attention for the Thrashers – The Thrashers have moved up from 19th to 12th in the TSN power rankings. The Quote from TSN:
“Should Thrashers GM Rick Dudley be prosecuted for insider trading? Who, other than the former Blackhawks exec, was of the mind that Dustin Byfuglien would be a top-tier defenceman, Andrew Ladd would be a first-line scorer and Ben Eager could be more than fourth-line material, let alone all of those things materializing 20 games into the season?”
KLS1
November 22nd, 2010
10:36 pm
Everyone is defintitely nibbling around the edges with Stewart, Modin, Slater, etc…
These guys were not expected to win games for us, just not lose them. If we win their role will be appreciated, but when we lose it was their lack of scoring that is hurting us.
Based on what I am seeing from Burmi…I am for the youth movement with Cormier as well…but be careful what you wish for…
Smoothie
November 22nd, 2010
10:43 pm
Curly – well, well, well! Wonders never DO cease! Thanks for the post. Hope the boys don’t let the press-clippings go to their heads too much! Gotta keep working hard and grinding things out!
Tony – refresh my memory, how did we end up without a 1st rounder in 2011? I thought we merely swapped 1st rounders with Chicago in the Buff deal. I’m so tired I can’t remember.
Curly
November 22nd, 2010
11:07 pm
We do have still have a first rounder in 2011. We traded the 2010 first round pick from New Jersey (from the Kovalchuck trade) for Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager and Alieu (sp?). Also included in the trade were J. Morin and Reasoner.
litz
November 22nd, 2010
11:36 pm
They spent HOW MUCH on food and beverage improvements? !?
*where* ?
All I see are nice LCD menu screens. The food — and beverage — sure hasn’t changed one bit.
Nate
November 23rd, 2010
2:51 am
“Buff is a terrible skater and will be a liability back there”,
Yeah…That’s my bad.
Always Hoping
November 23rd, 2010
6:04 am
Circle Friday, March 25th on your calendars. The Vancouver Canucks come to town to play our Thrashers. For those of you who have followed the playoffs the last two years you’ll know what a thorn Buff has been in their sides. His duels with Luongo have been intense. I’m not saying to move him to forward for one game but……………..
Sara
November 23rd, 2010
6:29 am
litz – there are several new concession stands in the lower concourses, including Veni Vidi Vici.
And agreed to whomever recommended they use some of that “improvement” money to hire more competent and courteous staff.
Back in the early years, as in days of AOL/TW, there was a program where they gave people a couple free tickets to a game (pretty decent ones too) on the condition that they evaluate the staff – from concessions to ushers to store clerks. If Atlanta Spirit didn’t continue that, they should consider reinstating it. They can also add a section that notes how many sinks in the bathrooms are actually functioning. :/
Thrashers27
November 23rd, 2010
7:36 am
Not that we have room for him there, but I wonder if anyone’s ever considered trying Slates on the blueline. He’s fast and pesky and not expected to find the net from that position…at least not as much.
World Be Free
November 23rd, 2010
7:59 am
Cornbread-you have some good points. But like rob stated, you need to put that big body on someone. 235# guys are power forwards, but I don’t see power in his game.
Stewart needs to show more intensity and physcial precense. He needs to make defenseman look back on the forecheck and he’s not doing that. Also, he is no threat on the rush when he has the puck, Stewart doesn’t know what to do with the biscuit from 30+ feet out. This normally leads to a turnover and the play going the otehr way. He’s no speed guy, so he is no help in the defensive zone.
Like Herb Brooks always said “Play your game”. I don’t know what Stewart’s game is. If he scored 3 goals in one game by standing in front of the net, then he needs to get back there.
DWTOO
November 23rd, 2010
8:05 am
Smoothie – You need XM in the car! We were also traveling down 85 S on sunday night from a weekend in DC. Were able to hear the whole game right to the driveway.
As for the food – the new crepe concession is excellent.
suzy-q
November 23rd, 2010
8:14 am
Sara-
Help! Which bathroom has functioning sinks?
World Be Free
November 23rd, 2010
8:21 am
Sara and others-tell me which member of the “staff” has not been helpful. This nit-picking criticism of the staff is a little ridiculous; they are working people like everyone else. You get your ticket, get your concessions and watch the game.
Let’s focus on improving the team not trashing working people. Sorry folks, but I have worked events before, as a paid employee and a volunteer. You’d be surprised how many “patrons” are rude idiots and the idiocy transcends sports. Sorry folks, but you just hit a nerve.
Red Light
November 23rd, 2010
8:31 am
There is a reason Stewart had only played 105 games in the league prior to this season. His first 10 days in the lineup were great. If he could have potted more goals, he wouldn’t have been available to sign as an unrestricted free agent at the age of 24 in the summer of 2009. He was signed as a depth signing and targeted for Chicago. Making the roster at all was a bit of an upset in my opinion. He needs to make more of his opportunity, or he won’t stay up for long.
World Be Free
November 23rd, 2010
8:42 am
R/L-the same motivational problem that doomed Stewart in Miami. I remember seeing him witht he Panthers, wondering what a force he could be if he got his game together. Still has not happened.
FYI-Colin stuart is having a fine season on Buffalo’s farm team, he was called up to the Sabres yesterday. Good for the other Stuart.
Acer
November 23rd, 2010
8:47 am
One of Byfuglien’s biggest drawbacks was his inconsistency. No doubt, his impact so far is tremendous. So far is the key word here. One good 21 game stretch doesn’t automatically translate into a great season (75-82 games.) It’s possible but it’s not a given. Any *cough* Norris *cough*
talk is laughable at this point. Let’s see how Burmistrov handles adversity before drawing crazy Datsyuk comparisons & conducting Selke talk. Hopefully both was just sarcasm.
Consistency isn’t just a players issue, it’s an issue which plagued the franchise for “ages.”
Iginla? Yeah, I don’t see a problem with him dropping his NMC to come to a Stanley Cup contender like the Atlanta Thrashers. Oh…you were kidding right?
Re: Late season trades around the TDL. Let’s wait and see how the season goes. Given that the Thrashers are in playoff position or range, I’d like RD to follow the route of the Kings in 2010. Improve on your weaknesses while not selling the future.
World Be Free
November 23rd, 2010
8:51 am
I guess some of us, including me were wrong about Cary Price. He has been pretty good this year, now that he is no longer sharing the position with Halak. Habs still should have gotten more for Halak in the deal with the Blues, but it seems like it has worked out for everyone involved.
Red Light
November 23rd, 2010
9:29 am
The mental make-up of goalies is so fragile that some can’t be a No. 1 and some can’t be a back-up. In Montreal’s case, they had two goalies who are better off being a No. 1. Classic cases on the other side: Marty Biron and Moose are better back-ups than they ever has been as No. 1s. Huet probably falls into that category too. Jussi Markanen, Kevin Weekes, Gilles Villemure, Bob Sauve, etc.
Some guys just thrive on a lot of work, while others don’t. It’s no slight on them, just a fact of life.
Red Light
November 23rd, 2010
9:34 am
Oh, and let me not forget the recent classic case of Vesa Toskala. He was 65-28-10 as Nabakov’s back-up in San Jose, then tries to be a No. in Toronto and lost his confidence. He’s now playing in the Swedish Elite League.
Larry E
November 23rd, 2010
9:37 am
Buff is a great player with heart that will hopefully push the other players. But lets not get ahead of our selfs. Two wins in a row is a good start, but we need to put together about 8 out of 10 to get back into the fight.Start tonight by knocking off the Red Wings.
World Be Free
November 23rd, 2010
9:43 am
R/L-some guys thrive on alotta work.
Classic example-Dominik Hasek
The more you shoot at him, the better he got. Opposing coaches knew they were in trouble before games when Hasek would not allow goals in warmups.
kracker
November 23rd, 2010
10:26 am
Thrashers adjusted points list thru 21 games. Listed as points minus a negative +/-.
Ladd 20
Buff 19
Toby 14
Berg 13
Stew 10
Burma 8
Pev 8
Little 7
Eager 6
Kane 5
Thors 3
Boults 2
Sope 2
Ron 1
Nik 1
Modin 0
Slater -1
Welsh -1
Meyer -2
Oduya -3
Bogus -5
Dawes -6
Rawhide
November 23rd, 2010
10:32 am
G’morning gang. From the “And Now For Something Completely Different” file, here’s something for ya to chew on today…
What if…just if…Ilya Kovalchuk had actually accepted the Thrashers’ $10 million offer last winter?
…shudders…
Joe McGrath
November 23rd, 2010
11:06 am
I bet the Flames would take Bogosian and a draft pick for Iginla.
Zombie Steve
November 23rd, 2010
2:38 pm
What are you smoking, Joe M? =)
R. Stroz
November 25th, 2010
8:21 am
LAST!
Rawhide
November 26th, 2010
7:35 pm
R. Stroz – Nope.