If your Thanksgiving turkey has no wings, there’s a reason for that
All around Thrasherville today, as family and loved ones sit down to enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey…they will find certain parts of the bird missing. Well…there’s a reason for that. You see, last night the Thrashers devoured the wings.
The Detroit Red Wings, that is, as the Atlanta Thrashers ate them alive to the tune of 5-1.
In yesterday’s blog we discussed how the Thrashers could resists the Big Red Borg’s attack. I mentioned that Atlanta would need to take on some of the characteristics of the visiting Red Wings if they were to be successful.
Chris Thorburn celebrates his goal that gave the Thrashers an early 1-0 lead against Detroit Wednesday night (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
They would need to continue their recent trend of not committing untimely errors in the defensive and neutral zones…check.
They had to find a way to match the Wings speed and physical play…check.
They needed to skate each shift, from the very first one to the final horn, as if everything rode on it…check.
And the man ‘tween the pipes needed to once again come up big…check.
There, now that wasn’t so hard after all…was it?
Atlanta won battles all night long, they out worked Detroit, They outshot them, they were aggressive in the neutral zone, played sold defense and were as invasive and intrusive to the Red Wings defensive zone as TSA agents at the gates of Hartsfield-Jackson airport.
After Chris Thorburn and the fourth line staked Atlanta to an early lead, Captain Ladd then converted a great pass from Rich Peverley for a shorty to put them up 2-1. In the second period while on the power play, Bryan Little fed Anthony Stewart with a great pass from the left wing and Stewey put the Thrashers up 3-1. And then when Little snapped home a shot over Jimmy Howard, the home team had taken a 4-1 advantage and it was clear the wheels had come clean off Detroit’s little red wagon.
Dustin Byfuglien’s power play blast in third simply added the icing to cake, providing the final score of 5-1. But he also made sure one Wings fan sitting near glass knew exactly what team had trashed his Red Wings as he tapped his stick on the glass, then turned display the A-T-L-A-N-T-A along his left sleeve to him. Nice.
In goal, Pavelec continued his stellar work of late, turning aside 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Only Todd Bertuzzi’s power play goal beat him. In doing so, Opie improved his record to 4-4-2, lowered his GAA to 1.84 and raised his saves percentage to .942%.
To say the least, this was a huge win for a Thrashers team that seems to be gaining confidence each and every game. In the past three times out, they have defeat the best teams the Eastern and Western Conferences have had to offer…by a combined score of 10-1. I for one could not have had my Thanksgiving holiday started in a finer fashion.
And speaking of Thanksgiving…
I would like to take this opportunity wish each and every one of you the best today as we take time to give thanks for all we have. Among the many, many blessing that I count in my own personal life are each and every one of you who take time out of your busy days to spend here.
Whether you are simply a reader or one to posts comments as well, I cannot convey to you my gratitude for helping to make this little online forum what it is. As I like to tell anyone who’ll listen…the comments posted below here and on Chris Vivlamore’s blog are simply some the best, most intelligent, thoughtful, entertaining, knowledgeable and humorous in the Thrasherville blogosphere.
For those of you who classify yourselves as “lurkers”, I do appreciate it when you stop me inside Philips Arena to introduce yourselves and tell me you are regular readers. I enjoy chatting Thrashers hockey with you and ivite you to join the frey down below too.
For that, I cannot say thank you enough.
If you are traveling this weekend, as my family and I are, please be safe and enjoy your time with family and friends. I look forward to seeing all of you again very soon at future games.
Happy Thanksgiving, Thrasherville!
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103 comments Add your comment
saluda26
November 25th, 2010
7:49 am
The Thrashers played a complete all around game last night. It really feels good to be a Thrasher fan today. What was even better was seeing all those Red Wing fans leaving with their tails tucked between their legs. Chew on that game for a while Detroit. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
World Be Free
November 25th, 2010
8:03 am
Thrashers outskated older Red Wings. This team knows they can skate with most teams. Happy Thanksgiving Rawhide, to you and your family.
Smitty
November 25th, 2010
8:05 am
Looks like the Thrashers are starting to jell. It could not have come at a better time as they face some of the better teams during this home stand and the upcoming road trip. All four lines are contributing as Ramsey continue to roll the four lines. Would like to know the ice time the fourth line is getting and if it is a significant amount.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Joe Friday
November 25th, 2010
8:14 am
What a great, great effort. Naming Ladd captain brought it all together. The system has clicked for the guys and they have all bought in. To kick detroit,s butt is icing on a very tasty cake. You guys still want to dump Stewart? Slater on the other hand took a very bad penalty. Wasn’t suprised to see more cheap stick work and diving out of the notoriously cheap wings.
Buf is just classic, loved him showing up that wings fan. Rawhide made the telly. Pave with another stellar outing.
This is going to be fun, boys. We have a real hockey team. The chicago boys have brought some swagger to our club.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, I am very grateful for all the blessings in my life, including finally having a real hockey club. We long suffering fans deserve it.
English Teacher
November 25th, 2010
8:30 am
Mine has wings, but they have been brutally roasted.
GRITS and Pucks
November 25th, 2010
8:32 am
Happy Thanksgiving! You truly are a great read, and I am thankful for the witty and fun look at the Thrashers you give to all of your readers
Marcus Valdes
November 25th, 2010
8:35 am
Enjoyed meeting you last night Iceman. Guess I’m one of the “lurkers”
I was 8 rows away from Buff and the wings fan. What a fun game. I don’t see a team that we can’t handle right now. I was worried about consistency, and we finally seem to be showing sum. Here’s hoping success begets success. Looking forward to the weekend!!! Let’s make it 5 in a row!!!!
Hip Czech
November 25th, 2010
8:37 am
WBF, that was my thought watching the game last night…the Dead Wings looked old and slow. Maybe they didn’t come ready to play, weren’t up for this game, or any of they myriad of excuses Detroit fans will give…but, the Thrashers were the faster, hungrier team.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
GRITS and Pucks
November 25th, 2010
8:38 am
Oh… Also, I think I am in <3 with Big Buf; his personality on ice and presence has me watching and waiting to see what's gonna happen everytime he steps out on to the ice.
wvubru
November 25th, 2010
8:41 am
I’m not a lurker but I don’t post much anymore either. I do read these blogs at every update.
Been a STH since day1 and I can honestly say this is the best TEAM we’ve ever enjoyed at Blueland. I’m very confident the level of play will continue. It will be a fight to earn a playoff spot since there is very little difference between the top 24 teams in the leauge and 16 make it. Take nothing for granted and let’s support this team as they work towards the goal. They deserve it.
NYC
November 25th, 2010
8:41 am
I’m thankful for the emergence of Pavelec, a three game win-streak,….and Big Buff!
Dwayne
November 25th, 2010
8:54 am
The more wins, the more fans, the more lurkers become bloggers…
The Big Red Borg became the wittle wed wagon last nite.
3, count them, 3 straight games without a minus Thrasher!!!!!!
Dwayne
November 25th, 2010
8:57 am
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Be safe.
The Real Thrash
November 25th, 2010
9:00 am
How ’bout them, er, THRASHERS!
The Real Thrash
November 25th, 2010
9:00 am
Safe journeys.
World Be Free
November 25th, 2010
9:01 am
I guess I need to pick on players more often; first Pavs now Stewart. Keep reading the blog boys.
DWTOO
November 25th, 2010
9:03 am
Had to be one of the top five nights ever to be in Blueland. Several times we heard referrals to the many SC’s won, but, they didn’t count last night. A true team effort for 60 minutes!
And I really liked Buff pointing to the ATL on his sweater – maybe he should change it to ATTITUDE. He’s bringing what we’ve needed here for many years.
Read the link posted by Alan R on Viv’s blog. Much moaning, whaling, and nashing of teeth in the Motor City.
DWTOO
November 25th, 2010
9:05 am
WBF – Rawhide and I were discussing that last night at the post game. Your astuteness is amazing. Stewart hustled his butt last night.
It’s great when you go to the post game show rather than fight traffic.
Big Momma
November 25th, 2010
9:06 am
I’m one of the lurkers although I did meet you at a game last year. We were at the game last night and were very impressed with level of play from our team. They are really making this season exciting.
We came home and turned on the dvr to see Buff’s goal celebration again and guess who we saw celebrating in the crowd? You looked like you were enjoying the goal as much as Big Buff was!
Happy Thanksgiving! We appreciate you and your wit and insight – thanks for sharing.
World Be Free
November 25th, 2010
9:19 am
Hip-Wings have played alotta games over the past 10 years, regular seasons, playoffs and Olympics. The guys still have the skill, Datsyk is STILL my favorite player-but time is catching up to them. Modano is a 3rd liner at best.
DWTOO-I actually saw Stewart hit someone last night!
JT from Columbus
November 25th, 2010
9:23 am
Awesome game last night. Lot’s of things to be thankful for today, but one thing form last night I’ll always remember is watching the game with my 8 yr old son and him getting so excited at every hit and goal. Think we have a new Thrashers fan!! Happy Thanksgiving one and all.
Bluenote
November 25th, 2010
9:34 am
No Sage in the dressing today?
Winning solves a multitude of problems.
I’m thankful for a couple of character win and some great work from Opie.
Could not be more pleased to be more wrong about his potential
What can they accomplish with Comier in the lineup?
Safe travels all
Christy
November 25th, 2010
9:40 am
Overheard in section 212, among a sea of Red Wing fans sometime during the late 2nd period last night – husband to wife – “How are they out-skating the red-wings?”, wife responds, “I don’t know, but they are!”
That may have been my favorite moment last night if not for Little’s goal.
That was as much fun as I’ve had at a Thrasher’s game in a long while.
Happy Thanksgiving all.
glovesave29
November 25th, 2010
10:19 am
Just for fun, I did go on to the Canadian blogs last night – and most were pretty complimentary of the Thrashers. The negatives generally came from those who did not watch the game, but just saw the final score.
The key is to continue to build on this and not merely be satisfied with the results. The style we played last night was the perfect foil for the type of game Detroit plays. As long as the effort is there as we all witnessed last night, we will see more than our share of W’s this season.
It’s a small winning streak. Not time to start selling playoff tickets just yet. But I do think we got to see what kind of team that Rammer and Duds are building. It’s time to start filling the arena on a regular basis.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
wristshot
November 25th, 2010
10:22 am
Smitty – Fourth line TOI is up significantly from what it was when the Greek Gods were averaging around 7 minutes a game a couple years ago. Last night Boulton had 10:22 for 16 shifts, Slater had 10:44 for 19 shifts and Thorburn had 13:24 for 20 shifts.
Andrew Ladd led all forwards with 20:14 for 27, Peverley was 2nd with 18:26 and 27 followed by Burmistrov in third with 16:43 and 22. Ramsay really does like rolling four lines!
Zoomo
November 25th, 2010
10:33 am
What are complete game victory. It really is a good day in Thrasherville.
Happy Thanksgiving, Rawhide and family. And the same to all the posters and lurkers.
Chris16
November 25th, 2010
10:36 am
Man what a great game to watch, I wish I went last night but with ten or more people coming to my house for thankgiving I had alot of things to do to help the wife out. I will be there for the BLACK FRIDAY GAME To See Some Doorbustering of the Montrel.See You Soon
Mr. Heat Miser
November 25th, 2010
10:37 am
DeBorgification complete.
Darkhorse
November 25th, 2010
10:40 am
Best complete game they’ve played by far this season. I was very impressed. Only one game though, and a tough, fast team comes in tomorrow night in Montreal. Just want to see this team develop consistency. A win on Black Friday would be the perfect gift for me.
Flames
November 25th, 2010
10:58 am
Happy Thanksgiving!! Go Thrashers!!
Tom
November 25th, 2010
11:00 am
First game of the season for me and it was memorable. The boys came out and played with fire. Tomorrow the Habs come in and another effort like last nights and we may start being on the radar of teams across the league.
Moth Balled Jersey
November 25th, 2010
11:06 am
I can’t wait until all those Atlantans who only show up for the visiting team become bandwagoners for the HOME TEAM too. We can use you people every once in a while. And you can still wear your Chicago, Wings, Boston, and Pittsburgh garb. We don’t care. Just come out and be on the side of a Thrasher win for a change. Even Byfuglien has thrown down the gauntlet.
And, nice words by Bryan Little after the game at rinkside! Nice job boys. Keep it up.
R. Stroz
November 25th, 2010
11:10 am
An extra special Thankgiving treat, another replay of the game starting on Sports South, RIGHT NOW.
Dwayne
November 25th, 2010
11:11 am
15337 fans in attendance last night. Is that enough for you Bogo??
Puckhead
November 25th, 2010
11:20 am
Last three games the Thrash have faced 5 goalies and scored on them all. Gobble Gooble
Alan R.
November 25th, 2010
11:27 am
15337 fans in attendance last night. Is that enough for you Bogo??
Well, to be fair, I’d say about half of ‘em were in the visiting teams gear. But the noise level was certainly there, and it sounded like sine of the visiting fans were cheering on the home team by the time the game ended. Although, there was a stream of ‘em leaving with about four minutes left in the third period.
Regardless of all that, if you want fans in your building, you need to play like this. Consistently.
red wing fan 4life
November 25th, 2010
11:29 am
nice game thrashers but your not in the same league as the wings if the thrashers are any good we’ll see ya in june that’s when you’ll need to beat the wings or out in four detroit gives you “WINGS” happy thanksgiving y’all
Smoothie
November 25th, 2010
11:30 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you Bill, the new hardest working man in showbiz! Also, here’s to a peaceful, relaxing holiday weekend for all the Thrashers fans who frequent this blog as either a reader or a poster. If last nite’s game is any indication of this team’s potential, then I think this blog may become an even more popular place! And congrats to the Thrashers for a fine stretch of hockey against some of the league’s best. Don’t eat too much turkey and come back rested with some fire in your bellies pour les Habitants!
See ya down at the Bulb on Friday nite!
Michael
November 25th, 2010
11:31 am
If this team can play like this MOST nights as ALL nights is not possible, they will make the playoffs. They looked great last night. Even though there were a lot of Detroit fans, they guys definitely responded to the crowd support. Now we just need more fans on a consistent basis. Go Thrashers!
Moth Balled Jersey
November 25th, 2010
11:40 am
I didn’t see the Wings playing in June. But then again, I wasn’t on the golf course.
Red Light
November 25th, 2010
11:47 am
As Ramsay said after the game, he doesn’t care whose fans are creating the noise, he’s just glad there is noise and some excitement in the building.
Pavelec has won 3 straight and 4-of-5 starts. If he wins Friday night, it will mark the first four-game win streak of his career.
In home games during the Thanksgiving holidays since 2003, the Thrashers are 4-5.
The Thrashers are 3-0-2 in their last 5 at home against the Habs and are 4-1-2 in the last 7 overall vs MTL.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May God bestow upon you all the blessings you and your families deserve this holiday.
Bill, thanks to you for providing a thought-provoking forum in this age of three-paragraph sports news columns and unbalanced reporting.
Extraordinary performance last night, all the way around!
Dwayne
November 25th, 2010
11:47 am
Your absoluetly right red wing fan 4life. All we ever wanted in Atlanta was a TEAM that would show up and play hard every night. We, for the most part, do not have any grand illusions of a SC in the near future. We still have a goofball for President and the Octotards as owners. If Duds can overcome those 9 idiots, he should seriously be considered for the GM of the Year award. I know, I’m kind of putting the cart before the horse.
Sage of Bluesland
November 25th, 2010
12:14 pm
“…We still have a goofball for President and the Octotards as owners….”
Spot-on, Dwayne. Thank you for that much-needed jolt of reality.
(Otherwise, Joe-Bob might be swept away in that euphoria he USED to feel when thinking I was wrong about Don Waddell all those years ago…and then proclaim he ‘knew it all along’…)
The season is still young, folks. We’ll see what happens come February and March–and when the budgetary concerns come into play…
Jason
November 25th, 2010
12:25 pm
I’m thinking they could have had 17,000 in there at least if not for the DREADED BLACK CURTAIN OF DOOM hanging over the 400s.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Blueland Buddha
November 25th, 2010
12:29 pm
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Loving the way the Thrash are playing right now. And hopefully more people take notice and get back involved in supporting NHL hockey in Atlanta in 2011! GO THRASHERS!!
Alan R.
November 25th, 2010
12:42 pm
Turkey of Bluesland ought to get back in the oven. GOBBLE GOBBLE.
Alan R.
November 25th, 2010
12:50 pm
Dan Kamal’s call on the radio last night on Andrew Ladd’s shorty made it to the Sportsnet.ca video recap of the game. Pretty amusing stuff. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/scores/20101124/Det@Atl/story
Brendan
November 25th, 2010
12:50 pm
If you’d told me that the Thrashers would be over .500 at Thanksgiving, I’d have said the team was wayyyy overperforming. Segue, Sage has brought up the topic of budgetary concerns in February. As I post, I tread hesitantly. We’ve seen the Octotards track record on spending. We don’t need to review it. But, perhaps, it’s time to dust off the topic of whether or not they’d actually ADD PAYROLL if the team were HONESTLY in contention for a playoff berth. The first and immediate answer is, “No!!”
But, let’s not forget something here. Dudley was given a budget OUTSIDE of the league-mandated spending parameters. Which means, what? It means the Thrashers have paid for a 29th or 30th place finish, this season. If, come February, the team is where it is now, in playoff position at # 8, then the Octocluster shouldn’t simply ignore the possibility of $4 million in guaranteed playoff revenue that would come from hosting Games Three and Four, in the opening round of the playoffs.
There’s something else to consider, about February spending. What?? It’s prorated. Which means, what? It means adding a $5 million-a-year player doesn’t actually cost $5 million. It costs the REST of the $5 million beyond what the player’s team has already paid him. I speak this with no one in particular in mind, but in generalities. The Octocluster ‘could’ decide … that the ‘return on investment’ is good enough to deserve further funding. As long as the Thrashers don’t give up coveted 1st and 2nd round picks, or prized prospects, or pick up players with years left on a bad contract, they’d do well to add payroll. Some teams … simply want to dump salary. Heck, I recall Atlanta trading last year, for something called, “future considerations.” I have NEVER in my life … understood … what ‘future considerations’ are. What are they? Are they draft picks? Are they ‘players to be named later?’ Is it “cash?” I have no blessed idea. The GM knows! Well, okay. I assume the GM knows what ‘future considerations’ are. But my point, here, is that if we can trade ‘future considerations’ instead of something of determined value, to push towards the playoffs …. I’m in favor of it. If Slater, Boulton, Thorburn, or even a player with years left, like Hainsey, could be used to ’sweeten up the deal,’ I’m also in favor of that.
Sage does have a point about spending … when it might matter most. I wish we could have different owners in place by the trade deadline, but I highly doubt it. But I’d have to believe … that the possibility of “pure profit” called “playoff revenue” would interest them, especially in light of the fact that this club will get $14 million in revenue-sharing monies, while fielding a team below the FLOOR of the salary cap. Perhaps, just perhaps, that additional outlay of dinero might become a reality as a reward for the Thrashers continued success this year. So go to games, and cheer them on.
LAC
November 25th, 2010
1:19 pm
The Washington & Detroit games have been The Two Best games in Thrashers history.
Well, the 9-0 rout of to be Cup Champion Carolina ranks right up there too.
But these two games were a piece of work from start to finish. No turnovers in netural zone, one shot and out in the defensive zone and many many takaways for us. Not to mention SOLID Goaltending…
It will be interesting to see how we do in these next two games, there are 60 left and no letting up…
Alan R.
November 25th, 2010
1:42 pm
Thanks, LAC, for putting the “Happy” back into Happy Thanksgiving, after Brendan’s morbidly depressing post.
We’re doing good and playing well. A little ahead of where I expected us to be at Thanksgiving 2010, and extremely pleased for that. I want us to continue the stellar level of play. Two tough games against Montreal and Boston coming up, so the boys can’t let up in the slightest.
Skate to the throat. Do it, Thrashers!
DCBrave33
November 25th, 2010
2:39 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
What a great game last night. Thank you again Rawhide for your help with purchasing the tickets. I don’t get a chance to see my mother much, so I thought it would be special if I could take her to a hockey game, just the two of us. She really enjoyed it! I was able to find some quality lower level seats for a workable price because of your help. Thank you again.
As for the game, WOW! For once, it is nice to say that, not only did we win a game against one of the best in the league, but we outclassed them in every aspect of the game. No, we wont play like that every night from here on out, but we can at least draw on games like tonight and last Friday vs. the Caps to help our development and consistancy the rest of the season! Go Thrashers, and again, Happy Thanksgiving! Now if only the Saints can lose today…
Thrashy Thrashy
November 25th, 2010
3:21 pm
The Thrashers will lose games from time to time. When they lose, do not overreact unless they’re putting together a bad stretch of eight games or more. Anything more than eight games is 10% of the season. If you can keep that kind of perspective, you will remain sane as a Thrashers fan.
I don’t worry about the payroll because there’s nothing I can do about that. Besides, it appears to me that this team is good enough to make the playoffs as-is, but part of that “as-is” includes consistently solid effort over each eight-game stretch. The Thrashers are a relatively young team, so age shouldn’t wear these guys down. A solid vet or two at the deadline would be nice, but they absolutely have to be guys who can get up and down the ice and fit into Ramsay’s system. You see, I think Ramsay’s system does take some getting used to. We’re seeing the benefits of guys understand what they’re supposed to do on the ice. We have plenty of talent. It’s just a matter of guys continuing to stick to the system and use their talent to pot goals and force the opposition to turn over the puck.
Thrashy Thrashy
November 25th, 2010
3:22 pm
Oh, and I hope you’re having a very happy Thanksgiving!
Spud Webb
November 25th, 2010
3:36 pm
A couple of things….15337 fans in attendance last night. Is that enough for you Bogo?? Yes, thats enough. Don’t bag on Bogo for wanting butts in the seats. Half wings fans, np….don’t think it matters. Again, bogo didn’t say/do anything wrong, get over it!
I love that the naysayers are off a few days!!! GREAT, GREAT effort the last few times out. I think that is all we ask right now, next season, the season after, maybe we want more and or expectations of SC contention. Right now I want hard play and to make the playoffs, show progress and doing the right things!! Great job by Petrino Ramsey, he’s a solid coach and continues to WORK at things, this team will get better!!
Wings fan 4 life or whatever your name is, thanks for stating the obvious that the thrashers aren’t SC contenders and the wings are…pure genius insight!!!!!
Bill, a happy thanksgiving to you & your family also!!
Dwayne
November 25th, 2010
4:50 pm
Hey Spud, I was just kidding. I know, a blog is a bad place to kid around, unless you write “LOL” or “JK”, geeeeez. I am a firm supporter of Bogo, can not make another coburn mistake. Thank God Duds is the GM.
Acer
November 25th, 2010
6:10 pm
Brendan, the SJ-trade involving future considerations allowed Atlanta to drop two players from their list of contracts so they could acquire Byfgulien & Co. from the Hawks. Trading cap space or cash isn’t possible due to the rules set forward in the CBA.
JLH
November 25th, 2010
7:18 pm
I believe our coach, Rammer, is our most valuable asset …. what a great nickname! How is it that he has never maintained a head coaching gig until now? Every interview is direct, clear, intelligent, calm, …… players must love playing for a guy like this, at least the intelligent ones. He had me from the moment, early on, he stated, above all, he wanted to have the smartest team on the ice…. what a concept! Last night he mentioned “the team must not be afraid of winning” and this is a change I am feeling around this team. Not just an expectation of winning, but the courage, desire and confidence to carry that expectation on each and every players’ shoulders.
I also want to say that this current team is a decision by Don Waddell to accept his ultimate failure as GM, put his pride aside, and bring in a strong personality like Rick Dudley. Without that decision it is unlikely, we would have Ramsay and Dudley in the fold.
rob
November 25th, 2010
8:34 pm
I don’t think the salary room will mean bringing in someone else unless something we just can’t resist comes along. What I hope for is if this team performs the way they have shown they are capable of…….then maybe, just maybe, the Octotards will decide that they have to spend a little money to sign and keep the pieces worth keeping here and continuing to move FORWARD for a chance!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!
razorneck13
November 25th, 2010
9:10 pm
Happy camper here.
injunjoe
November 25th, 2010
9:38 pm
Funny thing happened last night as I was driving up I-75. That big mechanical cube you’ve been talking about was being pulled behind a very large wrecker truck, tailpipe dragging the asphalt making an annoying clanging sound. It had a Michigan prestige tag reading “BORG”. It didn’t seem to be running all that well. Coincidence?
Hockey Biltong
November 25th, 2010
9:51 pm
Deadwings play a smart game for a bunch of old guys.Not many penalties, good passing and clever play making…a younger team such as our Thrashers, can stay with and outplay a team like this as long as we play smart and keep our cool.
I loved it when out of frustration, a squid or some type of invertebrate was chucked on the ice during the third period…score was 4-1 at the time!!!
Hockey Biltong
November 25th, 2010
9:52 pm
And Burmistrov ROCKS.
Smitty
November 25th, 2010
10:35 pm
Wristshot: Thanks for the stats. I wonder if that will have any effect on fatigue come March and April.
SomaAtl95
November 26th, 2010
2:05 am
Hope you all had a great Gobbler day and looking forward to the habs having a night that would be dubbed “Black and Blue Friday” and they tuck their frog eatin, frenchy lovin, PK Suban worshiping tails between their legs and go back to a place where the only thing worse than the attitude of the citizens is the complete foul body odor they have from being French. To anyone French – don’t take it personally – I’ll treat you to some freedom fries and show you the marvels of soap!
Spud Webb
November 26th, 2010
6:28 am
Gotcha Dwayne! And I’m with you, loving Duds!!!
Red Light
November 26th, 2010
9:48 am
Exelby has signed a two-way deal with the Blackhawks according to Cap Geek!
Buzzeng
November 26th, 2010
9:59 am
Hi Bill (and all other Thrashers Fans) – Hope you had a great TG Day and your travels were safe. Great game against Detroit. I hope they bring that “A” game tonight – if so, it should be some good hockey! The wife (Habs fan) and I will be driving down from NC to the game. Hope to see you there! GO THRASHERS!!
R. Stroz
November 26th, 2010
10:50 am
Buzzeng – Where are your seats?
Hoof Arted
November 26th, 2010
10:50 am
Happy Black Friday everyone and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’m stuffed!
Ramsay has these guys clicking right now and it’s a beautiful sight to see.
Big game tonight, (though really they all are these days). But this team can’t afford let downs after big wins. Get all the points you can now. I want to see them come out like they did Wednesday night and establish their game early, put the Habs back on their heels.
Pavalec, what more can you say about him, he’s been amazing these past few weeks.
Also, Bill is right in giving high praise of the great comments that are posted here. There are really a lot of smart hockey fans that come here to discuss the team and I have always enjoyed reading them. I love the way the “Blogmaster”, (as some have called him), tosses out a subject and you guys just run with it. Keep it up bloggers.
Even if I don’t agree totally with what some might have to say, it’s still all good. I used to go to the team message boards for this kind of insight but that place is dead these days. Faloner’s blog is good, (when he posts), but that one and other blogs simply don’t have the participation seen here and on Vivlamore’s. We can all be thankful for what they do here.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!
Red Light
November 26th, 2010
11:10 am
Ben Eager talked about Burmistrov after the Detroit game. Thought I would share what he had to say:
“He (Burmistrov) has been great. He has all of the skill in the world and he sees a lot of plays out there, but he’s reliable. Down low he has been playing against top players, played head-to-head with them and has done a great job. That’s pretty special for an 18-year-old. He’s not the biggest guy, but he competes every night and he knows how to play in his own end. He can play in the offensive zone, too. That’s not an issue. He has got a complete game right now.”
World Be Free
November 26th, 2010
11:36 am
Bogo needs to stick to improving his game. I don’t have a guarenteed contract at work, I get paid for how I perform. He should do the same, maybe he’ll bring his “A” game every night.
Red Light-his info on Burmie, looks like the players have as much respect for The Kid as we do. Time to give Rick Dudley credit for a great pick. Burmie is no Bourret.
The only point Sage has is one on top of his head.
Red Light
November 26th, 2010
12:04 pm
A telling statistic for tonight’s starting goalie Alex Auld?
In the last 7 games Habs goalie Alex Auld has played against the Thrashers at Philips Arena, his teams are 1-6 & have allowed 31 goals. Although he didn’t start all of those games, Auld’s save percentage in Atlanta in those 7 games is .879. He has allowed 17 goals on 141 shots. His lifetime record vs the Thrashers is 2-4, with a 3.54 goals against average and a .874 save percentage.
Would be nice if he got torched again tonight!
Thrashers27
November 26th, 2010
12:20 pm
Red Light, great news about X. I was wondering about him the other day. He’ll always be a favorite of mine.
On another note, I hope our boys in blue keep playing well, so as to keep all of the trolls at bay. Pound the “frogs” tonight fellas!
kracker
November 26th, 2010
12:32 pm
Three Thrashers players mentioned in this Pierre LeBrun article: 10 players that have surprised so far this season, http://es.pn/hWxDKb
We Atl fans add another to the list – Burmistrov.
Get The Puck Out
November 26th, 2010
12:38 pm
On or very near the bottom of the payroll totem pole and this much effort and talent? Imagine if we had 5 to 6 mil to spend. I just wonder which team the ASG is gonna spend money on to improve when the playoffs loom. Right now the Thrashers look like a complete team if they stay healthy, but there is always room to add a veteran to compliment this young team. Only time will tell.
kracker
November 26th, 2010
12:45 pm
Wow, Red Light. It makes one wonder why Martin is starting Auld. I guess it’s simply to get him some work in the first of back-to-back games for the Habs. Plus, there’s less pressure on the road, too, being that there is no media scrum in Atlanta.
Red Light
November 26th, 2010
1:00 pm
kracker: I can see it with Buffalo on deck tomorrow night, but one has to wonder why some teams still go with their No. 2 here. Since leaving the Senators, Jacques Martin hasn’t been the greatest coach against Atlanta either…with the Panthers and the Habs, his teams are only 12-13-3 against the Thrashers.
Red Light
November 26th, 2010
1:04 pm
Anyone miss Modin? Thrashers are now 5-2 without him in the lineup!
Alan R.
November 26th, 2010
1:57 pm
I don’t miss him in the least. He might be a good presence in the locker room, but I prefer him in the press box, at this point.
Dwayne
November 26th, 2010
2:14 pm
Rumor has it the Don W was at the Snellville Home Depot, seeing if he could trade Doris for a sack of assorted nuts.
Brendan
November 26th, 2010
3:02 pm
I have been very hard on Montreal over the Price/Halak decision. But I must say, Carey’s had some shutouts, and is playing well. Just peek at the standings. So far, past the quarter pole, losing Halak hasn’t hurt the Habs nearly as much as I would have thought. If Carey Price is having his coming out party, then I suppose many of Bob Gainey’s critics owe him an apology.
Sage of Bluesland
November 26th, 2010
3:08 pm
“…Right now the Thrashers look like a complete team if they stay healthy, but there is always room to add a veteran to compliment [sic] this young team….”
What does manners have to do with anything???
How does, “My, you look nice tonight!” help win games???
(I’m thinking “public”…)
Did some actually wonder why we face many backup goalies…Really? Wow–it’s a great mystery, isn’t it?….
Smoothie
November 26th, 2010
3:36 pm
That was pretty lame SOB. Guess you don’t have any good material during a winning streak.
We need to pounce on the Frogs early and get their midgets playing in their own end. They want to fly up and down the ice and won’t like having to chase a cycle around in the corner. Cammalleri and Co. can be very dangerous so we’ll need to have some extra quick sticks tonite. Hope they aren’t too sluggish after the turkey gorging yesterday.
ben
November 26th, 2010
5:16 pm
Sage, this team is clearly not a skilled as the Penguins. I don’t think anyone would say that it is. This team, when it works hard, deserves all the credit on Earth for being in the top eight. It perplexes me why exactly the rest of the league continues to assume it’s a bunch of minor leaguers out there. Maybe time will catch us, maybe it won’t. Who knows.
Tom Lysiak
November 26th, 2010
6:49 pm
Well, at least the Sage of Spelling is reduced to spell check duties these days.
WBF – Gotta agree on Burmi. I was upset we didn’t grab Cam Fowler. I thought we needed another good defenseman and not another offensive Russian player. Yep, I was wrong about the kid…..
Nikita (in PA)
November 26th, 2010
7:01 pm
Great game. Seriously, couldn’t be better. Well, other than a blank, But it was great. Really.
Matt
November 26th, 2010
9:09 pm
Where in the World has this team been hiding? They’ve just utterly dominated the Canadiens in the second period. Amazing.
Matt
November 26th, 2010
9:14 pm
23 to 4 shots on goal in favor of the Thrashers in the 2nd. That’s unbelievable.
Tom
November 26th, 2010
9:33 pm
Wow, the boys are playing an amazing game tonight! We seemed to win all the battles on the board in the first 2 period. Caps, Wings, and Habs in a week with a side order of the Islanders and we may end up with 8 pts.
Tom
November 26th, 2010
9:33 pm
Dare I say this has been the best week of hockey in Thrashers history?
Get The Puck Out
November 26th, 2010
9:40 pm
Hey SOB – Maybe we don’t need a veteran to “compliment” this young team. Maybe we just need to get your negativity off of this blog. If that’s all you got to talk about why don’t you get the puck off? Stupid is, stupid does.
Alan R.
November 26th, 2010
10:09 pm
Maybe we just need to get your negativity off of this blog
He’s too lazy to start a blog no one will read. So he pukes all over this one.
glovesave29
November 26th, 2010
10:16 pm
Teams are starting to have to adjust their game to try to negate the Thrashers strengths instead of vice-versa. That is a welcome change.
Go Thrashers!
Cannot wait to read the Canadian website accounts of this game. Should be entertaining!
Alan R.
November 26th, 2010
10:18 pm
Fun fact: With a +2 goal differential, the only team left in the top eight in the eastern conference with a negative goal differential is Tampa Bay (-4)
Alan R.
November 26th, 2010
10:19 pm
Cannot wait to read the Canadian website accounts of this game. Should be entertaining!
I read the HFboards thread and a live chat from the stream I was watching. Most comments said the Habs were looking ahead to Buffalo tomorrow, didn’t show up, etc etc. Very few people want to admit that Atlanta is on the rise, because they’re so used to Atlanta being the league whipping boy.
glovesave29
November 26th, 2010
10:35 pm
Looking forward to Buffalo? That’s nuts…players take the games one at a time. The fans may think that, but the guys on the ice know better.
Last time I checked, we look DOWN the standings to find the Sabres!
Alan R.
November 26th, 2010
10:48 pm
One person on the live chat said “This wouldn’t have happened if Price were in goal.” The response was “Price can’t be depended on to SCORE goals!”
I laughed heartily at that.
goose
November 26th, 2010
11:18 pm
On of the more interesting stats tonight was Byfuglien had 10 shots on goal and the only player without shot was hainsey
HookyBob
November 27th, 2010
12:26 am
The Habs are a very, very, good team (3rd in conf),…and we beat them in all aspects of tonight’s game. BTW,….the Wings are great team,…and the Thrashers put a “shellacking” on them. You know the Capitals are leading the league and we,…beat them convincingly. Anyone else see a pattern here.
What a “great 4th game in a row!” Is this a steak,….or is this team coming together? While I’d like our “Boys in Blue” to continue to fly under the radar,…someone is going to notice soon.
It’s Thanksgiving, count your blessings,.. Soon the days when the Thrashers are “misunderestimated” will be a thing of the past.
This is nirvana for long suffering fans. Go Thrashers.
Brendan
November 27th, 2010
12:52 am
What has impressed the most … is that the Thrashers are getting the lead, building the lead, and protecting the lead to victories. They were NOT doing that earlier in the season, so much. Instead, they were either blowing leads or winning by coming from behind efforts. In preseason, I was very concerned about where our goals would be coming from. When you outscore some of the better teams in the league and conference by a wide margin, it’s a great sign. I think the players have bought-in to Ramsay’s approach.
“The whole equals the sum of its parts,” isn’t just a mathematical cliche. If we can get two goals from Peverley in one game, then goals from the Greek gods another, turn around with goals from Antropov, Kane, and Bergfors, then … that is, by definition, a “depth strategy.” Rolling 3-4 lines, effectively, is very, very hard to stop. The most effective depth strategy occurs when the 3rd and 4th lines are just as apt to score of the 1st and 2nd lines. It often involves equal ice-time among the four lines. What can the opposing the coach do? He can’t play his checking line all night. It forces the other coach to revise his strategy on how to combat us, in terms of focus. We’re not quite there, yet. Our 3rd and 4th lines don’t score with the same frequency as the lines that get more ice time. However, the 3rd and 4th lines might get more ice time, if their play continues to improve. I’m always told, “The guys who produce are the ones who are on the ice the most.” And that makes some sense.
Rawhide
November 27th, 2010
1:23 am
Thrashers have a 4 game winning streak going, have two shutouts and have beaten three division leaders in that time. Seems like what coach Ramsay is teaching, the players are learning.
R. Stroz
November 30th, 2010
12:41 am
LAST!
Rawhide
November 30th, 2010
1:13 pm
R. Stroz – Nope.