A Thrashers winning streak…what is it?
If I had told you just two weeks ago the Atlanta Thrashers would today be one of the hottest…if not THE hottest…teams in the NHL, you would have sworn I was hitting the holiday spirits a little soon. They had just dropped a tough one to Florida, had lost three straight and six of their last seven. They were playing sloppy, making critical mistakes too often and dropping stinkers on the ice regularly.
Many thought they could improve and play better as a team eventually. But seeing teams like the Caps, Detroit, Montreal and Boston on the horizon…well, things looked like they wouldn’t be getting too much better any time soon. And as for any discussion of taking five consecutive by a combined score of 19-3…well, surely you can’t be serious.
But as it turns out, that’s exactly what they’ve done…and don’t call me Shirley.
Yes, the Thrashers have treated their fans to some of the best hockey ever seen around these parts. In contrast to what we’ve become accustomed to around here for the past several years… it’s an entirely a different style of hockey, altogether.
everyone at the same time… “It’s an entirely a different style of hockey”.
As you’ve probably noticed, ever since this team started the five-game winning streak the good people of Thrasherville have been happy and have noticed thing they’ve never new were there before; Birds singing, dew glistening on a newly formed leaf… stoplights.
Admittedly though, the recent run of great play and team-oriented hockey has left me shaken and disturbed, and all the questions keep coming up over and over again, like bubbles in a case of club soda.
Can they continue to get the same kind of consistent, disciplined performance from all players?
Can Ondrej Pavelec…now 6-4-2 with a 1.62 GAA, .949 SV% and 2 shutouts…maintain that level of excellence?
Will wonder-kid Alex Burmistrov be ready to go tonight after the hit he took Sunday?
How much more can they expect from Dustin Byfuglien, who now leads the team with 25 overall points, (9 goals & 16 assists) and is a +4.
Can this squad continue to outperform their opposition…even when it’s fourth and fifteen and your looking at a full court press.
Can they, when the whole crew is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys…can they get out there and give it all they’ve got and win just one for the Zipper?
Honestly…shrugs…I dunno.
But if there is a sure fire way to keep this winning streak going, it’s this: score goals and stop others from scoring on you. Or stop other teams from scoring then score yourself, whichever way you wanna do it. Just remember the two key elements here…score more goals and don’t allow them to score as many.
Of course, statistics show they’ve only got a 50/50 chance of continuing the streak…though there’s only a 10% chance of that. But it’s a chance they’ll just have to take, win or lose. After all, you take a chance getting up in the morning, crossing the street or sticking your face in a fan.
Following their successful homestand, the Thrashers boarded a chartered airplane Monday and winged their way westward where they’ll try to keep their winning ways going away from Philips Arena. They’ll begin a three-game road trip starting Tuesday night in Denver against the 13-9-1 Colorado Avalanche. The Avs currently are tied with Vancouver for the Northwest Division lead, both with 27 points. And I’m sure you all join me in saying to the Thrashers…”Good luck. We’re all counting on you”.
That, and let’s certainly hope no one ate the fish as their in-flight meal, instead opting for the steak.
Given the choice between the two…I would have had lasagna.
After their date with the Avalanche, Atlanta will then head to Pittsburgh and Washington later in the week to try and impose the smell of fear upon the Penguins and Capitals.
And now in closing, and to show our support for the Thrashers and our country…let’s all rise and sing our National Anthem.
…ahem…
“Oh say can you see…by the dawn’s early light. What so proudly we hail…in the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose bright stripes and broad stars…in the perilous night…for the ramparts we watched…uh, da-da-da-da-da-daaaa. And the rocket’s red glare…lots of bombs in the air…gave proof to the [Knights!], that we still had our flag. Oh say does that flag banner wave…over a-a-all that’s free. And the home of the land…and the land of the – FREE!”
Today’s blog entry is dedicated to the memory of Leslie Nielsen who past away Sunday at the age of 84. Most of us remember Nielsen for his comedic roles in Airplane as well as The Naked Gun, however he was a dramatic actor prior to turning to comedy. Among other roles, he also portrayed Captain Harrison in The Poseidon Adventure. Before his career in acting, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Thank you for all the laughs, Leslie. May you rest in peace.
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169 comments Add your comment
cousin Eddie
November 29th, 2010
10:54 pm
10% of 50/50 chance. huh!
Sara
November 29th, 2010
10:56 pm
ssshhhhhh quit telling everybody. Is better to be sneaky.
sisu
November 29th, 2010
10:57 pm
should be interesting to see how they do in this short trip, here is thinking 2 – 1
Alan R.
November 29th, 2010
11:05 pm
Don’t just win it for us, Thrashers. Win it for Leslie Nielson! Kick that Avalanche arse all over those mountains!
Hoof Arted
November 29th, 2010
11:16 pm
Alan R., Mountains? But we’re over Iowa.
The cornfields! The cornfields!
Alan R.
November 29th, 2010
11:19 pm
Man, I was expecting someone to hit that low, hanging curve right out of the park.. but I didn’t know it’d happen so soon. Kudos.
kracker
November 29th, 2010
11:30 pm
7th!
R. Stroz
November 30th, 2010
12:40 am
Surely the Thrashers will bring home some points from the road trip.
Roger that.
Darren
November 30th, 2010
1:13 am
It’s not from the movie, but this is one of my all time Leslie Nielsen clips. Sort of reminds me of a Buffa-slug Sabres fan’s typical hygiene. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5egaR4WvLPY&NR=1
LAC
November 30th, 2010
1:48 am
Atlanta 4 Colorado 1 Tuesday night.
Atlanta 2 Pittsburgh 1 Thursday night.
Atlanta 6 Washington 3 Saturday night….
Let’s see this take place…..!!!!!
Checked on our former #17.
After 50 games with New Jersey here is his Goal/Assist/Point/+-
Goals 14
Assist 23
Points 37
+ / – -2
This is a New Jersey NIGHTMARE !
Thrashers27
November 30th, 2010
1:52 am
Hey, isn’t that Enrique Pilazzo? Go Thrashers!
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
5:36 am
Sounds like Bob Feller is sick too, he of the blazing faastball. Pretty soon we will be the old guys out there. The Poseidon Adventure was one of Leslie’s last “stiff” roles. RIP my friend.
LAC-Kovy has 10 points in 23 games. Only 14 2/3 years left on his contract.
No idea where the team is going folks, but this last week or so has been the most fun I have had as Thrasher fan in some time. Happy that Pavs has proven me so wrong, cuz Mason has not been too hot so far. Darren, easy now be nice, no Sabres’ fan has done anything to you, lately that is.
Bluenote
November 30th, 2010
6:51 am
Godspeed Leslie. You gave us a lot of laughs.
Keep up the great work Rawhide
The Real Thrash
November 30th, 2010
6:57 am
Surely the true test is on the road!
And don’t call me Shirley!!
HookyBob
November 30th, 2010
7:27 am
I may have missed this earlier but a big RIP to Pat Burns.
Rawhide
November 30th, 2010
7:48 am
OK, so…anyone else noticing that the Thrashers flagship staion AM680 The Fan is now broadcasting on 93.7 FM?
Or is that just a special perk reserved only for my car?
Cliff Fletcher
November 30th, 2010
7:49 am
The 2nd best thing about winning is that it keeps Sage quiet. “The Wiesel” never comes out when the Thrashers are winning, only when they are losing.
BG33Brown
November 30th, 2010
7:52 am
I’ve just been swimming in raw sewage AND I LOVE IT!
It’s gonna be tough to win tonight, you can expect a let down game after such a great homestand. Hope they can keep it going.
Tom
November 30th, 2010
8:05 am
Since the Thrashers will be out of town, do you think Billy will go see the Gladiators instead? I heard he likes their movies.
Slaw
November 30th, 2010
8:14 am
It’s been 10 years….can we let the “Knights” thing go! It’s embarrassing!
Larry E
November 30th, 2010
8:16 am
Thrashers good luck and keep thehard work up. And goodby Leslie, thanks for the smiles and comedy in a sick world.
Dwayne
November 30th, 2010
8:17 am
Great movie, why Leslie never won an Oscar for his performances is beyond me. Go Thrash!!!
Mike
November 30th, 2010
8:19 am
KNIGHTS!
Steve
November 30th, 2010
8:26 am
Suck!
I hear you Slaw.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
8:33 am
Slaw-it is silly isn’t it; a bit disrespectful to the U.S. National Anthem as well. Then we have the 1/2 dozen idiots that booed the introduction of the Canadian anthem on Friday against the Habs.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
8:38 am
Just what does one do in the Royal Canadian Air Force?
Mike
November 30th, 2010
8:41 am
How did it even start? Obviously because of the Knights – but has it been going on since the first game? Was it carried over from what they did at the Knights game? Or did one person do it and everyone follow?
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
8:42 am
Booing any national anthem, except those that your country is engaged in war against, is simply bad form and shows a lack of respect especially to those Thrashers players who grew up elsewhere. Simply ridiculous!
From the Buffalo News
Terrence Pegula, who made his fortune in the natural gas and oil industry in Pennsylvania, has emerged as a serious candidate to purchase the Sabres. His wife is from Western New York and he’s an avid Sabres fan and former hockey dad who donated $88 million to Penn State for a new arena and Division I hockey program.
Pegula could not be reached for comment Monday, but his name has been floating around NHL circles for months as a potential buyer. Sources confirmed Monday that his interest picked up in recent weeks, although an agreement did not appear imminent. Any sale could take several months, assuming he doesn’t lose interest or have negotiations fall apart.
Leslie made a career out of being a buffoon…and it seems as if Lou Lamariello has opted that same stance. (…he said pandering to the ongoing anti-Devils sentiment).
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
8:51 am
Bill:
93.7 is a Macon, Ga. radio station and is not even listed as a Thrashers radio affiliate, nor are they part of the Skyview Networks. Maybe it’s similar to the Roswell, NM alien sightings. dew-dew-dew-dew-dew; dew-dew-dew-dew-dew!
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
8:52 am
Lost one Trixie, prior to the 8:51 am post.
Spud Webb
November 30th, 2010
9:12 am
Lol….good luck we’re all counting on you, a CLASSIC. ahahhaha
Blueliner
November 30th, 2010
9:24 am
It’s an entirely a different style of hockey
Rawhide
November 30th, 2010
9:29 am
Slaw – For the record…you can count me as one of those who do not yell “Knights” during the national anthem. I put it in there merely for context, given some Thrashers fans engage in the practice.
While I would never attempt to impose my feelings and beliefs on others in regards to this issue…they are free to do as they wish… I personally find it rude and disrespectful to our nation and those who serve in her defense.
To place this in a little futher context if I may…as I type this, my son is currently being interview by Rep. Gingrey’s service academy nomination board. This time next year he will be, in one way or another, serving to defend this country, her people and all that anthem represents. That is something I do not take lightly and will always stand in quiet reverence as it is performed.
Carry on
Alan R.
November 30th, 2010
9:30 am
Red Light – Perhaps 680 is broadcasting on 93.7 now, but hasn’t posted that info on their site yet? If Bill is getting the signal, maybe theres something to it?
DWTOO
November 30th, 2010
9:33 am
A winning streak – something we don’t see often around these parts.
Badger Bob
November 30th, 2010
9:36 am
Looks like I picked a bad season to quit being a STH…
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
9:38 am
Badger Bob:
Nice to have you back. E-mail me about Friday Dec. 10’s game vs. the Avs.
J(Z)
November 30th, 2010
9:58 am
I’ve never been a fan of the “Knights” yelling either but this is an argument neither side will budge on. Since so many people scream it, I have lately been yelling “Thrashers” instead to amuse myself.
RIP Leslie Nielson
Go Thrashers!
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
10:03 am
Pavelec has allowed just 18 goals in his last 11 starts spanning 737 minutes since his feinting spell/concussion! That’s one goal allowed for approximately every 41 minutes played.
Tom
November 30th, 2010
10:07 am
Interesting tidbit, the Avalanche traded for Matt Hunwick yesterday. He will be play the Thrashers tonight.
Finally, here’s some info on Matt Hunwick, the former Michigan star who was acquired today from the Bruins for similarly young D-man Colby Cohen. Hunwick, 25, is about 5-11, 190 pounds and can wheel it pretty good from the back end. Much quicker than the bigger Cohen.
I wonder if he is ready to go another round with Evander Kane? Or is Kane still held in such regard in the Boston area that Hunwick’s decision to fight him cost him his place on the team?
Zombie Steve
November 30th, 2010
10:12 am
Should we start referring to the Buff/Toby line as Master Blaster?
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
10:13 am
Tom:
Hunwick’s fight with Kane had nothing to do with the deal sending him to Colorado. The Bruins had to free up Cap space so that they could make room on the roster for Marc Savard.
Tom
November 30th, 2010
10:21 am
How is it possible we have the lowest payroll in the league by over 2 million dollars than the 29th place Islanders and 8 million dollars less than the Lightning, 9 mm less than Carolina, 10 mm less than Florida, and 15 mm less than Washington.
Full credit should be given to the coaches for getting a team playing this well with such a huge payroll discrepancy. And if we had half a brain we would be looking for a couple big name players at the trade deadline that will play our system. Oh, and making substantial long term offers to Buff and Laddy today would make sense too.
Tom
November 30th, 2010
10:23 am
Red Light/ I know, I was being facetious. I got to give the guy full props though. Evander has been itching for a fight the last few games and for Hunwick to step up and dance with him to rally his team took courage. I would not mind a guy like that on our team.
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
10:37 am
Agreed Tom.
Patrice Cormier has been activated from Injured Reserve and assigned to Chicago.
Matt
November 30th, 2010
10:53 am
Tom-your Airplane reference to the “Glads” nearly made me spew the water I was drinking. Props to you on that one.
Tom
November 30th, 2010
10:55 am
Thanks Matt. Rawhide inspires me.
Thrashpuppy
November 30th, 2010
11:08 am
I felt this was the best type of system to get a team with a low payroll rolling and Coach Ramsay seems to be pulling it off now. Can we continue to roll this hot? That remains to be seen. But I expect this to be a good year for us overall, better than many folks expected early on. I’m thrilled to see it!
Leslie was quite a talent, especially in his funny roles. Thanks for the references to him that made me grin! Some fun memories!
Rawhide
November 30th, 2010
11:42 am
Tom – Glad to know I am an inspiration to someone
Red Light – Macon you say? Well…I listened to it all morning driving between my home in Acworth to Dallas, Ga, back to NCHS and then down to my office near the Cobb cloverleaf. Comes in pretty good.
Looks like those OTP now have a signal to listen to games on radio.
AtlFlamesFan
November 30th, 2010
11:45 am
Never yelled “Knights”. But that’s not important right now. And don’t call me Shirley.
kracker
November 30th, 2010
11:49 am
Yelling Knights – I am mid-way through a one-step program to kick the habit.
Can the Thrash keep it up? – No, not at a 19-3 scoring pace. But yes, in that I think they can avoid what kills most teams that miss the playoffs by only a few games, the long losing or pointless streak. They should be able to compete on most nights and win their share, steal some games and grab a few single points. Hopefully yhay will be enough.
More hopefully, I am wrong and the Thrashers take 6 of 9 points the rest of the season.
kracker
November 30th, 2010
11:49 am
yhay = that
Paminski
November 30th, 2010
12:13 pm
Zombie Steve – Master Blaster. LOL. Will the Phil become the Thunderdome?
The Thrashers have garnered a lot of applause from me lately. That’s how I developed this drinking problem.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
12:16 pm
Red Light-the Pegula rumor has been out there since the weekend. If it’s real, good for Sabres’ fans. Thanks to Golisano for saving the Sabres, but he is not a hockey man. Pegula and wife seem better suited to be hockey owners; they’ll open the wallet and get the players.
Despite what most of you feel about Sabes’ fans, they are a great bunch to be around at a home game. They have the type of hockey passion every team should hope for. I remember playing some of my high school games in front of huge HS hockey crowds. It’s a hockey town, they will do well at the Junior World Championships coming up.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
12:19 pm
You want the team to spend more on players? We need more than 10,000 fans int he seats every game. Sorry folks, but that’s the way it is until we get better crowds.
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
12:24 pm
Just got this in my in-box today.
A new market ranking from The Media Audit’s National Report reveals that Buffalo, New York is the top market for professional hockey fans. According to the study, 69.8% of adults in Buffalo regularly follow professional hockey on TV or radio, a figure that is nearly three times the national average. Among all U.S. adults, 23.5% regularly follow hockey. Buffalo was previously ranked as the top market for fans of professional ice hockey in the previous year’s study.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home of the Penguins, ranks second in the survey, with 67.6% who follow ice hockey, followed by Detroit, Michigan (65.9%), Ann Arbor, Michigan (46%), Boston, Massachusetts (45.6%), Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota (45.6%), Denver, Colorado (39.5%), Grand Rapids, Michigan (39.4%), St. Louis, Missouri (38.9%), and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (38.5%).
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
12:25 pm
Darn-the Caps just picked up Scott Hannan from the Avs. I like Hannan, tough guy, good old school defenseman.
DWTOO
November 30th, 2010
12:38 pm
Pittsburgh second in hockey? Shows what winning will do for picking up interest. It wasn’t that long ago that they were the franchise on the snide…as in KC Penguins. Just win and the fair weather Atlanta fans will return and the rumors will cease.
Wonder what the interest level was when the Pens were sucking wind and the ownership was FUBAR?
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
1:00 pm
Red Light-that kinda explains the Shiite/Rabies-infested mentality of some of the Sabres’ fans that infiltrate the Bulb twice/year. Mrs. WBF and I had Sabres’ seasons in the early 80’s. A couple good bars within staggering distance of the Old Aud. back then.
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
1:08 pm
Fleischmann must be mystified with the deal, but going to Colorado means he will play with some very solid young players. I think it’s a win-win deal for both teams.
Gretchelby
November 30th, 2010
1:12 pm
I just think it’s amazing that we can get the Thrashers fans to yell anything on cue all together and it be uniform…:) Cute twist on the article Rawhide. Leslie Nieson was “Shirley” one of my favorites….
Rawhide
November 30th, 2010
1:16 pm
Cute twist on the article Rawhide. Leslie Nieson was “Shirley” one of my favorites….
Gretchelby – Ahhhh….well played, ma’am. Well played indeed.
rob
November 30th, 2010
1:23 pm
WBF,
Mason has me wondering too. He held up OK at the beginning but I have seen some things out of him I have concerns about. One of them is his seeming inablity to play the puck without compounding matters and turning it over out of position. Watching Pavs he seems much more fluid and confident getting out and playing the puck to his players which translates into a better transition up ice. Maybe Glovesave (or any others) can chime in on if he has noticed this difference in our goalies?
Thrasher_Ed
November 30th, 2010
1:27 pm
Did anyone notice that the Chicago Blackhawks have signed Garnett Exelby? They signed him to a minor league deal and sent him to Rockford in the AHL.
Looking forward to seeing the Thrashers play tonight even if it is an hour later than usual for the Avalanche. Go Thrashers!
Paminski
November 30th, 2010
1:28 pm
rob – I’d like to hear what Glovesave thinks about Pavs too. He once pointed out that Pavs leans too far forward and I started watching. It looks to me like Pavs has changed his stance since then and look at him go! Goalie consultant helping?
Furious George
November 30th, 2010
2:01 pm
I was actually kinda looking forward to seeing a little sibling rivalry in the Stewart brother reunion tonight but that’s not gonna happpen now. At lest Chris’ absence gives the Thrashers one less thing to worry about, this game should be pretty winable.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
2:01 pm
rob-I think Mason is a good veteran signing, he may be helping Pavs with his game. Obviously St.Louis thought they could do better than having Mason back as their number one-we will see.
Red Light-Fleishmann has been the odd man out in Washington-he was a healthy scratch against the Sabres recently. Caps needed to get tougher, but had to give us some skill to do it.
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
2:17 pm
This is one of the biggest jokes, as are most fan ballots, that PK Subban leads Mike Green, Brian Rafalski, Zdeno Chara and Dustin Byfgulien in all-star voting among defensemen.
R. Stroz
November 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
Red Light – Isn’t that proof that Canadian hockey fans are stupid?
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
2:28 pm
“Red Light – Isn’t that proof that Canadian hockey fans are stupid?”
No, it’s proof the Canadiens’ fans are irretrievably loyal and primarily French, which is redundancy at is highest level.
Rawhide
November 30th, 2010
2:56 pm
Per C-Viv tweet: “Details of Tim Stapleton deal with Thrashers. Two-way deal this season, $525,000 over $105,000. NHL deal next season worth $525,000″
Joe Friday
November 30th, 2010
3:16 pm
“PK Subban leads Mike Green, Brian Rafalski, Zdeno Chara and Dustin Byfgulien in all-star voting among defensemen.”
It’s a traveshamockery!
“You want the team to spend more on players? We need more than 10,000 fans int he seats every game. Sorry folks, but that’s the way it is until we get better crowds.”
Sorry, WBF, but that’s not the way commerce works. Ya gots to spend money to make money, or sumthin like that.
This club keeps winning, and the fans will come, but it’s going to take more than a 5 game win streak to undo the damage that Waddell inflicted on our fan base over the years. Hi-evah, I do believe they will keep winning. This club is playing great hockey, not good, but great hockey, far better than any prior club has ever played (which is directly attributable to coaching and to the players all buying in).. Their play is no fluke, barring severe injuries (knock on wood), this club is competitive and the fans will continue to come back, slowly, but they’ll be back, and they make the playoffs, all those Sabre/Bruin/Pens/Wing fans will be back in droves (wearing powder blue).
Joe Friday
November 30th, 2010
3:23 pm
By the way, you want a flashback to the old Thrasher clubs? Click over to the next Wild game you see show up in CenterIce, they stink!
Putting On The Foil
November 30th, 2010
4:08 pm
Speaking of national anthems, I can remember as a kid of about 5 or 6 going to the Braves games and after the final line of the anthem (”And the home of the Brave”) looking up at my dad and asking him what song do they sing for the other teams.
litz
November 30th, 2010
5:05 pm
“By the way, you want a flashback to the old Thrasher clubs? Click over to the next Wild game you see show up in CenterIce, they stink!”
Or just dial up a Devils game … same thing …
glovesave29
November 30th, 2010
5:15 pm
Hey Pam…weighed in on this a week or so ago – But Pavs has definately improved his weight transfer and keeps back instead of leaning waaaaaay forward as he used to. I did notice he has moved his glove position from open and facing forward to facing downward. When you hold the glove in that position, it forces you to lean a bit farther back. Perhaps that is the work of Malarchuk? The benefit of good balance is no more overcommiting and sliding past the post as he comes across. Leaves him on his belly less often too.
I would like to see him use a longer paddle on his goal stick. I have the one he broke in the NYI game, and he uses a 24.5″ model. That’s the same that I use and I am only 5′9″. This will keep in leaning back, as I am afraid video coaches will notice how he holds his glove and burn him glove side.
Kinda hard to find any faults in a guy with a .970 save pct over the past week. But solid fundamentals will keep him in the game when this hot streak cools. The most important attribute is between the ears right now. He feels invincible and the puck looks like a bowling ball right now. Let’s hope Clint keeps it that way
Brendan
November 30th, 2010
5:33 pm
Mr. Deniro, we need to get inside Philips Arena.
glovesave29
November 30th, 2010
6:34 pm
Sometimes people just suck…
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=343514
KLS1
November 30th, 2010
7:11 pm
Keep it going tonight Thrash!
“Nothing to embarrassed about, I sometimes use my maiden name.” RIP Leslie!
Red Light
November 30th, 2010
7:12 pm
Expecting a great game tonight in Denver, and I think the Thrashers are so confident that there will be no letdown from the homestand. Can they win No. 6 in a row? Sure, why not! Thrashers 3, Avs 2.
glovesave29
November 30th, 2010
7:17 pm
Thrashers games now simulcasted on 93.7FM.
Joe Friday
November 30th, 2010
8:45 pm
Jeremy Morin called up to the Hawks with Hoss out hurt. Morin looked great in his first few shifts, his forecheck caused the turnover leading to the Hawks first goal, games on VS right now against the Blues.
Whoever takes on Scott this year is asking for a face smooshing. Long armed baboon, indeed.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
9:13 pm
Joe Friday-I knew that statement would draft at least one comment. While I cannot disagree with you, that’s the way it is here for the immediate future. 10K in the seats is not going to cut it, the team needs to win and draw more fans. I just do not see it any other way.
Joey Crabb is a Maple Leaf tonight, just got an assist on Kulimen’s goal. Loafs must like Ex-Thrashers, Joey, Colby Cheese and Clarke. Too bad they dropped Ex after last season. Somebody needs to smash Steve Downie, he is a punk.
I hope we don’t get let down tonight, everyone is on a high right now. This team is bound to play like they did against the Islanders last week. Fleishmann will not arrive in time for the game.
Tampa’s goaltending is average at best. Both Ellis and Smith have save percentages under .900; guess Joe was correct on Ellis though our choice, Chris Mason hasn’t been alot better for the Thrashers.
Hockey Biltong
November 30th, 2010
9:14 pm
WBF – both my uncles served in the RCAF in WW2. One in Africa and one in Europe.Both had incredible stories and one has transcripts in the Royal Dutch Museum in Amsterdam.Buy me a good beer and I’ll tell you some of them, sometime…
BTW, TSN NHL has Atlanta 4th in the most recent power rankings!!!
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
9:16 pm
Looks like “The Fly” isn’t going to be in ATL anytime soon. Stapleton is a Canadian version of “The Fly”. The man looks like a kid.
Hockey Biltong
November 30th, 2010
9:19 pm
Rangers got time on VS disussing Crosbys’ dirty play…too bad they didn’t show Valabiks’ nuts being pounded by the kid!
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
9:21 pm
Biltong-I have to assume most of the Royal Canadian airmen served in the RAF. My father in law was on a B-17, later in B-24. They had RAF fighter escorts on their bombing runs. Maybe they rubbed elbows somewhere in Europe. Dad was with us at the Islanders’ game with us last week.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
9:42 pm
Thanks to the Maple Loafs for blowing a lead with 7 seconds left then losing in OT to the Bolts. Not sure the Leafs are going to make playoffs Mr. Rawhide.
Hockey Biltong
November 30th, 2010
9:56 pm
damn, it would have been nice to see the dolts lose….
Smitty
November 30th, 2010
9:58 pm
Leave it to the Leafs to blow a lead like they did tonight. Bad face-off, bad battle for loose puck and no coverage on St Louis at the point. Stamkos is the real deal. He set up St Louis for the one timer to tie the game. Wilson’s days in TO have to be numbered. Bad loss for the Leafs. I thought they were going to help us out but they were out coached again.
Tampa and Atlanta are showing the league what a good GM and a good coach can do. I wonder if all the experts still think the SE is a soft division.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
10:08 pm
Smitty – it will be interesting to see if Burke dumps Wilson. They have known each other for a long time. Panic will set into Toronto if they keep losing, potentially giving Boston 2 more high draft choices in the Kessel deal.
Smitty
November 30th, 2010
10:14 pm
WBF: They sure gave up a lot for Kessel.
Smoothie
November 30th, 2010
10:25 pm
Love it when other teams choke away wins against the Tampa Bay Dolts…sheeesh! Thrashers on their own, no help from former mates, not that Crabb + C-Mac is much of a lethal combo.
Smoothie
November 30th, 2010
10:27 pm
PEVERLEY!!! POPS ONE IN AND STUNS AN UNWITTING BUDAJ. NICE STICK WORK BY LADD TO KEEP THE PLAY ALIVE.
sorry for all the yelling
iamtheratio
November 30th, 2010
10:28 pm
You know you’re playing good when you MAKE your own LUCK!
Smoothie
November 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
HOLY CRAP WHAT AN AMAZING HASEK-LIKE SAVE BY PAVS!!! GULP.
World Be Free
November 30th, 2010
10:39 pm
Final post for the evening-
Sorry to hear of the death of a fine hockey writer, Jim Kelley. He was a beat writer for the Buffalo News for many years, he later branched out to national media outlets. Kelley was one of the more respected hockey beat writers, always told it like it was with professionalism and deep respect for the game. He was respected by fans, players and mangement alike. RIP Jim
Smoothie
November 30th, 2010
10:43 pm
Just a little shaky defensively towards the end of the period but a nice flourish of offense at the end of the period in which Kaner hits the crossbar on a half-open net! Damn. His line has great jump and I like their chances of scoring a goal tonite. Need Nik Antropov to wake up so he can capitalize on some of Burmy’s sweet passes. Boy is so damn good already, scary.
Tom
November 30th, 2010
10:45 pm
Fast 1st period. 1-0 Thrashers but could easily have been 3-2.
Thrashers outshooting the Avs 15-8 in the first period.
Brendan
December 1st, 2010
12:01 am
The Thrashers had the lead after one period. The Thrashers had the lead after two periods. I don’t know what our record is when that happens, but it’ll be put to the test, as Matt Duchene, former 3rd overall pick, has tied it for the Avalanche.
Pavelec is still playing well.
Can’t believe the Leafs choked that one away, to the Bolts, tonight. Seven seconds away from a 4-point swing on TB, but the Buds lose the battle, 3-1. Colorado gets two (2) points, while denying Toronto one (1) point, for the 3-1 split of the possible points.
Rich Peverley is having a great game.
iamtheratio
December 1st, 2010
12:01 am
It looks like we have absolutely nothing left in the tank. I guess the mountains and the time change is taking a bit of a toll. Plus the Avs are pumping the pressure.
Come on Thrash, you got this! Pick it up!
kristian Nielsen
December 1st, 2010
12:01 am
Ice man,
I will try to be as friendly as possible but you spelled Leslie’s last name wrong. A very common mistake. It is not Nielson it is Nielsen. Anyways the Thrash are playing great. Party on.
Tom
December 1st, 2010
12:26 am
OMG Buff owned that puck to get it to Stewart for the OT game winner! Huge 2 point for the boys.
iamtheratio
December 1st, 2010
12:27 am
I like winning these hard battles, it reminds the team that every win wont be 5-1, 5-0, 3-0. LOVE IT.
Go Thrashers!
SomaAtl95
December 1st, 2010
12:29 am
“Buffy the shot block slayer” ties it and assists on the win! What a nerve racking win this one was! GO THRASHERS!!!
Rawhide
December 1st, 2010
12:34 am
kristian Nielsen – Thank you for the catch…I’ve corrected the post.
As for the game…all I got to say right now is WOW! Stewart with a great turnaround game winner in OT after they killed off an Avs PP. The Buffinator with another clutch goal to tie it a 2-2 and Opie had another great game.
6 Thrashers wins in a row…surely you can’t be serious
More later..
Darren
December 1st, 2010
12:43 am
Stewart just went out there and won one against the Yipper.
LAC
December 1st, 2010
12:46 am
Great start, slowed in 2nd and hung on in the third. But EXCELLENT PK and gritty WIN… Nice
We jump over NYR into 6th, it would be MTL if stayed like that.
I get a kick out of the Norris, For defensemen, they seem to need to score to win… Funny isn’t it !
But Buff is in the lead !!!!!
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
12:54 am
Bill, take a night off man! You’ve been working too damn hard during the holidays! Just let the satisfaction of the hard-fought win just wash over you as you stare at the back of your eyelids and drift off to sleep! I know I gotta throw in the towel after too many late nites in a row. This blogging will wear yo azz out!! Lemme tell ya!
litz
December 1st, 2010
1:01 am
This game, if anything, showcases the “never quit” grit this current team has.
Clearly out of gas, and with Colorado pushing like hell, there was no give, and no give up.
End result? 1 pt for OT, and another for the win.
Games like this can only help us in the spring.
Cornbread
December 1st, 2010
1:03 am
This is what a Thrasahers winning streak is, 6 in a row!
Wow! Two similar quick and scrappy teams. I’ve been waiting for this match-up because I think CO and ATL have a lot in common, two teams no one expected to play well in the past year but are young, skilled, and well coached that are defying the prognosticators. The team that is playing better won, on the road even!
The Thrashers let-up later in the 2nd and 3rd was not unexpected. Anyone who has been out to the mountains knows how it effects you physically. To do it once a season without acclimatization even more so. Great game by Pavs and a great team game by all the Thrashers. What a game winner by Stewart! You know his brother had to crack a smile on that one.
I expect the Thrashers will have the lungs and legs to compete with Pitt on Thursday. Going from a mile high to 1,000 feet above sea level gives you wings.
James Brown
December 1st, 2010
1:03 am
Big Buf is the heart and soul of this team……the man has a shot that people are getting out of the way of………………………ties the game late in the 3rd and has the assist on the winner in OT……..Big Buf is a badass!!!!!
litz
December 1st, 2010
1:41 am
Thank you, 680 — someone’s FINALLY listened !
http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2010/11/30/680the-fan-adds-simulcast-on-fm-dial-at-93-7/?cxntlid=thbz_hm
Atlanta’s Northside can now actually listen to hockey games!
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
1:48 am
Atlanta
’s Northsidecan now actually listen to hockey games!*idly whistles, as the only apparent Southside commenter on these blogs*
litz
December 1st, 2010
1:52 am
Yeah, well … Atlanta’s Southside can actually pick up 680 …
Heck, you can almost hear it — at night — in Macon.
But get 1 inch north of I-285 … zilch.
Hockey Biltong
December 1st, 2010
1:54 am
Avalanche competed very well. Fast like us, with a quick counter attack…Peverly and Sopel had good games, besides Buff and Pavalec.
A great game to watch. Duchene really turned it on at the end.
I hope Kane is ok?!?!?!?
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
1:58 am
Atlanta’s Southside can actually pick up 680 …
Heck, you can almost hear it — at night — in Macon.
I live 10 miles south of 285.
I don’t get it at my house. At all. Unless you count a lot of loud static as receiving 680 reception.
I can barely hear it in a car, even just inside the perimeter at the Crown Rd. post office.
Maybe on a very very (very) clear night, you can get more than just static while going under bridges. I’m pretty sure there’s someone around these parts who recently ventured forth into my neck of the woods who can attest to my statements
litz
December 1st, 2010
2:21 am
Huh … must’ve been some freaky atmospheric stuff the sunday before thansgiving; was able to listen to the game ’til about halfway to macon when it disappeared into static.
Nonetheless — the FM simulcast is a very, very welcome change.
We NEED that radio coverage to try and gain some fan support!
Looking at the projected coverage for that channel, it should easily reach north to Marietta and Roswell, and possibly as far as Rome/Gainesville.
Southside coverage should be a similar distance, southward, so should make it well into south fulton/forsyth … maybe into Henry county as well.
Thrashers27
December 1st, 2010
3:17 am
Not the prettiest effort ever, but a win nonetheless. Good job boys. Now, let’s see that team we all know can dominate on Thursday. Send “Cindy” home cryin’ to his momma.
Tony C.
December 1st, 2010
4:44 am
Glad to see us squeak that one out-definitely not a lot to put on the season highlight reel, but a gutsy win and tremendous from a momentum point of view, going out and getting the two points on the road.
My major concern tonight was our sudden and thorough lack of cohesion on the power play-got to give props to the Colorado PK, but our power play was craptacular from our 2nd PP on. I’m sure Coach has already made mention of it, and will again at practice-but they just seemed to be too cavalier with entry and once there, lost all the poise and patience we’d seen from the special teams unit the past 3 games. Again, a lot of credit deserves to go to the Avs penalty-kill, but our PP has been the one area we’ve had as a constant this season-I don’t want to loose it.
Ok. Now that that is out of the way, let’s get back to celebrating a nice fat “W” and 2 points on the big board!
Great sense of will-to-win rising from our boys….very interested in how they fare over the rest of the week-going into PGH and WSH…This is a Thrashers team that never counts itself out and seemingly always has just enough left in the tank. Recently, they’ve learned to play with a lead-these next two games offer us the opportunity to learn how to go into the other guys’ barn and take the 2 points with us on our way out!
Sara
December 1st, 2010
6:58 am
I’m pretty sure there’s someone around these parts who recently ventured forth into my neck of the woods who can attest to my statements.
You actually convinced someone to travel below 285? What insane person would do that?
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
7:22 am
Huh … must’ve been some freaky atmospheric stuff the sunday before thansgiving
Back in the late 80s (I wanna say 89), I got one of those “make 50 things in one” electronics kits for Christmas. I built a transistor radio, and received a Detroit AM station that was broadcasting a Wings game. As a kid, I really loved that. Never got it to happen again, no matter how hard I willed it to, but the 50 minutes of broadcast time was the best “almost Christmas” present ever.
Anything can happen, at any time, in any place. Don’t be fooled, though, as I was never able to do that again! I think the underlying fact here, is that 680’s AM band sucks royally, and an FM station or boosted signal strength was really needed.
Matt
December 1st, 2010
7:42 am
Alan R- I live in Locust Grove and can’t pick up 680 once I pass the Perimeter on most nights. Hopefully, the signal for the new FM will be good for us Southsiders as well.
As for last nights game, gritty win. But after watching the highlights, can we please, please ban Pavs from playing the puck forward? Two horrible plays nearly cost them a goal.
Red Light
December 1st, 2010
7:55 am
Didn’t someone post Thrashers 3, Avalanche 2 at 7:12 pm?
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
8:37 am
I think Pavelec is still learning some of those fundamentals from Clint. He probably didn’t read the play right. Hopefully, Clint covers that with him before tomorrow night. Colorado could have blown it open with those juicy chances, but Pittsburgh almost assuredly will.
Always Hoping
December 1st, 2010
9:08 am
I became a hockey fan growing up in NJ. I listened to the Ranges on WNBC 660 AM. Marv Albert did playby play along with Bill (The Big Whistle) Chadwick. I remember listening to the games on my little AM radio. Then on saturday nights the Rangers would be on channel 9. Seeing Maple Leaf Gardens and the Montreal Forum on TV was magic. Especially enjoyed the Toronto games when Chadwick would interview King Clancy!
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
9:57 am
Always, will never forget “The Big Whistle”, the Harry Carey of hockey.
Joe Friday
December 1st, 2010
10:10 am
I thought Buf was having an off night there for a while. Shades of him taking nights off when he played D for the Hawks on the one PP when he just stood there flat footed at the point and reached with his stick as Colorado when on a 2 on 1 short handed rush the other way.
But there he came again in the third and took over, just amazing. He’s the most dominant all around dman in the league right now and he’ll match up against the most dominant forward tomorrow night, should be a good match.
It was pretty wild watching the replay on Buf’s goal where after he knocked out their one guy with a shot, the other Avs all backed off out of the path of the goal and let him knock it in. Just wow.
Pavs’ game has obviously fallen apart, can’t believe he let in 2 goals, sheez.
Hockey Biltong
December 1st, 2010
10:11 am
I’d be driving to Tallahasee from Atl in the middle of the night back in the early ’80’s and be somewhere south of ABAC off I-75 and pick up WGN out of Chicago or WLW out of Cincy or sometimes Radio Moscow. You gotta love the ionispheric bounce of AM. Kept me awake, when there was nothing for miles…
Darkhorse
December 1st, 2010
10:14 am
Well, we certainly owe the Pens some revenge. Would be fantastic if they could find a way to make it a franchise record streak Thursday.
ben
December 1st, 2010
10:16 am
perhaps op has put it together. i hope so. mayhaps someone will buy this team and the budget can grow with the talent
Archie Bunker
December 1st, 2010
10:21 am
Would love to beat my chest too because we all deserve to do it for once but this is only December 1st. To whoever posted that stuff yesterday about the annoying OLE’ euro trash cheer and the blah drawn out LETS GO TRASHERS you are right ! If you went to the Falcons game Sunday too then you heard a simple but effective GO PACK GO coming from small pockets in the corners of the endzones.
Craig Ramsay deserves the NHL #1 star for the month of November. Keep it up boys !!!
Archie Bunker
December 1st, 2010
10:24 am
High Payrolls and playing as a TEAM are two different things. Look no further than Yankee Stadium this past year.
AngryRedMarsWoman
December 1st, 2010
10:30 am
“Checked on our former #17.”
LOL. I was in NYC over the weekend and went to the Devils-Flyers game. The fans are starting to realize what they bought for 15 years. I told them to get ready for a lot of “Kovy, come on Kovy….razzle dazzle…lose puck (or edge)…awwww…slog to the bench” 15 years! LOL.
Red Light
December 1st, 2010
10:36 am
For those of you who predicted that Anthony Stewart would have more goals & assists than Antropov entering the month of December, you may now take a bow!
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
10:47 am
I was concerned about the mile-high atmosphere AND the Thrash being away from home for the first time in awhile; add the fact that the Avs are a skating team. These conditions potentially made the Colorado game as diffilcult as the upcoming games. But the boys pulled it out in the end, good for Stewart though I still think the coaches and captain need to stay on this guy so he doesn’t go into a slumber again.
Spud Webb
December 1st, 2010
11:11 am
I’m shocked that Stewart has pulled his head out of his &ss…I don’t think a minute to soon either. He had the hat trick early in the season, then had disappeared, nice to see him up and alive again. Guess Ramsey knew something we didn’t!! Great play, a win is a win, pretty or not (not sure why ANY thrasher fan would complain about a win, we’ve never had that luxery) it’s 2 points…mmmmmmmmmmm RL…ribeye please!
Thrashers27
December 1st, 2010
11:14 am
Buff was able to pull off some heroics as usual last night, but I don’t like the pattern he’s displaying where he’ll lollygag around for a shift, a goal against will be scored due to his lollygagging and then he’ll kick it up a notch to try to get the equalizer.
It’s great that he shows a sense of responsibility when he does let the team down, but I’d rather he put forth a consistent effort from the get go and not have to make up for his lollygagging.
I know, I probably shouldn’t complain at all, seeing how this is the best team we’ve ever had, but I also know that if our boys are going to be elite competitors they need to give 100% at all times. There is never room for a ngiht off, or a shift off. Go, go, go, until the whistle blows!!!…”Again!”
Zombie Steve
December 1st, 2010
11:34 am
That’s odd some of you can’t get 680 above I-285 – I get it loud and clear at my office in Norcross (Peachtree Corners)
Dwayne
December 1st, 2010
11:42 am
Matt Duchene(sp) is fast, and I mean fast. Probably the first time I ever noticed what another teams player is doing.
Dwayne
December 1st, 2010
11:48 am
Let’s work a trade, Enstrom and Stewart for Matt D. Stewart would love to play with his brother.
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
11:53 am
Spud – I thing Stewart has been hearing Cormier’s footsteps. He probably thinks Cormier translates to “I am going to get creamed” if I don’t get my butt in gear.
Dwayne-there were 3 players that could have potentially gone #1 in the 2009 draft-Tavaras, Victor Hedman and Duchene. Some scouts had Duchene #1, based on some of the features you saw last night. For my money, I think the selections should have been Hedman, Duchene and Tavaras. You can’t go wrong with any of then; Evander was #4.
Spud Webb
December 1st, 2010
12:03 pm
Alan R, GREAT story about the 50 in 1 and picking that station up!!
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
12:04 pm
Reaction from Colorado-
“On the other side Ondrej Pavelec is a player. He’s strong and quick. When he’s on fire, like he is now, the Thrashers will be hard to stop.
Atlanta is a good team that is just going to get better as that Blackhawks influence gets going.
Three Stars
1. Ondrej Pavelec- Remarkable tonight
2. Dustin Byfuglian- goal, assist and nine shots
3. Matt Duchene- Scored a goal and got the Avs started”
People are noticing
Tom
December 1st, 2010
12:28 pm
Alan R – I am down here in the PTC , excited that I can get teh station.
@not_CThorburn
December 1st, 2010
12:40 pm
ahhh… 6 wins in a row = 6th in the East!
We really need Tampa to hit the skids for a while.
Chris
kracker
December 1st, 2010
12:50 pm
Some of y’all people must live in the black hole or the Bermuda Triangle of AM radio. I roll my eyes every time somebody says you can’t get 680 north of the perimeter. I can and do. In my house or in my car. Both radios are standard issue, nothing fancy. From Philips Arena to all the way home. I live in Duluth near PIB and N. Berkeley Road, that is about 9 miles north of 285. But if there is another option out there now, great!
Alan R.
December 1st, 2010
1:04 pm
From Philips Arena to all the way home. I live in Duluth near PIB and N. Berkeley Road
You live northeast of town. Most people here, it seems, lives north or northwest… with those of us on the southside conveniently forgotten.
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
1:10 pm
You guys are vastly underselling Anthony Stewart. Yeah, no one is ever gonna confuse him for his brother, oh wait, but anyway, he’s not gonna score you 30+ goals, but he’s doing all of the smart, little things that Coach Ramsay demands. Since the Kane-Lits-Stewart line was put together, they have been our best forechecking line on a consistent basis. Since the Washington game, that trio has been on the ice for 6 ES goals and count ‘em, one ES goal. Technically, it’s 2 ESGA, but the one against BOS was a bad line change and Buff completely screwed up taking the wrong line / angle on the play leaving Wheeler WIDE OPEN.
Brendan
December 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
Admit it, folks. This has been a November to remember! (Sorry, won’t do that again.) If this hasn’t been the best stretch of Thrasher games in franchise history, then let’s have a discussion about what was. My only guess would be in 2006, after Kari Lethonen returned, the the team went something like 13-2-3 during a stretch of games. But my memory of that is “hazy,” so don’t quote me.
Craig Ramsay … is positioning himself … for a Jack Adams Trophy. It’s EARLY. So … very … early … still. But, if this kind of “team” play continues, with these kinds of results, Ramsay has to be a nominee for Coach of the Year.
Christy
December 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
Kracker – It may depend on car radio, antenna or whatever – I can’t get 680 once I cross 120 heading north on either 85 or Buford HWY. Just static or 750 spilling over.
As for southside of the city, I can usually pick it up all the way to macon and only lose it after hookingo n 16 towards Savannah.
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
I just want to see Stewart, a big man play like a big man. Jimmy is a more physical force than 235# Stewart. He plays better when he leans on someone.
kracker
December 1st, 2010
1:25 pm
Alan R. – We have a fella here in our Peachtree Corners office that came to work here, then decided to buy a house south of 285, somewhere in the 675 area, I think. Whatever you save on the house you spend back a lot of it maintaining a vehicle and buying gas. And then there is the time and blood pressure factors. Had they knew what was coming they could have waited until the housing crash and then have bought something in Gwinnett.
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
Brendan – don’t think that stretch was THAT good. In fact, was there ever a time when we won 13 of 18 games? Perhaps we did, but I don’t remember being that good even during the playoff year.
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
1:29 pm
WBF – granted, Stewie could stand to be more physical but he’s actually pretty good with his stick on the backcheck and at least he uses his speed on offense to create an advantage. I think Rammer is working with him on shielding the puck with his big body and we’re finally seeing the development of a guy with amazing raw physical tools and attributes.
But hey, other than Jimbo, Boults, Eager and Kaner, they could all stand to be more physical at times. But we’re winning the majority of battles with our sticks, not just waiting around for a crazy carom for a 3 on 2 or 2 on 1 rush. Haven’t seen any cherry-pickin all season!
Brendan
December 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
I think 680TheFan can be heard anywhere on the Southern Crescent (I-285) until GA Hwy 138 (Jonesboro Rd.). From I-85 to I-75. By Flippen/Jodeco on the SE side of Atlanta, and in Fairburn, Palmetto, Tyrone, PTC, Fayetteville, it gets fuzzy, on the SW side of Atlanta. Maybe on a clear night … you can get it, very fuzzy, in Griffin, GA. But it’s very true that the signal quality is greatly, greatly detereorated, on the AM band.
By the way, if any of you ever have to drive in Griffin, GA … get out your checkbook. They’ve got a pole cam that costs you $70.00, if you make a “right on red.” It’s that, or cover up your tag number when you enter Spalding County, GA. That’s got to be the shiftiest ruse going. They must catch everyone at that light!!! For the record, Griffin, GA is an otherwise charming little town, and very southern. Nice people. Just … don’t drive through it. You can’t afford it. Four ‘right on reds’ and you’re out nearly $300.
World Be Free
December 1st, 2010
2:03 pm
Stewart’s best motivation is fear. A former #1 pick is getting a 2nd chance; not sure he will get a 3rd shot if this one does not work out.
SomaAtl95
December 1st, 2010
2:08 pm
Brendan – hazy memory? You feeling ok, professor?
Red Light
December 1st, 2010
2:13 pm
Lest we get ahead of ourselves, the Thrashers reside in 3rd place in their own division, have played 14 of 25 at home, and are in the midst of a six-game win streak.
I do agree, however, that they have show themselves to be a resilient group, have played great hockey for the past six games, have created a very enjoyable pace to their game, have players that you can relate to easily, and have several budding stars among them. Enjoy it, revel in it and promote it to your friends. There is no better time than now to be a hockey fan in Atlanta, and that includes the 2007 playoffs.
Smoothie
December 1st, 2010
2:13 pm
Brendan – I stand corrected as the boys were actually 12 – 3 – 3 after 18 games in 2006. Of course, they then proceeded to lose 4 in a row before reeling off two separate 5-game winnings streaks — one in Nov and one in December before finishing the 1st half with a record of 24 – 11 – 6. Of course, our sked that year was front-loaded with cream-puffs as we played a green WSH team 4 times (4 wins), an awful FLA team 4 times and won each and a miserably bad BOS team twice winning both.
I don’t think these current Thrashers will get to that mark after 41 games, but I’d be very happy with 22 – 15 – 4 or even 21 – 15 – 5 considering the tough sked we have in December. Luckily, we’re in the midst of our longest road trip of the month, but we do have dates with Pitt twice, BOS twice and Tampa twice. So 21+ wins and 45+ pts will be fine for the 2nd half stretch.
Joe Friday
December 1st, 2010
2:32 pm
“You guys are vastly underselling Anthony Stewart.”
I see one guy doing it, but not many. I tried to point out a week or two ago that when Cormier is ready, it’s Slater that’s on the chopping block, not Stewart. You can see Ramsay’s influence on Stewart, he’s putting himself in the right spots to achieve success.
Brendan
December 1st, 2010
3:59 pm
SomaAtl95, I’ve had a lot of stress lately. So, no … I’m not really feeling okay lately. But I DO LOVE me some Thrashers wins!! And these wins will start to put more fannies in seats, at the Bulb. This team is trying hard. They really are. Look at ALLLL they’re overcoming! Bad ownership. Bad Team President. A disengaged fanbase, after a DECADE of mismanagement. A lack of Tier I talent. A BELOW league minimum mandated payroll. And players who, historically, won’t sacrifice any of their UFA eligibility to play here, in terms of the young, highly-skilled talent that got drafted or traded here. But, we cannot argue with success. This team has decided, at least through recent play, that they are a core group of players, who are becoming committed to each other, and their coach, and his system. And look at the results. Six straight wins. Now, that doesn’t mean we’re headed to the Finals. But we sure don’t appear ‘headed to the Lottery Draft.’ And when a payroll is below the floor, that’s the type of ‘normal conversation’ that should take place, in terms of expectations.
Can I get a “Go Thrashers!?”
LAC
December 1st, 2010
4:20 pm
Buff NHL player of the MONTH, this on NHL Live today, Congradulations for playing some very exciting hockey in November !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next two BIG tests, keep your fingers crossed….
Lastly, if killer heatley thought the booing etc… was bad here, wait until Thursday night, they will
burn him at the stake in Ottawa… Those “loving & understanding” fans in canada !
Rawhide
December 1st, 2010
4:25 pm
OK gang…good discussing today. The team has been playing great and they are a group of players worth supporting.
Speaking of support…my new blog announces this year’s first Rawhide’s Rowdies group outing. Details found —> HERE <—
Brendan
December 1st, 2010
4:28 pm
Ya know, looking at the goaltenders we’ve defeated this year. Here’s a link: http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/teams/schedule/ATL/atlanta-thrashers. M. Neuvirt, Jonas Hiller, Antii Niemi, Marty Biron, Ryan Miller, Tomas Vokoun, Nick Backstrom, Ric DiPietro, Jimmy Howard, and Tuukka Rask are among the list. Seriously, that’s a talented group of netminders that we’ve dispatched. We should start to feel a bit proud of that, I think.
While you’re looking at the list, check out the 0-5-1 Thrashers PRESEASON record. How do you feel about that now, on December 1st?
Smitty
December 1st, 2010
4:32 pm
What a difference a year can make. I believe it was the middle of November last year when Kovy quit on the team. Look where he is and look where the Thrashers are. Who would have thought?
Cornbread
December 1st, 2010
4:34 pm
I’m thinking Big Buff’s power forward style is rubbing off on Stewart. I’ve noticed a lot lately how Stewie gets the puck along the boards and skates low while protecting the puck against the dashers. No one can knock him off the puck. He gets it to Kane or Little or just takes the shot himself. He’s getting more ice time and I won’t be surprised if its his big butt that is parked in front of the net on the PP.
R. Stroz
December 2nd, 2010
3:07 pm
LAST!
Rawhide
December 7th, 2010
4:01 pm
R. Stroz – Nope.