Anthony Stewart’s surprising season
Saturday morning outside of the Thrashers’ locker room at Philips Arena, I informed Anthony Stewart about the little cyber-wager we on this online forum…the one we had prior to the start of the season in which we tried to guess what Thrasher would notch the first hat trick this season. I told him that such players as Evander Kane, Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little were the most common guesses. But oddly, no one had picked him.
Stewart raised an eyebrow, grinned and quipped jokingly, “That’s surprising. I think I had four goals in my whole career…”
Yeah…indeed. Why did we overlook Stewey?
Jonas Gustavsson stopped this Anthony Stewart shot, but not the third period blast from between the circles. Stewart now has 22 points on the season (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)
Not too many people are overlooking him now, though as the 2003 23rd overall pick by the Florida Panthers has more than doubled his NHL career scoring totals. His third period goal Monday gave him 10 for the season and the assists 1 minute and 15 second later on Toby Enstrom’s second of the night gave him 12 assists on the year as well.
All in all, he now has 22 points and is a +3 while suiting up for all 35 games for Atlanta this season.
That’s pretty impressive for someone who so many were writing off as nothing more than a depth player…probably spending another year in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves. Last year in while there, he netted 13 goals and dished out 18 helpers in 77 games and had 9 goals and 3 assists during 13 playoff games.
In the 105 total NHL games with the Panthers prior to that, Stewart had just 4 goals, 8 assists for them and was a –4.
So, where does Stewart place credit his sudden…if not surprising…success here this season? Well, just like so many others surrounding this Thrashers organization, he points to the coaching staff behind the bench…specifically, the head coach.
“Craig Ramsay”, Stewart quickly responded when I asked him who has been the biggest influence on his game of late. “I used to be a seven or eight minute player. And to be playing in the minors last year to step in and play fifteen to sixteen minutes this year just says a lot… that he believed in me. And when you have a coach that believes in you just makes you want to play a little harder to prove him right and the doubters wrong”.
“[Ramsay] has been great”, Stewart continued. But he was also quick to add, “He hasn’t been shy to put me in my place a couple of times. But he’s definitely been the best coach I’ve had”.
Stewart’s has spent his entire career battling to make himself a fixture in an NHL lineup, he said, “But now I’m getting my chance.”
Stewart opened the scoring with this blast on October 15 in the game in Anaheim. He would add two more as the Thrashers beat the Ducks in a shootout (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Yes, he’s getting his big break…and he’s making the best of it, playing a vital role in this new-look Atlanta Thrashers team. It’s a much more balanced attack that he and his teammates bring to the ice each and every game, one that sees a new hero every other game. Last night he scored once while Toby Enstrom and Fredrik Modin each had a pair. Last weekend it was Eric Boulton with a hat trick…yeah, that still makes me dizzy just to type…on Long Island it was Johnny Oduya and Bryan Little. You get the point.
Stewart’s big game came earlier in the year, as mentioned above, when his three goals helped power Atlanta to a shootout win in Anaheim. But a nice as the individual achievement was for the LaSalle, Quebec native, he was just happy it helped net the two points for his team.
“We were down in the game and for us to [get the win] was big”, he told me looking back on it. “It was nice to be able to come back in that game and then win it in the shootout.”
But on a team such as the one we are witnessing this year, hearing a player speak of team success first over individual accomplishments isn’t really all that surprising. And that may be the only thing we’re not surprised about in regards to Anthony Stewart this year.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
152 comments Add your comment
Dwayne
December 21st, 2010
11:00 am
First??
Dwayne
December 21st, 2010
11:00 am
Yes!!! Just like the Thrashers!!!!
injunjoe
December 21st, 2010
11:03 am
Looking forward to tonights game and the Thrashers continuing their winning ways. Hoping the place will be rocking.
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
11:04 am
Yup, as I feared…
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
11:02 am
I fear another Ranallo warning, but I have been doing a bit of research this morning and thought you might be mildly interested in my findings.
From Dec. 9, 2005 to Jan. 18, 2006, the Atlanta Thrashers (13-2-3) earned a total of 29 points out of a possible 36. In the first 18 games of the 2006-07 season, the Atlanta Thrashers earned 27 out of a possible 36 points. The team also was 13-5 from Feb. 24 to April 3, 2009, including five wins in the shoot-out/OT, for a possible 26 of 36 points.
So, the Thrashers can establish a new mark for wins and points during any 18-game stretch in its history with two wins in its next two games.
The team record for wins in the month of December is 10, which was established in the Thrashers second season, when they posted a 10-5 record. Currently: 6, with 6 games left.
The team record for wins through the month of December is 23 in 2006-07 when the Thrashers were 23-11-6 in their first 40 games. Currently: 19-11-5 with 6 games left.
The team record for home wins in a season is 24 and the record for points earned in 41 home games is 52. Currently: 10/22 with 23 home games remaining.
The team record for road wins in a season is 20 and the record for points earned in 41 away games is 45. Currently: 9/21 with 24 road games remaining.
Every team in Thrashers history has had a losing streak of at least five games at some point during the season. Current longest: 3 games.
The team record for wins Jan. 1 and after was established in the 2005-06 season, when the Thrashers concluded the season with a record of 25-16-2 in its last 43 games. They were just 20-17-5 after Jan. 1 in the 2006-07 season.
And, even with the overall production, no one has gotten close to this record yet this season: In 2006-07, Marian Hossa had points in 11 consecutive games (Feb. 17-March 12, when he had 7 goals and 11 assists.
See you tonight?
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
11:06 am
Stew is definitely a product of Ramsay’s system, which you can now say about nearly everyone on this team. Nice, huh?
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
11:10 am
Ahhh, you would have to post that picture of Stewy fanning on the wide open net that would have given us a 3-love lead out of the box. But I guess he got it back. Stewy is quite the story in perseverance eh? I’m so happy for this kid and he seems to be a great fit for the room. Did y’all see the “coversation in pictures” between him and Kaner over on “Getting Pucks Deep”? Worth a look!
Badger Bob – good to see you as a frequent poster once again. We’ll need to meet up at a game soon. We can make fun of WBF for still being a Buffalo Bills fan!
Anyway, I finally had some time to answer your thought-provoking question over at HI. Hope I don’t put you to sleep with the longwinded response!
Rawhide – I don’t know how you keep churning out all this material, but the ajc needs to give you full press access for whenever you want to do a player piece like this. It’s GREAT FOR THE TEAM and SPREADING THE WORD TO THE MASSES WHO LURK HERE. Kudos once again man.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
11:13 am
I’m sorry, I meant the ajc needs to press the forces that be to grant you full access to be used at yours and the ajc’s discretion.
Zoomo
December 21st, 2010
11:16 am
I mentioned a few weeks ago, that I thought Stewart had a few flashes of brilliance, but was lacking consistency shift over shift. I think we are getting that consistency now. The Kane, Little, Stewart line has really started to percolate since the Avs game.
Cornbread was the first here to point out how much better Stewart was this year than what most of us percevied and were posting about him. He’s fast, big, and seems like a hard working kid. I hope he has continued success. I like that line right now.
Joe Friday
December 21st, 2010
11:22 am
WBF you wanted Dan Ellis, called out Pavelec as a bum, then Stewart. I think we need you to start predicting empty houses every night so we can get the place filled!
I think Ramsay could teach me how to go out there and pot a hattie, the man has the touch, as does Duds.
Rawhide
December 21st, 2010
11:25 am
I understand that they’re expecting a pretty good crowd for a Tuesday night at Philps Arena tonight….but there’s still time to get good seats at a good price to see the Blues as well as other upcoming games.
Just click –>HERE<-- and use promo code RAWHIDE to score ya some Sa-WEET tickets.
Tim
December 21st, 2010
11:32 am
Hum… remember when Rawhide position was held by… Ice Girl? Seems so long time ago!
Buzzeng
December 21st, 2010
11:33 am
Looking forward to tonight! I, too, have been carefully checking my optimism with the history of losing “big” games or losing games we should win. Hopefully, The Blues will bring out the best in Our Blues tonight! I will be there (202, Row A) with the Mrs. (Habs fan wearing a Thrashers jersey tonight) and a friend. Go Thrashers!!
Brendan
December 21st, 2010
11:37 am
I’m glad Red Light reposted that post. That was a GREAT research post. http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/12/20/andrew-ladd-is-true-captain-for-this-thrashers-team/?cp=3#comment-45974.
I remember that December, under Head Coach Curt Fraser, where the T-birds went 10-5. Unfortunately, it would be an anomaly for that season. Back in those days, everyone was forgiving of a poor product and pathetic budget, as it was UNDERSTOOD where the team was … and where we ALL THOUGHT it was headed (to more robust budgets, accountability over results after the team was stacked with lottery draft talent, and big splashes in free agency to fill the gaps).
Well, let’s get after that record!!
Brendan
December 21st, 2010
11:38 am
Chris Mason will start versus his former mates, right?
Joe Friday
December 21st, 2010
11:41 am
Plan was Mason for tonight, Blues played as well last night so let’s hope it’s the goalie who has the advantage over knowing his old shooters, instead of visa versa.
Rawhide
December 21st, 2010
11:44 am
Chris Mason will start versus his former mates, right?
Brendan – That is what I understand to be so…yes.
Adam
December 21st, 2010
12:00 pm
For the point total pool I went in low betting with my brain not my heart. But I stated at the end of September that if the month of November ended with the team having 20-23 points they’d still have a shot at post season. Well they were 6pts ahead of that and if they continue scoring points at a rate of .700 so far this month they will finish December with around 51pts, which is also the half way point of the season. Not too shabby.
To hear every interview having the same TEAM tone speaks volumes as to what this coaching staff has accomplished. I can’t remember the last time a player said “ME, MY or I”
With the results we’ve seen so far it really makes one wonder how Craig Ramsay hasn’t been given a full time bench boss job prior to this. For our sake I’m glad it has worked out the way it has. I wish him good health and the desire to continue for some time to come even if it’s just working under Torchetti after a couple of seasons.
R. Stroz
December 21st, 2010
12:02 pm
I don’t know how you keep churning out all this material, but the ajc needs to give you full press access for whenever you want to do a player piece like this. It’s GREAT FOR THE TEAM and SPREADING THE WORD TO THE MASSES WHO LURK HERE. Kudos once again man.
Smoothie – Someone needs to tell them:
RAWHIDE HAS EARNED THE RIGHT TO BE THERE
Flames
December 21st, 2010
12:03 pm
We really need these two points at home. I’m hoping that the team plays a full 60 minutes of bone crushing get after your a$$ hockey. You win and they will come..
glovesave29
December 21st, 2010
12:12 pm
Took advantage of the “Rawhide” deal..we’ll be in 119 J…come by and say hi
Gwinnett Fred
December 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
I was surprised that we’ve had quite a number of hot streaks in the past that rival the one we are currently on.
However, I think the difference between then and now is that we are accomplishing this hot streak as a TEAM. Not only that, but a TEAM that has had instilled in it the right way to play as a TEAM.
We haven’t had that before. Always a combination of a hot superstar and “decent” play by everyone else.
Bottom line – a finely meshed TEAM will have more success over the long haul than a squad with a couple studs leading the way every time.
Can’t be there tonight, but Section 204 awaits my whole family of 6 come Sunday!!!!
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
Adam: “With the results we’ve seen so far it really makes one wonder how Craig Ramsay hasn’t been given a full time bench boss job prior to this.”
He was! After taking over for the ill Roger Neilson in the 1999-2000 season, he began the 2000-01 season as the Flyers’ head coach before being relieved after 28 games (12-12-4) by Bill Barber. Totally agree that someone should have given him a head coaching position between then and now, but good things happen to those who wait.
Matt
December 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
I’ve been really surprised at how hard Stewart appears to be able to shoot the puck. Last nights goals was a wicked, quick shot. Kid clearly has talent to have been a first round pick.
FormerIslesFan
December 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
Note to Brendan: With Modin’s two goals last night, and the continued dog-house residence of Bergfors, I started thinking that the “Over” bet that I optimistically made may not be so out-of-reach afterall. Can you please remind me what were the numbers in question for the Over/Under bet?
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
FIF: 14 goals and 56 games
Kyle Clifford of the LA Kings, Alex Pietrangelo and Stefan Della Rovere of the St. Louis Blues, T.J. Brodie (3 games with the Flames this year) and Burmistrov all played for the Barrie Colts last season. No wonder they went 57-9-2 during the regular season!
FormerIslesFan
December 21st, 2010
12:33 pm
Alas, I have to pass on tonight’s game as well (simply too Real Life stuff to do this evening). However, I plan on being at the ‘ning game on Sunday and all of the January home games if I can swing it (some with and without the tax deductions and possibly even wearing my Isles’ Peca sweater to the Ranger$ game just to piss the Blueshirts fans off). Have fun tonight and do some screaming for me!
FormerIslesFan
December 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
Thanks for the reminder, Red Light.
Rawhide, have you told Modin about that bet since you told Stewie about the Hat Trick bet?
World Be Free
December 21st, 2010
12:36 pm
J/F-I called some right, called some wrong. If I listed all the “rights” I would be here for awhile. Merry Christmas
Stewart WAS a bum until he started reading this blog (I hope) and he started listening to Rammer. I still think the coaches need to keep the pedal on him.
Smoothie-yeah still holding hope for the Bills until the Old Man dies and they move to L.A. It is a forgone conclusion.
Adam
December 21st, 2010
12:41 pm
Thanks for the info Red Light. I knew he had been an Interim Head Coach in the past but I didn’t know he ran a training camp and started a season.
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
12:44 pm
Does Ralph Wilson or Wild Bill Cody own the Bills?
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
12:44 pm
Glad to help Adam!
Hockey Biltong
December 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
WBF, you are Stubborn!
Hockey Biltong
December 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
Stroz??? you there tonight???
Rawhide??? You??? If so, I’ll bring that article for you…
JB
December 21st, 2010
12:51 pm
sounds like sunday will be highly attended as well. i’m bringing 5 semi newbies and have spoken to a number of people who’ll be there as well.
World Be Free
December 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
Red Light-Ralph Wilson and Wild Bill are about the same age.
Biltong-right sometimes, wrong others. If I were better at this I’d be on the payroll.
Thrashers27
December 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
I really wish the Bergie and/or Eager issue would come to a head soon. Of course no trades now, but it just seems like such a waste of resources to have those two sitting on the bench. I’d really like to know what the issues are.
Anyhoo, I’ll be there tonight. Two more points would be awesome!
Smitty
December 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
WBF Here’s hoping Pegula buys the Bills!!! If he does not get the Sabres, maybe Levinson should give him a call.
Hoof Arted
December 21st, 2010
1:05 pm
I had Stewart pegged for 2 goals, 4 assists, a -5 and a quick trip to Chi-town. Shows you what I know.
So happy for him, though. He’s been a big part of the team’s success.
moriler
December 21st, 2010
1:07 pm
Well, we got some ESPN face time
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/2768/rant-answers-thrashers-getting-ignored-blues-jackets-causing-pain
LAC
December 21st, 2010
1:08 pm
I still can’t believe those STUPID Toronto fans throwing WAFFLES !!! How Stupid was That ?
And “those” people always bad mouth Atlanta and The Southeast ??? Stick it canada fans,
you don’t own the game of hockey and you act like, well I can’t write it here you BUMS !
Rawhide
December 21st, 2010
1:10 pm
Took advantage of the “Rawhide” deal..we’ll be in 119 J…come by and say hi
glovesave29 – That’ll put you right behind Hockey Biltong. That should be an interesting section.
Look for him. He’ll be the one all…ahem…lit up.
Rawhide, have you told Modin about that bet since you told Stewie about the Hat Trick bet?
FIF – No…but I’ll make it a point to do so. Like how he played last night…big presence in front of the net.
Stroz??? you there tonight???Rawhide??? You??? If so, I’ll bring that article for you…
Hockey Biltong – I’ll be in 204…make it a point to hook up w/ me if ya can. Maybe I’ll come see you where you normally sit.
BTW…R. Stroz should be in is normal place, the “Stroz Cove at Cowbell Corner”.
LAC
December 21st, 2010
1:11 pm
Yes moriler, but that pierre LaBUM is just that a bum, and does not give a DAMN about us in a positive way. Just another canada hack who I NEVER read, because he knows nothing about the game !
Always Hoping
December 21st, 2010
1:21 pm
I see where he Flyers head out west for three games after Christmas. Now that we’ve gained the top spot in the division why not dream bigger and go for the top spot in the conference? As long as the Flyers and Penguins keep battling it out we can slip right on in there.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
1:23 pm
“[Ramsay] has been great”, Stewart continued. But he was also quick to add, “He hasn’t been shy to put me in my place a couple of times. But he’s definitely been the best coach I’ve had”.
Therein lies the rub. Ramsay is a true coach in every sense of the word. Calm, composed and savvy. Able to light a fire in someone’s belly with a strong admonishing / tongue lashing but also supportive like an uncle always there with a dry quip or words of encouragement to boost a kid’s ego. At this point, I have NO REASON to believe Bergfors when he says the coaches haven’t told him why he’s sitting. They’ve been telling you son every practice and every time you’re in a game! If Anthony Stewart, ANTHONY STEWART, can be on a pace for 20+ goals, then you should be able to score 30-35 with some hard work son. Get your head right Berg-foops!
DWTOO
December 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
Stroz in his “normal” place. Highly doubtful since nothing about the Strozer is “normal”.
This team is starting to create a buzz. Lunch regularly with a friend of African heritage. Our usual lunch talk is about Falcons football. Today he was very interested in the fact that the Thrashers have several players that look like him and now he wants to come to a game. He remarked that the Thrashers should be using their diverse nature to promote the team to the community. Just laughed and told him that the bloggers are way ahead of the team.
Tincup9
December 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
Not sure if this has been posted before, but some better Thrasher coverage on ESPN…
http://espn.go.com/nhl/powerrankings
I wonder if the HBO special on the caps is negatively impacting their team. Having camera crews around the team all the time. Let’s hope so…
Jeff
December 21st, 2010
1:27 pm
I’ll be in 119 as well…not sure the row but will have my blue jersey and Blueland Santa hat on!
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
1:31 pm
Always hoping – I like it, I LIKE IT A LOT. Why not? The sked is brutal for everyone right now and the Flyers might get complacent. Plus, I’m still not sold on Bob.
New Thrashers marketing campaign to be unveiled right here, right now!
Thrashers fans, as we stand here before you, with hat in hand, and request of you your earnest support, we pledge to do whatever we can to ensure that this run continues and that our fans are treated with the best possible in-game experience and ticket promotions possible. And in so doing, we come here to the base of this curtain, to let you know that this curtain shall hang nevermore; and we pledge to see to it that all of Atlanta will soon know the words:
THRASHERS HOCKEY — TEARING DOWN DOUBT, ONE GAME AT A TIME!!
World Be Free
December 21st, 2010
1:41 pm
LAC-the more we look at Tronna, the more we see they are not the great hockey fans we were once lead to believe. We complain about 10 years of losing in Atlanta, could you imagine what it must be like to be a Leafs’ fan the last 30 years? At least 23 of those 30 years have been painfully bad. Leafs fans are as bad as their hockey tradition of the past full generation. It was alot different in the area when I was a kid, when the Leafs were only a few years removed by multiple Stanley Cups. And it all started when the Leafs fired Punch Imlach.
Smitty-I don’t think Pegula has the coin to buy the Bills, beside the league wants the team in LA anyhow. I think Kelly and company would get blocked too somehow. Bills’ fans would have to rely on Senator Clinton to help them, she is too busy going after the people of Arizona for protecting their rights.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
1:53 pm
Okay, we’ve spent enough time talking about Tronna and their worthless, waffle-tossing fans, can we move on and talk about how we’re gonna convince the ASG to use Big Buff and Toby for a “Rob and Big” type marekting campaign?? Remember when the idea surfaced a few weeks ago and all of the great ideas that were offered up.
Bill – if you don’t mind sifting through the blogs to pick out the marketing discussion stuff, then I’d be more than happy to pen a thoughtful letter to the Thrashers and their marketing staff to give them the best and brightest ideas the POM-POM Brigade has to offer!
J(Z)
December 21st, 2010
1:55 pm
Looks like we’re getting Conklin instead of Halak tonight. Good news!!!!!
Rawhide
December 21st, 2010
1:56 pm
Bill – if you don’t mind sifting through the blogs to pick out the marketing discussion stuff, then I’d be more than happy to pen a thoughtful letter to the Thrashers and their marketing staff to give them the best and brightest ideas the POM-POM Brigade has to offer!
Smoothie – Yes…I’ll have Trixie get right on that.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
2:01 pm
That would be great BT! And if anyone wants to offer up some suggestions here for a letter to the marketing dept, please do and I’ll include them in our Open Letter to the ASG.
moriler
December 21st, 2010
2:07 pm
“Dear Marketing: You bunch of unimaginative smeg-gurglers, how can you possibly think that the weak stunt involving Thrash did anything other than vaguely amuse the three Carolina fans who happened to be flipping through the AJC online? Why don’t you come up with one-shots that are actually humorous, like ‘In the NHL, those who score goals are richly rewarded by their teammates (shot of Boulton getting face washed by Byfuglien after Buff fakes a high-five), and those who score hat tricks… even more so (shot of Boulton celebrating, and then several cuts to getting face washed by Buff, Booger, and the rest of the team). Thrashers Hockey. A brutally good time.”
You think maybe that opening’s a bit too soft, though?
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
2:11 pm
moriler – LOL Thrashers hockey – will make you wanna face-wash your buddy! Should be the new celebration dance…just mock rake your cupped hand over your face like John Cena when you “can’t see me” style and shout out “I like Big Buff and I cannot lie!”
Okay, that was a bit silly, but it made me laugh just typing it. Guess I’m easily amused.
Alan R.
December 21st, 2010
2:11 pm
Smoothie, Bill – Together, we can POM-POM POM-POM POM-PUMP IT UP with marketing the team in this city! Atlanta deserves a winner, and along with it, this team deserves winning marketing!
puckhead
December 21st, 2010
2:14 pm
MORE COWBELLS – they should sell them outside the arena on the street. We could become the NOISE Factory.
puckhead
December 21st, 2010
2:17 pm
UNLEASH THE COWBELL!
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
2:19 pm
Word bond Alan!!
We live in a very diverse city, time for the marketing to go in a new direction with a much more diverse range and appeal. Whatever it takes.
BTW, the more seats we fill now before the Trade Deadline, then the more money ASG will have to pay Jarome Iginla’s salary for our stretch run!
Calgary is fadin’ fast y’all!!
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
2:20 pm
puckhead – we already have the CFA cow…and Stroz! Bring it!
iamtheratio
December 21st, 2010
2:21 pm
Rawhide: Thank you sir, just bought 3 Sa-WEEET Tickets tonight, I’ll be in section 218 with a few lady friends. GO THRASHERS!
Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)
December 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
Mr. Smoothie – Gee, thanks. Thanks a pant-load.
Yes, I’ll get right on that. Just as soon as I finish picking up Mr. Rawhide’s drycleaning…take care of completing his Christmas shopping…wrapping the presents…ordering the turkey and ham for the Rawhide, Inc. Christmas party…cleaning out the office coffee pot…filing these stats back into the cabinet…ordering more cyber-office supplies…answering his e-mails for him…dealing with Chucky, his online editor who simply demands more and more blog posts from us…putting up all the holiday decorations around the office…
Yes…then I’ll get right on that for you
Alan R.
December 21st, 2010
2:26 pm
I’m just going to leave this right here..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=559ewOnxjS4
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
2:34 pm
Alan – pass the syrup please! Freakin’ hysterical.
Nate
December 21st, 2010
2:45 pm
I read as a comment to LeBrun’s latest article on espn.com. Said 16,000 + tickets had already been sold for tonight’s game. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
Cahos
December 21st, 2010
2:55 pm
When will Bergfores be back, don’t trade hime just send him up to Chicago for a month or two and called down Fredrick Petterson
glovesave29
December 21st, 2010
3:06 pm
Moriler – saw your article…was a bit disappointed in LeBruns response…it was a bit lazy. I want to hear WHY we are getting the cold shoulder from the league where in the past they have bent over backwards to keep teams in the current market and have found them suitable ownership.
Badger Bob
December 21st, 2010
3:10 pm
Great find, AR!
Smoothie, I am back. Work, of all things, had me a little distracted for a while. And to be honest, a little scepticism about this team (as evidenced by my 76 point prediction, which they will pass before mid-February). A breaking point for me was when they went cheap and didn’t offer Bergie a Little-like contract. Thank God this team is run by RD and not me!!
Between my 76 point prediction, under on Modin, and hattie guess of Antro last night, I think I owe all y’all beers (Smoothie, I know I owe you one and a shot of JD), so track me down. Won’t be in town until the New Year, but we’ll catch up.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
3:19 pm
Badger Bob – sounds great! Look forward to it! And don’t beat yourself up, don’t think anyone expected Dudley to be quite THIS clairvoyant!!
Tom Lysiak
December 21st, 2010
3:27 pm
Calling all sheep, calling all sheep…..please report to The Bulb tonight to subsidize the freakin’ COMPETENCE.
That is all……
Thrashers27
December 21st, 2010
3:32 pm
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
mar1jdh
December 21st, 2010
3:39 pm
1741 seats remaning according to Ticketmaster. Not sure what capacity is with the 400’s closed off.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
3:54 pm
Tom, didja see SOB’s lame-a$$ post over on C-Viv’s blog. Wonder who he’s talking to cuz all of the sheep are on their way to the game!
Cornbread
December 21st, 2010
3:59 pm
I think the signs were there that Stewart could be a very good third line power forward in the NHL. That he has stepped it up even further than that is what I find most surprising. I think I had him getting 15 and 15 for the year and most would have probably had that as too optimistic. But, he’s a big fast body with skill. He and his young linemates are only going to get better in both ends as the season progresses.
I think Anthony has another factor that is affecting his performance this year. The motivation that his younger brother Chris was/is getting all the attention in CO. Anthony was always known as the better player. So again, it may not be that surprising that he is putting up the numbers that he is.
He’s getting a second chance under both Dudley and Ramsay in a team game that is made for guys like him. I’m glad to see him taking full advantage of it.
timthebrave
December 21st, 2010
4:00 pm
Just scored some tickets for tonights game. See you down in blueland. Go Thrashers!
Joe Friday
December 21st, 2010
4:11 pm
“I listed all the “rights” I would be here for awhile”
I’m just yanking your chain but you called Ramsay right, spot on there, brotherman.
“it just seems like such a waste of resources to have those two sitting on the bench. I’d really like to know what the issues are.”
Someone gave you some inside info on yesterday’s blog that sheds light on what’s up, go back and see if you can figure it out . . .
“1741 seats remaning according to Ticketmaster. Not sure what capacity is with the 400’s closed off.”
Get out of here. That is very surprising, very pleasantly suprising, great news.
Smoothie
December 21st, 2010
4:17 pm
Still time to get great value on #Thrashers tkts! Get lower level (200s) for as low as $28!! http://tinyurl.com/29tu9m2 Promo code RAWHIDE
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
4:18 pm
As I Twittered (new verb) yesterday, in the last 14 games “holiday season” games in Atlanta, attendance is 16,000-plus. So, it should be no surprise at all Joe Friday!
Red Light
December 21st, 2010
4:40 pm
Should have been: As I Twittered (new verb) yesterday, in the last 14 “holiday season” games in Atlanta, attendance is 16,000-plus. So, it should be no surprise at all Joe Friday!
rob
December 21st, 2010
4:41 pm
Still would like to see Stewart more physical……and still not convinced he is not just a product of the environment and line he is on. I will happily continue to watch him score, but still not buying into the hype with him yet.
After watching the Canes and Leafs games…….I have to wonder if the refs have stopped calling interference?!?!? Those two teams set more picks on us…..at least it seemed like it to me….anyone else see it that way? And someone’s going to have to watch out for Pavs. Clarke MacArthur’s punk A$$ should be looking for teeth after falling on him….even the Leafs announcer was like, WOW that should have been called. Many people jumped in for Burmi early on and that was good but the GOALIE has to be guarded at all costs here! Keep the energy going boys, and make St. Louis sing the blues after they get beat by our own Boys in Blue!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!!
cousin Eddie
December 21st, 2010
4:41 pm
NHL Power Play already nominating Ramsay as coach of the year!
Nate
December 21st, 2010
4:41 pm
glovesave29 – I said the same exact thing among the comments below Lebrun’s blog. He really dodged the question there, eh? I guess that’s to be expected from someone residing in Toronto where they mindlessly pay for bad hockey.
World Be Free
December 21st, 2010
4:44 pm
rob-right on dude
Stewart’s lack of physical play has been my beef to date. 235# ddue should be much more physical. It was his issue in Miami too. That’s been my complaint about Stewart.
Tom Lysiak
December 21st, 2010
4:53 pm
Smoothie – Nope, I didn’t see it. That might end up being a lonely island he and some of his sheep have created. Reminds me of this summer when I responded to him once and posed the question – just what are you going to do if Dudley and Ramsay turn this thing around and Waddell is still in the house?
Joe Friday
December 21st, 2010
4:57 pm
“Stewart’s lack of physical play has been my beef to date.”
I think Coach has a different plan for physicality. To you and me, to play physical means to throw some nice forechecks, knock a rushing forward off his stride. I think Coach asks them to be physical by skating to certain places on the ice and move your skates circling hard in certain zones of the ice looking for puck intercepts or to be in the right spot to accept a pass and move the puck up ice.
He definitely doesn’t bang but he definitely has that “go” that Ramsay apparently demands
“As I Twittered (new verb) yesterday”
Does Mo know you twittered yesterday?!? Hmmm? I don’t think I’d be admitting your twittering issues on a public forum there, Sparky!
cousin Eddie
December 21st, 2010
5:00 pm
Love the video Alan. They should do one with Bogosian doing the same thing but the waffles not hitting the target. Or Buff at practice skating around with waffles and his team mates are skattering everywhere and trying to avoid his slapshot. Maybe a dodgewaffle game-team split up on the bluelines and trying to hit each other. This would be hilarious especially after the waffle incident with Toronto.
razorneck13
December 21st, 2010
5:07 pm
Ditto what Red Light said about Stewart being ANOTHER product of RAMSAY’S system, but I’ve gotta add Duds to that mix too. Ramsay’s system is seemingly very much in tandem with Duds’s (guessing Rammer’s too) foresight. They see the intangibles in players that I don’t think many others can…maybe not even some of the players themselves. Mondo bizarro things goin’ on.
Cornbread
December 21st, 2010
5:08 pm
Stewart’s physical play is battling along the boards and in the corners and getting his nose dirty in front of the net. He hits when he has an opportunity but I would not call him real physical in that department. I think he can and will become more physical in his own end especially when he is on the half wall. I’m betting that this is an aspect of his game that the coaches and vets are working on with him.
razorneck13
December 21st, 2010
5:17 pm
Puckhead – “I gotta fevah, an the only prescription…is mwoah cowbell”
Tom
December 21st, 2010
5:20 pm
2006-2007 Capitals 41 571,129 13,929
2003-2004 Penguins 41 486,961 11,877
2006-2007 Blackhawks 41 521,809 12,727
It is always darkest before the storm.
So to all those naysayers in Canada and the national media, you know where you can stick it!
Thrashers27
December 21st, 2010
6:49 pm
Ther’s a good crowd in the atium at CNN Center. Should make for a good night!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!!
Cornbread
December 21st, 2010
7:01 pm
Any updated links?
waffleboy
December 21st, 2010
7:32 pm
Anybody got a link to a feed for the game?
urm...
December 21st, 2010
7:32 pm
Can’t find the game online anywhere.
JT from Columbus
December 21st, 2010
7:33 pm
Can’t believe that a major sports league does not televise all their games. This is 2010.
Joe Friday
December 21st, 2010
7:35 pm
VS showed some highlights, looked like a turnover led to the goal against and then Kane had a great rush down the wall, threw it to the middle, Little knocked a rebound in the open net. Watch On The Fly at 8pm and they’ll be showing highights as they happen, mabye some live game action as well
Roland
December 21st, 2010
7:36 pm
hockeystreams.com has the game
urm...
December 21st, 2010
8:16 pm
how is crowd?
Lee
December 21st, 2010
8:25 pm
Anyone got a link???
Joe Friday
December 21st, 2010
8:44 pm
crowd looks good, they’re showing live lookins on NHL Network
Brendan
December 21st, 2010
8:53 pm
Don’t like that “late” goal to end the 2nd period, but I still think the Thrashers can bring home a win, here in the 3rd period.
The over/under on “Modin Watch 2010-11″ was 14 goals and 56 games played, with a caveat that all goals and games played be done so as a member of the Thrashers. Any goals and games played after the trade deadline for a member of a different team DO NOT count, towards the contest. I’ve forgotten where Modin is on both the GP and Goals Scored. Anyone got that handy??
Tom
December 21st, 2010
9:35 pm
Tough loss on tired legs. The Thrashers did fight at the end and seemingly came close a couple of times.
The crowd sounded amazing on the radio. I have to get rid of these children and get to Phillips more.
Thrashy Thrashy
December 21st, 2010
10:10 pm
Ramsey must be fired!
Terrible effort from the gutless bestards!
Reincarnation of Sori Letemin destroys life!
R. Stroz as Yogi Berra
December 21st, 2010
11:32 pm
It’s hard to win if you don’t score more than the other team.
Marcus Valdes
December 21st, 2010
11:37 pm
Tough loss, but the “Let’s Go Thrashers!” chant was the loudest I’ve ever heard it tonight!!
h
December 22nd, 2010
8:15 am
The boys were definitely a step behind last night. Mason didn’t do them any favors either. We had 2 teams coming off a game the night before and only one had the energy to win it until the last 8 minutes. I thought the crowd got real loud at the end. It was a great crowd for a Tuesday night. Too bad the boys didn’t take advantage. Winning the next 2 games will make up for this one…..gotta beat Thomas and then beat the Bolts at home.
Hockey Biltong
December 22nd, 2010
8:26 am
Team is gassed playing at such a high level.. Hopefully they’ll get a good rest and be ready for the Broons.
dwayne
December 22nd, 2010
8:54 am
Nip last nights loss in the bud by beating the B’s. Pavs back in net and B’s are having problems scoring. Need this win badly with TB coming. TB has our number right now. Could only listen on xm last night. 4th line didn’t have a good game last night?
Fan from Carolina
December 22nd, 2010
8:56 am
The Bruins were shut out and embarassed by the Ducks on home ice. This is going to be really tough Thursday. Then the Lightning after that. Tough, tough stretch.
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
9:06 am
Bring on the big bad Bruins. They don’t scare me. Our ol’ friend Marc Savard will get reacquainted with our team. However, I believe the only teammates still here from those days are Jim Slater and Eric Boulton. Won’t be much of a reunion.
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
9:15 am
I mean to post last night, prior to the Blues game, that if the playoff began yesterday, as the # 2 seed … our 1st round opponent would be the # 7 NY Rangers. And how much differently might that series go, today? (With Christensen and Todd White on the other side.)
Gazing at the standings, http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/standings/conference, I see no team has played more games than the Thrashers, at 36. (The NY Islanders have played the fewest, it just seems like they’ve played 40.) Boston, who trails Atlanta in the Conference Standings, does so because they have only played 32 games. So, with four games-in-hand, the Bruins can really gain some ground on Atlanta with a win. We can’t let that happen. We’re in the playoff field; we must STAYYY there. And that means keeping the Bruins behind us, then hoping that they lose some of those games-in-hand.
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
9:20 am
By the way, I found a site that has Atlanta power ranked # 6 in the NHL. http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/powerrankings. Anyone have us ranked higher? The comments were, “Yes, they are for real, and headed into Christmas with their eye on the division lead.”
Alan R.
December 22nd, 2010
9:32 am
Brendan: TSN has us #5. http://tsn.ca/fantasy_news/rankings/nhl/
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
9:37 am
Red Light, we’ve got six players on pace for about 20 goals, but one of them isn’t Nik Antropov. Who would have thought that? By the way, I think it’s great that the “depth strategy” that I talked about for so many years has so many Thrashers bunched up between 8-12 goals. The perfect defnition of a depth strategy is to have 8-10 of the 12 forwards at 20 or more goals for the season. For … what is the opposing coach to do?? He can’t play his checking line all night. He’s got to devise some sort of alternative strategy for defending the Thrashers, or any team using a “depth strategy.”
I’m pleased with Modin’s 6 goals in 20 games. That’s better production out of him than I would have expected. That’s about a goal every third game, on average. If he played all the remaining games, scoring at that pace, we’d all be thrilled.
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
9:38 am
Alan R., good find! Yes, we’re at # 5, somewhere.
R. Stroz
December 22nd, 2010
9:53 am
Anyone else think we’d be better off with Nabby as the “back up” goalie instead of Mason?
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
9:56 am
R.Stroz, did you have to go there ? Right after the loss? Oh well. But remember, Nabby wanted a 4-5 year deal. That’s a substantive commitment. And he’s not getting any younger. St. Petersburg cut him for a reason, I presume.
Alan R.
December 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
I think Stroz is on to something, but agree that if Nabby is going to ask for big bucks long-term, then we don’t need him.
Mason makes me jittery. I have to wonder if the players feel the same way. The third goal last night was really, really soft.
Red Light
December 22nd, 2010
10:11 am
St. Louis gave the Thrashers a does of their own medicine last night by forechecking well, particularly in the second period, creating turnovers and taking advantage of a few mental lapses, such as Hainsey’s horrible clearing pass that led to St. Louis’ first goal. In addition, the Blues had some really good offensive contributions from their blueline. Despite one bad goal scored by Byfuglien from behind the net, Conklin was brilliant last night. Thrashers outshot the Blues 39-26. Not sure who votes for the Three Stars, but can’t understand why a 37-save performance on visiting ice doesn’t qualify.
As for Mason, he’s played just three games since mid-November. Tough to be sharp. Third goal? Looked like a good screen to me Alan R. particularly the way Mason reacted.
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
10:18 am
I smell a shootout in Boston. Hope I’m wrong. I’d rather wrap things up in regulation time.
Brendan
December 22nd, 2010
10:20 am
Back on blog topic, Anthony Stewart has been a total surprise this season. I remember some posters were advocating cutting him, back in preseason. And I remember my voice being one saying Byfuglien shouldn’t play defense. This is why Ramsay is the coach, right?
R. Stroz
December 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
Back off the blog topic, Machacek is burning things up in Chicago. Cormier stats are improving quickly, and Esposito appears to be treading water at best.
If Nabby can be had on the cheap, I’d be alot more comfortable with him in goal than Mason. Nabby is actually from Kazakhstan. Maybe Nik can provide some insight into his psyche. If Nabby is a locker room cancer as glovesave29 has suggested, the Thrashers need to consider the pros and cons in terms of him being a “team player.” That said, I’m not sure Mason is the guy I want as a back up if Pavelec can’t play for a few weeks.
Joe Friday
December 22nd, 2010
10:52 am
“I’m not sure Mason is the guy I want as a back up if Pavelec can’t play for a few weeks.”
Definitely not, but he’s better than Ellis, not as good as Nabokov. Best move would’ve been standing pat with Moose, but whatever. Hi-evah, if Pavs go down, this club drops down a few notches.
One thing dawned on me last night . . . it’s hard to keep up the level of play the Thrash have over the course of a 82 game season and then into the playoffs. It’s the reason that most top clubs coast till after the All Star break and then really kick it into high gear. Ramsay has had the boys skating balls out in high gear for a while and last night you saw the result, tired legs (even given Mason’s soft goals allowed, they still stayed in the game). But that is going to catch up with them as the season wears on . . . this club gets into the a drawn out playoff series with OT games, I worry about what kind of legs they’re going to have left. So, based on that, the sooner they can jettison Eager and Bergfors and get a couple platoon boys up here like Cormier and whoever we get in trade for Eager and Bergfors, the sooner guys can have some nights off and we can get some fresh legs in the lineup when needed (like last night).
R. Stroz
December 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
Joe Bob Friday – Check out the schedule In January and February. There are numerous three and four day breaks between games. The boys just need to hold on until January 9th.
Alan R.
December 22nd, 2010
1:12 pm
Dudley in talks with Byfuglien and Ladd, as per good ol’ Craig Custance.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2010-12-22/thrashers-success-to-come-with-a-price
Also mentions Bergfors.
Red Light
December 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
“Not far. But they’ve started,” Dudley told Sporting News. “It’s something as an organization we’ve had a tendency not to do in the past. But when you get good, you have to talk to your players.”
But, if you suck, you don’t have to speak with them at all?
Alan R.
December 22nd, 2010
2:26 pm
But, if you suck, you don’t have to speak with them at all?
I’m sure that’s not what he meant by that. It’s just more diplomatic than saying “My buddy D-Wad is an idiot”
litz
December 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
Well, to be fair to Dudley … he had to politically correctly state : “The previous GM didn’t bother to do this kind of stuff” …
- litz
Joe Friday
December 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
“It’s something as an organization we’ve had a tendency not to do in the past. But when you get a good GM, you have to talk to your players.”
Bingo, Alan and litz . . . sounds like Dudley is getting lowballed on Eager and Bergfors and he’s letting it be known via Custance that he’ll hold onto them rather than give them away . . . good job.
Cornbread
December 22nd, 2010
5:10 pm
What have yo done for me lately? I do believe Mr. Mason got the Atlanta Thrashers through a very tough month of October going 6-4-1. For that alone he deserves to be the back up the rest of the season. He is ranked 36th in save percentage. Not great but not bad for a number two either, especially one who has only played 5 games since that first month.
glovesave29
December 22nd, 2010
5:13 pm
The truest test of Duds in now in front of him…can he get Buff and Ladd to sign contracts with a “hometown discount”? Since both Dustin and Andrew know how important depth is when making a lengthy drive into the playoffs, my guess is yes. They both will deserve nice pay raises, but I can see them working with management and not tying up too much cash for just a few players…even though they are keys to our success. The key is for the ASG to actually SPEND the money that Buff and Ladd leave on the table…if they don’t, I could certainly see players and hockey ops guys getting really frustrated and leaving.
Disappointing result last night. I cannot blame this on Mason…second goal was the only “questionable” one for me as he didn’t square to the shooter. St. Louis deserves credit…they attacked the point at every opportunity, then with 2 minutes left, they changed their tactics and collapsed in front of Conklin. Buff and Enstrom had nothing but bodies in front of them. We hit Conklin square in the Blue Note too many times last night.
Hockey Biltong
December 22nd, 2010
6:48 pm
I kept looking for the re-direction…they were gassed. Normally the team had enough in the tank to hold the puck in the zone and cross pass and shoot with the goalie twisting in the wind…not last night…. So I hope they recover soon…I know they are well coached. The proof is in the pudding…we as fans,must continue to give them (the players) as much support as we can. This is going to be a great run!!!!!
Tom Lysiak
December 22nd, 2010
7:48 pm
From last night:
Agree with those who say they looked gassed. No excuse, just the way it was.
I still have no clue what boarding is now. It seemed like several times it could have been called on the Blues. Backes slammed Bogey one time in our end, he crumpled to the ice and got up checking his teeth and skated to the bench. Backes had gotten Bogey earlier on the other end and got a roughing call that time. He tried to get Bogey to fight him and Jackman was trying to get Kane to go after kneeing him.
The hockey gods fixed things for Backes when Bogey’s stick got him in the mouth on his follow-through. He went straight to the dressing room. Loved it.
Gotta say that no-goal call on Buff looked like BS. The refs sucked big-time. They could have called 20 more penalties on the Blues, especially the last 8 minutes or so. I was shocked when they gave them the late slashing call.
Tom
December 22nd, 2010
7:49 pm
This should be either great news or really bad news – C Viv on Twitter
Atlanta Spirt, owners of Hawks and Thrashers, have reached agreement to buy out Steve Belkin.
We will either have the ownership united to do great things with the franchise going forward or they will be so cash strapped they will be unable to invest in the team.
“May you live in interesting times” is a Chinese curse.
Red Light
December 22nd, 2010
7:53 pm
While my Web site is being relocated to another server, here’s a piece I just uploaded about how the Blues beat the Thrashers at their own game last night. Good Ramsay observations!
http://tinyurl.com/29lhfmh
kracker
December 22nd, 2010
7:55 pm
I just saw that the never-ending lawsuit has been settled. The official press release [ http://thrashers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=547096 ]has zero details.
I am hoping an investor as been found to replace %&$hole Belkin and now he can buy in. I also hope that the same %&$hole Belkin will be forced to pay the millions in operating expenses that he is in arrears for.
Does anyone have any info on what has happened? Ideas on what goes down going forth?
Hopefully, this will favorably impress Buff and Ladd and the other players to stay and build a Cup contending team.
kracker
December 22nd, 2010
7:58 pm
Red Light, it was good to see you in the food court. There is always a small group there before games, so do stop by if you get to Philips early.
LAC
December 22nd, 2010
8:01 pm
Right WBF… If those “canada” fans are so correct, then WHY have the Leafs not won since 1967 ?
Vancouver, Never, Flames once, when they were under the direction of Mr. Cliff Flechter, MTL, because they ruled the NHL for years, Ottawa never and Edm in the 80’s now 20+ years ago.
We deserve better here. However I am VERY concerned after last nights game. Came down for the first time in awhile and was really disappointed at the result. I am now NOT high on Mason, he just is not a solid goalie at this point.
The remaining games this month are BIG, we either win them and remain near the top or lose them and sink out of the top eight. Guess we WILL see if we are for real or not.
glovesave29
December 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
LAC – the most amazing part about the Laffs drought is that for a good portion of that time, 16 of the leagues 21 teams made the playoffs.
litz
December 22nd, 2010
8:22 pm
Owners lawsuit has been settled :
http://www.ajc.com/sports/hawks-thrashers-ownership-group-785848.html
Could this, perhaps, be a prelude to some stability, a new investor, or … please … SOMETHING that will give us some more support from above?
We have the product we need on the ice – we need the same quality of performance now off the ice, too.
kracker
December 22nd, 2010
8:48 pm
Jeff Schultz’s take on the settlement:
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/12/22/atlanta-sprit-settles-lawsuit-this-can-only-be-good-news/
Red Light
December 22nd, 2010
8:49 pm
Thanks kracker. Good to see you, Zoomo, Biggie Shooter, Mr. & Mrs. DWTOO and Rawhide’s gang. Saw World Be Free and his Missus, as well as R.Stroz and bride. Great night when Bluenote sat in front of us too!
As I frequently battle 400 traffic to get to the games, I run right up against the start time most of the time, but I enjoyed the Gorin’s stop last night. Have a Merry Christmas!
Tom Lysiak
December 22nd, 2010
10:37 pm
HAHAHAHAHA – The Islanders beat the Lightning in OT tonight.
Bonus, the Devils are now tied with the Islanders at 20 points, plus having played two more games. Awesome!
R. Stroz
December 22nd, 2010
10:49 pm
BEL-KIN……BEL-KIN…..BEL-KIN…..YOU SUCK
YOU WILL GET NOTHING AND LIKE IT.
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
SomaAtl95
December 23rd, 2010
12:37 am
Looks like the former Octo-cluster is set to stage some sept-a-shenanigans!
TrueBlue
December 23rd, 2010
3:01 am
Can I just say, after years of reading this blog on a daily basis, the best part of my Tuesday night, after a terrible loss to the Blues, was meeting Rawhide in the parking deck. Even after such a terrible loss he seemed like a really awesome and down to earth guy. Thank you for the awesome blogs you provide for us day in and day out.
Brendan
December 23rd, 2010
3:45 am
I believe Red Light called Nabokov going to the Lightning, re: the TB-Isles talk above. It would seem a logical move for the Bolts to try, cap-permitting. I don’t think Nabokov has yet been signed for the NHL in 2010-11.
Honestly, Ilya has to be shaking his head about being in 30th place in the NHL, at Christmas time. This isn’t usually how things shake out, after a team acquires one of the most sought-after free agents in recent hockey history. If I recall correctly, I read this somewhere, “Ilya Kovalchuk is the first Tier I free agent to hit open market before he reached his PRIME years, so many NHL franchises will be scrambling to acquire him. An opportunity like this rarely arises.” I wish I could actually pin that quote down. Oh, not that major moves in free agency haven’t back-fired before, in all four major pro sports leagues. But, rarely, has it been so pronounced. But I should add, immediately, that the Devils’ woes are hardly ALL Kovalchuk’s fault. Their defense is decimated and they’ve been without their BEST player, Zach Parise, for more than half of their season. I guess … the summer long contract dispute just really accentuated this particular move in free agency. By the way, as has been presented here several times, the Devils do, at some point, have to cough up a 1st round pick, because of their salary cap circumvention. They won’t opt for 2011 to be that year, if their season continues in this fashion. I think they have until 2013?? to sacrifice that pick. But sacrifice it, they will.
HP Drifter
December 23rd, 2010
8:25 am
You are right on Brendan — the team (NJ) is in their current position because that is what the team has earned for many reasons. Kovy is just 1 player on a team and it is refreshing though not surprising to read your reasonable comments. Also, add in the mix the coaching/staff (which may be suspect) and this brings forth another dynamic.
On to the Thrashers -> I am quite concerned about the the play or lack of play from Bogosian. 36 games in — 5 pts., minus 6, some rookie like errors. Was he all but a dream ?
comments daily
Rawhide
December 23rd, 2010
8:25 am
TrueBlue – Truly the honor was all mine. Thanks for stopping to say ‘hello’.
OK kids…new blog time. Let’s chat about Bergfors being banished to the press box lately.
Ward
December 23rd, 2010
8:29 am
I find the Bergfors saga interesting, yet typical on any team where “reward” is playing time and “bench”(healthy scratch)is the punishment. Obviously there is something going on in the “chemistry” of this team. Whatever it is it seems verrrrry healthy and shows on the ice every game.Bergfors must be clueless and after watching Eagers display his six minutes and a misconduct when released from the healthy scratch department a few games ago…I conclude similarily for him. We can trust this group of professional coaches (and general manager)much more over matter such as this than ever before (remember Don Waddell making Kovy captain and poster boy for the franchise over the obvious dissatisfaction of a good guy, John Anderson? Anderson had some heavy weights on his shoulders….Kovy, Waddell and some forwards not buying the checking game as we see this year. The three Swedes doing a lot of ice time now seem to understand the Ramsay “treatment” so it certainly isn’t an international conspiracy!!!
R. Stroz
December 24th, 2010
8:06 am
POM POM
LAST!
Rawhide
December 28th, 2010
8:14 am
R. Stroz – Nope…POM-POM!