Teachable moment found in Thrashers OT loss to Lightning
If there is one thing we’ve heard consistently from coach Ramsay since he came here last summer, it’s that he wants to “teach” these Thrashers how to be “smart” hockey players. That means he wants in instill in them the ability to react when game conditions change…to be able to read the way things are developing and adapt accordingly…and to not make silly mistakes.
This lesson has been taken to heart for the most part of the initial half of the 2010-11 season…and the winning record reflects that. But every once in a while, there comes a moment where one play from one player can dramatically alter the course of the game. Such a moment came late in Sunday’s matchup against the division rivals Tampa Bay Lightning.
Atlanta had not played particularly its best game of the season to say the least. Some of that had to do with those wearing the home blue uniforms…a lot of it had to do with the way the Bolts play against us. However, thanks in part to a rebound game-tying goal by Fredrik Modin and a couple of key saves by Ondrej Pavelec late in the third period, the Thrashers found themselves in a position to snare two points in the standings.
Ryan Malone reacts to Vincent Lecavalier's overtime goal Sunday night (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Making matters even that much better, Victor Hedman had flipped the puck over the glass from Tampa’s defensive zone putting Atlanta on the power play with 1:13 remaining in regulation. This gave Atlanta a chance to steal away a win with a power play goal…or at the least go on a 4 on 3 man advantage in overtime for 47 seconds.
Now…I don’t know exactly what the success rate is for teams converting power plays in overtime is, but I’d dare say it’s pretty high. Case in point, it took Vinny Lecavlier and the Bolts a grand total of 26 seconds to do just that once Hedman was freed from the sin bin. But I digress…
The reason why the Lightning were able to go on the power play in the OT period and not the Thrashers was because Dustin Byfuglien had taken a very unnecessary and ill-timed boarding call with just over 10 seconds remaining in the third period. It was a penalty taken in the offensive end of the ice, it was born out of frustration from the defenseman and negated the power play.
It was momentary lapse of reason from Byfuglien…one that I’m sure he’d like to be allowed a Mulligan on. But it’s also exactly what coach Ramsay can point to as an example of just what results when…even if just for three lousy seconds…smart hockey is not displayed on the ice.
Not only did it take a way the coveted 4 on 3 situation for the Thrashers heading into to overtime…instead, allowing Tampa to skate 3 on 3 until their Hedman’s delay of game violation had expired… but it gave the opposition that 4 on 3 chance. And as pointed out above, it took them just over two-dozen ticks of the clock to use it fully to their advantage.
Making the unfortunate penalty even more egregious is the fact that it took one of the Thrashers defenseman and major special teams players off the ice when the game hung in the balance. And remember, Big Buff has already notched a pair of overtime game-winners so far this season. Having a clutch guy sitting in the penalty box at this juncture of the game…well, that’s simply un-good.
Now, make no mistakes here. Byfuglien has been nothing but a Godsend to this franchise. He has been an integral part of the team’s overall success during the first three months of this NHL campaign and he’ll be a major part of far more wins than he will be in disappointing losses.
But this mistake hurt.
What might have been a win leaving them one point behind Tampa Bay and two behind Washington in the race for the SE lead…they now trail both the Lightning and the Caps by three. Still a ton of hockey to play, mind you, but you get the point.
“Yes,” Ramsay told Chris Vivlamore after the game when asked about Byfuglien’s boo-boo. “He knows he made a mistake. Unfortunately it cost us. We still managed to get a point. We have to be smarter.
“We talk a lot of discipline”, he continued. “We’ve had it but we have to stay disciplined throughout the game no matter what’s happening around us.”
But, as it is said, what’s done is done. Ramsay’s aim now is to make sure the team…not just Buff…understands that what happened Sunday night is a prime example of what happens when you stop being “smart” out on the ice and allow your emotions to take charge.
Call it a teachable moment, if you will. A point in a long 82 game season that possibly cost you a point in the standings one of the teams they’re jockeying with for position…not just in the conference, but in the Southeast Division as well.
Mistakes happen in hockey…even at this level. But it’s the good teams and good players that learn from these errors and don’t repeat them. And this is what Craig Ramsay means when he speaks of “teaching” these Thrashers how to be “smart” hockey players.
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97 comments Add your comment
kracker
December 28th, 2010
1:39 pm
Random thought: What about a rule change allowing the coach, at his descretion, one roster move a game happening either between the 1st/2nd periods or the 2nd/3rd peroids, but not both, to swap a game player for a scratched player. Move is one-way, he can not change back.
Allows for replacement of an injured player.
Coach can send his ‘play or sit’ message during the game.
Rest an overworked player in a lopsided game.
Change from what isn’t working to maybe somethiong that will.
Opportunity for young, developing players to occasionally get more game time.
Try more line combos early in a season.
iamtheratio
December 28th, 2010
1:48 pm
Kracker: Would that move forfeit pulling the goalie for the backup goalie?
kracker
December 28th, 2010
1:51 pm
No, they are already interchangeable game players.
M
kracker
December 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
darn…I hit a wrong ctrl+key and it posted.
I was mainly thinking of replacing an injured player and also a way to give your young players more game time if they happen to be up from the farm or fresh out of juniors or college. Some thought would have to be given for entry players whether or not such time would count toward their 10 game threshhold.
lemon drop the gloves
December 28th, 2010
4:26 pm
don’t understand the love affair with cormier. i guess being acquired for kovy, being a high draft pick and team canada captain are contributing factors. although a plus player so far in limited ahl time, he has not contributed much offensively and has been average on the pk. don’t expect him to be the next milan lucic. not surprised to see the thrash doing so well this year with new staff.
lemon drop the gloves
December 28th, 2010
4:32 pm
54th pick-i know haha
kracker
December 28th, 2010
4:33 pm
tweet – TheFourthPeriod David Pagnotta
Habs acquire James Wizniewski from Islanders for a 2nd round draf tpick
So, the holiday trading moratorium is over?
Rawhide
December 28th, 2010
4:40 pm
Ya know, I decide to take one day away from the blog and all things hockey to spend some time with my sons and…..they go and call up Cormier while I have my back turned.
Anyway, that’s nice news to come home to. Very nice, indeed. I’m not going to expect the moon from this kid in just one game, but I am very, very interested in seeing how he adapts to the play at this level. I thought he looked very strong during prospect camp last summer.
7:00 can’t get here quick enough boys and girls. Let’s get our hockey on gang!
kracker
December 28th, 2010
5:12 pm
So Rawhide…the next time you take a day off we will know Bergfors has been traded
kracker
December 28th, 2010
6:21 pm
iamtheratio, the more I think of allowing the option to swap a game player for a scratched player, the more I like it. This would sort of serve to not ostracize a forward and a defensive player to the press box for the entire night, they might be called to play in the game. So they would be dressed for the game, prepared as if they were starting and maybe sitting on the bench. Or if not on the bench, be in or near the dressing room and have at least some of their gear on and be ready to go if called upon.
My point is that saying “Ok, kid, you’re not starting tonight but be ready to go between periods” might help motivate the 7th d-man and the 13th fwd to be sharp in practice because every game they might play. Even if Spencer Machacek is up from Chicago as purely a depth player and he isn’t tapped to start the game, he will still be ready to go because he has a realistic chance to get in the game.
Well, that is some of my thinking, anyway.
Hokie P. Clisters
December 28th, 2010
6:52 pm
Elrod has finally received his Christmas present – Cormier. He believes that his infectious display of physical play mixed in with heaping amounts of hustle….and sprinkled with hints of goonery will propel the Thrashers to infinity and beyond. Welcome aboard, Crabby Patty! Now go and stir the pot……….
R. Stroz
December 28th, 2010
7:06 pm
It’s time to watch Ogie Oglethorpe!
Tom
December 28th, 2010
7:06 pm
Read this tweet by Kevin Allen at the USA Today and tell me Bergfors is not seen as damaged goods in the NHL
“The Thrashers won’t get a player back when they deal Niclas Bergfors. They will likely land a draft pick, although a prospect is possible.”
Hoof Arted
December 28th, 2010
7:12 pm
Hot dang! That didn’t take long. Great feed from Lits on Kaners goal!
Keep it up guys!
kracker
December 28th, 2010
7:12 pm
WOW!! Burmistrov made that goal! That was an elite player itty-bitty pass if I ever saw one. Then Little and Kaner hooked up for the open net goal.
kracker
December 28th, 2010
7:29 pm
Peverley gets that one, he ‘cleared’ right to Letang at the center blueline.
Thrashers27
December 28th, 2010
7:38 pm
Boys are playing well tonight!!!
iamtheratio
December 28th, 2010
7:40 pm
I love the fact that we have a lot of Centers on the wings so when a center gets thrown out of the faceoff circle we have another center take his place. I think that’s why our face off percentage has been high overall, even though I believe it’s panned out over the last 3 games since they were losses.
Buff with the goal and then Buff with the hooking draw, YES. I may have to get a Buff Jersey, he must be resigned long term.
iamtheratio
December 28th, 2010
7:48 pm
Dear Thrashers,
When Crosby is on the ice, COVER HIM.
Thank You,
iamtheratio
Hoof Arted
December 28th, 2010
7:49 pm
You know Thrashers, I hear that Sidney Crosby guy is pretty good. Might want to keep an eye on him when he’s on the ice.
Rawhide
December 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
Per C-Viv tweet: “Dustin Byfuglien ninth in latest All-Star fan voting with 133,885 votes. Tobias Enstrom is 31st with 21,307 votes.”
Rightshot
December 28th, 2010
8:00 pm
Would somebody please, PLEASE hit crosby through the glass and if possible, through the floor too.
Mikey
December 28th, 2010
8:19 pm
So who over here on the AJC blogs have been, ahem, “working the old hydrolics” since hearing Cormier was called up?
http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2010/12/28/1900201/cormier-called-up-could-play-tonight
(Scroll down and see Zontar’s comment)
kracker
December 28th, 2010
8:39 pm
I have no idea what that means.
Hoof Arted
December 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
I have to admit Mikey that I was excited to learn PC had been called up. But not like that.
Mikey
December 28th, 2010
8:54 pm
Let’s just say I don’t think he meant it as a complement to those posting on the AJC blogs, kracker.
Rightshot
December 28th, 2010
9:25 pm
Did they try to lose the game or was it just luck?
LAC
December 28th, 2010
9:27 pm
Hate to say this, BUT we Cannot play with the Big teams anylonger. They gave us a good run and some hope, but it looks like it’s back to the OLD Thrashers after this MESS.
I expect to be out of the top 8 in another 7-10 days… Will lose to Boston and I bet NJ whips us too…. Sad to see things go from good to BAD so fast !
matt
December 28th, 2010
9:32 pm
Man, we have just fallen off the edge of the Earth!!! So SICK to death of giving up the shorthanded goals. This team’s play in the last week just makes me angry. Crap.
R. Stroz
December 28th, 2010
9:34 pm
BWA used to be a good source for Thrashers material. Unfortunately, the Falconer turned his website over to a bunch of circus clowns.
Michael "the abbreviation"
December 28th, 2010
9:56 pm
total pathetic effort tonight by trasher bird uniformed clowns on ice! Coach Craig Petrino back to his old tricks with not playin Bergfors, Hey old bald man how many times I have to tell you to stop doin that shet you azzhole!!! Surprised piece of shet Synthia Crossdresser CrosBYSEXUAL did not get a hat trick!!! Losing streak just gaining momentum at 4, I predicted atleast 5 a few days ago… I see that they are tryin to prove me right!! Total shet effort, so tired of this bologna play, send the hawks players on ice, i know the brothas could do much better than these turdvaginas!!!
Flagstaff
December 28th, 2010
9:58 pm
Printed out picture of Crosby from Google Images… throwing darts at it. Still, the frustration is unbearable!
They have to beat Boston– this is gotten way uglier than anyone would have liked and it has to stop.
Michael "the abbreviation"
December 28th, 2010
9:58 pm
Pavs back to normal uncaring azzhole named PAVELOSS , and hey Bogosian i mean Bozo the BUST ed clown, enough fans in the stands for you??
Cornbread
December 28th, 2010
10:02 pm
Can’t wait to read the imminent danger tales from all the Chicken Littles after this one.
Hoof Arted
December 28th, 2010
10:13 pm
R. Stroz, didn’t a “real” hockey writer refer to those clowns as “Amateur Hour” a while back? I think I read that somewhere.
Falconer used to do a good job but he rarely posts anymore. Why doesn’t he post more?
Thrashers were outmuscled and outplayed tonight. I thought Cormier looked OK but one game is not enough to judge one way or the other. They better come out flying and fighting Thursday, this thing has got to be straightened out and soon.
Thrashers27
December 28th, 2010
10:18 pm
Bogo needs to sit for a few. The way he backed off of Crosby was awful. After the first, there was just too much tentative movement.
Cormier looked decent. He’s a big presence on the ice, for sure. Can’t wait to see how he looks after a few more games.
Hopefully, coach can work out the cobbwebs before Thursday night.
Smoothie
December 28th, 2010
10:29 pm
Well, that was a heaping pile of steaming fail dumped right on top of Pavelec’s head by most of his teammates. Although Cormier looked very good. Perhaps he can replace Peverley as the top line C as Ricky Pevs has turned into Dancin’ Dicky Tricky Pevs with all of his extra handling of the puck, hesitation to shoot and lack of awareness that he’s supposed to be making simple hockey plays rather than try to imitate Adam Oates or Denny Savard. Hell, he’s a far cry from Marc Savard!!
This team needs to get back to basics and realize they got to 1st in the division through a commitment to hard work, battling in the corners for loose pucks, simple plays, crashing the net etc. Now they seem to be laboring under the misconception that they are much better than reality would have you believe. Too many extra passes, fancy passes, failure to shoot from below the circles when open and recognize when your window of opportunity has closed (see Dustin Byfuglien’s never-ending wind-up on a point shot with a guy in his skates). Hopefully Rammer is giving these guys just enough rope to not hang themselves but choke this cockiness or over-confidence right out of them. Perhaps the “bright lights’ of 24 / 7 and the potential for looking great in beating the mighty Pens for the nation to see was too much for the wilting Thrashers to bear.
GUT CHECK TIME. And nut punch time for idiots like Sage who love to delight in other people’s misery and disappointment. Bring it on Sage, let me have it and let’s get it over with. Afterwards, I’ll buy you a drink that may or may not be laced with castor oil. I kid, I kid. Well not really.
Trixie, please delete first attempt. Thanks!
Smoothie
December 28th, 2010
10:30 pm
WTF?? Is Matt Cooke hooking and holding my blog post??? For the love of meatloaf!!!
OMFUG this sux again
December 28th, 2010
10:34 pm
Burmistrov. cancelling out his highlight reel every game now.
R. Stroz
December 28th, 2010
10:41 pm
Thrashers27 – After watching tonight’s collective brainfart, Ramsey would be hard pressed to field a team against the Bruins if he benched players based on their performances.
Hoof Arted – Yep, that’s right.
Lee
December 28th, 2010
10:50 pm
The guys had some ups in downs in the game. They really really need to win the next game vs. Boston though. We’re slowly dropping down in standings. Cormier looked really good. He has a lot of potential and I think he fits well in Rammer’s system. Hope Kane is okay. He took quite a boo-boo.
Go Thrashers
Joe Friday
December 28th, 2010
11:43 pm
I’m having Deja vu all over again . . .
Brendan
December 28th, 2010
11:47 pm
Ranallo warning?
If not, I felt horrible for Burmistrov. He whiffed on the clearing attempt, then was totally outmuscled and tied up while his man undressed Pavelec. It was a b1tchslapping, of the worst order. But please remember … he’s 18 … and just a rookie. He made it to the NHL straight out of the draft. Things kinds of things are bound to happen to him, every so often. Burmistrov will become a very good NHL player, as he ages and gains more experience at this level.
Congrats to Eric Boulton on a “career best” fifth goal, this season. I love it. He’s got to feel good about 5 goals before New Year’s Day. He could conceivably reach ten on the season.
Joebassman
December 28th, 2010
11:51 pm
Boulton showed more determination and pride than most, if the rest of the team had that, every game would look like that streak a couple of weeks ago.
Baldheaded Thrasher
December 29th, 2010
4:58 am
Ok it’s gutcheck time, need to stop this losing streak against Boston and have a strong showing in January with the kinder schedule. This team needs alot of work on it’s special teams but the coaches and players know they are sucking wind right now so turn it around or we will see another holiday season breakdown!
Rawhide
December 29th, 2010
7:20 am
If you ask me if I’m worried about the Thrashers given their play over the past week, I say…uh, yeah. Yeah I am.
But only just a little.
KLS1
December 29th, 2010
8:59 am
After failing to get a shot on the 5 on 3 in the 3rd…the game was over.
This is the Pen’s…gotta protect the puck, get shots on goal, and outwork them. These things didn’t happen.