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
R. Stroz
December 27th, 2010
11:57 am
GOLD!
Alan R.
December 27th, 2010
12:06 pm
SILVER
Red Light
December 27th, 2010
12:10 pm
It was a rookie mistake. The problem is Buff’s not a rookie. Egregious two-point error in a division game!
Missed you last night R. Stroz!
Smoothie
December 27th, 2010
12:24 pm
Hey Stroz, what do you think of Modin?
Flagstaff
December 27th, 2010
12:32 pm
Red Light: I don’t think Burmistrov, the team’s only rookie, would have ever made that mistake!
The boarding penalty by Byfuglien can justifiably be called the dumbest penalty of the season. However, as I said in Chris’ blog, they’ll rebound (hopefully very soon!). They aren’t as good as they were during their 6-game win streak, and they aren’t as bad as they are right now. This may not be a division-winning team… it IS a playoff team. Just so long as they get in the playoffs this year, I’ll be happy.
R. Stroz
December 27th, 2010
12:38 pm
Red Light – Decided to stay in last evening. After NOT going to the in-laws on Saturday due to bad weather, I knew better than to suggest going to the game Sunday evening. In the Christmas spirit, I realized it was better to maintain PEACE ON EARTH.
Smoothie – That blind squirrel sure is finding a few acorns by moving toward that metal and twine smell.
Darren
December 27th, 2010
12:39 pm
To be fair, Bogosian got away with a pretty blatant slash with about 2 minutes left in the 3rd.. Atlanta could have left with yet another regulation loss to the bloody Lightning.. the stench of He Who Shall Not Be Named still permeates that damn franchise and continues to curse Atlanta, even with He Who Shall Not Be Named on the other coast.
HookyBob
December 27th, 2010
12:43 pm
I noticed Buf was in more “after the whistle” pushing & scrums than in other games. Makes me wonder if part of Tampa’s game plan was the hassle him and get him off his game. If so it worked to perfection.
Flagstaff
December 27th, 2010
1:09 pm
Sorry for the double post! I just wanted to add that their team play corresponds to their play on the ice very much. They did not look like a team at all last night, for the most part. I know that Tampa plays a tight game, clogging up the neutral zone all the time, and that can very easily shut down a dump-and-chase style like Ramsay’s. However, this is not what really bothered me about last night. It just wasn’t a team game. Players weren’t ticking! Kane became Kovalchuk. Peverley never passed (he just did the same move where he tries to deke the goalie that failed the 5 times he tried it the last 2 games), and Ladd always passed! The Thrashers didn’t know who was shooting, who was scrapping for a rebound, and when to crash the net or retreat to the defensive zone. Here’s hoping for a return to the team play that got them wins!
Smoothie
December 27th, 2010
1:10 pm
Stroz – indeed. The man knows how to drive the lane and put home a put-back layup. However, it’s when he tries to do too much either along the wall or on the forecheck that he is easily exploited. Remember when Malone got loose for that break-in (luckily Pavs stoned him)? Well, not only was Big Buff out of position, but that was Modin’s man. And why was Modin out there 4 v 4 anyway?? I’m fine with him playing 10 mins / nite 5 v 5, but please for the love of God, no mo’ Freddy Mo’ on the PK or any reduced man-power situation!!
litz
December 27th, 2010
2:21 pm
Byfuglien is not a player to try and sweep stuff under the rug.
He’s made mistakes before, owned up to them, and done what’s necessary to ensure there isn’t a repeat. Presumption here is, this incident will be no different.
I’m sure both the coach and his fellow players were not afraid to vent after the game … that’s just the nature of this team : nobody’s sacred.
jimbo
December 27th, 2010
3:03 pm
The last three games, we’ve fallen into that losing pattern- slow to clear the defensive zone, goalies not controlling rebounds and dumb penalties. We need to tighten it up and start showing some aggressiveness. We’re too passive right now.
Rawhide
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Just a reminder folks that you can still get some good deals on great seats to Thursday’s game vs. the Bruins.
Just click –>HERE<-- and use promo code RAWHIDE.
Also, I was just told that the Thrashers were so pleased with your response to this promotion that they will be setting up another RAWHIDE promotion for games in January. Details to come soon.
POM-POM
R. Stroz
December 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Well, lets just hope that Buff’s frustration was due to the game and not contract negotiations.
cousin Eddie
December 27th, 2010
4:03 pm
Smoothie, I noticed that on the same play. Burmistrov was battling on the board in front of the tampa bench and Modin comes into the battle on the wrong side. I started yelling at the tv, “Wrong side IDIOT!” Wife comes in the room asking what is going on. I said watch Modin go into the play wrong, get caught and now loses his man. Why is he even out there on the PK? As soon as I got through with my ranting on Modin, he go and scores. My wife starts picking on me, “Modin shouldn’t be out there, why is he out there (in a whiny voice)”. I said he still sucks and he should of known better, he is a veteran not a rookie.
Smoothie
December 27th, 2010
4:10 pm
Gee Stroz, you really know how to make a guy feel depressed! :-p
NHL Ready
December 27th, 2010
4:11 pm
Chris is it getting close to the time to call up Patrice and let him get a little NHL time in. Not saying 15min per game just a quick see and get his feet wet. What do you guy’s think?
Smoothie
December 27th, 2010
4:15 pm
“Wife comes in the room asking what is going on. I said watch Modin go into the play wrong, get caught and now loses his man. Why is he even out there on the PK? As soon as I got through with my ranting on Modin, he go and scores. My wife starts picking on me…”
eddie – too funny. My g/f loves to poke fun at me when I get on a guy and that same guy ends up doing something well. In fact, she’d tell you it happens on more than just the odd, random occasion. But when you pick at guys as much as I do during a game, your odds are bound to be pretty good!
Seriously though, what the hell is it going to take for Rammer to realize Modin SHOULD NEVER BE ON THE ICE SHORT-HANDED!!? Just like you said, as soon as he came towards the Bolts’ blueline to help out and lost the battle for the puck, I turned to my g/f and said this is going to end up in the back of our net. Luckily, Pavs was impervious on the play and owned Malone like he knew what he was thinking as he shot the puck. Phew!
Modin seems to have more “protection” playing with ham and eggers like Boulton, Thor and Slater as opposed to Eager (not always in the best position) and Burmy (who takes too many risks because he’s so skilled with the puck). They need to find that balance again. Gonna be tough without Antropov. Sigh.
Thrashers27
December 27th, 2010
5:18 pm
I blame the recent losing streak on Sopel’s haircut. Anyone else notice? He doesn’t look so goofy now. I also noticed that Bogo is playing without a shield these days. Could have sworn he used to wear one. Maybe he wants to be a tough guy now.
Red Light
December 27th, 2010
5:31 pm
Had a chance to speak with Dan Ellis, Pavel Kubina, Vinny Lecavalier and Guy Boucher yesterday. One quote from Kubina that wouldn’t work for the article, I share with you here!
“It’s always fun to come back here to play. I have some good friends here. It’s always nice to see those guys and it’s even better to beat them.”
http://www.sportssoutheast.com/index.php/red-light-report/59-nhl/239-lightning-ascent-began-at-the-top
AtlFlamesFan
December 27th, 2010
5:44 pm
Because their faces are so close to the ice, I think that High Sticking penalties should not be called when the player hit is 5′8″ and below (St. Louis!)
Mr. Heat Miser
December 27th, 2010
5:49 pm
5′8″ on skates, maybe………..
Brendan
December 27th, 2010
5:53 pm
Excellent blog, Rawhide. Then again, I say that all the time. (Because it’s always true.)
Mrs. Zoomo
December 27th, 2010
5:55 pm
Buff’s penalty was almost as stupid as my brother-in-law taking my nephew to the Devils game last night…in the blizzard. Apparently 1,000 people were there to see them lose again. I still wonder why with a blizzard warning in Newark, the game wasn’t postponed.
AtlFlamesFan
December 27th, 2010
5:59 pm
I went by the TB media guide, but I don’t believe 5′8″ either. Same for Toby’s listed 5′10″.
LAC
December 27th, 2010
7:46 pm
Losses need to STOP NOW ! Next two will be tough, what has happened ?
Lastly where is that little PUNK jack edwards of boston ? Afraid ? What a Stupid punk, THE WORST IN THE NHL.
Come on edwards MAN UP, Meet me and take the BEATING you Deserve !!!, Bring your Stupid sidekick who is as worthless as $HIT TOO ! I will teach BOTH of you A$$HOLES not to lie about Atlanta !! Bring it on edwards you COWARD !
sisu
December 27th, 2010
8:08 pm
Biggest difference has been the rebounds by goalies, before the dmen took care of the puck after the initial save now they are not. Long way to go, first in SE would be great but top 8 in East is what I want!
FormerIslesFan
December 27th, 2010
8:28 pm
Funny, two very similar things happened at our house when watching the game. I backed up the DVR and showed Lilibeter the same thing about Modin defending in the “wrong side” of the play. She also said that it wouldn’t have been a high sticking penalty against a “real sized” hockey player!
Jason
December 27th, 2010
11:57 pm
Seems as though the Devils should be moved after only having 5,329 there last night. If there were a foot of snow in Quebec City, all those Diques would have found a way to get to the game!
dwayne
December 28th, 2010
8:19 am
Since there are only short diques in quebec city, they would have got lost in 2 inches of snow.
suzy-q
December 28th, 2010
8:38 am
Big disappointment Sunday’s game. I told my husband that the effort of driving to the Phil on Sunday from the snowy, icy north side of the city should earn us 2 points (once we got ITP it looked like it had not snowed/iced at all though.)
A year or two ago in line ahead of us to enter the Arena from the entrance by the GA World Congress Center for a game against Tampa was a little boy about 3 or 4 yrs old whose hand was held by a man who appeared to be his grandfather. The little boy had on a tiny ‘St. Louis’ jersey. I smiled at the man and said “he’s about as big as the player named on his jersey.! Ha, ha.” The man just looked at me blankly. Later I saw them getting in the elevator by the Jack Daniels bar going down to the players level. Wonder if that was Marteeeen’s dad and his little boy! Ouch.
Fan from Carolina
December 28th, 2010
9:50 am
Not looking forward to an angry Penguins team tonight after that non-effort against the Senators. If things get ugly I’ll be tuning in to the Bruins game against Tampa Bay. If the B’s can somehow win they might get a little too high (and confident) for Thursdays’ game, and the Thrashers will be ready.
Smoothie
December 28th, 2010
9:55 am
Here comes Cormier, here comes Cormier, right down Cormier way!
Perhaps it’s premature speculation on my part, but Patrice didn’t suit up for the Chicago Wolves last nite after playing in 11 straight. I have a feeling he was on a flight to Pittsburgh from Chicago instead. Not sure why the organization would be so secretive of this unless perhaps a trade is about to go down to free up roster space??
Get The Puck Out
December 28th, 2010
9:59 am
The Pens have lost only two less games as the Thrashers. What’s the big deal? Just go kick some butt and come home and crush the B’s! They shouldn’t need any motivation for that game. Go Thrash!!
Red Light
December 28th, 2010
10:06 am
Atlanta hasn’t beaten the Penguins in Pittsburgh since Dec. 27. 2006. Maybe there was some sort of four-year jinx that has now past. Penguins are only 4-3 in the first game of back-to-back situations (they play on the Island tomorrow night) and the Thrashers haven’t lost 4 games in a row all season.
Tampa Bay is 4-0 in their first game at home after a 3-game or longer road trip this season, AND, the home team has won 7 of the last 9 games in the series between the Bruins and Lightning. Bolts will be looking for major payback after getting blasted 8-1 in Boston on Dec. 2.
Smoothie
December 28th, 2010
10:53 am
Where in the hell is everyone??
Cormier called up per C-Viv and Stapleton demoted to CHI-town.
Be afraid Crotchby, be very afraid.
Tom
December 28th, 2010
11:02 am
Smoothie, do you think that Patrice will make his bones Thursday against Boston?
Another quick point, have you noticed how tough the Thrashers are now? Boulton, Thorburn, Eager, Cormier, Big Buff, and Kane should all be able to hold their own in any instance. Don’t tell me other teams do not notice that.
This is a nice foundation and why Bergfors is not fitting in. This is a team that should be able to go into any game and get dirty. Play hard in the corners and not worry about any of the repercussions. Add a little face washing and clearing out in front of the net on every play and teams will hate playing the Thrashers.
Most of the guys have speed and grit, Bergfors only has speed. Maybe Jersey will take him back in exchange for getting rid of a couple unhappy salaries for the playoff stretch by guys who understand this style of play.
R. Stroz
December 28th, 2010
11:42 am
Smoothie – Hey Bud-dy!
Smoothie
December 28th, 2010
12:01 pm
Hey Stroz-ier!
Tom – I think Patrice may pay dividends as early as tonite. We need some extra toughness and defensive awareness on the 3rd line in case Bylsma tries to exploit that line with Sid & Geno. Not sure if Bylsma will risk playing his bottom two lines against our top 2, but I can’t imagine he will be able to resist using his top line against our perceived weakness. But a trio of Burmy-Corms-Modin could be effective in slowing down their better players with some extra physicality, savvy and aggressive back-checking.
As for Bergfors, I fully expect a trade in the coming weeks. Don’t think Dudley will wait til the trade deadline because the month of January may be too important for our playoff hopes. We can’t afford to slip out of the top 8 and have the wheels come off completely. We shall see. At some point, we will need to add a scoring wing, but I’m not sure where it’s going to come from.
iamtheratio
December 28th, 2010
12:02 pm
Smoothie: Good call, you’re a natural Thrasherdamus!
Tom
December 28th, 2010
12:21 pm
Wow, per CViv tonights lines look fun, especially
8-9-10 Burmistrov – Kane – Little.
Other lines
Pevs – Ladd – Stewart
Eager – Comier – Modin
Boulton – Slater – Thorburn
World Be Free
December 28th, 2010
12:23 pm
Time to find out what kind of a captain Ladd really is-ths team cannot afford to lose to PIT and BOS this week. Time to right the ship.
Cormier!
Rightshot
December 28th, 2010
12:42 pm
I fully expect Pitt to try and start something as soon as they feel we are starting to play well. They have done it before and they will do it again.
Otherwise, I will be sitting on the couch in disgust as the media prays at the alter of Cindy Crosby.
Go thrashers
Smoothie
December 28th, 2010
12:42 pm
Indeed, this team needs to get back on track. Steal at least a point tonite and we’ll be okay for Thursday. Boston is not the kind of team we want to play when desperate for points. Hope Cormier can spark them and I like putting Burma’s skill with our best defensive player (Little) and Kaner’s speed. Just hope Kane gives up the puck early to get it back from Burma. Perhaps having Stewy as the “banger” on his line had Kane trying to do too much offensively as the “skill” winger.
Whatever it takes tonite, just win baby. I’ll take a 1 to 0 shutout with 7 shots on goal and 38 blocked shots. We know Cormier will do whatever it takes if he’s williing to dive and block a shot in a meaningless pre-camp rookie scrimmage.
iamtheratio – really thought Corms would get the call for Sunday but perhaps they wanted him to have “easier” travel from CHI to PITT. But we could’ve used him against the stingy Bolts.
iamtheratio
December 28th, 2010
1:02 pm
Smoothie; Yeah I agree, I wish PC was in for Tampa as well. We kinda of lost the work ethic over these last few games, I believe these new lines and PC will help boost that back to where it was. We need to work 110% for every inch of ice. We need to battle hard and hussle, like Rammer says “GO GO GO!”
I’m kinda of interested in seeing how Burmi, Little, and Kane will do now. Hopefully they wont be all over the place (Burmi/Kane), if so Little is going to be exhausted by the 2nd period. Anyway, these change def make tonight’s game that much more exciting!
Hockey Biltong
December 28th, 2010
1:06 pm
Nice to see Cormier get the chance. Perhaps we will see a win in the confluence of three rivers.
World Be Free
December 28th, 2010
1:18 pm
Hey Biltong, couldn’t miss you at the St. Louis game
Hoof Arted
December 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
Cormier being called up is great news. I can’t wait to see what kind of grit he can add to this lineup.
Red Light
December 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
Lets give the kid a little time to get used to things before you start expecting too much from him. After all, this is the NHL.
I liked Cormier the first time I saw him on the ice in Duluth and I liked his attitude when I interviewed him in July. In time, he should be able to do a lot for this team on both ends of the ice. Other teams will test him and try to get under his skin, but I expect some of the same awareness on the ice that Burmistrov has, and hopefully he’ll steer clear of bad penalties early on.
And, I am really very excited to see how Burmistrov, Kane and Little do together, not only tonight, but also during the next few games if Ramsay keeps them together. I think we might see more of Burmi’s offensive skills in the next few games than we have all season — he’s that versatile IMO.
A little note about guys from New Brunswick. Tonight if Cormier and Randy Jones of Tampa Bay do play, it will be the first time since March 15, 2008 that two New Brunswick boys play in an NHL game on the same night. Cormier will become only the 48th New Brunswick born player to make it to the NHL.
Red Light
December 28th, 2010
1:35 pm
World…Coming Thursday night for the Broons?
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.